1. 6 months ago 

   MYHABIT fashion sale site

   MYHABIT, offering up to 60% off hand-picked styles from designer & boutique brands, featuring apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children is Amazon’s new private fashion sale site. New sale events start every day and typically run for 72 hours; product inventory is limited and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

   Customers who sign up to the site to become members will discover products and be able to make purchases – signing up is free and easy, and it is possible to use your Amazon.com credentials to sign in.

   MYHABIT also features:

   FAST, FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURN SHIPPING in the US
   FAST $15 INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
   360-degree video of the clothing on live models
   Hundreds of popular and designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, TUMI, Rebecca Minkoff, Juicy Couture
   Up to 60% off coveted brands
   Amazon.com account information such as payment options and shipping addresses automatically imported into new members’ accounts

   MYHABIT:
   Homepage - Women’s page - Men’s page - Children’s page

   * $10 off Promotion Code: through September 1, customers can save $10 on their order by entering the code MYHABITX at checkout*

2. Notes: 17 / 9 months ago 

   Frieda Born at 21 Weeks Goes Home for Easter

   German doctors have said a baby girl who was born at 21 weeks and five days is spending Easter at home after five months in neonatal care.

   Doctors at the Fulda Children’s Clinic said the baby, named Frieda, was born on November 7 weighing just 16oz. She was released well from the hospital weighing 7lb 11oz.

   She is believed to be the most premature baby in Europe to have survived. The hospital cited one other baby born at 21 weeks and five days, in 1987 in Ottowa, Canada that is known to have survived. A normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks and a twin brother, Kilian, who was born with Frieda did not survive.

   Frieda’s life hung in the balance several times during her long hospitalization.

   The clinic’s chief doctor, Reinald Repp called Frieda’s survival “a medical miracle” said he saw “no indication that she will not be healthy”.

   

   More…

3. Notes: 4 / 10 months ago 

   Lullabies For Getty - Listen
4. 10 months ago 

   Fun to draw

5. 1 year ago 

   Chinese new year greetings

   The Chinese new year greetings:
   新年快樂 Xin Nian Kuai Le, 恭禧發財 Gong Xi Fa Cai.

   新年快樂 - Xin Nian (新年) is New Year. Xin is new and Nian is year. Kuai le (快樂) is happiness, joy, delight, or rejoicings. So “Happy New Year” in English is “New Year Happy” in Chinese: Xin Nian Kuai Le.

   恭禧發財 - Gong Xi Fa Cai - (Mandarin) or Kung Hei Fat Choi - (Cantonese). Even though the pronunciations are a little different, both are written the same way.

   The literal translation of “Gong Xi” is (to wish) and “Fa” (enlarge) “Cai” (wealth) means “make money/to prosper”. So “Gong Xi Fa Cai” means “I wish that you will be prosperous”, but the phrase is generally used as Happy New Year.

   When people greet you with Gong Xi Fa Cai during the Chinese New Year, what do you say?

   Simply respond with the same phrase they used.
   Or, to a close friend or colleague you can say, “Hong Bao Na Lai,”

   (紅包拿來) which is “May I have the red envelope, please!”

   Hong Bao (紅包) is a red envelope. Na Lei (拿來) means “Bring it to me.”
   
   So here’s your Chinese lesson of the day:

   Person A: Gong Xi Fa Cai. May you become rich!

   Person B: Hong Bao Na Lei. Red envelope, please. Let me start to become rich by getting money from you.

   ———————————————————————
   恭禧發財 - Gong Xi Fa Cai

6. Notes: 3 / 1 year ago 

   When is Chinese New Year

   When is Chinese New Year this year? The upcoming Chinese New Year falls on February 3, 2011, when we’ll be ringing in the Year of the Rabbit (兔).

   Chinese New Year in China is like Christmas in the West. In essence, Chinese New Year is spending time with family, gift giving and, the all important, food-fest.

   Ancient Chinese legends tell of the Nian (年), a man-eating beast from the mountains which came out every winter to feast on humans. To scare the Nian away, the people used loud noises such as firecrackers and fireworks, and bright colors, particularly red. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations.

   In the run up to Chinese New Year, homes are spring-cleaned thoroughly so that all the bad luck of the previous year is swept away (and on the first day of the new year, brooms and dustpans are put away and never used in case the good luck of the new year is swept away!)

   Purchasing new clothing, shoes, and receiving a hair-cut also symbolize a fresh start.

   Some people give their homes, doors and window-frames a new coat of red paint. Homes are often decorated with paper cutouts of Chinese auspicious phrases and couplets.

