Your house plan is truly a reflection of whoyou are. It is a place where you can relax, enjoy, eat, sleep, butmost of all a place where you can be in your elements. I rememberthe last time I decided to refurbish my home, I thought the firstthing that I needed was a professional designer and so I hired one.I got too caught up with the ideas that the designers had beenshowcasing and advocating. However, the day I saw the entire planon the blueprint, I realized that although the design looked great,it did not appeal to me as my own home. That was the moment Idecided to do away with the designers, and take charge of thedesigning process myself. Designing your own house can be quite atask, but totally worth it since it enables you to give the place apersonal touch. Designing a house can include both the primaryarchitectural elements as well as the interior designing elementsthat follow. In this article we will cover both the aspect thatwill assist you while designing your own house.Architectural DesignArchitectural elements are vital if you are planning a houseplan from scratch. The first thing that you need to do is undertakea detailed study of the space available to you, requirement ofrooms, the possibility of multiple stories, the roofing, as well asthe locations of window and doors. In case you find thisintimidating, and are still willing to work without a professionalarchitect, there are a number of software applications that canhelp you with this task. A simulation of your plot area and thepossible positions and areas of multiple rooms can be tried outusing these designing software. You can easily drag the walls onthe virtual interface until you finalize the layout and come upwith your own final blueprint of the house plan.Once the house plan is ready, you can hire services of a goodresidential building company to materialize your blueprint into anactual finished structure. While handing over the reins to them,make sure you explain them the plan carefully and ask forsuggestions. Once the plan is finalized and the builders are atwork, have a word with them on a daily basis so that the finalproduct comes out just the way you wanted. However it is advisablenot to interrupt their work very frequently and trust them withtheir job.Tips to Remember:Although you have decided to plan your house on your own, youcannot be aware of all the architectural design principles (unlessyou are an architect yourself). Hence, once you have finalized yourplan, get it checked from a professional and try to incorporate thesuggestions.Involve all the members of the house while the plan is being madeand consider individual requirements for their rooms. The finalplan should be convenient for every member of your house.Study the natural lighting directions to ensure optimum naturallight in the living room or the study room according to yourpreference. After studying the light pattern it would also beconvenient for you to finalize the placement positions of doors andwindows.Choose accurate placement of walls. Avoid a cluttered plan, studyyour space, and don't try to include too many rooms within littlespace.With a little more research, try to incorporate unconventionalpatterns and styles into your house plan.The ColorsInterior designing for your own house plan is like giving you apalette of colors and a blank canvas. All you need to do is workwith your magic brush, adding a stroke here and there until you aresatisfied with the end result.First of all, use a good quality water-resistant andlong-lasting paint. Yes, choosing the colors for your house canseem like an easy job, but it is advisable to put more thought intothe process.

Fashion is not just for grownups anymore andthere are many dress designers who specializes in designing clothesfor kids. Young girls like to wear dresses that are chic andstylish and there are many designs of dresses for young kids andpre teens. Kids generally have strong likes and dislikes and so itis best to take their opinions before buying a dress. When you buydresses for kids, make sure that they are comfortable to wear andthe finish of the closures are well made and sewn. Metallic zippersand closures of low quality can cause allergic reactions on theirdelicate skin. As far as possible choose bright cheerful colors fordresses for kids. Sober and more sophisticated colors can be wornonce they grow up.If you are looking for nice dresses for kids, then a shortruffle dress is one of the best options that you can opt for. Ashort mid thigh length dress with an empire waist and ruffles atthe skirt looks cute on