Life is Beautiful

10 Anti-Aging Food

2011-10-12T13:23:00.000+08:00

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?

2011-10-12T13:00:00.002+08:00

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

If you feel like you're drowing, go swimming

2011-05-17T21:09:00.002+08:00

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 ~

10 Fashion Trends with Staying Power

2011-04-05T12:52:00.000+08:00

by Ingela Ratledge, RealSimple.com

Experts predict which fashion fads have come and gone―and which will come back again.

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."

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

About Charisma Adam

2011-03-29T01:35:00.004+08:00

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

What does my birth sign tell me about me? Read on...

/************************** SUN SIGN ******************/

Element: Fire

Mode: Cardinal

Ruler: Mars

Color: Red

Famous Arians:
Marlon Brando, Charlie Chaplin, Francis Ford Coppola, Bette Davis, Betty Ford, Aretha Franklin, Vincent Van Gogh, Al Gore, Hugh Hefner, Jayne Mansfield, Sarah Jessica Parker, Paloma Picasso, Diana Ross, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Tennessee Williams.

Strengths:
Ambitious, charismatic, cheerful, determined, dynamic, energetic, enthusiastic, honest, instinctive, outgoing, passionate, self-confident, strong-willed.

Weaknesses:
Aggressive, competitive, hot-tempered, ignorant, impatient, impulsive, stubborn, uncompromising, unorganized, unsettled, violent.

Aries is the first sign of the zodiac and is associated with spring: the symbol of rebirth and all beginnings. It characterizes the fighter, the pioneer, and the courageous one who never gives up.

Mars, the planet of action, is the ruler of your sign, and provides you with an extra portion of activity, assertiveness, and willpower. This makes you the fighter and the pioneer of the zodiac, who faces challenges with courage and bravery. If you do something, miss karisma, you do it with passion and determination! If something bores you, you quickly move on to more interesting things.

As the first of the three fire signs, you are an ambitious and charismatic individual, cheerful, and enthusiastic in your undertakings. Others see you as outgoing and self-confident, and like to be around you.

Aries rules the first house, the section in the chart that describes the outward behavior of a person, the disposition, appearance, manners, and the sense of self.

You are a cardinal sign, which means that you don’t wait around until others take action. In other words, you initiate action immediately, forcefully, and directly.

/***************** RISING SIGN **********************/

Capricorn Rising provides you with discipline, systematic endeavor, and the ability to work hard. Your pragmatism, efficiency, and diligence in everything you do allow you to achieve your goals, and marks you as very responsible and reliable. However, your true forte lies in your admirable patience. Self-critical, you are unyielding and persistent when faced with hardship, and are not likely to give up, until you’ve completed your project!

You are a rather serious person, who seems to mask hard determination and self-will under your joyful and friendly facade. You priorities are to be successful in your career, to make a good living for yourself and your family, and to build a safe harbor where you can take a break from the problems of everyday life.

Since you don’t feel a strong need to confide in other people, others see you as fairly reserved, and not very talkative. Your austere and sometimes brooding attitude acts as a protective wall, to create privacy and your own sacred space. Even if others don’t see it right away, you have a very precious heart, and a good track record of being an extremely loyal and committed friend and lover.

/*************** NUMEROLOGY - LIFE PATH NUMBER ***********/

Your Life-Path number is probably the most influential numerological aspect to be considered, and represents who you are at the time of birth. It indicates specific traits and will likely be active and influential throughout your lifetime. It is the overall number that determines much of what will be important to you and how you will handle things as they come.

If your Life-Path number is EIGHT, the pursuit of money and status will be the most prominent for you. Those with a Life-Path number of EIGHT are often the most powerful, confident and materially successful people there are.

EIGHT personalities tend to be independent, competitive, practical and forceful when it’s necessary. Managing business, yourself and your environment will all come fairly easy. With an EIGHT Life-Path you are endowed with tremendous potential for conceiving far reaching ideas and further, with the tenacity to follow through on them. Key qualities/words for an EIGHT Life-Path are practical endeavors, status, power seeking, and high material goals.

/*********************** CHINESE ASTROLOGY *******************/

You enjoy life's pleasures, are a gourmet and connoisseur of good wine, curious about everything and an opportunist. Your fertile imagination pushes you to get out of your daily routine through the delightful things you think up to do, to the joy of your friends. But if your family and, above all, your little ones, are delighted by your unfailing love, your individualistic side comes out as soon as you leave home. Magnetic and charming, you are surrounded by a mysterious halo.

Your relationships are formed with people that can help you, at least in the beginning. But sometimes a sincere and solid friendship is formed. Faithful in love and friendship, your circle of close friends is small because you have chosen them carefully. You know how to use this close circle of friends to get what you want, if need be. Manipulation is an art that you know well, with no sense of guilt.

Naturally distrustful, you are secretive about your life and always attack first when you feel threatened. Your hypersensitivity makes you hate being laughed at or reproached and you can become aggressive over nothing. Be careful about being too cynical because it can sting. Your fault: You are overly critical.

/***********************************************************/

Aahaaah!!! Have you read them? I believe some are true and some are obviously NOT....

Keep the good stuff and remove the bad... That's what I believe..... We can't base our life on that....

That's all folks!

Happy Birthday, Angel NAH

2011-03-26T11:16:00.002+08:00

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, March Angel.

Happiness - EPL

2011-03-22T23:07:00.000+08:00

"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)

Self-Respect & Loving Yourself

2011-03-17T22:56:00.000+08:00

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."

Happy Birthday, Ina

2011-03-08T11:17:00.001+08:00

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

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, March Angel.

Bundle of Joy - Kimi's Baby

2011-03-03T11:44:00.000+08:00

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.

Happy Birthday, Leilanie

2011-03-01T11:17:00.001+08:00

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.

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

2011-01-25T05:51:00.000+08:00

"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..."

— Pamela Redmond Satran

Reason, Season, Lifetime ~ by Aleksandra Lachut

2010-11-28T09:00:00.001+08:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.

The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson,

Love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

................. whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Living a Healthy Happy Life

2010-10-12T22:03:00.004+08:00

HEALTH:

1. Drink plenty of water.

2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.

3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..

4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy

5. Make time to pray.

6. Play more games

7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .

8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day

9. Sleep for 7 hours.

10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

PERSONALITY:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.

14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.

16. Dream more while you are awake

17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..

18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.

19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.

20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Challenges are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

23. Smile and laugh more.

24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

SOCIETY:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything..

28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Do the best to make at least three people smile each day.

30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

LIFE:

32. Do the right thing!

33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.

34. GOD heals everything.

35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..

36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

37. The best is yet to come..

38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.

39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

10 Tips for Decorating on a Budget

2007-12-10T18:12:00.000+08:00

Most people are looking for great ways to save money on home décor, but still keep the designer look they are seeking. There are many ways to accomplish this. Below are some fantastic ways to decorate on a budget.

Re-use existing items -- This is one of the best ways to save money! In fact, you won’t spend any money at all. Take an inventory of items in your home and try to look at them in a different light. Sometimes we get so used to seeing things in the same place, that we don’t even consider using them in a different way. Just try moving things around, and you may come up with something you love!
Paint, Paint, Paint! –- One of the best ways to completely change the look of a room, and for only a few dollars per room! Try new colors that you never thought of. Go to the paint store and pick out some samples. You can even buy a small container and test it out first. Budget decorating requires that you use paint to update and change the looks of things, whether it’s a whole room, a piece of furniture, or creating new artwork.
Make Artwork –- This can be done by salvaging old items, or creating new works of art from photographs, canvasses, or a collage of interesting items or shadowboxes. Artwork is an important part of any interior design.
Clean up your act –- Clear out all the clutter so that people can see the beautiful rooms you have created. Sometimes starting with a blank (or somewhat blank) canvas can give you a new perspective on your spaces.
Dress your windows –- You get a lot of “bang for your buck” with window treatments, because they take up so much vertical space in the room, and draw the eye upward. Try looking online at different types of window treatments and see which kind you would like. Some of the easiest ones to install or create include mini-blinds, wood blinds, plain flat valances, square cornices, and pinch-pleated drapes. However, the array of window treatments available is endless.
Try new shops –- Such as thrift shops, consignment stores, and auctions to find new and interesting items. You may come across a great conversation piece, or an antique that is worth much more than you pay for it!
Illuminate! –- Be sure that your new design has plenty of lighting. It would be a shame to spend time and effort creating a new room, and the details not get noticed. Lighting is also a great way to add accents and unique touches to your budget design.
Don’t buy everything you see –- Just because it’s cheap, it doesn’t mean you should buy it. If it doesn’t work for your room, you won’t like it when you get it home. You will just be stuck with an old piece of junk with nowhere to put it. Focus on buying things that you have planned for and budgeted for.
Have a Plan –- Know what furniture you need (and don’t need), what your color scheme is, and what your style is. This way, you won’t waste time and money by purchasing things that you don’t need, and don’t like. Budget decorating is all about know what is a good deal and what isn’t.
Have Fun –- Don’t get stressed out over your room! Sometimes it takes time, and trial and error to get it right. Just make sure to have fun and enjoy the process of making your rooms beautiful as well as enjoying the end result.

Find more great ideas for budget decorating at Designing On A Budget and Sullivan Interiors. Angela Sullivan is an Interior Designer and budget decorating enthusiast. This article may be reproduced as long as it is not changed, and remains intact, including all links and this statement.

Article Source: Ezine @rticles

Scrapbooking

2007-09-29T09:00:00.001+08:00

Hello ladies... I'm hooked on scrapbooking :)

Definition: Scrapbooking: The creative art of taking books with blank pages and adding photos, memorabilia, journaling, and embellishments. The primary purpose of scrapbooking is to preserve memories for future generations, but a secondary purpose often is to exercise your creativity as you display your memories in a scrapbook. Also Known As: cropping, scrapping, making scrapbooks

:)

Mummy in a hurry - Part 2

2007-09-19T14:36:00.001+08:00

Chicken Tikka Masala Pasta

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 4 people

Ingredients:
400gm minced chicken
½ packet of spaghetti ( I prefer San Remo’s – available at Cold Storage)
½ onion
1 potato
4 tablespoons Tikka Masala paste (I prefer Patak’s – available at Cold Storage)
3 tablespoons of olive oil
Light cooking cream (available at supermarkets)
Salt to taste

The method:
1. Boil the spaghetti until tender in a large pot. Add some salt and 1 tablespoon of cooking oil while boiling.
2. Rinse the cooked spaghetti under cold running water for 5 seconds.
3. Dice onion. Peel and dice the potato.
4. Heat olive oil on a medium sized pan on low fire.
5. Saute onion until yellowish.
6. Set the fire to medium and add in Tikka Masala paste.
7. Stir for a while.
8. Add in the minced chicken and diced potato and stir until they're coated with the paste.
9. Let the chicken cook in its juice for awhile before adding in 1 cup of plain water followed by light cooking cream.
10. Stir continuously while the sauce boils.
11. Add salt (if needed).
12. Turn the fire off once the sauce seems thick enough to your liking.
13. Serve the sauce with spaghetti.

20 Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

2007-09-15T20:15:00.000+08:00

Question #1: What percentage of our income are we prepared to spend to purchase and maintain our home on a monthly or annual basis?

Question #2: Who is responsible for keeping our house and yard cared for and organized? Are we different in our needs for cleanliness and organization?

Question #3: How much money do we earn together? Now? In one year? In five years? Ten? Who is responsible for which portion? Now? In one year? Five? Ten?

Question #4: What is our ultimate financial goal regarding annual income, and when do we anticipate achieving it? By what means, and through what efforts?

Question #5: What are our categories of expense (rent, clothing, insurance, travel)? How much do we spend monthly, annually, in each category? How much do we want to be able to spend?

Question #6: How much time will each of us spend at work, and during what hours? Do we begin work early? Will we prefer to work into the evening?

Question #7: If one of us doesn't want to work, under what circumstances, if any, would that be okay?

Question #8: How ambitious are you? Are we comfortable with the other's level of ambition?

Question #9: Am I comfortable giving and receiving love sexually? In sex, does my partner feel my love for him or her?

Question #10: Are we satisfied with the frequency of our lovemaking? How do we cope when our desire levels are unmatched? A little? A lot? For a night? A week? A month? A year? More?

Question #11: Do we eat meals together? Which ones? Who is responsible for the food shopping? Who prepares the meals? Who cleans up afterward?

Question #12: Is each of us happy with the other's approach to health? Does one have habits or tendencies that concern the other (e.g., smoking, excessive dieting, poor diet)?

Question #13: What place does the other's family play in our family life? How often do we visit or socialize together? If we have out-of-town relatives, will we ask them to visit us for extended periods? How often?

Question #14: If we have children, what kind of relationship do we hope our parents will have with their grandchildren? How much time will they spend together?

Question #15: Will we have children? If so, when? How many? How important is having children to each of us?

Question #16: How will having a child change the way we live now? Will we want to take time off from work, or work a reduced schedule? For how long? Will we need to rethink who is responsible for housekeeping?

Question #17: Are we satisfied with the quality and quantity of friends we currently have? Would we like to be more involved socially? Are we overwhelmed socially and need to cut back on such commitments?

Question #18: What are my partner's needs for cultivating or maintaining friendships outside our relationship? Is it easy for me to support those needs, or do they bother me in any way?

Question #19: Do we share a religion? Do we belong to a church, synagogue, mosque or temple? More than one? If not, would our relationship benefit from such an affiliation?

Question #20: Does one of us have an individual spiritual practice? Is the practice and the time devoted to it acceptable to the other? Does each partner understand and respect the other's choices?

source from oprah's marriage & dating.

Mummy in a hurry

2007-09-07T14:17:00.000+08:00

Recipe name: Chicken Capsicum
Creation date: 5th September 2007
Test date: 5th September 2007
Prep time : 20 minutes

Ingredients

350 gm chicken fillet (cut into smaller pieces)
1 green capsicum
1/2 onion
4 garlic
1 cm ginger
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of tumeric powder (fresh tumeric is preferred)
Cooking oil

Preparing it

1. Combine garlic and ginger in the 'lesung batu' and pound them wholeheartedly.
2. In a 'tumericproof' bowl, marinate chicken fillet with the garlic/ginger paste, salt and tumeric powder for about 10 minutes.
3. Slice capsicum and onion thinly.

4. Heat 4 tablespoons of cooking oil in your teflon layered wok with medium fire.
5. Fry the marinated chicken fillet to your liking (juicy, dry, semi-brownish etc). Your kitchen will be filled with the aroma and your salivating children will be waiting behind you with plates in their hands.

6. Throw in onion and capsicum into the wok. Stir gently to even out your wok's content.
7. Lower the fire and cover the wok. Cook for 3 more minutes or until capsicum becomes tender.
8. Ready to be served with steamed rice and 'sambal belacan'.

** Aren't you feeling hungry already?
As usual, didn't get the chance to snap some pics because before I knew it, chicken capsicum was already gone (into 4 tummies).

Hello

2007-09-04T00:02:00.001+08:00

It's been a while since the last post... I just wanna say hi to everyone... InsyaAllah will update soon :)

Happy Mother's Day

2007-05-11T15:24:00.001+08:00

To all beautiful loving mothers ....................
Your love and passion towards what you have around you

are as pure and beautiful as the Callas

May your day be filled with love and happiness, always.

The 11 Biggest Time Management Lies

2007-05-04T09:26:00.000+08:00

In the world of Time Management there are things said to us that we accept as truth and we act accordingly. The problem is sometimes they are not truths. They are lies and as we believe them, they waste our time.

Those who speak these lies to us are not bad people at all because you and I are among them. We all speak these untruths to one another from time to time. So let's not wish harm and doom to the liars. Let's avoid the time traps their lying may cause us.

Here are the eleven biggest lies to shield yourself from.

1. "This will just take a minute."

Has anyone grabbed you with that line? Does it ever "just take a minute"? Rarely. What typically "just takes a minute", generally consumes several minutes and more.

Next time, when someone asks for your time and assures you," This will just take a minute", tell them, "You're lying. You may not realize you're lying, but you are. I'll give you five minutes. You may begin now."

2. "I need this as soon as possible."

No you don't. That's a lie too. You need it by a certain date and time because you are going to do something with what I provide for you. And if you're not going to do anything with what I provide for you, why am I doing it for you in the first place?

Don't lie to me. Tell me when I have to get it to you. Be specific. You and I probably have two difference dates in mind when we think in terms of "as soon as possible".

3. "I want this now."

