Imagination At Work

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Tips for Flawless Portrait Photography

All novices on alert! Ok, some professionals too! Shooting pictures of landscapes, pets and other immovable objects is indeed a pleasure especially when they come out really good. But do you ever think of reworking on your photography skills on portrait photography? How many times have you taken a friend's photo on your smartphone only to realize that they could have come better? While the convenience of digital photography is existent, I will show you some steps to get portrait photography accurately in the first shot itself.

Proper Focus on Subject

Portrait photography is not something which simply includes a happy shutterbug and his subjects. Thoughtful focus with great imagination is the stepping stones to a beautiful portrait. The combination of perfect lighting, appropriate lenses and the correct frame is what you must focus on. Your subject should be fully comfortable while you work, and this harmonization can create perfect imagery. Many people find it uncomfortable while facing the camera and a good photographer always wins over his subjects circumspectly.

Lighting Conditions

Shooting outdoors on a bright sunny day may not be the perfect milieu for portrait photography. Careful funneling of natural light is necessary for the ideal shot. If you are not a professional photographer, you may try to move your subject for the best light exposure. Avoid getting too much sunlight directly on your lens as it will spoil the image. Keep the sun behind you while taking portrait photos. Indoor photography can be simulated with additional props, but you can also improvise with household items.

Use an ordinary umbrella lined with reflective work on the inner portion; put a cloth sheet on a wall for preferred background or you may also use white cardboard sheets or polystyrene for better light positioning.

Fun with Props

Getting your subject involved with props is better than having them stare into the lens. While both ways are acceptable, prop photography especially on portraits is better. Using props for taking pictures of your subject allows for more possibilities and diversity of shots. You can keep just one pose and alter the direction of the props for additional images too. Try to get natural images while your subject experiments with the props. Natural shots look way better than having someone literally pose for the camera.

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Retain the Sheen on Your Silverware

While gold is a costlier metal than silver, the latter has been used extensively for cutlery and even art. Whether you have antique figurines, candelabrums jewelry or serving plates, items made of silver lose their gleam over a period of time. Fortunately, silver can be polished and made to look as good as new. But there is a proper way to do it otherwise you might ruin the original luster of the article. Here I have put in some of my personal experiences while dealing with sliver.

 Preparing the Silver

Before we get to work on the silver item, it is necessary to remove all the old grime and dirt that accumulated from all these years. Antique silverware tends to get sticky and messy and acetone is the best solution to remove all the muck. So if you got an antique collector's item from the five and dime store, make sure to use acetone for removing all the surface dirt. Use a Q-tip swab or balls of cotton and begin cleaning section after section. Acetone will render your silver free form all the stickiness and dirt.

 Polishing Progression

After your silver has been cleaned of all the surface dirt, begin polishing it with a good brand of polish. There are several brands of silver polish available in the market and use any one of reputed brand. Silver polish is not expensive and you can get an eight to twelve ounce bottle for 5 to 15 dollars. It is not necessary to buy the most expensive silver polish in the convenience store. Blitz, Hagerty Silversmith or any ozone-friendly polish is good enough for the job.

 After Effects for Your Sliver

Once you have done with cleaning and polish, wipe down the article with a slightly damp cloth. If you keep silver out in the open, it may need frequent maintenance to preserve the sheen. If you intend on stowing it away, do not wrap them in plastic. Simply roll the silver in old newspapers and then seal them shut in a zipper bag.

Things to avoid:

1. Do not try to dislodge old dirt on silver by placing the item in an oven.

2. Do not soak your silverware in acidic solutions as it may ruin them with prolonged immersion.

3. Do not use abrasive cleaners or rags for polishing silver. It will scour the original finish.

There is nothing known as a 'quick-fix' while cleaning your sliver. Maintaining your silverware is a time consuming process but is a rewarding experience once you are done.

