With the help of the below 40 exceptional web apps for foreign language students, you can now use both your free and study time like never before. Check them out to get tips for how to learn, speak, read, and write in a foreign language all over the internet and even offline.

Exceptional Web Sites for Foreign Language Students

Visit these sites to get some outstanding help learning a foreign language.

1. BBC
   The first name in UK news also has loads of resources for those wishing to speak another language. Both audio and video courses are available in French, Spanish, Greek, and others. There are even special sections for beginners as well as teachers and tutors.
2. Foreign Languages and Literature
   MIT is home to one of the most comprehensive and respected open courseware databases on the globe. In this special section, they offer the tools foreign language students can use to learn like an Ivy League University student. Dozens of classes are offered from introductions to several languages to writing for bilingual students.
3. eLanguage School
   This is one of the largest sites for learning multiple languages on the internet. There are fifteen to choose including Arabic, Hindi, Korean, and Vietnamese. Simply click on your choice to begin learning.
4. School: Language and Literature
   Learn a foreign language the Wiki way with a visit here. There are many tools for those learning a foreign language and even help in the English language. Click on the department to get courses, information, tips, and more.
5. Palabea
   They are a social networking site for those learning a foreign language. Visit to get tools for e-learning, an active online community, and even language related fun. There are even virtual classrooms for the visiting.
6. Unilang
   Learn various languages using their free online resources. There are many member created lessons and an active online community to help out. You can even make and share your own language learning resources.
7. iTalki
   Click on any language from Afrikaans to Zhuang to being your learning. Many come with free options such as practicing your language with a native speaker. You can also purchase online time with a language tutor of your choice.
8. LingoPass
   Those who wish to become students here must add a practice session in a language to begin. This is helpful when looking for relevant content and putting back what you get. There are also video and audio options.
9. Language Magazine
   With a focus on seven different languages, use this magazine to help read and learn like never before. They offer audio books at the K-12 level for learning foreign languages and have many other interactive tools online. The latest issue is often available online.
10. My Language Exchange
    In this language site, students actually meet up to teach each other their respective languages. Lesson plans, chat rooms, and more are all provided at no cost. There are also pen pals and even job listings on the site.

Exceptional Audio and Video Web Apps for Foreign Language Students

Because language is heard, not just read, check out these web apps.

11. Radio Lingua Network
    This online radio station specializes in teaching foreign languages. Makers of the Coffee Break series, they can help you learn another language in small lessons. French, German, Italian, English, and others are featured.
12. Survival Phrases
    Learn just what you need to know to get by on these audio lessons. Many languages are featured and teach key phrases. Nineteen languages are available.
13. Live Mocha
    Get lessons in audio, visual, and video on this site. Simply select which language you want to learn and which you speak to begin. Lessons are available online, and you can connect with other foreign language students as well.
14. Edufone
    This site specializes in helping teach many things over the web, including foreign languages. This section features the free podcasts. There is also a community lounge at no charge and paid lessons as well.
15. English as a Second Language Podcast
    If you are looking to brush up on English as your foreign language, click here. They offer a learning guide to those looking to speak English and even learn American culture. There are currently over 160 episodes.
16. English as 2nd Language
    Kenneth Beare is your expert guide to learning English as a foreign language. Part of About.com, he has many videos and blog entries on the topic. You can also get similar areas for many other languages.
17. Spanish Language Basics
    In this video from eHow, the basics of Spanish are taught. However, there are tons of other videos available for the viewing on YouTube or their main site. Other languages in addition to Spanish are featured.
18. Foreign Language Flashcards
    Learn a foreign language visually with the help of a series of flashcards. Provided for free by Edufire, you can get them for many languages such as Arabic, Greek, Sanskrit, and others. The main site also has more learning tools.
19. French Yabla
    These videos stand out for being able to teach French to various speakers of other languages. Those who prefer lessons in German, Spanish, or English will all find options for them. Free samples are available as well as subscriptions.
20. World Languages Podcasting
    Learn a foreign language the Australian way here. They offer podcasts in English, French, Italian, Chinese, and Indonesian. Get free previews or download entire episodes.

Exceptional Specific Web Apps for Foreign Language Students

Use these web apps when learning a specific language.

