The Simple Secret to Extending Your Camera's Life

If you are like me and your favorite place to take your camera is outside into nature, you will soon find that your camera has collected some of nature’s dirt and dust on the outside — and inside. Every once in a while, it’s helpful to give it a good cleaning to make sure that everything operates properly and that your images are free from dirt spots.

A simple camera cleaning might feel like a chore, but it’s a quick process that can extend the life of your camera and keep your pictures looking sharp.

Check for particles

If it’s been a while since I last cleaned my camera and I’m about to go out on a project, I check for any problem areas. The easiest way is to photograph a clean white wall or a clean white piece of paper. Use the automatic mode so the camera exposes evenly and your photo looks kind of gray. Import the file to your computer and view it at full size. Look for dots, smudges and stringy-looking marks. Some of these may be on the lens, but some may be on the sensor. If you see anything mucking up your image, it’s time for a cleaning.

Lens

We’ll start by cleaning the camera lens — it’s the easiest part. Take off both the front and end caps. Use a soft lens cleaning brush to lightly remove any big particles or sand. You want these gone to avoid scratching the lens on the next step.

Then, use lens cleaning solution and lens tissue to wipe the glass clean. Lens tissue is non-abrasive and will keep from scratching the glass. Another option? I have found that it’s quicker to use Zeiss lens cleaning wipes and then immediately wipe the lens with a dry lens tissue to remove any residue or smudging.

Sensor

Depending on where and how often you change lenses, you may also need to clean the sensor. This part is more sensitive, so if you are not confident in your hands, you may want to send this off to a professional.

To do it yourself, all you need is a one-use sensor swab and sensor cleaning solution. Make sure the swab is the right size for your sensor. I like to put two drops of solution on either side of the swab, right in the middle so it soaks down to the tip without pooling up or dripping on the sensor.

If your swab is exactly the size of your sensor (which is ideal), in one fluid motion, wipe the sensor from one side to the other. This should be enough to clean any junk off, but if not, check for particles again and re-swab.

Body

It’s nice to clean off the body every once in a while, too, if only to keep dust from creeping onto the lens or sensor. For this, you can use cotton swabs and a cloth slightly dampened with water or rubbing alcohol. The cloth allows you to clean the flat parts of the camera and the grip. The cotton swabs let you access hard-to-reach spaces like the diopter and some of the knobs and switches.

Air cleaning

There are some cleaning systems that use air to get dust and dirt off the camera. I would recommend those small, rubber blower pumps to remove particles that could potentially scratch something. I would not recommend using pressurized air canisters. These sometimes have additional chemicals that could potentially damage your equipment.

25 Nikon DSLR Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera Click here 

Time to Upgrade Your Smartphone Camera Click here

HOW TO MAKE SIMPLE FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS

Friendship bracelets surpass the generation gap, ranging from simple patterns to sophisticated variations, and are often exchanged as gifts. These handmade bracelets constructed of bright colors create a wearable work of art. The bracelets usually consist of thread and are easy to make, only requiring minimal supplies, such as beads, buttons, charms, and scissors. In fact, the process is so easy that children as young as 7 can make simple friendships bracelets as long as they can process the ability to cut thread and tie knots.

Bracelet Materials

There are several different types of threads used for making simple friendship bracelets. One of the most popular materials is embroidery floss. This cotton thread is made of six strands, and since originally designed for cross-stitching and embroidery, it allows for smooth knots. Not only does embroidery floss offer a lustered look to assembled friendship bracelets, it also has limitless options for adding color to any bracelet.

Other binding materials used when making friendship bracelets are pearl cotton, yarn, and craft and crochet thread. Craft thread and pearl cotton are budget-friendly options they come in packs rather than skeins. The only draw-back however, is that they tend to break easier. Cotton knitting yarn is ideal for small hands and economical, but produces a bulkier bracelet.

Bracelet Tools

To learn more about making a variety of simple friendship bracelets, there are several DIY friendship bracelet books available that provide step-by-step directions. In addition, for those who want a quick and foolproof way to create a simple friendship bracelet, there are specially made friendship bracelet wheels that do most of the work for you. These wheels are available individually or in a friendship bracelet maker kit.

