A young couple moves into a new neighborhood. The next morning while they are eating breakfast, the young woman sees her neighbor hanging the wash outside. That laundry is not very clean, she said.
She doesn't know how to wash correctly. Perhaps she needs better laundry soap. Her husband looked on, but remained silent.
Every time her neighbor would hang her wash to dry, the young woman would make the same comments.
About one month later, the woman was surprised to see a nice clean wash on the line and said to her husband...look she has learned how to wash correctly...I wonder who taught her this?
The husband said...I got up early this morning and cleaned our windows...and so it is with life...what we see when watching others depends on the purity of the window through which we look!
06 April 2011
05 April 2011
Portuguese Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce
1 lemon
2 filet mignon steaks, 1-inch thick
Coarse salt as needed
Crushed dried chili pepper as needed
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons margarine or butter 1/3 cup milk
2 ounces porto wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
16 ounces mushrooms of choice
2 ½ thick slices Portuguese country bread
1. Rub both sides of the steaks with the cut side of the lemons.
2. Season the steaks with the salt, chili pepper and chopped garlic.
3. Heat the margarine in a sauce pan. Add the milk, port wine and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a high simmer over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing the sauce.. Set aside.
4. Grill the steaks for 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, toast the slices of bread and place them on the serving dishes.
5. Top the toast with the steaks. Ladle the mushroom sauce over.
Enjoy!
2 filet mignon steaks, 1-inch thick
Coarse salt as needed
Crushed dried chili pepper as needed
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons margarine or butter 1/3 cup milk
2 ounces porto wine
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
16 ounces mushrooms of choice
2 ½ thick slices Portuguese country bread
1. Rub both sides of the steaks with the cut side of the lemons.
2. Season the steaks with the salt, chili pepper and chopped garlic.
3. Heat the margarine in a sauce pan. Add the milk, port wine and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a high simmer over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, reducing the sauce.. Set aside.
4. Grill the steaks for 5 minutes on each side. Meanwhile, toast the slices of bread and place them on the serving dishes.
5. Top the toast with the steaks. Ladle the mushroom sauce over.
Enjoy!
The "HOP" Movie
Looking for an inexpensive, fun day with the kids during Easter Holidays 2011? Take them to see Hop - you'll find yourself laughing with the little ones in this family movie! Blending state-of-the-art animation with live action, Hop tells the comic tale of Fred O'Hare (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny by running him over (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As O'Hare struggles with the world's worst houseguest, both he and the Easter Bunny will learn what it takes to finally grow up!Hot Water Bottles and Wheat Bags
With the approach of colder days, many of you will be thinking about ways of reducing your heating bills, while at the same time remaining comfortable during the winter months.
One useful and fun way to cut costs is to consider alternative ways of keeping warm at bedtime.
Many of us are used to snuggling down between flannelette sheets, with an electric blanket below and a cuddly duvet above. This has been my preferred winter bedtime habit for many years now. But, electricity costs money, something many of us have less of now.
Trying to go to sleep when you’re feeling cold is almost impossible, as the body tenses up to try and create its own warmth. Before electric blankets became so popular, families still knew how to warm a bed, making falling asleep a more pleasant process. If we want to reduce our electricity bill, here are two ways of warming the bed and ourselves at bedtime.
Hot Water Bottle
The most popular way of warming a cold bed in the past was to use a hot water bottle, or hottie as they were sometimes called. The original hot water bottles were invented back in the 16th century and were made of metal or other hard materials. Eventually the hot water bottle as we know it today replaced the hard objects. These are made of rubber or similar substances and continue to be an economical way of warming the bed.
Instead of using electricity, often for longer than is needed, a hot water bottle is filled with hot or near boiling water and placed in the bed. This can warm the bed before getting in, then refilled at bedtime to continue the warmth a while longer.
Not only are hot water bottles more economical, they are also safer. Electric blankets can over heat and cause a fire. Falling asleep with the electric blanket still on is a dangerous practice. The only risk with hot water bottles is the possibility of an old one bursting and spilling water. There is also that discomfort of waking up with a cold hot water bottle beside you if you forget to discard it before you fall asleep. These are small disadvantages compared to soaring electricity costs and the risk of fire.
Wheat Bags
A more modern version of the hot water bottle is using wheat bags. These are soft cloth shapes filled with wheat, that can be heated in a microwave. They serve the same purpose as an electric blanket, so if you worry about a hot water bottle bursting, wheat bags could be the answer for you.
Once purchased and like the hot water bottle, the cost of using a wheat bag is minimal. It takes little time to heat a wheat bag and the benefits last for some time.
Wheat bags are also great when used to soothe tired or strained muscles.
None of us enjoy getting into a cold bed. Rather than worry about electrical costs this coming winter, why not stay safe and consider one of these economical ways of warming your bed, ensuring you have a pleasant night’s sleep.
One useful and fun way to cut costs is to consider alternative ways of keeping warm at bedtime.
Many of us are used to snuggling down between flannelette sheets, with an electric blanket below and a cuddly duvet above. This has been my preferred winter bedtime habit for many years now. But, electricity costs money, something many of us have less of now.
Trying to go to sleep when you’re feeling cold is almost impossible, as the body tenses up to try and create its own warmth. Before electric blankets became so popular, families still knew how to warm a bed, making falling asleep a more pleasant process. If we want to reduce our electricity bill, here are two ways of warming the bed and ourselves at bedtime.
Hot Water Bottle
The most popular way of warming a cold bed in the past was to use a hot water bottle, or hottie as they were sometimes called. The original hot water bottles were invented back in the 16th century and were made of metal or other hard materials. Eventually the hot water bottle as we know it today replaced the hard objects. These are made of rubber or similar substances and continue to be an economical way of warming the bed.
Instead of using electricity, often for longer than is needed, a hot water bottle is filled with hot or near boiling water and placed in the bed. This can warm the bed before getting in, then refilled at bedtime to continue the warmth a while longer.
Not only are hot water bottles more economical, they are also safer. Electric blankets can over heat and cause a fire. Falling asleep with the electric blanket still on is a dangerous practice. The only risk with hot water bottles is the possibility of an old one bursting and spilling water. There is also that discomfort of waking up with a cold hot water bottle beside you if you forget to discard it before you fall asleep. These are small disadvantages compared to soaring electricity costs and the risk of fire.
Wheat Bags
A more modern version of the hot water bottle is using wheat bags. These are soft cloth shapes filled with wheat, that can be heated in a microwave. They serve the same purpose as an electric blanket, so if you worry about a hot water bottle bursting, wheat bags could be the answer for you.
Once purchased and like the hot water bottle, the cost of using a wheat bag is minimal. It takes little time to heat a wheat bag and the benefits last for some time.
Wheat bags are also great when used to soothe tired or strained muscles.
None of us enjoy getting into a cold bed. Rather than worry about electrical costs this coming winter, why not stay safe and consider one of these economical ways of warming your bed, ensuring you have a pleasant night’s sleep.
Easter Muffins
These muffins are a lot easier to make than hot cross buns, but the flavour is lovely and spicy, just what we associate with Easter.
1 x 700 g Ina Paarman's Muffin Mix
Spice Mix
1 t (5 ml) nutmeg
2 t (10 ml) cinnamon
¼ t (1 ml) cloves
½ t (2.5 ml) ginger
Muffins
2 extra large eggs
½ cup (125 ml) canola oil
1 cup (250 ml) plain yoghurt
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 large apple, grated
Glace Icing
1 cup (150 g) icing sugar
1-2 T (15-30 ml) hot water
2 t (10 ml) lemon juice
Preheat oven to 180°C and adjust oven rack to middle position.
Remove the raisin-bag from the foil packet and pour boiling water over the raisins to plump them up. Drain immediately and set aside to swell.
Butter two muffin pans. Measure all the spices and add them to the dry muffin mix.
Beat eggs and oil for 2 minutes on high speed until well blended. Add yoghurt and milk and beat for 1 minute on high speed. Add contents of pack, drained plumped raisins and grated apple. Stir by hand with a spatula ± 40 times until uniformly blended. (Do not beat).
Spoon mixture into prepared muffin pans.Bake for about 35 minutes until well browned and well risen. Leave to rest in the muffin pans for 5 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.
Making the Icing
Sift the icing sugar into a medium size mixing bowl and place over a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir in the water mixed with the lemon juice until the icing coats the back of the spoon.
Transfer the icing to a plastic sandwich bag. Snip a small hole in the one corner and guide the icing into that corner. Pipe fat crosses on top of the cooled muffins. You may want to go over the crosses a second time to make them stand out. Delicious plain or spread with butter and served with coffee or tea.
Enjoy!
1 x 700 g Ina Paarman's Muffin Mix
Spice Mix
1 t (5 ml) nutmeg
2 t (10 ml) cinnamon
¼ t (1 ml) cloves
½ t (2.5 ml) ginger
Muffins
2 extra large eggs
½ cup (125 ml) canola oil
1 cup (250 ml) plain yoghurt
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 large apple, grated
Glace Icing
1 cup (150 g) icing sugar
1-2 T (15-30 ml) hot water
2 t (10 ml) lemon juice
Preheat oven to 180°C and adjust oven rack to middle position.
Remove the raisin-bag from the foil packet and pour boiling water over the raisins to plump them up. Drain immediately and set aside to swell.
Butter two muffin pans. Measure all the spices and add them to the dry muffin mix.
Beat eggs and oil for 2 minutes on high speed until well blended. Add yoghurt and milk and beat for 1 minute on high speed. Add contents of pack, drained plumped raisins and grated apple. Stir by hand with a spatula ± 40 times until uniformly blended. (Do not beat).
Spoon mixture into prepared muffin pans.Bake for about 35 minutes until well browned and well risen. Leave to rest in the muffin pans for 5 minutes and then transfer to a cooling rack.
Making the Icing
Sift the icing sugar into a medium size mixing bowl and place over a small saucepan of simmering water. Stir in the water mixed with the lemon juice until the icing coats the back of the spoon.
Transfer the icing to a plastic sandwich bag. Snip a small hole in the one corner and guide the icing into that corner. Pipe fat crosses on top of the cooled muffins. You may want to go over the crosses a second time to make them stand out. Delicious plain or spread with butter and served with coffee or tea.
Enjoy!
Butternut and Mozzarella Quiche with Pecan Topping - Crustless
A classic combination, that will find favour especially with vegetarians, who so often crave not only taste, but also texture. The nuts are also a good way to add protein.
soft butter
½ cup (125 ml) soft fresh breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely chopped
Ina Paarman's Green Onion Seasoning
1 T (15 ml) canola oil
1 T (15 ml) butter
1½ (375 ml) cups butternut blocks 2cm x 2cm
1 T (15 ml) brown sugar
½ t (2,5 ml) nutmeg
½ t (2,5 ml) cumin
3 eggs
1 cup (250 ml) full cream milk
2 T (30 ml) Ina Paarman's White Sauce Powder
½ cup (125 ml) grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped pecan nuts
Butter one 24-26 cm flan dish or 6 smaller flan dishes (± 10 cm in diameter) really well with soft butter and shake ½ cup of fresh breadcrumbs in the dishes, so some of the crumbs adhere to the bottom and sides. Place dish or dishes in the freezer to set, while making the filling.
