Focus On Education http://focusoned.org Thu, 08 Jun 2017 16:25:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8 Artists – How to Be Noticed in an Art Community http://focusoned.org/artists-how-to-be-noticed-in-an-art-community/ http://focusoned.org/artists-how-to-be-noticed-in-an-art-community/#respond Thu, 08 Jun 2017 16:25:41 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2491 Action rewards action, so if you want others to notice you then you need to notice them first. It is show-and-tell which works best if you approach another artist’s work and then respond with your own art story. So how to engage with the art community… the first step is to find a way that best suits you. Where you want your art to go, who should it reach out to, how you want to be received by society, what is the message or story you are telling with your art, and why should others engage with your work – these are all questions that factor into understanding what communal outlets would work best for you. After all, if you look to be seen by the art community, then the best way to do so is to actually become part of it. This generally means putting yourself out there and taking what you created out of the shadows and letting others experience it. You will not be discovered in hiding, unless you are leaving that to future archaeologists. Dan Walker is a concept artist and industrial designer working in film, television, game and product design. The concept artist is responsible for transforming ideas into 2D visual representations that inspire and help feed our 3D Concept artists.

Online there are multiple art communities such as Deviantart, Behance, See.Me, A Singular Creation, and others, where you can create a free account and: upload images, share information on projects you are working on, write your artist statement, post news and achievements, and network with other artists. Getting your art noticed and connecting with others is what the art community is chiefly about – artist coming together to work towards the common goal of learning and growing. In this era, with the power of the internet, barriers between artists and the global audience are easily overcome.

Offline is much different in that the search engine optimization is not going to help your target audience find your particular style and medium. Also you are going to have a smaller localized group to take interest in your works. Sometimes a group show works out well if a level of synergy is achieved within which the show attendees are both surrounded by art and artists and entertained by all. It takes drawing a crowd with the right people in the right place at the right time. Such is task best left to experienced event coordinators. If you find a community that is working together in this way, you want to contact whoever is in charge of events and submit your work to see if it meets the criteria for their shows.

One such artist community that is growing on a global platform is RAW natural-born artists. Their organizers bring together a showcase of artists, musicians, hair/make-up and clothing artists, videographers and other creative types for a grand soirée from both word of mouth and crowd-funding. Many other groups form on a local level, usually in a “grassroots” manner calling themselves Artist Collectives or Guerrilla Art Groups. This is another great way to get out and collaborate together — not only to conceptualize and create, but also for artists to put on synergistic shows that are of varied interests to draw wider audiences.

Whether gathering on an internet platform or coming together live, community is a beneficial experience for artists. Sharing experiences, recommending resources, making new contacts are all part of getting from the table to the masses. When you meet with a group of artists, some may be loners; however, you will also find the more extroverted ones that offer ideas which can help broaden your exposure to even more art communities. There are also many traits that can combine for instance a performance artist can learn from a visual artist, a writer can learn from a musician, a painter can learn from a photographer and all these vice versa… the list goes on and on.

Embracing the uniqueness of the contributions of individual artists and helping each other instead of having a competitive mind-set plays a big role in getting noticed in the art community. If you are one that does not “play well with others” the alternative could be a backlash that will leave you a lonely artist. You have to be prepared for all kinds of different personalities and have a thick skin for unsolicited critiques that occur in the art community.

Advertising your artwork on your own subtracts resources from your creative efforts and in such manner you may not be discovered until long after your demise. That is a scenario of someone else taking ownership of your works and interacting with the art community. Do you see the value, it is a now or never situation for the artist; without establishing an identity within the art community someone else may get your work noticed for you only after you are gone. So find other artists and find a connection which in the art community is the first step in getting seen or heard. All art is related and small artist communities are often hinged upon or become larger-scale art communities.

Read more from this author at Inspiration and Originality Underlined – a blog celebrating creativity.

Please visit the above link for all of Rebecca’s art-related articles and artist interviews.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rebecca_H_Knight/1558147

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7846024

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Traveling Got You Frazzled? Try These Tips! http://focusoned.org/traveling-got-you-frazzled-try-these-tips/ http://focusoned.org/traveling-got-you-frazzled-try-these-tips/#respond Fri, 17 Mar 2017 04:37:31 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2487 Sometimes, you may forget things when you’re in a hurry. Traveling requires plans and ideas to start booking hotel rooms and tickets. This article will help to break down everything you need step by step. Have you ever stayed in a well known ski resorts? If not, I would recommend Sun Peaks as they are considered to be the best resort that you will experience while skiing.

Once you have picked a destination, learn everything you can about the area. Buy a good map of the place you are going, and then look it over to learn the general area, as well as places to see. By studying a map now, navigating your way around will be much easier later.

Booking all travel arrangements well in advance is a great way to save money. All of the things that can be purchased on a trip share one thing in common, and that is that they cost less when purchased in advance. You can save more money by avoiding last minute costs.

Pack a door stopper when you are planning to stay in a hotel. Particularly when you travel to third world countries, it is a good idea to have extra security in your accommodations. This added security will make it more difficult for a thief to enter your room.

When traveling, be vigilant about protecting your possessions. Tourists are easy marks for criminals. Keep your purse tucked under your arm. Also, try not use a bag that is easily accessible in a crowded area like a subway. These are but a few tips to consider when shopping for a safe bag for your travels.