Patterns and Colors

There are a variety of patterns for simple friendship bracelets, and some of the easiest entail basic knot-tying techniques. Consumers should educate themselves on the various patterns, and then choose one that suits their liking. Experiment with different color combinations, to achieve different looks. For example, a simple friendship bracelet with a two-color striped pattern only requires two colors, whereas a rainbow-striped pattern requires six different colors.

Steps to Making a Bracelet

First, cut three strands of the friendship bracelet thread of the desired color, ensuring that each one is 6-inches long. Bring together the ends of each strand, folding them at the middle, then carefully tie a knot there, making sure to leave a small loop to fasten off the bracelet. Next, pin the knotted end to a pillow, fasten it to a clipboard, or have another person hold the end and knot the bracelet.

Spread the strands apart, being sure to keep them separated, working left to right. Take the first thread, the one farthest left, and knot it around the second thread, the one farthest right. Form the knot by looping over the second going left to right and then underneath to exit out of the loop. Tighten each knot securely, before moving on to the next knot on the same thread, forming a double knot.

Finishing Off

Still using the first thread, form two knots on the third thread, repeating the same procedure until reaching the sixth thread, the one farthest right. Now, set down the first thread at the right side, then repeat going left to right, using the second thread forming knots.

Reach the desired length and use scissors, to neatly cut the excess thread, leaving some allowance for tying around the wearer's wrist.

Click here to view Best 5 Friendship Bracelet Ideas

25 Nikon DSLR Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Camera

New DSLR, and you’re ready to dive in and take your photography to the next level. Congratulations! Make the most out of your camera with these 25 Nikon DSLR tips:

1. Read the manual

I know the first thing I always want to do when I get a new toy—play with it! But before you start swinging your new camera around, take a minute or two to look through the manual and get your camera set up correctly. You’ll likely have to set the date, time, and upload some camera software to your computer.

2. Take a class

If you’re still a little new to photography, then there is a lot to learn! Get yourself up to speed with an online course right here on Craftsy.

3. Find a community

There’s no better way to hone your skills than to surround yourself with likeminded people. Join online communities like Flickr or Nikonians.org and share work on Craftsy. Even better, find a local group that hosts events or photography gatherings.

4. Get insurance

The last thing you want to happen with your brand new DSLR is to have it broken, lost or stolen. Protect your purchase and get protection for your camera.

5. Invest in good lenses

An excellent camera is nothing without great glass in front of it. Invest in a good lens for peak performance!

6. Buy a large memory card

Not all memory cards are created equal. If you’re planning on shooting a lot of shots in between uploads (like for weddings or travel), then it’s a good idea to invest in some large and fast memory cards.

7. Keep it clean

Clean your camera regularly and store it in dry, cool places. The last thing you want is to have dust spots appearing all across your perfectly blue sky while you’re out on assignment.

8. Use aperture priority mode

One of the greatest advantages of a DSLR is having as much or as little control as you want. Take control of your aperture for stunning portrait photography.

9. Try shutter priority mode

When things start to speed up, or you want to lengthen your exposure for dark scenes, take advantage of the shutter priority mode.

10. Shoot in full manual

If you want complete and total control of over your photography, then play around with the power of full manual.

11. Pre-program your settings

Have a favorite exposure you like? Save it in your camera as a pre-programmed priority setting.

12. Check the histogram

Check your pixel data and get your perfect exposure by checking your built-in histogram.

13. Take advantage of built-in HDR

Having troubles with contrast? Enable the built-in HDR (on select models) and your Nikon will automatically combine a light and dark image to create a more balanced exposure.

14. Play with creative effects

From color sketches to selective color, you’ll have a blast with the creative effects available on many Nikon DSLR cameras.

15. Utilize your interval timer

Nikon’s DSLRs can take timers one step further. You can set up for multiple images taken within any interval over any period. Make a stop-motion or time-lapse movie with ease!

16. Record video

Nikon DSLRs have come a long way with video capabilities, with many now recording in full HD!

17. Set focus area settings

Choose from multiple focus area settings like single, multiple or 3-D to ensure clear and crisp photos every time.

18. Use continuous focus

If your subject is moving around sporadically, use continuous focus to keep up.

19. Shoot with continuous shutter release

Don’t miss a single moment of the action. With continuous shutter release, you can take pictures back-to-back within fractions of a second.