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Removing Hard Water Stains Easily

While modern glassware and cutlery are designed to withstand salty and alkaline deposits, cleaning a classic glassware item could require a meticulous approach. Almost every modern home has a household cleaner; it may not be capable of removing hard water stains easily. Before you attempt to clean any glassware of hard water stains, it is better to check the quality of water in your household. Installing a water softener should be the first step towards clean silverware.

Spotless Countertops

Removing hard water stains or other marks from countertops is now simple by a combination of hot water mixed with potent vinegar. Add this concoction to a spray bottle and squeeze in some lemon juice. Use this mixture directly on stains and use an abrasive scourer after soaking the stain for 15 minutes. Scrub away lightly till the stain has disappeared.

 Cutlery and Glassware

Removing stains and hard water spots on your glassware and cutlery can also be done by the above solution. However, you must use a prescribed cleaning product while cleaning utensils in the dishwasher. Prolonged use of vinegar and salts may clog the moving parts of the dishwasher. Alternately, you could make a paste like solution as a good scrub for difficult stains. Mix vinegar with baking soda of form a paste and rub the solution on the affected area with a toothbrush.

Averting Hard Water Marks

After all the cleaning is done, you must make sure to rid the problem from the root. If you have hard water supply to your home, install a water softener to eradicate water spots completely. Otherwise the salt deposits will come back again and again to your dishes and glassware.

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Rules and Tricks for Flash Photography

So you got the latest DSLR and are ready to conquer the odds! Well, hold on a bit. Is it really that easy to wield a hi-fi digital camera and get the best shots possible? Everyone can take great pictures with natural light but things usually get out of hand in artificial light. Setting up large floodlights and reflectors may seem to be the ideal solution, but everyone cannot afford the expensive equipment. Here I present some economical ways of taking pictures in low-light and incandescent lighting situations.

Prepare for the Milieu

If it’s a party you are taking photos of or a night out at the beach, you must know the differences and prepare accordingly. Ensure that your camera has a built in flash; a hot-shoe for external flash is a very useful plus point. You may even use an auxiliary flash with a plug-in socket for better illumination. An external flash unit with a tilt-able (90 deg) bounce head is the perfect source of artificial light. Make sure to get a good one within your budget.

 Lighting Settings

Even if you are shooting indoors try to use ambient lighting for a natural feel. Of course, you will need to turn on the flash on a dance floor as such areas are poorly lit. Indoor areas with sufficient illumination may not require you to turn on your flash. However, if you need additional lighting, do not aim your flash directly at your subject rather point it towards the ceiling to get a spread of diffused light. Bounced off light also reduces red eyes of your subjects and creates a natural effect.

Equipment and Camera Setting

A wireless flash which works on the IR (infrared) system is best for low-light photography. Such flash units allow you to place the flash at another angle while being disconnected from the camera body. There is a small antenna which fixes on your hot-shoe and activates the IR flash which is placed at a strategic location. Installing a diffuser on the flash works perfectly; especially when you have to point the flash towards your subject.

1. Install a 'light scoop' if you cannot invest in an external flash

2. Get a diffuser if you are using the hot-shoe installed slash

3. Always work via the manual mode of your DSLR camera and avoid the auto

4. Exposure of the lens must be set to the Spot Meter

5. Preferable ISO setting should be set at 800

6. Ideal shutter speed for lowlight and flash photography is 1/2000

7. Maximum aperture settings must be set on the camera

 While implementing bounce flash photography, ensure the ceilings of the area are not too high as the light wont bounce on the subject. Use a diffuser or a light-scoop for such areas.

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Tipping in Today's World

All of us have been to restaurants, availed special services and been in other situations where 'tips' are a customary practice. While we all know the customary practice of tipping 10 to 20 percent at restaurants, what is the practice with other services? Here I have put down a few organizations and discussed about their tipping processes.

