Day to Evening Wear

Pinch, punch have you woken up, opened the first window of your advent calendar and found a big, fat chocolate coated message saying ‘PANIC”? In amongst the shopping frenzy this month you’ll find the perfect stocking filler in the form of a large sparkly red pin. It isn’t just for World Aids Day, today December 1st 2012, it can be worn all year round. Pret a porter, male or female, gay or straight,  it will take you from day to night. It is available from the online shop at http://www.worldaidsday.org

And now for the science bit, if you’re interested, the following is the official history of The Red Ribbon.

THE RED RIBBON

Source: http://www.worldaidsday.org

In 1991 – a decade after the emergence of HIV – a group of 12 artists gathered to discuss a new project for Visual Aids; a New York arts organisation that raises awareness of HIV. They were photographers, painters, film makers and costume designers, and they sat around in the shared gallery space in New York’s East Village. After a short brainstorm they had come up with a simple idea that later became one of the most recognised symbols of the decade – the red ribbon, worn to signify awareness and support for people living with HIV.

When the artists sat down to work on this project, their aim was to get people talking about HIV. This was during a time where HIV was highly stigmatised and people living with HIV were suffering behind closed doors, some too scared to even tell their loved ones they were living with the virus. The artists wanted to create a visual expression of compassion for people living with, and affected by, HIV.

The artists were inspired by the yellow ribbons tied on trees to denote support for the US military fighting in the Gulf War. Pink and the rainbow colours were rejected because they were too closely associated with the gay community, and they wanted to convey that HIV went beyond the gay community and was relevant to everyone. Red was chosen as it is bold and visible – symbolising passion, a heart and love. The shape was chosen simply because it was easy to make and replicate – anyone can make one by just cutting out a piece of ribbon, looping it around your finger and pinning it on.

In the early days, the artists made the ribbons themselves and distributing them around the New York art scene and dropped them off at theatres. Initially there was a text that went with it, to explain why they were being worn, but eventually this was dropped as its symbolism no longer needed an explanation. Within weeks of the red ribbon idea being born, world-famous actors starting wearing the red ribbon to high-profile award ceremonies such as the Oscars and talking about why it was important. The media also cottoned on, and within a short space of time the red ribbon symbol became universally recognised.

At the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert held at London’s Wembley Stadium on Easter Sunday 1992, more than 100,000 red ribbons were distributed among the audience, with performers such as George Michael wearing one. The Red Ribbon continues to be a powerful force in the efforts to increase public awareness of HIV.

What Can You Do on World AIDS Day to Show Your Support and Care?
World AIDS Day is the perfect opportunity for you to refresh your knowledge, or learn the facts about HIV – and put your knowledge into action EVERY DAY. Find out how much you know about HIV/AIDs by taking an online quiz at:
http://www.avert.org/hiv-aids-quiz.htm

You can also help out by taking the quiz and then sharing it with your friends and family on social networks like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to make sure their knowledge is up to date too!

If everyone fully understands how HIV is transmitted, how it can be prevented, and the reality of living with HIV today – everyone will be more aware and able to take care of their own health and the health of the loved ones in their lives, and most importantly, they can ensure that everyone living with HIV/AIDs is treated fairly, kindly, and with respect and compassion.

Get the facts about HIV/AIDS here: http://www.treathivnow.com/hiv-facts/hiv-basics?&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=THN_treathiv%20now%20refresh_tablet_u&utm_content=hiv%20facts_tablet_phrase&utm_term=hiv%20facts&MOC=MHIVDIGIGOGLPSFACT

World AIDS Day is also a great opportunity to raise money and show your support for people living with HIV. If you feel inspired to hold a fundraising event or donate for the cause, go here:
http://www.avert.org/fundraising-for-aids.htm

Of course, one of the best and easiest ways to show your support for those living with HIV on World AIDS Day is by wearing a red ribbon – the international symbol of HIV awareness. To make your own ribbon:

“Cut red ribbon 6″ in length, then fold at the top into an inverted ‘V’ shape, use safety pin to attach to clothing.” — By Aless Piper From TheBody.com

For those that missed it, the drive in to work was beautiful this morning. The full moon visible through the clouds. And it’s also almost December! Who’s getting excited?

I love the Winter season. Boo to those that are throwing paper wads at me. lol Winter is so lovely, brisk weather that just begs you to go for a walk. And the hot chocolate at the end of that walk is just mmmm good. I still think we need some snow (dunking out of the way of paper wads), it’s just to pretty.

