Hanem.com - The Online Womens Magazine

Sugaring

2012-02-23T23:33:00.000-05:00

Are you tired of feeling like the living proof of evolution? Half woman –half ape? Yes well so am I. I hate the horrible process of hair removal and I know most women can relate. Very often I don’t have time to go to the hairdresser to have the hair removed and I’m not organised enough to call the “halawa” lady before the last minute. If I try doing it for myself, I end up covered in halawa, sticking to the carpet, ruining my clothes and not having pulled out one single hair… ok maybe one!

Well ladies, here is an alternative halawa method that will make your life easier.

The idea is similar to traditional halawa but instead of moving the mixture up and down and sideways to remove the hair. You apply it, put a cotton strip on it and pull the cotton strip. Only once and the hair is gone. This process is called sugaring, something between waxing and halawa.

The cotton strips can be found in pharmacies or you can make your own by buying some cotton fabric and cutting it into strips of 5cm x 15cm.

To make it you will need:

1 kilo of sugar

6 lemons
cotton strips
Wooden spatula or spoon or back of knife to spread the sugaring mixture on the wanted body part.

Place the sugar in a large saucepan. Add the juice of 6 lemons. Stirring constantly, heat over low flame until sugar is a dark brown (caramel) colour. Quickly pour into storage container.

To sugar your legs:

Let sugaring cool until it is warm and spreadable, but not too uncomfortable (hot) to handle. If the sugaring is too cool, you can microwave it - but stir it completely, and check it often!

Test the warmth of the sugaring on a small part of your leg. If it is not too hot, it is ready to use. If it is un-spreadable, heat it up a bit.

When sugaring is at the correct consistency, spread thin narrow strips of sugar on leg, spreading from knee to ankle. Immediately cover the sugaring with cotton strip. Repeat until the leg is covered with cotton strips.

When cool to the touch and set (after about 20 seconds depending on thickness) yank the strips beginning from ankle and pull towards knee. Do it quickly!

Hints:

Test, test, test! Test the warmth of the sugaring on a sensitive part of your leg. It is easy to burn yourself! Also, test the strip (by pulling a small part) before yanking. You don't want to do it again!

Always pull in the opposite direction that the sugaring was applied. In other words, if you apply down, pull up!

Don't apply too thickly. It will pull the hair but it will not remove it.

Menstrual Cramps

2012-02-21T09:28:00.000-05:00

Most of us have experienced menstrual cramps at one time or another. For some women menstrual cramps are crippling, while others experience only some uneasiness during their period.

Severe menstrual cramps occur in young women who have just begun their menstrual cycles and often becomes less severe after a woman has given birth or when she reaches her mid-twenties. Sometimes menstrual cramps are caused by other conditions such as endometriosis, fibroid tumors, pelvic adhesions, and ovarian cysts or by the use of an intrauterine device (IUD) for birth control.

Menstrual cramps are thought to be related to a naturally occurring substance, which causes the uterus to contract. If a woman does not ovulate it is unlikely that she will encounter cramps during her period, for this reason doctors often prescribe oral contraceptives to ease painful periods. There are ways however to ease the pain of the monthly nightmare without having to go to a doctor. If the pain is too severe and prevents you from getting on with your daily routine, it’s best to see a doctor.

Here are some ways to help you:

Non-prescription painkillers such as ibuprofen used around the clock as soon as you notice the first sign of your period help to reduce the severity of cramps in many women.

Even though you don’t feel like moving at the time of your period, force yourself to get active, it often reduces cramps in most women.

Supplementing your diet with zinc and calcium has been found to reduce cramps, bloating, and related PMS symptoms.

Herbal remedies help stop the spasms and the effect may reduce some menstrual cramps. Useful herbs include unicorn root, evening primrose oil, and camomile.

Try taking a warm bath and using aromatherapy.

Put a hot water bottle to your stomach. If you don’t have one, fill a regular bottle with warm water, wrap it in a towel and place it on your abdomen or lower back to relieve pain.

Taking time for yourself, relaxing, and letting those around you know that you are not feeling yourself will help by reducing the stress of your everyday life that may contribute to your menstrual cramps.

ERIKSON'S VIEW ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

2012-02-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Several psychologist's have put forward theories of development and you may be familiar with names such as Freud or Piaget. Erik Erikson (1963) was one of the first psychologists to propose a theory based on a genetically determined sequence of stages throughout a person's life. He believed that at every stage the person goes through a crisis as a result of two conflicting personality options.

One option is adaptive or positive and the other is maladaptive or negative and each person will have a mixture of the two with the healthy person having more of the adaptive quality.

In the first year the struggle is between trust and mistrust in people and the determining relationship at this point is the mother. If a child can develop a sense of trust in the mother then he will be able to trust others.

In the second year the child will struggle between autonomy and shame and doubt which means that if he comes out of it successfully he will develop self-control and a sense of mastery, if not he will suffer from self-doubt. The pivotal relationship at this time is the child's parents but as he grows up, more people have a significant influence, at the next stage it is the whole family.

During the third stage the child learns to either have initiative and a sense of purpose or suffers from a loss of self-esteem.

At about 6 years the child moves into the fourth stage where he battles between competence in social and intellectual pursuits and a failure to develop.

The fifth stage is one that Erikson emphasised a great deal: adolescence. During this stage children go through an identity crisis when Erikson believed they should take time out from their responsibilities to figure out who they are. If the adolescent does not go through this stage successfully, he will go through life with a sense of uncertainty about who he is. It will come as no surprise to find out that relationships that affect them the most are the ones with their peers and their models of leadership.

The next stage is early adulthood where the person learns intimacy, how to form meaningful and deep personal relationships, if he fails he will be unable to love/connect with others.

In the person's middle ages he or she will either continue to develop forming new interests and new relationships or he will become beset by his own problems.

The final crisis is in old age, here the person's concerns widen and he is preoccupied with Mankind as a whole. He will either develop a sense of integrity, a satisfaction with the triumphs and disappointments of life, or despair and unfulfilment expressed as a fear of death. It is important to bear in mind that these theories are just that but they are interesting and used as a general guide line in life.

So even though as a parent, your influence stops after the early stages, it is important to understand yourself as well as your children’s separate phases in order to be good parents.

Colds, Coughs & the Flu

2012-02-15T21:26:00.000-05:00

Can you believe the weather we’re having? We can’t! We’re all wrapped up in warm clothing and fighting over who gets to sit closest to the heater. But if you want to prevent coughs, colds and the flu which are common during winter, fighting over the heater is not the solution. With more of us spending time indoors, it's easier for germs to spread. Keep in mind the following tips to prevent the spread of illness.

