Lifestyle and Health Tips

Japanese T-shirts

2010-11-11T00:10:00.001-08:00

A Lesson on mosquito bites

2010-07-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

Did you know that, throughout the world, there are more than two thousand different types of mosquitoes? In fact, there are over two hundred mosquito types in the United States alone!Many people make the mistake of thinking that a mosquito is a mosquito is a mosquito. However, this is not true, and various types of mosquitoes carry various levels of disease threat. In fact, different mosquito bites cause different levels of symptoms and side effects.
Consider this a primer of sorts to guide you on the types of mosquitoes you are most likely to find and how they will affect you and your family. While it would take a whole book to describe each of the more than two hundred species found in the United States, we will cover the most prolific types here.
The Aedes

This genus of mosquito tends to favor the tropical regions, including parts of the western United States. However, the seventy types of Aedes Mosquitoes that can be found in the United States include species that are extremely tolerant to cold, living for years in a dormant form. This fact coupled with the knowledge that the mosquitoes of this type spread quickly in large human populations mean that the little insect can be found as far north as Alaska.
Considered one of the more menacing genuses of mosquito, Aedes carries the worst of human diseases, including Malaria and Yellow Fever. Since these mosquitoes do carry many human diseases, they are considered to be one of the biggest problem types.
The Anopheles

A small, spotted type of mosquitoes, the one hundred types found in this genus are found in every state within the United States with one exception, Hawaii.These mosquitoes do not carry as many harmful types of disease and only a very few are known to transmit Malaria.
However, this is one of the types of Mosquito that are known to carry and transmit canine heartworms, a fatal parasite most prolific in the southeastern United States.
The Culex

There are twenty-nine types of Mosquito from this genus that occur in the United States. Because they can breed in any amount of stagnant water, including a rainwater filled plant pot, the mosquitoes continue to breed and grow within all states.
Culex Mosquitoes carry and transmit most mosquito born human and animal diseases, including West Nile Virus, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and equine Encephalitis.In addition, the mosquito can transmit canine heartworm disease.
While there are many, many more types of mosquitoes that affect people throughout the world, these will be the types that you are most likely to see in the United States. The next step in understanding the mosquito and its effects on you is to understand the mosquito bite.
The Mosquito Bite
The best way to prevent a mosquito bite is by repelling or killing off nearby populations. Without spraying harmful chemicals, there are some family-friendly options available for moms that want to keep their family bite-free. These include natural repellents like planting marigolds, rosemary or lemon grass. You could also purchase a more sophisticated contraption like the Mosquito Magnet that will mimic human breath to attract and then capture the little pests.
In the event that you did get bitten by a mosquito, keep in mind that it is not the actual bite that causes the problem. Instead, the toxins in the bug’s saliva cause reactions that lead to redness, swelling, and itching. In some cases, the bite can cause an allergic reaction with bigger repercussions.
Immediately after a mosquito bite, you may not even notice that you have been bitten, but you might feel a minor irritation. Within an hour or so, a mosquito bite will appear as minor swelling in a slightly ragged round pattern. The skin will appear pale and then will redden overtime. The skin will feel soft and itchiness will begin.

As time passes, the bite will redden and become itchier. The redness may radiate out from the bite during this phase. The bite usually takes several hours to a day to reach its peak of itchiness and redness. As long as the bite does not cause any complications, it will slowly shrink in size and disappear over three to five days.
It is important to remember that a mosquito bite is quite different for a child. Since their small body has not had time to build up any time of resistance to the toxins in mosquito saliva, a bite on a child is more intense in itchiness and inflammation. In addition, small children may have more sensitive skin than adults, leading to a more obvious bite mark. It is important to remember that a child’s bite can become infected if it is scratched or irritated too much.

Above all else, it is important to remember that a mosquito bite can look very different from one person to another. This depends upon the person’s skin sensitivity, skin tone, and resistance to mosquito saliva. All mosquito bites should be treated to lessen itch and avoid complications.
Mosquitoes can be found everywhere in the United States. While some areas are more prone to higher populations, everyone should take steps to avoid being bit. While the bites are treatable, the best choice is to find a way to prevent them. By limiting you and your family’s exposure to mosquitoes, you can avoid the pain, the itch and the aggravation of a bite.
Leslie Douglas is a freelance writer who is passionate about nature and the outdoors. She is an advocate for using safe and natural products for herself and her family.

Via:LINK

Few beautiful sayings about life

2010-07-29T00:44:00.000-07:00

5 Food Items to Avoid in Dieting

2010-07-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it happens that we keep on gaining weight though we are eating healthy (at least according to our thoughts).
This is certainly a disturbing thought. It is frustrating when we feel that all our strict diet and work out is good for nothing.
In fact, we have some hidden fat traps in our everyday diet which do not let us shed extra pounds.
In this article, I am going to tell you about such hidden fat rich food items that don’t help you lose weight, but act otherwise. I hope this article will help you in losing fastes than ever before.

Dried Fruit is on top of this list. Sometimes, they have oil added into the dried fruit in order to preserve it for longer time period. Also, you can eat more dried prunes and apricots than fresh ones. This is where it gets disastrous. Do not eat dried fruit more than you can eat fresh fruit. Dried fruit is concentrated and full of calories, so beware!