small girls. You can choose either asleeveless design or a ruffle dress with flutter sleeves. Shortruffle dresses in fabrics like cotton, linen and cotton blends aregreat options for the summer. If you are looking for something moredressy, then go for a short ruffle dress with lace and metallicembellishments at the bodice.A great option for casual summer wear is a halter dress in abright color. A knee length or mid thigh length halter dress withelasticized tie ups at the neck and tiered double ruffles at theskirt is a good option for casual dresses. Choose such girlsclothing in fabrics like cotton voile and linen for a comfortablefit. Patterns like small stars and seashells looks very fetching insuch dresses. While selecting a sleeveless dress for your littlegirl, make sure that the elasticized tie ups are not too tight asthey might dig into the skin and cause rashes.If you are looking for something comfortable for your littlegirl to wear, then you cannot go wrong with a racerback tank dress.It is a very trendy design and your little girl is sure to like ita lot. A racer back tank dress is essentially an A-line dresswithout sleeves with a racerback. Choose fabrics like jersey orcotton blend for a comfortable fit. These type of dresses areavailable in many designs and patterns with nautical stripes andditsy floral prints being the most popular.A favorite with small girls, tiered dresses makes little girlslook cute. It is simple dress with a fitted bodice and three tofour tiers at the skirt. For a special occasion like a birthday orparty, you can choose from tiered dresses made in fabrics likeorganza, silk and chiffon. Pastel colors like lavender,butterscotch, peach and baby pink will look gorgeous in suchdresses. Tiered dresses with piping on the skirt and rosettes onthe bodice are also great choices for special occasion dresses forkids.A drop waist dress is a dress that has a longer bodice and ashorter skirt. Drop waist dresses are very popular among younggirls and they look quite charming too. Drop waist dresses infabrics like cotton and linen are good choices for the summer.These type of dresses are also available in fancier versions withlace trimmings and sequin details as well as self tie and sidepockets.Select dresses for kids that have a modern design and which iscomfortable to wear. You can even sew such dresses at home, if youhave good sewing skills.

Note that Indian mehndi designs are intricate,with fill-in designs between the larger pictures. Indian mehndileaves little skin showing. Indian mehndi also uses motifs likepeacocks and human figures.See that Arabic designs are spaced further apart and do notcover as much skin as the Indian mehndi. Arabic patterns leave moreskin showing than Indian patterns. Arabic mehndi consists mostly offloral designs; animal and human figures are not usually used.Note that Indian designs consist of many small shapes, whileArabic designs consist of several large shapes with large areasthat are completely filled in with henna. Large shapes in Indianmehndi often have patterns inside them rather than a solidcolor.Purchase "Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" or find acopy in your library. This is an informative reference fortraditional henna application and contains information on whatvarious motifs and symbols represent.Find a mehndi design in the "References" section and print itout. Wash the area to be painted with soap and water. Drythoroughly with a soft cloth.Copy the design from the paper onto the desired area with thelaundry pen. This will be a guideline for applying the henna. Toavoid drawing freehand, trace the design onto tracing paper withthe laundry pen, then apply roll-on deodorant to the skin where thetattoo will be. Lay the tracing paper on the area, marker-sidedown, and press gently. Wait about two minutes before gentlypeeling the paper away. This will transfer the design from paper toskin.Place two or more teabags with hot water into the mug. Allow thetea to steep for about 15 minutes, until it is dark. Put hennapowder in a bowl and add about 10 drops each of eucalyptus oil andlemon juice. Spoon in tea and stir until a thin paste isformed.Spoon paste into the applicator. Trace the outline of the designwith paste. When coloring the leaves and flowers, you may fill themin completely with paste or just trace the outline. Allow the pasteto dry overnight. Do not get the paste wet.Wipe away the paste with a soft, dry cloth. The henna shouldleave behind a dark design on the skin. If the design is not darkenough, reapply the paste overnight.

