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Sources of Vitamin C (Vegetables)

I've made a list of fruits rich in Vitamins C prior to this post and here's the part 2 - the vegetable version. So here are vegetables that are good sources of Vitamin C.

1. Broccoli


2. Kale


3. Cauilflower
   


4. Parsley
   


5. Okra
   


6. Brussel Sprouts


7. Turnip


8. Spinach


9. Squash (Summer squash: Pattypan Squash; Winter squash: Butternut Squash
   


10. Radish


11. Mustard Leaves (Greens)
    


12. Watercress


13. Sweet / white potato

Which of these vegetables do you regularly eat? Would you like to share a vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C? Just hit the comment link.

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I have GLOVES!

After reading so much write-ups about Gloves in a Bottle, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. I had wanted to see the product and (I honestly couldn’t wait to) try it myself. I had wanted to know if everything I’ve read was true.

Yesterday, after a long time of waiting and wondering whether it would really reach me, I finally received the lotion. It goes without saying that the moment I had it with me, I immediately unpacked and tried it. And guess what? I instantly felt the difference that it made on my skin. I felt my skin become softer, smoother and more hydrated –within seconds! I am just so so impressed!

But not only am I impressed, I am also amazed because not only is it a moisturizing lotion but a shielding lotion as well. In fact it works like an invisible pair of gloves, protecting us from irritants that dry our skin and helping us retain the skin’s natural moisture. This is a great news because everyday, I am always in contact with moisture-stripping detergents (as I handwash my son's clothes) and equally irritating dishwashing liquid. But it’s good to know that I have something to help me revive me skin to its youthful state.

What I also like about Gloves in a Bottle is the fact that it is hypoallergenic, fragrance/colorant/paraben-free. I've always been careful to use product that doesn't “hurt” my olfactory glands, and with this product, I cannot complain about irritating odors. I am totally happy with it and you bet that I have used it again today. Apart from my hands, I have liberally applied some on my feet, elbows and knees to help me resolve the dryness in these areas.


-my heartfelt thanks to Pete G.

Few Tips Before Relocating

Are you ready to set out on your own and leave the comfort of your family home? BIG question. And I know it’s definitely not an easy feat as just moving boxes.

So here are few tips before jumping into your wagon and driving away:

Plan a budget. Needless to say, when you set out on your own, the expenses i.e rent, electric bill, food will be taken cared of by no one but YOU. So how much lifestyle can you afford?

Pick your location carefully. If you’re working somewhere, will your new home be far or near your work location. How much time are you willing to spend traveling to and from the workbase?

Get as much information about your targeted base. Research is the word. And then even if the place is recommended by someone you trust, it’s always practical to see how the place “feels” like.

Newton's Third Law

Newton’s Third Law states that “For every action there is an equal, but opposite, reaction."

I so believe in it. So in turn I say, for every cause, there is always an effect- always.

For every problem, there is a solution -always. The last statement is such a comforting thought, isn’t it? Whatever the problem might be, I always believe there is a solution. It might not be visible now but soon enough, the beautiful head of the solution will show up. Yes, there will always be a solution.

Take for example, debt. Buried deep? Even if you think there’s no way out, but reality is, there is a way out. There is a solution. Learn the how-to by clicking this link about debt consolidation.

Was Down But Am Back Now

I have been down and out very recently. I had contracted a bug and had to stay offline. I'm still barking like a dog every now and then, but I'm better now.

And there's just lots to catch up with.

Water Restoration Service

So what if you suddenly find your house –or parts of your house like the basement, the kitchen or the bathroom- flooded because of a broken pipe or a seemingly minor leak?

Fear not. Worry not. Someone here -with fully equipped fleet- is out to help you 24 hour, 7 days a week and promises to be on the scene in 30 minutes in most areas within the continental United States!

Moreover, they are trusted to answer your needs:
· Water Damage
· Water Restoration
· Wet Basement Or Water In Basement
· Basement Leak Or A Broken Pipe
· Carpet Drying
· Fire Water Removal


Lucky you in the USA.

In our country, water restoration service is not too easy to come by.

Sneaking Out Of My Life

I'm saying goodbye to this sneakers.

Shirt, shorts and sneakers.

Shirt, pants and sneakers.

Sneakers to the market. Sneakers to the mall. Sneakers to the office. Sneakers to the grocery store. Sneakers to church. Sneakers to the beach.