House Cleaners

How often have you called in the house cleaners to do their act? Do you simply pay what's on the tab or do you treat them a little extra as appreciation? House cleaners have to undergo several shifts in a day which can make them fatigued and exhausted. While they do not expect tips at all from customers, it is a good idea to gift them with a box of chocolates or a little pay-packet once a year.

Most agencies for house cleaning are quite expensive and it may not be necessary for you to tip them profusely. Just a kind gesture at Christmastime can be a good idea to make them feel good.

Packers and Movers

Moving companies' personnel have to deal with lifting heavy weights and boxes on a daily basis. Doesn’t this entitle them to a little tip? Moving can be a hectic process in which both parties may have their share of endurances. If you have the funds, and extra 5 or 10 dollars doesn’t harm the wallet. You won't find movers asking for tips and companies do not expect customers to pay after estimating a large bill.

Grateful clients do show their appreciation and a short move ought to end with a ten or twenty dollar tip. Larger and long hauls may be topped off with a larger appreciation though.

Animal Grooming

Pet groomers have all the reasons to rejoice as this is the finest industry for acquiring tips. You will often find well-heeled patrons with exotic dog breeds giving a call to the groomer at least twice a month. More often, owners tend to groom their pets for entering contests and this is the time when groomers bag the maximum tips. Apart from luxury services, regular pet-groomers make an average of $2 per dog.

Most agencies do not ask for tips but a large number of clients do show their gratitude. Animal grooming is also becoming a coveted career these days.

Car Wash

Automated car washes may not have a special tip box outside, but manual washing and detailing agencies might have one on the exit. A regular car wash may include vacuum cleaning, detailing and towel drying by hand which is an intricate process. Regular cars may attract a 2 dollar tip whereas larger vehicles as SUVs and trucks draw around $5. Usually, the tips are distributed among the staff equally.

If you don’t see a tip box at the exit, just offer a couple of bucks to the last person who tended your car. Some people go blatant by providing 15% for a complete detailing!

Beauty Salon/Barbers

Most cabbies make a dollar or two for short trips which is similar to the tips at a regular barber. Just a shave or a haircut may get a higher gratuity than the usual 2-5$. However, elaborate spas and health resorts may expect 15% of the total expense. It is a good practice to tip the person who just made you feel and look a lot better, even if it's not mandatory.

On the other hand, exotic clubs might not encourage tipping as their bills already are skyrocketing. Stylists have their own tales of customers who tip regularly and those who don’t at all.

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Better Photography on a Budget

When I started out on my first assignment, I did not have the latest gadgets and hi-fi equipments as other photographers in my troupe. I had to go with an old Vivitar and just two lenses (tele and macro) with a newly added stock of batteries and memory sticks. Little did I realize back then that I had enough tools for enhanced picture taking as I emerged second in the rankings! Similarly, you can also pursue your photographic skills on a shoestring budget. Below I have conjured a little list that might come in handy for all you budding photographers.

 Choosing Your Weapon

Just as a soldier treats his gun as a weapon, I also visualize my camera as my weapon. If you are waiting to get the latest model DSLR, do not go blatant by purchasing it on the launch date. Wait for a few days and get to know all the reviews about your preferred choice of camera. You might even save a couple of bucks as everything is expensive at the time of its launch. Some additional points are:

1. Try going in for pre-owned lenses and camera bodies

2. Battery packs and travel chargers should always be purchased new

3. Inspect used camera bodies and flash units properly before buying

4. If you need something fast, simply rent it out for the time being.

It is not necessary to buy the latest and most flashy model of cameras and accessories. Just go for what you need and rely on an authorized source.

 Experiment with Affordability

Even after procuring your camera and other equipment, you might need software for processing your shots. Before you do that, take time out and explore the capabilities of your camera. If you need special props for lighting effects, try to formulate them at home instead of going blatant on new models in the market.

