Banana Nutrition

BANANA - This is my all time top superfood as it has some extremely powerful effects on the body and, as well as being high in minerals, will amaze you in more ways than one:

The fibre from unripe bananas reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol by up to 30%. The fibre in bananas is also helpful for constipation.

A ripe banana will soothe an upset stomach.

Bananas are a great energy source for the body which is instant and sustained.

Bananas can relieve heartburn.

They can also help decrease the risk of stroke by as much as 40%.

People suffering from depression feel better after eating a banana as the tryptophan in the banana is converted by the body into serotonin, which helps you relax, improves mood and makes you feel happier. Also helpful for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Bananas help to regulate blood glucose levels as they also contain the vitamin B6 and can also help with PMS.

Bananas contain iron and can help with anemia.

They are also great for high blood pressure as they are high in potassium and low in salt. The potassium can also help you feel more alert so good for children's packed lunches.

Bananas are great for hangovers - make a milkshake and add honey - the banana calms the stomach and the milk soothes and re-hydrates your body.

If suffering from morning sickness, a banana can help as it keeps blood sugar levels up.

The inside of a banana skin can reduce swelling and irritation from insect bites.

The B vitamins in bananas can help calm nerves.

Bananas are a great mid-morning snack, if watching your weight, as they keep sugar levels steady (great for diabetics), so you are less likely to crave a high carb snack.

If you suffer from Ulcers, bananas are great as they are gentle on the stomach, they neutralize over-acidity and reduce irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Bananas can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers.

If you are trying to give up smoking, bananas can help as the B6, B12, potassium and magnesium found in bananas help the body to recover from nicotine withdrawal.

Bananas contain potassium, which is a vital mineral for the body and affects heartbeat, oxygen to the brain and also regulates water balance. Stress depletes potassium, so bananas can be very valuable in rebalancing potassium levels.

You can get rid of a wart by taping the inside of the banana skin over it.

You can even shine your shoes with the inside of a banana skin, then polish with a dry cloth!

When you compare it to an apple, it has 4 times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, 3 times the phosphorus, 5 times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals.

So, I think you'll agree with me that we should all 'go bananas' and try and eat more of this amazing health-giving fruit!

Author: Wendy A Wood

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

Parenting Children - Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Parenting children is not easy! We all love our kids and want the best for them, right? But what if our habits and everyday behaviours are having a negative impact on our child's development? If you knew what you were doing wrong would you do something to change it? Would you want to be a better parent?

At school they stand out like beacons. They always arrive late to school looking like they just rolled out of bed. They don't have their homework completed on time and that important excursion note that was due back today remains unsigned in their school bag. They forgot to pack their lunch and aren't quite sure who is picking them up after school. Their belongings are un-named and not a day goes by without losing something. Their teachers label them as unreliable and their classmates would prefer to play with somebody else who isn't constantly in trouble.

What we might not see is the child's parent who makes a habit of turning up late to everything even when there is no real reason to do so. The parent who leaves everything to the last minute like ordering the school books for the new school year only to find that the book shop has run out of supplies and will need to back-order. The parent who never has time to read the school newsletter and doesn't realise that tomorrow is plain clothes day or that Monday is a pupil-free day. Parenting children to this parent is something you only need to think about after something goes wrong.

These are common traits of disorganisation found in most of us at some time or another. But when they become ingrained into our everyday functioning and spill over into our parenting then the impact on our children can be profound. The child of a chronically disorganised parent is often de-sensitized to preparing ahead for any event and will suffer the consequences both now and later in life. They will most likely find regimented school life difficult and will never enjoy the carefree feeling that today is going to be a good day. Instead, each day will be filled with the expectation that bad news is to come. With child depression at spiralling levels, parenting children the right way has never been more important.

The good news is that it is never too late to change. Put yourself in your child's shoes for a moment and think about how much easier his life would be if he had the skills to pre-plan and be organised. Now adopt that skill set in your own life first and show him by example how it is done. Parenting children isn't such a mystery. Get organised, be a better parent and both you and your child will reap the lifelong benefits.

Author: Janeene Baker

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Canada duty rates

Enjoy These Tips for Living a Healthy Life

What is more important than the way you feel? Is there anything more important? Your physical health, the way your body "feels", is probably the most important determining factor in the way you feel. Any feeling, weather it be physical or emotional is experienced through our bodies and by applying these simple tips for living a healthy life, the way you feel will vastly improve.

