My daughter celebrated her 6th birthday yesterday. I love baking cakes but cake decorating is something I have yet to master. My daughter wanted ‘Patrick & a heart’ on her cake. So what I did was roll the cookie dough and cut out the shape of Patrick with a heart. Then I bake the cookie, let it cool and then color it with food coloring. My daughter loved it 🙂 I believe it’s really not about the cake or the gifts but what kids really want is our time and our unconditional love.
“People were created to be loved. Things were created to be used. The reason the world is in chaos, is because things are being loved, and people are being used.” – Author unknown
Quick tips on how to go green with your home:-
1. Freshen the air
Throw away air fresheners as they release toxins which have been proven to cause headaches, depression, diarrhea and ear infections. Instead, use baking soda to get rid of odour or place some fresh flowers for a natural scent.
2. Mow the lawn
Do not clear the grass clippings after mowing the lawn. The grass will decompose, providing nutrients in the soil for other plants. It will help worms breed which is good as they aerate the soil and enrich it with their waste.
3. Save water
Wash fruits and vegetables in a wash basin half-filled with water instead of washing under the running tap.
4. Water plants in the morning
Early in the morning is the best time to water plant as evaporation rates are the lowest then. If they are watered before midday, your plants do not lose precious water to the heat.
5. BBQ away
Use a gas-powered grill since natural gas burns clean and produces 45 percent less carbon dioxide compared to coal. It is also more earth friendly than charcoal and wood which produce soot that add to air pollution.
6. Spray it off
The next time you need to clean grease or paint off your hands, try some cooking spray. Spray it on hands, rub off grease or paint then wash with soap and water. It is easier and gentler than using paint solvent.
Being happy is a choice and it does not depend on your current situation or circumstances.
“You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” -Albert Camus
Here are some ways on how to be happy everyday:-
1. Quit the blame game
Stop playing the blame game by assuming equal responsiblity for everything that happens within a relationship. Remember, it takes two hands to clap. Learn to accept your partner for who they are and look at the strength in your partner and not his weakness.
2. Let go of regrets
Holding on to your regrets can get in the way of achieving inner peace. So if you are holding on to some, learn to let go of them so you can live your life to the fullest. Learn to look at whatever happened as a lesson in life. This will help you live your life to the fullest.
3. Get over your insecurities
Low self esteem can plague anybody, and one this happens chances are you will think about it constantly. Stop judging yourself and others. By doing so, it will help strip those insecurities away.
4. Learn to forgive
Forgiveness is a gift to yourself or to the person who has wronged you in the past. Holding on to hate would not do much to your inner peace. Learn to forgive and then move on.
5. Be a good listener
There is an obvious reason why God created us with two ears and one mouth. This is a crucial point to becoming a good communicator. Most people hear, but they do not listen.
6. Watch your manners!
Simple gestures of courtesy can take you a long way. Even just saying ‘thank you’ to a colleague who has helped you at work can be just what you need to get you in her good books.
7. Be assertive, not aggressive
There is a distinct difference between these two mannerisms. Whether you are unhappy with a subordinate or a superior, always discuss your discontent n a private, refined manner.
8. Cut down on plastic
Your credit card, that is. While this little piece of plastic can be convenient, it can tempt you to spend more. Learn to purchase only what you need. Limit yourself to just one card, and use it for emergency situations only.
9. Hang out with people younger than you from all walks of life
By doing so, you will be allowing then to teach you how to see the world in a different way. It helps keep you young at heart.
10. Daily ‘mental’ exercise: Look on the bright sight
Looking at things or situations at a bright side would help keep you happy and young at heart.
Click title below to download. Happy reading *(^____^)*
Studies have shown that just 20 minutes after you have smoked the last cigarette, your body begins an ongoing series of beneficial changes:
20 minutes…
* Blood pressure drops to normal
* Pulse rate drops to normal
* Temperature of hands and feet increases to normal
8 hours…
* Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
* Oxygen level in blood increases to normal
24 hours…
* Chance of heart attack decreases
48 hours…
* Ability to smell and taste is enhanced
* Walking becomes easier
2 weeks to 3 months
*Circulation improves
*Lung function increases up to 30 percent
1 to 9 months
* Coughing, sinus, congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
1 year
* Risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker
I am not a smoker but I know someone in my family who used to smoke a pack of cigarette a day. In year 2000 he was diagnosed with stage 4 esophagus cancer. He had trouble swallowing his food for a while before he went for a check up . By the time the ENT specialist discovered the tumor it was already too big and risky to be operated. Six months later he passed away. He was my dad.
Going for a walk? Walking is an activity that can be carried out easily at your nearby park or field or even around your neighborhood. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes.
Before you go for your walk, here is a checklist to see if you are doing it the right way. Although walking is one of the safest form of exercise, it is always important to take precautionary steps to avoid injury.
a) Consult your doctor
As with all exercise regimes, it is wise to consult your doctor before starting on your walking program regardless whether you are an older person, recovering from illness or just have not exercised for a long time.
b) Wear proper shoes and clothing
Shoes are important. Wear properly fitted low heeled shoes. Avoid heavy shoes with stiff soles, shoes that are too small or even shoes that are more than a year old, all of which will cause discomfort to your feet. Clothes must be comfortable. not too tight, not too little, or you will end up sticky, sweaty and clammy. Wearing dark colored clothes without reflective strips at night can be dangerous.
c) Keep your head up
Avoid hanging your head down or staring at your feet. Look ahead and stay focus on the road. Keep your body upright. Relax your shoulders but tuck in your stomach. This will help prevent back, neck and shoulder problems.
d) Swing your arms
Keeping your arms straight and rigid by the side will slow you down. Bend your elbows slightly and swing your arms back and forth in coordination with your stride. Swing your arms too high may hurt you. Never swing your arms about your chest.
e) Do not slap your feet to the ground
Slapping your feet to the ground or landing them flat on the ground develops shin pain. Instead roll each step from the back to the front of your foot.
f) Drink enough water
Your body loses water every minute. Drink water 10 minutes before walking, every 20 minutes while walking, and also after walking. Avoid caffeinated drinks which will cause dehydration.
g) Do not overdo it
As with all exercise programs, push your body too hard and it will rebel. So give your body regular rest days. Let your body recharge.
Losing a job or being unemployed can be stressful. As companies get lean and mean, here are 7 tips on how to safeguard your career:
1. Always be alert
You need to be well informed about the outlook for your employer and your job. If you know things are going down the drain, be on the lookout for other opportunities. If the axe falls, you will have a head start on finding another job.
2. Keep your skills current
Ensure that your skills are current with the needs of the job market. Ge the most out of opportunities for additional training. Read the literature of your field.
3. Maintain up-to-date record
Maintaining an up-to-date record of your accomplishments so you can produce a updated resume in 24 hours.
4. Stay connected
Cultivate contacts with people in your line of work and with those who are likely to employ your type of qualifications. Be visible through outside activities and positive publicity.
5. Lend a helping hand
Start by helping those who have lost their jobs. Also, be of assistance to those who are looking to recruit employees. They may help you in return someday.
6. Have a plan
Work out a plan to market yourself. Let it be known you are available. Advertise what you have to offer. Also involve your network of friends and family in the job search.
7. Prepare financially
It is important to cultivate the habit of putting aside some money each month and to stay prepared financially. Always try to have enough cash in reserve to cover at least 3 months worth of living expenses.
