Mellow Yellow Monday #25

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This cute little duckie is one of Lokii's (our shih tzu) least liked toys. Everytime we insert a hand in there and put it right in front of his face, he'll get really angry and bark non stop.

Happy MYM everyone!

MSG in Disguise

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Recent research shows that a diet high in MSG can triple the odds of being overweight. That's because the glutamate in MSG overstimulates nerve cells to damage or even destroy them, triggering cravings and weight gain plus other symptoms such as headaches, stress, fatigue and brain fog.

As much as we want to avoid it, MSG is often disguised on products labels. When buying products, here are some of the terms that may signal the presence of MSG: monopotassium glutamate, yeast extract, hydrolyzed protein, calcium caseinate, sodium caseinate, yeast nutrient, autolyzed yeast, gelatin, textured protein, hydrolyzed corn gluten, natrium glutamate and vague words such as "flavorings" or "spices."

While it's tough to totally avoid this flavor-enhancing food additive, you can counteract its effect with foods rich in antioxidants such as vitamin C and E and beta carotene. Enjoying four servings daily of fruit like papayas or veggies like broccoli, carrots and peppers can neutralize oxidation and spur cell repair, recharging the brain's leptin response in days.

Your Home Away From Home

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If you need time to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city or you are just simply planning a family vacation, be seduced with the beautiful countries of Europe and take advantages of the self catering holidays offered by Home Away. UK, Europe's most popular vacation spot, is moving up their visitors with the must-see and must-do attractions in the country.

Discover the historic Ridgeway in England that stretches 85 miles from Overton Hill near Avebury, Wiltshire, to Ivinghoe Beacon near Tring, Buckinghamshire and stay at holiday cottages and cornwall cottages where you and your loved ones can enjoy your own private garden, a pool and even play golf. The Ridgeway could simply be described as a very long footpath, but there is much more to it. The views change from woodland, to Didcot cooling towers, from open grassland, to the M4. The route is not short of surprises.

I would also recommend visiting historic Scotland where there are more than 300 places to visit. From castles to abbeys, the isles and many more. You may also hop on to Wales, a country that is part of the United Kingdom, if you want to experience a real mountain holiday. It is bordered by England to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west where you can see people still wearing their traditional dresses and quilts and experience the rich culture of the place. It's a more quiet place so you and your family can enjoy more quiet nights after your day tours.

Don't think about how much you're going to spend, the holiday tours come with luxurious accommodations that are easy on your pocket. Click on the links to be directed to the website and get ready to enjoy the dramatic and historical views of UK.

Score Luxury Mattress for Less

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You've been dreaming of soft cotton sheets, a fluffy new comforter and a lump-free mattress for months, and now that mall sales are in full swing, I'm sure you can't wait to hit the stores. But if you're so concerned about thread count, coil count, fill power, etc. and head spinning prices makes you think twice about splurging on sleep essentials, visit Overnight Mattress.com instead. The site is also having a sale right now and you can score a luxury mattress for less. Plus, you get a 9-piece bedding set for free when you purchase any mattress "11 or more, a real value for your money!

Giving Your Kitchen a New Look

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When you're ready to give your kitchen a new look, start with copper kitchen sinks. A copper sink will not only add class to your kitchen but it will give you that peace of mind knowing that your kitchen is always clean and sanitized. Bacteria and germs can only thrive in copper sinks for a very short time compared to ordinary sinks where they live for days or even weeks. Visit The Copper Sinks Store for more information and to view their gallery of quality and affordable copper sinks.

Looking at the sky on Friday (20)

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Oh no! There's another storm coming!

Mellow Yellow Monday #24

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Banana gummy candies. Yum!

The "Leeky" Benefit

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Always craving for sweets? Add leeks to your dishes. Eating leeks everyday can help curb your cravings for sweets. Leeks, the onion's cousins are packed with iron, manganese, folate, vitamin B6 and vitamin C, a nutrient combo that stabilizes blood sugar, helping to prevent between-meal cravings. Click here for a yummy soup recipe.

Planning Ahead

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A few years back, my father had these symptoms: excessive thirst, extreme hunger, frequent urination, unusual weight loss, increased fatigue, irritability and blurry vision. Good thing he was due for an executive check-up that month courtesy of his life insurance company. When the results came, we were informed by his doctor that he has Type 2 Diabetes.

It was not easy for him, he took it as if the whole world sank on him. Who wouldn't feel bad anyway? Acceptance is the hardest thing when it comes to diseases, especially with cancer and diabetes. More often, victims think they are goners even if they're not. For a few days he was depressed. But with the family's help, slowly, he learned to accept it. We changed his diet. My father, being a disciplinarian was very obedient. For the first few months, he totally cut his sugar intake. It was difficult I know for he has a sweet tooth. He was also prescribed a medicine for maintenance.

One thing mom was thankful for was she got his life insurance policy long before he had diabetes. It really helps to plan ahead, not many people believe in life insurance and some would only consider purchasing a life insurance once an illness is discovered. I have worked part-time in an insurance company many years ago and during that time diabetic cases were not accepted. I heard they do now but I'm sure the premiums are much higher.

Looking at the sky on Friday (19)

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Here's another breathtaking photo of the sunrise yesterday. I'm wishing everyone of you a a restful weekend. Happy sky watching!

A Thousand Words in Idioms (2)

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"A Thousand Words in Idioms"

If "language is the dress of thoughts" ( Johnson), then idioms must the wardrobe

From now on everybody can join in. No need to follow the alphabet, just pick two idioms and illustrate them with your pictures. Grab that camera or look in your archives. Just be creative, that's all I'm asking!
And don't forget to have fun and visit one another, okay?

