Welcome 2010!

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RT | WW - Poinsettia

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Help On The Road

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Has it ever happened to you while you are traveling alone along the highway, your car suddenly stops and there's no one else to help you? Hmmm, that could be tragic and scary and I'm so sure you wouldn't want to spend hours on the road waiting for help to come. That is one of my fears and I'm glad hubs always make sure our roadside assistance service subscription is always updated. Don't wait until you experience a roadside breakdown before you realize you really need one, it pays to know that there is someone to help you right away in case of emergency.

Mellow Yellow Monday #37

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Happy Mellow Yellow Monday!

For Body-Wide Health Benefits

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You know how important it is for us to supplement with the best vitamins and minerals. Getting regular supplies of the vitamins we need daily not only strengthens our body but it helps fight inflammation-causing diseases as well. You may not be aware of it but the best vitamins continue to surprise you with body-wide health benefits.

Just take vitamin D for example. I have always thought that exposure to sunlight is bad because it raises your risk on skin cancer and is the cause of premature aging. But I recently learned that taking Vitamin D can really slow down the aging process by up to 5 years. Just 20 minutes of exposure to sunlight a week is enough to supply us with our daily D requirements, cutting down DNA damage that triggers age-related diseases like cancer and heart ailments. Here's more of what this vitamin can do to you:

BRAIN - Cuts stroke risk; may help prevent depression
EYES - Lowers risk of macular degeneration
MOUTH - Decreases risk of gum disease
HEART - Lowers chances of cardiovascular disease
LUNGS - May reduce lung cancer risk
BREAST - Cuts chances of breast cancer
BACK - Lessens likelihood of chronic pain
LEGS - Fights age-related weaknesses
CALVES - Lowers risk of blocked leg arteries

Multiple studies are still being done on what other health benefits we can get from the best vitamins on the market. Still, it's important to consult your doctor before you decide to take these.

For The Meantime

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The economy is in a slump and so many jobs are lost everyday. But despite this, there are other options to earn. I have observed that there is a substantial rise in openings for sales jobs which comes as no surprise. Many of the specialized jobs have been filled up and skills training has become lucrative. But sales is still the way to go as it drives the economy. It's a good alternative instead of waiting around for your dream job. Sales actually opens more doors for progress and opportunity. There will always be a market for something.

Safety First

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Hubby always emphasizes safety. He's a DIY man and uses power tools when he works. This is why he had collected so many safety products through the years. From safety goggles to gloves, he has them all. Even when working on simple repairs, he still would wear protective gloves or eye wear. He doesn't believe that getting your hands dirty means sacrificing your wellbeing. With all the possible accidents waiting to happen and contaminants around, safety first before anything else has always been his motto..

Mellow Yellow Monday #36

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Happy Mellow Yellow Monday!

Looking at the sky on Friday (31)

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Happy sky watching!

Stop Cold Weather Cravings

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Fatigue-inducing blood sugar swings are common during cold months, when weak sunlight dampen our body's production of glucose-regulating serotonin. But you can easily outsmart cold weather cravings by consuming 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon daily. The spice can offset this effect by stowing the body's absorption of carbohydrates, improving blood sugar control. Try sprinkling it to your favorite food like toast, oatmeal, and yogurt.

Drug Rehab

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Drugs and alcohol are very addictive, and for a long time, it's been our society's problem. Usually, the addiction roots from experimentation and it never chooses its victims, (young or old.) When one becomes an addict, he starts gambling with his life, his personality, and his future. This problem is treatable. If you know of someone who's addicted to drugs, having him admitted to a drug rehab center is your best move to help the person. Addiction is destructive, it doesn't only hurt the victim but also those who deeply love and care about them.

Mellow Yellow Monday #35

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Yes, those are giant bananas and it's longer than my knife! Found it at the grocery store and bought 1 piece to try. I still like the smaller ones. They are sweeter and softer.

Looking at the sky on Friday (30)

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This is just one of our early morning views at the back of our home, taken while preparing breakfast for my kids.