Do not become bankrupt on costly accessories, but get something the best which you can afford. Coming back to the software, you could begin with free ones on the internet and 'borrow' a licensed copy from a friend to cut on costs. Premium software must be purchased and pirated copies must be avoided. Do write in your thoughts on better photo taking and share them here with us. 

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The Dirty Half Dozen: Marvel Comics Pre-Age of Ultron

Suggestive of the given name, the Dirty Half Dozen is the nineteenth episode of the TV series of the Agents of SHIELD. The program was aired just recently on 28th April 2015 and has a lot on offer. The episode begins on a light note and includes a whole lot of fun. The episode is carried on from the previous "Frenemy of My Enemy" which portrayed Phil Coulson teaming up with Grand Ward reluctantly. Both of them along with Maya Stojan (Agent 33) Lance Hunter, Leo Fritz and Death Head track down Chloe Benett using the Hydra informant.

 This week's episode brings out the 'The Dirty Half Dozen' with a vengeance which is reminiscent of an Age of Ultron prequel. Gonzalez and Coulson form a cautious alliance to destroy Hydra altogether. Coulson further unites with his previous team of six which formed the Agents of the SHIELD to rescue Lincoln and Deathlok while destroying Hydra. In the intervening time, Ruth Negga (Raina) comes to know about her inner powers and attempts to harness them for good. 

With the classic six members of the Agents of the SHIELD united again, the gang swears vengeance on all evil doers. However, Ward comes in to action and attempts killing the SHIELD agents and tries to throw Simmons and Fritz into the ocean but is unsuccessful in his attempts. The SHIELD team takes on a different approach altogether which is quite different than their first appearance. Season two has many add-ons than the initial period and spices up the disposition of the viewers. Simply can't wait for the next episode!

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Making a Quick Buck with Digital Photography

If you 'think' you have what it takes to be a professional photographer, you have already begun the ascent to success. Professional photography is not about simply taking loads of pictures for your client and sending the best shots from the lot. It takes time and you got to start small in the beginning. Older times had reeled cameras which produced expensive photos but the modern world has digitalized tools to reduce costs. Today I share some tips by which you can make some good money out of your photo taking talents.

 Set a Budget

Make sure to chalk out a financial plan for your equipment and stick to that plan. You need not purchase a truckload of different lenses and camera bodies when you can do with just a few. Usually, most of the budding cameramen carry a single camera body and two to three lenses at a time. You might want to invest in memory sticks as you will need a lot of them for practice and actual shoots.

1. Deter from buying voraciously expensive tripods as cheap ones also function as good

2. Battery packs, lenses and memory space should be on your shopping list

 Master the Art to Perfection

Do not expect people to hire a novice for professional photo shoots. If you have the talent, you must learn how to portray them skillfully on a budget. If there are no financial constraints, you may take up a 'proper' photography classes for improving your skills. Joining a photography club in your precinct will also bear positive fruit to augment your photography talent.

1. Find a guru or someone proficient under whom you can work and learn the skills

2. Participate in online contests, quizzes and competitive matches to hone your expertise

 Choosing Your Style of Photography

You will find a large number of people with DSLR cameras posing as multi-talented professionals. While all might not be erroneous, a larger number of people cannot excel in different forms of photography. For instance, if you are good at shooting wildlife, then portray your skills only as a 'wildlife photographer' for the time being and do not include other portfolios. This piece of advice is especially for youngsters who wish to travel in two boats at a time.

1. Select only one type of photography at a time

2. Take cues from other's works and adapt to it with your own ideas

 Get Involved in Networking

Spreading the word is very necessary if you wish to make a quick buck from photography. You cannot expect to put all your work on social media sites and wait for people to contact you. A step by step upgrade of the ladder is the best way to work your-self to the top. Try to meet a lot of people and let them know about your talent. Start by providing low-cost services and step up the hierarchy once you get distinction.

1. Teaming-up with professional organizations will boost your photography career to the hilt

2. Make sure not to overcharge NGOs and keep moderate fees to attain prominence in the field.

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When will Matt Cutts Return?