Can you tell that I'm still unwilling to part with it? Uh-oh. This sneakers has been an essential part of my practical fashion life for quite sometime but time has come to let it go. I haven't placed it in the garbage bin though - I still don't have the heart to let it join and hobnob with the rest of our household rubbish. But it will soon go.

Now speaking of rubbish and garbage, my mother has recently collected some moolah from selling plastic, paper and metal scraps. It's actually a hitting-two-birds-with-one-stone strategy. First, you get to clean and dispose of the household rubbish. Second, you get to earn some cash! Now I only wished we could include selling used disposable diapers. With the rate at which my son changes diapers in a day, I'm sure we'd have earned a lot more cash.

Baby On Jeans

If Mama loves to wear jeans, sometimes it follows that the kids will follow their mother’s lead (or the parents lead).

My son has been wearing his since as far back as I can remember. But because jeans (his are not baby phat jeans), are usually too rough on baby skin, I cannot let him wear it as much.

I however found a way to make them softer than they really are. And that is thru a Fabric conditioner. Indeed it is so useful in this department. Soaking it for longer period- I do it usually half a day- will tame the roughness. Sometimes, I also lather and use baby soap to soak the pants.

Swimsuit Fabric Care

Swimsuits are usually made out of synthetic and elastic materials called lycra or spandex. Although it can be stretched repeatedly and still recover to its original form, heat has a way of tearing down its fibers. Hence, avoid putting swimsuits in dryers or ironing them out.

To make its color last long, immediately rinse it after coming out from the pool. When drying under the sun, hang it inside out.

Despite the fact that spandex can be stretched to over 500% without breaking, it pays to be careful than sorry. Therefore, when squeezing out the excess water, make sure not to wring it out.

Handwash with a mild detergent.

Lastly, always read care instructions.

Fruit Of The Day: Grapes

Vacation Galore

I actually have lots of humorous vacations. But these are the ones I’ve done only when I’m asleep! Sorry to burst the bubble but yes, in real life I haven’t had much of a humorous vacation. But you know how dreams can be. They tend to tickle our funny bones or make us extremely sad. And that’s how it goes for me.

But start spreading the news. I’m leaving today. I’m gonna be a part of… New York, New York. I haven’t been to New York but if I would be given a chance to visit the Big Apply, I’d make sure to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which John D. Rockefeller Jr. opened more than 70 years ago. I can just imagine how fun and breathtaking it must be to view some of the popular places in New York City such as the Central Park, Times Square, the Hudson River and a lot more – and view these places in one vantage point! Lovely, I bet and I could just dream about it now.

Tip: If you're planning on a vacation and doesn't know where to start with the booking etc..., you may contact a good agency such as the Trusted Tours & Attractions to help you with arrangements and vacation details.

Online travel guides are also very useful.

BTW, Trusted Tours and Attraction also gives everyone the chance to win a $150 Magellans Gift Certificate just by signing up for their Trusted Travel Newsletter. No purchase is necessary. You only have to fill out entry form to enter contest. One (1) promotion per person. Only one (1) entry will be randomly drawn on September 1, 2008 for the Magellans gift certificate. Winner will be notified via email. Sign up on or before August 31, 2008 for this wonderful contest.

Because I'm A Big Brad Pitt Fan

Whaaaaaatt?

*tentatively coming out from under the bed*

It.is.true. *nervous smile*

I'm Pittbull's big fan. *chuckles*

Before Wentworth Miller came to the picture, that is. :-)


And here are some of Brad's movies that I've watched. I think I've watched more BP flicks but I'll only name 13 of them.

1. Mr and Mrs Smith

2. Troy

3. Ocean's Twelve

4. The Mexican

5. Ocean's Eleven

6. The Fight Club

7. Meet Joe Black

8. The Devil's Own

9. Se7en

10. Twelve Monkey's

11. The Legend Of the Fall

12. Interview with the Vampire

13. Cool World

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Heart Attack

Do you know that heart attack is the number one killer of American men and women? It is. But not only in the USA, heart attack also is the #1 killer in the Philippines.

Scary thing, I know.

Although not everyone who suffered from heart attack experience these, common Heart Attack Symptoms include chest pain (angina), cold sweats, discomfort in the arms, back, neck, stomach or jaw, vomiting and lightheadedness.

Tip: Eat healthy. Live healthy. Do healthy activities. Manage your weight thru good nutrition and exercise. Get enough rest. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Let's love our heart!

