Wednesday, October 12, 2011

10 Anti-Aging Food


This fruit, which is usually eaten as a vegetable, is a good source of healthy monounsaturated fat that may help to reduce level of a bad type of cholesterol in body. Avocado is a good source of vitamin E and can help to maintain healthy skin and prevent skin aging (vitamin E may also help alleviate menopausal hot flushes). It is rich in potassium which helps prevent fluid retention and high blood pressure.

Berries

All black and blue berries such as blackberries, blueberries, blackcurrants and black grapes contain phytochemicals known as flavonoids-powerful antioxidants which help to protect the body against damage caused by free radicals and aging.


Cruciferous vegetables

The family of Cruciferous vegetables includes cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, brussels sprouts, radish and watercress. Cruciferous vegetables assist the body in its fight against toxins and cancer. You should try to consume at least 115g/40z(of any one or a combination) of these vegetables on a daily basis. If possible, eat them row or very lightly cooked so that the important enzymes remain intact.

 
Garlic

Eating a clove of garlic a day (row or cooked) helps to protect the body against cancer and heart disease. The cardioprotective effects of garlic are well recorded. One 1994 study in Iowa, USA, of 41,837 women between the age of 55 and 69 suggested that women who ate a clove of garlic at least once a week were 50 percent less likely to develop colon cancer. Another study at Tasgore Medical college in India suggested that garlic reduced cholesterol levels and assisted blood thinning more effectively than aspirin, thus helping to reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

Ginger

This spicy root can boost the digestive and circulatory systems, which can be useful for older people. Ginger may also help to alleviate rheumatic aches and pains.


Nuts

Most varieties of nuts are good sources of minerals, particularly walnuts and brazi nuts. Walnuts, although high in calories, are rich in potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper and selenium. Adding nuts to your diet (sprinkle them on salads and desserts) can enhance the functioning of your digestive and immune systems, improve your skin help control prevent cancer. Nuts may also help control cholesterol levels. Never eat rancid nuts, however, as they have been linked to a high incidence of free radicals. 


Soya:

Menopausal women might find that soya helps to maintain oestrogen levels. Soya may alleviate menopausal hot flush and protect against Alzheimer's disease, osteoporosis and heart disease. Look out for fermented soya products, which are more easily digested, therefore more nutritional, and do not generally cause food intolerances. You may want to check that soya products have not been genetically modified. Soya should not be confused with soya sauce, which is full of salt and should be used sparingly, if at all.


Whole meal pasta and rice

Complex carbohydrates provide a consistent supply of energy throughout the day and should make up the bulk of your diet. Wholemeal pasta is an excellent complex carbohydrate. It is high in fibre and contains twice the amount of iron as normal pasta. Brown rice is another recommended complex carbohydrate, which is high in fibre and B vitamins.

 

Watermelon

Both the flesh and seeds of the watermelon are nutritious so try blending them together in a food processor and drinking as a juice. The flesh contain vitamin A, B and C ; the seeds contain selenium, essential fats, zinc and vitamin E, all of which help against free radical damage and aging.


Water

Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order to remain healthy. Water helps us to get rid of the toxins and unwanted waste materials from your body.
Don't rely on thirst; this sensation diminishes with age. Drink often and choose from nutritious liquids, including 100% fruit and vegetable juices, skim or low fat milk, broths, sparkling water, and teas. You can also get fluids from foods, especially those that are liquid at room temperature. Try gelatin, frozen yogurt, soups, watermelon, pickles, oranges, lettuce, tomatoes, etc.


- Source : WomanFitness
Avocado

How to be HAPPY?

You define your own happiness, no one else.  If you choose to be happy today, then you will. 

There are a lot of things that can help you on how to be a happier person today, so let's look at some of the things that you can do to make you happy...

1. Practice mindfulness. Be in the moment. Instead of worrying about tomorrow, focus on the here and now — the food, the company, the conversation.

2. Laugh out loud. Just anticipating a happy, funny event can raise levels of endorphins and other pleasure-inducing hormones and lower production of stress hormones. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine, tested 16 men who all agreed they thought a certain videotape was funny. Half were told three days in advance they would watch it. They started experiencing biological changes right away. When they actually watched the video, their levels of stress hormones dropped significantly, while their endorphin levels rose 27 percent and their growth hormone levels (indicating benefit to the immune system) rose 87 percent.

3. Go to sleep. We have become a nation of sleep-deprived citizens. Taking a daily nap or getting into bed at 8 p.m. one night with a good book — and turning the light out an hour later — can do more for your mood and outlook on life than any number of bubble baths or massages.