A T-shirt is a basic piece of clothing, thatis present in every wardrobe. It is very easy to style and comes inhandy, especially when you are in a hurry. It can be called awardrobe staple. However, the downside of wearing this piece ofapparel is that there is not much variation in its shape anddesign, and hence, most of us end up purchasing many T-shirts insimilar styles. However, they can be made more versatile, and givenan interesting look, by cutting them to create unique and funkydesigns. This should be done carefully, as haphazardly cutting itwill render the garment useless. Before doing this, ensure that youhave a design in mind, and then decide how to go about it.Cutting It into a Tank TopA tank top is one of the easiest designs to make. You do notrequire any advanced sewing skills to do this, where it is a novelway of transforming your tees. To make a tank top, get hold of aT-shirt that fits you well. Now, turn it inside out, and place iton a work table. Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut off itssleeves. Next, cut off any excess fabric from the bottom, such thatthe top sits above your waistline.It is always better to mark the area of the fabric that you willbe cutting, by holding the garment against your body. This isbecause, if you end up cutting more fabric than intended, you willnot be able to do anything about it, and it will go to waste. Onceyou have cut the garment, sew it along the edge, so that it doesnot fray. However, if you prefer a grungy look, then you can leaveit like that.Cutting It without SewingTake two ordinary, fitted T-shirts in complementary colors likepurple and green, or contrasting colors like blue and red. Now,turn one of them inside out on a work table and draw a big heart orany other design of your choice on the fabric. Mark horizontallines on the design, making sure that there is a gap of at least 1inch between each line. Now, place a heavy piece of cardboardbetween the layers of the garment, and slash the horizontal lineswith a pair of scissors or sharp knife. This will give it a ribbedeffect. Wear this T-shirt over the other one for a layered look.These T-shirts look very trendy and are quite popular. They saveyou the hassle of sewing them.You can use many other techniques to come up with your ownstyles and designs. This way, you can revamp your entire wardrobewithout spending much money.source:buzzle.com

Crochet, pronounced as krowshey, is atechnique of creating a piece of fabric using yarn and a crochethook. The word crochet is derived from a French word which means ahook. If you know knitting, then learning crocheting will be easieras it is similar to knitting; the only difference between the twois that in a crochet only one loop is active at a time.Afghans StitchSpecial hooks are used for making afghans, so that there is morespace for the large number of stitches. For Afghan or Tuniscrochet, you need to keep the right side of the work always facingyou, and work on a base chain, and then make rows by looping theyarn first from right to left and the second half left to right. Bylearning these easy crochet patterns you can make scarves,blankets, and other easy patterns.ScarvesFor this pattern you need to first practice making a basic chainand learn single crochet stitches. To learn how to crotchet ascarf, use bulky yarn and J size or larger crochet hook. For makingthe scarf, first make a slip knot and base chain which is around 14stitches to get the length of the scarf. Then make another extrastitch and turn, then insert the crotchet hook in the second chain,and make another single crotchet stitch. This way make a row byturning the stitch and keep making these, till you are satisfiedwith the size of the scarf.Baby BlanketsSelect soft yarns that feel nice to your skin, like cotton yarns,for making a baby blanket. Then using a similar stitch pattern likethe above mentioned scarf pattern, you can make the baby blanket.However, when learning how to crotchet a baby blanket the size ofthe blanket will be bigger than scarf, so instead of making around14 inches for length make 36 inches for length and then work it toform rows to complete the blanket.HatsTo crotchet a hat, select a yarn of your choice. To make the hatinteresting you can use 2 or more colored yarns. Again the abovesimilar stitch can be used for making a crochet hat. The onlydifference is that you have to work in a circular pattern. So startcrocheting in a round, till it is as large as the top of your head,keep working in the round stitches and increase the number ofstitches slowly till the hat is large enough, and reaches yourears.There are many illustrated tutorials and videos online,following which you can learn the basic stitches and the abovepatterns. So learn 1-2 simple stitches and then make any of theabove mentioned pattern to create your very first crochet knitfabric.