Helpful Post on Losing Weight

Last Thursday, I found a Thursday Thirteen post that delves into the subject of losing weight. The post is, I believe, helpful and interesting.

I've been running weigh loss posts at tipsandtricks but I think I've not mentioned some of the things that were mentioned in that post. So if you're interested to find out what a blogger has to say about losing weight, go ahead and click the link.

Acid Reflux

Because I made lots of researches about asthma lately, I’ve been aware about the GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) or what’s commonly called as the Acid Reflux.

GERD is a condition where the stomach acids are abnormally pushed back into the esophagus instead of normally moving to the intestines to break down the food (which is why the acids are secreted in the first place). Now this could lead to an inflammation causing the following typical or esophageal symptoms :

- Heartburn
- Dyspepsia
- Regurgitation

In other cases, the symptoms mentioned above do not manifest in GERD patients. But these people experience other Acid Reflux Symptoms which are called atypical or extra-esophageal such as:

- Throat Symptoms such as hoarse, dry or sore throats and hiccups. Others experience difficulty in swallowing
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Respiratory Symptoms such as coughing as well as wheezing

Common Treatment:

- Medication - antacids (very common form of controlling Acid reflux), H2 receptor antagonists to histamine (anti-H2), pump inhibitors protons (IPP) *for awhile my brother took this medicine*, Cisapride

- Surgical Method

Tip: It is always practical to immediately see a doctor if you've felt any of the symptoms listed above. Also get to know more about GERD and acid reflux, there are a lot of online articles about it.

He's Healthy And I'm Happy

I mentioned about my husband's weight loss progress in this post but I have to admit that when I wrote it, I still have to see him to really believe.

So when he came home over the weekend, I saw the proof with my two eyes and I saw the difference with his physique from when he was last home (that's more than a month ago).

He's looks more trim and toned now. I felt that his muscles are firmer and more toned in the upper arms (I wish I could say the same to myself but I'm working on it -trust me!). He still have a lot to work on but he's looking *cough, cough* good. (Or am I just saying this because I'm so inlove with him? lol). I wish I could post shots of him (before and after) but I know he wouldn't like that. :-)

Anyway, the difference actually goes far beyond the physical look. I know there are health benefits of exercises that wouldn't be proven just by looking i.e. improved heart and respiratory conditions, improved blood circulation, increased RBC count, etc... But one thing I noticed was the fact that *take a deep breath* he no longer snores much (and so loudly). Okay, he might not like me talking about snoring *heheh* but I needed to mention that for me to point out my observation. Lol. Isn't it great? It's true, he. no. longer. snores. so. much. Imagine my delight. *grin, grin*

But really, I have to give him lots of credit for working so hard -not only to provide for us but to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although I've given him some rewards for that (I'm not telling what *wink*), I actually forgot to tell him how happy I am for this improvement. Oh but I did sent him a very late message on Monday to tell him how good he looked.

So there, more about exercises in my next posts.

Strength Training

Strength training, such as weight lifting, is ideal to create shape or build curves (muscle mass) in the body. Do these exercises for both the upper and lower body. If you're on a weight loss program, you'll observe that this an essential part of it. This is because strength training or anaerobic exercises helps burn calories faster.

Strength training exercises may be done at a gym or at the comforts of your own home. If you don't have time to go to the gym, doing it at home is a sound option and weights are easily bought at sports shops.

***

Now speaking of strength, click the link if you're looking for strong and carefully-fabricated HDMI cables.

Keeping Hair Breakage at Minimum

There was a time when after taking a bath and patting myself dry, I'd instantly pick up a brush and turn on the blow dryer to dry my hair. If a hair professional would have seen me then, I'm sure he'd have screamed at me at the top of his lungs and scared me half of my wits! Haha.

Of course, I was aware then as I am aware now that wet hair is prone to breakage. But I didn't know that one has to wait awhile before one could brush wet hair. Going to a salon some years ago, I've learned this tip, which I promised not to forget despite having the mind so unlike a computer memory: do not use a brush on wet hair.

To reiterate, wet hair is prone to breakage so, careful handling should be done when blowdrying wet hair. It's best to first separate tangles with the fingers until it is 80% dry. This way breakage is kept at minimum.

Fruit Of The Day: Tomato

Very rich in Vitamin C.