Happy sky watching!

My Thoughts On Homeschooling

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Recent studies showed that many American parents consider homeschooling rather than sending their children to traditional schools. They seriously consider this because it's a different way of educating their children. My kids are grown now but if I had to go back in time, I would have homeschooled them considering the amount of money you have to spend for education. I'm a work-at-home mom anyway and I can focus on their studies. I wish homeschooling curriculum online was already available back then. Here in the Philippines, putting your children in a decent school would cost you a fortune. Education here is now more of a privilege rather than a necessity. It's a sad fact but it's true.

Homeschooling do not only help you save money, but it allows your kids to be educated at home free from the daily school assignments, school projects and pressure. And the best thing is, it also allows more bonding time between you and your child, fostering closer relationships. This will greatly strengthen your relationship and your child's self-esteem and self-confidence will improve a lot. Another important reason why some parents consider homeschooling is because this shields their children from bad habits due to peer influence - smoking, drinking alcohol, gambling, sex, drugs and violence.

Although not everyone can do it, you don't need to be an expert to homeschool your child because the net is steaming with information that would surely help you and your child. You can find a homeschooling curriculum that best suits your child's needs and even customize it for appropriate subject grade level.

If you are seriously considering it, take the time to think about it before deciding whether or not home schooling is right for you and for your kids.

Timing Is The Key

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When we are under stress, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that helps the body survive in times of dangers. Sadly, this "automatic response" comes with an unwelcome side effect... belly fat! That's because cortisol sends calories straight to the tummy so the liver can access them quickly for emergency fuel. Plus, cortisol spikes can trigger overeating. We have the tendency to reach for snacks when we are stressed. I recently read that with a few timing tricks, you can easily outsmart fat-causing cortisol swings. Here they are...

Eat breakfast within an hour of waking. Our body is producing just enough cortisol to keep us alert when we wake up in the morning. And from there, cortisol levels rise, putting us at risk of overeating. Experts recommend consuming a protein-packed bite within an hour of waking. A healthy, satisfying fare can ward off overwhelming cravings later.

Snack three hours after lunch. Cortisol levels naturally begin to fall around 3 pm. But when a busy day keeps cortisol at a continual high, the cortisol drop registers as a full-blown crash, draining energy. This is what makes us crave for sugar for a quick way to recharge, experts say. To outsmart this, have a filling snack a few hours after lunch before fatigue sets in.

According to them, this simple timing tricks can help ward off cravings. The result? A slimmer you!

Clean Air Act

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A lot of us take for granted maintaining the quality of air we breathe at home. This could greatly affect our health (especially the kids) if not given attention. It's one of the leading causes allergies and other bronchial complications. Allergies and bronchial complications could easily be prevented. Take time to check and change your furnace filters. Doing so will ensure a perfectly functioning furnace and clean air. It always helps to be cautious and preventive rather than be sorry and shell out a ton of cash for treatments.

The Perfect Month for Weddings

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This is the time of the year that I receive a lot of wedding invitations. December last year, hubs and I attended three weddings and for this year, we have four wedding invites. Most Filipinos now prefer to get married in December. June used to be the most popular month for weddings but because of typhoons, December is definitely better. How about you? Would you prefer to be a June bride or a December bride?

Mellow Yellow Monday #34

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Hope everyone of you had a wonderful weekend. Happy MYM!

Looking at the sky on Friday (29)

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This was taken two weeks ago when we went to Tiendesitas. It was such a bright day and I couldn't resist taking a snap of the fluffy clouds.

Happy sky watching!

Bye-bye Pounds

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I lost 12 pounds over the first two months of my weight loss plan, and I need to drop 20 more. I've been working out for 30 minutes every day, and losing those 12 pounds seemed really easy in the beginning. But dropping pounds now seems to get harder and I'm afraid I will have a hard time with the remaining 20. I'm beginning to feel frustrated. I know I shouldn't because that will only make it harder for me to meet my target weight. When I started the plan, I brushed aside the idea of taking the best weight loss supplements. But now I'm having second thoughts. With my very slow metabolism, simply working out won't do the trick. I need something to rev it up and end my hunger pangs.