Coffee might be your favorite beverage in strict diet days, but its time to change your concepts as well as your habits. This adorable drink releases adrenaline and your body begins expecting food. Now, when you won’t eat anything, the blood sugar level will drop and you will feel starved. To avoid this situation, do not have coffee at anytime except with your breakfast snack.

Nuts are much oved by majority of the people but most of these nuts have high count of calories and fats. Do not go for nuts which have more fats than others and choose almonds and Brazil nuts. Do not take these nuts in high amount.

Yogurt is another much loved food item that is usually used in diet. It is important to note whether the one you are using is made up of full fat milk. If it is so, stop using it immediately as it has full fats of milk and is highly fattening. Go for fat and sugar free bio yogurt with not more than 3 percent fats. Also, it should contain the pro biotic gut friendly bacteria for better digestion.

Salads are undoubtedly a great option for on-diet (but busy) persons. Kindly, do not go for any pre-prepared salad that comes your way. You must avoid salads with fat filled dressings and starchy ingredients. Select those with juicy vegetables (lettuce, tomato, cucumber) and low fat and high protein toppings (fish, chicken).

Wit these tips, I hope you will be able to better understand your food requirements and will loose mush more pounds. Good luck to all of you!

Via:LINK

Are Diet Pills Safe?

2010-07-28T05:45:00.001-07:00

In a desperate attempt to shrink their bodies, most people are taking a variety of diet pills each day totally ignorant of the harmful side effects they may bring along. Generally, all over-the-counter drugs are concoctions of the same basic ingredients that have either appetite suppressing abilities or metabolism boosting qualities.

How safe these pills actually are is evident from the small study that was conducted by the University of California. The study, which was reported in the American Journal of Medicine, was administered on ten healthy adults who were asked to take Xenadrine EFX, Advantra Z, and a placebo on three different occasions. The short-term cardiovascular responses for each participant were then measured to see the effects of these drugs. It was observed that Xenadrine increased the blood pressure by 9 to 10 points on an average as compared to placebo while Advantra had no such impact on blood pressure. After consuming both these products, elevated heart rates were observed after about six hours from the time they were consumed.

Despite such harmful side effects, it’s scary to know that most of these over-the-counter drugs are marketed as “safe” herbal pills. These pills can even create life-threatening situations in case of individuals who already have certain health problems such as high blood pressure and poor cardiovascular fitness. Certain diet pills tend to exacerbate these conditions and impair a person’s health forever.

Some doctors also recommend these pills to their patients who are morbidly fat and are facing serious health implications due to excess weight. There are patients who take anti-depressants, appetite suppressants, and anti-seizure pills together and yet manage to lead a healthy life. Many doctors however regard this as an untested practice and refrain from endorsing such products.

In fact, some medications are deemed unfit for human beings. For instance, Clenbuterol that is actually suitable for horses has been used by several people as a kind of diet medication. So, this brings us to an important question – which diet pills are safe for human consumption? The truth is that many diet pills are not actually meant for diets and are nothing but some kind of anti-depressant or appetite suppressant medications.

ADD and ADHD drugs or Adderall and Ritalin pills are not weight reduction drugs and should be avoided since they can trigger psychotic episodes and chemical independence. Heart palpitations, fast heart beat, nausea, impotence, depression, dizziness, and jitters are some of the major side effects that you may experience after consuming these drugs. The biggest threat however would be addiction to these drugs in the long run.

The key to good health lies in a proper diet and not in diet pills. While only a small percentage of obesity can be attributed to genetic factors, excess weight is often a result of poor diet, lack of exercise, and unhealthy lifestyle. Fast food is a major contributing factor to fat gain, as we tend to consume high proportions of sodium and fat than we actually need. It is believed that people who eat fast food three or more times a week are at a high risk of getting heart diseases, diabetes, and becoming obese.

Via:LINK

A Shopper’s Delight: Photos from Fusion Lifestyle’s July 2010 Abuja Event

2010-07-28T00:40:00.000-07:00

The 3rd edition of the Fusion Lifestyle & Fashion Quarterly Event which held at the Yar’adua center, Abuja on the 17th and 18th of July, was one that would not be forgotten in a hurry!

It was 2 days of fabulous shopping with over 60 participants, including exclusive pieces from Dzyn, House of Silk, House of Marie, Berry’s Couture, Iconola, Tae, Coco Couture, Ms Makor, Serendipity, Tai and Mostyle. Other participants included Kazelo, Modest Flair, Literati, Scentuals, Pillow Talk, Fabrica, Candy Cabin, Sleek, Ardyss Bodymagic, Thots on Tees, Malabis Lingerie, La Pooza, MID Islamic Clothing, Leries Accessories, Adanna’s Collection, Shukr, Essence Belle d’jour, Mizzy B, The Closet, Ianthe Beauty and so much more.

There was a variety of items on sale which included fashion staples like clothes, shoes and bags for ladies, men and kids. There was also jewelry, lingerie, make up, accessories, fabric and fabric accessories, home decor, toys, health products and more on display. Services available included, massages and eyebrow threading by Beyond Indulgence Day Spa and lingerie fitting by Malabis. Companies like The Connector and Baliz Schools Trust were also there to create awareness for their brands.