20. Customize for back-button focus

Nikon DSLRs are great in that you can even customize what the buttons do. Many professionals prefer to use the shutter as the exposure lock and focus separately using the back thumb button for ultimate precision.

21. Shoot RAW

Don’t lose precious data to jpeg compression. Shoot RAW files to edit later for beautiful, undistorted photos.

22. Get an external flash

Need a little extra light? Pop a powerful external flash right on top of your Nikon DSLR. Want even more flexibility? Get a Nikon Wireless Speedlight Commander and control your flash from anywhere.

23. Share with a Wireless Mobile Adapter

Pop a Nikon WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter on the side of your Nikon DSLR and you’ll be able to automatically transfer images to your smartphone or tablet for instant sharing!

24. Shoot in Quiet mode

One of my pet peeves is hearing the shutter release ringing through the wedding hall. Use Quiet mode and the guests won’t even know you’re behind them.

25. Practice

The final and most important tip of all is to practice! So grab your camera, get out there and get the most out of your Nikon DSLR.

Lollipop Version with a kevlar wrapping: New security includes in Android 5.0

With each new arrival of Android, we attempt to stay two stages in front of the awful fellows. Regarding security, Lollipop is the greatest overhaul for Android to date. From the minute you turn on a gadget running Android 5.0, you'll have an abundance of new security elements ensuring you, similar to encryption of course and a lock screen that is less demanding and more intense than any other time in recent memory.

The simplest way to stay safe is now even easier 

What’s the simplest way to keep the data safe and secure on your mobile device? Use a screen lock! Lost and stolen devices are the number-one security issue affecting smartphone users. Still, a lot of people using mobile devices don’t use a pin or password because it takes too long to unlock, dozens of times per day. We’re making it easier than ever with Smart Lock, which lets you tell your phone to unlock using Bluetooth pairing, NFC, or simply your smile—faster than before. Plus, you can allow certain notifications to be accessible from the lock screen, helping you quickly get at the information you need while still keeping your device protected.

More secure, from the first time you turn it on 

People use safes and combination locks to protect their physical goods. With digital information, encryption acts like a safe to protect your information from thieves and snoops. That’s why we’ve worked hard to provide this added security for our users, which will now be the default from the moment you power on a new device running Lollipop, keeping your data safer without needing you to fiddle around in the settings. Full device encryption occurs at first boot, using a unique key that never leaves the device. This is the safest way to encrypt your device, which is why it’s how we’ve built encryption on Android since it first launched three years ago.

SELinux, making Android secure enough for the most demanding customers 

Android has had a strong application sandbox since the very beginning; Security Enhanced Linux (SELinux) pushes enforcement of the Android security model further into the core of the OS and makes it easier to audit and monitor so there's less room for an attack. With Android 5.0, SELinux Enforcing mode is required for all applications on all devices. Multiple vulnerabilities have been prevented since we first introduced SELinux last year; by strengthening it even more, Android becomes a top choice for enterprise customers that have really strict security standards, such as the government. This is a feature that the broader security community helped us build, and is an example of how Android’s open nature helps make your device more secure every day.

There are a number of other features that were added to the platform to keep your devices secure. So, not only is Lollipop is the sweetest update of Android to date, we also built in a rigid (security) Lollipop stick for the core and and kevlar wrapping on the outside — to keep you safe from the bad guys, inside and out. 

Android is prepared for work know here 

A new route for the entire family to play know here

Android is prepared for work

Silk Sarees:

India is the second largest producer of silk, contributing to about 18 per cent of the world production. It will be interesting to mention who is the first one. The vibrant colours, light weight, resilience and excellent drape etc. have made silk sarees, the irresistible and unavoidable companion of Indian women. Indian silk is popular all over the world with its variety of designs, weaves and patterns.

Manufacturing process:

The entire process of starting from the eggs till the worms are grown up and cocoons are formed .The silk farmers let the caterpillars that make the largest cocoons, to turn into moths. The moths then laid eggs and the eggs hatched out more caterpillars making even bigger cocoons. Over the centuries, the size of the cocoon has increased and silkworm cocoons are now much bigger than the cocoons of other caterpillars (see picture). At least half a mile of continuous thread may come from one cocoon.

