Fulfilled Life

Island Rose Photo Story Contest 2 Love as I see it

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Sat, 29 Sep 2012 14:11:00 +0000

This was taken during the summer of 2010 at the Mayfield Lavender Farm in Surrey England, United Kingdom. Whatever race you came from, wherever you live in this world, you will find true love. You will meet up with one and only love at the right time and at the right place. Love is destiny. The couple is bound by love and happily married. Please have a closer look at his left upper arm, tattooed “Mahal Kita (with her name)” In English “I Love You…” and that’s how love as I see it. That is one way to show love to someone. This is my entry to “Love as I see it”. A project of www.islandrose.net.flowers Philippines.

Written and photographed by: Nils Almarez-Adajar

Being happy means healthy

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 06:11:00 +0000

Happiness is equivalent to health. I believe that people with upbeat moods had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. The hormone may, when elevated, contribute to high blood pressure and lower immune function. We should always have positive emotions. So, whatever things that will me make you happy, just go on and start laughing your way to health now!

Crisis As The Adventure Of A Lifetime! - Inspirational Article

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 07:23:00 +0000

Crisis is painful, frightening, and difficult. None of us consciously invite crisis into our lives. We do not look forward to the next life threatening event to come our way. We have never received an invitation to celebrate a crisis in the life of one of our friends.

The news of a crisis brings feelings of sadness, fear, and regret. No one wants to face death, financial ruin, loss of a job, or a divorce. We do not wish these events on others.

Crisis is a two edged sword. It brings the destruction of life as we have known it. It threatens our status quo, creating chaos where there was once stability. It challenges our beliefs and response patterns. It pushes our ability to cope. But crisis always brings opportunity for something new to develop from the ruins of our old way of life. Its pain is like the contractions of labor; almost too much to bear, yet easily forgotten with the joy of a new birth.

Crisis offers many hidden benefits to those who accept the challenge to transform in the face of disaster. It gives you the opportunity to shift directions and make important changes in your life. As people re-evaluate the meaning of life during their crisis, they often discover their life mission, giving them a greater sense of direction and purpose.

Sometimes people in crisis will find an inner strength they never knew existed. Some people learn to tap into their inner guidance for day to day direction. Others find they are given the opportunity to re-evaluate core beliefs that had negatively affected their experiences of life.

Crisis invites you to experience and release old fears. In the face of death or annihilation people have the opportunity to consciously choose life, often for the very first time. Most people find a deeper connection to God or the creative force of the Universe. Many people develop a profound sense of trust, knowing there is someone or something larger than themselves that is watching over them.

Crisis is an opportunity, not a certainty. You can choose to take advantage of the energy in crisis or you can surrender to the feelings of despair and hopelessness. The adventure begins when you choose to accept the challenge and use the circumstances in your life to grow. This painful, sometimes devastating situation is only a stepping stone to something far greater than you ever imagined.

I have heard many stories of people who have accepted the challenge, transforming their lives in the midst of crisis. These people are not special. They are ordinary human beings just like you. If they can transform in the face of crisis, so can you.

LOVE AS I SEE IT

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 03:48:00 +0000

This photo was taken two years ago during summer at Hyde Park, London. Tam Tam and Jake are best friends. They enjoy playing in the meadow full of dandelion flowers. As you can see they are picking those wild flowers. After picking they happily gave the flowers to their Mum’s. Tam Tam and Jake are both four years old. At such a young age they are already aware that giving flowers express their love. Seeing each other and playing together build the love and friendship. Anywhere in the world giving flower expresses love.

This is my entry to “Love as I see it". A project of www.islandrose.net flowers Philippines.

Written and photographed by: Fe Agonia

Who is the best Philosopher?

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Sat, 14 May 2011 03:50:00 +0000

The 1st one got three and he gave one, the 2nd got two and he gave one, the 3rd got one and he gave one, lastly, the 4th got nothing but wished to give one.

From the above scenario, respondents never anticipated the 1st and 2nd philosophers because they gave something in excess of what they have. The choices remained from the last two philosophers. Respondents almost commented even. Some explained that the 3rd is the best because he gave his all. Others said, the 4th is the best because he has nothing but very kind to give one.