I doubt it. In this 24/7/365 world, everyone is under a sense of artificial pressure to get it done "now" or worse," yesterday".

Things are generally not that urgent. Don't get caught up in someone else's urgent trivialities.

Call the liar to task. "I'm not sure I can get that done now. What if I got it to you one week from today?" Use an outside deadline to give yourself ample time to prevent getting into crisis management.

Oh, and if they reject that alternative, try three better dates for you. Why? Because they may keep lying to you.

4. "It's not about the money."

When it's not about the money, it's about the money.

5. "This is the best (investment, business opportunity, book, movie, restaurant, boss, job, etc.) you'll ever find."

Not true. There's always something better. The best is yet to come.

6. "I can get this done in an hour."

It's a fib. Ever notice how it almost always takes twice as long to get something done as what you thought it would? That's because few of us have a very accurate internal clock to estimate the time required to complete most tasks.

7. "He's a' late' person."

Most people who are "late" have a consistency about their behavior. My friend Dwayne is 20 minutes late all the time. If we need to meet for lunch tomorrow, it will take him 24 hours and twenty minutes to get there.

Dwayne is not "late". He's "On-time; 20 minutes later".

8."No Cost." You don't get "nothing for nothing".

Everything has a cost. It may not cost you your money but more often it will be your time and more of it than what you are getting in return for "no cost".

9. "I'll prove you're wrong if it's the last thing I do."

And it may well be. No one wants to be proven wrong. Everyone likes to be caught doing things "right". Most, however, don't mind being shown how to do things better.

10. "By the time I show him how to do it I could just as quickly have done it myself."

If it's a one-time proposition this may be true. It doesn't make a lot of sense to spend an hour to show someone how to do a task that takes only 10 minutes.

But if it's a repetitive task, it's a lie. If that one hour investment will save you 10 minutes every day, then in about a week you have your investment back and now you have a dividend of 10 extra minutes a day. What if you do that six different times? You get an extra hour in your day and 365 hours over the next year.

11. "This is going to be really hard."

Not true. Going through whatever you have to go through is almost never as difficult as you imagined it to be.

Mr. Smith, my high school principal, taught me that 95% of what we fear coming at us will never hit us. It will ditch itself before it ever reaches us. And as to the remaining 5%, God has given us the tools to deal with it.

Written by Dr. Donald E. Wetmore

Dr. Donald E. Wetmore, a full-time Professional Speaker, is one of the foremost experts on Time Management and the author of "Beat the Clock" and "Organizing Your Life". He is a professional speaker and president of Productivity Institute Time Management Seminars, 60 Huntington St., P.O. Box 2126 Shelton, CT 06484 (800) 969-3773 (203) 929-9902 Email: ctsem@msn.com Web: http://www.balancetime.com

Article courtesy of www.businessknowhow.com

The Human Gifts

2007-03-16T13:51:00.000+08:00

When ever we have stimulus coming to us (it can be behaviours, an action, words people say to us, problem occurs etc), we have FREEDOM TO CHOOSE our responses. However, more often than not, we tend to choose the response that we will regret later. How can we overcome this?

I would like to share with all of you readers today, (compliments of Stephen R. Covey), what are our Four Human Gifts that if we hold on to it, we will always be the proactive people, who will choose the appropriate response first time, every time.

The four human gifts are:
1. Self Awareness
- examine our thinking & motives
2. Imagination
- ability to create in our minds beyond present reality
3. Conscience
- internal guiding system
- allow us to sense when acting with or against principles
4. Independet Will
- capacity to act freely based on our own self awareness
- free from other influences

I leave you to reflect on this gifts, and where@how@why have we lost them, because as a child before, we are a different human being - we are what we are. As an adult? Share your thoughts with us here at Pourtavie!

(the below are examples of how as a child before, we use our four gifts in creative ways...)

Kids Think Quick

TEACHER : Maria, go to the map and find North America
MARIA : Here it is!
TEACHER : Correct. Now class, who discovered America ?
CLASS : Maria!

TEACHER : Why are you late, Frank?
FRANK : Because of the sign.
TEACHER : What sign?
FRANK : The one that says, "School Ahead, Go Slow."

TEACHER : John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN : You told me to do it without using tables!

TEACHER : Glenn, how do you spell "crocodile?"
GLENN : K-R-O-K-O-D- A-I-L"
TEACHER : No, that's wrong
GLENN : Maybe it s wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!

TEACHER : Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD : H I J K L M N O!!
TEACHER : What are you talking about?
DONALD : Yesterday you said it's H to O!

TEACHER : Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we
didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE : Me!

TEACHER : Millie, give me a sentence starting with "I."
MILLIE : I is...
TEACHER : No, Millie..... Always say, "I am."
MILLIE : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."

TEACHER : Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?
TINO : Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same time."

TEACHER : George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry
tree, but also admitted doing it. Now, Louie, do you why his father didn't punish him?"
LOUIS : Because George still had the ax in his hand.

TEACHER : Clyde , your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same
as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, teacher, it's the same dog!;

TEACHER : Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking
when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD : A teacher.

Dining Etiquette For The Fast-food Generation

2007-03-06T21:23:00.000+08:00

By Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP
Bremer Communications

Everyone needs an etiquette book on his or her shelf, one of those five-pound encyclopedias of everything related to manners. I think it should be a mandatory gift to every graduate, right along with the PDA and new briefcase. I received one when I finished high school and I still have it on my bookshelf. It's a little dog-eared, but the advice within isn't showing its age (unlike its owner).

Why is this book so important? You'll be glad you have it when you're faced with an invitation to a formal event. It will teach you first how to properly respond to the invitation and then, how to eat that multi-course meal with dozens of utensils, plates and glasses. It can help you plan a wedding, teach you how to write a letter, even how to get along with your co-workers.

But in this fast-food era, many people have forgotten - or were never taught - the fundamentals of dining etiquette. Which way should I pass? Which fork is mine? What do I do with my napkin? What follows are the answers to the basic questions many people have about dining. (If you need advice on how to combine business with a meal, please read "The Business Lunch" posted in the "Image Insights" archives.)

The first thing to do after being seated at a table is to immediately place your napkin in your lap. Unfold it into either a large triangle or rectangle. Never use your napkin as a tissue, but have one close by if you think you'll need to wipe your nose during the meal. Ladies should blot their lipstick with a tissue before eating so that they don't soil the cloth napkin and glassware. Don't flip over your coffee cup or other glassware you won't be using. If a beverage is served during the meal that you don't want, simply hold your hand over the cup and say, "No thank you."

If you have to leave the table during the meal, say a soft "excuse me" to the people on either side of you, leave your napkin on your chair (not the table) and push the chair under the table as you leave.

As you look at your place setting, remember that solids are on the left and liquids are on the right. In other words, your bread plate is on the left side above your forks and your drinking glasses are on the right side above the knife and spoons. Use silverware from the outside in. The first fork you will need will probably be your salad fork, the one farthest on the left. The larger fork directly to its right is your dinner fork. On the far right side of your place setting will most likely be a soup spoon, and on its left, a teaspoon followed by the knife. If you see utensils placed horizontally across the top of your place setting, save those for dessert. Remember - once a utensil has been used for eating, it never again touches the tablecloth, only the china!

Your "real estate" at a table consists of, not only your place setting, but also the other items directly in front of you. It is your responsibility to take notice of those things and initiate their use. Roll baskets, butter, cream, salad dressings, sugar, salt and pepper - if they're within your reach, pick them up and start them around. Pass to the right and refrain from helping yourself first. Those items should make a complete pass around the table before you get your turn. If you just can't stand not having first choice of the rolls, turn to your neighbor on your right and say, "Would you mind if I help myself first?" They'll always say yes. Whenever you pass something with a handle, such as dressings, pass it with the handle facing the other person so that they can grasp it easily. And always pass the salt and pepper as a set, even if only one was requested.

It's important that you place the butter first on the bread plate before buttering your bread. Break up your bread or rolls into one- or two-bite morsels for buttering and eating. Whatever you take up to your mouth to eat should be eaten in one or two consecutive bites. Your tablemates don't want to see the part that didn't quite fit in your mouth placed back on your bread plate!

To eat soup properly, draw the spoon away from you and quietly sip the soup from the side of the spoon. Tilt the bowl away from you to get to the last drops. When you're finished, place the spoon on the plate beneath the soup bowl. If there is no plate, rest the spoon in the bowl. Follow these same guidelines for any dessert served in a bowl.

Salads should be prepared so that they consist of bite-size pieces. But if the salad contains leaves that are too big to eat, use your salad fork to cut them into smaller pieces. And if that doesn't work, use your dinner knife. But only use the knife when all other methods have failed. Why? Because you'll also need that knife for the main course, and after you've used it for the salad, there's no place to put it so that it doesn't also disappear with the salad plate.

When eating the main course, pace your speed of eating to that of your tablemates so that you don't make them feel uncomfortable. In the United States, we eat "American Style". Here's how to do it. Cut your food with the fork in your left hand and the knife in your right hand. Cut only one piece at a time. Then lay your knife down along the top edge of the plate and transfer the fork to your right hand. Bring the food up to your mouth with the tines on the fork facing upward. Don't stab your food or hold the silverware with your fists. And be careful not to gesture or point with your silverware, whether or not it has food on it.

If you must remove something from your mouth as you eat, take it out the way it went in. In other words, if it entered your mouth on a fork, remove it with your fork. If it was finger food, use your fingers to remove it. Hold your napkin in front of your mouth to mask the removal, then place the item on the side of your plate. Don't try to hide it under the plate, because as soon as the plates are cleared it will be left behind on the tablecloth! Don't hide any paper trash you've accumulated during the meal under your plate either. Just place it on the edge of your bread plate.

At the conclusion of the meal, imagine your dinner plate as a clock and place your utensils in the 4:20 position. It's considered rude to push your plates away, stack them up or hand them to the server. Place your loosely-folded napkin on the table just as you stand to leave, not before.

Maneuvering through a meal doesn't have to be scary. Like all elements of etiquette, it boils down to common sense combined with kindness. Knowing the guidelines for dining etiquette gives you confidence so that you can relax and enjoy the meal and company. And in this fast-food age, it can also make you unforgettable!

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com

2007-02-21T21:03:00.000+08:00

Energy Vampires

Some people bring unexpected lightness and comfort to your life. They crackle with energy, practically electrify you with their presence. And then there are those who leave you feeling stressed out. Or guilty. Or exhausted down to your very last molecule. I call them energy vampires, and obnoxious or meek, they come in all forms. The sob sister, for one, always considers herself the victim. The world is always against her, and she'll recount every horrible thing that has happened to her, wallowing in every perceived slight. The charmer is a constant talker or joke-teller who has to be the center of attention. The blamer, on the other hand, doles out endless servings of guilt. And then there's the drama queen, the co-worker who claims she almost died from a high fever or the neighbor who lives in extremes of emotion—life is unbelievably good or horrifically bad.

No matter which type of energy vampire you're dealing with, you're allowed to walk away. Many of us find this really hard to do. We're afraid of being thought of as impolite; we don't want to offend people. But there are plenty of ways to remove yourself from a killing conversation. When leaving isn't an option, you can still maintain your energy level by making a few minor adjustments.

Recognize the Signs
One of the first things to do is to recognize when you're being drained, and that begins with tuning in to your physical reactions. Is there a tightening in your chest when a certain person enters the conversation? Do you feel tired when you hang up the phone after speaking with someone? Does your head ache, or do you feel what I call "slimed" when another guest at a cocktail party starts talking to you?

Take a Deep Breath
The moment you feel zapped—or hemmed in, or stressed out—I recommend taking a breath. Breathing is a wonderful way to center yourself. Just follow the breath and tell yourself that you know what's happening and you can deal with it. It's important to remember our individual power. I know from working with patients that we can lose it easily. The minute somebody comes in who's bossy or blaming, we feel diminished and tense up. If we can focus on the breath, or on an image of a striking sunset or a view from a mountaintop, the tension will drift away.

Use Your Energy
You can also use some of your own subtle energy to counter the effects of an energy vampire. Visualize a protective white light around you: an energy shield. You can still hear the person who's yelling at you or blaming you or pushing herself into your sphere, but she won't cut into you so viscerally anymore. You've created a buffer zone, where her negative influences can dissipate.

Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is another way of protecting yourself; you draw a line saying, for instance, "This is what I can do for you, and this is what I can't." You don't have to convince the vampire of the rightness of your stance. Getting defensive simply adds to the negative charge of the encounter. You want to remain neutral. When someone starts pushing your buttons, and you start sizzling inside, you've got to make the decision not to react.

Step Back
I also suggest you step back and think about what type of people aggravate you, because I believe that one law of energy is that we attract what we haven't yet worked out in ourselves. If I'm a very angry person, I'll find myself surrounded by angry people. By paying attention to the people who seem so draining, you might discover something you need to address. It has been my experience that once you've worked through a particular issue, you're no longer worn out by that kind of energy vampire. And the vampires, robbed of a source, move on to more easily drainable audiences.

by Judith Orloff, M.D.

xin nian kuai le

2007-02-18T00:32:00.000+08:00

"happy new year to you"

on behalf of all the angels, may i wish you all the best of happiness and health.

kuE's note: more pics of the above can be viewed here ;)

Let's Celebrate Love!

2007-02-14T15:48:00.000+08:00

I owe this to La Pour Ta Vie Community….

Since I have been very quiet these past few weeks, I feel that I have to share this with all of you in conjunction with the Day of Love……

(I got this from a friend)

The Meaning of Flowers..

BABY'S BREATH: Innocence.

BLUEBELL: Humility, constancy.

BUTTERCUP: Childishness.

CALLA LILY: Magnificent beauty. Associated with the sixth wedding anniversary.

CARNATION: Fascination, distinction, divine love, woman, yes. Also the birthflower for January.

CARNATION, PINK: A woman's love, I'll never forget you, mother's love.

CARNATION, PURPLE: Capriciousness.

CARNATION, RED: Alas for my poor heart, admiration, my heart aches for you, fascination.

CARNATION, STRIPED: Refusal, No, sorry I can't be with you.

CARNATION, WHITE: Innocence, faithfulness, sweet and lovely, pure love, ardent love, good luck. These lovely flowers have lasting qualities, and are often handed out on Mother's Day to symbolize the purity and strength of motherhood. They were handed out at the first Mother's Day service in 1908.

CARNATION, YELLOW: Disdain, rejection, you have disappointed me.

CHRYSANTHEMUM: Cheerfulness, optimism, rest, truth. Considered to be a noble flower in Asian culture, mums are used as an object of meditation per a suggestion by Confucius. Also the birthflower for November.

CHRYSANTHEMUM, RED: I love.

CHRYSANTHEMUM, WHITE: Truth, loyal love.

CHRYSANTHEMUM, YELLOW: Slighted love.

DAFFODIL: Regard, rebirth, new beginnings, unrequited love, you're the only one, chivalry. Associated with the tenth wedding anniversary. Also the birthflower for March.

DAFFODIL, SINGLE: Misfortune.

DAFFODIL, SEVERAL: Joy, happiness.

DAHLIA: Instability. Associated with the fourteenth wedding anniversary.

DAISY: Innocence, loyal love, I'll never tell, purity. Associated with the fifth wedding anniversary.

DAY LILY: Coquetry, Chinese emblem for mother. Associated with the twentieth wedding anniversary.

FORGET-ME-NOT: True love, hope, remembrance, memories.

HIBISCUS: Delicate beauty.

JASMINE, WHITE or INDIAN: Amiability , I attach myself to you, sensuality, attachment.

JASMINE, SPANISH: Sensuality.

JASMINE, YELLOW: Grace, elegance.

LAVENDER: Devotion.

LILAC: Youthful, humility, confidence.

LILY: Majesty, wealth, pride, innocence, purity.

LILY, WHITE: Purity, modesty, virginity, majesty, it's heavenly to be with you. The white lily is linked to Juno, the queen of the gods in Roman mythology, by the story that while nursing her son Hercules, some excess milk fell from the sky creating the group of stars we call the Milky Way, and lilies were created from what milk fell to the earth. The Easter lily is also known as the symbol of the Virgin Mary.

LILY, ORANGE: flame, I burn for you.

LILY, YELLOW: I'm walking on air, false, gay.

LILY OF THE VALLEY: Return of happiness, purity of heart, sweetness, tears of the Virgin Mary, you've made my life complete, humility, happiness. The legend of the lily of the valley is that it sprang from Eve's tears when she was kicked out of the Garden of Eden. It is also believed that this flower protects gardens from evil spirits. Also known as the flower of May.

MAGNOLIA: Dignity, love of nature, nobility.