The silk threads are then dipped in colour liquid and used for preparing the colourful silk Saree. Chinese are the ones who started the manufacturing the silk sarees. Out of the numerous species of silk moths, scientists have enumerated about 70 silk moths which are of some economic value.

Although the bulk of world silk supply comes from the silk moth Bombyx  Mori which is domesticated, the other varieties of silk are known as wild silk, as they are grown in remote forest trees in natural conditions.

The four commercially known varieties of natural silk are (1) Mulberry silk (2) Tasar or Oak Tasar silk (3) Muga silk and (4) Eri silk.

    

  

Mulberry Silk:

Comes from the silk worm “Bombyx mori” which feeds on the mulberry plant. In India, the major mulberry silk producing states are Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Jammu & Kashmir.

Tasar Silk:

Less lustrous than mulberry silk, Tassar silk is used mainly for furnishings and interiors. Tasar silk is generated by the silkworm, Antheraea mylitta which mainly thrive on the food plants Asan and Arjun. It is cultivated in the states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh and Orissa, besides Maharashtra, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. A wide range of silk fabrics are produced at different production centers both Handloom and Powerlooms. A brief account of the range of fabrics is furnished below, as is known by its popular names.

Muga Silk:

The pride of Assam is known for its natural shimmering golden yellow colour. It is obtained from semi-domesticated multivoltine silkworm, Antheraea assamensis. These silkworms feed on the aromatic leaves of Som and Soalu plants. The muga silk, a high value product is used in products like sarees, mekhalas, chaddars etc.

Eri Silk:

Also known as the Endi or Errandi silk is thick, warm, soft, rare and very long lasting. India is a major producer of Eri Silk. It is grown in Assam and eastern parts of India. It is also found in Bihar, West Bengal and Orissa. Eri silk is produced by Philosamia ricini that feeds mainly on castor leaves.

A new route for the entire family to play

Whether you're attempting to enthrall a baby on a swarmed plane, empower your kid's freshly discovered affection for perusing or basically discover a motion picture for the entire family to appreciate, discovering the right substance ought to be only a tap or two away. Folks need the best for their children, yet in terms of advanced diversion, it can be hard to comprehend what to search for.

Starting today, we’re making it easier to find great family-friendly content on Google Play. Parents can now find family destinations across the Play store, with new features for browsing by age and interests. We’re also providing more useful information about apps and content on Google Play and improved tools so you can decide what’s right for your family. 

Follow the family star

On the Apps, Games and Movies & TV homepages, you can now tap the Family button to browse our new family-friendly experiences. On the Books homepage, tap the Children’s Books button. Since toddlers and tweens have different interests and abilities, these pages let you browse by age range to find content that’s the best fit for your family. Whether your child is still learning shapes and colors, or is getting into more scrapes than Judy Moody, you’ll find inspiring ideas for every age. What’s more top charts, recommendations, and even searches from family homepage are filtered to our family-friendly catalog.

Play with your favorite characters

For many of us, childhood memories include at least one favorite character: a plucky personality from a book, the superhero from a movie or a beloved stuffed animal. Characters are just as relevant today, and Lego, Barbie and other kids and family brands are some of the most popular searches on Google Play. To help you browse Google Play content around a favorite character, we have created special pages featuring dozens of top characters from across the globe, like PBS KIDS, Pororo and Peppa Pig. From the Play store app, take a tour through all of our popular characters to find apps, movies, books and more from your family’s favorites.

Empowering parents

When it comes to finding content on Google Play, our goal is to empower parents by giving them practical information and better tools for making decisions. Our new family star badges convey the specific age range that an app, movie or book was designed for. On our app detail pages, you’ll now find a new label telling you when family apps are ad-supported and new locally relevant content maturity ratings. Finally, Google Play has updated parental controls, so you can restrict downloads, purchases or streaming of mature content. 

For more on Applications click here 

Always on Apps

Watches tell the time, constantly the time, helping you keep focused and settle on fast choices initially. That is the reason Android Wear underpins dependably on screens and dependably on applications. You get the data you require the length of you need it, while saving money on battery and keeping away from arm bends just to wake your presentation.