21. Notes in Spanish
    Their free Spanish audio and video brings you authentic, real Spanish conversations about real-life topics. As touted by many users, there are three levels to choose from including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. There is also a blog with more.
22. Insta Spanish
    Get user generated content on this site. Students come to learn and share their knowledge in Spanish here. There are options for beginners, intermediate, and even children.
23. Mission Europe
    Learn three different languages on this site. Lessons in German, French, and Polish are given as adventures, as well as other language learning tools. There are even helpful options for teachers.
24. German Pod
    Over 100 million lessons have been downloaded on this site. Learn German at your own convenience and pace with short, effective, and fun audio podcast lessons. A free lifetime membership can obtained in as little as seven seconds.
25. Chinese Lessons
    Learn Mandarin Chinese with theme-based, progressive lessons that are easy to follow. New lessons are produced weekly, but you can check out previous ones. There are also sample audio lessons, worksheets, and transcripts available.
26. A Taste of Russian
    Part blog, part podcast, they can teach you how to learn Russian. You can also learn in specific areas such as dining, shopping, and daily life. Each lesson often offers an MP3 and PDF.
27. I Speak Hindi
    With a visit to this web app, so can you. Nathan shows visitors how to speak the language through written and audio blog entries. There are also paid subscription options available.
28. Let’s Speak Italian
    Ever wish you knew what the opera was about? With a little Italian learning, you just might. This blog allows you to download free Italian lessons with a visit.
29. Japancast
    Learn Japanese with their free Japanese lessons in podcast format. They use examples from anime and conversation to teach you Japanese useful for everyday life. Visit to get 49 episodes and counting.
30. Latinum
    The dead language lives on this web app. Learn Latin in its spoken form with the help of Evan Der Millner. He even takes requests on what to teach.

Other Exceptional Web Apps for Foreign Language Students

These web apps for foreign language students fall into a category of their own.

31. Business English Pod
    Who couldn’t be hurt by learning a little more English for the business world? Over 20 million have visited to download lessons. Simply sign up, or check out the free trial with more.
32. The Hundred Most Common Words
    Need to learn a language but can’t learn the whole thing? Then visit here to learn the 100 most common words to help you learn the basics. Simply scroll down to get the list and more from Mind Tools.
33. Memorista
    Because language is memory and vice versa, stop here. The site specializes in teaching mnemonics, or the art of creative remembering. You can even choose one of five languages to begin learning in.
34. Lifeprint
    Learn how to communicate with the deaf in this web tool. Visitors are taught American Sign Language with free lessons, videos, and more. You can even use their A to Z dictionary of how to say thousands of words.
35. Kenyan Sign Language
    Because there is more than one sign language, visit here to learn the African version. It is sponsored by The Peace Corps and helps local deaf people communicate. They offer three tools to help students learn.
36. Popling
    Love learning but lack the motivation it takes? The folks at Popling have developed a web app just for you. In three easy steps, they can help you learn without studying and by signing up.
37. Pronounce Names
    It’s no good to learn a new language if you insult someone by not pronouncing their name correctly. In this web app, you can type in a name to get the proper way to say it. You can even submit a name for pronunciation if it isn’t on there.
38. Language Tools
    Powered by Google, simply type a phrase in your native language to get loads of translations into other languages. You can also translate entire pieces of text or webpages.
39. Nice Translator
    Similar to the above, this web app can be used to translate a phrase from one language to another. They also offer a blog and other NT tools.
40. SDL Free Translation
    Need more in a translation web app than the above can give? Then visit here to get a free translator that is machine generated. If not satisfied with the results, you can pay an actual person to do the deed.

And many of the above 40 exceptional web apps for foreign language students offer many free and low paying options for those who are light in the wallet.