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Season the onion with Green Onion Seasoning. Sauté the onion in the oil/butter mixture until soft. Add the butternut and brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 T of water, cover the pan with a lid and slowly cook the butternut for ± 5 minutes until just tender. Season with Green Onion Seasoning, nutmeg and cumin.
Beat the eggs with the milk and White Sauce Powder.Spoon the butternut mixture into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the cheese over. Pour the egg mixture over. Sprinkle the nuts over.
Bake the quiche on the middle shelf for 25 - 30 minutes for small dishes and 35 minutes for one large flan until golden, set and puffy. Switch off the oven and leave it in the warm oven with the door slightly open for a final 5 minutes.
Enjoy!
soft butter
½ cup (125 ml) soft fresh breadcrumbs
1 onion, finely chopped
Ina Paarman's Green Onion Seasoning
1 T (15 ml) canola oil
1 T (15 ml) butter
1½ (375 ml) cups butternut blocks 2cm x 2cm
1 T (15 ml) brown sugar
½ t (2,5 ml) nutmeg
½ t (2,5 ml) cumin
3 eggs
1 cup (250 ml) full cream milk
2 T (30 ml) Ina Paarman's White Sauce Powder
½ cup (125 ml) grated mozzarella cheese
¼ cup (60 ml) roughly chopped pecan nuts
Butter one 24-26 cm flan dish or 6 smaller flan dishes (± 10 cm in diameter) really well with soft butter and shake ½ cup of fresh breadcrumbs in the dishes, so some of the crumbs adhere to the bottom and sides. Place dish or dishes in the freezer to set, while making the filling.
Preheat the oven to 170°C. Season the onion with Green Onion Seasoning. Sauté the onion in the oil/butter mixture until soft. Add the butternut and brown sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add 2 T of water, cover the pan with a lid and slowly cook the butternut for ± 5 minutes until just tender. Season with Green Onion Seasoning, nutmeg and cumin.
Beat the eggs with the milk and White Sauce Powder.Spoon the butternut mixture into the prepared pie dish. Sprinkle the cheese over. Pour the egg mixture over. Sprinkle the nuts over.
Bake the quiche on the middle shelf for 25 - 30 minutes for small dishes and 35 minutes for one large flan until golden, set and puffy. Switch off the oven and leave it in the warm oven with the door slightly open for a final 5 minutes.
Enjoy!
01 April 2011
Beauty Tips for Winter
When the temperature changes, so should your beauty routine. Your hair and skin react differently to cooler climates, so you need to redefine your regimen to get the results you want to see. If you want to adapt when the weather gets colder, take note of these fall and winter beauty tips to keep your skin healthy and your hair looking beautiful.Cold weather means indoor heating which will have an adverse affect on your skin. To combat the drying affects, switch to a heavier moisturizing cream to add much-needed hydration. Lock in moisture by doing this while your face is still wet.
Avoid baths and showers that are too hot, and cool the water before you get out. Your skin will retain more moisture this way and you won't go through the temperature shock so much when you get out. Rub in body lotion on your arms and legs and feet, particularly on your elbows and knees.
Use eye cream at night to combat dryness. If you do this on a regular basis, you'll probably notice a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Get your beauty sleep to lower stress and put your best face forward.
Hands
As you do your face and they'll look soft and young for years to come. If your hands, feet and elbows are dry, this homemade body scrub will get them back in shape and give soothing relief: Mix a half cup of Epsom salts, one tablespoon olive or canola oil and a few drops of lemon, lime, grapefruit, or orange juice. Apply to the dry areas of your skin, rub gently in a circular motion, and then rinse off.
Lips
Many women only experience chapped lips in the Winter months. Avoid licking your lips and use a moisturizing lipstick in the daytime hours and apply lip balm before you go to bed. If you're a teen, enjoy the many lip products on the market for your age group and dazzle your smile.
To remove any unwanted dry skin off of your lips, you can exfoliate them with your toothbrush when you brush your teeth. In a pinch, add a dab of Vaseline to protect them.
Hair
Not only does your skin dry out when the weather turns cold, so does your hair. Pay special attention to your hair needs do some damage control with a deep conditioner if you notice it drying out. It only needs to be washed twice a week, but it's important to wash out any styling products that weigh down your hair. For a quick fix, apply a leave-in conditioner for extra moisture and shine.
31 March 2011
Testimony by my Dear and Special Friend......Dr. Raymond Shep
As a scientist, cosmetics chemist and anti-aging researcher, I am in contact with all the latest anti-aging research and researchers in the world.The cosmetics industry has spent billions of dollars on anti-aging research, and I have found that these discoveries apply not only to the skin, an organ of the body, but to all the organs in the rest of the body as well.
Today at the age of 65 I am a rugby player and I play championship rugby for the top rugby club in the USA, Belmont Shore Rugby, I play with 20 year old's that are the top players in their age group. There is nobody else in the USA that can do this.
As a scientist I hold several United State Patents, have published in the international scientific literature, and hold a Doctorate Degree in Chemistry from an internationally recognized government university. I held a post-doctoral position at the UCLA School of Public Health from 1986 to 1989 where I did cancer prevention research.
In the book I explain how I overcame heart disease, arthritis, and aging to play championship rugby at 65.
Dr. Raymond Schep /Author, "Eat Right for Life"
It’s Never Wrong to Eat Right!
Eat Right for Life is full of healthy, natural alternatives to today’s manufactured, chemically-charged and processed food. Improve your health and waistline with an organic lifestyle. It’s easy with more than 100 food options, dozens of recipes and other life-changing natural solutions that help provide a balanced life.Inside you'll find:
· Dietary therapies for cancer, arthritis, allergies and more.
· Tips on healthy weight loss.
· Advice on eating sweets, exercise and eating raw foods.
About the Author
Dr. Schep is the chief chemist for Colonial Dames Company, a cancer and nutrition consultant for Dr. Paul Savage of Chicago and a consultant for specialist health, nutrition and anti-aging with top anti-aging researchers in the world!
30 March 2011
From My Heart
Thank you to all my beautiful readers and visitors who stop by for making my blogging such a fun and an enjoyable journey!
This blog wouldn't exist if it weren't for you logging on to get encouragement and advice. Thank you for the lovely messages and comments received...I appreciate each and everyone one of you!
This blog wouldn't exist if it weren't for you logging on to get encouragement and advice. Thank you for the lovely messages and comments received...I appreciate each and everyone one of you!
My Brother Miguel (1972 - 2004)
I remember Christmas with you right by my side.
The fun we had while waiting for Santa to arrive...
We never did quite make it, never saw him land...
Not many gifts were given, the joy of only two gave us so much happiness and brought us closer too.
For me you were my Christmas, I still can feel your hand holding on with so much love.
This touch of joy expands, for heaven has an Angel who lives within my heart , although you are not with me now our spirits never part and yes I shall remember, the treasures that you gave, your heart and gentle spirit are memories I save.
Dreams of life were shattered but still I feel you near, within the joy of Christmas, your precious gifts are here!
The fun we had while waiting for Santa to arrive...
We never did quite make it, never saw him land...
Not many gifts were given, the joy of only two gave us so much happiness and brought us closer too.
For me you were my Christmas, I still can feel your hand holding on with so much love.
This touch of joy expands, for heaven has an Angel who lives within my heart , although you are not with me now our spirits never part and yes I shall remember, the treasures that you gave, your heart and gentle spirit are memories I save.
Dreams of life were shattered but still I feel you near, within the joy of Christmas, your precious gifts are here!
I will always love you, I will never forget you.
My heart ~ My Love ~ My brother and my best friend.
04 February 2011
The True Meaning of Valentine's Day
Beyond the roses, chocolates and historical ties to a pagan fertility festival, you'll find the real meaning of Valentine's Day. It's the true love that compelled a young Christian to give up his life rather than stop sharing his faith.
Valentine's Day
When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.
But did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's Day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love.
Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?
Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's Day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love.
But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's Day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.
The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.
Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.
Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death.
Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life?
Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's Day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ.
Instead of chubby cherubs, sappy cards, too much candy, and soon-wilted flowers, why not point your family toward the true significance of St. Valentine's Day this year?
By all means, celebrate the day, but re-inject it with Christian meaning by resolving to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ.
Valentine's Day
When we think of Valentine's Day, we often think of red roses, candy in heart- shaped boxes, mushy valentines, and winged cherubs flying about shooting starry-eyed lovers with arrows.
But did you know that the origin of Valentine's Day, or Saint Valentine's Day, comes from the life and death of a Christian martyr? According to author Martha Zimmerman, the date traditionally celebrated as St. Valentine's Day finds it origin in the Roman festival of romance called Lupercalia, when the gods Juno and Pan were honored. It was a fertility festival or a lover's holiday looking forward to the return of Spring. In the fifth century, in an attempt to abolish the pagan festival, Pope Gelasius changed Lupercalia and its February 15 date to February 14 and called it Saint Valentine's Day. Even though the names and the date were changed, the emphasis continued to be on love.
Who was the real Valentine, and why did he have a day named after him?
Some authorities credit Geoffrey Chaucer with originating the custom of linking Valentine's Day with lovers. No link between the day and lovers exists before the time of Chaucer, thus leading some to conclude that it was this famous English author who connected the day with lovers. The fullest and earliest description of the tradition occurs in Chaucer's "Parliament of Fouls" composed around 1380. Since that time it has been traditional to connect St. Valentine's Day with love.
But who was the real Saint Valentine? St. Valentine was a Roman Christian who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecution of Christians in the third century by Emperor Claudius II. The only thing certain about the day we remember as St. Valentine's Day is that it commemorates a martyrdom. Claudius II declared all Christians illegal citizens. By his definition, they were guilty of treason because Roman citizens were required by law to worship the Emperor by declaring publicly, "Caesar is Lord!" Of course, this no Christian could do.
The real Valentine was a Roman Christian martyred during the third century A.D. by the Emperor Claudius II. Prior to his death, Valentine continued to minister in prison by witnessing to his prison guards. One of the guards was a good man who had adopted a blind girl. He asked Valentine if his God could help his daughter. Valentine prayed and the girl was given her sight. The guard and his whole family, 46 people, believed in Jesus and were baptized. When the Emperor heard about this he was furious that Valentine was still making converts even in prison, so he sentenced Valentine to death.