Get a flu shot. Flu shots are especially beneficial for those with weakened immune systems, the elderly or those who come in contact with a lot of people. Check with your doctor for more information.

Avoid putting your hands near your eyes, nose or mouth, unless you have washed. Most bacteria and germs are spread from a surface to your hands and to your face.

Wash your hands frequently. This is often your best defence. Wash the entire hand using warm water and soap. Don't forget to clean under fingernails. Wash for about 10 seconds.

Get enough sleep. During sleep, your body's immune system goes into high gear to protect you from illness. Lack of sleep can reduce immune functioning making you susceptible to sickness.

Drink more water. In cold weather, it is easy to forget your thirst and get dehydrated. Make sure you consume 8 glasses a day.

Continue a moderate exercise program. Try to maintain a 3-day a week exercise routine. Consistency is the key.

Eat healthily. If you’re counting calories, count them properly, do not starve yourself. If your ideal weight is 65kg, then consume a minimum of 1600 calories a day. (multiply your body weight by 25 and that should give you a range).

Limit alcohol intake. Alcohol can be dehydrating which, in turn, may decrease your resistance to bacteria.

Finally, listen to your body. If you are less than 100% you will feel better and recover faster if you let yourself rest.

Valentine's

2012-02-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

Last February the 14th was a special day. A day of loving and of feeling loved. A day on which to care and to be tender, a day full of young promise. A day on which to… buy! Buy, buy, buy! Bouquets of red roses; meter high greeting cards; enormous chocolate hearts; ‘I-love-you’ helium packed pink heart-shaped balloons; great big cuddly ribbon-bowed teddy bears. Yes, it’s Valentine’s again and this year it was Valentine’s with a consumer vengeance! I mean the streets were teeming with roaming young couples: the young lady proudly clutching her rose/balloon/teddy bear, while beside her, her young squire sauntered along looking extra smug – his love-offering plainly a success…

I hadn’t realized Valentine’s had become so big in Egypt. Even young ladies wearing conservative higabs were out on the street flaunting their flowers. Now I happen to be a cynic but even I don’t deny the right of young (or not so young) love to express itself. But when Valentine’s shopping mania reaches the levels seen last Wednesday, I think I am justified in feeling a little shocked. In any case, I thought there was a recession going on? It wouldn’t seem like it if you were unfortunate enough to be caught in the trendy Heliopolis gift-shop I found myself in that morning (ok, ok, so I’m not a hardcore cynic). It was difficult trying to get into the shop in the first place. A crowd of schoolgirls was cramming outside the entrance trying to persuade a shop-assistant-turned-bouncer to let them in and he was refusing (not very politely, I may add). I managed to make my way to the entrance and, because I was wearing a suit, and thus considered too respectable to be turned away, I was allowed to enter. I walked in - followed closely by an angry chorus of “ishmi’na howwa!” – and joined half of Cairo which was already inside. There were cards on the floor, boxes upside down, messy half-empty shelves, feet stepping on feet stepping on feet, a sea of arms waving frantically above me, deafening noise, and an air of what can only be described as well-compacted consumer chaos. I was lucky to get out again in one piece.

The cynic in me complained that St. Valentine who gave his life for love 1500 years or so ago – so it is said – would not want to be remembered this way; that Valentine’s Day had regrettably joined Western Christmas and Ramadan as legitimate excuses for frenzied attacks of consumer-mania… And then, later that afternoon, I read that 2000 kilometers away Hindu extremists were attacking any shops they found sporting Valentine’s decorations in their windows. So maybe there are worse things than Valentine consumer mayhem in Heliopolis after all. Happy Valentine’s!

Mister Hanem

Mums can be sexy too!

2012-02-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well it’s Valentine's day, you’re a new mum, your feeling down and your morale is shattered when your partner doesn't show up with flowers, kisses and chocolates. You run to your friends for sympathy and moral support in tears and declare that he doesn't love you anymore. Let us review the facts for the past few weeks (or months) in which you've been completely preoccupied with this baby or child.

Every time your husband walks in all you have to say is nappies, crying, burping, tired, bloated, aching, etc. I know you're tired and your whole routine has changed but surprise, surprise so has your husband’s. He has been quickly shifted from first place to a lagging second. You’re likely to be tense and have the mother attitude where everything you're doing is right and everyone else, including your partner is wrong. If you expect your husband to go the extra mile then you have to make him feel like he's worth it. This means that you need to dress up, put some make-up and remind him that you're still a woman as well as a mum. He also needs to feel that you want him.

I know the feminist in you is probably saying you have enough to do without having to please HIM as well. Let me however offer you a new perspective. Think of your dressing up not as a ploy to please him as well as everyone else but as a signal telling him that you still want him and that he is important. Unless he feels that what he does means something to you he will not bother. Remember once you become a mom you have to stay a wife as well if you want to maintain a healthy relationship with your husband an

d try to make him share the experience of parenthood with you. Don’t’ let him resent because it took you away from him. Other men may feel uninterested because your image has changed, they no longer see you as their wife but as their son or daughter's mother, well it’s also up to you to remind him that you’re just as much of a woman by making yourself irresistible. So this Valentine's find someone to baby sit and be the one to seduce your husband.

Grilled Pineapple

2012-02-13T10:13:00.000-05:00

This extra easy recipe is a real surprise and tastes so wonderful.

You will need:

1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into 1/2" slices
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
3 cups lime sorbet

Combine brown sugar, juices, and cinnamon until smooth. Spread on each side of each pineapple ring. Grill 4-5" from medium coals 5-10 minutes, turning once, until sugar mixture melts and pineapple is heated and tender. Top each slice with a small scoop of sorbet and serve immediately.

Power Couples... Why are they so Lost?

2012-02-08T21:03:00.000-05:00

by HCBello

Are you losing sight of your goals? Is the idea of moving forwards both financially and professionally consuming you as a couple? Have you forgotten the hopes and dreams you had as newly weds? Lately I have been observing that more and more power couples, as I like to call couples in this situation, are having problems moving forward.

The Power Couple already have position and status and money, but they seem lost, they don't have many other couples like them to enjoy their success together. They also don't know now when enough is enough.
The power couples’ main earner (usually the man when they already have children) is often a workaholic. The couples don't know what is happening, but the results are there for anyone to see. The train they are driving is killing them.