Always-on fitness

Going out for a run? Now, you can keep an eye on distance and pace just by glancing at your watch with Endomondo, MapMyRun, and Runtastic. If golf is more your game, Golfshot gives you accurate distances from tee to pin so you can always grab the right club from your bag.

Always-on productivity

Competing in your personal weekly supermarket sweep? No need to slow down to bring out a list or phone. Just glance at your watch to see what’s next with Bring! Shopping List and Google Keep.

Always-on travel

And if you’re catching a flight, apps from American Airlines, Delta, and KLM show you flight status, gate, and seat info right on your wrist. Wearing your boarding pass keeps your phone in your bag and out of the airport lost and found.   

Fathers day Gift watches

How to send flowers to India from all over the world

The idea of sending flowers to India is not a very new concept; it has been there for a very long time at least for couple of decades. But this has just become popular with the number of online portals emerging by offering specific services like that of delivering flowers to India. This brings in a new kind of hope for people who are abroad and are unable to visit their hometowns during their special family occasions. You can be positive about this, sending flowers from various locations to your loved ones in India can do a lot good to restore your relationship with your friends and family members as flowers by nature of their fragrance and sensitivity have the special ability to invoke positive spirit among everybody.    

If you are someone who has been used to shop online, it is not at all a difficult task to send flowers to India from any location, it depends on the choice of your shopping portal and online service providers. Going by the recent trends and observation about the gifs and flowers being sent to India, people from various countries including United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia and other neighboring countries are opting for the convenience of sending occasional gifts to India by using online portals. You need not be concerned about the cost related factors as with the present scenario of e-commerce revolution happening everywhere, the prices are more or less standardized. What you should be concerned is about the reputation of the service provider and the service guarantee in terms of timely delivery and proactive communication which are very important among many other provisions we look for when we go online for shopping and sending gifts and flowers to our loved ones.          

To know How to arrange flowers Click here    

For Gift flowers Click here 

Types of Dry fruits and Their Beauty Benefits

Dry Fruits

Today, dried fruit consumption is widespread. Nearly half of the dried fruits sold are raisins, followed by dates, prunes, figs, apricots, peaches, apples and pears. These are referred to as "conventional" or "traditional" dried fruits: fruits that have been dried in the sun or in heated wind tunnel dryers. Many fruits such as cranberries, blueberries, Cherries, Strawberries and mango are infused with a sweetener (e.g. sucrose syrup) prior to drying. Some products sold as dried fruit, like papaya, kiwi fruit and pineapple are most often candied fruit. Easily to get this types of Dryfruits through online.

Benefits of Dry Fruits:

      1.    Prevent Heart Diseases

      2.    Controls Weight

      3.    Controls Blood Pressure

      4.    Beneficial for body Organs

      5.    Slows down aging

      6.    Reduce the risk of developing Cancer

      7.    Prevents Hair Loss

      8.    Maintains Cholesterol

      9.    Beneficial for Constipation

    10.  Improves Hemoglobin

Names Of Dry fruits:

Almond Nut, Raisin, Apricot Dried, Betel Nut, Cantaloupe seeds, Cashew nut, Chest Nut, peanuts, pine nuts, Dates Dried, Walnuts, Watermelon Seeds, Pine nuts, Pistachio soft, Pistachio Nuts, Currant, Fig. And these kind of Dry fruits are available in online Shopping.

3 Dry Fruits and Their Beauty Benefits:

     

     1.     Dates:

    ·         Constipation – To get the laxative effect from dates, you need to soak dates for one full night in water and consume these soaked dates in the morning like syrup.

    ·         Intestinal disorders - Continuous intake of dates helps to maintain a check on the growth of the pathological organisms and thus, helps in the rise of friendly bacteria in the intestines.

    

    2.     Cashewnut:

There is a myth about cashew nuts that they are unhealthy since they contain a lot of fats. But in reality, cashew nuts when eaten in moderation actually help you lose weight. Cashew nut oil too, is used in a number of cosmetics. It helps to reduce tan and prevents skin damage. It also helps protect your cracked heels and nourishes them. Cashew nuts are rich in Vitamin E and they have anti-ageing properties as well.