Accidents Do Happen

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About a month ago, my uncle was up on the ladder cleaning his car. One wrong move made him fell and injured his right leg. Good thing my sister was home when the accident happened so she brought him to the hospital. My uncle is alright but he is still recovering and was not able to work since the accident. The doctor said it might take a couple of months more before he could work again. His disability claim was denied at the initial application level so my aunt hired a lawyer to help them on his disability appeal. The lawyer told them that my uncle's chances of winning benefits is substantially high, which is great news because they are now down with one income and you know how costly treatments and medications are.

Block it with B

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Completely weeding out MSG from your diet is difficult but experts say, it's easy to protect yourself. One easy way is taking a daily dose of vitamin B12. This vitamin is used to make the protective myelin sheath that surrounds nerves, so it helps maintain a healthy brain. And what's really great about this vitamin is that it begins working within an hour of ingestion. So go ahead and ask your doc about supplementing with B12.

Secure Online Backup

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Even with the so many gadgets available in the market, storing files have always been a big concern to most of us. It's a good thing this is not limited to hardware and having to buy your own gadget. You can find thousands of sites from the world wide web offering to secure your files. Some offer secure online backup for free, some comes with a price. This service works well with both Mac and Windows systems, and if you have multiple computers, you can save a lot of money because you can use a single account to back up all your files. It always pays to have a back up, do it now before it's too late.

Looking at the sky on Friday (28)

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These photos were snapped right in front of my house whileI was at the terrace. I love watching sunsets and I'm blessed to have a beautiful view of it every day.

Happy sky watching everyone and I'm wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

Treating A Cold

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Drugstores are filled with products promising relief from cold symptoms. But I'd think twice before medicating. I recently read that cold medicines that mask symptoms do nothing to shorten illness. Plus, they often contain ingredients that trigger side effects like fatigue and mental fog. It's always better to rely on natural remedies when symptoms strike. Here's one way to treat sore throat and stuffiness. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 cup lukewarm water, then gargle. This solution also works as a nasal rinse to clear stuffiness. Each rinsing washes away 90 % of germs causing the infection. To treat nasal passages: Pour a bit of saltwater into your palm, block one nostril with the other hand and gently sniff the liquid into the open nostril. Repeat on the opposite side.

Mellow Yellow Monday #33

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Hope these beautiful yellow flowers will brighten up your Monday morning. Happy MYM to all!

Looking at the sky on Friday (27)

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The sun hid under the clouds and it looked like it was going to rain hard because the clouds were so dark and looked heavy. I'm glad it didn't.

Have a great weekend everyone. Happy sky watching!

The Balancing Act

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Protect yourself for future fractures by practicing your balance skills now. Broken bones caused by falls are a major reason many older people become disabled. Start with this easy test: Stand barefoot on a flat surface while a friend times you and protects you from falling. Close your eyes and bend one knee, lifting the foot about 6 inches off the floor. See how long you can hold the position without teetering. Experts say, a healthy adult should be able to hold this position for at least 15 seconds. Practicing this test often can help build up your balancing skills. Doing Pilates or tai chi will also help.

Smile with Confidence

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So many people are using teeth whitening but they don't know all the facts about it. This keeps them from possibly benefiting by whitening their teeth. Some of us may not realize that there are teeth whitening methods at various cost levels. The good thing is, you do not have to continue being embarrassed because of your discolored teeth. The choices vary from the easy-to-use and affordable dental strips to the pricey treatments of dental whitening. With a bit of research, you can find clinics that offer treatments at affordable prices, such as Plano cosmetic dentist.

Wondering whether teeth whitening is worth the cost and inconvenience? The answer is YES because of its many benefits, boosting your self confidence and making you feel more attractive, to name a few.

