Christmas is the time when both kids and adults take a break from their normal chores and enjoy their holidays with their near and dear feasting, partying and of course shopping. The charm of twinkling stars, decorations, lights, fun and frolic in the surroundings makes this season really magical.  This is also the time most anticipated to present or exchange Christmas gifts. Who doesn’t like to receive Xmas gifts wrapped in attractive, glittery, colourful boxes?

Irrespective of whether a gift is expensive or not, it is appreciated only when appropriately chosen and gifted, keeping the preferences and needs of the receiver in mind. Hence, shopping for the best Christmas gifts can be quite challenging. But there are certain general Christmas gift ideas that can never go wrong like the Christmas cakes, nuts and sweets, chocolates and flowers. Want to be a bit more specific? Then opt for items that are gender, age and occupation specific. Home décor items, clothing and LED lights might appeal to women while men can be gifted with shoes, ties, sunglasses and men’s clothing. For kids, soft toys, school bags and dresses would make an ideal gift. Christmas gifts for friends can be anywhere from accessories to gift combos. For more ideas browse OrderYourChoice.com. This online store not only specializes in offering myriad options but also in delivering the ordered items on the said date and time anywhere in India.

Shopping from online stores is a joy that has to be experienced rather than told. It has come as a boon especially for the physically disabled and elderly people who find it difficult moving around visiting physical stores.  The user-friendly interface at OYC imparts the  pleasure of shopping and without  causing any inconvenience for such shoppers.  Using this online portal even relatives and friends who are staying abroad can order gifts for their near and dear in India and get them delivered too, free of cost.

Christmas cake pulls out all the stops

Christmas season is considered as the most magical period and is merrily spent along with close circle of friends and relatives.  Children in particular wait for this season in great anticipation so as to taste some of the appetizing varieties of Xmas cakes. Out of the many varieties of cakes that are relished during this time, Christmas plum cakes otherwise known as Christmas fruit cakes need a special mention because the celebrations would not be complete.  Made from healthy ingredients such as nuts, raisins and plums, these types stand out from all not only in terms of flavour and taste but also as a nutritious and wholesome food item.  Even the cake mixing ritual is held in a grand scale in many parts of the world since it is viewed as a time worth spent in good company, for a good cause.

Though Christmas brings in loads and loads of joy it is also true that the period turns out to be a hectic one. Many spend more time and stay occupied in cleaning, decorating their homes and Christmas trees and also shopping for gifts. In these circumstances, even the thought of baking cakes at home can make their heads spin. It will be wise to spend the day relaxed rather than baking cakes. Do not let the task dampen your spirits during this festive time. Thankfully, OrderYourChoice.com offers Christmas cakes that are baked to perfection, that too at best prices. You simply have to place an order online and have the cakes delivered at the preferred time and location. Since OYC takes the responsibility of delivering Christmas cake all across India, you can even send them as a surprise gift. With the eggless Christmas cake option available at this online cake shop, you can even gift it to your vegan or egg intolerant kith and kin. Want something special impressive yet affordable?  Here you go. You can either choose to personalize cakes or choose the combo offer comprising of Chocolates, nuts, sweets and flowers. Why wait? Visit OrderYourChoice.com, now.

The colorful roses and meanings

The rose is a flower that has sparked the imagination and touched the hearts of so many people; there is no other flower that has been the highlight of a person’s day; the gift of love and happiness, bringing two people together, or the gift symbolizing the grief felt at the passing of somebody loved. The rose, this beautiful delicate flower is a flower more famous then any other in the whole world.

Red Roes: Love, Romance

Long associated with beauty and perfection, red roses are a time-honored way to say “I love you.” Whether it’s for a birthday, Valentine’s Day or just to express appreciation on any old day, there’s no better way than a bouquet of red roses to express your feelings.

Red roses are given to those who you want to show love and passion, people who you have great respect for, and those who have shown great courage.