Psychoneuroimmunology, the science of the mind-body relationship, has now produced scientific evidence of the effect of your mind on your body and vice versa. Depressed people use their bodies in a certain way that causes them to feel depressed and by just changing simple things like their facial expressions, studies have shown, they can literally change the way they feel instantly.

The significance of this fact is that it proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that our physical bodies have a tremendous effect on the way we feel both physically and emotionally. The one thing we are all pursuing in life is happiness and happiness is nothing but "feeling good." By following some basic tips for living a healthy life we can make significant changes in the way we feel physically, emotionally and mentally.

We've all heard the cliche "a healthy body houses a healthy mind" and thanks to scientific research we now know this for a fact. Also, the opposite is equally true: a healthy mind equals a healthy body. If we learn to be in control of our emotional association to food, we will automatically take care of our bodies. The instant satisfaction we get from junk food caused a lot of people to make pleasurable association (in their subconscious minds) to these foods that lead to overeating and addiction.

Living a healthy life starts with your body. If you take care of your body you will develop that sense of pride in yourself and the consequently the way you feel about yourself (or your self esteem).

With this in mind, let me offer you some very simple and basic tips for living a healthy life.

Firstly, realize the importance of oxygen to your body and your health. Breathing is not just to get oxygen to our vital organs. Every cell in your body requires oxygen for it's survival and health.

You are only as healthy as the cells in your body. In order to fully oxygenate our bodies we must learn to breathe deeply, fully and effectively. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will, apart from oxygenating your system, stimulate the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph is the body's natural cleansing system, essential to keeping your cells free from toxins and maintaining a healthy environment for the cells of your body to live in.

To breathe properly you must breathe in the following ratio: inhale(1) : hold(2) : exhale(4). For example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhale for 16 seconds. Doing this simple exercise with 10 deep breaths 5 times a day will vastly increase your health, your energy and help maintain a healthy immune system.

Secondly, understand the importance of water to your body and health. Our bodies consist mainly of fluids and water, along with oxygen is the basis of all life. Taking sufficient amounts of water is essential for health and life, but also we need to avoid foods that drain our bodies from vital fluids. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, caffeine and preservatives will actually absorb fluids from your body causing certain vital functions to shut down. Eating foods that are naturally rich in water is essential and include all fruits, vegetables and sprouts.

Your body is your temple and what you put in is what you get out. Stop abusing it and adhere to these simple tips for living a healthy life. The very least you must do to life a healthy life is to stop depriving your body from the two most essential element, water and oxygen.

Applying these simple tips for living a healthy life will vastly improve your health and consequently the way you feel. When we feel good life is a pleasure and we suck from it all the juice. Life is a gift and know that tomorrow is not promised to you. Live everyday like it's your last and constantly seek out tips for living a healthy life and improving yourself and the quality of your life. It's all out there and the only thing that is required to have whatever you want from life is for you to go and get it. Just do it and do it with passion and joy.

Author: Deon Du Plessis

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Provided by: Mobile device news

Top Ten Health Tips

You can use this as a checklist to determine if you are on track with a healthy strategy.

If you are not incorporating all the steps then try to add an additional step into your daily regime. Focus on one step for at least two-three weeks and then once it becomes second nature to you; it's time to move on to implementing another step.

Within a year, you can achieve all the steps and monitor how you are feeling along the way. Positive progress breeds inspiration and will motivate you to achieve optimal health.

Your health is worth it!

1.) Include healthy protein with each meal to keep your blood sugar level even as well as your energy level.

2.) Monitor your sodium intake:

If you ate fairly healthy food, you would probably get between 600-1000 mg of sodium a day. American's average 4000 mg per day. Equal to 2 tablespoons of salt. So the goal is below the middle point. About 2000 (almost 1 tsp) would be just OK, less is better.

1/4 tsp salt = 600 mg sodium
1/2 tsp salt= 1200 mg sodium
1 tsp salt = 2400 mg sodium

3.) Monitor your sugar intake:

The average American eats approx. 24 lbs. of sugar a year! Hard to believe isn't it. It's just not the sugar we notice we are using, but hidden sugars in our foods such as Ketchup, jams, soups, etc.