   Couplets

   These are two tall posters, usually consisting of 4 Chinese characters each (as eight is a lucky number), which are hung on either side of the front door. The couplets express traditional good wishes for the year ahead.

   Left - “Si Ji Ping An” translates into: May you be blessed with peace, and safety in all four seasons.

   Right - “Chu Ru Ping An” translates into: May you be blessed with peace, and safety wherever you go.

   The biggest event of any Chinese New Year’s Eve is the dinner every family will have. A dish consisting of fish will appear on the tables of Chinese families. One of the most popular dishes is steamed dumpling called jiaozi (餃子). “Jiaozi” in Chinese literally mean “sleep together and have sons”, a long-lost good wish for a family.

   Tradition stipulated that all food be prepared before the New Year‘s Day, so that all sharp instruments, such as knives and scissors, could be put away to avoid cutting the “luck” of the New Year.

   After the dinner, some families go to local temples, hours before the new year begins to pray for a prosperous new year by lighting the first incense of the year; however in modern practice, many households hold parties and even hold a countdown to the new lunar year.

   Most importantly, the first day of Chinese New Year is a time when families visit the oldest and most senior members of their extended family, usually their parents, grandparents or great-grandparents.

   On the day itself, an ancient custom called Hong Bao (紅包), meaning Red Packet, takes place. Children wake up early to find the small red envelopes known as “Hong Bao” or “Lai Si” (“Lucky Money” envelope) money under their pillows.

   Typically at Chinese New Year Lai Si is given by married couples to children and unmarried people. The red is used as the most auspicious colour, while the decoration may have a blessing or good wish. The symbolic giving of the money represents a wish for fortune and wealth in the coming year.

   The amount of money contained in the envelope usually ends with an even digit, in accordance with Chinese beliefs; as odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. There is a widespread tradition that money should not be given in fours, or the number four should not appear in the amount, such as 40, 400 as the pronunciation of the word “four” sounds similar to the word “death”.

   Some families may invite a lion dance troupe as a symbolic ritual to usher in the Lunar New Year as well as to evict bad spirits from the premises.

   Members of the family who are married also give red envelopes containing cash to junior members of the family, mostly children and teenagers. Business managers also give bonuses through red envelopes to employees for good luck and wealth.

   The second day of the Chinese New Year is for married daughters to visit their birth parents. Traditionally, daughters who have been married may not have the opportunity to visit their birth families frequently.

   On the second day, the Chinese pray to their ancestors as well as to all the gods. They are extra kind to all dogs and feed them well as it is believed that the second day is the birthday of all dogs.

   Etiquette dictates that you must bring a bag of oranges and tangerines and enclose a Lai Si when visiting family or friends anytime during the two-week long Chinese New Year celebration.

   Tangerines with leaves intact assure that one’s relationship with the other remains secure. For newlyweds, this represents the branching of the couple into a family with many children. Oranges and tangerines are symbols for abundant happiness.

   The seventh day, traditionally known as renri (人日), the common man’s birthday, the day when everyone grows one year older. It is the day when tossed raw fish salad, yusheng, is eaten. This is a custom primarily among the overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia, such as Malaysia and Singapore. People get together to toss the colourful salad and make wishes for continued wealth and prosperity.

   The New Year celebrations end on the 15th of the First Moon with the Lantern Festival (元宵節). On the evening of that day, people carry lanterns into the streets to take part in a great parade. Young men will highlight the parade with a dragon dance. The dragon is made of bamboo, silk, and paper, and might stretch for more than hundred feet in length. The bobbing and weaving of the dragon is an impressive sight, and forms a fitting finish to the New Year festival.

   Find out which Chinese zodiac animal sign you were born under.

   新年快樂 - Xin Nian Kuai Le
   - Happy New Year - 2011 Year of the Rabbit (兎)

7. 1 year ago 

   Amazon Mom Free 3 months Amazon Prime

   While the program is called Amazon Mom it is open to Moms, Dads, Grandparents, aunts, uncles or anyone who is likely and willing to change baby’s diaper.

   Amazon Mom is a free membership program that offers free two-day shipping and up to 30% off of diapers and wipes to participants

   Even with the questionable name, the Amazon Mom program looks to be a great deal, and if the recommendations are as good as Amazon claims it just might make life a little easier for first time parents

   30% off select diapers and wipes: normally you get 15% when you subscribe & save, but Amazon Moms get an extra 15% discount for a total of 30% off!

   When you join you’ll receive a free 90-day Amazon Prime membership that offers free two-day shipping on all of your purchases as well as the option to upgrade to one-day shipping for $3.99 a purchase. Amazon Mom members will be able to extend the free Amazon Prime shipping by a month for every $25 spent in the Amazon Baby store, for up to a year of free Amazon Prime Membership.