In the last weeks I heard of three such cases and a friend just told me how worried she was about her husband, because he works like a horse and is only happy when he is working or talking about work.
I know one answer to their problem (I also know that there are probably many, but this one works for me):
they need to re-evaluate their lives at this point and see the world as though were starting their journey today.

Many years ago, they formed a partnership and set out to achieve things. Now, having achieved a great deal of what they set out to do, they are still pushing themselves for more, they have lost sight of what their initial goal was. The scale that they had at the beginning doesn't exist anymore and they can not measure their achievements. Why is life more hectic and more troublesome and stressful? Were the values wrong?
The values were right, but the goal was not clear or it became forgotten with time.

Some people simply don’t see what they have and focus on “this or that” that is missing in their lives. But if you put the hard work you are putting into your executive job into attaining "this and that…" you will be happier and healthier, because you will be completing your original picture of realization, YOU WILL BE REALIZING YOUR DREAMS!

Make a date with your partner, alone without the children. Go back in time and remember what you both wanted in life and what made you start the race you are in. Also visit the child inside, that you have forgotten in a corner of your soul, and ask him to remind you of your childhood dreams.

Evaluate what you have achieved from those dreams and what is left to accomplish a fulfilling life.

Now get together with your children (if they are over seven) and tell them your dreams, don't explain them what does it mean or what you mean, tell them your childhood's and youth's dreams and ask what do they think about them? (Don't be ashamed! Children have an incredible insight on the world, they see things in simpler ways, beside their dreams are bigger and wilder than yours!)

Think hard, both of you, what is the worst thing that could happen if you pursue your dreams? What is the worst that could happen if you don't? Remember that FEAR is the worst enemy of success. Besides it’s never too late and now you are better off than when you started.

Life is about the journey not about getting there, we know what is at the end!

Start researching, go to the bookstore or the internet and look up people that have gone through what you are going through, it helps to have someone to relate to, learn from their mistakes and their example.Have faith that your dreams are not foolish and that they are yours to achieve, follow your heart and don't listen to other people unless they are encouraging you, the real opinion that matters is your partner's and your heart.

Asthma & Sports

2012-02-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

Have you got Asthma? Do you want to play sports but find it difficult? Well here is a list of asthma friendly sports. But first let’s examine what asthma is.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition. It is characterized by difficulty in breathing. People with asthma have extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. The airways react by narrowing or obstructing when they become irritated. This makes it difficult for the air to move in and out. This narrowing or obstruction can cause one or a combination of the following symptoms: wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.

Common triggers which cause tightening of the airways include everyday stimuli such as: Cold air, dust, strong fumes, exercise, inhaled irritants, emotional upsets and smoke.

The most common inducers are allergens and respiratory viral infections .The most common inhaled allergens include: pollen (grasses, trees and weeds) ,animal secretions (cats and horses tend to be to the most allergen causing) and house dust mites .

Asthma and sports

Here's a quick review of our definition of asthma friendly sports:

Able to control breathing rate and depth
Able to breathe through the nose at all times
Does not promote coughing, air trapping, or airway drying
Able to rest and drink fluid when needed
A mixture of short high energy sprints with low energy endurance activities
Climate control when possible
An activity that includes participation of others for safety
As with any exercise program, be sure to check with your physician before you begin.

Golf- A great sport for those with asthma and lung disease is golf. Golf is easily customizable to a person's physical capabilities and limitations.
Weight Training-Toned, strong muscles use less oxygen and energy than flabby, out of shape muscles. This is an important reward of weight training and a big benefit for breathing.
Sailing-The magic of sailing can be especially relaxing and can even include some exercise once in a while!
Bicycling- Cycling provides a great form of exercise without aggravating asthma symptoms!
Walking-Walking may be the friendliest sport of all!
Fishing-Probably one of the most recognized activities for relaxation is fishing.
Canoeing-Canoeing can be a great stress reliever.
Swimming-For many, swimming is the most ideal Asthma Friendly Sport!

Cashew and Tomato Pate en Croute

2012-02-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Creative and delicious, try this pate which can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

You will need

Butter, to coat pan
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil or olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 14 oz. can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped
12 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
1 cup cashews, finely chopped
zest of 1/2 lemon, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh basil, finely chopped
1 egg, beaten
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/2 pound frozen puff pastry

1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a shallow 2 x 5 x 9-inch loaf pan with waxed paper and grease with butter.

2. Warm the oil in a saucepan over moderate heat, add the onion and garlic, cover, and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook, uncovered, until any liquid has evaporated: about 3 minutes.

3. Remove from the heat and stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, cashews, lemon zest, basil, and all but 2 teaspoons of the egg (reserved for glazing). Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Spoon the mixture into the pan, smoothing the top. Bake until the center is firm to the touch: 45-60 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool then turn the pate out of the pan, wrap in foil or plastic wrap, and cool in the refrigerator.

5. Preheat the oven to 400° F.

6. On a lightly floured board, roll out the puff pastry to a 12-inch square. Cut off the top third, measuring 12 x 4 inches.

7. Place the pate on the smaller piece of pastry and drape the larger piece of pastry over the top, covering the pate completely. Ease the pastry down the sides and press the edges firmly together at the bottom, sealing with water. Trim, makes steam holes in the top, and glaze with the beaten egg. Bake until the pastry is crisp and puffed up: 25-30 minutes. Serve at once.

Obesity in Children

2012-02-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

Being overweight is difficult at any age and it is becoming increasingly so as the ideals of our societies move further and further away from 'real' bodies. Nevertheless, it is more difficult in childhood mainly because children can be cruel and tease each other relentlessly. this is the time that people form their body image and self esteem and overweight children see themselves as 'defective', an image which will endure. During adolescence, teenagers are particularly aware of their body and how it compares to others.

There isn't one cause for obesity, it is usually a mixture of genetics and environment. A child's obesity can be difficult for parents too because they don't know how to act and they will often be criticized for their child's weight. The child will often feel excluded from his peers especially since children prefer to socialize with children of similar weight. Moreover, if their siblings are not overweight they may feel left out of their family too. There is one thing that parents do that may promote overeating such as using food as a reward or a form of comfort. For example: "If you finish your homework you can have a chocolate".

Using food as a reward and making unhealthy food a source of pleasure is not the attitude parents should be adopting. If you think that your children will discover the pleasure of chocolate with or without your help, then you are right but you don't need to promote it further. Another example is if your son/daughter is upset and you offer them a piece of cake or hot chocolate to make them feel better, this makes food a source of comfort and this can create an unhealthy cycle.

