I have been thinking that I never wrote a blog about why I started writing blogs and the reason behind this decision was that I have always like to write since I was young, in fact, I own about 5 diaries... I also have a collection of poems/songs... I started this blog because I wanted to stop ripping pages from magazines about interesting topics, the file was getting too fat and at the end of the day it was an inconvenience to pull it out and flip through countless pages. This is a place where I write about things that we know but we tend to forget. It is convenient to be able to get tips, read about experiences and even personal struggles... all in one place. I really hope that I can inspire you to live a positive life, be open to change, remember that if we don't try different things, you are missing out in life.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Bye 2009, Hello 2010!
I have been thinking that I never wrote a blog about why I started writing blogs and the reason behind this decision was that I have always like to write since I was young, in fact, I own about 5 diaries... I also have a collection of poems/songs... I started this blog because I wanted to stop ripping pages from magazines about interesting topics, the file was getting too fat and at the end of the day it was an inconvenience to pull it out and flip through countless pages. This is a place where I write about things that we know but we tend to forget. It is convenient to be able to get tips, read about experiences and even personal struggles... all in one place. I really hope that I can inspire you to live a positive life, be open to change, remember that if we don't try different things, you are missing out in life.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Please Recycle
- Recycling creates 6 times as many jobs as landfilling
- Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 trees, 2 barrels of oil
- Recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to operate a TV for 3 hours
- Americans go through 25 billion plastic bottles every year
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Best On-line Websites
- www.lulus.com, from whimsical dress to shoes, to gorgeous accessories
- www.piperlime.com, shoes before now also offering clothes. Celeb-stylish Rachel Zoe (my favorite) picks and chooses must-haves.
- www.zappos.com, same concept, the shipping is free and it gets to its destination in 1 day.
- www.shopbop.com, tons of the latest styles, the jeans selection is unbelievable.
- www.urbanoutfitters.com, introduced to me, a couple of years ago, by one of my best friends Tamara, cool, fashion forward site that will create a new wardrove in no time.
- www.etsy.com, the ultimate in on-line shopping. Where artisans gather together to sell their handmade items, shipping cost is always low. Support small businesses, is a great cause.
- www.shopdolcevita.com, cute flats, leather booties... fill up the shop, also check out the lower-priced DV line.
- www.thecarrotbox.com, for anyone who loves glass rings, lucite rings, wood, agate, plastic, resin, acrylic, jade, etc.
- www.sephora.com, one stop for all things beauty. Over 200 of the best brands, every time you order, they will offer you to get (3) samples for free.
- www.luckyscent.com, offering more than 1,000 creative fragrances.
- www.saffronrouge.com, only organic skin-care, cosmetic and aromatherapy products, detailed information about each product so you can learn before you purchase. LOVE this site.
- www.westelm.com, one of the creations of pottery barn but with a much cooler edge and affordable.
- www.landofnod.com, I found this site about 4 years ago and love it for my kids. Great quality and prices.
- www.worldmarket.com, obsessed with everything in the store, furniture, accessories, food, you name it, is there.
- www.tuffcooki.com, one-of-kind, handmade by me, handbags and accessories. Check out everyday for new designs. My new addition "eye pillows," you have to have one, trust me.
- www.overstock.com, great for the holidays if you have to please everyone in your and your husbands family. Prices are great, the product selection is huge.
- www.fredflare.com, affordable offerings could not be more stylish; take a peek, if you like to be different buying here, is a great way to show it.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
No Vitamins Allowed
- Wild Salmon is rich in Omega 3's, when wild, is the best option for a young looking you. It fights inflammation, optimizes circulation and helps our brains to function optimally. It helps reduce wrinkles too.
- Yogurt is packed with Vitamin D source, extremely good for your bones. It also contains Zinc which is also beneficial for your skin. One cup of plain, supplies close to half of your daily calcium needs.
- Oysters are the best whole food source of Zinc an important mineral that helps to create collagen and plays a major role in skin renewal and repair. Also related with eye diseases, since Zinc is highly concentrated in the retina.
- Blueberries are gorgeous in color and extremely tasty in smoothies. This berry contains powerful antioxidants, that help with premature aging. Grab a fist-full and "Bon-Appetit"
- Kiwis are packed with Vitamin C and other powerful anti-aging antioxidants, this juicy and sweet fruit, offers a variety of benefits, from stimulating collagen to maintaining healthy bones. they help neutralize free radicals, that could lead to inflammation, cancer , and heart disease.
- Sweet Potatoes contain beta-carotene a pigment found in plant and vegetables, it converts into Vitamin A, which helps your skin to be wrinkle free. It helps protect your skin from sun damaged.
- Spinach is a low calorie leafy green packed with many vitamins, such as, B, C, iron, calcium, dietary fiber and even omega 3 fatty acids. The lutein content helps your eyes to be healthy.
- Tomatoes contain great amounts of lycopene an anti-aging antioxidant. Lycopene is easily absorbed by the body when processed. Stock up your pantry with canned tomato paste, is your best bet for getting full benefits.