1. 52 Cupcakes This blogger’s goal is to whip up 52 types of cupcakes. That means each week she features a different type of cupcake, all which are easy to pull off when you want to impress a crowd. Our recent favorite are the chocolate cupcakes with a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup inside. Yummy
2. Cupcake Blog This blog shows you how to make fabulous cupcakes from scratch. Expect the unexpected since this blogger knows her way around ingredients and comes up with inventive cupcake recipes like almond orange and gluten-free chili chocolate cupcakes.
3. I Heart Cuppy Cakes For those who work with box ingredients, this is the cupcake blog you’ll find easy to follow in the kitchen. The blogger uses box mixes, but goes the distance when it comes to decorating the cupcakes or adding a little something extra (such as a bite of cream cheese in the center of the cake).
4. All Things Cupcake This sweet blog is packed with cupcake recipes of all varieties. Need a vegan cupcake recipe? Check. How about help with the most ornate cupcake decorating? It’s here too. This cupcake blogger is devoted to delicious cakes that look as good as they taste. She has loads of decor ideas for everything from baby showers to Easter.
5. Raspberry Cupcakes It isn’t all cupcakes at this blog (there’s macaroons and sorbet too), but it does make up the bulk of the site. There are icing recipes galore to make your cupcakes the belle of the ball when sitting on a table with other baked goods.
6. Kumquat Cupcakery This Manhattan-based cupcake company churns out cupcakes for major events in the city. Somehow they still find the time to regularly update their blog which is an inspiration to aspiring bakers everywhere. They also occasionally post innovative cupcake recipe ideas.
7. Cupcake Rehab This food blogger is handy around the kitchen with almost everything, but she excels like no other in the cupcake department. Her cupcakes look like those that beckon from behind glass counters and she shows you how to deck out your cupcakes to do the same.
8. Cupcakes Take the Cake Get ready to be wowed by the adorable cupcake ideas at this site. You’ll quickly learn it’s all in the details when it comes to taking cupcakes from cute to fabulous. This blogger keeps up with all of the cupcakes news that’s fit to print.
9. Sweet Sugar Belle This baking blog is devoted to sweets of every variety, but it has a hefty section on cupcakes. We’re big fans of the endless icing recipes the blogger comes up with in every color of the rainbow.
10. Cupcake Project Get ready for a wild cupcake ride with this cupcake blog. Horseradish frosting and Rice Krispie cupcakes round out some of the fun recipes that appear on this blog. Check out the post over wedding cupcakes where the blogger and friends went to town baking 160 cupcakes.
11. The Cupcake Blog Get ready to salivate when you check out this cupcake blog. We’re huge fans of the fruit-infused cupcakes that feature orange or pineapples. Just because cupcakes are packed with sugar doesn’t mean we can’t get some fruit in there too, right?
12. Love-a-Cupcake This baker is based in Malaysia and creates some of the most detailed cupcakes and cakes we’ve seen. Those looking for baking and decorating inspiration will adore this site that’s packed with the fruits of the blogger’s labor. Check out the mermaid cake and the darling cupcakes with tiny flowers for a little girl’s party.
13. The Cupcake Gallery This pro cupcake baker makes some of the cutest cupcakes in the biz. You’ll be amazed at the details and handiwork this blogger is able to put into her cupcakes. This blogger is all about creating a fabulous party with her custom cakes and cupcakes. For those looking to make a business from their baking skills, this blog is a great read to see how one mom manages it all.
14. Crumbs and Doilies This London-based custom cupcake company doles out the most unique cupcakes. Cupcakes themed after Dirty Dancing, Pacman and even Mozart are among the designs these clever bakers come up with. They love colors and mixing up patterns, which is unexpected and a welcomed change to uniform batches of cupcakes.
15. Kati’s Kupcakes Blog From fondants to cupcake tower projects, this cupcake blog is packed with information on keeping your creations looking as lively as they taste. Aspiring bakers should definitely bookmark this site for inspiration and ideas on how to decorate cupcakes and come up with unique themes for special occasions.

Cupcakes are the It dessert for backyard birthday parties or high dollar weddings. These cupcake blogs show you how to get in on the trend at home or how to choose some of the exciting designs that professional bakers are coming up with. Cupcakes remind of us being kids, which is probably why they’ve become so popular for adult festivities in recent years.

DIY Party Favors for Weddings

DIY weddings party favors have taken over the world of wedding blogs. That vintage touch is easy to achieve when you have the right materials, so read on for DIY ideas for wedding party favors.

1. Charlotte’s Fancy – Creative Party Favors If your wedding will go into the wee hours of the night, this goodbye package of doughnuts and milk will be the perfect thing to hit the spot of guests who’ve danced the night away. It’s a fairly inexpensive project you can DIY with the help of a few friends and family members and takes minimal skill, so if you aren’t that crafty there’s no need to fret.

2. Giver’s Log – DIY Hot Chocolate on a Stick Wedding Favors Keep your guests energized with a sugar fix. These DIY hot chocolate on a stick project is simple for those who know their way around the kitchen and can be made in large batches. It’s also a very cheap project that you can knock out within a few hours and then move on to other wedding plans.

3. My DIY Wedding Favors – Tea Party Favors Give your wedding guests a few tea sachets to help them unwind after the big day. The tea bags can be bunched in a tulle sachet or simply tied together with a ribbon that coincides with the colors for the wedding.

4. Do It Yourself Weddings – DIY Candles Wedding Favors If you’re looking for a DIY bonding experience for your family and bridesmaids, whipping up DIY candles will do the trick. Making your own candles is a lot easier than it sounds. You can choose the colors and scents and create DIY stick-on labels emblazoned with the bride and groom’s names or a love quote or quote from one of the couple’s favorite songs.

5. DIY Wedding Planning – Sweets in a Jar If you need a simple, fast DIY party favor, look to these jars with sweets inside. You can fill jars with candy or baked goods and you instantly have a sleek, attractive DIY wedding favor that can be adorned a custom label and ribbons that coordinate with the wedding’s colors.

6. Ruffled Blog – DIY Ribbon Wands Wedding Sendoff If you’re over the rice or bubbles for the sendoff at the end of a wedding, consider these DIY ribbon wands. This is a simple project that can be done months in advance so you aren’t scrambling to finish up at the last minute. A mix of colors works well for festive pictures.

7. Whimsy Girl – Oreo Truffles Wedding guests will say yum to these delicious truffles. Making candy is very simple and when you have a lot of hands involved, the work goes by in a flash. The icing looks classic in white, but feel free to incorporate icing in the color of your wedding too. Truffles can be bundled in bags or put into small jars in conjunction with the DIY project mentioned in this article.

8. My Cakies – DIY Cupcake in a Jar Guests will adore these jars of layered cakes and frosting. You can choose trendy flavors like red velvet or dark forest chocolate or go classic with vanilla. This is an easy project that anyone can do since it takes basic baking skills and no one says you have to make the cupcakes from scratch. If you aren’t good at baking, boxed baked goods are your friend and no one will mind once they’re digging in to these cute party favors.