Honestly speaking, the 4th philosopher is just the same of 1st and 2nd philosophers. Why? In spite of nothingness, he wished to give one. Human beings, easily utter something in good fate because the situation never affects him. But once the luck is with him, a single centavo weighs. Therefore, it’s only saying or a word, nothing is sincere.

The best among them is the 3rd philosopher. He never thinks of himself but the needy. No matter what the consequences, the idea is to offer of what he had even though it costs his life. Godly spirit is with him and it gives moral support to anybody that wishes to live his life to the fullest.

Awesome facts about some foods and drinks

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:01:00 +0000

I have quite a few things to do for a couple of weeks. The reason why I can’t post here regularly. Sorry guys! Actually my daughter is not used to live with me. She lives with my parents in our province. But this time, my girl is around, so I’m lucky enough. But wait, she doesn’t have a sitter or someone who will take care of her. Well, my husband doesn’t have an office work right now but he’s kind of hands full. He needs to patch up a bunch of things.

Anyway, while browsing some useful apps in my iPhone, I stumbled across at my favorite app about facts in life.

Awesome facts about some foods and drinks

Approximately 850 peanuts make an 18 oz jar of peanut butter.
Approximately two gallons of water are used to brush your teeth.
Bananas contain a natural chemical which can make a person happy. This same chemical is found in Prozac.
Bananas trees are not really trees. They are considered to be giant herb plants.
Black pepper is the most popular spice in the world.
Blueberries have more antioxidants than any other fruit or vegetables.
An apple, potato, and onion all taste the same if you eat them with your nose plugged. They all taste sweet.
An egg shell can have up to 17,000 tiny pores on its surface. An egg that is fresh will sink in water, but a stale one won’t.
After chocolate and vanilla, orange is considered the world’s most favorite flavor.
Alcohol beverages have all 13 minerals necessary for human life.
All the Krispy Kreme donut stores collectively could make a doughnut stack as high as the Empire State Building in only 2 minutes.
Caffeine is the world’s most popular stimulant.
Japanese research had concluded that moderate drinking can boost IQ levels.
Ketchup originated in China as a pickled fish called ke-tsiap.

Really funny story about the two Nuns!

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 05:54:00 +0000

Why we should need humor in our life? We need humor and inject it into our lives otherwise; we will end up losing our drive and motivation. Without humor our lives would be much more stressful, dull and lacking the luster of a little fun. Our daily lives are stress filled and sometimes mundane. Humor does what no other medicine can do for us. It makes life livable. Life should be like a birthday present that we have anticipated and life is something that we should all be excited about. "Keep your sense of humor. There's enough stress in the rest of your life to let bad shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy."

Here's the funny story about the two Nuns

There were two nuns.. One of them was known as Sister Mathematical (SM), and the other one was known as Sister Logical (SL). It is getting dark and they are still far away from the convent.

SM: Have you noticed that a man has been following us for the past thirty-eight and a half minutes? I wonder what he wants.
SL: It's logical. He wants to rape us.
SM: Oh, no! At this rate he will reach us in 15 minutes at the most! What can we do?
SL: The only logical thing to do of course is to walk faster.
SM: It's not working.
SL: Of course it's not working. The man did the only logical thing. He started to walk faster, too.
SM: So, what shall we do? At this rate he will reach us in one minute.
SL: The only logical thing we can do is split. You go that way and I'll go this way. He cannot follow us both.

So the man decided to follow Sister Logical. Sister Mathematical arrives at the convent and is worried about what has happened to Sister Logical. Then Sister Logical arrives.

SM: Sister Logical! Thank God you are here! Tell me what happened!
SL: The only logical thing happened. The man couldn't follow us both, so he followed me
SM: Yes, yes! But what happened then?
SL: The only logical thing happened. I started to run as fast as I could and he started to run as fast as he could.
SM: And?
SL: The only logical thing happened. He reached me.
SM: Oh, dear! What did you do?
SL: The only logical thing to do. I lifted my dress up.
SM: Oh, Sister! What did the man do?
SL: The only logical thing to do. He pulled down his pants.
SM: Oh, no! What happened then?
SL: Isn't it logical, Sister?
SM: ???!!?!?!?
SL: A nun with her dress up can run faster than a man with his pants down.