MARIGOLD: Affection, cruelty, grief, jealousy. The marigold was called Mary's Gold by early Christians who placed garlands of marigolds by statues of the Virgin Mary.

MARIGOLD, POT: Grief, despair.

MORNING GLORY: Loves you. Associated with 11th wedding anniversary.

ORCHID: Rare beauty, love, refinement, beautiful lady, Chinese symbol for many children, mature charm, beauty, long life. Associated with twenty-eighth wedding anniversary.

PANSIES: Receipient is being thought about. The flower's name comes from the French word pensée which means thought or remembrance. Associated with the first wedding anniversary.

ROSE: Love, passion, perfection. The rose was named for the Latin word rosa which means red. It has been a symbol of love since ancient times. Associated with the fifthteenth wedding anniversary. It is also known as the birthflower of June.

ROSE, BURGUNDY: Beauty within.

ROSE, CORAL: Desire.

ROSE, DARK CRIMSON: Mourning.

ROSE, HIBISCUS: Delicate beauty.

ROSE, LAVENDER: Love at first sight, enchantment.

ROSE, LEAF: You may hope.

ROSE, MOSS: Confessions of love.

ROSE, ORANGE: Fascination, display feeling of enthusiasm.

ROSE, PEACH: Desire, gratitude, apprecation, admiration, sympathy, modesty.

ROSE, PINK: Happiness, appreciation, admiration, friendship, sympathy.

ROSE, DARK PINK: Thankfulness.

ROSE, LIGHT PINK: Grace, gladness, joy, perfect happiness, please believe me, gratitude, admiration, gentility.

ROSE, RED: Love, passion, respect, courage, I love you, beauty, pure and lovely, prosperity.

ROSE, DEEP RED: Un-self-conscious beauty.

ROSE, SINGLE, FULL BLOOM: I love you, I still love you, new love.

ROSE, BUD, SMALL: Pure and lovely, beauty and youth, a heart innocent of love.

ROSE, THORNLESS: Love at first sight.

ROSE, WHITE: Innocence, purity, secrecy, I am worthy of you, silence, friendship, truth, virtue, girlhood, humility spiritual love, but of the soul, reverence, charm, happy love.

ROSE, WHITE, DRIED: Death is preferable to loss of virtue.

ROSE, YELLOW: Joy, friendship, true love, decrease of love, jealousy, try to care, freedom, slighted love, shows "I care", joy, gladness.

ROSES, BOUQUET, MATURE: Gratitude.

ROSES, RED & WHITE TOGETHER: Unity, flower emblem of England.

ROSES, YELLOW & RED TOGETHER: Happiness, congratulations.

ROSES, YELLOW & ORANGE TOGETHER: Passionate thoughts.

ROSEMARY: Remembrance, purity, rebirth.

SUNFLOWER: Follows the sun as it grows, adoration, haughtiness.

SWEET PEA: Lasting pleasure, good-bye, departure, blissful pleasure, thank you for a lovely

TULIP: Perfect lover, frame, flower emblem of Holland.

TULIP, RED: Believe me, declaration of love, fame.

TULIP, VARIEGATED: Beautiful eyes.

TULIP, YELLOW: Hopeless love, there's sunshine in your smile.

VIOLET: Modesty, faithfulness, innocence, understated beauty. Worn by the ancient Greeks to induce sleep and to calm tempers. Associated with the fifieth wedding anniversary. Also known as the birthflower of February.

VIOLET, BLUE: Watchfulness, faithfulness, I'll always be true.

VIOLET, PURPLE: Thoughts of you, blue love.

VIOLET, WHITE: Let's take a chance, youthful innocence.

VIOLET, YELLOW: Love of country.

WATER LILY: Purity of heart.

WEEPING WILLOW: Mourning.

Isn't life beautiful???

2007-01-19T22:49:00.000+08:00

Seven Deadly Fashion Sins

Just as your body's systems can become gradually clogged and sluggish through bad diet and lack of exercise, so your sense of fashion and personal style can become bogged down through neglect, lack of knowledge and lack of time are all leading to bad habits that become a way of life.

Left unchecked, these bad habits can become so ingrained that they blind you to the possibilities of just how great you could look. The start of a New Year is the perfect time to establish a new code of dress conduct and banish your fashion bad habits for ever.

1. The Wretched Wardrobe

It's crammed with things that don't fit, you can't stand and you never wear. Have a good clean-out. Sort into five different piles: for the charity shop, dry-cleaning, alterations, favorites and possibles. Bin anything past its sell-by: i.e. anything faded, moth-eaten, ripped or stained. Decide on the basics that will refresh the pieces you intend to keep: a crisp white shirt? A great black T-shirt? A new pair of boots? A fabulous belt?

2. The Bad Bra

Research has shown that nearly 80 per cent of women are wearing the wrong size are either a cup size too small or a back size too big, or a combination of both. Nearly half of all B-cup-wearers, it seems, should be wearing a D-cup or above. Get fitted and make the best of your shape, silhouette and posture. Remember, the "new you" starts with the very first layer of clothing.

3. The Clone Queen

Are you a label victim?Do you wear one designer from head to foot, like Victoria Beckham who is Dolce & Gabbana one minute, Roberto Cavalli the next? Don't be afraid to inject a little of your own personality into what you buy. Make the look your own.

4. Same-old, Same-old Syndrome

Have you fallen into the trap of always wearing identikit outfits, like Elizabeth Hurley in her utterly predictable white jeans or split-to-the-thigh, cleavage dresses, Sienna Miller in her boho shifts and boots or any one of a horde of C-List celebs who can always be relied upon to turn up in minis and middy tops. If so, take inspiration from the likes of Emma Thompson and Helen Mirren, who are bold enough to reinvent themselves. Remember, vive le difference.

5. Buried in Boring Too tired to change?

Rather be safe than sorry? Do yourself a favor. Break open the mold and spring a surprise. Use the January sales to experiment. Promise yourself once a week to try on at least three things you would never have considered wearing before. If necessary close your eyes and pluck from the rails at random.

6. Color Coward

If your shelves resemble the inside of a Benetton shop, except every single item is navy, beige or black, it is time for shock treatment. Force yourself to buy at least three different colored things. Experiment with an orange scarf, a pair of purple shoes, a green cardigan, a fuschia belt, or even a pair of fishnet tights in color.

7. Stuck in a Groove

You have looked exactly the same for 20 years: same hair, same lipstick, same skirts, same shirts, same shoes. What are you trying to do? Set a record? Perhaps you think it makes you look youthful to wear, at 50, the clothes you wore at 25. Wrong! You don't just need a change of clothes, you need an overhaul. Throw out everything and start from scratch.
© 2007 Hilary Alexander

2007-01-19T22:46:00.000+08:00

Factors Affecting Your Skin

Although your skin type is basically constant throughout your life, some lifestyle choices and environmental factors can affect how your skin behaves.

1. Sleep- Get 7-8 hours a night.
Benefit: Your skin renews itself by building new cells while you sleep.

2. Vitamin C- Eat vitamin C-rich foods and take a supplement for extra insurance.
Benefit: Vitamin C is a potent free-radical scavenger that's known for its corrective and preventative benefits for sun- and environmentally-damaged skin.

3. Water- Drink 6-8 glasses of filtered water per day.
Benefit: improved circulation and accelerated cell growth.

4. Exercise regularly
Benefit: moving around helps revive circulation and speeds blood flow to the surface of your skin. Added benefit: Exercise can help alleviate stress.

5. Stress- Relax your mind by exercising your body. Especially unclench your facial muscles. Benefit: Relieving stress can mean avoiding blemishes, hives, colour loss and under-eye circles. One more thing -- your mother was right: Habitually tense facial expressions can create permanent lines.

6. The "no-no's." Avoid them. Your skin hates alcohol, tobacco and caffeine, and will show you by losing moisture or forming wrinkles that make you look older sooner. Avoid the no-no's and get this benefit: You'll look younger longer. (Be aware that some medications can make skin more sensitive.)

7. Natural aging- As we age our skin becomes drier and loses elasticity, which can cause wrinkles and fine lines.
How to manage: Use a specially formulated age-defying moisturizer at night to nourish and renew your skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Sun is the most damaging of all environmental factors. Continued exposure damages and wrinkles your skin. Sun exposure is also a major cause of skin cancer.
How to manage: Avoid long exposure and use a facial moisturizer with sunscreen -- every day. At night use a renewal moisturizer to repair damage.

9. Low/high humidity- Low humidity robs your skin of essential moisture, while high humidity can make skin feel oily.
How to manage: Nourish your skin with a good moisturizer to fight low humidity. In high humidity, that oily feeling isn't moisture -- you still need a moisturizer that will help protect skin from dryness.

10. Extreme temperatures- Both cold and hot temperatures with low humidity deplete moisture from your skin and leave it tight and dry.
How to manage: Nourish skin with a good moisturizer. Another hint: Use lukewarm, not hot or cold water to rinse your face.

11. Wind- Strong wind, especially with extreme temperatures and low humidity, can cause dry, flaky skin.
How to manage: Re-hydrate with a good moisturizer.

12. Air pollution- Windborne dust, dirt, and smog can clog pores and choke your skin.
How to manage: Protect your skin with a good moisturizer that forms a "barrier" between you and that nasty stuff floating around you. Carefully cleanse and condition every night.

Men Are More Intelligent Than Women?

2007-01-16T07:45:00.000+08:00

And so the study claims........

Ha ! Can you believe that?
eehhmmmmm.......... read on my friends, and you be the judge.

Battle of the sexes: Are men more intelligent than women?

It is research that is guaranteed to delight men - and infuriate the women in their lives. A controversial new study has claimed that men really are more intelligent than women.

The study - carried out by a man - concluded that men's IQs are almost four points higher than women's.

British-born researcher John Philippe Rushton, who previously created a furore by suggesting intelligence is influenced by race, says the finding could explain why so few women make it to the top in the workplace.

He claims the 'glass ceiling' phenomenon is probably due to inferior intelligence, rather than discrimination or lack of opportunity.

The University of Western Ontario psychologist reached his conclusion after scrutinising the results of university aptitude tests taken by 100,000 students aged 17 and 18 of both sexes.

A focus on a factors such as the ability to quickly grasp a complex concept, verbal reasoning skills and creativity - some of they key ingredients of intelligence - revealed the male teenagers had IQs that were an average of 3.63 points higher. The average person has an IQ of around 100.

The findings, which held true for all classes and levels of parental education, overturn a 100 year consensus that men and women average the same in general mental ability. They also conflict with evidence that girls do better in school exams than boys.

But Prof Rushton, who was born in Bournemouth and obtained his doctorate in social psychology from the London School of Economics, argues that the faster maturing of girls leads to them outshining boys in the classroom.

And since almost all previous data showing an absence of difference between the sexes was gathered on schoolchildren, the gender difference could easily have been missed.

'It looks like up until late adolescence, the females have the advantage over males because they mature faster, which masks the underlying difference, he said.

Although experts have accepted that men and women differ mentally, with males averaging higher on tests of 'spatial ability' and females higher on verbal tests, it was assumed the differences averaged out, leaving no difference in overall intelligence.

Prof Rushton believes the differences are directly linked to brain size, with other studies showing men having slightly bigger brains than women.

'We know that men have larger brains, even when you take into account larger body size,' said the researcher. 'That means there are more neurons. The question is what these neurons are doing in a man - and they probably have an advantage in processing information.'

It is thought the difference may date back to the Stone Age, with women seeking out men who are more intelligent than them in a bid to pass on the best genes to their children.

'Some people have suggested it evolved because women prefer men who are more intelligent than they are for husbands,' said the professor.

'Just as they prefer men who are taller than them, they also prefer a male who is a little ahead of them in IQ.'

Critics claim Prof Rushton's results could have been skewed by the inclusion of more test results from females than form males.

Prof Rushton, who four years ago triggered a scientific row by claiming intelligence and behaviour are influenced by race, with blacks being more likely to be involved in crime and Asians having a greater chance of high IQs, however, stands by his results.

'These are unpopular conclusions,' he said. 'People should not be made to feel afraid to study controversial issues.

'We have the right to find the truth. One should really look at the facts.'

His work appears to confirm British research which showed men have bigger brains and higher IQs than women, which may explain why chess grandmasters and geniuses are more likely to be male.

The analyses of more than 20,000 verbal reasoning tests taken by university students from around the world revealed that women's IQs are up to five points lower than men's .

Women needn't feel despondent, however, as the scientists believe women can achieve just as much as men - as long as they work harder.

By BEN CLERKIN & FIONA MACRAE
Article courtesy of www.ivillage.com

Happy New Year 2007

2007-01-01T22:24:00.000+08:00

the year 2006 ends. on behalf of the other angels, here's to welcome the new year 2007 to all our readers around the world. may this year brings lots of happiness and bundles of joys in your life.

wish you all the best.

Changing Faces

2006-12-11T18:47:00.000+08:00

Address your skin's needs as u age.......

In your 20's, since cell turnover is at its best, your complexion should be in optimum condition after undergoing major changes in the teenage years. If your skin is functioning properly, a basic skincare regime is sufficient. Avod soaps as they have a dehydrating effect. Toner and moisturise after cleasing. Don't use moisturiser on eye areas, use proper eye cream if/as needed. It's never too early to start using eye cream...

In your 30's, cell turnover and sebum production decrease and lines and wrinkles become more obvious. Exfoliate your skin at least twice a week and use a hydrating mask once a week. Use eye-cream at night and in the morning as part of your skincare regime.Pigmentation problems are common during these years as the skin become less efficient at manufacturing melanin. Brown patches known as melasma or chloasma can appear around the eyes, lips, cheeks and forehead during pregnancy, or as a result of hormonal changes, exposure to sun or taking contraceptive pills.

In your 40's, the protective film on the skin's surface become less effective at retaining moisture. This causes a much higher percentage of water loss, which leads to dryness. Use treatment products as part of daily skincare regime.Fine lines, wrinkles, broken veins and dull skin can be made less apparent with regular facials. Increase your intake of antioxidants by eating fresh fruits and vegetables and taking proper supplements to ensure good nutrients to you skin and body.

Sun or age spots on the face can be treated using treatment products such as spot treatment, intensive repair serum, vitamin c and wild yam.

In your 50's, cell turnover decreases by almost 50%, the production of sebum for natural hydration slows down and the skin's outer layer become less resilient. After menopause, oestrogen (the skin's youth hormone) production slows down and the skin become much drier. Oestrogen diminishes collagen (the skin's sctructural support system), making the skin thinner. Using products containing AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) is believed to boost the production of collagen. Look for moisture rich products. Ensure that you drink sufficient amounts of clean treated water daily.

Skin

2006-12-11T18:26:00.000+08:00

Skin should be a prized asset. A healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise and a comprehensive beauty regime are all essential to maintain flawless skin.

Skincare
The skin's need change from season to season and with age, hormonal fluctuations, diet & lifestyle. Finding products to suit these requirement is essential. To make skincare simple, first identify your skin type and then addressed its needs.

Normal skin- even tone, smooth texture, no visible pores or blemishes, no greasy patches or flaky areas. But do not neglect your skin, a great complexion won't last forever without proper caring.

Sensitive skin- commonly dry, delicate and prone to allergic reactions. Red skin and blotchy skin.

Oily skin- over production of sebum which results in spots and blemishes.

Dry skin- has low level of sebum and can be prone to sensitivity. Dryness is caused by wind, extreme temperature and airconditioning, causes skin to flake and feel tight.Combination skin- usually oily in the T-zone.

Skin solutions
A healthy diet is essential for healthy skin. Vitamin c with bioflavanoid is required for collagen production, vitamin e is vital for skin condition and vit b repair the skin.Evening primrose oil are beneficial for the skin. They contain GLA, an essential fatty acid reputed to strengthen skin cells and boost their moisture content. Get sufficient sleep as the skin's cellular repair activity is at its optimum during this resting period. Exercise benefits skin as it boosts circulation and encourages blood flow. Regular exercise will nourish and cleanse your skin from within. Cleanse, tone and moisturise is a MUST... Plus other treatment products..

Little John

2006-11-07T17:22:00.000+08:00

A simple recipe for the busy moms. This is actually the smaller version of Roti John.