We still haven’t located the solstice tree. waah so this weekend if anything I’m getting a small tree. It’s just never seemed right to me, not to at least have a tree on my altar. The reindeer have been located. The annoying singing tree has been located. NO! One song was good enough, the next bazillion times, not so good! I’m not a violent person, but NO on the singing tree! lol :p

For those that aren’t in the know, December 1st is the World Aids Day, follow the link. Quoted from the site: World AIDS Day is held on 1 December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
As someone that has lost a few friends to this disease, I will be wearing my red ribbon on Saturday- what about you?

Have a lovely Wednesday, if you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours. (Bonus points if you leave the name of the movie that was quoted from in the comments!)

Peace
Links aren’t working??? http://www.worldaidsday.org/about-world-aids-day.php copy/paste!

Without not knowing, there is no knowing. Answers need questions just as much as questions need answers.

All images Copyright Ketakii Jewson-Brown

As a photographer I am lucky to live in a naturally gorgeous part of the world with beautiful friends who not only let me photograph them but actively ask for me to. I am a lucky lady and had a blast taking these photos recently down by a local swimming hole. Tanz you are one hot babe! Thanks a bunch x

With love,

Meredith

To mark World AIDS Day on 1 December and the National AIDS Trust’s (NAT) 25^th anniversary, the trust is hosting a Red Ribbon Art Exhibition at City Hall.

The exclusive art collection has been created for NAT by 30 high-profile supporters. The exhibition includes contributions from Annie Lennox, Gok Wan, Dr Christian Jessen, Maggi Hambling, Paul Smith, Matthew Williamson and Giles Deacon.

Each artwork features the iconic red ribbon – the international symbol of HIV awareness and support – as its central motif.  All the works are being auctioned online in aid of NAT.  Bids can be placed online here.

Chris Sabian is a portrait artist with http://www.kutefineart.com and owner of http://www.paragonprints.co.uk

I used  three felt leaves, a small leaf button and some red ribbon.

Only the top leaf is embroidered with leaf veins so that saved a lot of time.

I think I like the brown leaf necklace the best because I hot glued the ribbon all the way in the back. Also, the bottle looks more fall-ish instead of pink.

It was a very quick project to dress up a small gift, but I think my mom and mother-in-law will appreciate the thought. I think little personal touches mean the most.

Right now, I am so thankful for family, paid days off, glue guns and Sleepless in Seattle. I am also thankful that you have taken the time to read this. Whether you are with family, friends or complete strangers working overnight in retail, I wish you a truly wonderful Thanksgiving.

Give thanks and give crafts.

This Triple Chocolate is soooo yummy. Try this.
That chocolate on top taste like dark chocolate.
Well I’m a Dark-Choco lover =D
I’m not so addicted to cake and something sweets. I just love something bitter-sweet taste. So this cake, this is it!

Try it guys!
Bought at Red Ribbon

Posted from WordPress for BlackBerry.

It’s always the same isn’t it? That question you ask yourself every schools holiday.

“How am I going to keep the kids entertained?”

Especially in the Christmas break when you have so much else to do, what with shopping for Christmas presents, food shopping and getting the house ready for guests including Uncle Alf and Auntie Betty (who is always very critical about your housekeeping).

Well how about this – make pasta garlands to decorate the Christmas tree.

All you will need is:

Pasta Tubes

Red Ribbon (Narrow)

Coloured Beads

Paint if required

Other bits and pieces, glitter sequins etc.

You can use the pasta as it comes au naturel, paint it in festive colours or to match the colour theme for your tree. We are sure that you will think of other ways to glam it up by adding glitter or sequins for that extra sparkle.

Beads come in all shapes sizes and colours, you may even have an old necklace that you don’t wear any more that you could use.

Simply start threading on the pasta and beads until your garland is the desired length, tie off the ends and there you have it, your very own hand made garland.

Tips

1. Make sure that that your ribbon is narrow enough to thread through the holes in the pasta tubes. You can sew a little thread onto the end of the ribbon and use the needle to thread your garland but obviously you have to be mindful of little ones fingers if they are using a needle.

2. Same applies to the beads, make sure the hole in the centre is big enough to thread the ribbon through.

3. If painting the pasta tubes cover the painting area with newspaper to protect work surfaces.

Related articles

• Apartment Living: Holiday Decorating Tips for Families with Small Children | The Shared Wall (rent.com)

Capturing the legacy of one of the most influential icons in the world, The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) and The Scoin Shop (Scoin) have released a limited edition commemorative Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS medallion, the first of its kind for sale in the United States.

Only 2,500 of these rare collectibles have been minted worldwide.

If you are a collector, investor or new to the idea of collecting medallions, this is a fabulous addition.

This makes an extraordinary XMAS, Jewish New Year, Confirmation, Graduation, Birthday, Anniversary Bat/Barmitzvah gift while benefiting non-profit organizations including the Mandela Foundation, Nobel Institute, and Black AIDS Institute. (Additional beneficiaries to be announced soon.)