The event was attended by about 2000 guests who had a great time shopping, networking or just sampling the delicious food available by the likes of Cupcake Cutie, Food for Life, ACES, and Suhjuiced.

Some lucky guests won prizes which included movie tickets, spa treats at Beyond indulgence day spa, free meals at Vanilla Restaurant, free lingerie from Lapooza, cupcakes from Cupcake Cutie and a tunic from Dzyn Couture.

All in all, it was a fantastic, well attended event which the inhabitants of Abuja are still talking about!

The FUSION LIFESTYLE team is already planning their next event which will take place in Lagos on the 10th of October.

For enquiries about participating in or attending their upcoming events please call;
Samiah 0704 310 9989 or
Moradeke 0704 310 9988

Or send an email to
fusionquarterly@gmail.com

www.fusion-ng.com (coming soon!)

Fusion Lifestyle organisers; Samiah Oyekan-Ahmed and Moradeke Bamgboye

Abdul and Samiah Ahmed

Moradeke and Laolu Bamgboye

Shehun David Onamusi

Tutu Makanjuola

Jennifer Adighije

Oare Abebe-Lawuyi

Adaeze Oputa and Adam Sada

Via:LINK

Lesbian’s Told: ‘Change Lifestyle’

2010-07-28T00:38:00.000-07:00

Better off apart, that’s what a bank clerk told a Swedish lesbian couple recently when they applied for a mortgage. The bank clerk also told them that they should change their lifestyle as well as living apart!
The shock revelations and mortgage refusal came after Sara Evaldsson, 29, and Maria Engström, 31, decided to move in together in Maria’s home town of Västerås. They both good permanent jobs, good credit ratings and had secured a good price for a 2-bedroom apartment in Västerås they wanted. However, what should have been just a formality, turned into a nightmare -
“The woman at the bank was very dismissive. We were going to buy the flat for a good price and we knew that it was a bargain. We had all sorts of papers with us, but she wasn’t interested.” Said Maria to Swedish Local paper.
The bank clerk at Swedbank in Skiljebo, Västerås, said that the 490,000 kronor ($67,500 or £43,412) loan the couple wanted to borrow was “a lot of money” and insisted that a ten percent deposit would be necessary, Maria said.
Of course the couple questioned the decision, and when they did the clerk said:

“You should reconsider your personal situation and continue to live in different places.”

“We were shocked. We wondered what on earth she meant. We also wondered whether a heterosexual couple would have been given the same advice. We were also surprised that she said it was a lot of money, as we knew that it was a bargain.” the couple said.
They’ve now reported the bank to Sweden’s Discrimination Ombudsman. “We didn’t think that this was an acceptable way to behave,” Maria told The Local, and later the same day they went to a rival bank, where there mortgage was approved. “They said immediately that it was a good purchase and that one of us alone would almost have qualified for that mortgage,” Maria said.
Anna Sundblad, Swedbank’s head of PR said “We take these kinds of incidents very seriously. We have a clear policy that we never discriminate on the grounds of religion, gender or sexual orientation. We also aim to set a good example in questions like this – we sponsor the Stockholm Pride festival for instance.”
However, according to locals, there are many cases of gays and lesbians being refused loans, mortgages or credit cards at Swedbank! “It’s common place, staff are often rude to gays” claims one gay rights campaigner.

Via:LINK

Playstation logo licenced for clothing, “lifestyle” products

2010-07-28T00:35:00.000-07:00

Hey you. Yeah, you Sony fanboi. You know who I’m talking to; you’re the guy that watching blogs for articles about the PS3, and defending everything Sony does with a rabid mindless worship that borders on fanaticism. You’ll be able to show your love of everything shiny, black, and Sony to the outside world now. Well, maybe not the “outside” world, since we all know you never leave your basement.
Sony Computer Entertainment announced today that they’ve just launched a logo licensing program, intended for clothing companies, “lifestyle” companies (Playstation perfume anyone?), and companies that just want to use the cross, triangle, square, circle marks. Sony claims this is to “enrich the license products that will make the Playstation brand more accessibe than ever.” And make them money.
The shirt shown is just a conceptual design, and doesn’t actually exist.