Difficulty Level: Medium
Time to prepare: Less than 20 minutes.
Serves: 7-10 people

The ingredients
2 packets of hot dog buns (total of 12 pieces)
1 packet of minced meat or minced chicken
300g round cabbage
1 big onion ) to be pounded
4 garlics )
10 eggs
salt to taste
white pepper
black pepper
butter (@room temperature)
Chilli/ketchup
Mayonnaise

Prepare the meat/chicken
Pound onion and garlic to make paste.
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a flat bottomed pan on a medium heat.
Sautee onion-garlic paste until brown.
Add all minced meat/chicken. Stir a little to mix well with onion/garlic paste.
Add the white pepper, black pepper and salt after the meat/chicken liquid starts to dry.
Stir for 2 minute, turn the fire off and set aside.

What to do with the round cabbage
Cut the cabbage coleslaw style.
Rinse under running water and then set aside.

What to do with the eggs
Break all eggs into a large bowl. Add salt and a dash of white pepper to taste. Beat lightly for about 10 seconds.
Add in the fried meat/chicken. Mix well with the egg.

Cooking the John
1.Melt a teaspoon of butter in the pan (set fire to medium).
2.Use a medium sized ladle, take a scoop of the meat-egg mix and spread evenly on the flat bottomed pan.
3.Meanwhile, use a sharp knife to cut the hotdog bun into 2 (without separating the pieces).
4. With the bun's opened section facing down, put and press the bun evenly onto the meat-egg in the pan. Let it cook for about 2 minutes. Don't turn the bun.
5. Once the meat-egg is cooked, transfer your Little John onto the serving tray and let it cool off. Don't need to trim the egg at the edges so that your Little John has some attitude :)
Repeat steps 1-5 for the rest of the buns.

Preparing to serve
Put enough cabbage in each Little John and spread with chilli/ketchup and mayonnaise. Cut Little John into pieces or serve as it is.

Good luck to you all, and you're welcomed to improvise. I'm not putting any pictures here. It would be good if you could post the pictures of your versions of Little John :).

10 Crimes of Work Fashion

2006-10-21T15:38:00.000+08:00

By Laura Morsch, CareerBuilder.com writer

Fair or not, appearance matters in the workplace. Just ask Desiree Goodwin. The Harvard assistant librarian sued the university in 2005, claiming she was rejected for jobs or passed over for promotions 16 times because her supervisors viewed her as just as "pretty girl" who "wore sexy outfits," according to media reports.

When it comes to professional perception, clothes make a difference. According to a survey by Office Team, an administrative staffing firm, 80 percent of workers say a person's work wardrobe affects his or her professional image.

This means that dressing appropriately is a must if you want to be taken seriously at work. But knowing what's acceptable attire isn't easy in today's workplace. Business-casual dress codes vary widely between companies, and even between departments. The following items, however, are almost never acceptable to wear to work:

1. The Crime: Poor-fitting clothing.
Too-tight clothing is never flattering and usually too revealing, but too-baggy clothes make you look sloppy and unprofessional. Pant length also matters -- if you're showing too much sock or leg, expect to be teased all day about an upcoming flood.

Redemption: Find a good tailor. It's a rare person who actually looks good in clothes directly off the rack. Buy an item to fit the fullest parts of your body, and the tailor can nip in the rest.

2. The Crime: Too much perfume or cologne.
You never want your co-workers or clients to smell you before they see you, and a colleague could be severely allergic to your favorite scent.

Redemption: Apply perfume or cologne with an extremely light hand. If you spritz too much, put some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball and dab off the excess.

3. The Crime: Shorts or too-short skirts.
Showing too much leg is never a good professional move -- for women or men. Revealing a little leg makes men appear overly casual or sloppy, and makes women look more sexy than serious.

Redemption: Men should stick with long pants, and women should wear shorts or skirts that hit within an inch-and-a-half of the knee.

4. The Crime: Out-of-control hair.
Whether it's frizzy coifs or bushy beards, wild hair just doesn't look professional.

Redemption: Women should invest in a good haircut and some styling products that can reduce poufiness and make hair easier to manage. Men should keep their facial hair well-trimmed, or better yet, go clean-shaven.

5. The Crime: Dirty, ripped or torn jeans.
Even on casual Fridays, ripped jeans look too dirty and messy for the workplace.

Redemption: When you do choose to wear jeans to work, make sure they are well-fitting and in extremely good condition.

6. The Crime: Cleavage.
There are very few legitimate jobs where showing off your chest is a good career move.

Redemption: Cover up. Whenever possible, avoid wearing anything low-cut to the office. If you can't part with your V-neck shirts, simply buy a few camisole shirts to wear underneath them.

7. The Crime: Tank tops.
Showing too much skin in the office is never a good idea in the office, and tank tops are especially inappropriate for men.

Redemption: If it's hot outside and you're going out with friends after work, simply keep a cardigan at your desk to cover up. That way, you'll stay comfortable in frigid air conditioning and look professional when your boss stops by.

8. The Crime: Noisy jewelry.
An armload of bangles or long, dangling earrings are perfect choices for a bar, but downright distracting in the office.

Redemption: Keep your office jewelry simple. A small pendant, stud earrings and a delicate bracelet look much more professional than trendy pieces. Save your flashier jewelry for happy hour.

9. The Crime: Gym attire.
Even in the most casual workplaces, yoga pants, shorts, T-shirts and running shoes make you look sloppy and apathetic.

Redemption: At the very least, wear nice jeans and professional-looking shoes. If you're going to the gym or catching a flight after work, change into your comfortable clothes in the bathroom on the way out.

10. The Crime: Extremely high heels.
Extremely high heels are too sexy for the workplace -- not to mention impractical. Few things would be more embarrassing than wobbling or tripping over your extreme footwear in front of the boss.

Redemption: The highest heels you should wear to the office are 2 to 3 inches. That way, you'll actually be able to walk in them, and they'll be comfortable enough to wear all day. You might feel shorter, but you'll no longer fear grates or sidewalk cracks.

Laura Morsch is a writer for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Be friend to the earth!

2006-10-18T06:10:00.000+08:00

This is an example of what you can have if you be friend with the earth.... these banana (picture taken 12SEP06) are the first version of my little "fruit orchard" at my backyard... Not a very big area, just 5'x15'... but I do have:
1. Banana trees
2. Chili plants
3. Pineapple plants
4. "Kencur" - a family of ginger
5. Pandan leaves
6. Serai (lemon grass)
7. Limau purut plant
8. Curry leaves

We also have manggoes, yet to ripe, in two big pots right in front of our house. Yummm... can't wait for this one! we had the first harvest sometimes early this year!

How can we ladies benefit from this? There's so many reasons why you should do this even how small your place is...... these are some reasons that I could think of:
1. you can to do some exercise - have to maintain it, or else can turn to be a "forrest"
2. you can enjoy the harvest together as a family... can even give some to your neighbours and friends.
3. Save cost - where possible, we should cut the household expenses - eg: you can bake fish wrapped in banana trees leaves!
4. when you love earth, earth will love you!

Can you help to add on to the "reason to start my own garden"? You can? Great... drop your ideas in the comments.

Lo lets go green everyone.... start digging or start potting!

Is It That Easy To Say "It's Over"?

2006-10-09T13:02:00.000+08:00

This is the full article written by Zainah Anwar of NST, on Friday, 6th October 2006.
I'm sharing this article because I think it is a good eye opener for married Malay couples. Sometimes, though the truth hurts, it will at least snap us out of our hipocracies and thrown into what is real.

As much as we hope more Malay marriages would last based on the values that we were brought up in, and the religion that we stand by on, the truth is, many misinterpret what is wrong to their advantage and interpret the right to their own detriment.

Maybe Malay wives, who tend to be more conservative and sikap "tak mahu melawan suami sebab dosa" attitude, and Malay men who grow horns the moment they become husbands, make it more difficult for any Malay couples to withstand the waves of marriage.

I am not saying that Malay wives must "melawan" when there's a miscommunication, but Malay wives must learn to nip it in the butt and put her stance across (from the start). Then, again, this is just my views and sometimes, what I feel and believe in may not make sense to you.

Let's take a moment and read the article written by Zainah Anwar, and maybe, just maybe, you would understand where I'm coming from. And see the importance of learning to relearn, so that marriages can withstand the test of time; because marriages like organisations, are built to last.

"HE wished her ‘Happy Birthday’, then he pronounced ‘I divorce you’! Can you imagine such cruelty, such heartlessness," said a friend whose 34-year-old daughter was unilaterally divorced last month by her husband of eight years.

She called me after reading the New Straits Times story (Sept 30) that revealed the disproportionately high divorce rate among Muslims (15,000) compared with Chinese and Indians (3,000).

A Muslim man’s unilateral right to divorce his wife at will is one of the causes of the higher rate of divorce among Muslims. The ease and impunity with which men pronounce divorce led the religious authorities to put a stop to this practice in the 1984 model Islamic Family Law adopted by the states in Malaysia. Malaysia was then one of the first Muslim countries to provide for divorce to take place only in court. This was in accordance with the Quranic teachings urging husbands and wives "to live together on equitable terms or to separate in kindness".

But in 1994, because of objections from certain quarters, the law was amended to allow the registration of divorces outside the courts, thus defeating the original intent and spirit of the 1984 law reform. Now, one only has to pay a minimal fine for breaking the law by pronouncing talaq (repudiation) without the court’s permission, and the divorce will be validated. Thus, this loophole in the law has led once again to the proliferation of such divorces. So, the stories of irresponsible men pronouncing divorce at will and in all manner abound again.

Many years ago, a friend’s husband wished her "Happy New Year" as the clock struck 12 and pronounced "I divorce you" in the next breath. Another friend did not even know she was divorced until she received her divorce certificate in the mail from the Syariah Court.

Then, there is the recent phenomenon of SMS divorce which the courts, in all their wisdom, have recognised as a valid pronouncement of divorce. At the Sisters in Islam legal clinic, we get emails and letters from perplexed women over the issue of ta’liq sepah, where their husbands pronounce conditional divorce for whatever reason they fancy.

These unregulated conditions include: The wife stepping out of the house, going to work, going on a business trip, picking up the phone when it rings, visiting friends or parents, speaking to a cousin he so dislikes, voting for an infidel political party, and so on. The women felt that these conditions were unfair and untenable, so they picked up the phone when it rang, spoke to whoever they wanted, visited friends and parents, and in one case, the husband drove her to work even though he said jatuh talaq if she went to work that day.

"What is my status, now? Am I divorced or not? But he is still having sex with me! Am I still his wife?" Women’s groups have long raised the multitudes of problems and the devastating emotional pain a woman goes through when her marriage is terminated without her being consulted or given any power or opportunity to prevent it or negotiate the terms. The calls for reform have included a return to the 1984 provision of divorce only in courts to increasing the fine and prison sentence as a deterrent against irresponsible husbands.

While some countries have made divorce more difficult in order to arrest rising divorce rates, others have put resources into marital research and education to deal with domestic instability and unhappiness before the marriage deteriorates or even before it starts. This is one area that the Malaysian government should seriously look into.

In the United States, government-funded research over 30 years has enabled experts to predict with almost 90 per cent accuracy which couples would end up in divorce. The use of video cameras to record every facial expression, gesture and change of tone has enabled John Gottman, regarded as the guru in the field, to identify four key behavioural traits that are the strongest divorce predictors — contempt (indicated by eye-rolling when the other partner is speaking), criticism, defensiveness and stonewalling. From this research, he came out with seven top suggestions to keep a marriage strong.

The most striking I felt was his demand that we set high standards in a marriage. The most successful couples, he says, are those who, even as newlyweds, refuse to accept hurtful behaviour from one another. The lower the level of tolerance for bad behaviour in the beginning of a relationship, the happier the couple is down the road. Another important tip Gottman gave is the ability to accept influence. A marriage succeeds to the extent that the husband can accept influence from his wife. This, he says, is crucial because research shows women are already well-practised at accepting influence from men, and a true partnership only occurs when a husband can do so as well.

And yet in a kursus perkahwinan (the pre-marital course made mandatory for all Muslim couples) I went through, one of the listed characteristics of a good husband, who is the leader of the household, is a man who does not listen to his wife!

While Gottman’s model focuses on behaviour, other researchers developed written surveys on couples’ attitudes, backgrounds and behaviour styles. One popular questionnaire taken by millions is called PREPARE which asks couples before they get married to answer 165 statements on a scale of one to five on a range of issues, including handling money, family roles, raising children, work and leisure, spiritual and religious beliefs, sex and affection, communication, conflict resolution, assertiveness and self-confidence. Developed by social scientist David Olsen and his team at the University of Minnesota, this survey also claims 80-85 per cent accuracy on who would be happily married and who would divorce within three years.

Olsen said he found couples who stayed happily married scored higher in such categories as realistic expectations, communication, conflict resolution and compatibility. The most common incompatibilities are communication, conflict resolution and money. Thousands of churches and synagogues in the US and even county governments now adopt PREPARE or similar pre-marital inventory tests and post-counselling sessions before performing a marriage ceremony.

For over 10 years, the Islamic religious authorities here have introduced the mandatory kursus perkahwinan and churches too have introduced pre-marital counselling sessions. The objective is well meaning as the emotional, health, social and economic costs of marital conflict and divorce to families and the state is destructive. This should give good reason for the government to seriously evaluate the effectiveness of these courses and invest in research-based marriage education.

In a kursus perkahwinan attended by my niece, not one, not two, but three ustaz within a span of eight hours told the young would-be grooms how they could break the law and take a second wife by crossing the border into Thailand. One even passed his handphone number should the men need his help. Two male friends attended courses recently where the ustazah taught them how to beat their wives the Islamic way. Take a towel, tie a knot at one end and beat her all over, except her face. If she is pregnant, you can beat her anywhere but her stomach! Now, such advice cannot be the skills one should learn in a pre-marital course if the intent is to assist young couples in developing friendship, partnership and constructive conflict resolution skills in an intimate relationship where conflict is inevitable.

Haze...

2006-10-09T11:18:00.000+08:00

today is the worst hazy ever in this year. I think more than 220API. Wear a protecting mask and do not go outside. Please consider getting an air purifier for you and family, esp those with LUNGS and those who has asthma.... If you need more infor pls PM or email me

Panadol....

2006-09-28T11:45:00.000+08:00

DON'T TAKE PANADOL AND PANADOL ACTI FAST AND PANADOL SOLUBLE (ESP.PPL HAVE GASTRIC).

FYI... One real story from a guy...My husband was working in a hospital as an IT engineer, as the hospital is planning to set up a database of its patient. And he knows some of the doctor quite well. The doctors used to tell him that whenever they have a headache, they are not willing to take PANADOL (PARACETMOL).

In fact,they will turn to Chinese Herbal Medicine or find other alternatives. This is because Panadol is toxic to the body, and it harms the liver. According to the doctor, Panadol will reside in the body for at least 5 years. And according to the doctor, there used to be an incident where an air stewardess consumes a lot of panadol during her menstrual as she needs to stand all the time. She's now in her early 30's, and she needs to wash her kidney (DIALYSIS) every month.

As said by the doctor that whenever we have a headache, that's because it is due to the electron/Ion imbalance in the brain. As an alternative solution to cope with this matter, they suggested that we buy 1 or 2 cans of isotonic drink ( eg.100PLUS), and mix it with drinking water according to a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 (simply, it means one cup 100plus, one cup water.or 2 cups water). Me and my husband have tried this on several occasions, and it seems to work well. Another method will be to submerge your feet in a basin of warm water so that it bring the blood pressure down from your throbbing head.

As Panadol is a pain killer, the more Panadol you take, the lesser would be your threshold for pain (your endurance level for pain). We all will fall ill as we aged, for woman, we would need to go through childbirth.

Imagine that we had spent our entire life popping quite a substantial amount of Panadol (Pain Killer) when you need to have a surgery or operation, you will need a much more amount of general anesthetic to numb your surgical pain than the average person who seldom or rarely takes Panadol .. If you have a very high intake of Panadol throughout your life (Migraine, Menstrual cramps) it is very likely that normal general anesthetic will have no effects on you as your body is pumped full with panadol and your body is so used to pain killer that you would need a much stronger pain killer, Morphine??

Value your life, THINK b4 you easily pop that familiar pill into your mouth again.

As for myself, dah 3 years kot x ambik any kind of panadols... Mmg I banned panadol from my house and my family... If i see any of my family member take panadol mmg I bising la... Sbb mmg tau x elok for our body why take it kan.... So now of pening I just take a lot of Calcium & Magnesium,B Complex and Bio-C(with flavanoid, vitamin c just with ascorbic acid is no use).....

"We Care"

2006-09-28T00:42:00.000+08:00

The media has been encouraging us (sporadically) to recycle. We hear repeated jingles over the radio to recycle our rubbish but how far has this got us? I am not sure such recycling campaigns have been very successful for the following reasons:

1. Insufficient rubbish bins that encourage us to separate our garbage; maybe this should be compulsory in office complexes and shopping complexes.