Another problem overweight children face is that they are branded as lazy and this is not always true, there are other reasons why they might not enjoy exercise. One reason may be that other children may make fun of him/her because he/she is slower or simply fatter. Another reason may be that in sports children are asked to wear shorts or more revealing clothes and self-conscious children may be uncomfortable. One researcher once called obesity a 'moral diagnosis' because society and even doctors blame obese people for being obese and these children are made to feel guilty and ashamed which affects their self-esteem.

Even if a child loses weight there are certain consequences that carry on throughout their life. The first is an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular diseases. The second effect is on the person's personality, they will tend to be self-conscious, anxious, depressed, oversensitive with others, vulnerable to criticism, less assertive and have a greater need for social acceptance. It is a difficult situation because sometimes in an attempt to help the child you can highlight his/her problem and make him/her feel more inadequate. If parents, their friends, other children and doctors only speak to children about their weight then they will believe that this is the only important thing about them.

If you have an overweight child and are trying to help him/her follow a healthier diet, there is no point in giving him/her rabbit food and then keeping a cupboard full of chocolate and biscuits for you and the siblings. The whole family will benefit from a healthier diet and the child won't feel excluded. Obese is clinically defined as someone who is 20% over their recommended weight so don't start making children uncomfortable for a bit of puppy fat. Some children will be slightly chubby and then grow out of it when they get through puberty.

Setting the Mood for Valentine's Day

2012-02-02T23:31:00.000-05:00

Whether you have a gathering of friends or an intimate dinner for two, make this Valentine's Day one to remember. IF you don’t believe in Valentine’s and think it’s just a commercial thing, well who cares, use it as an excuse to have fun anyway!

Here are some suggestions to get you started on your way to a wonderful evening.

-- For your dinner, choose a setting that is new and different. Perhaps in front of a view of water or city lights. If you don’t have a nice view, create the setting with some nice plants to give an outdoor-ish feel.

-- Layer your tablecloths for a beautiful effect. Start with a plain cloth in red or plain cream. Then top with a sheer fabric or tulle.

-- Decorate the tabletop with something romantic -- flower petals, stones, straw… get creative!

-- Get out the candles. White, red, silver, or gold, are good colour choices and fit the theme.

-- Use your most elegant plates, you know the ones you don’t eat in everyday. This will add a “special” feel to the whole night.

-- Flowers are a must. Fill a small vase with tulips or roses and a few greens such as ivy, or bear grass.

-- Cook ahead as much as possible. Put the salad on plates in the refrigerator. Keep entree plates warm in the oven so you can linger over dinner.

-- Always have dessert. Even if you don't have time to make a fancy dessert, serve wonderful pastry from the bakery or a special ice cream with a delicious sauce.

-- Garnish, garnish, garnish. Use little sprigs of herbs, tiny fruit slices or even flowers on your food (in Thailand, they decorate their main course with orchids and it looks stunning).

-- Consider the mood all through the house. Add candles and flowers to the entry, next to the bathroom sink, on a nightstand.

Finally, the colours we are suggesting are only a suggestion. Valentine’s doesn’t have to always be red! You can use whatever colours you want, blue, purple, beige. The idea is get the mood simple so as to enjoy the details and creative so as to enjoy the novelties! Enjoy your evening.

Genital Candidiasis - Vaginal Yeast Infection

2012-01-31T09:24:00.000-05:00

Candidiasis, also known as a "yeast infection", is a common fungal infection that occurs when there is overgrowth of the fungus called Candida. Candida is always present in the body in small amounts. However, when an imbalance occurs, such as when the normal acidity of the vagina changes or when hormonal balance changes, Candida can multiply. When that happens, symptoms of candidiasis appear. Women with yeast infections usually experience genital itching or burning, with or without a vaginal discharge.

The symptoms of yeast infections are similar to those of many other genital infections. Making a diagnosis usually requires laboratory testing of a genital swab taken from the affected area by a physician. Nearly 75% of all adult women have had at least one genital "yeast infection" in their lifetime. Yeast infections occur more frequently and more severely in people with weakened immune systems.

Most cases of Candida infection are caused by the person's own Candida organisms. Candida yeasts usually live in the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, and vagina without causing symptoms. Symptoms develop only when Candida becomes overgrown in these sites. Rarely, Candida can be passed from person to person, such as through sexual intercourse.

Antifungal drugs which are taken orally, applied directly to the affected area, or used vaginally are the drugs of choice for vaginal yeast infections. These drugs usually work to cure the infection at 80%-90% success rate. Prolonged and frequent use of these treatments can lessen their effectiveness. Overuse of these antifungal medications can increase the chance that they will eventually not work (the fungus develops resistance to medications). Therefore, it is important to be sure of the diagnosis before treating with over-the-counter or other antifungal medications.

How to Prevent Yeast Infections

Three out of four women will experience at least one yeast infection during her life, many experience recurrent infections. Practicing some of these prevention techniques may help reduce your risk.

Always wear cotton underwear. Nylon and Lycra may trap air and create a breeding ground for yeast. Never wear tights alone -- always wear cotton underwear underneath.

Never use petroleum-based lubricants for vaginal lubrication during sexual intercourse. Always use water-based lubricants when vaginal dryness is an issue.

Always wipe from front to back after a bowel movement to prevent the yeast which normally inhabits the intestinal tract from being transferred to the vaginal area.

Don't use perfumed bath products or powders in the vaginal area, these can cause irritations which can lead to infection.

Don't use douches! Douches wash away the natural protective mucous of the vagina leaving the vagina more susceptible to yeast and other vaginal infections.

Eating one cup of yogurt a day helps some women prevent the yeast infections that often follow antibiotic treatment; however, eating yogurt will not cure a yeast infection.

At the first sign of yeast infection call your physician for prescribed medication. Never self-treat a yeast infection unless you have previously been diagnosed for a yeast infection.

Spices

2012-01-30T10:11:00.000-05:00

We have got some recipes to spice up your food. They are actually spice mixture recipes, 3 of them just for this special birthday issue! Simply make the mixtures and use them on a variety of foods to give your menu that extra kick!

BAHARAT

A fiery preparation from the Gulf States used to spice meats and vegetables.

½ nutmeg grated
1tbsp black peppercorns
1tbsp coriander seeds
1tbsp cumin seeds
1tbsp cloves
Small piece of cinnamon
Seeds from 6 cardamoms
2 1tbsp paprika
1tsp ground chili

Grind all the ingredients together. The mixture will keep for 3-4 months in an airtight jar.