   Amazon Mom members will also receive exclusive discounts and if you choose to provide your child’s name, gender and birthday. Amazon claims that the website’s recommendations will, “help you find exactly what you need at just the right time.” You do not need to share the information to be a part of the program and there is no age limit placed on the children you are the primary caregiver for, but Amazon notes that if your child is older than a toddler or if you don’t provide the information you may miss out on some of the benefits.

   And do not be put off by the prominence of the name MOM in the title, the program FAQ site says Dads are welcome. That’s nice to know, although you would think the name Amazon Parents would work just as well, while also not furthering the stereotype that dads can’t change their kids’ diapers or don’t have a hand in raising them.

   So here is the deal: Amazon Mom

   Free Amazon Prime Membership for 3 months: that means you get free 2-day shipping for 3 months on thousands of items – if you buy $25 or more from the Baby Store (in a single order) you get an extra free month of Amazon Prime, up to one free year (but everyone gets the free 3 months without buying anything from the Baby Store).

8. 1 year ago 

   Neil Gaimans The Price project

   
   

   There is a man named Christopher Salmon who has a dream. He wants to make an animated film of the short story “The Price.”

   Christopher is using KICKSTARTER to get it going. If you don’t know about Kickstarter, it is a wonderful thing that helps people get projects off the ground. If you want to support one of their projects then you pledge money. If the project reaches its funding goals then the money changes hands. If not, it doesn’t.

   Salmon said he hopes to complete the film by Spring/Summer of 2011 and to enter The Price in several film festivals.

   Kickstarter - Neil Gaiman’s The Price: http://kck.st/bUQsac

   Please spread the word by sharing this project with your friends http://bit.ly/b7kp4q

   We wish him luck!

9. 1 year ago 

   Pumpkin Pie From Scratch

   Traditional homemade Pumpkin Pie just like Momma used to make, there is nothing like a homemade pumpkin pie to share with family and friends. You can really tell the difference in taste and texture and other than taking a bit of time and effort, it is very easy.

   What you will need…

   The Pumpkin, be sure to choose a small pumpkin that is a variety specifically grown for eating, maybe known as pie pumpkins, cheese, sugar, or milk pumpkins. Do not use the Jack-O-Lantern variety, it has flesh that is tough and stringy and not as sweet. Select one that has good orange coloring and is heavy for its size and weigh from 2 to 4 pounds (1 to 2 Kg). It should be firm and free of blemishes; store in cool place till needed. You will get approximately 1 cup (225 g) of puree per pound of pumpkin.
   ** A 2-3 pound (1 Kg) Pumpkin == 2 cups (450 g) Pumpkin puree == 1 Pumpkin pie.

   Prepare the Pumpkin

   • Remove stem, wash the exterior of the pumpkin with cool water to remove any dirt and debris.
   • Cut the pumpkin in half top to bottom, can be cut into quarters if needed.
   • Scrape out the seeds and stringy fibers from the center of the pumpkin.
   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175 degrees C).
   • Coat the cut surface of the pumpkin halves with vegetable oil.
   • Place pumpkin halves cut side done in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water to the pan.
   • Place the pumpkin in the oven and bake for 60 to 90 minutes.
   • The pumpkin should be baked until the flesh is very tender. Poke with a fork to check.

   Note: The pumpkin can also be cooked in the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe dish, add 1 cup of water and cover. Place in the microwave oven and cook on high for 15 minutes. Test to see if done, by poking with a fork. If not completely tender, return to the microwave and continue to cook for 5 minute intervals, checking tenderness after each interval.

   • When the pumpkin has cooked to proper tenderness, remove from the oven and place on a cooling rack. Allow to cool.
   • Scrape the flesh out of the pumpkin and discard the skins. Place pumpkin flesh in a large bowl.
   • Puree the pumpkin with potato masher, a hand mixer, blender or food processor, until all the pumpkin is a smooth consistency.
   • Drain moisture from the puree by placing it in a sieve lined with paper towels, over a bowl.
   • Cover the puree with plastic wrap. Place in the refrigerator and allow puree to drain.

   The Pie Crust Ingredients

   • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
   • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) sugar
   • 2/3 cup (150 g) butter, chilled and diced
   • 1/3 cup (80 ml) ice water

   1. In a large bowl, an electric mixer or food processor, combine the butter, flour, salt, and sugar until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
   2. Add the water, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on low.
   3. When the dough just barely starts to come together, turn off the mixer and stop adding water.
   4. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead briefly until the mixture forms a ball.
   5. Flatten the dough into a disk and wrap in plastic wrap.
   6. Chill for 30 minutes.