The quantity can also have a special meaning. A single red rose shows love, a dozen shows gratitude, twenty-five shows congratulations and fifty show unconditional love. Two red roses tied together symbolize an engagement.

Pink Rose: Love, Attitude and Appreciation

A classic symbol of grace and elegance, the pink rose is often given as a token of admiration and appreciation. Whether they’re for your best friend, fiancée or ever-dependable cubicle mate, a pink rose bouquet will create a bright spot in a special someone’s day.

Deep pink is used for appreciation and gratitude, whereas light pink conveys admiration and sympathy, and peach roses are given to show modesty.

White Rose: Marriage, Purity

White roses are traditionally associated with marriages and new beginnings, but their quiet beauty has also made them a gesture of remembrance. When the occasion calls for reverence, whether stately or somber, a bouquet of white rose is a perfect way to say, “I’m thinking of you.”

A white rose that has been dried means "Death is Preferable to Loss of Virtue". A whithered white rose represents fleeting beauty, or given to show that no impression was made.

Orange Rose: Desire, passion

Colors range from bright orange to coral. Verities include Tropical Amazon, Marlyse, and Sari.

Orange roses are given to those who you desire, those you want to get to know better, or those who you are proud of.

Yellow Rose: Friendship, joy

When it comes to sending a joyful message, yellow roses are your best friend. In fact, yellowroses are a traditional symbol of friendship, so there you go. With their warm, sunny disposition, a bouquet of yellow roses tends to light up the room, making them a perfect way to say thanks, get well, congratulations or just, “Hey, thanks for being you.” Sending flowers to your loved ones using online methods .

Yellow and White Quilled Jhumkas

Here is a tutorial on making a pair of quilledjhumkas with studs using paper quilling strips.

Tools Needed:

• paper quilling strips
• flat back pearls.
• Wire Cutter
• Round Nose Pliers
• Flat Nose Pliers

Making process of Quilled Jhumkas:

Step 1:

Insert a paper strip in a slotted quilling needle.

Keep quilling till you make a tight coil of the desired size. Quilling strips of two colors were glued together before quilling the coil. Glue the end so that the coil is secure.

Step 2:

Slide and remove the coil from the slotted tool.

Step 3:

Using your finger gently push from the center of one side of the coil to form a cup like structure. Apply a coat of fabric glue on the inside of the cup and the outside. Allow it to dry. The structure will be secure now.

Step 4:

Insert an eye pin from the bottom of the cup. Insert a small metal bead spacer on the top. Make a small loop at the top of the jhumka as shown. Round nose pliers have been used to make this loop.

Step 5:

Insert a jump ring into the loop. You can use flat nose pliers to open and close the jump ring. Now for the top part or the stud, make a smaller tightly quilled paper coil.

Step 6:

Glue on a flat back pearl at the center of this coil. This step is optional.Now apply glue on a earring post.Attach the small coil made in step 12 to the earring post. It has to hold on well… allow it to dry completely.

Step 7:

Slide the jump ring attached to the jhumka in the wire of the earring post and insert the ear backs.Repeat the steps above for the other earring.  And we have the completed pair of quilled jhumkas…

Varieties of Jhumka Collections

Silver meenakari jhumkas:

Women mostly likes meenakari work on silver jhumkas. Meenakari is the art of coloring and ornamenting the surface of metals by fusing over it brilliant colors that are decorated in an intricate design. Meenakari adds a very royal look to the silver jhumkas.

Antique peacock jhumkas:

Known as antique rajasthani jhumkas, these jhumkas are a result of deep fascination with the rich culture and art in Rajasthan in India. The peacocks, known as mayuras, symbolize rain and prosperity. These jhumkas are stunningly gorgeous and adds oomph to your look. Suits with Indian attires mainly.

Silver jhumkas with pearl:

These are 92.5 silver jhumkis which have intricate flower designs engraved on them and dangling small pearls. These are more ethnic, and look gorgeous with sarees. Absolutely stunning.