9. DIY Wedding Planning Guide – Glitterati of Cupcakes If you’re comfortable in the kitchen and looking for a major wow factor, these cupcakes are the perfect way to add bling to your wedding. These glitzy cupcakes can be handed out to guests as they leave or made available for noshing after the cake has been cut and folks are looking for something to munch on. They’re different from basic cupcakes because it’s all in the decorating details. The majority of the work comes in when decorating the cupcake wrapper.

10. Green Wedding Shoes – DIY Cupcake Topping Bar What better way to get your guests in the DIY action than with a cupcake topping bar? You and your wedding party do the dirty work and create a slue of cupcakes with very little frosting on top. Then set out an array of fresh berries and syrups for guests to top their cupcakes with.

DIY Party Favors for Kid’s Birthday Parties

Kids birthday parties are now on another level. These DIY party favors are aimed at a kid’s birthday part, but you can create these favors for any party you throw.

11. Hostess Blog – DIY Bubbles Every kid loves bubbles and these DIY canisters gives them a personal spin. You can print out custom labels to make the canisters coincide with the theme of the birthday party. This project does take a lot of work, but it’s worth it once you see the kids’ eyes light up at the sight of carefree fun.

12. Party Tales – DIY Yummy Gummy Pots These cute gummy pots will make a great addition to any kid’s birthday party. We love this DIY party favor because even the most un-crafty among us can pull it off. Because this project involves skewers, make sure any kid that helps you is about 8 years old or older to refrain from any accidents.

13. Etsy – Mustache Drink Topper Kids and adults alike will enjoy these cute party favors. The mustache has taken over for some reason and this DIY party favor is easy to do days before your event. Expect smiles and quirky pictures when you guests start sipping drinks from these funny straws.

14. Tiny Prints – DIY S’mores Party Favos Everyone loves s’mores and parents will appreciate you taking the time to give their kids a treat to take home. This DIY project is simple because it can be done in an assembly line and only involves packing small bags. You can tie the bag with a ribbon coordinating with the party or go low key with a twist-tie.

15. Pebbles in My Pocket – Magical Princess Wand Tutorial This DIY party favor takes some time and patience, but little girls will love the results. A magical princess wand can make an appearance at a princess-themed birthday party or done in the colors of a birthday party that doesn’t have a distinct theme.

DIY Party Favors for Baby Showers

Baby showers have become big events and it’s all in the details. Show off your craft savvy with these DIY baby shower party favors.

16. The June Bride – Baby Shower Cookies If you can make cookies and cut them out with a cutter, you can make these baby shower cookies for a cute party favor. These cookies are shaped like a baby carriage and then decorated with colors that suit the sex of the baby. If you don’t know the sex of the baby, go with yellow. Colors for boys include baby blue and brown trim or pink and lavender for girls.

17. Moms in Heels – Peas in a Pod This super cute idea is easy to do no matter what your craft skills. You can do this with Lindor truffles as suggested in the how-to or DIY when it comes to the truffles too (which is easy and cheap). Choose colors that work with the baby’s sex or mix lots of bright colors for an interesting presentation.

18. Home Confetti – Bundle of Joy If you’re sending guests home with gifts, take a moment to wrap the gifts. This blogger created a “bundle of joy” for the small gifts given out at the baby shower. A mix of pastel colors looks beautiful for a baby shower or go bold with an array of primary colors.

19. Twig and Thistle – DIY Favors Safety pins say baby shower, so it’s no wonder this blogger used them as the finishing touch for wrapping up cookies for guests with this DIY party favor. Minimal sewing skills, printed fabric and scalloped scissors create these darling little pockets to hold any party favors you choose.

20. Fiskars – Lollipop Holder Even those working with a tiny budget can create this DIY baby shower party favor. Feel free to make these cute lollipop holders for any party, but the whimsical feel make them ideal for a baby shower.

Making a few DIY party favors is a great way to add your own personal touch to a party. It’s also a great way to stick to your budget and still give your guests a momento that will help them remember what a ball they had at your party. Remember to stick with colors that work with the theme of your party and add a little pizzaz with patterns in the same hues.

1. Patchwork Underground This quirky blog is packed with patterns, but we love it because it talks about different threads and fabrics. Things like these are essential for the knowledgeable dressmaker.

2. Adventures in Dressmaking This blogger is all about retro and vintage-inspired dressmaking. If you’re looking for classic sheath dresses, this is the blog for you. These simple patterns are ideal for those who are just starting their own adventures in dressmaking.

3. A Dress a Day This blog focuses on vintage dress patterns. If you’re thinking that means an array of shift dresses, think again! Remember all of the fabulous dresses worn by Lucille Ball? You can get the same look from the dress patterns at this site.