Laugh, live and move on! "Always laugh when you can. It is cheap medicine." ~Lord Byron

img src: connect1online

My friend's dreams in life

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Sat, 18 Sep 2010 09:01:00 +0000

Have you ever dream of living like a princess or a queen? or how about like winning on sweepstakes or lotto? Dreaming is free so everyone has its own dreams. We have inner thoughts and many ideas in life. It can be possible or easy to achieve or just like the stories in the fairy tales. But, there are also true-to-life stories that they didn't dreamed of something, but it just happened that one day, they became rich or well-known personality.

Fulfillment in life doesn't mean you're not allowed to dream. Let me share to you some of my friend's dreams in life. I often heard this dreams from them and I can say that they have common dreams (to be rich and money… money… money…?) sigh!

• You write your own check every single week!
• You can spend more time with loved ones and friends!
• Pay off your debt!
• Go on vacation whenever you feel like it!
• Quit your job and quit making everyone else rich!
• Work from anywhere and at anytime!
• Spend more time doing what you actually enjoy!
• Invest money into other ventures!
• Get that sports car you always wanted!
• Forget about the recession and not stress about money!

How about you? Why don't you share it with us?

Random "crazy or cool facts about life"

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 05:52:00 +0000

Every night before I sleep, I used to open my iPhone and read updates of my friends in my facebook, twitter and email accounts. My phone has many important apps but there is only one app that gave me such an unforgettable impressions on things and facts about life.

Actually, some of them are really strange and its up to if you gonna believe them. The reason why I wanna share it with you too. There are thousands of them and here are some of my favorites:

Mosquitoes are attracted to people who have recently eaten bananas.
The reason why bubble gum is pink is because the inventor only had pink colouring left. Ever since then, the colour of bubble gum has been predominantly pink.
Bill Gates donated close to $100 million to fight AIDS in India. As a percent of his total wealth, this would be comparable to him donating ten cents if he only had $60.
A baby kangaroo is called a joey. ( There is no kangaroo here in the Philippines, and I only knew about this when I was in college)
According to scientific studies, a rat's performance in a maze can be improved by playing music written by Mozart.
7-Eleven is the largest retail chain in the world.
In 1990, the world's largest McDonald's opened in Moscow, which could seat 900 people.
Olives, which grow on trees, were first cultivated 5,000 years ago in Syria.
The biggest cause of matrimonal fighting is money.
Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.
People with darker skin will not wrinkle as fast as people with lighter skin.
The sensitivity of a woman's middle finger is reduced during menstruation.
The purpose of tonsils is to destroy foreign substances that are swallowed or breathed in.
A bird 'chews' with its stomach.
The female pigeon cannot lay eggs if she is alone. In order for her ovaries to function, she must be able to see another pigeon.
Ants don't sleep.
"Dreamt" is teh only English word that ends in the letters "mt".
Only male fireflies can fly.
99% of people cannot lick their elbow.
Nearly 30% of female lottery winners hide their winning ticket in their bras.

Which of the above fact/s is/are your most favorite?

Most important Body Part

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:20:00 +0000

The most important body part is your shoulder. It's not because it holds up our head but because it can hold the head of a friend or a loved one when they cry. Everybody needs a shoulder to cry on sometime in our life. We need enough love and friends that we will always have a shoulder to cry on when we need it.

People may forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will NEVER forget how you made them feel.

Random Cool Facts about Arts and Literature

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 07:45:00 +0000

The name of the award given to honor the best sites on the Internet is called “The Webby Award”
TIME magazine’s Man of the Year for 1982 was the computer.
The most popular recipient of Valentine Cards are school teachers.
Leonardo Da Vinci never signed or dated his famous painting, the Mona Lisa.
The color blue has a calming effect. It causes the brain to release calming hormones.
Mona Lisa has no eyebrows in Leonardo da Vinci’s painting. During that time, a woman was considered more beautiful if she shaved here eyebrows.
The colors yellow, red, and orange are used in fast food restaurants because those are the colors that stimulate hunger.
The word Karate means, “empty hand.”
There are about 6,800 languages in the world.

Random Cool Facts #1

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 01:38:00 +0000

6% of men propose over the telephone
In Africa, pregnant and lactating women are able to satisfy the nutritional needs of their bodies by eating clay!
Coffee drinkers have sex more frequently than non-coffee drinkers.
Tomatoes were originally thought to be poisonous.
Rats can tell the difference between two human languages.