Via:LINK

Tips for managing diabetes

2010-07-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

By the year 2025, it is estimated that approximately 380 million individuals worldwide will be affected by type 2 diabetes, according to the Archives of Internal Medicine.
With this world-wide exposure, the chances that you, a family member or someone you know will be affected by type 2 diabetes are considerable.
Therefore, it behooves all of us to understand at least a little about this disease and how we can reduce the likelihood that it will bring misery to us and our families.
DIABETES: TYPE 1 OR TYPE 2?
Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. Insulin is a hormone that comes from the pancreas, a gland located just behind the stomach. When you eat, the pancreas secretes insulin into the bloodstream. As insulin circulates, it acts like a key in unlocking microscopic doors that allow sugar to enter your cells. Insulin lowers the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. As your blood sugar level drops, so does the secretion of insulin from your pancreas.
Glucose, or sugar, is a main source of energy for the cells that make up muscles and other tissues. Glucose comes from two major sources: the food you eat and your liver. After intestinal digestion and absorption, sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream. Normally, sugar then enters cells with the help of insulin.
Type 1 diabetes, in which the body produces little or no insulin, is one of the most common chronic diseases in children. This type of diabetes tends to run in families and usually peaks around puberty.
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in the United States and accounts for at least 90 to 95 percent of all diabetes cases, according to some estimates. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells simply ignore the insulin.
Type 2 diabetes usually develops in adults over the age of 40 and is most common among adults over age 55. Although typically thought of as "adult onset," public health findings indicate that type 2 diabetes is an increasing problem for both children/teens and adults today. Why? More Americans are putting themselves at risk for type 2 diabetes primarily because of the growing problem of obesity. Lifestyle changes account for much of this increase. Increased consumption of soft drinks, eating larger portions of food and decreased levels of physical activity often are cited.
WHO IS AT RISK?
People ages 45 years or older who have one or more of the following characteristics are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
* Being more than 20 percent above ideal body weight or having a body mass index of 27 or higher;
* Having an immediate family member, including a mother, father, brother, or sister, with diabetes;
* Being African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic American, or Pacific Islander American;
* Giving birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds (lbs.) or having diabetes during pregnancy;
* Having blood pressure above 140/90.
* Having abnormal blood lipid levels, such as high-density lipoprotein, or HDL, cholesterol less than 35 mg, or triglycerides greater than 250 mg.
A diabetes prevention study, originally published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2001, is still relevant as it established several important findings:
* It was the first major clinical trial of Americans at high risk for type 2 diabetes to show that lifestyle changes in diet and exercise and losing a little weight can prevent or delay the disease. Participants who made lifestyle changes reduced their risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 58 percent.
* The lifestyle intervention was effective for participants of all ages and all ethnic groups.
The study also indicated that patients who lost 5 percent of their body weight lowered their diabetes risk by about 61 percent. In addition, every 3 kilograms (approximately 6.6 pounds) decrease in weight resulted in doubling health benefits.
PREVENTING DIABETES COMPLICATIONS
Preventing diabetes and the complications brought on by diabetes can be a lifelong battle.
Adhering to a diabetes treatment plan takes round-the-clock efforts and commitment. But such diabetes care can reduce your risk of serious complications. The Mayo Clinic encourages the following ten steps in diabetes care to enable you to enjoy a healthy life.
* Commit to managing your diabetes. Learn all you can about diabetes. Make healthy eating habits and physical activity part of your daily routine. Maintain a healthy weight. Regularly monitor your blood sugar level and follow your doctor's instructions for keeping your blood sugar level within your target range.
* Quit smoking.If you smoke or use other types of tobacco, quit. Smoking increases your risk of various diabetes complications, including heart attack, stroke, nerve damage and kidney disease. In fact, smokers who have diabetes are three times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than are nonsmokers who have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
* Control your blood pressure and cholesterol. Like diabetes, high blood pressure can damage your blood vessels. High cholesterol is a concern, too, since the damage is often worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. When these conditions team up, they can lead to a heart attack, stroke or other life-threatening conditions. Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly play important roles in controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol.
* Schedule yearly physicals and regular eye exams. Your regular diabetes checkups are not intended to replace yearly physicals or routine eye exams. During the physical, your doctor will look for any diabetes-related complications -- including signs of kidney damage, nerve damage and heart disease -- as well as screen for other medical problems. In addition, your eye care specialist will check for signs of retinal damage, cataracts and glaucoma.
* Keep all vaccines up to date. High blood sugar can often weaken your immune system, which makes routine vaccines more important than ever. A yearly flu vaccine can help you stay healthy during flu season, as well as prevent serious complications from the flu. Sometimes the pneumonia vaccine requires only one shot. If you have diabetes complications or you're age 65 or older, you may need a five-year booster shot. Lastly, stay up to date with your tetanus shot and its 10-year boosters and ask your doctor about the hepatitis B vaccine. Depending on the circumstances, your doctor may recommend other vaccines as well.
* Maintain good dental health. Diabetes may leave you susceptible to gum infections. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss your teeth at least once a day. Schedule dental exams at least twice a year. Consult your dentist immediately if your gums bleed or look red or swollen.
* Pay close attention to your feet and maintain good foot care. High blood sugar can damage the nerves in your feet and reduce blood flow to your feet. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can lead to serious infections. Check your feet every day for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling. Consult your doctor if you have a sore or other foot problem that doesn't heal within a few days.
* Take a daily aspirin. Aspirin helps to reduce the blood's ability to clot. Taking a daily aspirin can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke, which are major concerns if you suffer from diabetes. In fact, daily aspirin therapy is recommended for most people who have diabetes. But be sure and ask your doctor about daily aspirin therapy, including which strength of aspirin would be best.
* If you drink alcohol, do so responsibly. Alcohol can cause low blood sugar, depending on how much you drink and if you eat at the same time. If you choose to drink, do so only in moderation.
* Control your stress levels. If you're stressed, it's easy to overlook your usual diabetes care routine. The hormones your body may produce in response to prolonged stress may prevent insulin from working properly, which only makes matters worse. Take control and set limits. Prioritize your tasks. Learn relaxation techniques. Another great tip - get plenty of rest and sleep.
FOOT CARE IS IMPORTANT
Poor blood flow to the feet or nerve damage in the feet increases the risk of various foot complications. Left untreated, cuts and blisters can become serious infections. Severe damage might require toe, foot or even leg amputation. It is also important to take good care of your feet by following these tips:
* Inspect your feet daily. Check your feet for blisters, cuts, sores, redness or swelling once a day. Even a single blister can lead to an infection that won't heal.
* Wash your feet daily. Wash your feet in lukewarm water once a day. Dry them gently, especially between the toes.
* Don't go barefoot. Protect your feet with comfortable socks and shoes, even indoors. Make sure new shoes fit well. Wear socks made of fibers that pull (wick) sweat away from your skin, such as cotton and special acrylic fibers -- not nylon. Avoid those with tight elastic bands that reduce circulation or that are thick or bulky. Bulky socks often fit poorly, and a poor fit can irritate your skin.
* Practice good foot care. Trim your nails straight across. If you have any nail problems or poor feeling in your feet, consult your doctor immediately.
CAN COFFEE HELP REDUCE YOUR RISK OF TYPE 2 DIABETES?
Several recent studies report new evidence that drinking coffee may help prevent diabetes and that caffeine may be the ingredient largely responsible for this effect.
According to a new study in the American Chemical Society's Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, drinking coffee -- and lots of it -- may help prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
It's due to the caffeine, claim the scientists from Nagoya University in Japan.
Their findings, among the first animal studies to demonstrate this apparent link, appear in the June issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry.
Fumihiko Horio, Ph.D. Department of Applied Molecular Bioscience at Nagoya University, and colleagues from Nagoya University note that past studies have suggested that regular coffee drinking may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The scientists gave either water or coffee to a group of laboratory mice commonly used to study diabetes. They found that coffee consumption prevented the development of high blood sugar and also improved insulin sensitivity in the mice, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes. Coffee also caused several other beneficial changes in fatty liver, which is a disorder where fat builds up in liver cells, primarily in obese people. Additional lab studies showed that caffeine may be "one of the most effective anti-diabetic compounds in coffee," according to the scientists.
Another study published in the December 2009 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine reports that individuals who drink more coffee (regular or decaffeinated) or tea appear to have a lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.
By the year 2025, approximately 380 million individuals worldwide will be affected by Type 2 Diabetes, according to background information in the article.
"Despite considerable research attention, the role of specific dietary and lifestyle factors remains uncertain, although obesity and physical inactivity have consistently been reported to raise the risk of diabetes," the authors write.
Rachel Huxley of The George Institute for International Health at the University of Sydney, Australia, and colleagues identified 18 studies involving 457,922 participants and assessing the association between coffee consumption and diabetes risk published between 1966 and 2009. When the authors combined and analyzed the data, they found that each additional cup of coffee consumed in a day was associated with a 7 percent reduction in the excess risk of diabetes. Individuals who drank three to four cups per day had an approximately 25 percent lower risk than those who drank between zero and two cups per day.
In addition, in the studies that assessed decaffeinated coffee consumption, those who drank more than three to four cups per day had about a one-third lower risk of diabetes than those who drank none. Those who drank more than three to four cups of tea had a one-fifth lower risk than those who drank no tea.
"That the apparent protective effect of tea and coffee consumption appears to be independent of a number of potential confounding variables raises the possibility of direct biological effects," the authors write.
Remember, diabetes care is within your control. If you're willing to do your part, diabetes won't prevent you from enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle.