2. Not all schools have separate garbage bins for different types of rubbish, and therefore recycling is not taught from young.

3. An attitude change has not taken place – we definitely need a mindset shift to do this. We need to achieve critical mass on communication on recycling from all fronts; from the media, government councils, community centers, recycling centers, companies and businesses.

Recycling should be lead by large companies’ i.e. multinational companies that have experience overseas on recycling. For example, UK based supermarkets charge a small amount to customers for plastic bags they use when they make purchases. With this in mind, a lot of customers actually bring their own shopping bags to and place their purchases in the bags that they brought. Can such MNCs take on educating the public as a corporate responsibility to the community?? Which is the first hyper market that dares to charge customers for plastic bags first? Maybe, give them a few cents discount for plastic bags not used may be an idea.

I did this when I shop for food especially here. I said here because I tense to forget sometimes when I did food-shopping elsewhere. I know that this is not good. I still have to set my mind to practice this no matter where I shop. That’s why I will normally have plastic boxes ready in my 4wd no matter where I go, whether far or near. In case I have to pack some food, I already have some containers ready in hand. People around me would be very surprised when I brought plastic containers to pack food that I bought. The pic on the right shown the kuih-muih I bought in the evening for break fast. So did you realize something here people. I could save our environment. In fact the plastic containers were so convenient that I could just place them on our dining table, ready to be served. It’s also with plastic cover, to avoid from the food being aired or attacked by insects etc.

We must change our attitudes towards waste disposal and recycling. The next time before you discard litter into the bin, look at what you hold in your hands. They are most likely to be made of paper, plastic, glass, metal or organic waste which are all recyclable one way or another. Yes, I agree with many that sometimes it is just too difficult to recycle when facilities such as recycling bins are scarce and few to come by. A lot more can be done by the government to promote recycling as a direct and effective method of reducing waste going to landfills.

What you can do to reduce use of plastic:

• Bring a nylon or cloth bag when you go shopping to save the use of plastic bags.

• Recycle plastic bags by taking along plastic bags from home when going shopping rather then using new plastic bags.

• Choose paper bags if you have an option to choose between paper bags or plastic bags.

• Composting is an efficient and environmentally friendly way of discarding home bulk waste which accounts for large proportion of household waste.

• An alternative is to use pots to compost if you don’t have a big garden. Get ten pots. Start by filling one pot with alternate layers of soil and household waste. Depending on family size, estimate three days per pot. Keep it moist. By the end of the month, the first pot will be ready for use in the garden or to store. Start the process again in the first pot.

Recycle everything you can; newspaper, cans, glass, aluminum foil and pans, motor oil, crap metal, etc. Click here to find out more about the 101 things you can do to conserve resources and protect the environment.

kuE's note: The green "I Care" bag was a courtesy of Cold Storage, Gurney Plaza.

Anonymous Online

2006-09-26T14:13:00.000+08:00

Having internet in our modern life has turned out to be a necessity. Thousands of computer user groups has been created and grew into huge virtual communities. Each internet user, at least once in their lifetime must have created a user account in one of the websites visited. Be it for browsing catalogues, creating a free web mail account, downloading or sharing files, participate in online auctions and thousands of other reasons that required us to register.

Whenever I came across the buttons labelled Sign Up or Register Now! I've always asked myself, should I key in my personal data here? Yes, I know now so many of the pages have already put up disclaimers saying that any particulars keyed into the forms will not be misused. Well, I'm Dayang... I always have doubts.

If you have this same feeling and not comfortable filling in the details, the good news is, you don't have to. It's quite a difficult thing to do, but trust me, you don't have to oblige to everything the webpage tells you. In other words, it's okay to remain anyonymous online.

In my case however, I can't remain 100% anonymous in the virtual world as my career revolves around it. There are certain times at certain webpages where I have to be the real me.

But if you are nothing like me, or not doing the stuffs I do, for example I have to download certain patches every six month from principal's website and must get daily update on latest operating system security threat, then by all means you can stay as 'ANON' for as long as you live!

How would you know that you'd rather be an 'ANON' or your true self online? My suggestion is to go to any of the search engines e.g google, yahoo or MSN, then type in your full name. See all the results returned and how do you feel about them? There's a high chance that you'd find some real information related to you there. If it scared you till you face turns blue, you should become an 'ANON'.

My bitter experience was I saw my whole personal detail including my IC number, place of birth, home town and home address returned by the search engine. It so happened that my uni has published students' data in one of the facultys' website in 1997. The main page now doesn't have a link to the pages anymore but the files are still in the webserver. Obviously the search engines managed to crawl and grab the contents even though the pages are inactive.

Imagine what happened to all the data we keyed-in in all those online registration forms. How do we know where they'd be stored? Who'll get their hands on them (both virtually and physically)? How sure are we that they're not being traded? What other systems are interfaced with that website we registered at that might be pumping those information out to be manipulated by other parties?

There were just too many questions I had in mind whenever I came across that Sign Up button that most of the times I just stopped at that page, and dropped the idea of downloading the song/movie/file/installer. Well, I'm Dayang, I get discouraged easily...

So, there goes the first installment. Coming up soon: How to become anonymous.

Author's Note: I'm Dayang... I write about IT stuff *Yawn*

How to teach your toddler to do chores

2006-09-24T11:07:00.000+08:00

Assigning chores to your toddler might well seem like a chore in itself. After all, a 2-year-old isn't going to be the neatest or most efficient worker. But giving your toddler even the tiniest measure of responsibility now will pay off later by laying the groundwork for future good habits. Plus, having a chore to do makes your child feel like part of the family, someone whose contribution is valued. When assigning chores, keep these pointers in mind:

Pick tasks that are appropriate to your child's age.
Be sure to choose simple, straightforward jobs, since your toddler simply doesn't have the cognitive ability yet to break down a large project into its components. Tell him to go clean his room, for instance, and you're likely to be met with a blank stare. But he could be responsible for one part of the job, such as putting his clothes in the laundry basket or helping you pick up all his toys. And define chores loosely: putting his bowl and spoon on the table before dinner could constitute a chore, as could putting his toothbrush back in the holder.

Toddlers want to be just like Mom and Dad, so capitalize on your power as a role model and let your child work alongside you as an assistant. Hand him a sponge while you're cleaning the kitchen and let him wipe off the table. You'll find him quite willing -- even thrilled -- to be called on to help.

Keep instructions low-key.
Before your child takes on a chore, demonstrate it for him, talking it through as you go. For example, you might show him how you sort light and dark clothing into different piles before you wash it. Remember, at this age, chores shouldn't be so complicated that they require a lengthy explanation. Anything that takes more than a minute to explain is probably too difficult for your toddler to do anyway.

Stand back.
When your toddler first tries a task on his own, be patient. Jumping in too quickly to lend a hand gives him the message that you don't think he's capable. And never belittle his efforts. If you want to offer a suggestion, do it kindly: Instead of saying "No, that's not right," try "You're doing a great job sorting laundry. I like to put the brown socks in with dark clothes, though, since they're a darker color."

Make helping a habit.
Get everyone into a routine by doing chores at about the same time every day. For instance, your toddler's jobs might be to put his pajamas away in the morning and pick up his toys every evening before bed. You also might try designating a particular day of the week as cleaning day and giving your toddler a bigger job, such as helping with dusting or sweeping.

It helps to post a list of household chores and who has to do them. This way your child learns that everyone in the family contributes to the smooth running of the household. Since your child won't be reading for a few years yet, look for a ready-made chore chart that uses symbols instead of words to represent chores (a broom for sweeping, a dish and dishtowel for dishwashing). A star or sticker next to a completed chore is an ample reward, along with plenty of praise for a job well done. And remember to adjust your child's chores as he grows.

Whistle while you work.
Getting to spend more time with you is one of the biggest incentives for your child to do chores, so don't send him off to work alone until he's older and more experienced. Even if his job is to pick up the Legos in his room, stay nearby and chat with him, or join in with your own task. He'll appreciate your company, and you can encourage him if he loses his focus. Make his job easier by providing easy, accessible storage for his playthings such as clear plastic bins for toys.

Chances are your child will think a job like sweeping is actually fun -- especially if he has his own child-size broom and dust pan. So if you happen to view housekeeping as drudgery, don't let on. Make it a race ("Let's see who can get their toys into the box first") or sing silly songs together.

Be sure to tell your child what a great job he's doing and remind him how much he's helping you out. You can also point out the benefits of his work; if he's helping you wipe the kitchen table, you might say something like "Now it will be clean when we sit down for dinner." This gives him a sense of accomplishment and shows him just how significant his contributions are.

Don't expect perfection.
No child is going to perform every chore willingly every time -- and certainly not a 2- or 3-year-old! Just like grownups, kids have other things they'd rather do besides housework. If you need to issue a reminder, try to be friendly and matter-of-fact. Nagging almost never works. Instead, simply say, "It's time to put away your toys. Then we can read your bedtime story." Part of the purpose of having chores is to develop a sense of initiative in your child, so try not to micro-manage. Recognize that the task won't be done perfectly at this age -- and it doesn't need to be.

And above all, keep in mind that your child has a long, long time to learn to do chores. If it takes a few months for him to get in the hang of helping out, that's okay. It's a skill he can use for the rest of his life.

kuE's note:
i) I find this article rather interesting to share with other parents out there. I did similar to my kids too. Alhamdulillah... they did well ;)
ii) I also would like to take this opportunity to wish all muslims no matter where ever you are, Selamat Berpuasa and enjoy Ramadhan with your loved ones.

testing

2006-09-23T17:01:00.000+08:00

hi :) i just nak test...

Fresh, Revived and Exciting

2006-09-19T10:51:00.000+08:00

Yes, it is. Come on over to our fresh, revived and exciting Life is Beautiful blog.

We've got new members to this blog, who will not only share their experiences and wisdom with you, but will also share their wits and tips.

Firstly, let us introduce to you, Dnas, the engineer mommy to 2 boys, whose passion for writing started from the tender age of 11. Then, we have Kimi, the mathematical wizard, mommy-to-3-girls, who sees everything numbers but balances it off with witty writings and arts. Next, we have kuE, the single mom to 2 adorable kids, who runs a gas station, and still finds time to bake and quilt. And last but definitely not least, is Naddy, the successful entrepreneur, who loves to shop and dine with her husband.

With the addition of these wonderful, talented and witty ladies, we hope that our Life is Beautiful blog would be more resourceful, exciting and colourful.

Going back to the purpose of this blog, Eyna, Zura and Leilanie, have decided to create this blog for all women............ (and men); where we'll share with you tips and ideas on fashion, relationship, health, lifestyle, vacation, etc.

We believe that life is to be enjoyed to the fullest - especially with our loved ones by our side. At the same time, we believe that, as a woman, we should treat ourselves right, eat right, dress right, think right and earn the respect that we deserve, in the every possible right way.

We hope you will enjoy this as much as we do - in blogging it.

To start off with, we've got 4 new articles to share with you, ranges from wisdomful quotes, to tips for your make-up, something for your bedroom and latest info on your skin care products.

1) Thought of the Day, contributed by Naddy
2) Tools of Trade, also by Naddy
3) New Headboard Looks for Your Bed, By Eyna
4) Sharing is Caring, also by Naddy

Take a deep breath, exhale and smile.......................
Because LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
and so are YOU.

Sharing is caring

2006-09-18T11:40:00.000+08:00

Just something wanna share... Incase anyone using SK-II products... Just becareful je la kan... It was in today's The Star....

Health Ministry to test skincare productsPenang: The health ministry will investigate claims that banned substances have been found in SK-II brand skincare products.

Its parliamentary secretary Datuk Lee Kah Choon said random sampling tests would be conducted following reports in the vernacular dailies that China planned to withdraw the brand's nine products from the market as they contained metallic substances"We will also check on the authentication of the products and whether they are registered with the ministry," he said.

"All cosmetic products need to be registered before they are marketed and we have the 'stop, test and release' mechanism to make sure the imported products are safe before they are made available on shelves," he said

According to the reports, China General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine detected chromium and neodymium when it tested a batch of SK-II skincare products imported from Japan...

New Headboard Looks for Your Bed

2006-09-18T10:42:00.000+08:00

Lets add your beautiful life into your bed and share it with your love one. Create your own headboard to make your bed more than just a place to sleep, suit to reflect your personality and the style of your room. It's cheap, chic and attractive. At the end of the day, you'll be sleeping pretty....

(Courtesy of LHG.com)

About kuE

2006-09-16T00:14:00.000+08:00

Ten facts about kuE that you don't know (and now do):

1) I have won forth place in a National Level Lat’s Colouring Contest when I was in primary school. My prize was a geography book that was sent to me via snail mail. I still keep it nicely in my rattan trunk—that’s why I can’t remember the title of the book.

2) I don’t like to be instructed.

3) I almost became a MAS stewardess before I joined the hotel.

4) I was working in the hospitality industry for more than 10 years ever since before I was 20 years old. Most of the guest’ thought that I was an Indian. My generations were from so many races i.e. Chinese, Indian, and Siam etc.; probably that’s why huh?!!

5) I was holding the position of a Front Office Guest Relations Officer when there was an interview session with the TV3 Nona’s programme. The topic was about the circumstances of young girls working in the hotel. The best thing was that a school friend, who was studying in a local university, saw me on TV when she was relaxing during the weekend with her mates. I don’t know who else watched me.

6) I delivered both my Puteri and Megat through normal birth. My doctors were kind of proud of me, as I am petite and I could do it easily.

7) I followed the Astana Idaman programme from the first season.

8) I am a self-taught quilter. I started my quilting hobby when I was pregnant for Megat. Now I got no time for it wahh!!!... Whatever it is, I have made-up my mind that I have to complete all my UFO’s someday.

9) Like Naddy and Kimi, I have a step-mother too ;)

10) My current vital-statistics measurement is smaller than my daughter Puteri, except that I am still a bit taller than her.

Favorite Sport : tennis, swimming.

Favourite Book : romance kind of books.

Favourite Food : rendang dinding and everything nice.

Likes : reading, shopping, quilting, baking, traveling, music.

Dislikes : dishonest people.

Memorable Quotes : inspiring quotes by my former boss in the hotel—"It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing".

If you want to know more about me, please browse around my blog here and here.

About Naddy

2006-09-12T13:50:00.000+08:00

Facts about Nadia that you don't know (and now do) :

1. I was once overweight... Been on all kind of diet, pills, slimming tea....
2. I am a Cancerian
3. I'm the eldest child and very the manja with my dad
4. I've never work in my life before, I'm my own boss
5. I'm a dreamer and determined to make my dreams into reality... I wanna retire young and
retire rich
7. I love shopping
8. I love makeups and making others look pretty
9. I love accesories esp earrings and long necklaces
10. I love reading and writing (blogging ehehe)
11. I love persian cats

Favorite Sport : I'm not into sports... The only sports that I do is aerobics, does tht counts?

Favourite Book : Chic-lits, motivational/inspirational, health/wellness

Favourite Food : All kind of noodles (except mee kuning) cook in any style, pasta, pies, sushi, pizza, yong tau fu, laksa, nachos, ice cream, cakes and anytg tht my mum cooks...

Likes : Shopping, shoes, handbags, books, travelling, music...

Dislikes : Politics, politicians, policemen, perampas

Memorable Quotes : -can edit tis later?

About Kimi

2006-09-12T12:40:00.000+08:00

I must really thanks the "pioneers" of Pourtavie, for inviting me to be part of the team. However I am not a good writer who is always full of ideas... there are times when my blog was really really outdated! But this reunion of ladies, hopefully will give me the strength and courage to write more, for benefits of all. To complete the tradition, here are the "about kimi" entry, that I have promised Leilanie last Friday!