   
   

   Pumpkin Pie Filling

   

   • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten
   • 1 tbsp (7g) flour
   • 1.5 tsp (3g) cinnamon
   • 3/4 tsp (2g) ginger
   • 1/2 tsp (1g) nutmeg
   • 1/4 tsp (1g) ground cloves
   • 1/4 tsp (1g) salt
   • 1.5 cups (355 ml) heavy cream
   • 1/2 cup (110 g) packed brown sugar
   • 1/2 cup (110 g) granulated sugar
   • 1/2 cup (110 ml) light corn syrup
   • 1 tsp (5ml) vanilla
   • 2 cups (450 g) pumpkin puree

   1. Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 degrees C).
   2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-10 inch pie plate.
   3. Fill with aluminum foil and add pie weights on top of the foil.
   4. Bake on the middle oven rack for 20 minutes.
   5. Remove the pie weights and the foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
   6. Remove the crust from the oven and turn down to 350 F (175 degrees C).
   7. Place the pumpkin puree into a large bowl, mix in the cream.
   8. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar and mix well.
   9. Add the flour, the spices (cinnamon through salt) Stir in the eggs, vanilla, corn syrup until well mixed.
   10. Pour pumpkin filling into the pie crust
   11. Place the pie in the oven 350 F (175 degrees C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until filling is set.
   12. Check after 25 minutes - if it looks like the crust is going to brown too much, place a piece of foil over the pie. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking time so crust will finish browning.
   13. To check if cooked, insert the tip of a table knife in about 1 inch from the center of the pie. The knife will come out clean if the pie is done.
   14. If not done, continue to cook and check at 5 minute intervals.
   15. When the pumpkin pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool down completely before serving. Serve with a spoonful of whipped cream on each slice.

   To print out »» Pumpkin Pie From Scratch

10. 1 year ago 

    The origins of Halloween

    Halloween is linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain; the name is derived from Old Irish and means roughly “summer’s end”. In the Celtic calendar, it was one of the most important days of the year, the festival of Samhain celebrated the end of the “lighter half” of the year and beginning of the “darker half”.

    The Celts believed that, on October 31, the boundary between the alive and the deceased dissolved, allowing a special window where the spirit world could intermingle with the living.

    It was a night when the dead spirits (both harmless and harmful) could cross over and return to the land of the living to celebrate with their family. The family’s ancestors were honoured and invited home while harmful spirits were warded off. It is believed that the need to ward off harmful spirits led to the wearing of costumes and masks. The purpose was to disguise oneself as a harmful spirit and thus avoid harm.

    In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was called All-Hallows (Middle English meaning All Saints’ Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-Hallows Eve, Hallow E’en (evening) and, eventually, Halloween.

    Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls’ Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. The three celebrations, the eve of All Saints’, All Saints’, and All Souls’, were together called Hallowmas.

    The origins of Jack-O’-Lanterns and Trick or Treat

    In traditional Celtic Halloween festivals, large turnips were hollowed out, carved with faces, and placed in windows to ward off evil spirits. The carving of pumpkins is associated with Halloween in North America where pumpkins were both readily available and much larger - making them easier to carve than turnips.

    The American tradition of carving pumpkins was originally associated with harvest time in general, not becoming specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century. Many families that celebrate Halloween carve a pumpkin into a comical or frightening face and place it near their doorstep after dark.

    The practice of dressing up in costumes and begging door to door for treats on holidays dates back to the Middle Ages. Trick-or-treating resembles the late medieval practice of souling, when poor folk would go door to door on Hallowmas (November 1), receiving food in return for prayers for the dead on All Souls Day (November 2).

    In the late 1800s, there was a move in America to mold Halloween into a holiday more about community and neighborly get-togethers, than about ghosts, pranks, and witchcraft. At the turn of the century, Halloween parties for both children and adults became the most common way to celebrate the day. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything “frightening” or “grotesque” out of Halloween celebrations. Because of their efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones by the beginning of the twentieth century.

    By the early 1930s, Halloween became a community centered holiday, with parades and town-wide parties as the featured entertainment. The first mass-produced Halloween costumes appeared in stores in the 1930s when trick-or-treating was becoming popular in the United States. Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration. In theory, families could prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats.

    Although obviously a treat for children, commercial enterprises have taken advantage of the ancient festival of Halloween for their own devices. Americans today spend an estimated $7 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday.

    In ancient times, this day was a special and honored day of the year. As you light your candles this year, take time to remember those who have passed before us. A time to send our love and gratitude to them to light their way back home.

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