Stay cool during crisis

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 04:07:00 +0000

Staying cool in a crisis might benefit heart health. A US study discovered that people who keep problems in perspective experience an increase in levels of 'good' high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, which helps to keep arteries clear of fatty deposits. The research asked 716 men with an average age of 65 to rate how often they used certain coping strategies in stressful situations. After an overnight fast, their blood was tested for HDL and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol.
It was expected that a hostile response to stress would raise levels of 'bad' LDL cholesterol, but these were unaffected. What the study did show was a positive conseguence of self-control, suggesting emotional stability has protective effects.

Awards from Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 02:08:00 +0000

Thank you so much to Ate Levy for giving me these awards, I really appreciate it.

This is my third time that I received blog awards from my co-blogger. Blogging for me can be so fun, and it relieves stress, I've got more friends on line, learned new things and more especially I earned dollars.

The first one is "All My Friendship" Award.

The second one is the "You Cheer Me Up Award".

and the last one is this "Loyal Friend and Visitor Award".

I want to pass these awards to all my friends. You are free to grab these awards. Smile... :-)

You're the 1 Goldilocks Event

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 05:17:00 +0000

I’ve recently opened the Nuffnang Philipines’ website and I noticed their latest post about You’re the 1 Goldilocks event on August 7, 2009, held at Fully Booked, Bonifacio High Street. The post contains the list of blog contest winners and their photos including the photos of host, “Mr. Juddha Paolo” and their guest hunky Goldilocks endorser, “Dingdong Dantes”. Unfortunately, I did not come at this special event for some important reasons. The next day, my officemate and blogger friend messaged me at Facebook saying I was one of the finalists with Php 2,500 Gift Certificates award. At first I didn’t believe them until I found out some lists of the winners posted in other blogs. After a few days, one of the officers from Goldilocks called me up asking how they can send to me the Gift Certificates. I was so happy upon hearing that and I can’t wait to use the Gift Certificates. Thank you so much Goldilocks! You’re really the 1. By the way my winning post is here.

If you want to see the complete details of the said event, please visit the Nuffnang Website.

Images source: Nuffnang.com.ph

Avoid catching A(H1N1) virus

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:00:00 +0000

This current virus is a new subtype of influenza A(H1N1) that is not previously detected in swine or humans, and it spreads by human-to-human transmission. The symptoms are similar to seasonal flu like nasal congestion, cough and sore throat, fever, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue. So, how do we avoid it? We should stay in good health so that our body is strong enough to fight the virus. We should have enough sleep every day, eat fruits and vegetables, we drink plenty of water or fluids, manage stress, and avoid close contact with other people who are sick.

Love food but want to lose weight?

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:55:00 +0000

If you love food but want to lose weight, then:

Eat more...

Fresh and steamed vegetables but go easy on sauces and salad dressings.
Whole grains like cooked cereals, brown rice, whole-grain breads, pasta.
Tubers and other vegetables-potatoes, yams, squash, and all kinds of beans, lentils, and peas.
Fresh, whole fruits.

Eat less...

Refined, processed, and concentrated foods. They are high in calories and price and low in nutrients and fiber.
Nuts, meats, and rich dairy products. While these foods are nutritious they have little fiber and are very high in fat and calories. Meats and cheeses, for instance, are 60-80 percent fat.

What else you can do?

Drink plenty of water everyday. Try herb teas, mineral water or just plain water.
If you feel bored, frustrated, or lonely, go for a walk, drink a glass of water, read a book, call a supportive friend. Or, you can feast on natural foods like semi-frozen grapes, juicy melons, or crunchy carrot sticks.

Losing (or Gaining) One Pound in a week

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:00:00 +0000

What does it take to lose or gain a pound? In simple numbers, it takes 3,500 calories.

If through a modified diet and exercise you cut 500 calories each day, at the end of a week you'll have lost one pound.

Of course, if you eat 500 calories more than you expend each day, you'll gain one pound in a week.

