Although we really shouldn’t, judging a book by it’s cover it’s still something we all do – and gifts are no exception. How many times have you seen an exquisite wrapping job, only to receive another pair of socks. Or maybe you have a loved one that’s a practical jokester and wraps their expensive gifts in a heinous way. Either way, gifts that look personal before unwrapping can make gifts, and the relationship between the giver and receiver, seem that much more special, memorable, and heartfelt. And of course, a personalized gift would make the occasion even more meaningful.

Sticker Tags

One of the most important parts of your gift is often the last thing you put on it – the gift tag! Obviously the person you’re giving it to needs to know who it’s from. For a fun and unique gift tag, try making one out of a custom sticker. A custom sticker of your recipients name, customized Visa gift cards, monogrammed initials, or even date of the special event can not only elevate the gifts personalization, but makes for a super fun and unique added bonus as well. A custom sticker can be used to decorate notebooks, water bottles, laptops, cell phone cases, or anything your loved one can think of. Best part is, everytime they look at their sticker they’ll be reminded of you and your awesome gift giving skills.

Stamped Paper

Tired of wrapping your gifts in generic wrapping paper? This hands on DIY is a great way to get the whole family involved and all you need is some kraft paper, paint, and a set of hands! Paint you and your family’s hands complimentary or seasonal colours and stamp away on some plain kraft paper for a totally one-of-a-kind and personal wrapping paper! This idea is great for gifts that are from the entire family because literally every family member had a hand in creating it.

Cloth & Patches

A great way to gift presents for the eco-friendly friend in your life (or maybe you are the eco-friendly friend) is to use reusable and waste-free cloths as wrapping. Patterned cloth makes for unique stand-out wrapping that the recipient can then use as they desire. To take your cloth wrapping up a notch, attach a custom printed patch as a tag that your loved one can use as a cool personalized accessory. You can find it in Stickeryou.com. Make a patch of your friend or family members favourite character, saying, initial, or photograph and even merrow the border in a complimentary or favourite colour. This way your friend not only gets a sustainable gift, but also a thoughtful added bonus.

Map Wrapping

Maybe you have a friend who’s moved far away, or you and your special someone met somewhere you don’t reside in currently. A super personal way to wrap gifts is to do so with a map! Maps are still relatively inexpensive and can be found at most tourist centres or even online. Wrap a gift for someone from a map of where you met, or wrap separate gifts in maps from the place you live and a map of the location your friend or family member has moved to. This lets loved ones know that no matter where you are in the world, your relationship knows no bounds.

Get Magnetic

This gift wrapping idea is a little out of the box – literally. For a totally one-of-a-kind wrapping idea, forgo the gift boxes and paper and opt for a tin! Perfect for smaller gifts, tins that mints come in can be found at convenience stores, and plain reusable ones are readily available at a lot of dollar and craft stores as well (of course mint tins can also be decoupaged with patterned paper if you don’t want them to think you’re pulling a fast one on them). To up the ante, include a gift card that’s actually a custom magnetic name badge. You can make the name badge something related to the gift or something that symbolizes your relationship. Magnetic badges are a cool accessory because they can be easily removed and repositioned from any article of clothing, accessory, or kitchen appliance. Magnetic backed badges make for an incredible personal gift that lets others knows just how attached you are to them.

If you’re in the process of revamping your home and are looking to replace your home’s flooring, you may want to consider opting for modern moduleo floors or checking out Lifestyle Flooring UK for alternative options.

Moduleo Floors an Excellent Alternative to Laminate: Key Reasons to Opt For Moduleo Flooring

1. You’ll be able to selection wood look and stone look options

If you love the look of solid wood flooring or stone flooring but can’t justify the high cost of wood flooring options and stone flooring options, it’s well worth considering moduleo flooring. As there are a wide array of wood look options and stone look options which look and feel like the real thing but are a whole lot cheaper than real wood or stone flooring options.