4. Hum along. Music soothes our feelings. Studies find music activates parts of the brain that produce happiness — the same parts activated by food or sex. It’s also relaxing. In one study older adults who listened to their choice of music during outpatient eye surgery had significantly lower heart rates, blood pressure, and cardiac workload (that is, their heart didn’t have to work as hard) as those who had silent surgery.

5. Declutter. It’s nearly impossible to meditate, breathe deeply, or simply relax when every surface is covered with papers and bills and magazines, your cabinets bulge, and you haven’t balanced your checkbook in six months. Plus, the repetitive nature of certain cleaning tasks — such as sweeping, wiping, and scrubbing — can be meditative in and of itself if you focus on what you’re doing.

6. Just say no. Eliminate activities that aren’t necessary and that you don’t enjoy. If there are enough people already to handle the church bazaar and you’re feeling stressed by the thought of running the committee for yet another year, step down and let someone else handle things.

7. Make a list. There’s nothing like writing down your tasks to help you organize your thoughts and calm your anxiety. Checking off each item provides a great sense of fulfillment.

8. Do one thing at a time. Edward Suarez, Ph.D., associate professor of medical psychology at Duke, found that people who multitask are more likely to have high blood pressure. Take that finding to heart. Instead of talking on the phone while you fold laundry or clean the kitchen, sit down in a comfortable chair and turn your entire attention over to the conversation. Instead of checking e-mail as you work on other projects, turn off your e-mail function until you finish the report you’re writing. This is similar to the concept of mindfulness.

9. Garden. Not only will the fresh air and exercise provide their own stress reduction and feeling of well-being, but the sense of accomplishment that comes from clearing a weedy patch, watching seeds turn into flowers, or pruning out dead wood will last for hours, if not days.

10. Tune out the news. For one week go without reading the newspaper, watching the news, or scanning the headlines online. Instead, take a vacation from the misery we’re exposed to every day via the media and use that time for a walk, a meditation session, or to write in your journal.

Take your pet out for a walk. There are numerous studies that attest to the stress-relieving benefits of pets. In one analysis researchers evaluated the heart health of 240 couples, half of whom owned a pet. Those couples with pets had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure levels when exposed to stressors than the couples who did not have pets. In fact, the pets worked even better at buffering stress than the spouses did.

12. Scent the air. Research finds that the benefits of aromatherapy in relieving stress are real. In one study people exposed to rosemary had lower anxiety levels, increased alertness, and performed math computations faster. Adults exposed to lavender showed an increase in the type of brain waves that suggest increased relaxation. Today you have a variety of room-scenting methods, from plug-in air fresheners to essential oil diffusers, potpourri, and scented candles.

13. Ignore the stock market. Simply getting your quarterly 401(k) statement can be enough to send your blood pressure skyrocketing. In fact, Chinese researchers found a direct link between the daily performance of the stock market and the mental health of those who closely followed it. Astute investors know that time heals most financial wounds, so give your investments time — and give yourself a break.

14. Visit a quiet place. Libraries, museums, gardens, and places of worship provide islands of peace and calm in today’s frantic world. Find a quiet place near your house and make it your secret getaway.

15. Volunteer. Helping others enables you to put your own problems into perspective and also provides social interaction. While happy people are more likely to help others, helping others increases your happiness. One study found that volunteer work enhanced all six aspects of well-being: happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, sense of control over life, physical health, and depression.

16. Spend time alone. Although relationships are one of the best antidotes to stress, sometimes you need time alone to recharge and reflect. Take yourself out to lunch or to a movie, or simply spend an afternoon reading, browsing in a bookstore, or antiquing.

17. Walk mindfully. You probably already know that exercise is better than tranquilizers for relieving anxiety and stress. But what you do with your mind while you’re walking can make your walk even more beneficial. In a study called the Ruth Stricker Mind/Body Study, researchers divided 135 people into five groups of walkers for 16 weeks. Group one walked briskly, group two at a slow pace, and group three at a slow pace while practicing “mindfulness,” a mental technique to bring about the relaxation response, a physiological response in which the heart rate slows and blood pressure drops. This group was asked to pay attention to their footsteps, counting one, two, one, two, and to visualize the numbers in their mind. Group four practiced a form of tai chi, and group five served as the control, changing nothing about their lives. The group practicing mindfulness showed significant declines in anxiety and had fewer negative and more positive feelings about themselves. Overall they experienced the same stress-reducing effects of the brisk walkers. Better yet, the effects were evident immediately.