PURCHASE PRICE $1,950 IN USA ONLY. SALES TAX FOR VERMONT RESIDENTS AND S&H FREE IN USA. (Price subject to change without notice)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) and The Scoin Shop (Scoin) has the worldwide rights to distribute the Mandela and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate images on medallions.

The 2,500 limited edition two piece set, consisting of a half ounce gold and one ounce silver, depicts Nobel Prize recipient and former South African President Nelson Mandela’s image on the obverse and the AIDs ribbon on the reverse, together with his renowned quote:

“AIDS is no longer a disease, it’s a human rights issue.”

RED RIBBON BOX SET – The Nelson Mandela Aids/HIV Limited edition of Collectible Medallions

THE LAUNCH of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallions in the United States

Beneficiaries include: The Nelson Mandela Foundation, The Nobel Institute, The Black AIDS Institute, USA and others to be announced on Nov 26, 2012.

Price $1,950.00 (USD) For Sale in USA only:-

http://www.sagoldcoin.co.za/mandela-coins-medallions/nelson-mandela-red-ribbon-twin-set

Sales Tax for Vermont Residents. Shipping and Handling Free – To Purchase please contact melanien@sagoldcoin.com or go to http://www.sagoldcoin.co.za/mandela-coins-medallions/nelson-mandela-red-ribbon-twin-set

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE

Related articles

• Celebrating the Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallions in the United States (oblogdeeoblogda.me)
• The South African Gold Coin Exchange Announces Launch of Nelson Mandela HIV/AIDS Medallion (oblogdeeoblogda.me)

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE or for more information.

Pintrest had an abundant supply of DIY projects and crafts, but one caught my eye immediately; the Tipsy Top Christmas Presents. How stinkin cute!

My challenge to myself was to use only what I had in my house and not buy any materials for this challenge. So I wandered through the house looking for different sized boxes and found these two.

My plan was to used the bigger box as the base and then cute the smaller box to make two different sized boxes.

Then I used a scrap piece I took from a larger box to make the missing side taped them up so they would keep their shape.

Next came the wrapping paper. Again, I just used what I had; leftover paper from last year and wrapped each box. I made sure that the paper would go in the same direction when I assembled this all together.  Finally, I made a hole in the tops and bottom of each “present”.

Rather than using a piece of rebar, I had half of a curtain rail that was slightly bent. I didn’t throw it out and kept thinking “I could use this for something…..” and VOILA! So I then inserted the pole into each box, starting from the smallest and working my way up to the large box.

Using the flower-pot I had on the front porch (I left the dirt in it as an anchor so the pot didn’t tip) I placed the tipsy top presents on top of the pot. It was missing something, so I added a bow and matching red ribbon.

It turned out pretty cute and would be great indoors or outside on the porch. I think I may add lights weaved arounde it with pine cones sticking out of the pot.

This was super easy and didn’t cost me a dime since I already had all the items lying around the house. 

Quick side note – be sure to prep your children before making this. I made it after my little JBear was tucked into bed. When he woke up and ran down the stairs the following morning he cried out in delight….”SANTA CAME!”.  Yeah – that was a fun conversation to have at 6:30 am.  Long story short – he still wants to unwrap the presents….just in case.

We arrived a bit late so while everyone was in front grabbing seats, we took our time at the photobooth. Oh yes, we were the first to use it! By the way, those are not props, we came in looking like that! Haha!

When we finally went in front, we realized that we were just in time for the costume parade. There’s that cute little Tigger making his debut, wondering why everyone’s staring at him!

A series of entertaining acts followed, starting with the magician. Now where was my photo of that? Hmm…Anyway, the next act was the acrobat show. These guys were so great! Everyone was holding his breath as they climbed and tumbled.   The higher they went, the louder the gasps. Each successful landing was greeted with a roaring round of applause and a huge sigh of relief!

Kids in all kinds of colorful costumes!

The last act was that of the unicyclist juggler, which looks thrilling too, judging by the expression of the girl in the Chinese costume.

There were a couple of sponsor booths outside (mainly food, save for Smart Steps) where hungry trick or treaters used their coupons on. For those without coupons, cash was accepted.

Also outside were the cotton candy booth, the face painting, and the mini carousel.

After all the program and games was the actual trick or treating where trick or treaters, both young and old march around the condominium, per building, not per house, for treats. It was a warzone! Everyone went in the same direction, halloween basket outstretched, clamoring for goodies. There were not always enough treats for everyone so it was not long before the trick or treaters broke into a run just to be the first to get the loot. Whew! Wait up! Here are the treats that we gathered and the little Tigger going through his loot! Happy Halloween guys! =)