Last year when I was attending an SEO seminar in Seattle WA, we told by a convener to follow in Matthew Cutts footsteps and the gesture sounded quite rational for SEO. While presently it is unsure whether Matt has returned from his exile, but we do get his updates recurrently. Most of us know that his vacation from Google has proved fruitful and he may extend his leave. However, that must not obstruct an ardent SEO devotee from following his updates, feeds and tweets regularly. Here, in this article we will reflect why it is advantageous to follow in Matt's footsteps.

 Google Hates Spam

Since Matthew Cutts is head of anti-spam department at Google, it is advisable to stay out of the spamming arena. I've noticed how young businesspeople promote their wares on the internet and keep on persisting in propagating their wares. The principal way is to reach out to the audience in an ethical manner and not by spamming them with frequent updates. The approach of conducting SEO has rapidly changed, and being a novice I tread my promotional path cautiously. And believe me, I have not got a single grievance from my members or any web related issues till now; touch wood!

 The Return of the Monarch

While it is uncertain when Matt will ever return, he did his homework well with the anti-spam team at Google. The team's webmasters and engineers continue to follow the guidelines of Cutts, and it is yet too early to quote how Google is doing in his absence. It has been a while since he tweeted anything about principled SEO: the last tweet being on 29th November. His last tweet may not appear as anything related with SEO, but it surely changes the perspective of people viewing their habits and usual inclination. We could just cross our fingers and hope for fresh updates from Matthew and anticipate his return from 'exile'. Till then, do stay tuned for some more SEO related gossip and share your thoughts here too!

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How to Avoid Camera Shake

How often have you come across blurry pictures after taking photographs? Of course the digitalized cameras of today allow the user to take another snap, but repeated image-blur can get on anyone's nerves. Using a zoom lens often requires a prop or tripod, but you can take excellent pictures without costly props. Today I will share some effective tips by which you can take clearer pictures and eliminate camera shake completely.

 Keep those Elbows In

No matter what speed you set your shutter in, you must keep your elbows close as possible to reduce camera quiver. Exhaling your lungs completely before hitting the shutter also does wonders for an incredible picture. Press the elbows firmly into the chest but don’t get uncomfortably deliberate in the act. This posture works fine for good stability.

 Raise the Shoulder

Raising a shoulder which is diagonally opposite to your eye while taking pictures is good for image stability! I use my right eye for the view-finder and hence raise my left shoulder while keeping the right closely pressed against the chest. Once again, proper breathing with a quick exhale before pressing the shutter is good for reducing shake.

 Use Knees as a Tripod

It is quite inconvenient to carry a cumbersome tripod to your weekend bash or any function. In fact, you need not carry a tripod at all since you could use your body as the same. Rest your elbow on your knee or get in that sniper position to eliminate blurs from the picture. The other shoulder must also be used appropriately as depicted in the above step.

 Get Laid on the Floor

Okay, this one has some pun intended! If you find a clean space for lying flat, simply do it. The closer you are to earth, the more stable your camera will be which will result in superb pictures. If you can't get down on a soiled pavement, simply grab a brick or stone to rest the lens on it while keeping the camera at floor position. This one is really something about getting down to earth (sic).

If you are aware of a machine gunner's stance, use this position to cradle your weapon (camera). This position may not work for me, but it may prove effective for you. Try it out and implement if it works; otherwise stick to the steps given above. Leaning against a tree or a wall will also aid in stability. So just grab your camera (compact or DSLR) and try out these easy steps given for reducing camera shake.

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Create Your Photography Website in 3 Easy Steps

So you have honed your skills adequately to flaunt your work to the world! Right, it's time to settle down for a fully fledged website which can portray your work with your name on the domain. And yes, hosting is completely free on some platforms to create a purely user-friendly website in just a few minutes. Apart from having an account each on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus, I realized it was time to move on for newer sources to show my work online.