   

    3.     Raisins:

·         Bone Health – Raisins have calcium and is one of the best sources of Boron, which is        necessary for proper bone formation and absorption of calcium. Boron is particularly helpful in    preventing osteoporosis induced by menopause in women and is very beneficial for bones and joints.

·         Eye Care - Raisins have anti oxidant properties that are very good for eye health, as they protect eyes from macular degeneration, age related weakening of vision, cataract, etc. In addition, raisins contain a very good amount of vitamin A.

Pep up your saree styles for each occasion

Saree

Saree is a dress that can highlight the beauty of an Indian woman, and is one of the most adaptable clothes. For every occasion, party or event, there is a saree. For instance, you can wear heavy silk and designer sarees with bright colours for weddings.

A sari, saree or shari is a South Asian female garment that consists of a drape varying from five to nine yards (4.57meters to 8.23 meters) in length and two to four feet (60 cm to 1.20 m) in breadth that is typically wrapped around the waist, with one end draped over the shoulder, baring the midriff.

The sari is usually worn over a petticoat (called 'parkar' (परकर) in Marathi lahaṅgā or lehenga in the north; pavadai in Tamil,pavada (or occasionally langa).

Below, we have provide some tips on how to choose a saree for any special occasion and event.

For Day Time Event:

Sarees that are perfect for daytime events, have two important points, First, must be a cotton saree and second, must be light in color. You need to avoid dark colors; such as red, blue, etc., otherwise you will be looked overdressed. Choose color like light yellow, light green, light blue, cream color, etc. Besides, a white saree with designs and good-looking prints can do wonders. Remember, Lace work is best for daytime party and function.

For Office Purpose:

You must pinup your saree in office because it will be more comfortable and manageable for you. You can choose a light color like light peach, blue, pink, green, cream, and white sarees along with light embroidery work and print appropriate for the office. However, if you are going to a business meeting, then you can wear minimalistic and plain saree. You can choose cotton, raw silk or chiffon sarees with light color.

Remember, you should iron cotton saree or any other that have to starch. Pleats need to be perfectly tucked for a beautiful look. Indian sarees are popular internationally, and women across the world are enthralled by their attractiveness and make them an important part of their wardrobe.

For Festival Occasions:

On festivals like Holi, Diwali, you can go for designer net or silksarees that are available online. They can be fairly heavy and you can wear matching jewellery with them. Silk Sarees like Banarasi and South Indian Silk Sarees are also great choice to wear during festivals as they proved they give a traditional look.

For Wedding Function:

On Wedding Season you can go for Silk Saree only that are also available in online.You can choose Bright colours then only you looks bright compare with others. And you can wear matching of jewellery with them. And you can put a makeup heavily. South Indian Silk Sarees are also great choice to wear during wedding as they proved they give a traditional look.

For Party:

Party wear saree does not essentially need to western outfits. If you are going to a high profile dinner party with your husband, family or colleagues, you can wear designer or net sarees.

Tirunelveli Halwa Online

Relish your favorite Tirunelveli Halwa by hitting online shopping

If you are found of Halwa and you are also one of those people who get tempted by even a single thought about it, you don’t have rush to your regular Halwa shop next time around. You can sit at home and order Tirunelveli Halwa Online, your favorite South Indian delicacy; in fact you can do it from your work desk at your office also. For those who are yet to be lucky enough to know what this special sweet variety is, it is high time to locate a nearby shop and try it out before ordering it in bulk. It has a very unique taste and not everybody might fall for it. For those who are not so familiar with the geography of South India and Tamil Nadu, Thirunelvali is one of the popular southern cities of Tamil Nadu which is at the sea coast with a lot of prominence to people’s lifestyle.

People at this city relate so well with their identity with food and their love for sweets begin from Halwa which is a special sweet made of flour and ghee. It is believed to be made with the purest form of ghee and it has a unique taste when consumed it fresh and warm. Sometimes, it is also tasty when it has cooled down and it all funnels down to your personal choice and preference of your liking. Who can guess your taste buds behavior? When you decide to hit online shopping for buying Halwa, you need to make up your mind if you want to shop from an exclusive online portal promoting Tirunelveli Halwa or you want to shop from a popular portal which has all reputed brands. Though it is a choice you have to make, you need to be aware of the shopping policy of the respective websites and shopping portals in terms of quality, shipping and returns.