When you get invited for a cocktail party andthe theme is to wear something elegant, the first thing you wouldthink of doing is go shopping! But, if you don't have a particulardesign or color in mind, you are just going to end up buying asimple black dress, which you think would look elegant. Everyonewears black at parties, as it is a common understanding that blackis an evening color.Let us tell you, there are multiple color combinations andcolors apart from black, which look stunning for evening wear. Aday color like yellow could also be worn to an evening cocktailparty, but it just needs to be designed well and accompanied withthe right kind of accessories. Take a look at some ideas which willmake you look like the star of the evening.Elegant Evening DressesThe entire essence of dressing up lies in the dress that youwear. It can make you look prettier than any girl in the world oreven completely spoil your look. This is where your choice in thedesigns and colors come into the picture. If you're having troubledeciding what colors to wear for a cocktail party at very shortnotice, read on to know all about beautiful cocktail dresses.Classy DressesCocktail dresses are meant to be knee length yet classy. Theygive you cute yet elegant look and can be carried off very easilyunlike the long evening dresses which have to be managed time totime. They are comfortable to walk and dance in and don't need toomuch of maintenance either. Some classy designs could be asfollows.As mentioned earlier, colors like blue, green, turquoise, lemonyellow, beige, purple, pink, and white can be the other colorsapart from black, which can completely make heads turn at the partyyou will be going to. So, make sure you buy a dress in any of thesecolors. Though black looks classy; a beautiful, short, ruffled hem,blue colored cocktail dress would look absolutely stunning. Teal isanother color that could be included if it is shoulder strap with aplunging V-neckline and satin on the busts. A red short stretchmesh one with normal shoulder straps will also look ravishing andclassy. Similarly, a feathered white one with noodle straps, andthe length just a little lower than the hips, would make you lookslim and pretty. Fuchsia strapless ones in colors, like pink,mauve, bottle green, and lavender with either hip or bust bowswould look very classy too.Some other designs could be tunics, either printed or plane.They look very casual yet classy and can be worn as a one or twopiece cocktail dress over a tight black mini skirt. Bubble dressesin metallic or turquoise would also look beautiful. The necklinealso changes the appearance of the dress majorly. If you can, findsomething in halter neck or simply one shoulder in any color. Ivoryand beige are also pretty colors in which you can find somesequined cocktail dresses. Crossover necks or strapless pleatedones in teal, aquamarine, amethyst, and ivory would look stunningon you. You can have all these patterns and designs in elegant plussize dresses as well.Sassy DressesSome sassy and bold cocktail dresses can be of any colors youlike. It not be only elegant, it can be sensual and attractive too.All you need is the attitude to carry it off. If you're looking forsomething like this, then you can go for a sequined halter dresswith a cross back strap and knee length in size. Silver is also abeautiful evening color which will make you dazzle if it is aV-neck and the back is a simple A-line in pattern. A pleatedstrapless one in almond color or a butterfly pattern is just thedress for you to get sassy and neat. Drape ones are also quitewanted by a number of women as they look very informal but alsooccasional, so you can get one of these for your cocktail party.Don't forget to buy your accessories no matter what color you getit in.We are sure, with such a variety of elegant cocktail dresses tochoose from, you will make the finest choice. So, get

The pattern of gift boxes vary according tothe ceremony, occasion and the event. The appearance of gift boxesalso depends on the person whom you are gifting. For example, womenprefer more of ornamentation while men love simple and chastedesigns.Normally, we present gifts during festive seasons likeChristmas, Halloween, Easter, etc. However, making gift boxes athome will be a difficult project for people who have no affinityfor arts and crafts. The necessary guidance for making homemadeboxes will be provided to you in the upcoming paragraphs.Christmas Gift BoxesWe all love to give and receive Christmas gifts. Packing cookies,dollies, candies, stockings, candles, etc., during Christmas timeis a well practiced trend. Pack the stockings in a reusable giftwrapper. Use colorful papers for the external coating. Tie a satinthread over the lid and gift it away. While packing eatables youhave to extra careful. Make sure the gift box is moisture proof.Leakage of moisture would spoil the eatables. Use air tightcontainers for packing cookies, candies, biscuits, dough nuts, andbrownies. For extra protection, wrap them with aluminum foils.Packing dry fruits in cardboard boxes is also a good idea. Lid thebox and wrap a clean white paper for a simple look.Wedding Gift BoxesWedding