So if you’d like to purchase flooring which looks more expensive than laminate and which gives the same look as solid hardwood floors or stone floors, it’s well worth seriously considering opting for moduleo flooring.

2. Moduleo flooring is made to be durable

If you want to install a flooring option which will look just as great as it does 5 years after you fit it as the day you fit in into your home, there’s no need to look any further. As moduleo flooring is known to be extremely durable and can withstand the weight of heavy furniture as well as heavy traffic and excitable pets such as cats and dogs.

As an added bonus, as Moduleo flooring is so resistant to wear and tear, you won’t have to worry about your flooring developing scratches, scuffs or nasty dents. That will ruin the look of your home’s flooring!

3. Moduleo flooring is just as easy to clean as laminate flooring options

In fact, while you may need to use laminate specific cleaners on laminate flooring, you can use virtually any type of flooring cleaner to clean moduleo flooring. Just remember never to use flooring wax on your floors as while wood flooring may need to be waxed a few times per year, moduleo flooring never needs to be waxed.

4. Moduleo flooring is waterproof unlike laminate flooring

One reason why most individuals shy away from using laminate flooring in their bathrooms and kitchens is that laminate flooring is not waterproof. However, as most types of moduleo flooring have been designed to be waterproof, you’ll be able to use moduleo flooring in areas of your home which are prone to getting wet. Like your bathrooms and kitchen.

5. You’ll be able to install your moduleo flooring yourself

One of the key reasons why moduleo flooring is becoming extremely popular is that as it clicks into place, it’s extremely easy to install. Which means that you should be able to install your home’s flooring on your own, over a couple of weekends or with the help of a few of your DIY inclined friends and family members.

So if you’re looking for a stylish, durable, fuss-free flooring option to give your home a revamp, you can’t go wrong opting for moduleo floors over laminate floors.

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If you’re interested in learning a few DIY stain hacks, that will make removing difficult stains a little easier, simply continue reading to discover three of the hardest stains to remove as well as 3 tips to remove them.

Three of the Hardest Stains to Remove and How to Remove Them:

1. Ketchup

Chances are that you’ve spilled ketchup onto one of your favorite items of clothing in the past. If you’ve always struggled to remove ketchup stains from your clothing, you’re in luck as there is a relatively simple way to rid your clothing of unsightly ketchup stains.

Firstly, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of completely removing your ketchup stain if you remember to place your clothing item under running water for a few minutes, as soon as you notice your stain. After a few minutes place your clothing item in a sink or plastic bucket filled with hot water and use a sponge that has been squirted with dishwashing liquid to wash your ketchup stain out of your clothing.

2. Red wine

Next time you accidentally knock over a glass of red wine and manage to stain a white shirt or your carpet, don’t worry simply use the following tips to remove any trace of spillage.

Firstly cover your stain with a handful of salt. Although if you have managed to spill red wine over a large area of fabric or carpet you may need to use more salt. After a couple of minutes, you should notice that the salt which you covered your stain with has started to absorb your red wine and that your salt should start to turn pink in color.

Next, fill your laundry basin with cold water and place your clothing item in your basin overnight to soak with a special enzyme detergent, which will remove all traces of red wine from your clothing. However, if you’ve managed to stain your carpet you’ll need to periodically sponge the affected area with water and your enzyme detergent every couple of hours.

3. Pen marks

If you’ve ever got pen marks on your clothing and thrown out your clothing, as a result, stop what you’re doing and write down this handy trick. So that you’ll be able to effectively remove pen marks from your clothing in the future.

To remove pen marks from clothing simply place a regular paper towel underneath your clothing item and start spraying your affected item with hairspray. Until the fabric is thoroughly soaked. Then let the hairspray soak into your material for a couple of minutes before using a second dry napkin to lightly pat your fabric dry. Repeat this process a couple of times before washing your item in your washing machine with an enzyme specific detergent.

So if you’ve thrown away dozens of clothing items over the years as they’ve been stained by pen marks, ketchup or wine, you’re in luck as the next time you notice a clothing stain, you’ll have the tools and tips to help you rid your clothing of unsightly stains!