4. Fashion Era – Fashion Dressmaking Learn the history of dressmaking from this fashion site. It goes into dressmaking patterns from the ‘50s and why certain silhouettes and fabrics were so popular.

5. Vintage Sewing Starting out with vintage dressmaking patterns is the way to go because the styles are usually simple and sleek. This means you don’t end up wasting fabric on guesswork. This site shows you the art of tailoring and offers some info on millinery too.

6. Free Needle This is the ultimate online directory for finding everything you need when dressmaking. You’ll find patterns galore at this site. There are even dress patterns for little girls. If you want go beyond dressmaking there are patterns for other items too like aprons and curtains.

7. Dressmakers Dummy This blog is a must-read for those just starting out with the dressmaking ventures. It’s imperative to understand the feminine form before you start making dresses and this site explains the intricacies of measurements and getting a stellar fit for your dresses every time.

8. The Magic Square Foundation This blog focuses on sewing of every type and has a substantial section over dressmaking that will benefit those in-the-know as well as beginners. It also delves into the details of a dress and how to make them count.

9. The Sewing Divas This blogger loves fashion and shares historical info with readers. She talks about the best pins for draping and basic information such as how to stitch a hemline with ease. This blogger has been going at it for years, so be sure to check out the archives for loads of dressmaking content.

10. Sew Mama Sew This blog focuses on sewing items for the little ones. If you’re a parent who wants to make their own items for the kids, consider this blog your new BFF. There are patterns for little girls’ dresses as well as bibs and drawstring bags.

11. Gigi Sews This sewing blog is for those who are more advanced because Gigi isn’t one to toy around with a simple sheath pattern. There are more complex dress projects at this site, as well as coats and thorough explanations on creating collars and sleeves.

12. Sewing Fanatic Diary This seamstress sews a little bit of everything, making this a hot spot for those who want to take their dressmaking skills to the next level. There are cardigans, various skirts and plenty of dresses for the seasoned seamstress to choose from.

13. A Little Sewing This blog is fabulous for the advanced seamstresses out there. It discusses more complex dress patterns such as vintage Guy Laroche pieces. You also get the scoop on big dressmaking conferences for those who want to meet and greet with others interested in the subject.

14. Sharon News At a tender age, this blogger was introduced to sewing and has been hooked ever since. She walks you through creating everything from kid’s clothes to dresses for Barbies, plus adult goods too. Learn draping, how to measure and what shapes work best for different body shapes.

15. The Stitchery This seamstress is practically a professional and has plenty of patterns and sewing tips to share with readers. There’s also patterns for vests, blouses and pants for those who master dressmaking and want to round out the rest of their wardrobe.

Get the 101 on dressmaking from these bloggers who know their way around a sewing machine. For those who have more experience, these dressmaking blogs can show you how to ad the extras onto a dress that will take it from beginner’s piece to something folks may want to buy from you.

So if you’re thinking of taking on the simple task (or so you think) of painting the walls of your home, here are a few tips to help you get the job done successfully and without any hiccups:

• Set a schedule before you do anything else – if you’re an amateur, allow extra time for unforeseen circumstances and for just starting out slowly and steadily.
• Tackle one room at a time – push all the furniture to the center, remove all the paintings and photographs and other paraphernalia from the walls, and cover them all with a tarp so that you don’t get paint all over your stuff. Also spread cloth over the floor because that’s where most of your paint is going to spill or spatter.
• Spend the first few hours buying all that you will need and setting up your workspace – paints, brushes, rollers, paint rags, thinners, spackle, sanders, can openers, hammers, screwdrivers, and any other tool you think you may need. You may not want to walk around the house with paint all over you.
• Ensure that you’ve covered yourself with overalls to avoid getting paint all over your clothes. And if you’re painting the ceiling, cover your hair and wear protective eye-gear.
• Clean the walls with a damp cloth before you paint over them; also remove peeling and cracked paint and then sand the walls before applying a new coat of paint.
• You may have to fill in holes or cracks in the wall with spackle before applying a new coat of paint. Get this done first instead of stopping midway and having to wait for the spackle to dry before you can paint over it.
• If there are wall or ceiling fixtures that cannot be removed, cover them with large plastic bags so that you don’t get paint drops on them.
• If possible, remove door knobs and handles other fixtures before you start painting, or at least cover them with plastic sheets.
• Stir the paint after you open a new can, and pour it into another smaller container instead of dipping the brush directly into the paint can.
• Talk to a professional painter before you begin, and find out how you can go about the task for the best results. Ask if you will need to use a primer, what kind of brushes will work best, and how you can get the job done faster and more efficiently.

You may encounter a few hurdles along the way, but if you figure out where you’ve gone wrong and how to correct your mistakes, you soon have a freshly painted room.

DIY Cleaning Recipes

Instead of stocking up on chemical-laden cleaning products, create your own cleaning products in your own kitchen. Here are a few recipes that will come in handy for different parts of your home.

1. All purpose cleaner. For a simple all purpose cleaner, mix four tablespoons of baking soda with one quart of warm water. Give it a quick mix and use it on everything from kitchen counters to toilets.