18. Give priority to close relationships. One study of more than 1,300 men and women of various ages found that those who had a lot of supportive friends were much more likely to have healthier blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar metabolism, and stress hormone levels than those with two or fewer close friends. Women, and to a lesser extent men, also seemed to benefit from good relationships with their parents and spouses. Studies also find that people who feel lonely, depressed, and isolated are three to five times more likely to get sick and die prematurely than those who have feelings of love, connection, and community.

19. Take care of the soul. In study after study, actively religious people are happier and cope better with crises, according to David Myers, Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. For many people faith provides a support community, a sense of life’s meaning, feelings of ultimate acceptance, a reason to focus beyond yourself, and a timeless perspective on life’s woes. Even if you’re not religious, a strong spirituality may offer similar benefits.

20. Count your blessings. People who pause each day to reflect on some positive aspect of their lives (their health, friends, family, freedom, education, etc.) experience a heightened sense of well-being.

- Source : RD

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

If you feel like you're drowing, go swimming

This is what you do.

If you feel low, you stand tall.

You mess up, you move on.

You want to try something, try it, and if it was a stupid thing to try, you look it in the eye.
There's no turning back.

You apologize if you're sorry, but know that the nimblest, strongest hands can't rebuild a bridge out of embers, so cut new wood. Start from scratch.

You love with your whole heart. If you're jealous, talk yourself from the ledge. If you can't talk yourself down from the ledge, have a good time up there, looking down on the world.

If you have to lie to make everything true again, lie like you mean it.

If you find yourself in a cage, reach out through the bars for the key, unlock the door, and run away. If running away gets dangerous, run home.

If home doesn't mean what it used to mean, decide what home will be in the future.

If your best friend says she doesn't trust you, hold her jaw in your hand until it hurts, and make her face you.

That's all it takes.

If you think you love a guy, see how his hand looks in yours, that's all it takes.

If you get exiled into a new land, then go discover it.

And if you feel like you're drowning, go swimming.

~  Excerpt from : Hobson Brown ~

Tuesday, April 05, 2011

10 Fashion Trends with Staying Power

by Ingela Ratledge, RealSimple.com

Experts predict which fashion fads have come and gone―and which will come back again.
Leather Bomber Jacket
Photo : Chris Bartlett

Leather Bomber Jacket

Why it keeps coming back: Strictly for the cockpit set when it debuted during World War II, the bomber jacket, which saw plenty of action on terra firma after it caught on with 80s-era trendsetters, like Madonna, is "chic and a little tough at the same time," explains Valerie Steele, director and chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, in New York City.
Keep it if: The cut flatters you and the style sticks as close to the original as possible, as any major variations tend to look passé. Take stock of the cuffs, too: "Leather cuffs are more classic than the ones with the knit ribbing," says Kathryn Finney, author of How to Be a Budget Fashionista (Starting at $9, Yahoo! Shopping).
Toss it if: It's exaggerated in any way. "No tight sleeves, loose bodies, or belts," cautions Robert Verdi, a fashion stylist based in New York City. "And if it's red with an embroidered eight ball on the back, ditch it."
Baby-Doll Dress
Photo: Chris Bartlet

Baby-Doll Dress

Why it keeps coming back: Ubiquitous in the 60s, the 80s, and even just recently, the Empire-waisted wonder “always returns because it’s very forgiving,” says Rebecca Taylor, a fashion designer in New York City. “People from thin to not-so-thin can wear these dresses, so no one wants to part with them,” says Nicole Miller, a fashion designer in New York City.
Keep it if: It is made from a long-wearing fabric, like silk or wool, and has a trapeze or A-line shape―“but no more voluminous than that,” says Finney. The most recent iteration was positively billowing, bordering on maternity gear, and it probably won’t be trendy again. Instead, store the subtler shapes that gradually flare away from the body.
Toss it if: The color (like an over-the-top hot pink), embellishments (ruffles and rosettes), or length (Shirley Temple–short) make it too youthful looking. “The age limit on looking good in this style is lower than you’d think,” says Steele. “If you’re not sure it’s right for you, then it probably isn’t.”
Platform Shoes and Boots
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Platform Shoes and Boots