If you will be on a long trip, be sure to pack a raincoat, specifically one with soft lining. You never know what the weather has in store for you. A raincoat can be used as a windbreaker if it is chilly or as a robe while in your hotel.

In order to plan an appropriate budget, make sure you understand the currency rates of the country you are traveling to. You can come up with an itinerary and budget to help you save money. This means you will be able to have a great time without spending too much.

Are you securing a rental car? Know what is in your car insurance policy prior to heading out of town. You probably don’t need the extra insurance the salesman wants to push on you. Most auto insurance includes coverage for a third party vehicle. Review your own policy before departure, as it can be quite relevant.

When traveling a long distance by airplane, try packing your own non-liquid snacks. Take vegetables or fruit to stay as healthy as possible. This can save you money and give you something great to eat.

When traveling abroad, bring an extra passport photo. It takes quite awhile to replace a stolen or misplaced passport. You can make the process go more quickly by having an extra passport photo available. You’ll also want to make sure you have any other types of documentation required for a new passport.

If you sleep light, try using some earplugs. The hotel you stay at may not have sufficient walls to keep out noise. A great set of earplugs can help block out excess noise and let you relax at night.

Never underestimate the effects of the weather when you travel. Check the forecast for your destination. There is nothing worse on your vacation than having to retreat from the weather when you least expect it.

Schedule an early flight to try and avoid delays. Since most of the time airports are full, if a plane is delayed, most usually each plane after will be late, too. The first flight during the morning is very limited with delays.

If you are going to other countries, create cards that state your allergies. If you have special dietary restrictions, tell your server and ask for recommendations. The cards will make it more likely that you will have a pleasurable dining experience while you are away.

Don’t use the currency exchange in a foreign country if you can avoid it. There is a simpler method to get the currency you need. You can obtain foreign currency through a bank ATM. An ATM’s exchange rate is usually much better, and it is usually a lot less expensive than using an exchange to get your currency.

If you are traveling by air, you can go luggage free. It can save unnecessary travel and time. You can send your belongings to the destination via FedEx or UPS. It probably appears to be expensive, but the results lead to a successful travel experience.

If you want to save on currency exchange fees, don’t change your money until you reach your destination. You should exchange a bit of currency before you leave to go on vacation if you do not think you will have access when you get there.

Think about your next trip and all the things that you could improve on. This article provides a good starting point, but it does not include all the ideas. Jot down some notes and start planning your next trip. These tips will make your trip amazing.

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Understanding Paint Protection and Why It Matters http://focusoned.org/understanding-paint-protection-and-why-it-matters/ http://focusoned.org/understanding-paint-protection-and-why-it-matters/#respond Sat, 11 Mar 2017 19:33:48 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2484 Car paints can now be safeguarded with coatings utilizing nanotechnology. Scratches and damages on vehicles are any automobile owner’s nightmare. Nanotechnology is ending up being significantly popular in Melbourne. This service is perfect for paint protection finishes and automobile paints. In fact, when it pertains to Paint Protection Melbourne is ahead of many other cities. Fineshinedetailing.com.au professionals are ready to help you with car paint protection in order to restore damaged paint back to its original appearance.

Types of paint protection:

Nanotechnology based car paint protection can be divided into two categories, i.e., technology incorporated within the car paint formula which is utilized as a finishing on conventional car paint. The second variety is more versatile. It is also a true blessing for used automobile buyers. Such coverings further vary in their compositions. Examples of nanotechnology based coverings include ceramic polymer finishings and some nanoparticles including finishings. The composition of the finishes ultimately identifies the effectiveness of the coating.

What nanotechnology based vehicle paints and paint finishings offer:

For starters, these paints and finishings firmly attach the automobile’s existing paint to the body of the car. For that reason, scratches and swirl marks do not develop on the paint as easily as they would without such innovation. Cracking of paints is also unlikely with this technology in the paints or thanks to the finishing over the paint.

The nanotechnology based paints and coverings are likewise weatherproof. Therefore, water, heat, ultraviolet light, contaminants and some strong chemicals are not likely to harm the existing paint on the car.

The car’s paint typically begins looking faded after a time period. With this finish, the car looks as shiny as a new car.

Cleaning the car becomes really easy, and less time taking in too. Bird droppings can likewise be cleaned very easily and will not hurt the underlying paint. Likewise, some of these paints and coverings secure the car from scratches.

White paint on vehicles has the tendency to turn yellow-colored in time. A few of these coverings are specially designed to avoid this.

Traditionally, waxes and sealants were used for keeping water off from the car’s body. But these subside within a year or so, and they have to be applied once again a number of times during the lifespan of the car. Unlike such waxes and sealants, nanotechnology based vehicle paints and paint finishings last for a very long time, practically for the lifetime of the car. Water, contaminants and some harsh chemicals are responsible for the corrosion on the metallic frame once the paint diminishes. Grime also makes the car look unclean and cleaning it is not that easy either. But with nanotechnology based automobile paints and paint finishings, cleaning gunk and dirt is significantly much easier.