2. Glass cleaner. Good ol’ vinegar does the trick for any windows or glass surfaces. Use a newspaper to clean the area for a sparkling finish that doesn’t leave any residue or lint behind.

3. Toilet cleaner. Spritz the inside of the toilet with vinegar and then sprinkle on a little baking soda. This will create a paste that disinfects and cleans the toilet as thoroughly as any pricey pre-packaged product.

4. Oven cleaner. Mix two tablespoons of borax and two tablespoons of vegetable-based liquid soap in a spray bottle, along with water. Spritzz the bottom of the oven and let it sit for about 20 minutes before scrubbing it down with ease.

5. Pots and pans. Drop a tablespoon of baking soda into water and let it dissolve the hard-to-remove grime on pots and pans that have been used for years. You can also use a combination of coarse salt and lemon juice on copper pans.

6. Dishwasher solution. For spot-free dishes right out of the dishwasher, drop a tablespoon of vinegar into the rinse compartment.

7. Citrus rinds and ice. This will dissolve any disgusting odors in your garbage disposal, freshening up the area around the disposal in the process.

8. Dry table salt. For dried and caked-on messes that make you want to throw a dish out, try dry table salt. Use it with a damp sponge and watch the mess easily come off the surface of your dish.

9. Tub cleaner. Make the interior of your tub glisten by applying kosher salt to the inner half of a grapefruit and scrubbing away. The result is a sparkling tub with a light citrus scent.

10. DIY wood polish. Combine the juice from one lemon, olive oil and water in a bottle. Shake to emulsify the concoction and then pour a small amount on the area you wish you clean. From there, you can wipe it down with a microfiber rag or just a standard cloth.

DIY Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Make cleaning your home just a little easier by implementing these simple tricks.

11. Use vodka to clean mold and mildew. Spray caulking that has accumulated mold and mildew with vodka. Allow it to saturate the area for about 10-20 minutes and then wipe clean.

12. Clean hardwood floors with tea. Boil a pot of hot water and steep two tea bags. Mop floors as usual and end up with shiny, clean hardwood floors that glow.

13. Go over floors every other day. If you have the time, go over hardwood or ceramic floors every other day to prevent them from getting filthy. Do this with a micro-fiber mop, which can be purchased at any superstore.

14. Rent a steam cleaner. This is a fantastic way to get your carpets super clean. Rent a steam cleaner once a year and keep your carpet in stellar condition. Be sure to go over the carpeted area twice for a deep clean.

15. Add essential oils or lemon juice to DIY cleaners. For a kick of freshness and to outdo the vinegar smell in many DIY cleaners, add a few drops of essential oils or lemon juice to the mix for a pleasant fragrance.

16. Make use of herbs for added fragrance. You can also use sprigs of herbs to add fragrance to vinegar-infused DIY cleaners. This is especially useful when you have a bunch of herbs left from cooking and won’t be using them anytime soon.

17. Spray lime scale away. Spray undiluted white vinegar on lime scale and then take a shower. The steam will instantly lift away lime scale. This won’t be the most pleasant smell, but it is an effective way to .

18. Spray away the ants. If summertime means ant city in your house, spray crevices and window sills with vinegar to keep they out.

19. Fight a stinky drain. Pour a mixture of part baking soda, part vinegar down the drain and let it sit for 10 minutes before flushing away the paste (and the smell).

20. Go nuts! Get rid of minor surface scratches on your furniture by rubbing the area with a shelled walnut. The oils will buff the scratch right out and you’ll have a “new” piece.

21. Get glass sparkling. To make glass dishes shine like never before, use salt and lemon juice. Simply pour it on or in the dish and swirl it around for a streak-free clean.

22. Banish sticky surfaces. When trying to remove anything sticky such as spilled candle wax or old melted crayons, use any oil or mayonnaise to lift the goo right up.

23. Remove stubborn stains. Use vegetable shortening to remove stubborn stains from your couch or carpet. Rub the vegetable shortening on the area and then wipe clean with a clean rag.

24. Get rid of grease on wallpaper. Do this by applying baby powder to a clean powder puff. Pat the greasy area and allow the powder to soak up the oil or grease. The powder will disappear on its own and any leftover can be dusted away.

Having a spotless home is fun, even if you can’t keep up with it all of the time. Implementing these simple tricks will help you keep your housecleaning in check and make it easier to spot clean your home on a regular basis. Remember that consistency is key. It’s better to tend to small things around your house as they get dirty than to do a deep cleaning once every few months.

Many masters of photography have deep roots in music – Ansel Adams who redefined the way landscape photography was perceived with his magical shots of National Parks all over the USA, and most specifically of the Yosemite National Park, was a budding pianist in his early days. His flair for the piano led him to believe that he could make it as a professional musician, but that was before he discovered the art of photography and the lure of the vast, open spaces that he loved to capture on film. Adams found that photography was just as creative an outlet for the mind of a genius as music.