Why they keep coming back: Platforms have made a footprint on almost every decade of the last century―arguably no more so than in the 70s, when they graced the feet of Stevie Nicks wannabes and hustled the night away under disco balls. “For a heel, they’re easy to walk in, and they have a slightly funky edge,” says Finney. Adds Trina Turk, a fashion designer in Los Angeles, “Hey, it’s a powerful feeling to be taller!”
Keep them if: The shoe is sophisticated (you don’t want to look like a mall-prowling teen) and at least somewhat practical. “A four-inch heel and a one-inch front platform is the max,” says Nicole Miller. Any higher will look a little RuPaul―and be tough to walk in.
Toss them if: “Anything about them is too extreme―like design, material, or thickness of heel,” says Carson Kressley, the host of Lifetime’s How to Look Good Naked. In that case, what goes around definitely won’t be coming around again.
Peasant Skirt
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Peasant Skirt

Why it keeps coming back: This floaty, feminine style has been a favorite of Summer of Love hippies, carpooling moms, and everyone in between. Who doesn’t groove on an elastic waistband?
Keep it if: “It’s unique looking, interesting, or hard to find―anything very ethnic, printed, or embellished, for example,” says Verdi. Adds Rebecca Taylor, “Eyelet peasant skirts always look fresh.”
Toss it if: “It’s a bright color or neon,” says Kressley. Most likely, those skirts won’t come back; and if they do, you should be able to pick up a new one at low cost. Also, anything that’s overly costumey―making you look like an extra in Pirates of the Caribbean―has got to go.
Antique Teaspoons
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Tie-Neck Blouse

Why it keeps coming back: “It’s a way to communicate sexy femininity without being revealing,” says Trina Turk. Which is why power dressers from the hard-charging Gordon Gekko 80s to today have tied up deals in them.
Keep it if: “It’s well made by a big-name designer, because they tend to use better proportions. Or if it’s dramatic, with an extra-long tie, so it is a statement piece, not just that season’s fad,” says Verdi.
Toss it if: It’s a cheapo, mass-produced take on the look, in which case it’s bound to bear signs of its era (a too-boxy cut or a synthetic material that won’t age well). And, says Taylor, “get rid of anything that’s too reminiscent of Tootsie.”
Leggings and Skinny Jeans
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Leggings and Skinny Jeans

Why they keep coming back: Ultra-fitted bottoms―veterans of Debbie Harry’s style era and Debbie Gibson’s, too―are a recurrent trend for a reason. “Skinny jeans can be dressed up or down,” says Charles Malka, the founder of the Charles David line of shoes and accessories, while “leggings are a great way to show off your legs without showing skin―and perfect for layering in the winter,” points out Taylor.
Keep them if: You’ve invested in high-quality leggings, “because they’re charging more for them each time around!” says Valerie Steele. Any pairs in dark colors and free of lacy trim are worth stashing; they can stand in for tights during times when leggings are not au courant. As for skinny jeans, keep yours if they’re figure-flattering and made from “a pure, classic denim,” says Verdi.
Toss them if: Era-specific details―such as a distinctive wash, zippers at the ankles, or prominent embroidery―decorate the denim. “And get rid of any leggings in bright, all-the-rage colors or patterns―they’re not going to work again,” advises Kathryn Finney.
Ankle Boots
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Ankle Boots

Why they keep coming back: Said to have been inspired by the footwear of 19th-century soldiers, ankle boots are “easy for women of all calf sizes to wear―and you can get the look and the height of a boot without having to go full-length under trousers,” says Robert Verdi.
Keep them if: They’re “made from fine leather in classic colors, like black, brown, and dark blue,” says Finney, and any necessary rehabbing can be done easily at a shoe-repair shop.
Toss them if: They have an obvious faux finish, like lizard, which can make the boots seem cheap, or if “the toes are too pointy, which makes your feet look a bit funny,” says Charles Malka. And retire boots with studs, fold-over flaps, or other touches that scream of-the-moment fashion.
Menu Ideas
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Patent Leather

Why it keeps coming back: Since its invention in the early 1800s, the high-gloss finish has been hot (think Jazz Age Mary Janes and swingin’-60s go-go boots), not, and then hot again―repeatedly. “Patent leather gives your outfit an instant wow factor, but it’s still an approachable and wearable trend,” says Verdi.
Keep it if: It’s an accessory in a timeless style, such as a clutch or a simple handbag, skinny belt, or pumps, “especially in a basic color that will always resurface, like black, nude, red, or Bordeaux,” says Malka. Also a keeper: a patent trench coat with a classic cut.
Toss it if: It’s used in conjunction with another fad, like “a shiny shrunken jacket with shoulder pads,” says Kressley. “Joan Collins gave hers away, and you should, too.” The odds that two trends are going to be popular again at the same time are slim to none.
Wedges
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Wedges