Ten facts about Kimi that you don't know (and now do)
1. I love arts (drawings, movies, stage drama or theatre play, musical entertainment etc..), but cannot afford the time & money - how?
2. I have always dream of becoming a lawyer, but end up studying Maths! What went wrong, I also have no idea!
3. It took the doctors 3 hours to complete the "stitching exercise" after I gave birth to my first daughter!
4. I have 2 step mums and a total of 15 siblings altogether!
5. I hate protocol so much that I have to "live" with it now for the rest of my life!
6. I love sewing....with my hands, not using the sewing machine!
7. I can do quality based training (technical programs like Six Sigma, QCC, 5S, Project Tools etc), and I can also conduct soft skills training (Train the Trainer, Communication Skills, Presentation Skills etc)..... and some of my colleagues think I'm crazy... do I?
8. I wish to go to perform Haj in Mekah before I'm 40 yrs old....and the clock is ticking!
9. I have a very CONSERVATIVE husband and very attached to his children, and yet he's very modern & up-to-date with all the latest IT gadget and the state-of-the-art of everything that he buys, he uses, or he likes..... Hmmm... ever wonder where I found this rare species? Read my blog!
10. With reference to my no 9 item, I want to be a housewife, do all typical hosework, BUT have a part time job that I enjoy the money & doing it at my own convenient time. And I must have a maid at home if I'm going to be so, as I can't afford to leave my kids without adult supervision!

Favourite sports: Swimming, badminton, riding bicycle

Favourite books: Judith McNaught (influence of my sis, Che Aa), Sophie Kinsella (thanks to Leilanie), Reader's Digest (started to read in 1989 as an order from my dad) and any Six Sigma related books (the technical side of me...)

Favourite foods: "Keropok" (all range, from keropok lekor to potato chips)

Likes: Honesty, trust and faith

Dislikes: Dishonest and touble-maker people

Memorable Quotes: You can't change the direction of the winds, but you can change the direction of your sails to always reach your destinations! (source - unknown, more of cannot remember!)

Tools of the Trade

2006-09-09T22:42:00.000+08:00

Tools are to a makeup artist what a brush is to a painter... Without the right tools, we can't do our job... Believe me, the right tools can make a huge difference in applications... It's like buying a Kancil instead of Mercedes. Which car do you think is the better ride? My advice: buy the best... After all, good tools are investments and the results are incomparable.

There are dozens of different brushes in the market. If you can't afford them all, you'll need to invest in at least 5 of them: a blusher brush, a powder brush, a highlighter brush, a shadow brush and an angled eyebrow brush...

Besides that a good pair of tweezers and eye lashes curler are also important... Some other essentials like powder puff, sponges, cotton buds are inexpensives and should be replaced regularly... And most importantly, dun't share your tools for hygienic purposes.. If you're doing makeup for others (like yours truly), wash your brushes regularly...

What follows is a list of tools that are always in my makeup kit... (will put up pics soon)

1. Blusher brush
-tapered cut with a flat oval head to give the cheeks a healthy glow
Why you need it: allow you to deposit product precisely where you want it to be e.g apple of the cheeks

2. Powder brush
-larger and fuller than a blusher brush with a round head that allows you to apply loose powder over a large area
Why you need it: distributes powder evenly over the face and throughout makeup application, to reset powder and other makeup as it's applied

3. Flat head eye shadow brush
-small, dome-shaped brush for applying eye shadow
Why you need it: perfect for applying eye shadow directly to the eyelid and for blending eye shadows (colours)

4. Contour crease brush
-to add depth and definition to the eyes
Why you need it: to give the eyes more depth, esp for us Asian who has small eyes

5. Foundation brush
-to blend foundation
Why you need it: to apply/blends foundation on specific areas

6. Sponge tip applicator brush
-to apply eyeshadow or as a smudger
Why do you need it: for blending eye shadows or smudging eyeliner

7. Wet eyeliner brush
-fine, pointy tip brush for applying wet eyeliner
Why you need it: for precise application to the lashes, use with wet eyeliner or creme eye shadows

8. Angle brush
-angled tip for the eyes/brows
Why you need it: to create a nice smooth lines for eyes or brows

9. Lip brush
-for applying lip colour/lip gloss
Why you need it: use to line the lips and applying colours evenly

10. Spiral brush
-resembles a mascara wand
Why you need it: to separate the lashes and to remove excess mascara after application

11. Eyebrow comb
-brush/comb for the brows
Why you need it: to shape the brow and make it neater

12. Duster
-to dust away any excess powder
Why you need it: use at the end of makeup application to dust away any excess loose powder and to set the makeup

Other tools:

1. Eye lashes curler
2. Tweezers
3. Scissors
4. Sponges- for foundation/compact powder

*from my own notes

Thought for today

2006-09-08T11:00:00.000+08:00

thoughts on happiness....

"How many of us go through our days parched and empty, thirsting after happiness, when we're really standing knee-deep in the river of abundance?"
— Sarah Ban Breathnach

"Happiness, not in another place but this place…not for another hour, but this hour…"
— Walt Whitman

"It is difficult to experience moments of happiness if we are not aware of what it is we genuinely love."
— Sarah Ban Breathnach

"With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world…Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."
— Max Ehrmann

"When we appreciate how much we have, we feel the urge to pare down, get back to basics, and learn what is essential for our happiness. We long to realize what's really important."
— Sarah Ban Breathnach

"Our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves."
— Wilhelm von Humboldt

"…happiness gives us the energy which is the basis of health."
— Henri Amiel, Swiss philosopher and writer

"The ancient Greek definition of happiness was the full use of your powers along the line of excellence."
— John F. Kennedy

"Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it."
— Jacques Prévert

About DNAS

2006-09-05T16:49:00.000+08:00

I am just a simple minded 30 plus woman who loves
performing arts. I was actively involved with theatres
during my teenage years and had to quit it during my
uni days due to time constraint and a very demanding
boyfriend (ex). LOL.

I have been a field engineer in the IT industry for
the past 8 years and now still deciding whether I
should stick with it or start doing something more
refreshing and fulfilling.

My passion to write came naturally during my primary
school years when my late father bought me a typewriter
after I scored straight As during my Penilaian
Darjah Lima exam. That was when I started learning
touch typing and after about a month I found myself
typing poems and short stories.

My masterpieces made it to the school magazines, but
I never found the courage to actually post them to
any of the commercial magazine editors or publishers.
When I was in Form Four I actually attended a
workshop on writing short stories that was so
inspiring and helped me a lot in writing.

My blogging activity started in June 2005, after
I officially resigned from my previous company. Those
were the days when I was going through the hardest
transition period ever. Maybe for some people,
changing job is just so normal but for me it was
such a trying time, that I had to find a therapy
by blogging.

The main reason I changed job was to concentrate in
raising my 2 sons and spend more time with my
husband. We've been married for more than 5 years then
and yet I felt like there was so much more
that I don't know about him. Rather than keep on
drifting apart from each other, I decided that the
old job was not worth keeping, regardless of how
much they were willing to pay.

So, now here I am in this blogosphere, sharing my
thoughts and ideas with you towards a better world for
us all. I hope my writings will inspire all women
(men as well) out there to face the challenges in our
daily lives so that whenever you're down or troubled
or confused you'll know which URL can help you find
an answer. I might not have the answers, but perhaps I
can help you find the peace of mind so that you can
start thinking.

Finally a really big thank you to the 3 angels who
invited me to blog here.

Brown is the New Black

2006-08-04T08:12:00.000+08:00

You've heard it before, but we'll tell you again: Brown is the new black.

And it couldn't be truer.
This versatile hue can be paired with such colors as tangerine, teal, navy, lavender, nude and white, to name a few.

So, what are you waiting for? ........ jom shopping !
Mega Sales Carnival

Note :
Original article and part photo is courtesy of www.ivillage.com
(though, some content has been changed to fit this entry).

How to Plan for a Romantic Dinner at Home for Your Spouse

2006-07-10T16:37:00.000+08:00

Wow......... it's been a while since we last posted here. So, let's not waste too much time on me blabbering.......... Let's get to the meat of this entry.

When was the last time you had a romantic dinner with your spouse?

You don't have to have a special occasion to host a romantic dinner for your spouse.

Set aside the excuse you can't cook.

If you are culinary-challenged, you can still plan a romantic dinner at home for the two of you by either choosing simple recipes to follow or by purchasing some of the meal courses from a restaurant or store.

Here's How:

Set the stage of your romantic dinner by making sure the two of you will be alone. If you have children, arrange for babysitting at someone else's home.

Plan your romantic dinner on an evening of a week that you are sure your spouse won't have other time commitments already scheduled.

Do you want the romantic dinner to be a surprise or not? If it is a surprise, light candles in the entrance of your home to surprise your spouse.

If the dinner won't be a surprise, consider giving your spouse an invitation that you write yourself.

Send the invitation by mail, leave it on your mate's pillow, send it with a bouquet of flowers, leave it on the dash of your spouse's car, etc.

Your invitation needs to be specific as to when the romantic dinner is planned. Be creative!

Set the table with a tablecloth, cloth napkins, nice dinnerware, crystal, unscented candles, and flowers. The napkins can be rolled or folded in a pretty way.

Sprinkle the table with rose petals or sparkly heart shaped sprinkles. You can set floating candles in small glasses filled partly with cranberry juice.

Decide on your romantic dinner menu.

Keep it simple, but don't forget the appetizers. Plan on serving foods that your spouse likes. This isn't a time to experiment with a new recipe.

If you are going to order your part of your romantic dinner from a restaurant or other source, make sure you have time to transfer the menu items to attractive bowls and platters.

Choose the music you want to listen to ahead of time, and have soft romantic music playing in the background.

Create dimmed lighting for the room where you will be dining. Small, white Christmas light strings can have the desired look. So can a fire in a fireplace.

Turn off the television, computers, and other distractions.

Sample Menus:

Enjoy!

Tips:

Get dressed up.
Have a plan on what you will do after dinner. You could take a moonlit walk together, watch a romantic movie, or dance to romantic music.

What You Need:

A Plan
A Menu
Determination
Candles
Mood Music
Romantic Movie
Flowers
Nice linen for the table, good tableware, crystal glasses
Creative Thinking

Article courtesy of www.marriage.about.com

Inspiration Words on Marriage

2006-05-11T10:42:00.000+08:00

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times,
always with the same person.
- Mignon McLaughlin -

Note :
Image courtesy of http://www.imgag.com

Decoding the Secrets of Body Language

2006-03-29T07:12:00.000+08:00

"It is impossible for human beings not to communicate their innermost thoughts. In many cases body language, eye contact, and sexual gestures are more effective than verbal communication. Learning to interpret body language can help you discern what people are really saying".

Body language reveals many of our most intimate feelings, whether we intend to confide them or not. From simple eye contact to a light touch on the leg, body gestures are a very direct form of communication. In a romantic relationship, reading the cues correctly is critical.

The Eyes Have It

Eye contact is the most common initial sexual advance. Eyes can reveal sparked interest, fantasy, or disinterest. We inititate eye contact every day, in places as disparate as the subway, the office, the supermarket, and the bedroom.

Making eye contact is a simple, universal way to show someone that you are interested in them sexually—by making eye contact you make it easier for him or her to respond to you. When speaking in person, look at him or her directly, not over a shoulder or down at the floor. To show your interest across a room, hold your glance longer than you would in an ordinary social situation. Don't overdo it, though. Most people find anything more than intermittent eye contact (five seconds out of every 30) uncomfortable or threatening and will probably look away. You can assume some mutual interest if he or she returns your gaze steadily.

When your glance is recognized and welcomed, the recipient may move in a way that "opens up" the body, giving you more to look at. Perhaps he will stand sideways and push up his sleeves or lean back against the wall with his torso slightly pushed forward. Or she might place her hands in in the back pockets of her jeans, or playfully push her hair back off her forehead.

Other encouraging responses include raised eyebrows, eyes that are wide open, or fluttering of the eyelashes. If you are looking at each other for longer and longer periods and moving closer in toward each other, that is a definite mating call. You can test this by moving slightly closer and noting whether the person moves closer in or draws further way.

If your initial contact is not welcome, the person you are looking at may try to shield themselves from your view or try to create a barrier between you. Hence, if the object of your attention suddenly disappears into the crowd or abruptly crosses her arms or legs, she is saying "you're going too fast for me", or "I'm not interested right now."

Photo 1 - "The Gaze" courtesy of : www.ivillage.com

Facial Expressions and Gestures

To send out a signal that you are interested in getting to know someone better, smile! Smiling sends the message that you find someone attractive and would like to initiate further conversation. Hand and head movements are also ways of encouraging people as you become interested in them. Turning your head and stepping in towards him sends the message that you'd like to get closer. Gesturing her to sit down next to you or moving over to create some standing room indicates a willingness to pursue conversation. However, make sure you stand or sit a proper distance away—moving in too close too soon encroaches on personal boundaries and raises issues of proprietary space.

Finally, learning to use touch can step up the pace of any relationship. To offer positive encouragement during the early stages of a relationship, try touching her arm or hand while engaged in conversation. When coming up behind, put your hand on his shoulder in greeting. But keep it subtle. Don't overstep the line between showing interest and being overly pushy. Remember, too, that skin-to-skin contact—touching a bare wrist, for example--is always more intimate than skin-to-clothing contact.

Photo 2 - "Hands" courtesy of : http://www.indiatimes.com

It Makes Sense

Along with body language, our five senses also play a role in physical attraction and intimacy. From initial visual contact to watching a partner undress, sight is an important sexual stimulus. Hearing soft music or the special intonations of your partner's voice can serve as a caress or foreplay to sex itself.

Touching and holding can foster exquisite closeness and intimacy on their own. The taste of good food and wine can put lovers in the mood by making them feel good and lowering their inhibitions. There is a definite correlation between eating and deriving emotional nourishment from your partner. The "smell" of your lover's body mingled with perfume or other scent can act as a powerful stimulant. Is there any question, then, as to the aphrodiasiac quality of a romantic dinner accompanied by soft music and followed by an evening of dancing cheek-to-cheek?

Photo 3 - "Dancing Cheek-to-Cheek" courtesy of : http://www.lifeskillsintl.org

Fast Forward to Intimacy

Let's assume that the above encounters have led to a relationship culminating in physical intimacy. Remember that body language doesn't end in the courting stage of a new relationship. You can learn a great deal about your partner's feelings and moods by paying attention to his or her body language before, during, and after sex.

Even though a partner may eagerly get into bed with you, he may be uncomfortable about having sex. Telltale signs include legs or arms that are drawn close in to the body, limited eye contact, and the presence of a physical barrier, such as a book, a pulled-up blanket, or a TV remote. If your partner is sitting on the edge of the bed, slightly frowning, or has arms pressed closely to his or her side, you can surmise that he is nervous. A relaxing, sensual massage will probably diminish his nervousness to the point that his arousal overtakes the discomfort.

You may also find that upon getting into bed, you partner turns her back on you and draws her knees up into a fetal position. This indicates inhibition and a performance anxiety. One excellent remedy for this is a warm, nonthreatening cuddle. Match your breathing to hers, and then slowly make each breath longer and more relaxed. Hopefully your partner will copy this breathing and spontaneously begin to relax.

Because many people find it hard to converse verbally, body language can help them communicate. As you learn to interpret the various nuances of body language, you can learn to understand what people are really "saying".

Photo 4 - "The Couple" courtesy of : http:artsindia.com

Written by Jill m. Shuman.
Article courtesy of www.beliefnet.com

Rrsources from the Social Issues Research Centre (SIRC)
http://www.sirc.org/publik/flirt.html

Inspiration Words on Anger & Patience

2006-03-27T08:47:00.000+08:00

If you are patient in one moment of anger,

you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.
~ Chinese epigram ~

Photo courtesy of : Superherodesign

Happy Birthday, Angels

2006-03-06T09:19:00.000+08:00

Yep.... the March Angels celebrates their 34th birthday this month
- with Leilanie on the 1st, TunkuIna on the 8th and Zura on the 26th.
We turn 34 this month - this year and we're proud of it.

And we're very happy and proud that this is also to celebrate our TWENTY TWO years, (yes, people, it's 22 years) of friendship. From primary 6, when we know nothing about birds and the bees; up to Form 5, when we know a little too much about playing doctor_&_nurse, then we parted because we headed for different aims in our lives to pursue our dreams, we got married and we worked and worked, and had kids, and worked and worked, and still working and working ........ but above it all.............
....... the friendship remains. And that's priceless!

Click on the following links to read how we experience the day together :
Leilanie and her Murphy's Law
Zura and her Mission Impossible
Tunku Ina and her Part 1 and Part 2

Here's all (well, almost all) the photos we've captured during our birthday lunch date, which was held on the 3rd of March at the Penang Village in TTDI.

Let's Stay Healthy!!!

2006-02-24T07:40:00.000+08:00

Sometimes we are so unsure of what supplements to take and which one is suitable for us. A few years back, I received an informative brochure which contains details on vitamins and supplements. I've been trying to locate the brochure and finally, after weeks of hard work (of searching hi and low for it.... inside boxes and boxes of junk papers and documents), I managed to find the information and happy to share it with you. I hope this will reduce your standing time in front of the vitamin racks in the pharmacies.