Another photography master who devoted his life to music and used it as a major part of his work was Frederick Sommer – a random sighting of a display of musical scores at an art museum led him to delve deeper into the shapes of musical notes. He found that the more visually appealing the score, the more audibly appealing the music. He was able to establish a correlation between the graphical aspect of a musical score and its appeal to the listener when it was played out. He began to make drawings of musical scores, and all of them were playable. The most surprising part of all this is that Sommer had no formal training in music whatsoever, yet he was able to draw elegant motifs and elements that could actually be played and which made beautiful music. He could not read or write music, yet he could identify most musical pieces and their composers by looking at the graphical aspect of the scores alone. He is an outstanding example of how a master photographer can understand music without ever really knowing it.

And then there are photographers who are tied to music by the photographs they design for the covers of albums or as promotional stills. They may not know much about music, but they do know what appeals to a music lover and how to use aesthetic appeal to get people to buy the album.

So while music and photography may seem to be completely unrelated, there are ties between them that connect if not bind.

1. Bright eye shadow. From blue to orange, bright eye shadow colors were all over the spring runways. This is territory where you must tread carefully. The key is to find a color that isn’t overpowering. From there, you can always build to more intense color. As opposed to wearing the stark bright colors as seen on the runways, try a wash of color all over the lid. Use a fluffy brush and gently cover the lid with a shot of bright eye shadow. Blend it thoroughly into the crease to avoid any harsh lines.

2. Bright eyeliner. Too scared to take the plunge with bright eye shadow? Try bright eyeliner instead! For many of us, it’s far easier to pull off and takes less guesswork than eye shadow. You can use an eyeliner or an eye shadow, applied with a pencil brush. If you normally line the rims of your eyes with black eyeliner, do that and then apply the colored eyeliner to the lash line. You can wet your brush to get a distinct line or use a small, slightly fluffy brush to gently smoke the color out.

3. Baby doll cheeks. A flush of serious pink color on your cheeks is hot for spring. Use a saturated magenta if you have medium or dark skin and those with fair skin can opt for a cotton candy pink. Use a fluffy blush brush to distribute color evenly. If you go overboard, dust a loose translucent powder over your cheeks to tone down the color without having to start over.

4. Ultra juicy lips. Bold lip color is all the rage and there’s no easier way to wear it than with a gloss. If you aren’t used to bold lip color, go easy on the rest of your makeup and let your lips take center stage. Wear a tinted moisturizer, mascara, a dusting of bronzer and the gloss. Medium and dark skin tones can wear orange to set off the warmth in their skin and fair skin tones can try a range of cool tone pinks. To add intensity to the color and help it stay put, lay down a lip stain first and then top it with the gloss.

5. Strong brows. Strong brows come and go and for spring 2011. If you’re working with sparse brows, use a cool tone brow pencil to enhance the look of your eye brows. Use small flecks instead of drawing on a line all at once. This creates a more natural appearance. After filling in the brows, use a spool brush to blend the color with your natural hairs. If you already have full brows, look into a brow gel. This keeps stray hairs at bay and grooms brows into place while adding subtle color (which you need very little of if you’re already working with thick brows).

6. Light nail polish. It’s all about soft colors for the nails this season. Pale pink and nude are wearable for the work place and on the weekends you can have fun with baby blue, lavender and soft shades of yellow. Gray hues continue to dominate, but since it’s spring, lighten up with slate and silver tones versus the graphite colors you may have worn in the fall and winter. Keep nails short when wearing trendy nail colors to keep the look sophisticated.

7. Red lips. This is a classic look, but many women are uneasy sporting it. Red lips scream drama, so you may be reluctant to wear it to the office. It can be wearable for day though. Instead of going for intense color, try a red lip stain, which flushes the lips with color and stays put for hours. You don’t the color to bleed, so lay down a lip primer and allow it to dry before apply red lip color. Try a matte color if you’re looking for an upscale look. For a more modern take, opt for a glossy finish.

8. Loose waves. Go for a fun, festive look that fits summer. Loose waves allow you to get out the door in minutes. When you’re out of the shower, spray hair with a leave-in conditioner. Follow this with a glossing serum or cream, focusing on the ends of the hair. Split hair down the middle and create two loose buns, pinning each one up with a few bobby pins. From here, you can do housework, sleep or blow dry each bun until it’s almost dry. When you take the buns down, you’ll end up with loose, relaxed waves that scream to be seen on a warm day. You may want to run a little more glossing serum through your hair to smooth away any frizz and create a more polished look.

9. Moon manicures. Moon manicures were rampant on the runways for spring. As opposed to the classic moon manicure with red nail color, it’s all about neutrals mixed with stark black. Nude and black, lighter shades of gray and black, silver and black or lavender and black are all great starting points. Visit the local drugstore or a beauty supply store and pick up the stencils for a French manicure. Instead of utilizing the stencil at the tip of the nail, you’re going to place it on the bottom 1/4 of the nail. Allow the base coat to dry thoroughly before applying the “moon” color and finish it with a top coat.

