Hey everyone,

This was originally going to be a video but instead I thought I would discuss it with you on here. I know that everyone struggles with finding gifts for people at least once in their lives so I have a few tips to help you.

1. Something they want
Usually people leave hints around this time and if they don't then you could always ask their best friends or their family for ideas on what they want. Even ask them for a wishlist.

2. Something they need
Don't be boring by buying a pair of socks but if they literally do need a pair of socks then by some with a cute pattern or something. Often the best presents are things that the person actually needs. Get something for them that they need.

3. Something to wear
Honestly I think my favourite gifts I get is things that I can wear but that's just me. However everyone could use something to wear as you can never have enough clothing pieces. It doesn't have to be expensive either. A scarf or beanie is perfect for if you live in the northern hemisphere and sunglasses or jewellery is perfect for the southern hemisphere.

4. Something to read
Even if your friend or family member isn't as big a read as me, a book to read is a really good idea. If they don't read or hate reading, (I'm going to be honest and say that I know a fair few who despise the thing) there is the option of fashion books for women and gaming books for men. There are so many books which has little words to read but is still really great. On the other hand if they are a reader like me then you can literally buy any book in the store and they will be happy. However if they are REALLY into reading then rather get a gift card because you don't want to buy a book that they already have ;)

5. Something to eat
Let's just be real for a second. No matter who you are, Christmas time is the time when diets are forgotten and everyone goes wild with treats and seasonal desserts. If you get some sweet or chocolate that is seasonal, I can almost 100% guarantee that they will be happy with it.

6. Something to make
I get to live through the christmas with lego cars and loom bands everywhere since I have little siblings and I know for a fact that they love to make things and if it keeps their energetic little bodies still for a little while then that's a bonus but these 'making' gifts aren't just an idea for kids. This like cookbooks are more suitable for adult and teens. You may question why someone would want something they can make something out of it. Here's the thing, if they have siblings then they will know that if they just get clothes and books and sweets, they can't help but feel a little twang of jealousy as their siblings play on the floor. Giving someone a gift with an action attached makes a perfect gift. It also prolongs the gift experience :)

7. DIY something
Not all gifts need to be bought from some expensive store. If you search YouTube right about now, you should find 1000s of DIY gift ideas. Some are actually so stunning. It could save you some money so I would recommend checking it out :)

Hey everyone
I recently went to a Canon Roadshow. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's basically where the people from Canon explain some tips about taking photos and films and what cameras they use. I learnt quite a bit this year as I did last year. Today I thought I'd share the tips with you. Here are a few tips I have learnt:

1. Always shoot in raw.
I have always loved black and white photos but a tip that I have learnt is to shoot the photo in raw which means that when you take a photo, you don't add a filter before. All editing should be done afterwards to get a better photo.


2. Capture Emotion
Emotion is extremely important when taking photographs. It is the base to any photograph. A smile or serious face can evoke completely different vibes and feelings towards the photograph. Make sure you take a photo in which the lighting helps elevate the emotion. This can be done with softer tones for a happier emotion whilst harsher tones for a more gripping and serious photo.

Always capture the subject of interest using the rule of thirds. The rule of thirds is very basically a guide or 3 x 3 blocks in a grid placed over the image in order to get the right composition. If you need more information then you can find out more here

Hey everyone
Last week Wednesday was my sister's 16th and I made these cupcakes for her. I wanted to try something different. I love cupcakes and so does my family, I mean who doesn't love them? With the thought of still wanting to do something different still in my mind I decided to just start on the cupcakes. That when I decided to put colour inside to cupcake by colouring some of the mixture.

All went well until I discovered we had little icing sugar... far from enough to make enough icing for all the cupcakes. What I did see was a packet of Jelly (know as Jello) in our cupboard and the thought of wether Jello/Jelly icing exists. While my cupcakes were in the oven I began search and surely enough I found an amazing recipe and tried it out.

Cupcake Recipe:

Ingredients:
2/3 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup superfine sugar
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 12 cup muffin pan or line with paper baking cups.
2. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Stir in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each one. Stir in the vanilla and flour just until mixed. 
3. Place a small amount of the mixture into a small bowl and add a 1-2 drops of food colouring. Spoon the uncoloured batter into the prepared cups, dividing evenly. Then spoon in the coloured batter on top.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the tops spring back when lightly pressed, 18 to 20 minutes. Cool in the pan set over a wire rack. When cool, arrange the cupcakes on a serving platter.

Jello/Jelly Icing:

Ingredients:
1 package Jello/Jelly (pick your flavour/colour, not sugar free)
2/3 cups sugar
1 egg white
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup boiling water (must be boiling to dissolve the sugar)

Method:

1. Put everything except boiling water in a metal/glass bowl.
2. Turn an electric mixer on and beat together as the boiling water is added.
3. Whip on high for five minutes. 
4. Will frost 24 cupcakes

 








I think they came out really well and taste incredible! I highly recommend giving it a try and please let me know if you do and what you think!

On Saturday I was lucky enough to spend some time with all the children from my church's Sunday school. We went to this beach resort and had breakfast together at this really really long table. Afterwards the kids were free to swim in the beautiful pool and just have fun. I was there happily with my camera. Here are a few shots of the day.