ZHUG

In Yemen, this is the traditional spice mix. Us as a table condiment.

2 small mild red peppers
2-3 fresh chilies
A handful of coriander leaves
1 ½ tbsp ground coriander
6 cloves garlic
Seeds from 6 green cardamoms
1-2 tsp lemon juice
Finely chop the red peppers and chilies, removing the seeds. Chop the coriander leaves. Blend or pound all the ingredients to a paste and store in a jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

HARISSA

This chili sauce is mainly used in North Africa mainly in meat and vegetable tagines (stews). It can keep for up to 6 weeks in the refrigerator.

50g dried red chilies
2 cloves garlic
Salt
1 tsp caraway seeds
1 ½ tsp ground cumin
2 tsp coriander seeds
1tsp crushed dried mint leaves
Olive oil

Remove the seeds and tear the chilies into pieces. Soak them in warm water until they soften. Drain and pound. Crush the garlic with a little salt. Blend all the ingredients to a paste, and then sift in 1-2 tbsp of olive oil. Transfer to a jar, layer with olive oil and refrigerate.

Diabetes in Children

2012-01-28T10:00:00.000-05:00

There are two main types of diabetes named type I and type II. Type I is rarer, it is found in about 10% of people with diabetes and is the one more common with children. The immune system destroys the body’s insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and lack of insulin can cause the body to starve. The result is that the body can no longer break down food properly and use its energy.

The cause of type I diabetes is multidimensional. The person must have a genetic predisposition but it is usually triggered by some factor in the environment like a virus for example. The symptoms range from excessive thirst, to excessive urination, excessive hunger, weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, high blood sugar level, sugar and ketones in the urine and for girls vaginal yeast infections (even in infants or toddlers). Treatment consists of daily injections of insulin but you must be careful because in the beginning the person may feel he doesn’t need insulin but he/she must continue to use the treatment.

Parents are often unsure how to deal with their child’s disease and some parents’ avoid telling the child altogether. The problem with this is that children know. They notice when they are being treated differently and they will notice when they have to go to doctor’s that neither their sibling nor their friends go. Many parents don’t want to burden the child with the information about their condition but the problem is that if you don’t offer children an explanation then they will make one up for themselves that may be completely unrealistic.

You’re right though if you think that children won’t understand that they have an autoimmune deficiency which breaks down their insulin, producing cells, however you can simplify your information so that it includes real facts but at a level that you can build on. When you teach children math you teach them first the most important and basic things, the addition and subtraction, and then you keep adding until you get to advanced pre-calculus. Most importantly you must explain to children how it affects their life on a day to day basis: what they can or can’t eat, when they will take their injection, etc.
The younger the child the more concrete the explanation must be so you can use diagrams or toys to try and explain. You will also have to repeat especially if your child is tense then his concentration and understanding will be reduced. This is why you should pick your moments, for example talking to your son or daughter five minutes before he/she goes into the doctor’s office for an injection is not a good time. If you open channels of communication then your child will come and talk to you whenever he or she has questions and you can let them decide how much they need to know.

Another important thing that will help children cope is giving them some control even in very simple decisions such as who gives them the injection, or what time they think would be good, who knows about their diabetes. You may be surprised by how much a child can understand and if you need help with the information then you can ask your doctor to tell you and you can then find a way to tell it to your child that is appropriate.

Flower Arranging

2012-01-26T23:32:00.000-05:00

Whether it’s a dinner party, a birthday party or simply to decorate the house, flowers are always a beautiful thing. When arranging flowers, you need to be aware of some things. Here are a few helpful hints we have to help you arrange your flowers.

Decide where you will place your flower arrangement before you make it so you can determine if the finished piece should be tall or wide or round and full.

Select a container that is appropriate for the decor and/or theme of the arrangement.

Choose a vase that is in proportion to the flowers. Often the vase should make up one half to one-third the size of the total arrangement.

Make sure the container has appropriate water-holding capacity in proportion to the quantity and size of the flowers (sunflowers don't fit in a bud vase, for example).

Use vases with a belly (such as urns or ginger jars) for mass and filler flowers. Mass flowers include roses, carnations, sunflowers, lilies, tulips, daffodils, and chrysanthemums.

Condition the flowers by cutting the stems diagonally under water. This prevents air bubbles from forming that can block water from being drawn up into the flowers. The diagonal cut allows a wider surface from which flowers can drink.

Remove the foliage from stems which will be under water. This discourages bacteria from forming due to decaying foliage in the vase water.

Re-cut the flower stems every two to three days and change the vase water.

Don’t combine flowers which do not naturally blend well. For example, bold, angular, shiny tropical flowers such as bird of paradise do not blend well with softer, delicate, ruffled flowers such as sweet peas.

Don’t use tall arrangements for dinner table centrepieces sot that your guests are able to see each other across the table!

Don’t set flowers in a draughty or warm place, such as in an open, sunny window or on top of the TV. The draughts and heat will cause the water to rapidly evaporate out of the flowers-and the vase and leave you with a wilted bouquet

The Conversation Killer

2012-01-25T09:02:00.001-05:00

Shyness can be one of the most debilitating character traits. I’m not talking about the kind of shyness where if someone compliments you , you blush… I’m talking about severe shyness, the kind where you simply can’t approach people, you can’t talk to people, you can’t make requests and sometimes you’re too scared to even make a phonecall.

It is self-doubt that leads us to being shy. It is very much related to how we perceive ourselves, how others perceive us and the importance we attach to how others perceive us. It is not our personality, as some psychologists would have you believe. Self-doubt is a negative characteristic that can be eliminated, and shyness is a character flaw that nobody needs to live with if they are seeking help in overcoming it.

Individuals have an intense fear of being scrutinized by others. They expect to be humiliated or embarrassed. It is sometimes described as feeling 'anxious about being anxious'. The anxiety is so severe that these individuals will avoid situations that make them feel uncomfortable. As a result, there can be huge effects on their work, home and social lives. The social isolation brought about by their condition can be very depressing.

I remember my first day at university. In between classes, I went to the cafeteria. I looked around and was overwhelmed by the number of people surrounding me. A feeling of uneasiness fell upon me, and I wasn’t sure which direction to head in. I generalized each table in a few seconds and out of desperation, walked towards the first table that seemed the least threatening.