 What are the best options for a Photography Website?

Flickr, Tumblr and Pintrest are leading players for sharing images, but I found them a bit restrictive with limitations only to images. Okay, every portal is unique in its own way and I am not negating any source. What I was looking for was a combination of sharing photos, videos, songs, blogs and general comments on a regular basis for a site. Of course I could have made a page on Facebook, but I already have done that. So a little bit of research landed me with two new but great sources for building my photography website - Hello.uno and About.me.

 Three Easy Steps -

The procedure for creating your website on Hello.uno or About.me is simple as child's play. You need to simply do the following:

- Choose a cool domain name

- Set up a password

- Fill up the site with your work

I realized that that is possible to create a new photography website with just one click if I had a Facebook account. So I did just that and all my Facebook related items could be transferred to my new website with a few clicks. It's really that simple. No pesky coding, no HTML, nothing. I did not transfer many things from my Facebook profile since I want my website to be different and unique than others.

You may also try out these amazing new sources for creating your unique photography (or any other) website. Enjoy and write in about your experience! 

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Choosing the Right Lens for Your DSLR

I finally bought my DSLR last summer after saving up for almost half a year. The stock lens 18-55mm was quite okay for close shots and I soon realized I need a bigger lens. Well, actually I had been on a field trip with some of the most experienced photo-takers of my area and shooting far-off animals was difficult. So I got busy with the drawing boards and jotted down some of the things while choosing the correct lens for my D5000.

 Get Your Basics Right

Every website I visited greeted my with a whole lot of numbers and photography jargons. Since I am not so aware with all the technical aspects, I took the help of a friend who has been shooting people and nature since a decade. Every lens has a set of specifications which you must know and pay accordingly. My basic 18-55mm was appropriate for closer subjects and I realized the more 'mm' the better zoom I could go. However, stability issues crop up with a larger lens since I had used a 70-300 and found blurred results.

1. A VR lens is better if you are opting for a zoom lens

2. Up to 300mm is quite sufficient for multipurpose shots

3. Wildlife photography may require more than 300mm lenses

4. Focal length plays a vital role for distant objects

5. Maximum aperture is best for low light conditions

 Which Lens Is Best For You?

I got a normal lens with my Nikon which is good enough for day to day shooting, and I needed a zoom lens for the occasional field trips. For people on a low budget, a 300mm Nikkor lens can be costly but there are cheaper alternatives in the market. I settled down for a Sigma AF with VR 70-300mm which was well within by budget. I also traded my stock 18-55 for an 18-50 from an online bargain store.

Regular Photography - Your stock lens is capable enough to handle day to day photo-taking. This lens is fine for travelling as it does not take up much space.

Street Photography - Whole you could get spectacular close-up shots with a F2.8 300mm, it is best to carry a 35-50mm lens. Something like a Sigma F1.4 35mm or a Fuji F1.4 23mm XF works fine.

Action Photography - Capturing fast moving (closer) objects can be handled well with an F/4-5.6 55-250mm lens. A Canon F/4L 70-200mm USM is better if you need more speed.

It all rounds-off to the pricing factor eventually. If you are on a shoestring budget, you may go ahead with other brands which offer the same quality. While camera bodies are not recommended to be purchased used, good condition lenses are a good bargain at the seconds shop. Do write in your comments and thoughts on my amateur attempt of writing. Ciao!

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We can all make little changes that will impact our environment. 🌎#earthday #earthday2015 #reuse #recycle #onlyoneplanet #nasa #earth #planet

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10 posts!

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6 Easy & Healthy Snacks Especially for Kids

The local store is full of ready-to-munch appetizers and snacks and do not cost much but can premature obesity to any kid. I had been looking around the marts for healthy alternatives but could not find many on the list. While the occasional cereal is rather healthy, kids usually get bred of having them every morning. Here are some special snacks that even kids can make themselves in a jiffy! 