Just before being led out to his execution, the young Christian wrote a note to the jailer's daughter, signing it, "From your Valentine." The first valentine was really a Christian witness. Growing out of this story we participate in a custom of sending cards to people we love.
Given that the tradition of sending love notes grows out of a letter written by St. Valentine to his jailer's daughter on the eve of Valentine's execution, it's ironic that the card we send has received the emphasis, instead of remembering the content of the original Valentine's card: a message of unconditional devotion to Christ, even upon pain of death.
Over time the word "Saint" has been dropped from St. Valentine's Day, further obscuring the origins of this holiday. Instead of a negative reaction to some of the pagan origins of the day, why not celebrate the true love that compelled young Valentine to give up his life?
Remember that the day we know as St. Valentine's Day actually commemorates the death of an early Christian martyr, Valentine, who was put to death for refusing to renounce his faith in Christ.
Instead of chubby cherubs, sappy cards, too much candy, and soon-wilted flowers, why not point your family toward the true significance of St. Valentine's Day this year?
By all means, celebrate the day, but re-inject it with Christian meaning by resolving to live for Jesus without fear or shame, following the godly example of Valentine's unconditional love for Christ.
13 January 2011
08 January 2011
How To Keep New Year Resolutions
Many of us make New Year Resolutions but sadly most of us fail to succeed. But let this not deter you from making fresh resolution this new year. Here is a gentle guide to help you succeed in your New Year Resolution. Get inspired from these tips and make determined New Year Resolution this time. Here is wishing you all the success!
Be Realistic: Make an Attainable Goal
Primary reason why most New Year resolutions fail is that people over expect from themselves and make practically unrealistic goals. So a good idea would be to decide your limits and make achievable goals. For instance, a person who plans to go on a dieting should not make a resolution to stop eating his/ her favorite dessert. It is very much likely that the person will not be able to carry on with the resolution for long. A practical approach would be to limit the intake.
Resolve Ahead: Don't Wait for 31st December
A good way to succeed in your resolution would be to plan ahead. Many people make resolutions on the New Year's Eve or New Year's Day itself and mostly they do not back their resolution with a concrete plan. So a practical way to go about it would be to resolve ahead and back your resolution with a strategic plan.
Focus on One Resolution
It has been noticed that many people make a list of resolutions and try to achieve too much in too short time. Instead of trying to do everything simultaneously and getting frustrated a practical approach would be to focus on one major resolution. Choose that one aim that you really wish to reach in the coming year and chalk out a concrete plan to achieve it.
Back Your Resolution with Planning
It is not just enough to make a New Year Resolution. In the absence of proper planning it is most likely that your resolution will fail. Chalk out a plan of how you will resist the temptation of giving up your resolution. This could include rewarding or penalizing yourself for keeping up or failing on your plan, or taking help of a friend. Make a list of how you can help yourself in this regard. Refer to this list from time to time to avoid diversion.
Motivate Yourself
It is extremely important to motivate yourself to succeed in your resolution. Evaluate the price of keeping your resolution in terms of sacrifice, time, efforts, money, perseverance and be ready to pay it. Keep your willpower strong by constantly reminding yourself the benefits of succeeding in your resolution.
Make an Open Resolution
Some people like to keep their resolution a secret. They feel that if they fail in their plan people might humiliate them. Experts feel that a good idea of succeeding in resolution is to be open about it. Even better would be share it with a buddy who has a similar resolution. This way you could check each other's progress and also motivate each other. Besides, it is also a good idea to take help of friends and family members to keep your motivation level high.
Avoid Triggers
Initially, it would be extremely difficult to stick to your plan for change. There will be several temptations to give up. Plan ahead what you would do in such as situation. Keep your willpower strong.
Take up New Passions
Experts believe a good way to give up a bad habit is to develop a new hobby or passion. This helps to keep your mind off especially during the initial days when the temptation to resume the bad habit is strong.
Monitor your Progress
It is extremely crucial to keep track of your progress to mission resolution. Reward or praise yourself for small successes. Don't fuss over your failures. Instead ponder over what diverts you from your track and how you can help yourself. Maintaining a diary of your progress is also a good idea.
Place Reminders
To keep reminding yourself about your resolution, put reminders and alerts at several places. For instance you can also take help of email reminder services given by some sites.
Give Yourself Time
Understand that it takes time to change habits and lifestyles. Don't expect an instant success. If you fail, try again!
Be Realistic: Make an Attainable Goal
Primary reason why most New Year resolutions fail is that people over expect from themselves and make practically unrealistic goals. So a good idea would be to decide your limits and make achievable goals. For instance, a person who plans to go on a dieting should not make a resolution to stop eating his/ her favorite dessert. It is very much likely that the person will not be able to carry on with the resolution for long. A practical approach would be to limit the intake.
Resolve Ahead: Don't Wait for 31st December
A good way to succeed in your resolution would be to plan ahead. Many people make resolutions on the New Year's Eve or New Year's Day itself and mostly they do not back their resolution with a concrete plan. So a practical way to go about it would be to resolve ahead and back your resolution with a strategic plan.
Focus on One Resolution
It has been noticed that many people make a list of resolutions and try to achieve too much in too short time. Instead of trying to do everything simultaneously and getting frustrated a practical approach would be to focus on one major resolution. Choose that one aim that you really wish to reach in the coming year and chalk out a concrete plan to achieve it.
Back Your Resolution with Planning
It is not just enough to make a New Year Resolution. In the absence of proper planning it is most likely that your resolution will fail. Chalk out a plan of how you will resist the temptation of giving up your resolution. This could include rewarding or penalizing yourself for keeping up or failing on your plan, or taking help of a friend. Make a list of how you can help yourself in this regard. Refer to this list from time to time to avoid diversion.
Motivate Yourself
It is extremely important to motivate yourself to succeed in your resolution. Evaluate the price of keeping your resolution in terms of sacrifice, time, efforts, money, perseverance and be ready to pay it. Keep your willpower strong by constantly reminding yourself the benefits of succeeding in your resolution.
Make an Open Resolution
Some people like to keep their resolution a secret. They feel that if they fail in their plan people might humiliate them. Experts feel that a good idea of succeeding in resolution is to be open about it. Even better would be share it with a buddy who has a similar resolution. This way you could check each other's progress and also motivate each other. Besides, it is also a good idea to take help of friends and family members to keep your motivation level high.
Avoid Triggers
Initially, it would be extremely difficult to stick to your plan for change. There will be several temptations to give up. Plan ahead what you would do in such as situation. Keep your willpower strong.
Take up New Passions
Experts believe a good way to give up a bad habit is to develop a new hobby or passion. This helps to keep your mind off especially during the initial days when the temptation to resume the bad habit is strong.
Monitor your Progress
It is extremely crucial to keep track of your progress to mission resolution. Reward or praise yourself for small successes. Don't fuss over your failures. Instead ponder over what diverts you from your track and how you can help yourself. Maintaining a diary of your progress is also a good idea.
Place Reminders
To keep reminding yourself about your resolution, put reminders and alerts at several places. For instance you can also take help of email reminder services given by some sites.
Give Yourself Time
Understand that it takes time to change habits and lifestyles. Don't expect an instant success. If you fail, try again!
New Year Resolutions
New Year is the perfect time to look back into the past and make plans for the future. In an effort to make our lives better in the coming year many of us make lofty plans and lot many New Year Resolutions. A few promises are kept, many though usually fail. Here is an effort to understand the meaning, origin and benefits of New Year Resolution. The section also includes ideas on healthy New Year's Resolution, Popular New Year Resolution and how to keep New Year's Resolution. It is hoped that better understand and helpful tips on New Year's Resolution will help you make focused, determined and successful resolution this year.
What is a New Year's Resolution?
New Year Resolutions are basically commitment or promises that people make to themselves. These could be promises to complete a project or to alter a habit for their own betterment. Since these resolutions are usually made in the beginning of the year, these are popularly known as New Year's Resolution. Ideally New Year's resolution should remain into effect until the goal is achieved. However, it has been noticed that most New Year Resolution are broken fairly shortly after they are made.
History of New Year's Resolution
It is said that the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions was started by early Babylonians. Their most resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment and begin the new year with a clean slate. Some people believe that New Years Resolutions were once promises made to the Gods, in the hope that the Gods would grant them some favor in return, such as a good harvest. It was also believed that breaking of New Year's resolution brought bad luck on the individual hence one was advised to be careful while making New Year's Resolution.
Popular New Year's Resolution
In modern times, most popular New Year's resolution pertain to good health or good look. With obesity on the rise most people resolve to reduce weight by taking up exercises or by eating right. Other very popular and mostly broken resolution is to quit smoking and drinking. Students usually make a resolution to complete their assignments on time and staying regular with studies. Resolution of waking up early and sleeping early are also quite common.
Fun-Facts About New Year Resolutions
Here are some fun facts related to New Year as observed in America:
About 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year.
Most popular resolutions include promises of weight loss, exercise and quitting smoking.
Also common are resolutions dealing with better money management / debt reduction.
The following statistics reveal how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
Past the first week: 75%
Past 2 weeks: 71%
After one month: 64%
After 6 months: 46%
About 67% of people make three or more resolutions.
Expert's Advice on New Year's Resolution
Though many people make New Year's Resolution with enthusiasm and zeal, yet it has been noticed that most of these resolution fail shortly after. Experts feel that the reason for the failure of these resolution is that most people do not back their resolution with proper planning. It is recommended that one should plan how to effectively deal with the temptation of giving up the resolution in the mid-way. Besides, it is recommended that one should take help of friends and dear ones to keep their motivation level high.
What is a New Year's Resolution?
New Year Resolutions are basically commitment or promises that people make to themselves. These could be promises to complete a project or to alter a habit for their own betterment. Since these resolutions are usually made in the beginning of the year, these are popularly known as New Year's Resolution. Ideally New Year's resolution should remain into effect until the goal is achieved. However, it has been noticed that most New Year Resolution are broken fairly shortly after they are made.
History of New Year's Resolution
It is said that the tradition of making New Year's Resolutions was started by early Babylonians. Their most resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment and begin the new year with a clean slate. Some people believe that New Years Resolutions were once promises made to the Gods, in the hope that the Gods would grant them some favor in return, such as a good harvest. It was also believed that breaking of New Year's resolution brought bad luck on the individual hence one was advised to be careful while making New Year's Resolution.
Popular New Year's Resolution
In modern times, most popular New Year's resolution pertain to good health or good look. With obesity on the rise most people resolve to reduce weight by taking up exercises or by eating right. Other very popular and mostly broken resolution is to quit smoking and drinking. Students usually make a resolution to complete their assignments on time and staying regular with studies. Resolution of waking up early and sleeping early are also quite common.
Fun-Facts About New Year Resolutions
Here are some fun facts related to New Year as observed in America:
About 40 to 45% of American adults make one or more New Year's resolutions each year.