When going to lectures, I tried to arrive early. I didn’t like being late because that meant walking into a room full of people, interrupting the class and attracting too much unwanted attention. If I walked into a crowded lecture, I always sat at the back, not wanting to sit at the front and risk being asked a question. I was never the type to raise my hand in class and was extremely jealous of the people who had no problems asking questions and engaging in healthy debates with professors. If I didn’t’ understand something, I would rather stay quiet and figure it out at home, rather than ask the question and risk looking like a fool.

Although I was incredibly social in small groups, developed wonderful one on one relationships, I found it difficult to act naturally in large groups. For me, it was painfully uncomfortable to walk into a room full of unfamiliar people and simply blend in, especially when I wanted to be well received based on first impressions.

According to a study in New York Times (Dec 18, 1984), being in a room full of strangers is the number one social fear, even above the number two fear - speaking in public. Nobody likes to be put on the spot in proving themselves worthy to be accepted by their peers. It incites a feeling of anxiety, or as some would describe it, shyness. Studies have been done that conclude that 75% of adults experience anxiety when at a large gathering with strangers. The shyness I felt, it seems, is more common than I thought.

The fact is that the majority of people are in the same boat as me, perhaps not to the same extent as I was, but to a certain level. Some people are just better at hiding their insecurities and fears, making them appear to never exhibit shyness.

With my first job, I was thrown in the deep end and luckily for me, it worked to my advantage. When I started working as a journalist, I had no choice but to overcome my shyness. I had to go and interview people I didn’t know. In press conferences I had to raise my hand and ask questions, otherwise my articles would be weak. I had to push myself and sell myself. It was a very big challenge. Once I began to understand the concept that "the spider is more afraid of you than you are of it", I began to relax.
Shyness comes from self doubt. Self doubt and fear of rejection come hand in hand, and when I realised that rejection was not such a big deal, I began to take more risks and to accept the fact that perfection was just not going to happen.

In the beginning I had to keep telling myself "what is the worst thing that could happen?" Nobody has ever died from being ignored or frowned at, and a bruised ego heals in time. Nothing tragic can happen when you face the fear of mingling with unfamiliar people. At worst, they can "furrow" their brow and act as if you don't exist. Conversely, if all goes well, the rewards are simply wonderful.

I look back to my university days now and think how silly I was to have been so afraid. I think of how many conversations I didn’t participate in and I want to kick myself! I think of how many activities I could have been a part of and I want to slap myself! But at least, I’ve managed to change that. I am no longer afraid of speaking in public, no longer worried about rejection, no longer nervous about having a debate.
In fact the only problem now is that my friends can’t shut me up!

Where Have the Good Doctors Gone?

2012-01-25T09:02:00.000-05:00

I have been in and out of so many doctors’ clinics that I have lost count. I am not ill, just never happy with the clinics or the doctors in them. There is always something wrong with them, and I think that when it comes to putting your health in someone else’s hands (literally), you have the right to be picky. I don’t know about you but there are two things that I desperately need in a doctor: hygiene and professionalism. Some of the doctors I have seen have managed to scare me away from any clinic for a long long time. Think I’m exaggerating? Well let me share some of my doctor stories and you can think about whether I’m exaggerating or not.

A few months after I was married I was looking for a good doctor so that I could discuss contraceptive options. I went to see few but I didn’t feel comfortable with them. One was not hygienic, one gave his opinions without listening, one only spoke in medi-language that I didn’t understand, one criticized me for not speaking Arabic etc… They are all not horrific qualities but like I said, I want to be 100% comfortable with the person who will be giving me any medication and the person who will one day be delivering my babies.

A cousin recommended a gynecologist she knew. I took the number and made an appointment. We (my modern husband and I!) arrived on time for our appointment and were not made to wait too long. We went in; he greeted us sweetly with a smile and proceeded to ask me what I wanted. I told him that I wanted to find out about all my options for contraception. He nodded and started asking me the routine questions, still smiling.

He asked what my job was, how long I’d been married, and even made little chit chat about our honeymoon and travel in general. I was really starting to like this guy, I mean not only did he listen, but also didn’t make me feel too rushed. He asked me how long I wanted to wait before having children and I said about 2 years. Still sweetly, he was nodding, acknowledging and noting down everything I was saying. I explained that I wanted to concentrate on my career for a while and simply wasn’t ready for children. Still he nodded and smiled. He asked me how old I was, and with the general good flow of conversation, I said sweetly, “I’m 27”.

27!!!!! He exclaimed! “What on earth do you mean you don’t want to have children for 2 years?? Do you even know if you CAN have children? How on earth do you want to wait for 2 years before you find out? I thought you were 20!” (I was flattered but shocked). His previous sweet demeanor turned into silent (or not so silent) rage, he was horrified that I didn’t want to hear of the pitter-patter of little feet before 2 years. He spent the next 15 minutes giving me a whole sermon on life, children, love, death and infertility! I listened and left.

In my tired search for the perfect doctor, (which by now turned into the search for just an adequate one), yet another doctor was recommended to me. This time it was a she. I thought well at least SHE’ll understand what a biological clock is and what it means for it not to tick! This time I went without my husband. I sat in a very pleasant looking waiting room and waited…. and waited…. and waited. My appointment was at 7 pm and she didn’t arrive till about 8 pm. I figured she must be saving someone’s life and that’s why she’s late, bless her!

When she arrived however, the way she looked indicated that she’d never been anywhere near a medical book! She was in a red suit, high heels, hair straight out of the salon, full make up (very very full!) and long red nails! Let’s not be judgmental, I thought.

There were about 8 of us in the waiting room. As soon as she walked in, her mobile rang. We could all tell it was a friend of hers. “Aywa ya Zizi” she said, “well there’s 8 of them, I’ll finish them quickly… why don’t you meet me downstairs at 9 and we’ll go together”.

Who the heck was Zizi??? And why was she taking doc away from us and ridding us of precious visiting hours. I hated Zizi! Anyway, that wasn’t the worst part.

My turn came very quickly (of course) and I was already put off by this woman. I went in, she was still in her red suit, no white coat, chewing gum, not looking like a doctor but a lady of leisure on her way to her bridge club. She asked me what was wrong and I told her that I wanted to talk about contraception, she gave me advice in all of 30 seconds and then said she wanted to do a check up.

She led me towards a leather chair and told me to undress and sit on it. There was no screen or anything and I felt embarrassed but started undressing anyway. I was ready to sit on the chair but was waiting for her to put her gloves on and put a sheet on the chair so that I could sit down. She wasn’t doing anything.