Tips for managing diabetes, health tips,
Via:LINK

Tips How To Build Trust

2010-07-27T20:12:00.001-07:00

Trust is so fragile that is hard to put back to its original state when broken. My simple tips how to build trust is dedicated to kids and their parents as well.

Tips How To Build Trust:

Never tell a lie, always tell the truth. And, say it kindly and tactfully.
Be real, do not act like somebody you are not.
Do not gossip about other people’s life. The one you are talking to may think you are gossiping her at her back. The worst scene is – if she pass what you said to other people too.
Never betray a confidence. Do not tell the secrets confided to you.
Keep all the promises you made. If you cannot keep a promise, better not to promise at all.
When you borrow something, always return it as soon as possible.

tips, behaviour,

Top 10 Ways To Impress Her Mom

2010-07-27T20:11:00.001-07:00

No.1 - Just get her a card

The No.1 way to impress her mom on Mother's Day is to keep it simple, and a card is your best bet. It's understated, it's the holiday standard and you really have to screw up a card in order to have it interpreted as you trying too hard or as you not doing enough.
On the inside, wish her a happy Mother's Day and acknowledge her parenting skills by thanking her for having brought such a beautiful daughter into the world, or acknowledge some other aspect of her life in order to personalize it. If you want to push it, write how you hope her daughter turns out just like her.