Paint Protection in Melbourne

In Melbourne among the most popular nanotechnology based paint coating is the Ceramic Pro. The producer of this paint coating, makings the vehicle’s outsides gleam like a new car, offers a lifetime guarantee also. As the name suggests this paint covering consists of a ceramic polymer.

Conclusion:

Nanotechnology is relatively in the market of vehicle paints. It will quickly find its method into other paints and lower the have to frequently paint cars. New approaches are still being studied making the innovation much more efficient and individuals from Melbourne will be ahead of others in adopting such innovations.

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Tips For Traveling With Confidence Whatever Your Destination http://focusoned.org/tips-for-traveling-with-confidence-whatever-your-destination/ http://focusoned.org/tips-for-traveling-with-confidence-whatever-your-destination/#respond Mon, 06 Mar 2017 20:45:45 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2480 Traveling is great fun, but many people don’t enjoy the planning stage. It can be frustrating and tedious to ensure everything is order for a trip. Use the advice here to smoothly plan out enjoyable trips and vacations. For you to be able to get a Canada ski packages you must always booked ahead of time because sometimes there are promos.

If you are in another country, get money from the ATM. You can lose money if you do otherwise. This will save you some money.

Use a list to help you pack your essentials. Your list should be made well in advance (7-30 days) and should include all of your necessities. If you get in a rush and have to pack right before you leave, this list will ensure that you have everything that you need, and that you do not forget something.

You should always have a good photo of your child on you when you travel with him or her, just in case the two of you get separated. It can be terrifying to lose your child. It can happen to even the most diligent parents. Keeping a picture of your child on hand can really help a lot if they ever get lost.

Before booking your next trip, do your research. Read reviews online before booking. Talk to people who have went to your destination. When you do thorough research you can make good plans and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Don’t forget to pack clothespins on your next trip! While you might not think of them immediately, clothespins can perform many functions.

Be sure to put identification information inside your luggage in addition to the normal luggage tag. It is easy for a baggage tag to come off the exterior of your suitcases while they are en route. Include identifying information inside your bags, as well, in case the outer tags are lost.

You will pay more money for these projects that do not save you as much space as you think. Try to fold your clothes more efficiently with methods such as bundle packing. Utilizing some of these methods can leave you with quite a bit more space in your bag.

Look up currency rates before traveling in order to budget your expenditures. Knowing how much your dollar is worth when traveling can help you see what to spend and make an itinerary that can help you save, too. This will help reduce the risk of over-spending, while still ensuring you budget enough money to have a good time.

Major airlines have e-newsletters you may be able to subscribe to and find deals. E-newsletters show you any special discounts or last-minute offers they have available. Yes, they will fill your inbox more, but the rewards and savings can be worth it.

Traveling by car tends to get boring unless distractions have been planned. Anticipating some fun activities during the trip breaks up the trip’s monotony with much more than the usual meal and bathroom breaks. Provide children with a list of stops you plan to make.

When traveling to another country, make cards indicating the foods you have allergies to using the language spoken in that country. If you are a vegetarian or a vegan, you can use this idea to let your servers know what you can and can’t eat. These cards will ensure a more pleasurable eating experience when you’re away.

Don’t forget to pack important medication. You may forget to get refills or forget your pills altogether. You may not have access to this medicine in another country.

Always tip generously. Give the steward a $20 tip when the time comes for you to board the ship. There is a good chance the crew you see in the beginning will be the ones taking care of you the entire time, so if you tip them well, you are sure to get good service in return.

Make sure you give a relative or friend an extra copy of the trip’s itinerary. This is important so everything is organized on the trip. All of your documentation should be in order before you leave.

If you are renting a car for your trip and have kids, bring car seats! When you lease a car yours will probably not give a better car seat, so think ahead by bringing your own car seat.

When travelling to another country, avoid exchanging currency in the airport. Since it is easily accessible for exchanging currency, the rates can be quite high. Before traveling, try finding banks close by that allow currency exchanges. These are usually at better rates.

To save money, invite friends when traveling overseas. A lot of destinations give group discounts. You can save a ton of money with airfare using this. Check around to find friends and acquaintances who’d like to come along.

You can ask a hotel if they have any out-of-service rooms if they are already fully booked for the time you wish to stay. Hotels will define a room as out of service for even minor issues that require repairing, such as paint scuffs or carpet stains.

When driving for long periods, rotate drivers. If you drive too much, the other driver will be forced to stay awake alone while you sleep. You should switch drivers to avoid getting exhausted. If possible, share the driving with someone every couple of hours. This rotation will keep you from becoming exhausted.

In conclusion, as exciting as a trip can be, planning it has the opposite effect. There are ways to plan a trip easily and maximize the chances of having a successful trip. Make use of the tips you’ve read in this article to help your next trip go smoothly and easily.

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Exactly how Does Nano Paint Protection Help Cars? http://focusoned.org/exactly-how-does-nano-paint-protection-help-cars/ http://focusoned.org/exactly-how-does-nano-paint-protection-help-cars/#respond Fri, 24 Feb 2017 06:40:52 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2476 Nano paint protection for cars is the very best possible sort of finish for your vehicle s area given that not simply does it keep the luster of your paintwork gleaming as though it has actually merely left the display room, yet it is additionally self-cleaning.