10. The top knot. If you love a no-muss, no-fuss hairstyle, you’re in luck. The top knot is easy to pull off when you’re in a rush and looks great with bright florals or citrus colors, both strong fashion trends for spring. You want the knot to have some texture, so it’s best to work with day-after hair (as in, the after washing) or add a pomade to add texture to clean hair. Gather hair at the round of the head for a more approachable look than the sumo wrestler looks shown on the runways. Smooth out any bumps with a boar bristle brush and secure the ponytail with a hair elastic. Take the ponytail and split it into two equal sections. Take one section and wrap it around the elastic, securing the ends with a couple of bobby pins. Do the same with the remaining section of hair. Don’t worry if it’s a little mussed or there are a few stray hairs. It adds the bohemian chic feel of this trendy hairdo.

Trying out the latest spring beauty trends doesn’t have to be intimidating. Just have some fun and play around with looks. If you aren’t the type that experiments with makeup, it’s best to starting with an easy trend like loose waves of glossy bright lips before building up to a matte red lip or orange eye shadow. Let your creativity blossom and enjoy mixing up your beauty routine. It’s beauty; just have fun with it!

• Go easy on the spices; tone down on the chilli and the cumin, two spices that are a necessary part of most Indian dishes. Instead, use green chillies that are halved to retain some of the spiciness without worrying about smoke coming out of your mouth during the meal. Don’t forget the turmeric if you’re cooking meat and chicken – it helps remove the raw smell and is also a great anti-oxidant.
• Not everyone is fond of rice which is a staple Indian cereal; so if boiled rice is part of a meal that includes a chicken gravy or a paneer masala, you can always replace it with parathas (made of whole wheat if you’re particular) which are available in many stores. They’re pre-cooked, which means they’re ready to eat after a few minutes on a hot shallow-bottomed frying pan with a dash of oil (or ghee if you’re indulging). Or you could just eat the gravy with some bread.
• Most Indian gravies and curries use coconut milk as a thickening agent; if you’re worried about the health aspect, use coconut paste (grind dessicated coconut with some warm water in a blender until you get a smooth paste) mixed in some water instead. Alternatively, you could also use whole or skim milk; the gravy tastes just as good and is healthier than coconut milk.
• Indian desserts are very sweet and rich; they use lots of sugar and ghee, both of which don’t really sit well with the American palate. Pick recipes that are milk based and which can be sweetened to the minimum if you insist on an Indian dessert for your meal.

A few tips that help make Indian recipes better:

• When you’re cooking lentils and pulses, soak them for an hour (toor dal) or overnight (chickpeas) before cooking them. It reduces your overall cooking time.
• Don’t add salt when cooking lentils and pulses until after they’re done – they don’t get fully cooked when salt is added at the beginning.
• If you’re using coconut milk in a recipe, add the salt just a few minutes before the dish is done. This prevents the milk from curdling and ruining your dish. Also, cook on a low flame to avoid curdling.
• If you’re a regular with Indian recipes, it’s best you invest in a pressure cooker to save time when cooking your meals.
• If your recipe calls for tamarind and you’ve forgotten to soak it in some water beforehand, add hot water over a piece of tamarind and watch it soften instantly.

Indian food grows on you and is a great change from your staple fare, so give it a try whether you’re a foodie or not.

• Looking at any writing in the “editor mode”: Since I write for a living, I’m often asked by friends and family members to look over an article, essay or story that they’ve written. While I’m happy to do so, there is this irrepressible urge inside me to automatically correct the style and grammar in my mind. I’m unable to separate my feelings as a writer and my judgment as a reviewer of other people’s work, and because of this, I end up feeling that I have to correct and edit whatever has been written even though the authors are not asking me to do the same. So it is with great self control that I have learned to tone down my judgmental mode and instead just nod and tell people that what they’ve written is good – after all, that is what they really want to hear, not criticisms and suggestions for improvement.
• Assuming that other people cannot write as well as you: I’ve found that it’s something that is innate to any creative profession – you cannot accept that other people in the same line of work are better than you. It’s totally irrational of course, but that’s part of the eccentricity of being a creative artist; your heart wants to believe that you’re the best even though your brain tells you that the competition out there is fierce. When you let your heart take precedence over your brain, you find that you do not open up your mind to new experiences, and this leaves you stagnant while the rest of the world moves on.
• Taking offense when people don’t believe that what you do is a “real job”: Yes, I’ve actually had people tell me that what I do is not a “real job”. They think that just about anyone can do what I do – in their opinion, how hard could it be to throw together a few words to come up with an article? Besides, according to their lopsided reasoning, you get to spend all day at home doing whatever you want with no one to supervise you. I’ve only just begun to take these in my stride and ignore people with such opinions instead of taking offense and justifying myself to them.

So there you have it – the three quirks most writers surely possess and would do well to shake off!