Here are some ways to whittle away calories:
♦ Eat smaller portions. If you cut your portion size of red meat from eight ounces to three ounces, you'll save 250 to 300 calories. A three ounce serving of meat is about the
size of a deck of cards.
♦ Choose healthful cooking methods. Simply choosing a different cooking method can save you 100 to 300 calories. More healthful methods include baking, broiling, grilling, poaching, roasting and steaming foods. Preparation methods to cut back on include frying, sauteing, roasting, braising and breading foods.
♦ Increase your activity level. Add some moderate physical activity to your day. The following activities burn off about 150 calories: gardening for 30 to 45 minutes, walking two miles in 30 minutes, bicycling five miles in 30 minutes, washing and waxing a car for 45 to 60 minutes.

via: health and home

You’re the 1, Goldilocks!

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 07:06:00 +0000

Every time we had a family reunion and get together, sitting in a big and round dining table is the best and the most enjoyable thing for us. Our favorite meals from rice, viand to desserts are well-prepared by our Mom. Each member of the family is ready to munch the food in order to delight our craving. I also remember my little younger brother rushing to consume his rice because he wanted to be the first to eat the Goldilocks cake and salad. Dessert time is also a moment for our laughter and telling our unforgettable stories. I will share to you one of the most romantic story told by our Dad.

"It was early 90s when I experienced heavy rains that flooded Metro Manila. We're riding on a bus that time heading to our province. From bus terminal in Lawton, for only about an hour, we're stranded somewhere in San Andres due to flood. Unexpectedly, we stayed there, hour after hour. Inside the bus, everybody seems so noisy, chatting each other with different stories. To make the time out of boredom. I decided to look for somebody with sense of humor. Of course, I had seen one. But how do I will start to know her? Having a good idea, I started to break the silence.

Miss, you looked-like my cousin, I said to the girl. Really? She replied. Yes, you are, I answered. The girl said, it’s an old style technique. I knew already your next questions. You will ask me about my name, from where I am, my age and the likes, isn't it? Anyway, we’ve been talking smoothly and seemed known each other for quite sometimes.

We compromised to see each other the next Saturday afternoon when we return to Manila. The date was set and we’ve waited that date with excitement. Means of communication those days were very hard. The day came and I called her through phone. She was already home waiting for my call. At last, we’ve seen each other again. Smiles with enthusiasm and feeling of trust had been established to both of us. We decided to watch the movies. Inside the movie house, I became the best man for her. I respected her in everyway. I had proven to her, how gentleman I am. After the movies, we walked along the street. Not even holding hands. While walking, here comes something in my mind. It’s the right time to tell her what I feel. Baby, I had something to tell you, I said. Okay, come on and tell me, she said. I replied, I think this is not the proper place to talk about that. Let’s find a better place, okay. Come on.

Only for a distant, we decided to be inside Goldilocks, Pasong Tamo. From that corner table, I started to propose. Frankly speaking, I’m sure about myself that I am beginning to like and love her. And I asked her, do you feel the same? I guess so, she answered. Well, both of us tonight were very happy and the only witness to this vow is the piece of GOLDILOCK’S CAKE place on top of this table. From now on, we will start the history of our love and hopefully it will last forever.

YOU ARE THE ONE, GOLDILOCKS because you provide us that CORNER TABLE SPACE, where a wonderful, thoughtful and everlasting LOVE was born."

How to Remember What You Usually Forget

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 02:40:00 +0000

Names – When you meet someone, repeat that person’s name aloud as soon as you can. Say, “Nice to meet you, Jack.” Then look closely at him and repeat his name silently to yourself 10 times.

Numbers – Break long numbers down into meaningful chunks. For instance, a checking account number 1048630, is easier to remember if you think of it as 10:48 (time for midmorning break) and 6:30 (dinnertime).

Shopping lists -Visualize your house with a giant version of each item in various rooms: a huge egg in the kitchen, a big loaf of bread in the bedroom, etc. When shopping, mentally scan your house to recall your list.

Household chores and errands – Don’t try to remember that you must mail a letter. Instead place the letter near the door so you will see it as you leave.
Mnemonics and acronyms – Make up a verse or phrase to remember facts. For example, a well known acronym is ROY G. BIV. They stand for the colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet).

Visualize – A mental image is a picture you make up that includes the information you want to remember. Making up images is a very good way to learn and to recall. For instance, if you park your car in spot 4B, think of four bananas.