There are 9 teaspoons of sugar in 12 ounces of soda. Plain water would be a better alternative.

Try to keep your sugar intake to 32 grams of sugar daily.

4.) Eat 5 fruits and vegetables daily.

Eat organic whenever possible to lessen the toxic load.

5.) Drink plenty of water.

6.) Limit processed or fast food intake.

7.) Read the nutritional labels on food so you are aware of the nutrients that you are consuming.

8.) Take a healthy multi-vitamin for additional support for your body.

9.) Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily in some form.

10.) Get 10 hours of sleep every day.

Author: Nancy Guberti
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Excise Tax

33 Basic Smart Shopping Tips

by Sandy Shield

Here are thirty-three basic smart shopping tips that can be used anywhere you shop. Use them to save money, and as a guide to strengthen your purchasing power.

1. Plan your spending. Avoid impulse buys.

2. Advertised items are not necessarily the cheapest.

3. Watch for unadvertised specials.

4. Remember to ask for a "raincheck" if an item is sold out.

5. To avoid crowds, do not shop after work, on paydays, or just before holidays.

6. Buy items before you run out of them. Buy at clearance, or sale price, instead of regular price when you must have the item.

7. Know the sales cycle in your area.

8. Just because an item is on sale, doesn't necessarily mean it is a good deal for your family. If you won't use it, don't buy it.

9. Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.

10. Your emotions affect your shopping. Be careful of the "I deserve it" mentality.

11. Buy at the end of the season.

12. Stock up when prices are low.

13. Try alternative shopping: Shop salvage stores, thrift stores, consignment shops, warehouse clubs, yard sales, and garage sales.

14. Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.

15. Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.

16. Shop alone. Other individuals will only help fill your shopping cart.

17. Check the entire store for specials and alternatives.

18. Get to know your favorite store's employees. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

19. Know your prices, keep a price book.

20. About Prices: Compare, Compare, Compare. This is how your price book helps you.

21. Larger is not always cheaper. Smaller is not always cheaper.

22. Look at unit prices.

23. You pay more for fancy packaging. Beware.

24. Remember the "Rule of Three": If an item has three different ways it can be used, you will not be wasting your money.

25. Never pay full price.

26. Shop defensively.

27. Try store and generic brands.

28. Watch as the clerk rings up your purchases. Check your receipt.

29. Shop for gifts year round.

30. Return purchases that do not meet your expectations.

31. Complain if it is genuinely warranted.

32. Call before you go to confirm item is available.

33. If you must, leave the checkbook and credit cards at home or in the car.

-----------------------------------
Sandy is a freelance writer and webmaster of TheFrugalShopper.com. She enjoys living the frugal life, saving money, and helping others to do the same. Subscribe to her newsletter to receive more money-saving ideas and frugal tips. Reprint permission granted with this footer included. Copyright © TheFrugalShopper.com 1999-2005.

How to Grow Your Own Kombucha Mother or SCOBY

Image via Wikipedia

Many people are interested in obtaining a Kombucha mother to start their first Kombucha brew. However, it is not easy (in some sense) because there are not that many people brewing Kombucha in Malaysia. My mother-in-law got hers from a friend of hers, thus started our family's journey to a whole new world of brewing Kombucha and Water Kefir.

Do not despair if you are not able to obtain your own Kombucha mother because there is a way to grow a new Kombucha mother easily, though it will take more than 2 weeks to form.

I have searched and found these videos which will show you the step by step method of growing a Kombucha mother.

Here's an interesting information! My friend told me that even if you do not have any starter Kombucha tea to start with, you are still able to grow a mother with just the water, sugar and tea. Maybe will try this out one day.

Please make sure that all the utensils you use are cleaned and properly sterilised before you start!

Here are the videos. Hope you enjoy them!


Warm regards,
Sany Woo

Country all set for shopping festival

TheStar Online (November 19, 2009)

PETALING JAYA: Shopping malls and retailers are all gearing up for the Malaysia Year End Sale (M-YES) — a much-anticipated celebration of shopping, dining and entertainment from Saturday to Jan 3 next year, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Ng Yen Yen.