Silver Jhumkas:

These are my absolute favorite. They are gorgeous, stylish, elegant and adds a touch of sophistication to your whole look.

Hoop with jhumkas:

Jhumkas and hoop earrings combined together. They are cute, chic and pretty wearable.

Ruby Jhumkas:

These beautiful red stoned jhumkas are completely royal! Love the traditional yet sophisticated look it gives when worn!

Pearl Jhumkas:

Simple yet elegant, pearl jhumkas can be worn for daily wear or parties and other functions. In these type of jhumkas, pearls are strung across the circumference of the Jhumka  and a pearl drop is hung in the middle.

Terracotta Jhumkas:

Terracotta is the present day young girls’ latest addiction! Made of clay, these signature pieces add some class to whatever you choose to wear!

Diamond Jhumkas:

The dazzling diamond jhumkas are always a hit with a crowd! Nothing can ever match the sparkling effect that it gives!

Ideas for Janmashtami

Janmashtami:

Sri Krishna is considered as the one of the most powerful human incarnations of the Lord Vishnu. He was born around 5,200 years ago in Mathura. The sole objective of Sri Krishna's birth was to free the Earth from the evilness of demons. He played an important role in Mahabharata and propagated the theory of bhakti and good karma which are narrated deeply in the Bhagwat Geeta.

The Janmashtami celebration of Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Sri Krishna had spent his life, are very special. On this day temples and homes are wonderfully decorated and illuminated. Night long prayers are offered and religious mantras are sung in the temples.

Pooja Accessories:

Pooja accessories can one of the most loved gifts on Janmashtami. Pooja accessories can include anything that can be used for the purpose of performing puja.

• pooja diyas
• puja thali
• set of incense sticks
• idols
• sculptures
• candles

Krishna Images and Sculptures:

1. Lord Krishna is the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The presence of Krishna in any home brings joy and love to every home. So, let your home be blessed by the celestial music of Krishna.

2. You can also choose Radha-Krishna images and photos for your home as well as for gifting.

3. There can image of Radha and Krishna in Vrindaban or Krishna image in ‘raas leela’.

Gifts:

Send best wishes with dry fruits basket. These baskets are filled to the rim and brimming with joy and happiness and will definitely bless you and your family on the birthday of Lord Krishna. Celebrate the occasion of Janmashtami with packets of dry fruits.

Sweets Gifts Hamper:

Sweet gift hamper should contain all kinds of traditional sweets made for the celebration if Janmashtami. It can include kaju burfi, ladoos, sohan halwa, and vermicelli box. Besides, you can also purchase sweets from outside and gift it. If you include packets of salty snacks too in this gift hamper, your friends and relatives would really love it. 

        

How to make Sugar Free Chocolate

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup good quality Cocoa Powder
• 80g Cocoa Butter (available from health food stores)
• 1/4 cup Dextrose Syrup (see instructions below)

Making the sweet Liquid:

In a small saucepan combine 1 cup The Sugar Breakup Dextrose with 1 cup water.

Stir until the dextrose has dissolved then boil gently on a low/medium heat for about 10 minutes until the quantity has reduced to 1 cup in total and it has turned into a slightly syrupy consistency.

Making the Chocolate:

Place the cocoa butter in a heat proof bowl over a saucepan of boiling water and stir until just melted.

Add the cocoa powder and ¼ cup of the sweet liquid then using a stick blender combine all the ingredients until smooth.

Presentation of the Chocolate:

We spread the chocolate out on a sheet of baking paper and dotted mixed nuts making it a bar.

You could make plain chocolate and break it up for choco chips, give the chocolate a sprinkle of sea salt (sounds weird but sea salt and chocolate are fantastic together). Add a dash of coffee or, to be extra fancy, pipe it into moulds.

If you’re using moulds then we recommend using silicon based moulds which work better when it’s time to take the chocolate out.