Write it down – In a survey of memory experts, their top technique for not forgetting was the simplest-makes notes. Writing forces you to focus your attention and also provides a backup in case your memory fails. Some people recall the appearance of the note, and then they remember the items on it.

The Healthy Way to Loss Weight

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 02:32:00 +0000

Eat foods that promote good health (nuts, fruits, grains, and vegetables). Medical literature today supports the superiority of a vegetarian diet to one high in animal protein.

Avoid foods high in saturated fats. Eliminate refined carbohydrates from the diet. Eat complex carbohydrates such as soy proteins, beans, bran, apples, etc.
Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, should be eliminated from your diet. Instead of coffee, tea, and sodas, drink eight glasses of water per day. It is healthier and cheaper.
Eat the right portions at the right time. Your heaviest meal should be at breakfast. Lunch and dinner should be light meals.
Exercise. The best form of exercise is the cheapest-walking. With patience, perseverance, and determination, the long-term management of obesity can be achieved.

Donating Blood Is a Lifesaving Act

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 01:08:00 +0000

Have you ever donated your blood? I remembered my father-in-law is always telling my husband to donate a blood. He says that donating blood have many advantages. According to an excerpt from the brochure of Philippine National Red Cross Blood Proram, a healthy Filipino has 16-18 glasses of blood. Donating 250-450 cc. (approximately one glass) will not cause any weakness or ill effects.

Giving blood will not take up too much of your time-the whole process just takes 30 minutes.

Be a lifesaver and donate to the Philippine National Red Cross.

Advantages of Giving Blood

When a person donates blood, his bone marrow is stimulated to produce new red blood cells and makes his blood-forming orgnas unction more effectively. The young cells generated wil mean more effective and active cells. In the same way that a car works better after a "change oil," donating blood will make a perso feel better. A healthy person can donate blood every three months with no ill effects.
A Red Cross donor is given a Blood Donor Card. With this card, the donor will be given priority based on stock availability, in case of blood needs. The Blood Donor Card is transferrable to family members and friends, and has no expiration date.
Prospective donors who submit themselves to the procedure will be examined by a physician for free. Donors will also know their blood type and know whether they are anemic or not. Donors will be informed of diseases seen in the blood as a result of the screening tests.

Tips for proper food storage

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:12:00 +0000

Have you noticed that some fruit hardens and there is rarely any juice left when you put them inside the fridge for a few days? or have you noticed also that leafy veggies tend to dry up easily outside the refrigerator but wilt when refrigerated?
Here are some simple tips to avoid it:

Check if your refrigerator's temperature is from 34F to 40F, and no warmer. Storing any kind of food inside the ref that is warmer that 40F will definitely spoil faster.
Overstuffing causes poor cold air circulation, leading to spoilage.
Vegetables and fruits should be kept in the vegetable drawer. The humidity in this storage area is enough to keep them fresher and longer.
Only leafy greens need washing before refrigeration, but these must be thoroughly and loosely wrapped in a plastic or cloth bag.

Aromatherapy Salad

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:45:00 +0000

Aromatherapy doesn't just mean a special type of massage. The benefits of this wonderful treatment come from a combination of touch and smell. This mood-boosting salad assaults your olfactory senses with the pungency of onion and the heavy, sweet scent of basil. You'll hardly have to eat it to feel better.

6 ripe organic tomatoes, the freshest and the best you can buy
1 large red onion
1 generous bunch of fresh basil
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
Chunks of crusty, organic wholemeal bread

Wash and thinly slice the tomatoes.
Peel and thinly slice the onion.
Wash and dry the basil.
Layer the tomato and onion in a fairly large shallow dish.
Pour on the olive oil.
Tear the basil into small pieces and sprinkle over the top.
Season with the pepper.
Serve with the bread, making sure you leave a bit left over to mop up the succulent mixture of oil and tomato juices.

How did we start celebrating Mother's Day?

noreply@blogger.com (markfe) — Mon, 11 May 2009 02:28:00 +0000

In 1907 Miss Anna Jarvis of West Virginia asked guests to wear a white carnation to the church service on the anniversary of her mother's death. But Mother's Day became increasingly commercial, and Miss Jarvis spent the rest of her life trying to restore its simplicity. The strain of her efforts to stop Mother's Day and what it had become led her to an insane asylum, where she died alone in 1948.