1. Ants on a log

This one certainly is a classic, but I tend to use eggless mayo or peanut butter on celery or even carrot sticks. Another alternative to this snack can be ants on vacation which does not include raisins. Ants on a log include celery sticks topped with peanut butter or cheesy mayonnaise with a few raisins for garnish.

 2. Fruit Smoothies

I generally keep a lot of fruits in the house to calm a hungry appetite. But kids will be kids and do not take a liking to fruits after a while. Toss some frozen strawberries, orange juice or concentrate and some overripe bananas into the blender to churn the most splendid smoothies. Store excess in the fridge for later! 

3. Healthy Pizza

Have some time for some healthy microwave pizza? The wholesome goodness of flat pita bread with cheddar cheese as a base goes amazingly well with fresh tomatoes mushrooms and your favorite toppings. Make your own concoctions with shredded fried eggs or ground beef for a weekend surprise. Baking time hardly takes ten to fifteen minutes and the entire family can enjoy a feast!

 4. Toast and Cheese Sandwich

Another classic snack that is made in minutes is toasted cheese sandwich. Make your sandwich healthier by adding lettuce, tomatoes and your favorite veggies for a truly nutritious wonder. Serve with a nice milkshake preferably made with skimmed milk.

 5. Microwave Popcorn

No, I am not referring to the ready-to-pop popcorn that comes in a butter and salt filled bag at the grocery store. Make your own healthy popcorn right at home with 3/4 cup filled with kernels in a brown paper bag. Close the end and roast the kernels and add your favorite garnish when they are ready.

 6. Cheesy Fruit Kebobs

This one is very interesting to keep the kids involved for a truly magical treat. Cut and prepare their favorite fruits and healthy cheese into dices and give the kids some kebob sticks to get indulged. Typically, orange cheese, grapes, strawberries chopped pineapples work great for kebobs.

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Make the Best Coffee Milkshake Ever

God, am I just the only coffee lover here? I got to admit the fact that this aromatic coffee bean has several fans all over the world, and nothing else can boost up the senses than a chilled frappe before work. While I begin my day with the usual hot espresso, I often wind down after lunchtime with my very own coffee milkshake post lunch. Try out my simple formula for an amazing frothy delight within minutes!

1. Things You Got To Need

Generous cup of your favorite coffee

1 or half cup of skimmed milk

4 measures vanilla ice cream

Whipped cream for garnish

Chocolate enrobed espresso coffee beans for garnish

 2. Here We Go

Brew your favorite coffee a bit stronger than usual if you prefer the flavor to be more prominent. Stir in a teaspoon of sugar and set aside for cooling. Once the coffee gets room temperature, place it in the refrigerator and chill it.

 3. Converting Process

Take half cup of milk (for a thicker consistency) of full cup (thinner consistency) and put it in a blender along with your ice cream and cold coffee. Turn on the blender and whip until you get your desired creamy and smooth consistency. Pour the mixture in a tall glass and first garnish with whipped cream and add coffee beans on top of that.

 A Few Alterations

I do some substitutions to my coffee milkshake by adding a different flavor ice-cream on some occasions. Butter pecan, salted caramel and chocolate are some substitutes for vanilla.

1. Kids Delight

Tantalize your kid's sweet tooth by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or caramel or even chocolate-nut butter for a sweetie surprise (I like calling it that!). A bit of ground cinnamon or lightly crushed Oreos can also be used as garnishing.

 2. Low-Cal Shake

Using low-fat ice cream and skimmed milk or even frozen yoghurt makes this shake a delight for the calorie conscious. No more resisting temptations for superb milkshakes anymore!

There you have it: the simplest way of churning up a delicious glass off coffee milkshake and that too within minutes. If need a potent brew for adults, try substituting half the milk used for coffee liqueur. Do stay tuned for some more lip-smacking ideas and tips right here and write in if you tried this recipe.