Mindless Eating

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Chocolate was the one thing that always eased my tension. And my relentless juggling act of managing the store, chores and parenting had me rummaging through the fridge quite often. Do you think appetite suppressant pills will put an end to emotional eating? I've been meaning to try one of these just to break the cycle. I've done some readings about stress overeating and found that appetite suppressants actually helped some women win the battle.

Oh no! Another price hike!

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As of 12 midnight, the oil price hike was implemented by the 3 major oil companies here in the Philippines. And because of that, I'm sure prices of goods will increase including medicine. It's a good thing my dad has a Medicare supplement insurance and it covers both brand name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. He is diabetic and I'm sure you know how expensive his medicines are. This kind of insurance provides protection for those who have very high drug costs or from unexpected prescription drug bills in the future.

Oklahoma Lawyers

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When facing criminal charges, having the proper legal representation in Oklahoma courts can make a significant difference in legal matters. And when the stakes are high, choosing the right lawyers is the key. The Law Offices of Slane Phillips website allows you to choose an Oklahoma attorney responsibly for effective results. With their lawyers having track records of dealing with certain types of cases and with years and years of trial experience, you can be sure to get positive results in or out of court. Choose from among their list of highly competitive lawyers and give yourself the legal experience you certainly deserve.

Mellow Yellow Monday #32

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Happy Mellow Yellow Monday everyone!

Soy and Whey Benefits

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In addition to aiding in weight loss and increasing energy, soy and whet each provide an array of bonus health perks due to their very different antioxidant profiles. Here's what you can get when you add soy and whey to your daily diet.

Erase signs of aging. Soy is rich in isoflavones, antioxidants that boost production of collagen, the connective tissue that increases skin's elasticity to make it firmer, stronger and younger looking.

Eliminate cramps, mood swings and hot flashes. Soy contains natural plant-based estrogens called phytoestrogens that balance hormonal fluctuations. Recent studies show that consuming 20 grams of soy protein daily ( equivalent to three 8 oz. glasses of soy milk or two 4 oz. servings of tofu) reduced cramps, mood swings, hot flashes and night sweats by 40 %.

Short-circuit stress and end mood swings. Whey is packed with the amino acid tryptophan, a building block of the brain's mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin. Consuming just 20 grams of whey daily ups brain levels of tryptophan by 48 %, increasing serotonin and helping you feel calmer.

Replace fat with muscle. Following exercise with a whey shake or glass of skim milk can double fat burn. According to research, subjects who took whey gained 40 % more lean muscle, enough to help them burn up to 50 % more body fat.

Looking at the sky on Friday (26)

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Have a fun and great weekend everyone!

Mellow Yellow Monday #31

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How about dining in this cozy little restaurant?

Looking at the sky on Friday (25)

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It's been cloudy and rainy the past days because of a low pressure area. So when the sun started to shine the other day, I took out the camera and made a shot. It was gone again after a few minutes.

Click the badge for more gorgeous sky photos. Happy sky watching!!!

A Cup of Spinach a Day

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Tiredness does not stand a chance against spinach's abundant stores of magnesium and potassium. That's because magnesium flushes fatigue-inducing sodium from cells and ushers in potassium, which is essential for converting sugar into energy. Consuming a cup of cooked spinach everyday could double your energy levels in as little as one week.

But Popeye's pick does not only give you energy, 1 cup of raw spinach delivers 200 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin K. The nutrient helps reduce calcification of the arteries (a leading cause of heart disease) by 95 percent in three weeks. This green is also packed with vitamins A and C, nutrients that thwart the oxidation of LDL (bad cholesterol), preventing it from accumulating on blood vessel walls.s

And if you're one of those who suffer from chronic headaches, noshing on spinach every day can reduce the frequency and severity by up to 50 percent. This is because of spinach's riboflavin, a B complex vitamin that makes the brain more resistant to headache triggers like stress.

But what I love most about these yummy greens is the fact that it makes you slim. A cup packs only 41 calories and delivers 25 percent of the daily recommended dietary allowance of calcium, which binds to fats in the intestines and shuttles them out of the body before they can be absorbed. Plus, calcium suppresses the body's output of calcitriol, a hormone that promotes fat storage in the belly. Regularly consuming spinach helps melt pounds twice the usual rate.