Evening Primrose Oil
A rich source of the essential fatty acids which is important to maintain our health and well being. It is widely consumed as supplement for the purpose of maintaining health and beauty especially for healthy skin, hair and nails. It has also been used to treat PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome).

BioZinc
A high potency nutritional supplement with added nutrients to help maintain healthy skin, hair and nails. It also helps to maintain the health of our immune system and important for growth and boost fertility in men and women.

Lecithin
Lecithin is as essential component of all cells and helps to emulsify fats in the digestive system; therefore it is good for people who have liver problems.

Fish Oil
Fish oil is a good source of fatty acids. Taking fish oil capsules is a convenient way of consuming healthy essential fatty acids, which can be found in oily type of fish, such as fresh salmon, tuna, herrings and sardines.

Ginko
Ginko is a traditional herbal remedy which helps improve blood circulation and aids memory. It may be useful for students, diabetic patients or people with blood circulation problem, and also for elderly.

Echinacea
A traditional herbal remedy used to relieve colds, flu and chronic infections of the respiratory tract. It is also known for its ability to improve our body’s immune system.

Horseradish & Garlic
These two, if taken together, is a good traditional herbal combination for the temporary relief of the symptoms of nasal congestion, colds, allergies and sinusitis.
Horseradish root helps to dry up excess mucus and phlegm. It also acts as antiseptic for the sinus tissues.
Garlic is famous for its antibacterial action; ease the symptoms of colds, influenza and bronchitis. It also helps to control the build up of mucus in the nasal tissue and able to reduce the mucus and phlegm form the lung.

Vitamin C
It is widely known for its ability to strengthen the body’s immune system and minimizing colds and allergies (sneezing and watery eyes). It may provide relieve for hay fever symptoms, assist wound healing and reduce the severity of coughs and colds. Some products are formulated to slowly release the Vitamin C dose over an hour period, therefore allowing a prolonged rate of absorption.

BioCalcium
This supplement is for the health of our bones and minimizes osteoporosis. It is a good source of calcium for those who require higher doses, e.g. pregnant ladies. It is a convenient way of ensuring essential calcium needs of our body is met.

Celery
It is normally consumes for the purpose of relieving the symptoms associated with painful joint problem.

Beta-carotene
It contains a natural source of beta-carotene and is a natural antioxidant. It converts into Vitamin A in the body and may be beneficial during times of increased vitamin A requirements. (Vitamin A is important for the health of skin, eyes and mucous membranes).

BioE
BioE capsules contain Vitamin E which is an antioxidant and free radical scavenger. Assists in blood circulation, promotes wound healing and reduces scarring.

BioACE
A combination of the major antioxidant nutrients Vitamin A, C, E, zinc and other support nutrients which provide daily antioxidant protection. Highly recommended for people living around polluted areas, people under physical and emotional stress, smokers, heavy drinkers, junk food eaters, diabetics and elderly.
People who do not eat vegetables or fresh fruits or people whose diets do not contain whole grains maybe lacking in antioxidant nutrients, therefore, BioACE is good for this group of people.

Vitamin B+C
A nutritional supplementary source of B group vitamins, folic acid and vitamin C, when dietary intake is inadequate. Vitamin B is important in the maintenance of the immune system and utilization of energy. It is a good source to help overcome vitamin deficiencies, help to overcome stress and boosts body’s resistance to infections.

Multi Vitamins & Minerals
A food supplement of essential nutrients for when the diet is inadequate. May help to increase energy and vitality. Also good for general prevention of vitamin deficiencies and recommended for women planning to start family and pregnant ladies.

Coutesy of Blackmores

All About Skin

2006-02-02T14:32:00.000+08:00

The latest research shows that the key to attaining an awesome complexion may be linked to your ethnic background.

You know that many factors can affect your skin: the weather, your menstrual cycle, your cleansing routine, the Pill and yes, your diet. But there's one factor you don't hear much about: your ethnic background.

At the latest American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, several research dermatologists spoke about the role ethnicity plays in the overall condition of your skin. Here, top skin docs offer insights that'll help you score and maintain a gorgeous complexion based on those revelations.

FAIR
If you have a pale skin tone that's between porcelain and bisque, this is your group. Most fair-skinned people are Caucasian, but they can also be light-skinned Asians and Latinas.

Basic Characteristics
Fair skin can range from being extremely dry to very greasy, but the most common denominator is a susceptibility to irritation, sensitivity and damage caused by UV exposure. The good news is that your relative lack of pigmentation means you have the easiest time scoring a uniform complexion. Even when your coloration is slightly off in places (from sun exposure, a breakout, a scratch or whatever), getting back to normal usually doesn't take the amount of time and effort often required of people with deeper skin tones.

Basic Care
Start your routine off with a gentle cleanser suited for your skin type (dry, oily or combo), but dermatologists emphasize that selecting moisturizers that'll help protect your fair skin from UV damage is key. During the day, use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen laced with antioxidants. At night, opt for a cream that contains alpha-hydroxy acids or retinol to help speed up cell turnover. Another must: Get an annual total-body check from a derm. In between, look for moles and bumps that change shape or color or that hurt.

Common Problems
Hate to break it to you, but you're the first to show signs of sun damage (wrinkles, dark splotches, roughness). To speed up the sloughing off of damaged surface skin and reveal the fresher, sexier layer underneath, check out one of the new at-home acid peels or microdermabrasion kits. A good buy: L'Oréal ReFinish Micro-Dermabrasion Kit, $25.

Your relative paleness also makes redness look more pronounced. If irritation is causing your skin to appear ruddy, try a "calming cream" containing chamomile or other soothing botanicals. Color-corrective concealers, foundations and powders, often tinted a light green, can cancel out the red of pimples and broken blood vessels (your lack of natural UV protection makes you especially prone to these).

MEDIUM
This spectrum spans skin tones from light beige to olive or deep tan. More likely than not, you're in this category if you're of East Asian, Latin, Mediterranean or Middle Eastern descent.

Basic Characteristics
Having more melanin-rich skin gives you some natural UV protection ‑- not enough that you can ditch the SPF, but premature aging shouldn't be a huge concern. Also, your skin tends to be relatively thick, which often means fewer lines and wrinkles. But because it can also contain more oil glands, your skin may have enlarged pores and be prone to breakouts.

Basic Care
A salicylic-acid wash can help keep both oil and breakouts at bay. We like Benefit Wooosh!, $18. Also ‑- unlike powder, which can sit in and exaggerate pores ‑- blotting papers are a great temporary fix. Try Clean and Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5. Another trick: Use a mattifyer under your sunscreen and makeup. One cult favorite: Peter Thomas Roth Max Anti-Shine Mattifying Gel, $35.

Common Problems
Skin with a decent amount of melanin is predisposed to produce even more melanin at the slightest provocation. Derms report that hyperpigmentation, such as marks that outlive whatever caused them in the first place (like a bug bite or scratch) and melasma (masklike facial blotchiness), are the biggest concerns. Hydroquinone-spiked fading creams reduce the production of new melanin and help to whisk away existing spots. Try DDF Fade Gel 4, $42. Newer fading formulas use botanicals purported to help disperse existing pigment clusters into less noticeable particles.

Because thick skin tends to have high concentrations of hair follicles, you may also have to wrestle with extra facial and body hair. Consider adding a hair-inhibiting lotion, such as Aveeno Positively Smooth Facial Moisturizer, $14, to your routine. Also, be aware that hyperpigmentation can be triggered by waxing burns, so if you let it rip at home, don't overheat the wax. If you go to a pro waxer, be up-front about your skin's sensitivity. For facial hair, try threading, a safe, time-tested alternative technique that tugs on skin less than waxing or tweezing.

DARK
Skin tones in this category can range from café au lait to ebony and usually include African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and women from India, Sri Lanka and other areas of South Asia.

Basic Characteristics
The lucky news: Your skin is the best-protected against UV damage ‑- not so much so that you can forget sunscreen (ever!) ‑- but enough that you're likely to look a few years younger than your lighter-skinned contemporaries. Your pigmentation also provides camouflage against redness and even cellulite. On the other hand, hyperpigmentation can be a big issue ‑- the skin pros point out that acne scars are a particular bummer.

Basic Care
Wage a war against pimple scars by making your cleansing routine about acne avoidance: Use a pore-cleansing salicylic-acid wash once or twice a day. We like Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser, $6. But because you can't ensure against breakouts one hundred percent of the time, consider applying a cream that contains both salicylic acid as well as a brown spot-fighting ingredient. Try Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Acne Mark Fading Peel, $15.

Common Problems
Keeping your b-day suit free of any ashy patches of dry skin is challenging because the contrast between dead, grayish cells and your rich dark skin tone can be obvious. Go for rich lotions and creams, and moisturize as often and as thoroughly as possible, especially when your skin is still damp after a shower. And stick with gentle cleansers versus drying soaps. Try Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash, $4.50. For stubborn ashiness, keep a humidifier on while you sleep.

You may also be plagued with ingrowns. The culprit: a combo of coarse hair and curved follicles. Simply put, the hair has a hard time breaking through the surface of your skin. And as tempting as picking and excavating may be, just say no. At best, you'll invite hyperpigmentation...at worst, infection. Instead, opt for exfoliating and/or antiinflammatory products that coax trapped hairs out. Try Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster, $35, or Tend Skin, $20.

HOW BIRTH CONTROL AFFECTS SKIN TONE
The hormones in the Pill and the patch trick your body into thinking it's pregnant, which can produce the mask of pregnancy, or melasma. Sometimes this condition can be harder to treat than the pregnancy-induced version. Still, fading creams, Retin-A and peels generally help.

This article was edited by the author.
Original article, courtesy of ivillage.com

How Moody Does Your Period Make You?

2006-01-24T23:00:00.000+08:00

Are you one of those women who barely bats an eye at PMS, or are you an all-out rage queen? You might not be as cool and collected as you think.
Find out how much your period affects you - and your friends and man!

Take this quiz and find out.

http://quiz.ivillage.com/health/tests/menstrual.htm

And let us know the results on the comment section.
We'll share the experiences, OK.
:)

Quiz courtesy of iVillage.com

Pick-Me-Upper

2006-01-17T13:03:00.000+08:00

It is true that many people hide behind a great smile, yet they may be going through the most difficult times in their lives.

Some of you who are reading this may have just had a fight with your partner/husband this morning (or last night), have credit cards bills and whatever bills that you've yet to pay (and the collection agencies are bugging your every serene time), a family member is ill, your child has low self-esteem and worst still your child does not want to follow instructions, you may be going through a divorce, or you dread going to work to face your silly boss (or that bitch sitting next to you) or you may just be feeling dull about nothing (it does happen!).

Sometimes, you need not really discover what it is that is making you feel lousy - but you know you are because you can't seem to smile, you get agitated over little things, the phone rings and you say, "damn-it", you feel like you need to drive fast and furious in order to feel better about controlling the wheels, and you just want everybody else to go "fuck-off!" (oopss.... excuse me for the f-language).

Remember, when you feel "lousy" about yourself...... there's a bad aura that goes around with you, thus, the bad karma snowballs to other things and onto other people. And most of the time, the people you hurt most is the people closest to you.
(do you realise that?).

It is surprising to note that the power of the "mind" is an amazing tool which many fail to use because they are too coup-up with the problem itself. Different people seek and response to different kinds of pick-me-uppers, some rejoice over songs
(i.e. "R.E.S.P.E.C.T" and "I Will Survive", or "Dancing Queen" or even "Oh Carol"),
some over books, others over a window-shopping extravaganza, while some would pop in a DVD and watch a funny movie.

However, the most dreading is that, not only you feel like you've just got hit by a train, but worst still is when you didn't even notice the train closing on you.
You can't seem to identify what is it that ticks-you-off and what is it that picks-you-up.

Frustrating, isn't it?

If you're feeling down and you feel depress 24x7, you need to find the one thing that can make you feel at ease. I too, have had my share of depressing days........ and in transferring the frustration into a vacuum, I seek solace in either a :
i) funny romantic book
or
ii) funny romantic movie

The bottom line is.......... it should be able to make you forget about the pain, it should make you laugh, the least, it should make you smile.
I know it'll only be temporary - but temporary is better than 24-7!
Remember....... you need to channel your frustration into the vacuum; keep it away from your loved ones and things will snowball positively with your smiles.

Note :
Oh, by the way - treating yourself to a simple facial, or colouring your hair (drastic colour change) can also lift up your depressed self.

So come on....... take a deep breath, exhale.........
.............. channel out the bad vibes and bring in the positive aura.
hmmm.......... it aint't that bad after all, is it?

Life is Beautiful.

Color Combinations

2006-01-11T16:12:00.000+08:00

Every night before going to bed, we'll be wondering what to wear the next day for work. Standing in front of the wardrobes, flipping one by one, figuring what to wear and which color should go with another. Most often, what's the go-to color in most women's wardrobes? Black, of course. Well, it is a universally flattering shade that works for any occasion, on any body type, and for any item of clothing but the problem: Wearing black (or the black-and-one-color combo) every day can get boring and predictable.

Lets break out of the shell by trying some new color combinations -- combinations that look fresh, stylish, and way more chic than black. Here the ones we can try out:

Brown and Pink
Standard thinking was that brown, a warm shade, should be worn with other warm neutrals; and pink, a cool shade, should team up with other cool colors or black. Not anymore. Wearing brown and pink together is sophisticated and feminine. We love the look of brown trousers with a pink or rose button-down or sweater. Pair with shiny brown boots and a glossy, brown leather belt.

Navy and Orange
When you think of navy, you think classic, demure, and traditional. And when you think of orange, you think dramatic, funky, and sporty. We love wearing the two together for a classically sporty look. Your best bet: Pair navy trousers with a simple orange sweater shell or long-sleeved silk tee; top with a navy blazer for a modern take on a suit. On your feet, go for navy or black oxfords, or, if you're feeling really funky, orange-accented trainers.

Burgundy and Red
Usually paired with black, burgundy and red look striking when worn together. A great way to do this: Top a burgundy tee or shell with a red hoodie or zip-up sweater. Wear the combo with jeans and sneakers for an old-school look.

Charcoal and Yellow
Most of us tend to pair charcoal -- a bold, smoky color -- with an equally strong, cool shade, like red, white, or black. But you can soften charcoal's bold effect by wearing it with lemon yellow. To try the pair, go for a charcoal skirt topped with a lemon yellow cashmere V-neck. Pair with dark tights and knee-high boots.

Chocolate and Baby Blue
Like the combo of brown and pink, chocolate and baby blue make a chic, sophisticated pair. One fun way to try this look: Top a pair of baby-blue corduroys with a chunky chocolate cardigan. Or try the look for work by wearing a baby-blue sweater under a chocolate suit.

So, lets shop for those colors and try it yourself...

Courtesy of LHJ.com - Ladies Home Journal

Eat Right & Live Healthy

2006-01-07T16:23:00.000+08:00

Our society nowadays is increasingly concern about health issues. Gym rooms and fitness centers are growing like mushrooms everywhere. But does exercise alone help us to be fit and healthy? How much do we know about our food? Being a ‘food lover’ myself, I used to pay less attention to what goes into my mouth until my late father was in comma for 2 weeks in 2003 due to heart attack, renal failure, stroke and diabetic. He once said….. “biar mati makan, jangan mati tak makan.” Yup, he was a food lover just like me but I guess, he lost control over his eating habit.

Besides these diseases, cancer is also becoming a common health problem. Not only can it be fatal sometimes, but modern medication has never been able to find a cure for it. Again, how much do we know about cancer and what do we do to prevent from getting it?

Since ‘eating’ is part of our lives, nothing much can be done about this… I mean, we HAVE to eat in order to live anyway (but not LIVE to EAT eh!). However, we can always take preventive measures by ensuring that we only eat good food (so guys, say bye bye to junks!).

Have you heard about antioxidants? Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals – free radicals are found in our environment like pollutants, smoke, chemicals which have been linked to the causes of cancer, arthritis, heart diseases. Therefore, stabilizing free radicals will prevent damages (not totally, though) to our body cells. In short, antioxidants are important and there are hundreds of antioxidants available from various plants and vegetables (of course I wouldn’t know every single one of them).

According to doctors, based on considerable laboratory evidence, antioxidants may slow or possibly prevent the development of cancer. Antioxidants can be found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and some other sources. Below are some of the common sources of antioxidants:

Foods that are orange in color, like sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkins, papayas ;
Green leafy vegetables like spinach;
Fruits like watermelon, guava, pink grapefuits, mangoes and citrus fuits;
Plant foods like rice (woo hoo!!!!) and wheat;
Liver, milk and egg yolks;
Vegetables like red pepper, broccoli and cabbage, tomatoes;
Vegetable oil like soybean and corn oil;
Nuts like almonds, brazil nut and barley.