The process behind it is exciting and is based on something from nature. It is called the lotus impact given that it was discovered that the lotus flower has self-cleaning properties on its leaves. This likewise applies to a few other plants such as cane, nasturtium and irritable pear. On top of that, some insects such as specific butterflies and dragonflies have the same ability. The HD wash from Superiorshine.com.au is the proven technological breakthrough in paint protection treatment technology.

When Was The Lotus Result Discovered?

Experts initially began to research this phenomenon in 1964, and the job was further developed by Barthlott and Ehler in 1977; it was they which initially coined the term the lotus impact. The leaves of the lotus blossom have a remarkably high water repellent property which is called super-hydrophobicity. When it rainfalls, water droplets roll across the fallen leaves and get dirt, eliminating it from the area, hence making it possible for the plant to stay tidy and the fallen leaves to perform their function of photosynthesis to make it possible for the plant to expand.

The high surface strain of a water droplet means that it has a tendency to decrease its area in an endeavor to obtain a form which is as close to a round as feasible. On making contact with an area, forces of bond reason the surface area to become moist. The surface may come to be partly moist or entirely damp and this will certainly rely on the fluid tension of the water droplet and the glue nature of the surface.

The less of the water droplet that touches with the surface, the greater that area s hydrophobicity is said to be. This hydrophobicity could be assessed by the call angle of the water droplet on the surface. The lower the call angle, the lesser the hydrophobicity and the other way around. If a contact angle on a certain surface area is less compared to 90 degrees the area is described as hydrophilic. Greater than 90 levels it is hydrophobic.

Some plants have a get in touch with angle of as high as 160 levels therefores that simply about 2 % of the water droplet touches with the area. When it come to lotus leaves, the call angle is as higher as 170 levels. These surfaces are said to be super-hydrophobic. The surface area of a water droplet touching a lotus leaf might be as litlle as 0.6 %.

Just how Does Filth Obtain Cleaned Off The Surface area?

When gunk gets on to such a surface area the amount of adhesion between the dust bit and the surface area is far less than on other areas. When a water droplet rolls throughout the area the quantity of attachment in between the surface area and the gunk fragment is much less compared to that between the dust bit and the droplet, so the gunk fragment is picked up by the droplet and carried away causing automatic cleansing of the surface. This only works given that of the high level of surface area stress of a water droplet and does not function in the exact same way with natural solvents.

Basically, that is how it works for the lotus leaf. Precisely the exact same concept is made use of in nano paint technology for car paint protection Melbourne.

How Does Nano Paint Protection Work For Autos?

Nano innovation has actually progressed to the point whereby a hard protective ceramic finish can be put on the lacquered completed surface of the vehicle s paintwork when it leaves the factory. The lacquered area is not insusceptible to bird droppings, UV, or chemical etching and can be quickly harmed or damaged. When this occurs the only alternative is to polish off the scrape marks or swirl marks thus decreasing the density of the manufacturing facility paint layer. Over time this implies that eventually a respray will certainly be called for.

Many people will certainly make use of a wax polish or a polymer paint sealant on the paintwork, however this still leaves the paint surface area at risk to damage from the ground up, bird droppings and so forth, as these can permeate the polish or sealer.

What Is the Solution?

The response is to use a difficult nano paint modern technology finish to the area of the paintwork. The layer is far less susceptible to harm than other surface area finishes, yet also if swirl marks or various other harm should happen the layer itself can be polished off and re-applied. This means that the manufacturing facility paintwork will certainly not be harmed and will certainly preserve its thickness and luster.

Essentially nano innovation copies the effects found in nature in a general method and super-hydrophobic coatings have been made use of on guy made areas for a considerable variety of years. One such application is self-cleaning glass utilized for windows, however they have been utilized in various many others applications additionally. Super-hydrophobic layers including Teflon fragments have actually been utilized on medical analysis slides.

The same technology has been made use of for things as diverse as roofing floor tiles and leather upholstery. It could be used on satellite tv recipes, as an example, in order to minimize the possibility of rain fade and to counteract any sort of accumulate of ice and snow on the antenna.

It has also been utilized for tree growing. The Groasis Waterboxx is a gadget developed for planting small plants in areas of severe drought which allows the young sapling to have adequate water reach its roots up until the roots crash much sufficient into the ground to reach water. The Waterboxx could then be removed and made use of once more somewhere else. Nano modern technology makes it possible for the Waterboxx to gather dew and condensation and channel it to the origins of the sapling even in areas of desert.

In order to shield the paintwork of your vehicle and maintain that fresh out of the display room look with none of the effort, nano paint protection is the answer for the critical vehicle driver. You will never ever need to worry about scratch marks or bird droppings, and your vehicle will just require a quick rinse to remove any kind of gunk. It doesn t matter whether your automobile is new, or a number of years old; we can keep it the means it is, or restore it to the way it was.

You will additionally have the ability to make fun of your next-door neighbors cleaning and brightening every Sunday early morning!

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The Ins And Outs Of Car Shopping http://focusoned.org/the-ins-and-outs-of-car-shopping/ http://focusoned.org/the-ins-and-outs-of-car-shopping/#respond Wed, 22 Feb 2017 16:06:20 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2473 Many individuals find shopping for a new car to be among the most dreaded tasks they must face. New cars are fun only after you get them home. If you use the following tips, the whole process of finding a car will be fun instead of difficult. Best car wash products are those products that appropriate for your needs. Detailcentral.com.au is where you can select and shop for the best car wash products that you are looking for.