No.2 - Take special care of your own mother

Prioritize. Your own mother always comes first.
No mother would be pleased to learn that her daughter's boyfriend went overboard on her while ignoring his own mom, chiefly because of the negative message it can send her, such as that you were so preoccupied with impressing her that you choked on your own mom; or, if this is how you treat your own mother, you may not be the right guy for her daughter.
In the introduction we mentioned transparency: Throwing your own mom under the bus for her mom will be seen for exactly what it is.

No.3 - Acknowledge your girlfriend

When push comes to shove, her mother doesn't care about flowers, salons or other gentlemanly gestures; your girlfriend's mom is really only concerned with how you treat her daughter. Mother's Day is one day out of 365; stepping up to the plate to play hero one day out of the year will not necessarily impress. Let her mom know how much you appreciate your girl all the time and try to incorporate your girlfriend into any Mother's Day plans you might have, even though she's not a mother yet.

No.4 - Take the day's burden off her hands

Another way to impress her mom on Mother's Day is to help free up her day so she can go off and do whatever she wants.
Everyone wishes there were more hours in the day, and everyone could use an extra hand sometimes. Why not give your girl's mom the whole day to herself, and do the grocery shopping, or take the car to the shop or whatever other errand she might have to run. Then give them a chance to catch up on mother-daughter time. Your generosity with your time will mean a lot to her if she's a busy woman herself.

No.5 - Reunite her with an old friend

Find out if your girlfriend's mom has an old friend she's lost touch with over the years. Make certain that the two don't have bad blood by probing your girl, and set about tracking down that friend. Social networking sites are a good place to start, as well as other family members. Playing private eye might seem like a good idea, but you don't want to come off as a stalker to her mom or the long-lost friend so be careful how you go about this one.
Once you've tracked down the old acquaintance in a non-creepy way, introduce yourself and try to arrange for this person to call your girlfriend's mom on Mother's Day.

No.6 - Arrange a trip to the salon

By a trip to the salon we mean a pampered, mani-pedi kind of thing, something she can enjoy with her daughter and possibly your own mother as well. However, this entry isn't strictly suggesting that; rather, it's suggesting that you arrange a day trip that you know she would enjoy, whether it's to the salon, the wine country or to the 1980s hair metal festival in town for the weekend.
There's no one-size-fits-all idea. And no mother would want to be remembered that way on Mother's Day.

No.7 - Plan a girls' night out

Another way to impress her mom on Mother's Day is by giving her a short break from being a mom -- on a day other than Mother's Day.
Coordinate with a couple of her friends to plan a girls night out, a night on the weekend when she can have a drink, catch up with her friends, and for a few precious hours, not have to be a mom.

No.8 - Cook brunch for her

Cooking a Mother's Day brunch is one of the more ambitious suggestions we have for ways to impress her mom, and we only recommend it if, of course, you know what you're doing. An afternoon of bungled recipes and burned offerings won't be seen as funny or charming -- just a waste of a day.
We wouldn't include such a suggestion if we weren't aware of it actually having worked. However, it might be important to spread the gesture around a bit; invite your mother (and your girl) as well as dad and family. Don't independently monopolize this woman's time; make it a group effort.

No.9 - Get her a personalized gift

A "Happy Mother's Day" CD of her favorite songs, a DVD set; something personalized like this could prove to be a thoughtful Mother's Day gift, as it can show that you've listened to her in the past and know her interests.
Granted, you may be walking a fine line when you try to find her a personalized Mother's Day gift, but each relationship is different; if you know that she would appreciate it, don't hesitate.

No.10 - Do something handy that she needs or wants done

It's not uncommon in a household for there to be some task or job that her mom has wanted completed for a long time, but one that her dad hasn't gotten around to yet. Find out if such a thing exists in their household; it can't hurt to ask.
It can hurt, however, if you don't include dad -- whether by coordinating with him or just consulting him on the matter. Would you, as a father in your own home, want to be subverted and made to look bad by your daughter's boyfriend? Of course not, so go to him before you wash the car, mow the lawn or fix the fence.
On the other hand, if there is no father figure in the house you are suddenly the savior and have free reign to fix and update whatever her mom has been wishing would be fixed.

tips, mom,

Vegetable Juices that Could Help You Slim Down

2010-07-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Excess fat storage is a result of wrong combination of food and excessive eating of fatty and cholesterol-rich foods and consuming large quantities of starches and sugars.

Now that you know what causes excess fat storage in your body that could lead to obesity, better lessen those foods, eat lots of fruits and vegetables and clean your body not just by taking at least 8 glasses of water daily but by taking in fresh-raw undiluted vegetable juices that I am going to share to you today.

Why not take a cup or two a day of any of the following: carrot, beet and cucumber combination juice, carrot and cabbage combination juice, carrot and spinach combination juice, a plain spinach juice or a plain carrot juice? It is proven by many people that could help you slim down by cleaning your system. Please take note that you have to drink it undiluted.

Strong will to be fit, cleansing, proper diet, exercise and time for relaxation are the main ingredients not just to slim down but to attainment of healthy body.

health tips, weight loss, body

Antibiotics Not Always Needed

2010-07-27T20:09:00.000-07:00

Two common conditions that afflict women are yeast infections and cystitis (often called urinary tract infections). Cystitis results from bacterial infections. There can be some other causes at times including: medications, radiation or chemotherapy. Yeast infections occur when there is too much accumulation of yeast in moist and warm spots of the body. Too much bacteria can result in yeast infections. Antibiotics being used to treat other infections can also result in yeast related infections.