Whether your dad has plenty of old ties which he no longer uses or you think you can easily find two dozen silk ties at your local thrift store, it’s well worth experimenting with using old ties to create a brand new, fashion-forward skirt.

If you’re interested in making a beautiful skirt using old ties but have little sewing experience, continue reading to discover how to make a skirt out of ties with minimal fuss!

How to make a skirt out of ties, the simple way:

1. Acquire as many old silk ties as possible

It’s well worth asking your dad, grandpa and male friends whether they have any spare silk ties which they never wear and which they are comfortable donating for your DIY fashion project. Although you can also find inexpensively used silk ties at your local thrift store or on an online auction site such as eBay!

2. Iron each of your silk ties using a delicate silk-friendly setting

Make sure to iron each of your silk ties, so that they don’t have any nasty wrinkles or creases before you start your DIY fashion project. Just be sure to set your iron to a silk-friendly setting before you start ironing as you don’t want to burn or ruin your silk fabric.

3. Start cutting each of your silk ties in half

In order to ensure that your cut each silk tie accurately, simply fold each tie in half before cutting it in half.

4. Trim your tie pieces so that they are all the same length

As the last thing you want to do is to end up wearing a skirt which has a jagged or uneven hemline it’s definitely well worth trimming each of your silk tie pieces so that they are all roughly the same length. This step is crucial as it will ensure that your end product looks professionally sewen instead of like a child’s home economics project.

5. Next, line your tie pieces up and pin them so that they are tacked together and slightly overlap

Next, you’ll need to line up and pine up your silk tie pieces to that they are tacked together. Make sure that each tie overlaps the next tie by at least 2 inches.

6. Use your sewing machine to sew each tie piece to the next

As you’ve already used pins to tack up your skirt, start to sew each tie piece to the next until each of your ties has been sewn to the next tie. At this point, your tie skirt should look like a semi-finished skirt.

7. Create an elastic waistband

You’ll need to measure your waist in order to sew an elastic waistband which will be the right size for your waist.

8. Sew your elastic waistband to the top of your tie skirt

The final step in sewing your tie skirt is to sew your elastic waistband to the top of your DIY tie skirt!

So if you love the idea of sewing your own tie skirt, it’s well worth following the steps listed above in order to ensure that your tie skirt looks professionally sewn!

If you’re curious as to how you can turn old ties into a one of a kind skirt, that your friends will all be jealous of, simply continue reading to discover a step by step guide to making a stunning tie skirt.

How to make a tie skirt:

1. Visit your local thrift store in order to source enough silk ties to create your tie skirt

It’s well worth visiting your local thrift store in order to get your hands on enough silk ties to create your skirt if in doubt try to purchase a pile of silk ties.

2. Fold each of your ties in half, before cutting each of your ties in half

This step is crucial in ensuring that all of your pieces of material are roughly the same size. If you find that your pieces of silk aren’t the same length, simply use a ruler to trim each piece so that it is the same uniform length, so that your skirt’s hem will be uniform in length.

3. Make sure to iron each tie before you start sewing ties together

Once you’ve cut your tie pieces make sure to iron each piece so that it lies flat and straight and is easier to sew to other ties.

4. Sew the front of a tie onto the back of a tie

Just keep in mind that the front of the tie, which you sew on the back of the tie you’re working with doesn’t have to match, although it can if you’d like. The beauty in crafting your own skirt is that you’ll be able to design a skirt which you love and which suits your own uniques preferences.

5. Keep repeating step 3 so that you start to sew all of your tie pieces together

Repeat step 3 over and over until all of your tie pieces have been successfully sewn together.

6. Measure your waist in order to create a waistband which is tailor-made for your body

Next, use a measuring tape to accurately measure your waist, so that you’ll be able to measure out a piece of elastic, which you’ll then be able to cut. Next, sew each end of your elastic together to form an elastic waistband.