So here we go ...

A Fool And His Money Are Easily Parted

It means: A person who can't seem to hold onto any amount of money; he either spends it or loses it.

All Bark And No Bite

It means: A person who always threaten but you know he won't do it.

Worried About Cancer

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We just got a call from hubs' cousin in the US, informing us of the bad news that his mom was diagnosed with colon cancer. This is the second cancer case in their family, we lost his aunt from breast cancer last April. Makes me worried because I've been hearing a lot of colon cancer lately. I am now checking on some colon cleanse reviews. I heard that colon cleansing really helps prevent colon cancer. I feel I had to do this for my family and myself. I hope and pray Tita is strong enough to fight this battle.

Beat Brain Fog with Asparagus

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Nix brain fog with asparagus. The spear's potassium has a thinning effect on blood, optimizing the delivery of energizing oxygen to the brain. The mineral also nourishes the brain by shuttling in choline, which helps form a key neurotransmitter that sharpens focus and memory.

Here, an easy and yummy way to serve asparagus even your kids will love. Heat broiler, Blanch 1 pound of asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove; plunge into cold water. Drain. On baking sheet, toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil; roast 8 minutes, or until skin begins to dimple. Meanwhile, in a bowl set over pan of simmering water, melt 1/4 pound Parmesan cheese, cut into chunks, with 2 cups evaporated milk or plain soy milk. In blender, blend cheese mixture until smooth; serve with roasted asparagus.

For An Easy Move

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Moving to a new location can be a very exciting experience but sometimes troublesome especially if you have to bring with you all your things. Packing all your things may sound so easy but it's not, and it can take you longer than you expected. But you can take the worry out of your move if you'll let the professionals handle it. California New York Express is a reliable moving company, staffed with professional long distance movers who are dedicated to help you meet your relocation needs. If you're thinking about the stressful packing, storing, moving and unpacking, call on these movers. They have well-trained teams of movers and drivers to help you have a smooth transition. It is never too easy to move a household and it requires a lot of time and effort. More so if you are moving from one state to another.

A New Job and A New Home

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After checking up on several apartments in Long Island, Louise, my sister finally found the perfect place for her. She was so stressed in finding a unit soon because she had to move within the week. She's starting with her new job on Monday and needed a place to stay in immediately. Thank God she found one through MyNewPlace. It was her co-worker from Connecticut who told her about it. And after searching for several units, she found a two-bedroom unit very near her work. Haven't talked to her since, as she is busy moving her things. Hopefully, she'll be done in a day or two and I look forward to talking with her again.

Mellow Yellow Monday #23

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Those yellow lights at the restaurant are soothing to the eyes. They made the place really cool and cozy. The food was good too. I hope everyone of you had a great weekend. Happy MYM!

Looking at the sky on Friday (18)

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A clear sky, a quiet road and a beautiful scenery. Wanna take a walk with me?
Happy sky watching!

Natural Remedy for Sinus Pain

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Acute sinusitis is a condition that occurs when inflammation of the sinus cavities interferes with normal mucus drainage. Millions of people are suffering from this and the most common symptoms are nasal stuffiness, headaches, fatigue and body aches. I recently read that OTC sinusitis drugs can cause rebound congestion, tissue dryness and insomnia, and some of the widely prescribed antibiotics can add to the harm by turning acute cases into chronic ones.

Next time your sinusitis attacks, think twice before popping in a pill. Here, try this remedy I found and save money on prescription meds and time spent in the doctor's office. Best of all, this natural cure works better for sinus pain.

When you feel the beginning of a blockage, rinse with a simple saltwater solution. Combine 1 cup of lukewarm water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a pinch of baking soda. Lean over the sink and snort a small amount of the solution from your pal by closing one nostril and gently sniffing with the other; let drain. Repeat three times on each side twice daily. The solution can remove mucus and shrink swollen tissue, stopping the inflammatory cycle.

A Thousand Words in Idioms (1)

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"A Thousand Words in Idioms"

If "language is the dress of thoughts" ( Johnson), then idioms must the wardrobe

From now on everybody can join in. No need to follow the alphabet, just pick two idioms and illustrate them with your pictures. Grab that camera or look in your archives. Just be creative, that's all I'm asking!
And don't forget to have fun and visit one another, okay?

So here we go ...

Curiosity killed The Cat


Being Inquisitive can lead you into a dangerous situation.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

It means to be optimistic. Even difficult times will lead to better days.

Mellow Yellow Monday #22

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Freshly squeezed orange juice. Yummy, healthy and refreshing!

Looking at the sky on Friday (17)

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I took this shot the other day while my son was having breakfast. Good thing I did because yesterday it was dark and cloudy, there's another storm coming. I'm wishing everyone a terrific weekend. Happy sky watching!

Why Buy Samsonite?

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When shopping for luggages, buying a Samsonite luggage can be a smart move because it is known to last a really long time. We have two of them that we've used over and over again, and they've been with us for more than 10 years. It is better to shell out a little more money to buy a good set that lasts for years than to buy something cheap that needs to be replaced frequently. With the abuse these luggages get when they are tossed and thrown around by baggage handlers, a suitcase of poor quality will fall apart quickly.

Top Droppers - August 2009

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It's once again time to show appreciation to friends who stopped by the most for the month of August. I would also like to thank everyone who visited, left comments and dropped their cards but did not make it to the top ten. Thanks to all of you, your support is very much appreciated.

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