Most popular resolutions include promises of weight loss, exercise and quitting smoking.
Also common are resolutions dealing with better money management / debt reduction.
The following statistics reveal how many of these resolutions are maintained as time goes on:
Past the first week: 75%
Past 2 weeks: 71%
After one month: 64%
After 6 months: 46%
About 67% of people make three or more resolutions.
Expert's Advice on New Year's Resolution
Though many people make New Year's Resolution with enthusiasm and zeal, yet it has been noticed that most of these resolution fail shortly after. Experts feel that the reason for the failure of these resolution is that most people do not back their resolution with proper planning. It is recommended that one should plan how to effectively deal with the temptation of giving up the resolution in the mid-way. Besides, it is recommended that one should take help of friends and dear ones to keep their motivation level high.
07 January 2011
Happy New Year
May we live as God intended, in a world at peace and the awareness of His love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby's smile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculous beat of our heart. A Very Happy New Year to All!
19 December 2010
Merry Christmas Everyone
It’s a time to send my greetings to those who are far and near…To wish you the blessings of the season…
Not just today but throughout the year…
We pause and think of this special time…
A time that is set apart…
For thinking of those who are dear…
Who hold a special place in our heart…
Believe in the magic of the season…
May the love of God warm your hearts…
May you forever cherish the memory and what this season imparts…
It is not the gifts that are wrapped and placed under the Christmas Tree…
But the Christmas that lives within our hearts that is special to you and me…
For unto us a child was born, He is our Savior and King…
It’s the time we celebrate the day of his birth and the blessings his love does bring…
May the magic and wonder of the season bring joy and happiness to you…
May it be a season you will always remember and stay with you, your whole life through…
May the timeless message of Christmas fill your heart and home with love…
May you and yours be forever blessed with the peace of the snow white dove…
21 November 2010
Anything Is Possible!
If there was ever a time to dare, to make a difference,
to embark on something worth doing, IT IS NOW.
Not for any grand cause, necessarily but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your inspiration,
something that's your dream.
You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.
HAVE FUN.
DIG DEEP.
STRETCH.
DREAM BIG.
Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.
There will be good days.
And there will be bad days.
There will be times when you want to turn around, pack it up, and call it quits.
Those times tell you that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid
to learn by trying.
PERSIST.
Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools,
you can do great things.
Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart, guide you.
TRUST.
Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.
Of doing something that makes a difference.
Of working hard.
Of laughing and hoping.
Of lazy afternoons.
Of lasting friends.
Of all the things that will cross your path this year.
The start of something new brings the hope of something great...ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
to embark on something worth doing, IT IS NOW.
Not for any grand cause, necessarily but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your inspiration,
something that's your dream.
You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.
HAVE FUN.
DIG DEEP.
STRETCH.
DREAM BIG.
Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.
There will be good days.
And there will be bad days.
There will be times when you want to turn around, pack it up, and call it quits.
Those times tell you that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid
to learn by trying.
PERSIST.
Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools,
you can do great things.
Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart, guide you.
TRUST.
Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.
Of doing something that makes a difference.
Of working hard.
Of laughing and hoping.
Of lazy afternoons.
Of lasting friends.
Of all the things that will cross your path this year.
The start of something new brings the hope of something great...ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
30 August 2010
175 Romantic Ideas
The strength of your marriage depends on the choices you make to improve it. Unfortunately, many couples have lost the spark they shared before they married and have replaced it with a humdrum routine. Dating and romancing your spouse can change those patterns, and can be a lot of fun, but will require some hard work. Planning and energy are imperative for making good times happen.Is it worth the trouble? I’m convinced that the lack of dating and romance in marriage is one of the major causes of broken relationships. Marriages usually don’t collapse overnight. They become bankrupt gradually because they lack daily deposits of love, communication and affirmation.
[Below are a number of ideas that could help you in your romantic expression with each other.] A few of these ideas may be too outrageous for your style. That’s okay. Read the ideas, shake your head in wonder, and mutter, “Some people are really bizarre.” I developed this list with the hope that each couple would add to or subtract from it in order to meet their individual ideas. You may find the outrageous ideas are helpful in stretching your imagination and pushing you toward becoming more creative.
Now—for the ideas! Here they are:
1. Sketch your dream-house floor plan and talk about the possibilities for each room.
2. Take a bath or shower together.
3. Write the love story of how you met. Get it printed and bound.
4. List your spouse’s best qualities in alphabetical order.
5. Tour a museum or an art gallery.
6. Park in a secluded area and kiss in your car.
7. Make your own movie scene—stop and kiss on a bridge as the sun is setting.
8. Place great emphasis on the little changes she makes concerning her appearance.
9. Give your husband a bath and wash his hair.
10. Float on a raft together.
11. Take a stroll around the block.
12. Take your husband away from the kitchen while he’s cooking, and “sauté” him with kisses.
13. Bring home foods he loves to eat but won’t buy for himself. (Don’t do this if he’s dieting!)
14. Give each other a back rub.
15. Rent a classic love-story and watch it while cuddling under blankets.
16. Give your spouse a body massage.
17. Walk through model homes and dream about your next house. Steal a kiss in a closet.
18. Stroll around a nearby lake.
19. Sit in front of the fireplace and talk.
20. Read to one another in bed.
21. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride.
22. Turn the lights down during dinner.
23. Make a surprise call to your spouse while you’re out of town (in addition to your scheduled calls).
24. Play music in your bedroom.
25. Go swimming in the middle of the night.
26. Shave your wife’s legs.
27. Shave your husband’s face.
28. Write a poem for your spouse.
29. Run through the sprinklers on a hot day.
30. Remember to look into your spouse’s eyes while she tells you about his day.
31. Make up nicknames for each other.
32. Go the extra mile to please your mate.
33. When you’re the one who’s correct during a discussion, give your spouse a kiss. Focus on your love rather than who’s right.
34. Tell your spouse, “I’m glad I married you!”
35. Fulfill one of your spouse’s fantasies.
36. Hug your husband from behind and give him a kiss on the back of the neck.
37. Stop in the middle of your busy day and talk to your spouse for 15 minutes.
38. Create your own special holiday.
39. Place your hand on your spouse’s leg when you’re riding in the car.
40. Send your husband a compliment through one of her friends or colleagues.
41. Ask for an isolated booth in a restaurant.
42. Become your spouse’s cheerleader when he’s had a terrible day.
43. Tell your husband, “I love you because…” (Finish the sentence.)
44. Show your husband affection while he’s talking to one of his friends.
45. Sleep in a sleeping bag together.
46. Do something your spouse loves to do, even though it doesn’t interest you personally.
47. Go horseback riding on the same horse.
48. Photocopy a newspaper cartoon and write your own romantic caption.
49. Write out romantic notes and leave them in places your spouse will find them.
50. Cut out romantic photos from magazines and write your own messages on them.
51. While driving, pull over for scenic sights and get out of the car to enjoy God’s creation.
52. Write your spouse affirming love letters.
53. Mail your spouse love letters instead of leaving them in the house.
54. Feed ducks together (you can feed any type of animal as long as it’s not a house pet—the idea is to get outside together).
55. Build a snowman together.
56. Watch the sun come up or go down.
57. Go fishing together with only one pole.
58. Sit on the same side of a restaurant booth.
59. Spontaneously spend the entire day together away from the house.
60. Picnic by a pond.
61. Give your mate a foot massage.
62. Put on perfume or after-shave before going out.
63. Go Skinny-dipping.
64. Develop a code word for sex that you can use when you’re a part of a crowd.
65. Buy your husband or wife a new outfit.
66. Sing a song to your spouse.
67. Let go of helium balloons and watch them race each other out of sight.
68. Buy him a stuffed animal.
69. Write “I love you” in the dust around the house instead of complaining about it.
70. Set up a surprise manicure, hairstyling, or mud bath appointment for your spouse.
71. Put together a puzzle on a rainy night.
72. Read a romance novel together.
73. Rent a boat.
74. Take a train ride.
75. Ride bikes in the rain.
76. Read poetry to one another.
77. Build sand castles on the beach
78. Take a moonlight canoe ride.
79. Make your spouse a greeting card.
80. Swing together on a playground.
81. Go for a midnight dip in a hot tub.
82. Give your wife a balloon bouquet.
83. Plant a tree together in honor of your marriage.
84. Make heart-shaped pancakes and serve them to your wife in bed.
85. Bring home flowers.
86. Surprise your husband when he’s busy by saying, “What can I do to help?”
87. Take a hot-air balloon ride.
88. Walk through a housing construction site and kiss each other in each of the houses.
89. Count the stars.
90. Prior to a “work day” at home, hide gifts for your spouse in places where they’ll find them.
91. Bring a late-night snack and drink to bed.
92. Order different kinds of food at a restaurant.
93. Whisper something romantic to your spouse in a crowded room.
94. Have a candlelight picnic in the backyard.
95. Play tennis at night under a full moon using no lights.
96. Develop a weekly dining spot to meet for lunch.
97. Share a long piece of liquorice without using your hands.
98. Make cookies by candlelight.
99. Unscrew the table-light bulb at your restaurant booth to dim the lights.
100. Put perfume on your bed sheets.
101. Leave encouraging notes for your spouse that he will find at different times through the week.
102. Put on old clothes and go out and play in the mud together and then shower together.
103. Hold hands while roller skating.
104. Write out 50 reasons you’re glad to be married to your spouse.
105. Tickle-wrestle in bed.
106. Go on a walk together and pick flowers.
107. Put an “I Love You!” message in her lunch.
108. Place a rose on her pillow.
109. Set candles above the bed (carefully!).
110. Serve breakfast in bed.
111. Hide small gifts that your spouse will find throughout the week.
112. Sit and listen carefully to one another.
113. Tuck your husband into bed, read him a goodnight story (or scripture) and kiss her on the forehead.
114. Remember how you used to laugh at things he thought were funny? Do it again.
115. Write a song for your spouse.
116. Go for a walk barefoot.
117. Go kite flying.
118. Splash each other.
119. Spend an entire day in the “middle of nowhere”.
120. Dance in your candlelit living room.
121. Walk on the beach.
122. Play a board game by the fire.
123. Reminisce through old photo albums.
124. Go away for the weekend.
125. Go for a moonlit walk down a street of beautiful homes.
126. Rub feet under the table.
127. Kiss in crowded area.
128. Sit on his lap even when there’s sitting room elsewhere.
129. Surprise your spouse with an ice-cold drink while he/she is working on a hot day.
130. Kiss in the rain.
131. Join him, unexpectedly, in the shower.
132. Mail a love letter to your spouse’s place of work.
133. Create a trail through your home with a string leading your mate to a gift you have for them.
134. Buy your husband a negligee that you know you’ll look great in.
135. Brush her hair.
136. Ride a carousel or a merry-go-round.
137. Take a bike ride—on the same bike.
138. Hug while you roll down a hill (if you want to do this again you’d better choose a grassy hill).
139. Leave teasing notes around the house to create an atmosphere of anticipation.
140. Use a tender-touch as you pass one another around the house.
141. Share a milk shake with two straws.
142. Take the phone off the hook, turn off the TV, turn down the lights and kiss on the floor.
143. Put fresh flowers in front of her bathroom sink and write a love note with lipstick on the mirror.
144. Dedicate a song to her over the radio.
145. Break away from the chaos of the family long enough to share an intimate conversation.
146. Wink and smile at your spouse from across the room.
147. Kiss your spouse’s fingers.
148. Celebrate for no reason.
149. Leave a photo of yourself on his dashboard.
150. Give your husband a manicure.
151. Using plastic cups, create your own miniature golf course by placing the cups in different locations around the house and have fun creatively playing the game together.