7. Pin your elastic waistband one inch down from the top of your ties

Simply use a few pins to pin your new elastic waistband to the top of your ties, making sure to leave a one-inch gap between the top of your tie skirt and the position of your elastic waistband. As you don’t want your elastic waistband to show.

8. Now, sew your elastic waistband to your makeshift tie skirt

Now is the time to use your sewing machine to sew your elastic waistband onto your makeshift silk tie skirt.

9. Sew up the side of your new skirt

Lastly, sew up the side of your new stretchy silk tie skirt and voila you now have a ready to wear, one of a kind, DIY tie skirt.

So if you love wearing one of a kind pieces of fashion and enjoy fun DIY projects, it’s well worth trying out this simple sewing project!

If you’re looking for the perfect halloween costume and are a huge fan of the Tim Burton film “The Corpse Bride”, you may be interested in putting together a realistic Corpse Bride Costume.

How to make corpse bride halloween costume

1. Purchase a bright blue wig or use a temporary blue hair dye to dye your hair blue

As the Corpse Bride has bright blue loose curls, it’s well worth trying to get your hands on a bright blue wig. However, you can also use a temporary wash out blue hair dye to dye your own hair blue or to dye a basic blonde wig blue, if you have trouble finding a suitable bright blue wig.

2. Purchase a few inexpensive plastic flowers and bobby pins to place in your hair or wig

The Corpse Bride has blue flowers in her hair so to recreate her iconic look, simply purchase blue plastic flowers from your local craft or dollar store, which you’ll be able to secure onto your hair or wig using inexpensive bobby pins. Alternatively, you could get away with wearing a floral crown instead of pinning individual flowers to your hair or wig.

Also, make sure to purchase a few extra plastic flowers to tie together to create a makeshift Corpse Bride wedding bouquet.

3. Visit your local thrift store to find a cheap used wedding dress

It’s well worth trawling through your local thrift store to find a cheap used wedding dress, which you’ll be able to use as the base for your corpse bride costume. Don’t worry if you find a dress which has visible flaws such as loose stitching, holes or rips as they will just make your costume look more authentic.

Alternatively, if you can’t find a suitably used wedding dress simply purchase a preloved white dress of any style as once you add accessories to your outfit, you’ll still look just like the Corpse Bride.

4. Use cheap lace to create a veil for your halloween costume

Also try to get your hands on a few meters of cheap lace, which you’ll be able to use as a veil for your Corpse Bride costume.

5. Purchase enough blue and white face paint to cover your face, neck, chest, arms and hands

In order to be easily recognized as the Corpse Bride you’ll need to get your hands on plenty of blue face paint and white face paint as the Corpse Bride has skin which is blue with a ghostly tinge of white.

When it comes to painting yourself blue, it’s advisable to start off with painting your face, neck, hands, chest, and arms with blue face paint before using a slightly damp sponge to lightly dab white face paint onto your exposed skin.

6. Pair your costume with a cheap pair of white ballet flats or heels

To finish off your stunning Corpse Bride halloween costume, simply pair your outfit with a white pair of high heels or ballet flats.

If you follow all of the 6 steps listed above you’ll be sure to wow your friends and family members with your Corpse Bride outfit!

If you’re interested in finding free activities to keep yourself entertained in Rapid City, simply continue reading to discover 10 fun free things to do in Rapid City!

10 Fun Free Things to Do in Rapid City:

1. Visit Rapid City’s Dinosaur Park

If you enjoy taking and sharing fun, unique photos, it’s well worth visiting Rapid City’s famous Dinosaur Park which boasts seven life-size statues of popular dinosaurs. As an example, you’ll be able to take a selfie with a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex statue and pose next to a Brachiosaurus statue.

2. Visit Storybrook Island

Whether you are a parent or are simply a kid at heart, it’s well worth making a trip to Storybrook Island, which is free to visit and the perfect attraction to visit if you’re on a budget. Like Dinosaur Park, Storybook Island is teeming with sculptures. Examples of some of the sculptures which you’ll come across include Winnie the Pooh and Cat in the Hat.