Picture the scene: Me , half undressed. Her, red suit, red lipstick, red nails, no gloves. Both of us waiting for the other to do something. I wasn’t going to sit there forever and this woman had already lost any credibility as a doctor in my eyes, so I finally asked :

“Are you not going to put a sheet on the chair? Are you not going to wear gloves?”

In a patronizing tone, she just said “no no dear, just get on”… Well no no dear yourself, I wan’t going to get on. I got dressed again and left, angry and disgusted.

Having given up on my quest for a doctor, I was frustrated and annoyed. I spent a good 6 months not even bothering to look. Where were all the real doctors hiding? A few months later still, my sister mentioned to me that she’d been to a brilliant doctor and that I really should go see her. I had given up, but when my sister insisted she is good (and my sister is even more picky than me) I decided to give it a go. When I arrived I was happy to see that the waiting room was not a fancy one with super duper fancy furnishings, nor was it dingy and scary, it was clinical.

The place looked and smelt clean. My appointment was at 12 noon, at 12 .05 I was told to go in. I went in and was delighted to see a female doctor in a white coat with no make up, no long nails, no gum chewing and there was not a mobile phone in sight! Yeeeeay, we were on the right track. She was polite, smart, attentive and just brilliant. When I went in for my check up, we went into another room, where there was a little cubicle for me to get changed in, and when I came out, she was wearing gloves!! Her advice was calm and calculated and she didn’t project any of her own prejudices onto her patients.

I was sooooo happy that I was ready to pounce on her and hug her, instead, I just thanked her politely. I left feeling secure that my health and future babies were in good hands. I was so happy (and I’m sure I can speak on behalf of all non-bimbo women) to see a smart intelligent woman acting like a true professional.

Over Active Bladder

2012-01-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

Do you find yourself going to the toilet to urinate too often? Do you get up in the middle of the night more than once to go to the toilet? This could be due to an overactive bladder. Overactive bladder is a treatable medical condition. Its symptoms include urinary frequency, urgency, and accidental loss of urine due to a sudden and unstoppable need to urinate. This condition is not normal at any age.

If you are experiencing a lack of bladder control, see your doctor. Most bladder control problems can be successfully treated! The symptoms of overactive bladder include:

Frequency — often having to urinate more than 8 times over 24 hours (including waking up to urinate 2 or more times a night); the need to urinate may occur soon after the bladder has been emptied.

Urgency — frequent, sudden, strong urges to urinate with little or no chance to postpone the urination.

Wetting accidents— involuntary loss of urine (a small or large amount) following a sudden, strong desire to urinate (urgency).

Most people with overactive bladder experience only the symptoms of urgency and frequency (60%). The remaining 40% have wetting accidents in addition to urgency and, often frequency.

Overactive bladder occurs when a large muscle in the bladder known as the detrusor is too active. This muscle squeezes or contracts more often than normal and at inappropriate times. Instead of staying at rest as urine fills the bladder, the detrusor contracts while the bladder is filling with urine. This causes a person to feel a sudden and sometimes overwhelming urge to urinate even when the bladder isn't full. In some cases, overactive bladder may result from neurological (nerve-related) damage due to disorders such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord lesions. However, in most patients a cause cannot be identified.

What type of doctor treats overactive bladder?

You may want to start by talking to your family doctor or, if you are a woman, you can discuss your symptoms with a gynaecologist. In some cases, your family doctor or gynaecologist may refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist (a doctor who specializes in bladder and urine problems and other conditions of the urinary system) or a urogynecologist (a doctor who specializes in women's bladder and urine problems as well as other conditions that affect the urinary and reproductive systems).

Corn Flake Macaroons

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

Why not spoil your mum the next Mother's Day, indulge in these cookies while watching a video together.

You will need:

1 egg white
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1 cup corn flakes
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch salt

Beat egg white until stiff.

Stir remaining ingredients in.

Drop by teaspoonfuls on baking sheet and bake about 20 minutes.

Makes 18.

Coping with Menopause

2012-01-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

You can hardly turn your head without reading some article or seeing some TV programme talking about the pains of puberty, but you mention the word menopause and everyone goes quiet. Menopause is a natural change and it would serve and any female to know about it whether she is a long way a way, experiencing it or dealing with a mother who is going through it.

Menopause occurs when a woman’s oestrogen levels are reduced to the extent that her ovaries do not release eggs any more and she stops getting her period. This usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 but some women can experience it early.

The early sign that you are going through ‘the change’ is that you periods become irregular for a start. Some women are lucky enough to go through it without any symptoms while others suffer from an array of them such as hot flushes, sweating, vaginal infections, change in sexual behaviour (either in desire or actual orgasmic response), and/or memory loss. So if you’re running around the house because you can’t remember where you left your keys or your glasses you may not be losing your mind after all.

Unfortunately once you’ve gone through menopause you are at a higher risk of certain conditions and this risk is compounded by the woman’s age. Women become at higher risk for osteoporosis (a thinning of the bones which can cause breakage), Alzheimer’s disease and heart disease. This may all make it seem like something to dread and about 50% of women who go through menopause report feelings of depression. Many women associate menopause with old age and they get a feeling that is often stirred and reinforced by society that they have passed their prime and that they are reaching the end of their life. It is interesting then to note that on average women live one third of their lives after menopause. Some women embrace this change and they become enthusiastic about living their life period-and-PMS-free. Other women try to prolong their cycles in order to avoid the risks we mentioned by taking HRT or hormone replacement treatment. They are taken in a similar manner to contraceptive pills and replace the body’s natural oestrogen however these too have their own risks.

There are alternative methods which can help ease this change such as exercise (isn’t it always the answer to anything) or a high fruit and vegetables, low in saturated fat (I’ve heard this before too) and rich in Soya products diet. Soya contains phytoestrogen which are plant chemicals similar to the body’s natural oestrogen. There are also different methods of alternative therapy such as acupuncture and homeopathy that works for some women and if you are inclined to be natural then you should consult a specialist. This is a trying time for women but it’s not easy for their families either. If you think that this is something you will go through alone then you are wrong because when you bite your son’s head off for dropping a cushion he’s going to wonder what’s going on. It’s important to speak to the people around you, to understand and explain to them what you’re going through and how they can help you. The last thing you need is for the people around you to try and help you and drive you crazy. Whatever choice you make, make sure it’s informed so study your options carefully and see what works best for you.