152. Fill your bed with rose petals.
153. Play strip canasta.
154. Remember something she thinks you’ve forgotten.
155. Stand together in front of a lake and watch your reflections.
156. Hug for an extended period of time.
157. Leave your lip-prints on a note.
158. Sit in front of the window during a rainstorm.
159. Do something together to help someone else.
160. Take a fun class together.
161. Go rock-skipping.
162. Ride a bicycle-built-for-two.
163. Fall asleep holding each other.
164. Draw your spouse a stick figure picture of something romantic.
165. Tell your wife you will take her anywhere she wants to go.
166. Call your husband during the day and remind him of your love for him.
167. Get up some morning and head out in the car together without planning one single thing.
168. Have a hot bubble-bath ready for her when she comes home from a hard day.
169. Ask your spouse, “What can I do to make you happier?”
170. Buy new satin sheets.
171. Try to go away for the weekend and spend only R100.
172. Break your after-dinner routine and go sightseeing.
173. Mail a love letter to your spouse’s place of work.
174. Reminisce about your first kiss or your first date.
175. Drop everything and do something for the one you love—right now!
The Goodness of Papaya Enzyme
The papaya has been studied and long used for its many benefits for our health. It is packed full of vitamins and beneficial enzymes that can be very helpful with certain diseases and disorders today. The papaya contains the enzyme papain as do pineapples, figs and kiwi fruit. This enzyme has been extracted and used commercially for years as meat tenderizer. The enzyme that is extracted and utilized for meat tenderizer is obtained from the leaves of the papaya. The fruit itself has as many if not more vitamins and enzymes that can be utilized when it is eaten or the enzymes are extracted for use.Papain has been used for years by those who endorse natural healing
methods. Many European countries use the papaya between courses of gourmet meals to cleanse the palate and to help the digestion of heavy meals. The enzyme papain has been extracted and has proven beneficial in the digestion of proteins. Proteins are much harder to digest than any other food by the body. Papain has been used for many years by holistic healers as an aid in digestion. It has also been used to help with problems such as indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, and irritable bowel syndrome.
A Fake Tan
A healthy glow is a great confidence booster but with many of us keen to avoid those sun-inducing lines and wrinkles, the best way to achieve a great looking tan is to fake it!
The lowdown on fake tan
Fake tan has been around for years and there are now stacks of options for bronzing our pins - from quick tanning towels and lotions you use at home to the more, pricier options of spray booths and hour-long treatments at your local salon. Whichever method you decide to go for, it's important to a) select the correct product for your skin type and b) get the application right! Even the most expensive fake tan will end up looking shoddy if the application process is more along the lines of 'slap it on and go' so it's essential to take your time and apply it carefully for optimum results.
It's also important to think about the 'type' of tan that will suit your skin. Tanning towels are great for fairer skins for example, as the colour is quite light and natural-looking, whilst olive skin tones can carry a much darker, more intense lotion like those offered by St. Tropez. Alternatively you could play it a bit safer with one of the many tan-infused moisturisers. These are basically a 50/50 blend of tanning lotion and body cream and can be applied each day to build up a natural looking tan. They come in different 'shades' to suit different skin tones and are much lighter on the purse strings compared to many other self-tan products. Johnson's Holiday Skin and Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion are both pretty fool-proof and are excellent products to try if you're trying fake tan for the first time.
Getting a good result
Naturally some fake tans are better than others but the final look is really down to the application process and how good you are at acquiring an 'even' result. Although this might take practice, there are a few simple rules you can follow to increase your chances of a natural-looking, streak-free tan.
1. Shave your legs and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Dry, rough patches of skin are a major no-no as the fake tan will cling to the surface of the skin resulting in unsightly orange patches. Use a body brush or exfoliator if you have one, or go for a DIY skin booster with a rough cloth all over the body. If your skin has been fairly neglected over the past few months, try exfoliating a few times before to apply the tan to give your skin a chance to soften.
2. Use moisturiser. Apply cream to your exfoliated skin and let it dry completely. You can add extra cream to dry areas to speed up the healing process but it's best to do this a few hours before so it doesn't prevent the tan from working properly.
3. Use Vaseline on your nails, hairline and any rough patches to avoid staining and keep the colour even.
4. Take your time! Rubbing the tanner into your skin like a woman possessed will only result in that orange WAG look. The best way to achieve a natural looking tan is to rub the lotion in gently and attempt each limb one at a time, only moving onto the next section when you're satisfied that the skin is evenly covered.
5. To avoid streaky clothes and skin, wait around 5-10 minutes before putting your clothes back on, likewise avoid any strenuous activity immediately after application!
The lowdown on fake tan
Fake tan has been around for years and there are now stacks of options for bronzing our pins - from quick tanning towels and lotions you use at home to the more, pricier options of spray booths and hour-long treatments at your local salon. Whichever method you decide to go for, it's important to a) select the correct product for your skin type and b) get the application right! Even the most expensive fake tan will end up looking shoddy if the application process is more along the lines of 'slap it on and go' so it's essential to take your time and apply it carefully for optimum results.
It's also important to think about the 'type' of tan that will suit your skin. Tanning towels are great for fairer skins for example, as the colour is quite light and natural-looking, whilst olive skin tones can carry a much darker, more intense lotion like those offered by St. Tropez. Alternatively you could play it a bit safer with one of the many tan-infused moisturisers. These are basically a 50/50 blend of tanning lotion and body cream and can be applied each day to build up a natural looking tan. They come in different 'shades' to suit different skin tones and are much lighter on the purse strings compared to many other self-tan products. Johnson's Holiday Skin and Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion are both pretty fool-proof and are excellent products to try if you're trying fake tan for the first time.
Getting a good result
Naturally some fake tans are better than others but the final look is really down to the application process and how good you are at acquiring an 'even' result. Although this might take practice, there are a few simple rules you can follow to increase your chances of a natural-looking, streak-free tan.
1. Shave your legs and exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! Dry, rough patches of skin are a major no-no as the fake tan will cling to the surface of the skin resulting in unsightly orange patches. Use a body brush or exfoliator if you have one, or go for a DIY skin booster with a rough cloth all over the body. If your skin has been fairly neglected over the past few months, try exfoliating a few times before to apply the tan to give your skin a chance to soften.
2. Use moisturiser. Apply cream to your exfoliated skin and let it dry completely. You can add extra cream to dry areas to speed up the healing process but it's best to do this a few hours before so it doesn't prevent the tan from working properly.
3. Use Vaseline on your nails, hairline and any rough patches to avoid staining and keep the colour even.
4. Take your time! Rubbing the tanner into your skin like a woman possessed will only result in that orange WAG look. The best way to achieve a natural looking tan is to rub the lotion in gently and attempt each limb one at a time, only moving onto the next section when you're satisfied that the skin is evenly covered.
5. To avoid streaky clothes and skin, wait around 5-10 minutes before putting your clothes back on, likewise avoid any strenuous activity immediately after application!
27 August 2010
Ideas for Children Lunch Boxes
While cooked school meals are getting healthier, and have to conform to government guidelines, children taking packed lunches to school, may not be getting the same nutritional benefits.Some children are still taking a lunchbox full of processed and junk food to school, and are missing out on the vital vitamins and minerals which are contained in fresh foods. In fact the FSA have stated that 92% of lunchboxes they surveyed contained food that is too high in fat, salt and sugar.
Tummy fillers
Growing kids need plenty of starchy foods to fill them up and give them energy. Nutritious meals packed with fiber, protein, carbohydrate and vitamins will also help your child's growing bones and give them a healthy does of brain power for the afternoon ahead.
These along with fruit and/or vegetables should form the main part of your child's lunch. Try some of these ideas:-
Sandwiches and wraps
Sliced or homemade bread - vary between multi-grain and white.
Bread roll, pitta bread, bagel, tortilla/wrap, oatcakes, crepe/pancakes, potato cake, hot cross bun, scone.
Fillings/toppings
Meat - wafer thin cooked meats, cubed chicken/turkey breast with tomato and lettuce, ham and cheese, roast chicken & hummus, leftover cold meats (chicken, turkey, meatloaf, sausages etc) with salad, chicken and mashed avocado, cold BLT.
Fish - tuna mayo & sweet corn, tuna salad, sardine and tomato, fish paste and cucumber.
Veggie - grated cheese, cheese spread, cream cheese and salad, cottage cheese with pineapple, cheese and grated carrot with a little mayo, veggie sausages, vegetarian pate with cucumber, cheese and coleslaw, egg salad/egg mayo, cheese and pickle, Marmite.
Sweet - High-fruit jam/fruit spread, nut-free chocolate spread*, honey, treacle, lemon curd.
Other ideas
Carbohydrate based salads such as pasta salad, rice salad, cous cous, potato salad etc.
Egg based foods such asmini quiche or frittata.
Baked items such as savoury muffins, pizza slice, croissant, samosa, spring roll etc.
(These items can be high in saturated fat, so just opt for them occasionally).
26 August 2010
Family Meals
According to research, children that have meals with their family rather than sitting round the TV are more likely to succeed in life. They are healthier, do better at school, have higher self esteem and are less likely to develop eating disorders.
But even putting that research aside, sitting down together gives you a chance to catch up on the day's events, share worries, solve problems and have a laugh together. If anything is going to bring a family together having a meal will.
Tips for good conversations
Take turns in talking but try not to let anyone dominate the conversation (including the adults).
To make sure everyone gets involved in chatting and that one person doesn't monopolize the conversation, try asking a question and going round the table letting everyone answer in turn. Reminisce about things you have done recently, or plan things you will do together in the future. Or just use the obvious..."What was the best thing that happened to you today". For some children this may be too broad - so try ‘what did you play at break time today' ‘tell daddy who you played with at nursery or what happened at the supermarket'
Your might find it helpful to have a special object that you hand around to show who's turn it is to talk
Talk about the food you are eating. Ask them where it comes from, how it is made, where it grows, why it is good for them. If they have been allowed to help with the preparation they'll be delighted with themselves to know the answers.