3. Gaze up at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial

It’s well worth visiting the Mount Rushmore National Memorial at least once in your lifetime as its one of the USA’s most recognizable attractions. In fact, each year over 2 million national and international tourists visit Rapid City to see the Mount Rushmore National Memorial which boasts the faces of Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Four of the USA’s most respected presidents.

4. Walk around the quirky Stavkirk Chapel

The Stavkirk Chapel sticks out as it is an exact reconstruction of the iconic Borgund Chapel, which is located in Norway and is over 830 years old.

5. Track down 33 US presidents

If you walk around downtown Rapid City you’ll come across 33 life-size bronze statues of various American presidents. If you’re keen to track down all 33 statues, do yourself a huge favor and pick up a sculpture map from Rapid City’s information center.

6. Tour the Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery

By walking around the Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery you’ll be able to view trout at each stage of their development. You may also be interested to know that the Cleghorn Springs Fish Hatchery breeds and releases 1 million trout per year.

7. Explore the Museum of Geology

The Museum of Geology is free to visit and displays a multitude of ancient bones, fossils, and minerals. So if you have an interest in geology, nature or history, it’s definitely worth visiting the Museum of Geology.

8. Learn about space exploration at the South Dakota Air and Space Museum

If you have an interest in historic planes or space exploration, you’ll be able to spend a couple of hours exploring the South Dakota Air and Space Museum.

9. Spend a sunny afternoon at Canyon Lake Park

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, grab your walking shoes and take a scenic walk around Canyon Lake Park. A picturesque park, which is popular amongst locals and tourists.

10. Walk through Art Alley

Art Alley is a unique alley which has been decorated with graffiti based artworks from a wide variety of talented local and international artists.

So if you’re looking for free entertainmend in Rapid City, it’s well worth visiting the fun attractions which are listed above.

If you’re looking for the secret to enjoying a happy, relaxed family life simply continue reading to discover a few helpful tips on how to make sure that your family life is as fulfilling and joyful as it can be.

Family ever after – how to have a happy family

1. Make sure to spend quality time with your family members on a regular basis

In today’s hectic, fast-paced world it can be difficult to remember to prioritize spending quality time with your family members, so if you want to enjoy a happy family life, make sure to spend some quality time with your family members every week. As an example, you may want to make an effort to eat at least 3 meals a week as a family or to play board games together every Friday night.

2. Make sure to spend one on one time with each member of your family

While spending time as a family group is a great idea, it’s also well worth nurturing each of your family relationships. As an example, if you have multiple children, make sure to spend one on one time with each child each week as well as with your partner, if you have one.

3. Use encouraging words, when you speak to your family members

Instead of using negative words or put-downs, when you speak to your family members make an effort to use supportive, encouraging words and phrases. As an example, make a habit out of praising your loved ones for their strengths as well as any positive behaviors which they may exhibit.

4. Make sure that each individual in your family feels listened to and heard

In order to ensure that each person in your family remains happy, make sure that each individual feels listened to and heard. As an example, if you often embark on family vacations, make sure that each individual gets a chance to pick your vacation destination. Instead of simply allowing the loudest individual to decide which vacation destination you visit, every time it comes time to choose a new destination!

5. Make sure that each family member has their own space, to chill out in

While you may love each member of your immediate family dearly if you spend every waking minute around your family members you may start to get irritable. So it’s well worth ensuring that you have your own private space, which you can retreat to when you’re in need of a little time alone.

It’s also well worth making sure that each member of your family also has their own space to chill out in when they don’t want to be disturbed. As an example, you may want to set up two separate lounges, so that when one member of your family wants to be alone, they’ll be able to head off to your family’s secondary lounge space.

So if you’d love to enjoy a happy fulfilling family life, it’s well worth using all of the 5 simple tips listed above, to transform your day to day family life!