Herbal Decorations

2012-01-19T23:27:00.000-05:00

Want to decorate a table in an original way? Why not use herbs. Fresh herbal arrangements are the perfect way to decorate a dinner table. Their fragrance awakens the senses, while their flowers and leaves provide colour and interest as well as instant garnishing material.

For a simple dinner party, a spray of parsley, mint, marjoram or thyme by each place setting looks attractive and can be nibbled to freshen the palate between courses, to sharpen the appetite or to aid digestion.

You can either lay the herbs on the table or set them in pre-soaked florists’ foam. Selected for their colours and flavours depending on your theme, they can include mints, parsley, basils, fennel, and purple sage, curry plant, rosemary and lemon verbena, (which also makes an effective finger freshener after a seafood or fish dish).

A fragrant garland made from wired posies of lavender and thymes can link the herbal cones and enclose a sumptuous candelabra centrepiece. The effect is stunning both visually and aromatically.

The Truth about Cats and Dogs

2012-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

I don’t understand men. When I say I don’t understand, I do not mean that I can’t identify with their behaviour, I do not mean that I do not comprehend their logic, I also do not mean that I disagree with their principles. What I am trying to say is that when they talk, I don’t actually understand a word they’re saying. Why is this? We are both human beings after all, and we both communicate through vowels and consonants, so why don’t I understand a word they say? This question has lead me to think, and think hard I did. I thought about all the possible reasons for this odd thing and I have come to a conclusion: we are different species. Please allow me to share my theory.

Now we have all heard that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. To me, this means that we are the same species but we are geographically separated, hence our customs and manners may be different. Well I propose a slightly altered theory to that of the author of the famous book. I actually believe that we are different species altogether. Completely different. If humans were dogs, then most people would think that man is the male dog and woman is the female dog. Well I disagree. Men are dogs (I don’t mean that in an insulting way, I could have used horse as an example) and women are cats. We are not the male and female equivalents of each other. We are altogether different. So the reason we don’t undedrstand each other is because men bark and women meow. We may both use the same alphabet, the same grammar and often the same sentence structure, but the overall meaning of the sentence could be totally different when spoken by a dog, than it is when spoken by a cat.

Women generally tend to want connection with others, and to feel close through getting and giving confirmation, empathy and support. For women, an important part of life consists of an effort to develop and preserve intimacy. And conversations are one way to help to achieve this goal.

While women may tend to think of interactions in a non-hierarchical way, men on the other hand, typically view the world in a hierarchical way such that, during any interaction, one person is in a superior position and the other in an inferior position. In a man's world, conversations are negotiations in which people try to achieve and maintain the upper hand and prevent others from psychologically putting them down or pushing them around. Generally, then, life for men is like a contest, a struggle to preserve independence.

Because each gender tends to operate by a different set of rules, when men and women come together in conversation, problems may arise - because the two genders are, in effect, speaking in different styles. Conflicts arising from differences in conversational styles can have unfortunate consequences for relationships if they are not managed well.

Deborah Tannen, a professor of linguistics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., has written several books on this topic. In 'You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation, she says, "Though all humans need both intimacy and independence, women tend to focus on the first and men on the second."

The beginnings of these differences, Tannen notes, can be seen in childhood interactions. Boys and girls tend to play in same-sex groups and, though some play-activities are similar, boys' and girls' favourite games are different. For example, boys tend to like to play in large groups that are hierarchically structured, with a leader who tells others what to do. Some achieve status by trying to grab centre stage through telling stories or jokes and sidetracking or challenging the stories and jokes of others. Boys' games tend to have winners and losers.

Girls, in contrast, usually play in small groups or pairs and the centre of a girl's life is her best friend. In their most popular games like jump rope or playing house, everyone gets a turn and there are no winners or losers. Much of the time they sit and talk together. They're more concerned with being liked than achieving status.

This difference in the use of language can lead to misunderstandings between men and women. In all conversations, there are always two sides: that of the speaker and that of the listener. The key to avoiding misinterpreting statements is for couples to realize that one's partner most likely has a different conversational style than one's own, and to think about how a message could be heard differently than was intended.

Researchers don't really know why men and women seem to have such different ways of communicating. Nevertheless, it is certain that such differences can lead to misunderstanding, tension and conflict in relationships. When it comes to communicating with the opposite sex, a willingness to listen with compassion and without defensiveness can make all the difference in the world. Well, I guess that’s the only thing we cats can do until experts invent some sort of gender based Esperanto. Until then, they will bark and we will meow!

Dark Circles under your eyes

2012-01-17T09:22:00.000-05:00

Do you suffer from dark circles under the eyes? Do you have to put on a ridiculous amount of make up to cover them up, even though sometimes you feel like going for the “natural look”. Well here is a little something from us to give you more information about dark circles, why they happen and how they can be helped.

Dark circles around the eyes are a concern for many people. There are many contributing factors that make dark circles around the eyes more noticeable.

Allergies - Although allergies are often the blame for dark circles, anything that causes chronic nasal obstruction can be the reason.
Drinking too much caffeine
Fatigue or lack of sleep
Heredity - Tendencies such as allergies or thinner eyelids pass on from generation to generation.
Overexposure to the sun
Menstruation
Pregnancy
Smoking

Although there is no miracle cure for dark circles, there are ways to help alleviate or conceal them.

Drink lots of water.
Get plenty of rest.
Apply cold compresses.
Quit smoking.
Use creams that contain Vitamin C

So if you’re going out this Valentine and don’t want your dark circles in the way, well you still have a few days to drink water, rest and apply cold compresses… Good luck and have a lovely evening, no matter what you’re doing!

French Onion Soup

2012-01-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

Try this French Onion Soup, we promise you won't regret it
(if you like onions that is!)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon olive oil
3/4 pound peeled, halved, and sliced yellow onion
thick slices french bread as required to form a single layer in each soup bowl
pinch sugar
1 teaspoon flour
3 cups beef stock
1/2 cup dry white vermouth (optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 pound grated gruyère (or other strong cheese of your choice)

Process:

Preheat oven to 450 °F.
Melt half the butter and oil in a sauce pan over low heat. Add the onions, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir frequently.
Butter the bread slices with the remaining butter and bake until toasted. Remove and set aside.
Remove the cover, increase to medium-high, add sugar, and stir continuously until the onions turn golden. Reduce heat, add flour, and cook a minute or two more. Add stock and wine, increase heat to high, and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
Divide the bread slices among the serving bowls in a single layer. Gently divide the soup among the bowls. Sprinkle half the cheese over each bowl. Melt and brown the cheese under a broiler.