Now that you know what's good for you... no more excuses eh!!!! Have fun eating! I know I always do!

Hey Working Girl ! Let's Dress Trendy

2006-01-06T11:27:00.000+08:00

Go for Quality, Not Quantity

You don't need a lot of pieces to dress rich, only five or six that are interchangeable and of superior quality. A structured jacket like this solid black velvet blazer with contrasting trim and a four-button closure, a pair of beautifully tailored trousers, a little cap-sleeved pleated top or a creamy top cardigan will do.

Make It Fit

People who know fashion wear pieces that drape gracefully, creating that telltale elegant silhouette. Seams should lie smoothly, collars should be pristine, and pleats should be crisp, even and smooth. Skirts will have a pretty swing to them. Everything should fit the contours of your body just right.

Look for Luxury Fabrics

Designer Lauren Moffatt believes dressing well means surrounding yourself in only the finest fabric. "Aside from the fact that better-quality fabric feels amazing against your skin" she said, "it retains its shape and symmetry and won't bunch up or cling to your body in odd ways." So embrace those cashmeres, merino wools, silks and fine cottons.

Be Creative and Recycle

If you own a high-quality piece from seasons past that just needs a bit of tweaking, don't toss it, recycle it. For example, you can remove bows or other "too-last-year" flourishes such as extravagant ruffles, take up a hem or remove those exaggerated shoulder pads; just be creative!

Browse Your Local Consignment Shops

Consignment shops are another goldmine for discovering valuable, modern items at a fraction of the cost, and unlike with eBay, you can try them on. Look for well-constructed pieces made from wool, silk, cotton and linen.

Shoes and Bag Speak Volumes

The benchmark of dressing rich has to be the shoes and handbag, so pay special attention with your choices: no ragged heels or dirty scruffs on shoes, and no busted zippers or ripped seams on bags. And FYI, you might want to think twice about carrying Louis Vuitton; imitations are so ubiquitous these days, everybody may assume it's a fake anyway.

Classic Black Coat

One "Don't forget that quintessential tailored black wool coat," said Jennifer Meyer, public relations director for Club Monaco. "You can wear it with everything from jeans and a tank top to an elegant cocktail dress and look smashing."

This article is edited to fit into the Malaysian contect.
Original article, courtesy of ivillage.com

Your Birth Month

2006-01-01T16:00:00.000+08:00

Welcome 2006!

I'm pretty sure with a long list of New Years' Resolutions to re-vamp your lifestyle for a brand new you, you'll be wondering ..... what else can you do to make it loophole-proof. So, let's see what the birth month reveals about you........ (and how you can use it as a guide to re-vamp !).

JANUARY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Ambitious and serious. Loves to teach and be taught. Always looking at people's flaws and weaknesses. Likes to criticize. Hardworking and productive. Smart, neat and organized. Sensitive and has deep thoughts. Knows how to make others happy. Quiet unless excited or tensed. Rather reserved. Highly attentive. Resistant to illnesses but prone to colds. Romantic but has difficulties expressing love. Loves children. Loyal. Has great social abilities yet easily jealous. Very Stubborn and money cautious.

FEBRUARY: Abstract thoughts. Loves reality and abstract. Intelligent and clever. Changing personality. Attractive. Sexy. Temperamental. Quiet, shy and humble. Honest and loyal. Determined to reach goals. Loves freedom. Rebellious when restricted. Loves aggressiveness. Too sensitive and easily hurt. Gets angry really easily but does not show it. Dislike unnecessary things. Loves making friends but rarely shows it. Daring and stubborn. Ambitious. Realizing dreams and hopes. Sharp. Loves entertainment and leisure. Romantic on the inside not outside. Superstitious and ludicrous. Spendthrift. Tries to learn to show emotions.

MARCH: Attractive personality. sexy. Affectionate Shy and reserved. Secretive. Naturally honest, generous and sympathetic. Loves peace and serenity. Sensitive to others. Loves to serve others. Easily angered. Trustworthy. Appreciative and returns kindness. Observant and assesses others. Revengeful. Loves to dream and fantasize. Loves traveling. Loves attention. Hasty decisions in choosing partners. Loves home decors. Musically talented. Loves special things. Moody.

APRIL: Active and dynamic. Decisive and haste but tends to regret. Attractive and affectionate to oneself. Strong mentality. Loves attention. Diplomatic. Consoling, friendly and solves people's problems. Brave and fearless. Adventurous. Loving and caring. Suave and generous. Emotional. Aggressive. Hasty. Good memory. Moving Motivates oneself and others. Sickness usually of the head and chest. Sexy in a way that only their lover can see.

MAY: Stubborn and hard-hearted. Strong-willed and highly motivated. Sharp thoughts. Easily angered. Attracts others and loves attention. Deep feelings. Beautiful physically and mentally. Firm Standpoint. Needs no motivation. Easily consoled. Systematic (left brain). Loves to dream. Strong clairvoyance. Understanding. Sickness usually in the ear and neck. Good imagination. Good physical. Weak breathing. Loves literature and the arts. Loves traveling. Dislike being at home. Restless. Having many children. Hardworking. High spirited. Spendthrift.

JUNE: Easy to talk to. Thinks far with vision. Easily influenced by kindness. Polite and soft-spoken. Having lots of ideas. Sensitive. Active mind. Hesitating, tends to delay. Choosy and always wants the best. Temperamental. Funny and humorous. Loves to joke. Good debating skills. Has that someone* always on his/her mind. Talkative. Daydreamer. Friendly. Knows how to make friends. Abiding. Able to show character. one guy/girl kind of person. Loveable. Easily hurt. Prone to getting colds. loves music. pretty/handsome. Loves to dress up. Easily bored. Fussy. Seldom shows emotions. Takes time to recover when hurt. Sensitive. Down-to-Earth. Stubborn.

JULY: Fun to be with. Secretive. Difficult to fathom and to be understood. Easily excited or tensed. Takes pride in oneself. Has reputation. Easily consoled. Honest. Concerned about people's feelings. Tactful. Friendly. Approachable. Emotional temperamental and unpredictable. Moody and easily hurt. Witty and sparkly. Not always revengeful. Forgiving but never forgets. Dislikes nonsensical and unnecessary things. Guides others physically and mentally. Sensitive and forms impressions carefully. Caring and loving. Treats others equally. Strong sense of sympathy. Wary and sharp. Judges people through observations. Hardworking. No difficulties in studying. LOVES to be alone. Always broods about the past and the old friends. Gorgeous, and loves to be a tease. Waits for friends.

AUGUST: Loves to joke. Attractive. Suave and caring. Brave and fearless. Firm and has leadership qualities. Knows how to console others. Too generous and egoistic. Takes high pride of oneself. Thirsty for praises. Extraordinary spirit. Easily angered. Angry when provoked. Easily jealous. Observant. Careful and cautious. Thinks quickly. Independent thoughts. Loves to lead and to be led. Loves to dream. Talented in the arts, music and defense. Sensitive but not petty. Poor resistance against illnesses. Learns to relax. Hasty and trusty. Romantic. Loving and caring. Loves to make friends.

SEPTEMBER: Suave and compromising. Careful, cautious and organized. Likes to point out people's mistakes. Likes to criticize. Stubborn. Quiet but able to talk well. Calm and cool. Kind and sympathetic. Concerned and detailed. Loyal but not always honest. Does work well. Very confident. Sensitive. Thinking generous. Good memory. Clever and knowledgeable. Loves to look for information. Must control oneself when criticizing. Able to motivate oneself. Understanding. Fun to be around. Secretive. Loves sports, leisure and traveling. Hardly shows emotions. Tends to bottle up feelings. Very choosy, especially in relationships. Systematic. Sexy but has brains.

OCTOBER: Loves to chat. Loves those who loves them. Loves to takes things at the center. Inner and physical beauty. Lies but doesn't pretend. Gets angry often. Treats friends importantly.Brave and fearless. Always making friends. Easily hurt but recovers easily. Daydreamer. Opinionated. Does not care of what others think. Emotional. Decisive. Strong clairvoyance. Loves to travel, the arts and literature. Touchy and easily jealous. Concerned. Loves outdoors. Just and fair. Spendthrift. Easily influenced. Easily loses confidence. Loves children.

NOVEMBER: Has a lot of ideas. Difficult to fathom. Thinks forward. Unique and brilliant. Extraordinary ideas. Sharp thinking. Fine and strong clairvoyance. Can become good doctors. Dynamic in personality. Secretive. Inquisitive. Knows how to dig secrets. Always thinking. Less talkative but amiable. Brave and generous. Patient. Stubborn and hard-hearted. If there is a will, there is a way. Determined. Never give up. Hardly becomes angry unless provoked. Loves to be alone. Thinks differently from others. Sharp-minded. Motivates oneself. Does not appreciates praises. High-spirited. Well-built and tough. Deep love and emotions. Romantic. Uncertain in relationships. Homely. Hardworking. High abilities. Trustworthy. Honest and keeps secrets. Not able to control emotions. Unpredictable. Extremely

DECEMBER: Loyal and generous. Sexy. Patriotic. Active in games and interactions. Impatient and hasty. Ambitious. Influential in organizations. Fun to be with. Loves to socialize. Loves praises. Loves attention. Loves to be loved. Honest and trustworthy. Not pretending. Short tempered. Changing personality. Not egoistic. Take high pride in oneself. Hates restrictions. Loves to joke. Good sense of humor. Logic.

About T. Ina

2005-12-31T22:55:00.001+08:00

Ten facts about T. Ina that you don't know (and now do) :
1) I'm a Pisces. That explains my love for water.
2) Eight is my favourite number (probably my lucky number too).
3) Almost lost one of my fingers when I was 6 - playing with the garden big scissor.
4) Used to work at launderette for a month when I was 16 during school holidays.
5) I was plump before got married.
6) I lost my beloved mum in 2001.
7) My 1st son was only 3 months old when I conceived the 2nd one.
8) I'm surrounded by male at home & at work. Can get crazeee sometimes.
9) I've never been to any work interviews.
10) Lastly, I've never played any musical instruments. Wonder why?

Favorite Sport : I love tennis and squash but I dont play them anymore. I love to swim but dont know how to float. Snorkelling is the best. I love hiking too.

Favourite Book : All sorts of Romance & Fantasies stories. Health, beauty, interior and fashion mags. Readable books.

Favourite Food : Western & Japanese. Laksa Asam, Asam Pedas & Asam Boi (is this food?!!)

Likes : Beaches.

Dislikes : Lies

Memorable Quotes : Without Friendship, Life is Nothing. (Cant remember who quote this but I hold it since I was little)

About Leilanie

2005-12-30T13:39:00.002+08:00

Ten facts about Leilanie that you don't know (and now do) :

1) I had an open heart surgery when I was 6 at the Asian Heart Centre in the Philippines
2) I hide behind smiles and laughters (especially when I'm down and out)
3) It took me less than 2 hours to give birth to Emil (from the time I walked into the hospital to the time Emil popped out).
4) I'm a product of a mix-parentage (mom is from Philippines and dad is anak Malaysia)
5) I wish I am a writer
6) I'm pretty lazy when it comes to studying (though I still have this weird drive to pursue my PhD).... kenapa, yek?
7) I love to eat ......... I mean...... LURVE to eat
8) I drink a lot of water and that makes me go to the "angels room" almost every hour
9) I am a much stronger person now, than I was 15 years ago
10) I don't like politic; politicians and the likes.

Favorite Sport : Swimming

Favourite Book : Chic-Lits and humourous-romance kinda books.

Favourite Food : Sambal ikan bilis with kobis masak lomak!

Likes : Reading a book under a tree, by the seaside.

Dislikes : Rude and snobbish people

Memorable Quotes : "You cannot force a man to love you"
(dad's advise to me in the mid 90s).

The rest of all the other stuff about me..............
................ my crazy wonderful life......... well, you can nose around at :
My Blog
or come meet me at Facebook.

About Nazura

2005-12-29T14:00:00.000+08:00

Ten facts about Nazura that you don't know (and now do) :

I was in the front page of Malay Mail back in 1992....... hahahahaha.... still couldn't figure out (until now) why I ended up doing that!
I LOVE baking and cooking..... (if you haven't been to my blog yet, then this is something new...otherwise, just pretend that you are surprise when you read this ok?;
Just like the other angel, I'm a food goddess! I LOVE eating... cakes, ice creams, pasta, all the fat-content food....yumm yumm;
My dream is to own a cafe.... something like Starbucks or Coffee Bean, or probably just a cozy restaurant where people can sit down and unwind;
I think I need to attend an anger management class..... I lose my temper easily;
I'm a super sensitive-woman... sometimes I cry for no apparent reasons.... hehehe;
I hate hospitals, nurses, doctors and the likes!.... I was admitted twice for a minor and a major operation (both due to some 'after-effect-of-delivery' reasons);
I don't like boat rides.... makes me dizzy, but I love going to islands!.... how lah??
I've always wanted a toned (may be muscular a bit) body $#%&*!?; and last but not least
Can't live without rice for more than 2 days..... !

Favorite Sport : Nothing in particular but I love to swim, jog and use all those machines in gym room... the ones that build up your muscle.... (but I never get the result.. hehe. I wonder why!?) And I enjoy snorkelling too!

Favourite Book : I read Memoirs of a Geisha recently & though it was good. But I read all kinds of book actually..... gossip mags, 19th-century romance pieces, romantic comedy, funny pieces (those of Sophie Kinsella's), Jude Deveraux books, Jackie Collins books, etc.

Favourite Food : All the good food... pizza, pasta, BBQ ribs, grilled salmon, all kinds of desserts..... aahhhhh! Now I'm hungry!

Likes : Beach and palm trees and sunset!!!!!!!! How romantic!

Dislikes : Empty promises

Memorable Quotes : Hmmm.... this one's hard... can I update this later?

Selamat Datang

2005-12-28T20:50:00.000+08:00

Hi !

Tunku Ina, Zura and Leilanie, have decided to create this blog for all women............ (and men); where we'll share with you tips and ideas on fashion, relationship, health, lifestyle, vacation, etc.

We believe that life is to be enjoyed to the fullest - especially with our loved ones by our side.

At the same time, we believe that, as a woman, we should treat ourselves right, eat right, dress right, think right and earn the respect that we deserve, in the every possible right way.

We hope you will enjoy this as much as we do - in creating it.

Take a deep breath, exhale and smile.......................
Because LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL
and so are YOU.

Life is Beautiful

10 Anti-Aging Food

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

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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

Soya:

Whole meal pasta and rice

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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

How to be HAPPY?

If you feel like you're drowing, go swimming

10 Fashion Trends with Staying Power

by Ingela Ratledge, RealSimple.com

Leggings and Skinny Jeans

About Charisma Adam

Happy Birthday, Angel NAH

Happiness - EPL

Self-Respect & Loving Yourself

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

Happy Birthday, Ina

Bundle of Joy - Kimi's Baby

Happy Birthday, Leilanie

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

Reason, Season, Lifetime ~ by Aleksandra Lachut

Living a Healthy Happy Life

10 Tips for Decorating on a Budget

Scrapbooking

Mummy in a hurry - Part 2

20 Questions to Ask Before You Get Married

Mummy in a hurry

Hello

Happy Mother's Day

The 11 Biggest Time Management Lies

The Human Gifts

Dining Etiquette For The Fast-food Generation

xin nian kuai le

Let's Celebrate Love!

Men Are More Intelligent Than Women?

And so the study claims........

Happy New Year 2007

Changing Faces

Skin

Little John

10 Crimes of Work Fashion

Be friend to the earth!

Is It That Easy To Say "It's Over"?

Haze...

Panadol....

"We Care"

Anonymous Online

How to teach your toddler to do chores

testing

Fresh, Revived and Exciting

Sharing is caring

New Headboard Looks for Your Bed

About kuE

About Naddy

About Kimi

Tools of the Trade

Thought for today

About DNAS

Brown is the New Black

How to Plan for a Romantic Dinner at Home for Your Spouse

Here's How:

Tips:

What You Need:

Inspiration Words on Marriage

Decoding the Secrets of Body Language

The Eyes Have It

Facial Expressions and Gestures

It Makes Sense

Fast Forward to Intimacy

Inspiration Words on Anger & Patience

Happy Birthday, Angels

Garlic