Good Sources Of Vitamin C (Fruits)

I've been meaning to do this list but I haven't been able to participate in Thursday Thirteen for quite sometime. So before I forget again, here are some fruits that are rich in Vitamin C:

1. Green, Red, Yellow Peppers


2. Guava


3. Citrus Fruits ( lemon, orange, calamansi -commonly called Persian Lime or Tahiti lime,)


4. Papaya


5. Kiwi


6. Pineapple


7. Berries such as strawberries, black/redcurrant, raspberries
   


8. Tomatoes


9. Mangoes


10. Lychees


11. Cantaloupe


12. Passion Fruit
    


13. Watermelon

Which of the fruits do you love to eat? Would you like to share a fruit that is rich in Vitamin C?

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My Wardrobe Still Screams of Summer

No you read right. It's no longer spring and summer is over. but my wardrobe still speaks of summer -or spring.

We luckily do not have winter 'round here so this lingering summer fashion is not too unusual. And this floral dress here is the latest addition to my humble wardrobe.

I didn't buy this but my sister did. And because it fits me better, she's given it to me *someone is angels singing hallelujiah in the background*

Thank Sis! I so love this dress and yes, *ahem* it does fit me well. I love the detail in the bodice. Love the colors. It's not too clear in the photo but there's gold dust outlining those flowers.

Now, I haven't worn it. But I am planning to wear it soon - my concern now is what footwear would be good to pair it with. I'm thinking of my Gold Prima Crocs to go with it but while I was looking at some footwear -actually they are UGG boots my friend told me about, and we know how it is online - one thing leads to another, I landed on this page that is showing this chestnut sandals.

And I believe- with all my heart, that this sandals is a perfect match of this bodi-licious summer dress. Don't you think so too?

Sorting Out Caffeine Myths

I'm not much of a coffee drinker and I couldn't have cared less about this article which my husband - who is an occasional coffee drinker - sent me the other day.

But for coffee drinkers out there, this might mean something. If you're one of those coffee addicts who panicked and have abstained from drinking coffee (or caffeinated drinks) because of the publicized health hazards of caffeinated drinks, then maybe you should read this article which -I understand- tries to sort out caffeine myths by citing findings of scientific researches.

Now I couldn't be sure if this is a sponsored article (of sorts)* but it's a good read, so you go ahead and decide for yourself.

*Sorry- sometimes, I do get confused with marketing strategies.

Reporting Stolen Phones To NTC

Despite my skepticism in recovering stolen phones, I'm posting this tip for everyone who is wondering if the government has done anything to help control stolen phone incidents.

Yes, blocked phones can still be unblocked through a software trick and you might not be able to recover it but at least you (if you do become the victim of a stolen/snatched phone- oh God forbids!) are not making it easy for the thief to use your phone. :-)

So this may be worth knowing.

text 6N 8T 2C

Text 682 or Text NTC is another alternative way of reporting lost/stolen cell phones. Project Text 682 aims to prevent and eventually eliminate the problem of mobile cell phone theft. Through a string of SMS commands, TEXT 682 will enable mobile phone subscribers to prevent anyone from using a stolen or lost mobile phone by blocking the IMEI of the said phone. Once a mobile phone is blocked, it cannot be used anymore even if the SIM card is replaced. Likewise, if the stolen phone is returned to the rightful owner, he/she will be able to automatically unlock the IMEI of the said mobile phone.

For SMART/Talk & Text, Globe and Touch Mobile Subscribers

REGISTER



First step is to register to TEXT 682. Registration is valid for one year. To find out the IMEI of your mobile phone, simply type *#06# or look for it on the printed compliance plate under the battery.



To register, simply type REG___ and send to 682.

where: ( _ ) means space

BLOCKING THE PHONE



You must block your phone as soon as you learn it is lost or stolen. You may use any GSM phone to BLOCK a cellular phone.



To block phone, simply type BLOCK__ and send to 682.

UNBLOCKING THE PHONE



You may use any GSM phone to unblock a blocked cellular phone.



To unblock phone, simply type UNBLOCK__ and send to 682.


UNDOING THE REGISTRATION OF THE PHONE

You must use the registered cellular phone that you wish to unregister.

To unregister, simply type UNREG__ and send to 682.


CHANGING THE PIN CODE



You must use the registered cellular phone to change the pin code.



To change pin code, simply type PIN__ and send to 682.


HELP MENU



For help, simply type HELP and send to 682.

FOR SUN CELLULAR SUBSCRIBERS

The Text 682 service is found under Sun Cellular Emergency sub-menu. To reach the said sub-menu, enter The Mall, select Post Office, then select Public Service, then select Government, and then you will find the TEXT 682 service. There are six options found under the Text 682 service: Register, Block, Unblock, Unregister, Change PIN, and FAQS.