Prior to purchasing a used car, make sure that a mechanic inspects it thoroughly. If the dealer vetoes this, veto them. Your mechanic will check for things such as engine wear, if it has been in an area affected by flooding, as well as many other problematic things.

Bring a friend on your shopping trip. They can listen, see and even help you figure out problems. This person can be a friend, relative or spouse.

When you’re car shopping, be prepared to be at the dealership a while. You’ll need enough time to dedicate to shopping in order to avoid a rushed deal. Keeping an afternoon open entirely is best. If you don’t have enough time on your hands, you can always finish up another day.

Always test drive a car before you buy it. You may have already driven the same model and make, but you should drive the exact car you plan to buy to ensure its quality. There might be a subtle difference or a mechanical issue that might elude you if you hadn’t driven it.

Quotas are key to a car salesman’s job. They have to sell X number of cars monthly, and knowing this puts you in the proverbial driver’s seat. Salesman that haven’t made their expected numbers will just try to make another sale. You might get a better deal this way.

Try the Internet when looking for a used car. The convenience of the Internet has all but eliminated the need to set foot on a car lot. Try looking at online classifieds or auction sites, if possible. Using this technique will allow you to save time and the headache generally associated with car buying.

Always read before you put down your John Hancock. Make sure that you go through every line of every contract before you sign on the dotted line. If you sign, you’re bound to the agreement. If you don’t feel like reading the contract where you are, see if you can take it to your place to read over it more carefully. If you are told you cannot, ask for a copy to review.

Do plenty of research before purchasing a used car. This can give you a better idea of what you should be paying. You can utilize NADA or the Kelly Blue Book to figure out a car’s worth. If there is a dealer selling cars at too high of a price, search other places.

If you are extremely interested in a vehicle, spend time thoroughly checking it over. Scan the exterior of the car for dings, scratches and chipped paint. Closely inspect the interior for upholstery problems or stains. Do not forget that once you make the purchase, the car belongs to you. This will include any issues like scratches, dents, and rips.

Never sign an As-is warranty when buying a used car. You will probably regret that decision if you make it. Any competent dealer will offer warranties that cover a 30 to 90 day time frame. If the vehicle needs a major repair a day or two after you buy it, you will have to pay for the repair.

Fuel economy should be considered prior to getting a car. A car that gets good gas mileage may cost more up front, but will save you money over time. Keep this in mind before you buy a car if you want to save money for the long term.

Learning as much as possible about incentives can help you to negotiate a better deal. Know about rebates, loan rates, incentive programs, trade-in values and warranties. This also helps you haggle more professionally.

Wait until you get an offer you are happy with before you mention your trade-in. You might not get a great deal on it, but remain flexible since you got a good sales price on your new vehicle. You need to seal the deal now that you’ve gone through all this effort.

Look into the “hidden” expenses associated with buying that car. You might find that you will pay more in insurance for certain kinds or colors of cars. Look into the gas requirements, specialty oil change requirements, and part costs before making a purchase. These can change the cost of your car, significantly, in the long run.

Deciding what car to purchase can fill you with anxiety and confusion. Every little piece of information helps you along the way. Knowledge ensures that you do not risk ending up with a vehicle that cannot meet your needs. Use this information to shop confidently and find the car that suits your needs best.

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Hosting An Elegant Cocktail Party with Friends http://focusoned.org/hosting-an-elegant-cocktail-party-with-friends/ http://focusoned.org/hosting-an-elegant-cocktail-party-with-friends/#respond Fri, 17 Feb 2017 13:58:24 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2466 You know those perfect fitting black pants and that really cute and expensive top you just bought? Or wait… What about that sexy black dress that just hangs in your closet? I know you know what I am talking about. Well what if I told you that I found the perfect excuse for you to show off those fabulous abandoned clothes? It’s really simple actually. All you need to do is host an elegant cocktail party at your home. If you do this the right way, then it shouldn’t be that expensive but it will look it. Cocktail parties are well served by Chilternscatering.com.au especially in classy social gatherings like business meetings and gatherings.

For starters you need to know what your guests like to drink and come up with some sort of cocktail theme. For example, flavored vodka’s seem to be popular, why not do a theme around that and have a martini night. Then you can easily pair up some appetizers that go well with this theme. The Tomato Vodka Aspic appetizer is a perfect pairing with Vodka martinis. Not only is this elegant looking but it’s one of the most unique appetizers I have run across.