Really enjoy the time together - try not to think of the 100 things you have to do - even if you all only sit together for ten minutes, make it a nice ten minutes.
Special meal day
If you don't normally have meals round a table, maybe because everyone gets in at different times, then designate a particular day each week as Special Meal Day. Choose a day of the week when you can regularly eat together - Special Meal Day. It's often good to choose the weekend when most of us have more time, but you might want to choose a Friday evening when everyone is chilled out after a week's work... whatever suits you and your family.
But even putting that research aside, sitting down together gives you a chance to catch up on the day's events, share worries, solve problems and have a laugh together. If anything is going to bring a family together having a meal will.
Tips for good conversations
Take turns in talking but try not to let anyone dominate the conversation (including the adults).
To make sure everyone gets involved in chatting and that one person doesn't monopolize the conversation, try asking a question and going round the table letting everyone answer in turn. Reminisce about things you have done recently, or plan things you will do together in the future. Or just use the obvious..."What was the best thing that happened to you today". For some children this may be too broad - so try ‘what did you play at break time today' ‘tell daddy who you played with at nursery or what happened at the supermarket'
Your might find it helpful to have a special object that you hand around to show who's turn it is to talk
Talk about the food you are eating. Ask them where it comes from, how it is made, where it grows, why it is good for them. If they have been allowed to help with the preparation they'll be delighted with themselves to know the answers.
Really enjoy the time together - try not to think of the 100 things you have to do - even if you all only sit together for ten minutes, make it a nice ten minutes.
Special meal day
If you don't normally have meals round a table, maybe because everyone gets in at different times, then designate a particular day each week as Special Meal Day. Choose a day of the week when you can regularly eat together - Special Meal Day. It's often good to choose the weekend when most of us have more time, but you might want to choose a Friday evening when everyone is chilled out after a week's work... whatever suits you and your family.
Roasted Vegetable and Feta
½ a butternut squash - peeled & cubed
2-3 assorted peppers - cut into chunks
2 medium onions - peeled and quartered
Splash of olive oil - to taste
½ pack feta cheese, crumbled
Wild rocket
Prepare veggies and place in large roasting tin.
Drizzle with a little oil.
Bake in moderate to high oven, 190-200C/Gas 5-6, (turning veggies occasionally) for approximately 30-45 minutes or until almost done.
Take out of oven and crumble feta cheese over top of dish. Put back in oven for 10 minutes.
Serve on a bed of wild rocket.
Variations:
Add some diced courgettes and sliced mushrooms instead of (or in addition to) the peppers and onions.
Use diced mozzarella or halloumi or instead of the feta if preferred.
2-3 assorted peppers - cut into chunks
2 medium onions - peeled and quartered
Splash of olive oil - to taste
½ pack feta cheese, crumbled
Wild rocket
Prepare veggies and place in large roasting tin.
Drizzle with a little oil.
Bake in moderate to high oven, 190-200C/Gas 5-6, (turning veggies occasionally) for approximately 30-45 minutes or until almost done.
Take out of oven and crumble feta cheese over top of dish. Put back in oven for 10 minutes.
Serve on a bed of wild rocket.
Variations:
Add some diced courgettes and sliced mushrooms instead of (or in addition to) the peppers and onions.
Use diced mozzarella or halloumi or instead of the feta if preferred.
Barbecues
Gone are the days when you spend hours over charcoal trying desperately to light it while everyone is getting hungry.You can now buy bags of 'instant lighting' charcoal or even use a gas barbecue to speed things up. If you don't have a barbecue, you can buy one of those handy disposable ones which are just as quick to light.
Barbecues are such good news for parents: children love the eating outside because of the novelty of it all and there's less clearing up. If you really feel like treating yourself you could use paper plates and get the children to throw them in the recycling bin at the end of the meal.
Barbecue cooking tips
Home-made burgers taste so much better than shop bought ones, and tend to be much healthier, as they are generally lower in fat. One thing to remember though is that this means they are more likely to stick to the BBQ grill. Simply brush them with vegetable oil and cook them on a barbecue foil tray to avoid them sticking.
Marinate meat and fish for at least 30 minutes before cooking, to give them extra flavour and make them more tender. Here are a few simple marinade ideas:
• 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, some chopped fresh herbs.
• 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp fresh lemon or lime juice and a little crushed garlic.
• 2 tbsp tomato ketchup, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp wine vinegar, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce.
Experiment with your marinades by adding different flavours and oils e.g. fresh ginger, five spice, herbs, curry paste, honey, sesame oil, soy sauce etc.
Cook larger items of meat at the edge of the barbecue, where it is cooler, for longer. This prevents the perennial barbecue problem of food becoming burnt on the outside before being cooked through.
Food safety
Lovely as they are, barbecues can be the cause of serious food poisoning if you're not careful: undercooked meat or food hanging around in the sun, both offer a breeding ground for some pretty nasty bugs. Follow these food rules and you'll be fine!
Whether you are cooking raw meat or re-heating, always make sure that it is cooked properly; it should be piping hot all the way through, none of the meat should be pink and the juices should run clear. Even if it's charred on the outside it may be uncooked on the inside so have a peep in the middle of the burgers before you serve up.
Make sure an over hungry chef doesn't whack the food on too soon before the barbecue is hot enough - the charcoal should be glowing with a powdery grey surface.
Thaw all frozen food completely before cooking it. Cooking frozen food will lead to it being uncooked on the inside and burnt on the outside.
Keep your raw meat completely separate from your ready to eat food. Raw meat may well have bugs in - which get destroyed when the meat is cooked - but if raw meat touches other food (or if meat juices drip onto other food) the bugs can pass to the food that is ready to eat.
Bugs can also be transferred onto food from your hands or cooking implements so always wash your hands after handling raw food and keep your chopping boards and knives separate for raw and cooked meat.
And what if it rains...
All the above recipes can be cooked under the grill instead...not as fun, but almost as tasty!
17 August 2010
15 August 2010
Teach Toddlers to Pray at Night
Teaching young children bedtime prayers is one of the best ways to in still the value of family prayer in the home. The quiet and relaxed atmosphere at bedtime is one that will help reduce fidgeting, encourage children to relax into praying and emphasize the daily ritual of communication with God.
Helping Toddlers Sleep
Bath-Time, Warm Milk and Digestives There is plenty of evidence available which proves that drinking warm milk before bed helps to get both children and adults off to sleep. Rather than offering toddlers a hot chocolate, coke or any other sugary drink, a simple glass of milk will be much better, as this does not contain any caffeine. As a bedtime snack, instead of a chocolate cookie, which will likely have the undesired effect of a sugar rush, try a plain digestive biscuit. Another alternative is to offer a small piece of fruit, such as apple slices or perhaps some grapes.
Making a bath part of the bedtime routine, is likely to prove very helpful, as it relaxes the child's muscles and gets him ready to wind down for going to sleep. Remember to only use baby oil or a form of baby-sensitive bath oil, as this will be unlikely to irritate the skin.
Toddler Bedtime Routine – Short Car Ride, Warm Sheets and Bedtime Story
As most parents will know, it is amazing how a short car ride can help get toddlers to relax and feel sleepy. Especially as the daylight begins to fade, being able to see the darkness, reminds the child that it is nearly bedtime again.
In Baby & Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies, Arthur Lavin and Susan Glaser (John Wiley & Sons, 2007) recommend on cold nights, placing a warm towel over the sheet before the child is due to get all tucked-in. They also recommend putting a child's blanket in the tumble dryer for a couple of minutes before bedtime, or even wrapping a teddy or favourite cuddly toy in a pillow case before putting it in the dryer.
The ideal end to a toddler's bedtime routine is having a story either made up or read from a chosen book. This is a great time to bond and will also provide much benefit in terms of promoting a child's development of language and reading skills.
As highlighted above, a toddler's bedtime routine, may include a milky drink, relaxing bath-time, short car ride, warm sheets (on cold nights) and a bedtime story. The key is to establish such a routine, as early on as possible, which helps children to feel safe and secure!
Making a bath part of the bedtime routine, is likely to prove very helpful, as it relaxes the child's muscles and gets him ready to wind down for going to sleep. Remember to only use baby oil or a form of baby-sensitive bath oil, as this will be unlikely to irritate the skin.
Toddler Bedtime Routine – Short Car Ride, Warm Sheets and Bedtime Story
As most parents will know, it is amazing how a short car ride can help get toddlers to relax and feel sleepy. Especially as the daylight begins to fade, being able to see the darkness, reminds the child that it is nearly bedtime again.
In Baby & Toddler Sleep Solutions for Dummies, Arthur Lavin and Susan Glaser (John Wiley & Sons, 2007) recommend on cold nights, placing a warm towel over the sheet before the child is due to get all tucked-in. They also recommend putting a child's blanket in the tumble dryer for a couple of minutes before bedtime, or even wrapping a teddy or favourite cuddly toy in a pillow case before putting it in the dryer.
The ideal end to a toddler's bedtime routine is having a story either made up or read from a chosen book. This is a great time to bond and will also provide much benefit in terms of promoting a child's development of language and reading skills.
As highlighted above, a toddler's bedtime routine, may include a milky drink, relaxing bath-time, short car ride, warm sheets (on cold nights) and a bedtime story. The key is to establish such a routine, as early on as possible, which helps children to feel safe and secure!
A Healthy Brain
Keeping a healthy brain isn't difficult. All it requires is a little common sense, effort, and a few tips to get started!
Most people know that getting the right amount of sleep is essential for good health. People trying to solve difficult problems or struggling to develop a creative solution often find that a good night's sleep is the key to finding the answer. During sleep, the brain continues to work, making sense of the events of the day and finding patterns in order to categorize them. In short, sleeping gives the brain time to process what people learn each day and categorize it into patterns they already understand.
Eat Healthy Foods and Get Rid of Toxins
Brain-enhancing foods are actually body-enhancing foods. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and water keeps people's bodies healthy and since the brain is part of the body, it stands to reason that what keeps the body healthy will keep the brain healthy. Just remember that what makes people's bodies sluggish will make their brain sluggish.
It's not rocket science. Exercise is good for the body and, therefore, good for the brain. But make sure the exercise is physical enough that a good sweat ensues. Sweating rids the body of toxins and given the amount of toxins in the environment, a good sweat each day goes a long way toward keeping people and their brains healthy.
Limit Alcohol and Say No to Drugs
Anyone who has had too much to drink knows that alcohol impairs brain function and if that is the case, it must be harming the brain in some way. Alcohol doesn't actually destroy brain cells, it damages the dendrites – the branched end of nerve cells that bring messages into the cells. While the damage can be reversible (the brain is able to repair itself) over time, it can cause the brain to work differently, to slow communications to, from, and within cells. Bottom line – alcohol should be viewed as a once in a while treat, not as a daily necessity.