NOTE: All completed transactions are worth PhP 5.00

3/3 Acne Tips From A Reader

And here are some home alternatives that the commenter suggested. I have tried these and I have noted my experience on each of these options:

Egg Whites:
If acne medication isn't working or causing new breakouts, try applying egg whites to the pimples at night before bed. This natural remedy works by gently drying out the clogged pores and clearing up the pimple.

Oatmeal Masks:
One of my favorite natural skin conditioners is wearing an"oatmeal mask". The oatmeal with smooth your skin while simultaneously absorb toxins and oils from your pores.
Try this for a few days straight. Wear the oatmeal mask for 10 minutes, then wash off. You'll have a nice glowing complexion right after.

Lemon Juice:
Lemon juice also dries up pimples and kills any bacteria in the infection.The citric acid also balances your skin's pH levels to prevent future breakouts.

Honey:
Yes, despite your initial beliefs, honey is FANTASTIC for skin care. Actually, you may notice on many moisturizers that honey is an ingredient. Much like the lemon solution above, honey balances the skins pH levels. Test out this sticky remedy by dabbing pimples with honey and leaving it on for 5-10 minutes. You can apply full honey masks to your face but I prefer the oatmeal masks instead. They're less messy.

Egg White: I use the mixture of beaten eggwhite + lemon juice for a natural facial mask sometimes. It's quite messy but it's a good home treatment. Here's my post about this.

Oatmeal Mask: My mask consists of oatmeal + eggwhite + lemon juice. It is messy but it's a good treatment if one isn't in a hurry or isn't doing much around the house.

Lemon: I couldn't agree more. Vitamin C is good for the skin and lemon is one of its source. Also, lemon oil has antiseptic properties but care should be taken care during application to avoid "burning" the skin. Now speaking of Vitamin C, downing Vitamin C regularly also helps control, if not eliminate pimples. I always observe that when I missed my Vitamin C for weeks, the chance of pimple/s appearing on my face is significantly increased.

Honey: I'm not sure why the commenter said "despite your initial beliefs" because I have been clear about my love for honey. If it wasn't clear, maybe whoever wrote this comment should check this post about honey which I wrote months ago. And truth be known, I and my sister always apply honey on the face to disinfect and heal our pimples. I also have a honey mask (from a skin care clinic) to help me with skin emergencies. I actually prefer this over the other natural alternatives (masks).

Happy News From The Hub

I heard a very positive news from my husband yesterday. From 71 kilos, his weight has gone down to - drumroll please- 65 kilos! For less than 2 months.

Woot! I really could do a happy dance for him.


If you’re thinking he’s using Leptitrex or some other diet pills, (I have to say) you’re wrong. He hasn’t tried any diet pill ever. However, he regularly goes to the gym these past few months and he religiously observes his diet, especially his food intake during supper.


So in conclusion, I have to agree to him of the most effective weight control tips:

1) Eat well. Watch what you put in the body. A balanced diet is a requirement not only to lose weight but to stay healthy.

2) Exercise. It is needed to help get rid of excess calories one consumes during mealtimes.

Note: With my hub's success in losing weight, (I should say) he's become more ambitious - he now wants to get rid of those tummy flabs -quickly! (I hope to say that that should be easy but I couldn't say that can I? Well look at me I have made little improvement in that area of my body. Hehe)

Are Motorcycles Really Economical?

Even before the current gas price hike, I've heard a significant number of people opting to use motorcycles over cars as mode of transportation.

Reason: Fuel consumption.

Motorcycles, they say, are economical. These days, with the number of bikers I see on the streets, it is obvious that many accept the abovementioned reason. Also, I can't help but notice that more than 5 shops selling motorcycles and their parts have opened recently in this city. That should tell us something.

But today, I learned that not all bikes are economical and there are things to watch out before concluding that a bike -whether it's a Yamaha, a Honda or a used Harleys- will save you some money.

Engine Size. Performance is increased for a bike with larger engine size. With the increased performance (speed/torque), fuel consumption is also increase.

Weight. The bigger and heavier the bike is, the more energy is needed for it to move. More energy = more fuel consumed.

Fruit Of The Day: Edible Or Not?

You'll never be able to guess this. Heheh.

But really, you can find the the clue here. It really is a by-product of this fruit.