Wednesday, November 17, 2010

A Heartitude!

Continuing saga from the real journal of a mom.. Read more!

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Keep your skin naturally glowing!

i have always been told that my skin is flawless. I am truly thankful to the genes of my mom for that. But then when I started to mature, I started to panic! My youthful glow started to slowly diminish in place of freckles and little wrinkles here and there. Well I have to admit, I am paying off for the years of abuse of sometimes sleeping with make-up on, staying up late most days, going out without sun block. Of course as everybody say, regret is always at the end. However, it's not totally late! As the popularity of AHA begins to unfold, I concocted my own natural AHA! Guess what? It works like magic! But of course don't take consistency and perseverance for granted. But I tell you, you will see the improvement in the smoothness, softness and elasticity of your skin. And mind you, it's not only for the face... I apply it to my whole body! Here's how...Just follow these simple steps:

Mask:
1 small cup natural yoghurt
1/4 tsp. lemon
1 tsp. carrot
1 tsp. banana
1/2 tsp. parsley
1 tsp. organic honey
1 tsp. grape with seed
1 tsp. orange juice (from fresh orange)

Procedure:
Blender all ingredients except yoghurt Then mix blended ingredients to yoghurt. Clean your face and body thoroughly. Apply mask generously all over your face and body and leave it for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, you can sing in the bathroom or read a book, better yet, read my blog and subscribe if you have not done that yet... hehehe... but really it's a good time to pray and meditate on the Word of God. Then rinse very well. Apply your usual facial moisturizer and apply body lotion all over your body. And feel the smoothness and softness of your skin. As you do this on a regular 2x a week routine, the glow of your skin will be restored. Take it from me :)
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Oohlala... Fun Book Review!

Who said you can't make an interesting page-turner romantic love story out of a bible story?

I have recently come across a very interesting book authored by the famed Francine Rivers entitled "Redeeming Love". A love story that's one of a kind that will set your heart aflame and will keep you awake night after night, letting you abandon sleep without remorse. This book does not entice you through the cleverly written words of a seasoned writer that can weave a beautiful tapestry of plots. This book makes you experience a life and a lifetime of a woman who...was named "Angel", whose real name was Sarah. She was abused and rejected as a little girl. She was sold to a prostitution den at the tender age of 8 and became the most beautiful, most desireable and highest paid prostitute. She never knew any other life except the one her world of sex trade showed her that made her heart callous and stubborn. She never knew any other man except those who would pay a high price for her until she met Michael Hosea, a decent God-fearing man who developed a stubborn love for her.

This novel immensely touched my very heart and soul. It is a truly emotional expedition such as I have never experienced before that it moved me to tears and joy and pain and compassion and love. This is as timeless as any classic novel could ever get. It is tremendously moving.

Francine Rivers has been blessed by God with such creativity and revelation of God's true love that through this story based on the book of Hosea she was able to transform its very essence into something that every human being can identify with. Though it has adult themes and subplots like rape, violence and incest, it was handled with utmost sensitivity. And for all intents and purposes, those scenes were not included just for "cinematic effect", but was much needed in the entirety of the novel to establish the harshness and reality of the life the character embraced.

I have passed on this book to other women and their teenage daughters, of course after I had my 16 year old daughter taste the bitter-sweet flavor of this wonderful encounter. She did not put down the book until she was finished with it. And mind you, she never stopped talking about it with tears and a sweet smile on her face. So I can say that it travelled from one tear duct to another, from one heart to the next and deep into the soul.

This treasure of a book enthusiastically turned my 13 year old daughter to finally read! For the life of her, she was never interested in reading... my frustration (sigh) But voila she loved this book that it only took her two days to finish "Redeeming Love!"

This book does not just take your eyes through a play of words but takes you through a heart journey, and a pleasurable journey of the soul and the spirit.

If I may quote Liz Curtis Higgs, best-selling author of Thorn in My Heart, this is what she has to say about this book.. "Simply put, Redeeming Love is the most powerful work of fiction you will ever read."

Need I say more? :)
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Saturday, June 21, 2008

Daddy, Daddy... It's your day!