All things in moderation, as the saying goes, except when it comes to drugs and cigarettes. Basically, drugs are going to do the same type of damage as alcohol, but the damage might be more intense, severe, and long-lasting. Depending on the drug of choice, it might even be permanent. For people who value their brains and their bodies, drugs are definitely taboo.
Meet New People, Read More, Watch Less TV
Life is meant to be lived. Too often, people merely go through the motions and forget that being active, interested, and interesting makes life richer and the brain stronger.
There is something rejuvenating about getting out and meeting new people. Perhaps it's the different conversation tracks. Maybe it's the process of seeing new faces and remembering new names. Meeting and talking to new people stimulates the brain in different ways and it's not bad for the social life either.
Bottom line – reading is active; watching TV is passive. TV watching tends to make people more sluggish and uninterested in the world around them. Reading has the opposite effect, giving people time to pause, reflect, think, as well as use their intellect and emotion. Sir Richard Steele said, "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Overall, reading makes the brain active and even helps people develop a longer attention span. Something to keep in mind for children as well as adults!
It's not difficult for people to keep their brain healthy as they age. All it requires is a little common sense and intentional effort: sleep well, eat the right things, keep learning, exercise, limit alcohol, don't bother with drugs, be social, and read. While no one knows what the future holds, keeping a healthy brain is something that can be achieved well into old age.
Source:
Change Your Brain. Change Your Life. Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
Most people know that getting the right amount of sleep is essential for good health. People trying to solve difficult problems or struggling to develop a creative solution often find that a good night's sleep is the key to finding the answer. During sleep, the brain continues to work, making sense of the events of the day and finding patterns in order to categorize them. In short, sleeping gives the brain time to process what people learn each day and categorize it into patterns they already understand.
Eat Healthy Foods and Get Rid of Toxins
Brain-enhancing foods are actually body-enhancing foods. A diet rich in vegetables, fruits, proteins, and water keeps people's bodies healthy and since the brain is part of the body, it stands to reason that what keeps the body healthy will keep the brain healthy. Just remember that what makes people's bodies sluggish will make their brain sluggish.
It's not rocket science. Exercise is good for the body and, therefore, good for the brain. But make sure the exercise is physical enough that a good sweat ensues. Sweating rids the body of toxins and given the amount of toxins in the environment, a good sweat each day goes a long way toward keeping people and their brains healthy.
Limit Alcohol and Say No to Drugs
Anyone who has had too much to drink knows that alcohol impairs brain function and if that is the case, it must be harming the brain in some way. Alcohol doesn't actually destroy brain cells, it damages the dendrites – the branched end of nerve cells that bring messages into the cells. While the damage can be reversible (the brain is able to repair itself) over time, it can cause the brain to work differently, to slow communications to, from, and within cells. Bottom line – alcohol should be viewed as a once in a while treat, not as a daily necessity.
All things in moderation, as the saying goes, except when it comes to drugs and cigarettes. Basically, drugs are going to do the same type of damage as alcohol, but the damage might be more intense, severe, and long-lasting. Depending on the drug of choice, it might even be permanent. For people who value their brains and their bodies, drugs are definitely taboo.
Meet New People, Read More, Watch Less TV
Life is meant to be lived. Too often, people merely go through the motions and forget that being active, interested, and interesting makes life richer and the brain stronger.
There is something rejuvenating about getting out and meeting new people. Perhaps it's the different conversation tracks. Maybe it's the process of seeing new faces and remembering new names. Meeting and talking to new people stimulates the brain in different ways and it's not bad for the social life either.
Bottom line – reading is active; watching TV is passive. TV watching tends to make people more sluggish and uninterested in the world around them. Reading has the opposite effect, giving people time to pause, reflect, think, as well as use their intellect and emotion. Sir Richard Steele said, "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body." Overall, reading makes the brain active and even helps people develop a longer attention span. Something to keep in mind for children as well as adults!
It's not difficult for people to keep their brain healthy as they age. All it requires is a little common sense and intentional effort: sleep well, eat the right things, keep learning, exercise, limit alcohol, don't bother with drugs, be social, and read. While no one knows what the future holds, keeping a healthy brain is something that can be achieved well into old age.
Source:
Change Your Brain. Change Your Life. Daniel G. Amen, M.D.
Fruit Seeds
Fruit seeds are harmless when eaten in moderate quantities, despite admonitions to the contrary. Apple seeds are said to contain lethal amounts of cyanide. Grape seeds purportedly grow vines in your stomach. These claims are not true.Definition
Fruit is the fleshy--sometimes sweet--part of the plant that disseminates the seeds. Fruit is a plant ovary, part of the plant's reproductive system.
Function
Nature intends fruit seeds to be eaten; they have evolved to survive the journey through the digestive system.
When eliminated, seeds are scattered away from the parent plant to sprout without competing for resources.
Commonly Eaten Seeds
Many fruit seeds are eaten without a second thought, including the tiny seeds in strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. They also include the soft seeds in fruits often referred to as "vegetables"--zucchini, tomatoes, cucumber, okra and eggplant.
Benefits
Seeds are an excellent source of fibre. Many fruit seeds are high in vitamins, including B-17. Apple and apricot seeds may have cancer-fighting properties.
Caution
Unripe fruit may contain small amounts of toxic substances that can cause digestive upset; these disappear as the fruit ripens. Plants discourage unripe fruit from being eaten because the seeds are immature.
14 August 2010
Espetada
The Espetada is a typical Portuguese dish made of large chunks of beef rubbed in garlic and salt, skewered onto a bay leaf stick. Alas, we don’t have branches of bay leaves to thread through the meat so presoaked wooden skewers will have to do.Simply marinated and grilled it needs very little to accompany it.
2 teaspoons coarse salt or to taste
4 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
3 bay leaves plus extra for grilling
½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds beef sirloin, rib-eye, or beef tenderloin, cut in 2 inch cubes
Wooden skewers soaked in water for ½ hour
1. Using a mortar and pestle, combine the salt and garlic, mashing the two until the garlic becomes a paste. Mix in the bay leaves, pepper, wine vinegar and lastly, the olive oil.
2. Put the meat cubes in a shallow non-reactive bowl and dump the seasoning paste over the meat. With clean hands, turn the meat to coat thoroughly on all sides. Let stand for 2 to 4 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
3. While the meat is marinating, soak the wooden skewers in warm water for at least ½ hour.
4. When ready to cook, thread the cubes of meat alternating with a bay leaf, onto the skewers. Grill over medium-heat (for beef tenderloin which requires less cooking, 5-6 minutes for medium-rare ) approximately 5 inches above the flames. Adjust cooking time to your desired doneness.
Enjoy!
11 August 2010
What Makes A Marriage Last...
It's the everyday choices that you make: To do what is best for your partner in life…
To respect the commitment of being husband and wife!
To be still and just listen —not have to be heard…
To forgive and forget and not need “the last word”…
To admit you’re not perfect —you’ll both make mistakes…
To support the decisions that each of you makes…
To be willing to laugh when a day has been rough…
To divide up the burdens when life becomes tough…
To support one another when things are too hurried…
To comfort each other when stress keeps you worried…
To be willing to cherish your true love and friend with a joy and compassion that will never end.
As You celebrate each year together:
May you always have Understanding to make your marriage work, Commitment to make your marriage grow and Love to make your marriage happy!
Love And Affection Are Different
I repeatedly referred to love and affection separately whenever I speak. That’s intentional—because love and affection are not the same thing.
Love is a biblical mandate and is foundational to a successful marriage. I’m convinced every reasonably healthy person is equipped to love others the way God designed. You choose to love someone else by putting their needs above your own. It’s a commitment of your will.
Affection, however, is a step beyond love. Affection takes the loving relationship between a man and woman in marriage into the deeper realm of tender expressions that result in feelings of closeness, passion, and security. Affection takes work because it requires knowledge of what makes the other person tick.
You show affection when you perceive and appreciate what your spouse needs and meet those needs in a way he or she can understand. Affection results in marital contentment, intimacy, satisfaction, anticipation, and joy all wrapped into one package.
• Affection isn’t sexual, but it naturally leads to sexual satisfaction.
• Affection isn’t time, but it requires time to accomplish.
• Affection isn’t communication, but without communication there can be no affection.
• Affection isn’t romance, but it typically involves romantic spontaneity, creativity, and fun.
Moreover, when affection is present in your relationship, you just know it. If you don’t feel it, you probably don’t have it. Here’s my definition of affection:
Affection is the kind of love that leaves you feeling close, safe, and cared for. In marriage, you feel the passion, and the loving acts become person specific. Affection is also important between parent and child. An affectionate family makes a child feel close, safe, and cared for as well. Affection must be an ingredient in all healthy personal relationships, including those with friends and extended family.
The Bible describes love in terms of action, not feelings. Look at the familiar description of love from 1 Corinthians 13, and notice all of the actions required:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV).
I like to say (though it may be grammatically flawed) that affection is “love as actions” —actions that leave your spouse feeling really good about you and your marriage. Affection is one of the out-workings of love: Love is the commitment and the action, and affection is the safe, secure feeling that results. Strong marriages thrive when both the behavior of love and the feelings of affection are present. This “love as actions” is what moves you the eighteen inches from your head to your heart:
• Love is patient. Affection is empathetic.
• Love is kind. Affection is tender.
• Love is not rude. Affection thoughtfully apologizes for its words.
• Love is not self-seeking. Affection rubs the back of a discouraged spouse.
• Love does not delight in evil. Affection carefully and privately uncovers sin and helps the person back onto his feet.
• Love never fails. Affection under-girds and confirms your unfailing love for your spouse.
The above article comes from the book, Starved for Affection by Dr Randy Carlson, published by Tyndale House Publishers. In this book you’ll find practical help and encouragement to strengthen your connection with your mate in all aspects of your relationship. And in doing so you’ll find the table spread with a banquet of blessings that God as prepared just for you.
Love is a biblical mandate and is foundational to a successful marriage. I’m convinced every reasonably healthy person is equipped to love others the way God designed. You choose to love someone else by putting their needs above your own. It’s a commitment of your will.
Affection, however, is a step beyond love. Affection takes the loving relationship between a man and woman in marriage into the deeper realm of tender expressions that result in feelings of closeness, passion, and security. Affection takes work because it requires knowledge of what makes the other person tick.
You show affection when you perceive and appreciate what your spouse needs and meet those needs in a way he or she can understand. Affection results in marital contentment, intimacy, satisfaction, anticipation, and joy all wrapped into one package.
• Affection isn’t sexual, but it naturally leads to sexual satisfaction.
• Affection isn’t time, but it requires time to accomplish.
• Affection isn’t communication, but without communication there can be no affection.
• Affection isn’t romance, but it typically involves romantic spontaneity, creativity, and fun.