Antibiotics and other medications are not always needed to treat cystitis or yeast related infections. The first thing a woman should do if she suspects she has either condition is to have it confirmed by a physician. This is the best way to ensure that there is not a more serious problem.

If you are suffering from cystitis drinking eight glasses of water or more per day can help to rid your body of the infection sooner. Drinking cranberry juice has also been shown in many cases to help treat and even prevent antibiotics. Eating yogurt and taking supplements with probiotics can often work to help speed up the process of getting rid of a yeast infection.
There are over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that are often effective when used to treat a yeast infection. Garlic tablets or adding garlic to your diet can actually help with both conditions. You can talk to an alternative medicine practitioner for details about herbs, teas and other natural remedies that can be used to treat some cases of cystitis and/or a yeast infection.

Remember that you will need to talk to one of your doctors before you try any natural treatments. This is the best way to make sure that the treatments cannot interact with any medications you take or health problems that you have.

Whenever possible you might want to try to treat a yeast infection or treat cystitis without using antibiotics or prescription medications. Antibiotics can lead to the formation of yeast infections. Prescription medications often have more side effects than natural remedies. It can never hurt to try natural remedies as long as you receive the go ahead form your doctor.

For more information on how to easily prevent yeast infections or cystitis then go to Treating Yeast Infections for a wide range of drug free tips that are easy to follow to cure yeast infections and cystitis fast.

Via:LINK 1
LINK 2

Why it is Healthier to Consume Raw Potatoes than Cooked One

2010-07-27T20:06:00.000-07:00

Consuming raw potatoes has more health benefits than cooked one. Because of its high content of potassium, sulphur, phosphorus, and chlorine, undiluted raw potato juice is proven to be effective in clearing up skin blemishes. However, you can get this potato benefits only if you consume potato as raw food because these powerful minerals are converted to inorganic atoms when potatoes are cooked. And, the best way to consume it raw is by taking it as juice. Fresh raw undiluted potato-carrot juice is so nutritious. A cup or two of potato-carrot juice a day is a great help to health problems like skin blemishes and high blood pressure.

Potatoes may help fight against high blood pressure, prevent heart attack, protect against stroke, prevent kidney damage due to high blood pressure, controls appetite and could protect you from certain cancers due to its potassium and vitamin C content. You could get all these benefits when you consume raw potato as juice or just steam the potato.

Potato is still healthy to be consumed as baked, boiled and mashed one but its healthy effects is much lesser than consuming it raw and the easily digestable sugars in raw potatoes are converted to starches upon cooking. Potatoes are not good to be consumed as chips and fries because of acrylamide formation. Please checkout Acrylamide, what is it? for more info.

I got some small facts about potato, did you know that combination of cooked meat and potatoes strengthen the solanin poison of the potato? Solanin is an alkaloid poison that is predominant in potatoes too green in color. I’ve been given an info too that potato is not good for those who are suffering from venereal but I do not know yet its significance behind. And, did you know that consuming sweet potato is much more beneficial compared to Irish potato? Sweet potatoes has one-third more carbohydrates, three times more calcium, twice more sodium and silicon, and more than four times chlorine than Irish potatoes.

If you have not tried drinking potato-carrot juice yet now is the right time to do it. Remember, you could get the full health benefits of potato if you consume it raw

health tips,
Via:LINK

7 Reasons Why the World is Best Explored on Foot

2010-07-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

We travel the world for pleasure, business or to meet family and friends, and mostly, we let ourselves be transported by planes, trains, cars and whatever means are appropriate. But, if we stop for a moment and think about the origin of the word 'travel' we will realize that we often neglect the most natural means of transport - our feet.

'Travel' derives from the Old French word 'travail' which means work. This in turn apparently goes back to the Latin word 'tripalium' which was a three-legged sort of whip used by the Romans to drive slaves. Being on the move was work, walking miles and miles to get from A to B, getting dirty and sweaty in the process.

No modern-day traveler is required to submit himself to torture, but a little bit of 'travail' by exploring our destinations on foot, as opposed to hopping on a tour bus and letting yourself be guided to pre-selected destinations, goes a long way to increasing the pleasure of travel. We travel to satisfy our curiosity and to discover the real side of the country of our choice. If we don't put in a bit of legwork we will miss out on all of the following:

Meeting the locals

You have arrived at your destination and the first thing you do is get your bearings. More after the break...

Plan in hand and shunning a guided tour, I made my way to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. As inevitably happens, the map always looks different than the reality and I decided to ask directions of an elegant lady on the street. We fell into a conversation. "If you are looking for something really typical of Santiago," she said, "you should visit the statue of the 3 Marias, our local heroines."