During last year's father's day celebration, I made sure I have a little something for my husband, the wonderful father of my children. I have been thinking and thinking what gift to pick for him. He is a practical and simple man. He wants to be receiving something that is useful or he would consider it a waste of money. That is wisdom I suppose. He is being a good steward of God's blessings! That's why we complement each other.. I would always joke him. "I am a typical woman who likes to shop! And you are a practical man... so there's a balance, right? hahaha...< One day, I thought I would just go around and browse at some books. I enjoy doing that you know, just window shop for books and scan it. I then spotted this little book with a very intriguing title. I scanned through it and chuckled to myself as it triggered an idea for me to grab it for my husband as my father's day gift. So I wrapped it beautifully the moment I got home. I was like a kid, excited to give it the next day, father's day. So when we got home from church, as the whole family was at the dinner table, I handed my wonderful husband my father's day gift. All of my kids were excitedly smiling, with expectant eyes as their father started to reap the gift wrapper open. Suddenly... screams and laughter filled the house! My kids taunted me crazily without end. My husband cracked up laughing. My kids voices were on top of one another's trying to compete to be heard. But in unison they said laughing, "Only something like that will come from mom on such an occasion." The title of the book? "101 ways to spoil your wife" hahaha... we all had a laugh and it was fun! Then, I pulled a card and asked my husband to read it aloud. It brought tears to my hubby's eyes and garnered an "awwww..." from our kids. Then another envelop to open.. this one made my hubby smile and his brows go up and down and heaped a "wow!" from the kids... a certificate for a two hour authentic thai full-body massage to relax and pamper him! Of course, not to forget... I got one for myself too .. hahaha... wink :) HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL THE DADS! Read more!

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

More Memory sharpener! An update!

I discovered more things that will help improve and even reverse memory loss. Boy! Was I surprise that they even tried it on people who have Alzheimer's disease and it worked! So rest assured it will work for you and me :). Firstly let us remember that nobody has a perfect memory, only a perfect attitude towards improvement. So let us not be too harsh on ourselves. I would like to reiterate that complete vitamin B is essential for the normal process and function of the nervous system. The most important thing to remember about vitamin B? All vitamin B must be taken together, so take a B complex supplement. Minimizing the intake of cholesterol and fat is one of the smartest move you can make to ensure your brain's health. The best brain sustaining diet is low in calories, salt, peas (legumes) and lots of fresh produce especially green leafy vegetables.

According to research. iron, copper, magnesium, iodine and zinc are generally recognized as brain-critical minerals. But boron turns out to be the brain's all-star performer. You know what? People getting three mg. of boron daily demonstrated alertness, heightened brain activity and learning superiority. Where can you get boron? APPLE! a medium sized apple contains about less than one mg of boron. So get the big sized ones! Take at least 3-4 a day! It will work magic you'll see :)

According to Medical Science research a 76-year old man with Alzheimer's disease was placed in a nursing home. At some pont doctors started giving him 500 mg of magnesium two times daily. 2-3 wks after the doctors were surprised to note his improved awareness. His family were so happy that for the first time in months, he would turn when they called his name. He continued to improve with enhanced memory and more clarity of thought, and after nine months he was able to go home again.

Water, water, water! Do not deprive your brain cells from water! I cannot over emphasize what you already know but just take for granted, 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Anything that enhances circulation and acts as an antioxidant is going to encourage good memory. Gingko works by increasing blood flow to the brain. It has extraordinary medicinal properties, using dried green leaves of the Maidenhair tree to treat poor circulation, memory loss and mental deterioration.

Some scientists believe the natural course of aging includes the decay and loss of brain cells. This is not just so! What happens is we stop challenging our brain. The older we get, the less challenges and less need fort deep concentrated thought. So don't stop stimulating and challenging your brain! Exercise those brain muscles!

content lifted fr "All your health questions answered naturally" by Maureen Kennedy Salaman Read more!

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Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

"Are your feet romantically ready?"

Is there such a thing? Yup! Believe you me there is! hahaha... Read on and I will tell you how to make those feet looking and feeling gorgeous for those footsie moments…

I'm sure you will agree that our feet are the most abused part of our body right? That’s why God made it the way it is, thick-skinned, tough so it can withstand its daily wear and tear. But that doesn’t mean we will just leave those poor thing neglectd. C'mon, keep it moisturized and looking pretty pink!
Yes, our feet need to look and feel pretty too otherwise no matter how dressed you are, you are actually not completely stunning. I for one am a foot person, if you can call it that. I feel so annoyingly ugly when my feet are dry and I can see the natural lines cracked, dull, looking old, pale, cranky and yucky!

If you want to be pretty amazing from head to toe, then let the blood circulate! Follow these simple pampering routines at least three times during the first two weeks (depending on how badly beaten and neglected your feet are) and twice a week thereafter. For maintenance, you can use the pumice just once a week.
1. Before retiring at night, wash feet. Then soak them in hot water (w moisturizing soap and or lemon/kalamansi-optional) for about 15 minutes to soften. If your feet are sore and tired you can put slices of ginger instead of the soap and lemon to ease the weariness.

2. With the use of a pumice, scrub out dead old dull skin around each feet for a few minutes. By scrubbing, we achieve two things: get rid of dead old dull skin; boosts the blood circulation.

3. Smother your feet gently with a foot scrub (one with granules you
can buy in any department store) using circular motion. Rinse well
with warm water.