Tomato Vodka Aspic

Ingredients

4 C. fresh or canned tomato juice

1/2 C. lemon juice

1/2 C. vodka, or substitute 1/2 C. additional tomato juice

1 Tbs. horseradish

1 tsp. celery salt

1 tsp. hot red pepper sauce

1/2 tsp. salt or to taste

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 envelopes ( 1/4 oz. each) unflavored gelatin

1/4 C. minced celery

1/4 C. minced green onion

2 Tbs. minced fresh basil, tarragon or parsley

1/4 C. thinly sliced olives, optional

Directions

In a large bowl combine the tomato juice, lemon juice, vodka, horseradish, celery salt, hot red pepper sauce, salt and pepper. Pour 1/2 C. of the tomato mixture into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin over the surface of the juice gently, scattering it evenly so it does not clump. Let the gelatin bloom in the bowl, about 5 minutes. Place the remaining tomato mixture in a non-reactive saucepan and warm it gently. Do not boil. Add the bloomed gelatin to the hot tomato juice and stir to dissolve it. Remove it from heat. Cool to room temperature. For a fun presentation, serve the aspic in martini glasses. Evenly divide the celery, onion, herb of choice and olives, if you use them, into 6 or 8 martini glasses. Pour the cooled aspic mixture over the top of the vegetables and refrigerate until its firm. The aspic also may be chilled in a 6-C. mold or bowl. If you use one mold, chill the aspic mixture in the refrigerator until it has a slushy texture, and then fold in the vegetables and herbs. Pour the mixture into a mold and chill until firm. Turn out the mold to serve.

If you decide to go for more of a Hawaiian themed party with frozen or iced mixed drinks, then something like the Hawaiian Sweet and Sour Meat Balls appetizer would work. For a cocktail idea try the Black Mango Screwdriver, this will surely impress your friends.

Hawaiian Sweet and Sour Meat Balls

Ingredients

1 1/2 lb. ground beef

2 eggs

4 Tbs. cornstarch

1 onion, minced

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. garlic powder or grated garlic

2 Tbs. salad oil

1 1/4 C. pineapple juice

1 Tbs. soy sauce

3 Tbs. wine vinegar

1/3 C. water

1/2 C. brown sugar

2 C. fresh pineapple and papaya chunks

2 green peppers, cut bite size

Directions

Blend together beef, eggs, 1 tsp. cornstarch, onion, pepper, nutmeg, salt and garlic. Form into 1-inch balls. Heat oil in skillet and brown meat balls on all sides. In a large saucepan, add remaining cornstarch to pineapple juice along with soy sauce, vinegar, water and brown sugar. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly. Add meat balls, fruit and green pepper and cook 5 minutes or until fruit is well heated. Sprinkle with chopped Hawaiian macadamia nuts or slivered almonds.

If you decide to serve wine then the best pairing for this would be cheese. The Gouda Cheese Fondue would be perfect with wine.

Gouda Cheese Fondue

Ingredients

1 large clove garlic, sliced in half lengthwise

1/2 C. dry white wine

5 oz. mozzarella, shredded

5 oz. aged Gouda cheese, shredded

1 Tbs. cornstarch

2 Tbs. Kirsch

Freshly ground black pepper

Freshly grated nutmeg

1 baguette or sourdough loaf, cut into 2-inch cubes

Crisp breadsticks

Assorted vegetables, cooked ham, and cured sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Set a fondue pot stand with a heat source, or an electric warming tray, in the middle of your dining table, and arrange around it individual serving plates accompanied by long fondue forks for dipping.

Rub the inside bottom of a fondue pot or enameled cast-iron casserole with the cut sides of the garlic halves, then discard the garlic. Put the pan over high heat and immediately add the wine, stirring and scraping with a wooden spoon to dissolve the garlic residue.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, use your fingers to toss the two cheeses together with the cornstarch, until evenly combined. Reduce the heat under the pot or casserole to low and add the cheese-cornstarch mixture. Stir continuously until the mixture is thoroughly melted and smooth. Stir in the Kirsch and season with a little freshly ground black pepper and just a small pinch of nutmeg.

While the fondue is cooking, spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet. Put them in the preheated oven and bake just until they are lightly toasted, 5-7 minutes, taking care that they don’t turn too brown or burn.

Carefully transfer the pot or casserole of fondue to the table, placing it above a gentle tabletop heat source that will keep the fondue warm during eating. Serve the fondue immediately, accompanied by the bread, vegetables, and meats, offering long fondue forks with which each person can spear bites of bread, vegetable, or meat and dip them into the cheese.

Yield: 4 servings

Even though this is suppose to be an elegant cocktail party, there is nothing wrong with having beer and what could be better then serving Beerballs to complement the beer?

Beerballs

Ingredients

3 slices dried bread

1 tsp. salt

3/4 C. warm water

1/4 C. olive oil

2 lb. ground beef

1 pkg. onion soup mix

1 egg

1 12 oz. can beer

2 garlic cloves

1 medium onion, chopped

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce

1 C. sour cream

Directions

Soak bread in water; combine meat, egg, garlic, onion, Worcestershire, salt, pepper and soaked bread in a bowl. Blend and form into small balls (about 30). Heat oil and brown balls on all sides. Sprinkle soup mix over balls, add beer, cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add sour cream, mix and heat until well blended and heated through. Serve with rice or noodles.

Yield: 6-8 Servings.

For more fun and fabulous appetizers, visit Recipe4Living.com

Now that this is accomplished there are still some other things you need to think about and prepare for before actually hosting this party.

Food Preparation

When it comes time to prepare the appetizers make sure they are all bite sized. This is a cocktail party, not a formal dinner so your guests will be walking around or sitting in your living room. None of your guests are going to want to spill anything on their dressy clothes nor do you want any of them to spill on your furniture.