She continued to explain that said Marias had been three sisters who, during the times of Franco, had suffered serious hardship. Bound on pulling themselves out of misery, they began to design and sew their own clothes and, every day at the dot of 3pm, set out on a walk around the city center, modeling their clothes and, as they had a lot of wit and a sharp tongue, flirting with the students and providing entertainment for an entire city during dreary times. After their death, a statue was erected in their honor and Galician poets even dedicated poems to them. No guidebook mentions this story, which I would not have discovered without taking to the street.

Beating the traffic

Have you ever thought how many taxis, buses and minibuses are needed to ferry tourists around and what that does to the environment? Take to your feet and you use the 'greenest' means of transport possible and, more often than not, you arrive faster than anybody on four wheels.

Our cruise ship had just docked in Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Caribbean island of St. Thomas. I saw that the town center was approximately 2 miles away and decided to walk along the ocean front up to the 99 steps which I wanted to visit. My fellow passengers were not inclined to follow my example and headed for the buses and taxis. "Two miles," one gentleman huffed, "you can't walk that!!" No? I thought to myself. Watch me.

Charlotte Amalie is a small town and the roads are not equipped to accommodate the sudden influx of thousands and thousands of cruise ship passengers, all arriving at once and all headed for the same direction. Result: they got stuck in a traffic jam and looked slightly miffed when I overtook them on foot, happily waving at some very long faces. Moreover, I arrived at the 99 steps and the World Amber Museum well ahead of the crowd and had the place to myself.

Exercise while seeing the sights

There is yet another benefit to exploring on foot. Just think that even one hour of walking at a leisurely pace burns 38 calories at a body weight of 150 lbs. That allows for a little extra treat without fear of putting on the dreaded holiday pounds and beats a treadmill any day.

Avoiding the tourist crowds

Tourist guides and hotel staff will recommend restaurants full of other travelers, but I prefer to go and take a look at where the locals assuage their hunger.

I was richly rewarded for this in Kusadasi, a lovely Turkish port town on the Aegean Sea. Discarding the more elegant places, I opted for a small, half-open place called "Toro" where I saw a lot of Turkish businessmen having their lunch. It had long communal tables and benches and an open hot and cold buffet where you just pointed at what you wanted. Or you could ask for fish and then sit down by the waterfront and watch fisherman pulling out what you were about to eat a few minutes later. The lamb shanks I had were so tender that I didn't need a knife and a rich fruit platter came as free desert. The total bill was a lot cheaper than anywhere else, because if not, the locals would have protested.

Discovering curiosities

The real joy of travel is to come upon sites which aren't mentioned anywhere and that's only possible if you deviate from the beaten path - on foot. Another stop of my cruise was Tortola and its tiny capital Road Town. Meandering along Main Street, I happened upon a folklore museum which was the smallest museum I have ever seen - just one room and easy to miss. I was the only visitor and the curator told me a lot of local stories, which taught me a more about the island life and mentality than any guide book could have.

Seeing nature up close and personal

Taking to your feet allows you to enjoy tropical flora and fauna at close quarters. A botanical garden is fine, but a 'jungle walk' on your own is a much better adventure.

Again in St. Thomas, I saw the Skyride, a cable car going up and down Flag Hill to Paradise Point. I admit, I took it up, but when I discovered a path leading down, I decided to follow it. My first companion was a bright red butterfly which settled on my shoulder and stayed with me all the way. I saw colorful birds and lizards scuttling out of the way and enjoyed wonderful views of the island and the ocean peeking through the trees. Best of all, I was all alone.

Feeling like you belong

In my eyes, that's the best of all. Anybody moving in a group or climbing out of a tourist bus is instantly tagged as a tourist and treated as such. Walking the streets on your own gives you a real feel for the place and - at least for a while - you belong

Lifestyle, health tips. Via: LINK

The Royal Choice-Vintage Cars

2010-07-23T21:37:00.000-07:00

Vintage cars, CARS, Royal Cars.

TOP CARS THAT ATTRACT WOMEN ?

2010-07-20T08:36:00.000-07:00

AUDI

MERCEDES-BENZ

FERRARI

BMW

CARS, WOMEN, GIRLS

Shorts for boys

2010-07-20T00:15:00.000-07:00

boys, shorts for boys, lifestyle

Try these drinks for this hot summer

2010-07-09T01:40:00.000-07:00

Cute mugs can improve your coffee experience

2010-07-09T01:24:00.000-07:00

Cool caps for guys

2010-07-09T01:21:00.000-07:00

Thumb ring for guys

2010-07-07T08:42:00.000-07:00

Cool Studs and Rings for guys

2010-07-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

Stomach Crunches

2010-07-07T00:51:00.000-07:00

Lie down flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor.
Hold your hands wherever you feel comfortable (on your chest or beside your head - just be sure you don't pull on your head).
The typical crunch is taught by instructing you to simply roll your upper torso forward. This is fine to start with.

To increase the effectiveness of the crunch movement, push your chest and head up towards the ceiling pushing your lower back flat onto the floor.
Your anatomy will automatically cause you to follow a crunching pattern.
Trying to crunch up towards the ceiling will increase the tension on the abs.
Hold at the top of the movement for a second and squeeze hard.
Do not lift up into a sit-up as this works the hip flexors and can strain your back.

Cool Bandanas

2010-07-07T00:31:00.000-07:00