4. Option 1: soak feet in warm water with coconut oil (if you can get a hold of virgin coconut oil, by all means use it) for 5 minutes. Pat dry. Then apply a coat of coconut oil on pat-dried feet. Put on socks.

Option 2: Towel dry. Apply petroleum jelly generously (you can buy in any drug store or department store) Put on socks.

Every morning after taking a shower, apply moisturizing lotion (for extra dry skin or whatever you have available) generously on your feet.

If your schedule allows and you have access to a spa, it won’t hurt to go for a foot spa once a month followed by a real good foot massage. A Thai foot massage would be the best if you can avail of it. This will ease out all the tension and give your feet and legs a good blood circulation. Wow, What a way to relax!

Lastly, enjoy your gorgeous looking pretty pink feet that is ready for those footsie moments!
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HEEELP!! I need a Memory Sharpener!

Do you think life is stressful? Doh! Of course life is extremely challenging, hectic, sometimes insane! We worry about everything.. especially aging.. woah! However, these things do come and cannot be avoided, and all these can affect our memory. Even certain medications and the food we eat that has a lot of contraindication is a culprit to a sharper memory and better attention span. The good news is there are things we can do to sharpen our mind and help preserve it!Provoke & constantly stimulate Your Brain

Here are mental exercises that will challenge your mind to increase blood flow to the brain that will keep it in tip-top shape!

• Reading – a newspaper, a novel, a magazine, anything, just keep reading!
• Sudoku number puzzle (it’s truly an addicting one!)
• Crossword puzzles (a dictionary is most helpful)
• Brainteasers like rubrix cube (It’ss a very good one!)
• Learn new ways to use a computer (it’s enjoyable!)
• Crafts, like paper art, beads, cross-stitch, bookmarkers, painting pots, wood work and sewing, etc.
• Hobbies, like writing, gardening, building model dollhouses, etc
• Socializing – visit old friends or join groups to meet new ones
• Learn a new language.. this is really fun!
• Take lessons, maybe dancing, art, history or music
• Travel – learn and experience the food, history, and culture of your destination
• Go to the theater, the museums, or thought-stimulating movies and then attempt to write a critic about it even if it’s just for yourself
• Stop boring yourself, change the routine in your daily life. Reversing your schedule or your pattern in shopping for your groceries is an example.

Memory Aids helps

• Use day planners, and calendars whether electronic or paperbook where you can make nores for your every day appointments, to do’s. Electronic ones are more efficient nowadays since you can set an alarm to beep you.
• A diary where you can record birthdays, and special occasions that happen on the same date every year anyway.
• A notebook of daily things "to-do" lists that you can write every night before you retire for bed and placed beside your bedside so you can add on to it anytime. (sticky notes would also be helpful)
• if at all possible, an instant review session before a gathering, of who will be there, so their names will be fresh in your mind when you see them
• Would be good to establish routines, such as where you keep your bag, keys, wallet. It should be in the same place every time.

A healthy lifestyle is always a must!


Eat a diet rich in antioxidants and B vitamins.
In research studies, the antioxidant nutrients—vitamins C and E and beta carotene—have been associated with high marks on memory tests. And B vitamins, specifically vitamin B6 and folate, are believed to boost memory function as well. Good food sources include:

• Vitamin E: nuts, oils, sunflower seeds, and wheat germ
• Vitamin C and beta-carotene: orange, green, red, and other brightly-colored fruits and vegetables
• Vitamin B6: bananas, legumes, oatmeal, wheat germ, and whole grains
• Folate: fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fortified grain products

Choose food sources of antioxidants as opposed to supplements; the most promising studies so far have used foods, not pills.

Exercise regularly. Among the many benefits of regular exercise is increased blood flow to the brain and decreased risk of certain chronic diseases that can interfere with memory function. One study found that even moderate exercise has a beneficial effect. Examples of "moderate" exercise are:

• 18 holes of golf once a week, without a cart
• Tennis twice a week
• Walking one mile per day

Manage stress. It can be tough to remember what's important when your mind is cluttered and harried. Make time for relaxation—paint, exercise, read a book, pray, meditate on God’s word, take a walk, listen to music, bake bread—whatever it is that calms you down, make it routine.

Manage chronic conditions. Side effects of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can interfere with mental function. Many of the lifestyle steps discussed here can help manage these conditions. Strive to eat a healthful diet, exercise regularly, get stress under control, and follow your doctor's specific advice for your condition.

Minimize medications. Review the medications you take with your doctor. Some may be unnecessary. Also, healthful lifestyle habits may lower the need for certain drugs. Will be wise to regularly do a coffee enema (see my blog/article about it-extremely effective.)

(lifted from an article By Karen Schroeder, MS, RD; shared by Conrad Favorito with additions that I believe is beneficial to my readers)
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