Moreover, when affection is present in your relationship, you just know it. If you don’t feel it, you probably don’t have it. Here’s my definition of affection:
Affection is the kind of love that leaves you feeling close, safe, and cared for. In marriage, you feel the passion, and the loving acts become person specific. Affection is also important between parent and child. An affectionate family makes a child feel close, safe, and cared for as well. Affection must be an ingredient in all healthy personal relationships, including those with friends and extended family.
The Bible describes love in terms of action, not feelings. Look at the familiar description of love from 1 Corinthians 13, and notice all of the actions required:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a NIV).
I like to say (though it may be grammatically flawed) that affection is “love as actions” —actions that leave your spouse feeling really good about you and your marriage. Affection is one of the out-workings of love: Love is the commitment and the action, and affection is the safe, secure feeling that results. Strong marriages thrive when both the behavior of love and the feelings of affection are present. This “love as actions” is what moves you the eighteen inches from your head to your heart:
• Love is patient. Affection is empathetic.
• Love is kind. Affection is tender.
• Love is not rude. Affection thoughtfully apologizes for its words.
• Love is not self-seeking. Affection rubs the back of a discouraged spouse.
• Love does not delight in evil. Affection carefully and privately uncovers sin and helps the person back onto his feet.
• Love never fails. Affection under-girds and confirms your unfailing love for your spouse.
The above article comes from the book, Starved for Affection by Dr Randy Carlson, published by Tyndale House Publishers. In this book you’ll find practical help and encouragement to strengthen your connection with your mate in all aspects of your relationship. And in doing so you’ll find the table spread with a banquet of blessings that God as prepared just for you.
09 August 2010
Beautiful Somerset West
A town encircled by exquisite mountains and hills covered in vineyards, with views of the nearby ocean and sandy beaches. It is a veritable paradise for all who appreciate scenic beauty, wine and fruit, decadent cuisine, hospitality, good taste and sense of history.Beginnings
Somerset West was named after the British Governor, Lord Charles Somerset, in 1819. In 1817, four farmers who owned different parts of Vergelegen (meaning roughly “remote”) in Somerset West, asked the governor’s permission to build a church around which a village would be established. Permission was granted and the Somerset village was born. It later became Somerset West (1850), to prevent confusion with another town South African town Somerset East.
Atmosphere
Somerset West has expanded greatly over the past decade, yet its splendour remains intact. The town is more industrious than ever and has become the commercial and residential capital of the Helderberg Basin.
Quaint buildings in side streets are delightful features of our historic town filled with delightful boutiques offering wine, flowers, chocolates, books, fabrics, jewellery, antiques - anything you find essential and everything you require for afternoon’s diversion. There are historic buildings and monuments (the first church built is still in use and so does its now “pastorie” or parsonage, now Die Ou Pastorie guest house).
Climate
Somerset West enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate. Winter can be unpredictable since its rainy periods are often interjected with many sunny days. Somerset West summers are dry and hot tempered by soothing sea breezes. Spring and Autumn are idyllic, with mild days and warm evenings.
Lifestyle
Somerset West offers excellent educational institutions from pre-school to tertiary level. As a holiday destination it is superb: close to all the famous attractions that make the Cape one of the top 3 holiday destinations in the World. Somerset West caters for sport lovers with golf courses, sport clubs (soccer, croquet, bowls, squash, tennis, cricket, hockey, pistol shooting, golf driving range) as well as establishments offering horse rides, cycling, running, mountain biking, hiking. Then there is ballroom dancing, modern dancing, ballet, yoga, pilates, martial arts, painting, drawing and even acting. Or perhaps a quiet walk in Helderberg nature Reserve is exactly what you need? The list of activities grow daily!
Whether you have lived in Somerset West for years, have just moved here, live in a neighbouring town, are visiting or just passing by: take time to explore this beautiful and wonderful town!
Best Lemon Meringue Pie
It is absolutely divine!CRUST
1 x 200 g pkt tennis biscuits
¼ cup (60 ml) real butter, melted
FILLING
2 x 397 g tins of full cream sweetened condensed milk
½ cup (125 ml) boiling water
1 T (15 ml) grated lemon rind
½ cup (125 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
4 egg yolks
pinch of salt
2 t (10 ml) corn-flour
MERINGUE LAYER
4 egg whites
2 t (10 ml) lemon juice
¼ cup (60 ml) castor sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) icing sugar
Preheat the oven to 170ºC. Use a non-stick spray (this is one of the very few times that I use it) to spray the inside of a 22cm pie dish. Crush the biscuits or whiz them in a food processor until broken. Add the melted butter and blend very briefly until just mixed through.
Scrape the mixture into the prepared dish and spread out. Work the crumbs up the sides of the dish and flatten with the back of a tablespoon. Put in the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm while you prepare the filling.
Beat the condensed milk (use the boiling water to get every bit out of the tins), lemon rind, lemon juice, egg yolks and salt together until thoroughly mixed.
Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling gently over the back of a spoon so as not to disturb the crumbs of the pie crust.
Bake the pie (without the meringue for 20 minutes). To make the meringue beat the egg whites in a spotless glass or stainless steel bowl until just beginning to foam. Add the lemon juice and beat until the mixture forms stiff peaks. Add the castor sugar, a spoonful at a time, while beating hard. Sift the icing sugar over in 3 batches and also beat it in hard.
The meringue mixture must now be stiff and shiny and be able to hold its shape. Remove the pie from the oven - sift the 2 t of corn-flour over the filling (this acts as glue to hold the filling and the meringue together). Spoon the meringue over the hot filling in great big blobs - working right up and over the edge of the crust. Fluff the meringue up with a spatula and return the pie to the oven. Bake for another 25 minutes. Open the oven door 1cm, switch off the oven and leave the pie in the oven to cool down.
When the pie is cool transfer it to the fridge to store - this will prevent 'tears' forming on the meringue - the air in the fridge is much drier than the regular atmosphere outside.
Makes 1 x 24cm pie Serves 12
08 August 2010
Women are enigma of beauty — beauty that is not restricted to her skin, but lies deep into her mind. Every year Women’s Day is celebrated to respect impeccable beauty, devotion and immense power of women. Be a mother or a sister or a wife — woman is the root of a family.Happy Women’s Day! Wishing you a day as beautiful as you are!
Las mujeres son el enigma de la belleza — belleza que no es restringida a su piel, pero está profundamente en su mente. Cada año el Día Femenino es celebrado para respetar la belleza impecable, el lealtad y el poder inmenso de mujeres. Esté una madre o una hermana o una esposa — la mujer es la raíz de una familia.
¡Día Femenino Feliz! ¡El deseo de usted un día tan hermoso como usted es!
06 August 2010
Pregnancy
Congratulations on being pregnant and having a baby!Now it's time to start planning, since having a baby can be a fun, yet stressful time. Being pregnant can be one of the best times of your life, so make sure you're prepared!
Pregnancy and Having a Baby
When a woman is having a baby, conception is just the start of something amazing and wonderful. Being pregnant will affect you and your body for 9 months, so it is important to understand the importance of taking care of your pregnant body while having a baby.
Pregnancy and Your Pregnant Body
While having a baby, your pregnant body will undergo many incredible changes, over the course of the 9 months of your pregnancy. Having a baby does not mean you have to give you up your life and daily activities. With a little help and guidance with having a baby, you can maintain your everyday tasks, and ensure the protection of your little one while being pregnant. After all, having a baby should be something you enjoy!
Prenatal Care While Having a Baby
Being pregnant and having a baby is a time where you will be closely monitored by your healthcare provider. Your baby is important, so you will be having schedule prenatal visits to ensure that your pregnancy is going as it should. Prenatal care is vital to having a baby, and the information and reassurance you will receive during these visits will make you comfortable while being pregnant. Having your baby will be the end result of 9 months of hard work!
Being Pregnant and Healthy Eating for 9 Months
It is important when having a baby that you eat a well balanced and varied diet while being pregnant. This will give you the energy and nutrients essential during your pregnancy when having a baby. Having a well balanced diet will give your baby a firm foundation for his health and well-being in the future. You will want to make sure that being pregnant doesn't affect your lifestyle, yet having a baby means some changes that may require planning.
Keeping Fit When Having a Baby
For 9 months, your pregnancy will make demands on your pregnant body that you are not used to. Exercising and staying fit during your pregnancy will make having a baby much easier. Relaxation techniques will allow you to prepare for the 9 months of being pregnant and for labour and beyond. When having a baby, these techniques will allow a smoother and easier childbirth experience.
Looking Great While Being Pregnant
Your pregnancy is a great excuse to spoil yourself and lavish yourself with attention. It is important for your partner to understand the demands that being pregnant puts on your body when having a baby. Once your baby arrives, having the time to put yourself first is tough. Take care of yourself, from maternity clothes to paying special attention to your hair, skin, breasts and feet. Having a baby doesn't mean you need to stop all of that!
Your Emotions and Having a Baby
You may find yourself having mixed emotions while being pregnant - pregnancy causes changes in your body, outside as well as inside. The emotions that take place when having a baby are completely natural. The overwhelming feeling of having a baby and being a parent will be felt throughout the 9 months of your pregnancy. Ask any person going through this, and they will tell you that they experience the same things when having a baby.
A Dad's Reaction to Being Pregnant and Having a Baby
Although a father does not physically experience the same joys and pains of pregnancy and having a baby, he may relate emotionally to some things the mother feels. When being pregnant, a mother needs emotional, physical and financial support, and this can be very helpful to her during the process of having a baby. Remember, a happy mom, is a happy baby.
Childbirth Choices While Having a Baby
Attending childbirth classes and having a birth plan is very important while being pregnant and having a baby. Consideration of where to have a baby, and who will delivery your baby is just as important as taking care of other aspects of being pregnant during the 9 months of your pregnancy. Will you have pain relief when having a baby? You will need to figure out a birth plan, to ensure the safety and best possible birth when having your baby.
Preparation for Labour and Having Your Baby
As you experience the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and being pregnant, you will be overwhelmed with the excitement of having your baby. You will want to prepare your baby's nursery, your home and yourselves for the changes that will take place once your baby is born. Being pregnant means your life will be different, and you will want to make sure that they day you will be having your baby will be as easy as possible. The last few weeks of your pregnancy is a crucial time for planning and organization, but having a baby is worth it.
The End of Being Pregnant - Having a Baby!
As your pregnancy draws near, labour is approaching and soon you will be having your baby. Being pregnant has been a tiring time of your life, and you are now in labour and heading to the hospital. You will soon be having the chance to meet your precious baby and a whole new world will begin for you and your family. At last you have gone through the agonizing hours of labour and delivery, and now the hard work and preparations of being pregnant and having a baby have paid off! You are now holding your baby, and your partner and you have made it through your pregnancy.
Time will go quickly, so enjoy each and every day with your baby!
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