gifts are packed with bright embellishments. Expensiveitems are parceled in beautiful velvet boxes. Always remember thatthe wrapping of the gift matters a lot in making the gift special.Similarly, you can make some beautiful boxes for wedding cards. Geta silver box from any jewelry shop and then start the decoration.You will require the following things, viz, velvet paper, tinymirrors, satin ribbons, gum, and glitters. First wrap the entirejewelry box with velvet paper. Utilize your artistic instinctswhile doing the mirror work and spraying the glitter. Make itethnic so that it appeals to the wedding ceremony. Metal boxes forwrapping jewelry is also a good option as they not only lookbeautiful, but also traditional. Apparels usually come in boxes andall you need to do is, wrap them with cellophane or any type ofgift wrappers and then tie a satin ribbon around it.Birthday Gift BoxesA birthday is a special occasion and you can try a lot of things tomake the gifts attractive. You have so many things to present onbirthdays, right from pets to toys. Gifting pets is a uniquebirthday gift idea. I must tel you that putting pets inside a giftbaskets is easy. You have to ensure that there is enough space forthe pet to move and breathe. Big cardboard boxes with plentifulspace is the perfect box for pets. Ready-made boxes are sold inarts and crafts stores and they make wonderful packaging forbirthday gifts. Make Chinese food boxes and hat boxes for giftingchocolates and cookies. Well, expensive birthday gifts likelaptops, cell phones, camera, iPods, etc., come in cushioned casesthat ensure no damage is caused to the electronic pieces. Wrap thecardboard boxes and then place the gadgets along with the casebefore gifting away. Utilize the same ideas for making Valentine'sboxes.Make innovative and unique gift boxes to make your dear onesfeel special.source: buzzle.com

New parents are extremely overwhelmed by thethought of purchasing clothes for their little bundle of joy, andhence, may sometimes, end up buying certain unnecessary andinappropriate outfits. The baby's rapid growth and changing size,delicate skin, tolerance level, etc., are some of the mostimportant concerns that should not be overlooked while shopping forbaby outfits. Having said that, let's go through a few tips givenin this Buzzle article, and make the best of your newborn babyclothes' purchase.Appropriate SizeIt is important to purchase clothes that are made for yourbaby's current age and size. There are certain standardmeasurements that determine the exact size of clothes for every agegroup. For example, size 000 is perfect for babies aged between 0-6months, whereas size 00 fits properly for the babies aged 7-12months. However, remember that these are standard measurements, andthere are several factors that may influence the size of theclothes, like, the weight and height of the baby at birth. Somebabies may need the standard size according to their age, but somemay require a size bigger than what is suitable for their age. Toavoid the purchase of incorrect size, you can carry old clothes asreference.One-piece Outfits are the Best ChoiceA new cute little member has entered your life, and you wanteveryone to see and adore him. So, you dress him up in the mostfunky, trendy, expensive, bright outfits to add to his cuteness.There are several pieces in one outfit that look really cute, untilthe baby starts getting irritated by the lace around the neck, orthe tight elastic of the pajama around his waist. It is extremelyimportant to understand that the baby's comfort and safety shouldbe the top priority while dressing up the baby, rather thanfocusing on how the baby will look in the outfit.Moreover, your baby is just a few days old, and you dress him upin a synthetic pajama with the elastic band around his waist. Now,imagine what will happen when the tight pajama rubs against theumbilical cord of the baby. It may be severely painful for the babycausing irritation and rash, not to mention the fact that he willcry ceaselessly.Soft Collars, Waist Belts, and NecklinesFussiness around the neck is a strict no-no for newborn clothes.Although stiff collars with embellishments or closed necklines withembroideries and ornamentation look extremely cute, adorable, andappealing in the store, they can be a real pain for your cutelittle girl or boy. Babies, during the first half of the year,spend most of their time sleeping. Hence, they need a comfortableoutfit that doesn't irritate their skin and cause discomfort. Thiscalls for clothes that are made of cotton with envelope neck andbuttons on the front side. It would be even better if the outfitdoes not have any buttons, but enough space at the neckline for thebaby's head to pass through.Too Much is Too BadAs mentioned earlier, babies grow rapidly during the first fewyears. Hence, your idea of stocking the baby's wardrobe withseveral varieties of clothes may not be a good one. Your baby willoutgrow those outfits in just a few months, and you will again haveto go for shopping new ones. To avoid all this, plan everythingbeforehand. Keep it simple and minimum; it will save you a lot ofmoney for buying other necessities for the baby.