Decorations

As far as decorating goes, the only thing you will really need to spend money on are candles. Since this is an elegant cocktail party you should dim your lights and place candles where ever you can., just don’t over do it. If you decide to play some music, keep it low so your guest can have conversations with one another.

Invitations

Send out some fancy home made invitations and make it be known that the dress code is formal, but the party will be a night to unwind and have fun. You can find many homemade invitations on craft web sites.

All you ladies out there better take advantage of hosting a party like this. You need to dress up every once in a while and now I have given you the perfect excuse to! Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures. It is not an everyday occurrence that you have all your friends in one place dressed up and smiling.

© 2007 Ampere Media LLC, All Rights Reserved Recipe4Living features more than 11,000 user submitted recipes, ideas and recipes from Wolfgang Puck, reference guides, healthy living advice, tips for kids, and much more. All of the recipes mentioned in this article can be found at http://www.recipe4living.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarah_Potts/77944

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/478650

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How To Cook Delicious Meals In College http://focusoned.org/how-to-cook-delicious-meals-in-college/ http://focusoned.org/how-to-cook-delicious-meals-in-college/#respond Fri, 17 Feb 2017 08:33:51 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2469 Learning the basics of cooking can make it a drag into an enjoyable hobby. The information and tips from this article can give you learn the basics of cooking. Corporate activities even more fun especially after you tasted the food that Popuppicnic.com.au has been served.

Prepare as much of your recipe as possible. It is important to have all the prep work done before it’s time to begin cooking. You can help lessen the potential stress by doing prep work in advance.

Bake pie and tart crusts a little longer than you think is really necessary. They should be a light golden brown instead of pale blonde. The golden color indicates that the sugar in the pie crust has caramelized and will have a much sweeter and crisp flavor.

It is extremely important to have sharp knives are always sharp. Dull knives are dangerous to use and they also make cutting things hard.

Do you often feel a bit guilty throwing out old fruit? Is it possible to save the fruit by cutting the mold? You should never eat or keep a piece of fruit that has begun to rot. Mold goes a lot deeper than you see and can make you ill.

Have you ever experienced difficulty judging the time it takes to grill your meat? Use a good meat thermometer to tell when it is cooked correctly.

Plan to make a big pot of stock in order to freeze and store it. Good chicken stock that you make at home makes a great starter for soups, casseroles, casseroles and more.

This keeps them from burning up while the cooking on them. Use two parallel skewers as opposed to a single skewer to avoid food intact.

When you will be cooking a pumpkin, you will need to place the pumpkin upright then slice it in half right down the middle. Place each half on an ungreased baking sheets.

If the recipe has called for water, switch it up by using a broth, juice, or cooking liquids. Instead of milk, you can substitute yogurt, yogurt or buttermilk. Using different liquids can add a bit of zest to a favorite recipe and improve their flavor.

Always select fresh garlic available when you have a recipe that calls for it. A good rule of thumb for garlic: Fresher means sweeter.Fresh garlic usually has a firm skin and will not be bruised or soft spots.

If you are serving a salad with a meal where you have guests, keep the dressing on the side, rather than pouring it on the salad. Some people prefer more dressing when eating salads so it is important that each person add their own dressing.Offer many different types of dressing.

Leave the bone in a roast when you are pressed for time. The bone helps distribute the bone pulls the heat throughout the roast.

Place unripe fruits in a plastic bag that is perforated right after you have poked small holes into. If you put them in the bag with holds the air will go through the bag, the air can circulate and assure that the gas is retained, helping the fruits retain their wonderful taste.

You can make remarkably flavorful dishes by making your stock ahead of time to add to other dishes. You should always have stock on hand for soup and other dishes. Creating your own stock allows you cook.

This allows you to economize on the amount of gas or electricity used when cooking, and will also give you an extra safety level if you are using oil on a hot pan or other dangerous cooking techniques.

When sauteing, make sure you do not add too much to the pan. Make sure you do this at a low temperature.

It is important to take proper care of wood cutting board. A cutting board made from wood can crack and warp if it is exposed to excessive moisture, heat or dryness.Do not immerse the cutting board in water, just sponge it off using warm, wipe it off with a sponge using warm water and soap. You can do some restoration to a damaged board by regularly oiling it with a product specifically for cutting boards to maintain yours. Be sure to dry it off completely before you use it again.

Do not bake a cake too long or under cook your cake. The cooking times suggested in recipes are good guidelines for an inexperienced baker, because many factors, like elevation, can impact the finished product. A good way to judge whether a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it removes cleanly, more baking is needed; when the toothpick stays clean after insertion, the cake needs to be baked longer.

As was shown in this article, you can quickly pick up new cooking skills and enhance the ones you already hold. All you need to do is have the desire to gain the knowledge you need and the time to implement what you learn. With the tips you just learned, it should be easy to improve your cooking skills and know your kitchen backwards and forwards. Keeping a positive attitude will help to ensure success in the kitchen!