Why they keep coming back: Generations of high-stepping women have loved these shoes since Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo crafted the first pair from wine-bottle corks in the 1930s. “Wedges give women the psychological feeling of great height―but with much more comfort than typical heels,” explains Verdi.
Keep them if: They’re in pristine condition. Wedges are often made from materials―like cork, natural sisal, or Lucite―that are vulnerable to wear and tear. “This trend comes back in almost exactly the same way, so hang on to the ones that have that vintage look,” says Kressley.
Toss them if: “They don’t have an open toe; closed-toe wedges tend to be uncomfortable, and you’re never going to want to wear them again,” warns Nicole Miller. Says Charles Malka, “Chuck the winter ones, too. This is a style mostly worn in the summer.”
Animal Prints
Photo: Chris Bartlett

Animal Prints

Why they keep coming back: "Animal prints play off the idea of women being vixenish, wild, and fierce," says Steele. So it's no surprise that fashionistas have been spotted in the prints since the cave-dwelling days―though the trend is most strongly identified with the 50s and 60s, when it was favored by sultry pinup girls, like Bettie Paige and Ann-Margret.
Keep them if: The pattern is in the "large cat" family (cheetah and leopard prints) or black-and-white zebra zigzags, which have the most staying power. Accessories like handbags, belts, and ballet flats hold up well, as do blouses and basic sweaters, like cardigans and V-necks. And stow coats and dresses with enduring silhouettes, such as wrap dresses and A-line designs.
Toss them if: "The print is really bold―giraffe or spotted pony―or in unnatural colors, like lime green or pink," says Kressley. Also ditch larger-than-life patterns that aren't true to scale.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

About Charisma Adam

First of all, thanks for the invite. I shall try to contribute entries in here about my likes and dislikes, my thoughts, my hope and dreams, etc...

Who am i?

Yes, this was me at 1 year old... Who would have thought that years have passed and alhamdullillah, I turn out OK... May GOD give me strength and good health... My future is uncertained. I guess this is true for almost everyone.... I am trying to understand myself... :) 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Happy Birthday, Angel NAH



Wishing Zura all the wonderful things life could possible give..... Good Health, Weath and Happiness always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, March Angel.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Happiness - EPL

"Happiness is the consequence of personal effort. You fight for it, strive for it, insist upon it, and sometimes even travel around the world looking for it. You have to participate relentlessly in the manifestations of your own blessings. And once you have achieved a state of happiness, you must never become lax about maintaining it. You must make a mighty effort to keep swimming upward into that happiness forever, to stay afloat on top of it."
Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Self-Respect & Loving Yourself

Self-respect and loving yourself and others ~ by Toni Morrison


"You think because he doesn't love you that you are worthless. You think that because he doesn't want you anymore that he is right -- that his judgement and opinion of you are correct. If he throws you out, then you are garbage. You think he belongs to you because you want to belong to him.

Don't. It's a bad word, 'belong.' Especially when you put it with somebody you love. Love shouldn't be like that. Did you ever see the way the clouds love a mountain? They circle all around it; sometimes you can't even see the mountain for the clouds.

But you know what? You go up top and what do you see? His head. The clouds never cover the head. His head pokes through, beacuse the clouds let him; they don't wrap him up. They let him keep his head up high, free, with nothing to hide him or bind him. You can't own a human being. You can't lose what you don't own.

Suppose you did own him. Could you really love somebody who was absolutely nobody without you? You really want somebody like that? Somebody who falls apart when you walk out the door? You don't, do you? And neither does he. You're turning over your whole life to him. Your whole life, girl. And if it means so little to you that you can just give it away, hand it to him, then why should it mean any more to him? He can't value you more than you value yourself."

Tuesday, March 08, 2011

Happy Birthday, Ina

Wishing her all the wonderful things life could possible give..... Good Health, Weath and Happiness always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, March Angel.

Thursday, March 03, 2011

Bundle of Joy - Kimi's Baby

Nur Adelia a.k.a Queen Pret.

Kimi, our Angel, just gave birth to a junior angel....... Congratulations, Kimi.
Now you have 4 little angels in your beautiful home.


Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Happy Birthday, Leilanie

It's Leilanie's birthday.....

wishing her all the wonderful things life could possible give..... Good Health, Weath and Happiness always.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, March Angel.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

A woman should have.............

"A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind.... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age.... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who
lets her cry... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored... 

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a feeling of control over her destiny... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself.. 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW... 

HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER, 
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP... 
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents.. 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't
take it personally... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing... 

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year..."