- Walnuts are the only type of nut that contains both Vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids. This nut will give you strong bones, shinny hair and smooth skin and will protect cells from free-radical damage.
- Dark Chocolate related to pimples and headaches, this heavenly food is, in fact, a treat for your skin. Studies and research show that dark chocolate contains as many polyphenols as red wine. It contains many important natural chemicals that possesses antioxidant properties.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Sea Scallops "A LA MODE"
- Bag of Organic baby romaine salad
- Organic natural dry cranberries (small ones)
- 1 avocado
- 1 bag of chopped walnuts
- Container of gorgonzola cheese
- Olive oil
- Honey
- Modena balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 natural sea scallops (per person)
- 3 tablespoons of Flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried marjoram
- Olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Dry white wine
- 1 tablespoon Modena balsamic vinegar
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Good Night, Sleep Tight
- Keeps your heart healthy
- Prevents cancer
- Reduces stress
- Makes you more alert
- Bolsters your memory
- Lose weight
- Makes you more alert
- Makes you smarter
- Reduces risk of depression
- Helps body make repairs
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
It Really Works
I'm sure you have heard about Meditation and the benefits that offers the mind and body. Meditation has been around for thousands of years but it really became popular in the Western world around the 20th Century.
"Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, in order to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth." Meditation helps people achieve balance both mentally and physically, as well as, emotionally. It treats depression, stress and anxiety and also lowers blood pressure and cures insomnia. Studies show that people who practice meditation have shown high improvements in their mental and physical health. There are many forms of meditation such as, Judaism, Islam Meditation, Taoism, Buddhism... it should be clear that these religions (or any others) do not hold the monopoly on meditation, nor do you need to convert to a particular religion to practice meditation or to become self-aware.
There are a few different postures to meditate, standing, supine and sitting; it is up to you which one you choose. There are three very important elements that you need to include when meditating:
- Quiet place
- Comfortable posture
- Open mind
Friday, September 18, 2009
And The Winner Is...
- White, young leaves contain the highest antioxidant properties, making it the least flavorless, tasting more like fresh grass. White tea is not processed, so the leaves don't loose its properties, these leaves are air dried for a period of time. The caffeine in white teas are higher than any other teas because the leaves haven't been oxidized.
- Green, leaves are steamed, which prevents the EGCG compound from being oxidized. It contains high concentration of powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is believed to be helpful: cancer, immune function, cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis and weight loss.
- Black, the most oxidized of the four, containing the most caffeine. Stronger in flavor, black tea retains its flavor for years.
- Oolong, most popular in China, the taste resembles that of green tea. It is much richer and tastier. The leaves are either rolled or pressed into a ball when going thru the process of oxidation. It contains only moderate levels of caffeine. The color of this tea tends to be like a golden-brown. The health benefits of this tea are healthy teeth and younger looking skin.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Did You Know that...
- the best remedy to treat cold sores is to first apply pressure over the affected area with an ice cube (wrapped in a paper towel,) then use a q-tip dipped into nail polish remover, apply pressure on the cold sore. This technique will kill the bacteria and soon cure the cold sore. Do this twice a day; If you catch it on time, the cold sore might not even surface.
- enzymes in strawberries will make your teeth whiter? smash 3-4 strawberries and apply paste on your teeth, rub for few minutes and then wash mouth with water. Then floss to remove seeds stuck between your teeth. How delicious!
- plastic bottles are not only bad for our mother-earth but also our health? It is estimated that each day, 60 million are thrown away and will remain in landfills for years and years to come. Bisphenol (BPA) is the main chemical to make plastic so every time we drink water from a plastic source, small amounts are released. The problem becomes a bigger one, when the temperature of water inside the plastic bottle changes from cold to hot (ie: baby bottles) A great alternative to solving this problem and contribute to keeping our planet cleaner, is purchasing a metal bottle. One that we have been using in my family for awhile, is Klean Kanteen. Go to the website to learn more about WHY they are the best in the market, click here. Go green! every little change we make helps.
- stretching plays a major role in how we are going to feel for the rest of the day? Have you noticed that dogs do it the moment they wake up...? Stretching can lengthen your muscles and make them stronger so injuries don't happen, also keeps muscles healthy, improves balance and posture and improves circulation. Try full-body stretches by pointing your toes and reaching arms above your head. This can clear your mind and help jump-start your morning. Try these: Neck stretch: Sitting tall with your neck relaxed, gently tilt your head to each side, then front and back, holding each position for a count of 10. Shoulder rolls: With your shoulders relaxed and your arms hanging loose at your sides, roll your shoulders up and forward, then back to center. Next, roll your shoulders up and back, then again to your side. Repeat five times.
- as we age wrinkles are more noticeable and probably inevitable? Here is a tip for you to fight wrinkles using bananas. Mash 1/4 banana until very creamy. Spread all over face and leave for 15 minutes before rinsing off with warm water followed by a dash of cold. Gently pat dry.