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Fun for all the family at University’s Picnic in the Park http://focusoned.org/fun-for-all-the-family-at-universitys-picnic-in-the-park/ http://focusoned.org/fun-for-all-the-family-at-universitys-picnic-in-the-park/#respond Thu, 02 Feb 2017 06:37:27 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2460 What better place to enjoy a picnic than the beautiful landscaped grounds of University Park? Throw in live music and a host of free activities, and you’ve got a perfect way to spend a summer’s afternoon. There are a lots of great Sydney picnic spots to choose from, but make sure you will not ended up into noisy one.

Picnic in the Park takes place between noon and 3pm on Sunday 26 June in the Millennium Garden, located in the heart of The University of Nottingham’s award-winning University Park Campus.

As well as performances by the award-winning Newstead Brass Band, there will be face-painting, rocket-making with an environmental artist and a children’s nature quest trail. Visitors can also find out more about the rich biodiversity of the campus by trying their hand at pond-dipping between 1pm and 2pm.

David Beadle, University Park’s Grounds Manager and a member of the Friends of University Park, said: “University Park is one of Nottingham’s green jewels and we’re proud to invite members of the public and the wider community to enjoy our lovely grounds and gardens with us.”

Admission and parking will be free, and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be available and the nearby Orchard Hotel has a bar and restaurant. Visitors can also extend the day with a visit to the exhibitions and café at Nottingham Lakeside Arts, which overlooks the Highfields Park Boating Lake and has an adventure playground.

Picnic in the Park takes place in Millennium Garden, off Lenton Hall Drive, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD. Use any campus entrance and follow signs to the ‘park event’.

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Introducing Flipboard Storyboard: A Robust Storytelling Platform for Brands http://focusoned.org/introducing-flipboard-storyboard-a-robust-storytelling-platform-for-brands/ http://focusoned.org/introducing-flipboard-storyboard-a-robust-storytelling-platform-for-brands/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2017 13:57:22 +0000 http://focusoned.org/?p=2463 PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Flipboard launches Storyboard™, a new ad experience that enables brands to tell powerful and complete narratives using multiple native formats—stitching together articles, images, animated .gifs, video, and audio— to the social magazine’s 90 million monthly readers. Sephora is among the first brand partners to roll out Storyboard campaigns, connecting with premium audiences while they’re engaging with stories about their passions and interests in a beautiful mobile environment. One of the game changer in creating your own film is using a storyboard artist Sydney which Scenesbydean.com can provide.

Presented as a browsable carousel, Storyboard is an immersive and targetable storytelling experience that offers advertisers another effective way to take advantage of readers’ “Personal Primetime” on Flipboard: moments of engagement when people are more receptive to mobile advertising and branded content relevant to their interests. Flipboard’s research indicates that people are receptive to brand content if the brand is authentically connecting with the topic a person is interested in and the message is relevant to that person’s experience.

Sephora, the leading prestige cosmetics retailer, is highly regarded as a trailblazer within the digital consumer experience, leveraging first-to-market technologies across a variety of verticals, including socialized storytelling. With that innovation mindset, Flipboard’s new experiential ad unit aligns perfectly with the retailer’s “Tis the Season, Love is the Reason, Lets Beauty Together” holiday creative campaign. By partnering with Flipboard, the retailer can engage holiday shoppers across all of their devices without compromising the brand storytelling.

In addition to brands, agencies are responding positively to the new mobile ad experience. “Flipboard’s design-led platform and full screen ads are powerful tools for Mindshare’s luxury clients. They allow them to tell deeper stories, engage target consumers and reach new audiences,” said Daniel Daynes, global digital director, Mindshare Luxury, the global media agency network’s unit dedicated to luxury brands. “The ease and elegance of Storyboard combines the best of display advertising and native storytelling. It allows our brands to share their stories as an integral part of the content experience on Flipboard. We look forward to our continued collaboration and innovation with the team at Flipboard.”

Flipboard Storyboard, a vehicle for both brand and editorial storytelling, will be presented as beautiful, full-bleed multipage carousel. Readers can swipe from right to left to follow a full story, introducing a new gesture on the platform. Flipboard’s proprietary algorithms extract branded content from multiple URLs and beautifully stitch individual items—ranging from articles, images, animated .gifs, video, and audio—together allowing brands to compose a complete narrative. This also means advertisers can run a Storyboard with existing creative assets, rather than creating new or unique content.

Combined with Flipboard’s proprietary Interest Graph technology, advertisers are able to target campaigns to readers based on their interests and deliver multimedia brand content in a relevant context like never before.

“Storytelling is one of the most powerful and authentic ways a brand can connect with consumers – actual or aspirational. Stories capture consumer attention long enough to communicate a message from start to finish. Flipboard Storyboard helps brands to tell their story in a highly relevant and contextual way,” says Cecily Mak, chief revenue officer at Flipboard. “In the past year we’ve seen a 47 percent increase in the time people spend reading articles and watching video on Flipboard. It’s a natural next step to partner with brands and give them an opportunity to take engage with readers during these moments on mobile devices with rich, diverse content.”

An example of a Flipboard Storyboard is available for viewing thanks to our friends at SmartWool.

About Flipboard
Flipboard gives people a single place to follow all of their interests. People use Flipboard to enjoy their favorite sources from around the world and then save stories, images, and videos into their own Flipboard magazines—sharing items that reflect their interests, express their perspectives, or are simply things they want to read later. Download Flipboard for free in any app store or visit www.flipboard.com.

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