So you see, there's more to it than just energy. Eat them every day and you're on your way to a slim and healthy body.

Breathe Easy

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If you're like most moms, then you're probably on the verge of a nervous breakdown. What with all the holiday preparations, gifts you had to wrap, all the parties you had to attend and dishes you had to prepare - just thinking all about these makes your body ache all over. You need a break mommy! Why not book for orlando vacations even just for the weekend? A good break can leave you feeling fresh and ready for the holiday tasks ahead.

Sam has seen better days

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Good old Sam is acting up again. I couldn't get myself to complete my ec drops because my laptop has gotten really slow. Last week, hubs brought Sam to Gilmore to have its system memory upgraded. We thought that would help but the technician told him that even if we upgrade the system memory, it still won't work as fast because Sam is too old. For the time being, I still need Sam's service. Hopefully, in a couple of months, I'd be able to buy the pink Lenovo and give old Sam a rest.

Mellow Yellow Monday #30

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Mmmm...

Outsmart Flu with Garlic

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The pungent garlic doesn't only work to inhibit LDL (bad cholesterol). As a top source of immune-boosting allicin, it increases the body's production of white blood cells to fight off bacterial and viral infections. Experts recommend adding fresh garlic (chopping raw garlic is the only way to activate the antioxidant) daily to any meals. This will help cut cold risk by 57 percent.

Here's an added perk: Consuming 2 teaspoons daily of raw minced garlic can stave off weight gain. Thanks to garlic's sulfur compounds, these break down fats in the bloodstream before they can enter fat cells. Plus, sulfur combats cravings by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Filled With Joy

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A few months ago, my aunt couldn't climb a plight of stairs without feeling out of breath, at 188 lbs., she was at her heaviest. So as an attempt to restore her health, my cousins asked their family doctor for help. He recommended the best weight loss pill and taught my aunt a set of physical activity. After just a few months, she felt better and is proud to have escaped scary medical conditions, including sleep apnea and hypertension. She's only halfway through her target weight but she's already filled with unspeakable joy.

Looking at the sky on Friday (24)

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Rise and shine!

Yummy Cough Medicine

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If over the counter meds are not helping to ease your cough, try this yummy trick: Consume one small piece dark chocolate. It contains theobromine, a compound that researchers found that's more effective at suppressing cough than codeine. That's because theobromine calms an excited vagus nerve, which runs from the airways of the lungs to the brain and is responsible for triggering coughs.

Slowly But Surely

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Are you looking for a new business opportunity? Franchise Gator lists top franchises in the world. They will help you connect with top companies, giving you the opportunity to start your own business even with a limited capital. Franchising is often a smaller investment than the cost of establishing a new business. All you need to produce is the paying cost of the franchise program and the rest - including the risk - are taken care of by the franchisee. Starting a business from scratch will take a lot of your time and money. When you franchise, you start slowly but surely.

My Busy Sister

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A few months ago, I told you about helping out my sister look for an online school. She did find one and is now currently taking up a course related to her present job. An online degree is what she needs right now to advance in her career. But I don't know how she manages her schedule, she still works, she studies and she can still supervise the renovation of her new apartment. I wonder if she still has time to sleep? I just hope that all these won't affect her health.

Mellow Yellow Monday #29

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Those are Uni Rolls or Sea Urchin Sushi. No, I didn't eat them, I just can't! I'm ok with fish but not sea urchin. Dad did and he said, they were yummy.

Happy MM everyone!

Trick or Treat?

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Be extra careful when buying candies for trick or treating, caffeine-laden sweets may prove more trick that treat if they end up in your kid's Halloween bag. Some popular candies pack 50-60 milligrams of caffeine and this is close to the 80 milligrams in a Red Bull energy drink.

Over time, caffeine is habit-forming, it causes hyper-activity and increases blood pressure. Although caffeine-laden candies are marketed for adults, it's not impossible they land in your kid's bags, so be sure to sort through his haul.