Shopping is the second biggest share of tourist expenditures after accommodation, with its contribution of RM13,282.4mil in 2008, compared to RM12,254.6mil in 2007, being an increase of 8.4%, she said.

“The year-end excitement of school and winter holidays and festivities is clearly felt in Malaysia,” she said.

Ng added: “I believe that we are on target to reach 20 million tourist arrivals by the end of the year; final quarter events including M-YES will certainly boost our tourism revenue.

Over 44 days, M-YES brings to visitors and shoppers in Malaysia a host of events and bargains which will see some 350 retailers across the country taking part.

Among the specials awaiting shoppers to Malaysia are Privilege Cards at selected malls that entitle them to better bargains. They only need to present their passports and/or boarding passes at the customer service counters of participating malls in the Klang Valley.

Other promotions during the M-YES 2009 include the “180 Minutes Shopping Madness” at Suria KLCC where shoppers have to look out for Santarina in order to win a shopping voucher valued at RM500; and the MasterCard promotion offers a chance to win a Paris holiday with every RM500 charged to their card.

In an emergency situation, call ICE!

Today, I received an email which I would like to share with all my friends. I believe this will help raise everyones awareness of the importance of helping strangers contact your loved ones should anything happen to you.

Here is the email. Please share this message with as many friends as possible so that they are aware about the "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign!

Warm regards,
Sany Woo
-----


Dear Friends,

We are human beings. Anything can happen to us any time.

Below given mail is self explanatory.

We all carry our mobile phones with names & numbers stored in its memory but nobody, other than ourselves, knows which of these numbers belong to our closest family or friends.

If we were to be involved in an accident or were taken ill, the people attending us would have our mobile phone but wouldn't know who to call. Yes, there are hundreds of numbers stored but which one is the contact person in case of an emergency? Hence this "ICE" (In Case of Emergency) Campaign

The concept of "ICE" is catching on quickly. It is a method of contact during emergency situations. As cell phones are carried by the majority of the population, all you need to do is store the number of a contact person or persons who should be contacted during emergency under the name "ICE" ( In Case Of Emergency).

The idea was thought up by a paramedic who found that when he went to the scenes of accidents, there were always mobile phones with patients, but they didn't know which number to call. He therefore thought that it would be a good idea if there was a nationally recognized name for this purpose. In an emergency situation, Emergency Service personnel and hospital Staff would be able to quickly contact the right person by simply dialing the number you have stored as "ICE."

For more than one contact name simply enter ICE1, ICE2 and ICE3 etc. A great idea that will make a difference!

Let's spread the concept of ICE by storing an ICE number in our Mobile phones today!

Please forward this. It won't take too many "forwards" before everybody will know about this. It really could save your life, or put a loved one's mind at rest .

Remember:-
ICE will speak for you when you are not able to!

Sure fire sex foods

The Daili Chilli

Think you know what foods turn someone on? Do you keep a pantry full of love potions and shop for a list of foods for love which are supposedly sure to work?

Check out this list of alleged natural aphrodisiacs and see if you can tell the love potions from the love poisons.

Oysters
Oysters are a favourite among erotic foods and research now shows this shellfish to be a rich source of zinc – a mineral required for the production of testosterone. Not only the hormone behind the male sex drive, testosterone is believed to stimulate the female libido as well.

ChilliesA chilli's heat comes from "capsaicin," a chemical that stimulates our nerve endings, raising our pulse and making us sweat. Some researchers believe that eating hot foods also triggers the release of endorphins, body chemicals that gives us a natural high that is conducive to love-making.

ChocolateIn addition to the sensuous texture of melted chocolate, this quintessential lovers' gift contains a stimulant called phenylethylamine, considered by some researchers as the "love chemical" as it gives you a feeling of wellbeing and excitement that is very similar to the endorphins giving us a natural high.

Wild yamWild yam has a traditional use as an aphrodisiac and chemical analysis shows that it contains chemicals that can increase sensitivity in the genitals. It also has a reputation for inducing erotic dreams, when drunk at bedtime, although it has not been proven in clinical trials.

Ginkgo
Ginkgo is commonly used for age-related memory loss, but some have had success using it to treat sexual dysfunction; possibly by stimulating the release of nitric oxide, widening blood vessels of the genitals and erectile tissue. Ginkgo shouldn't be taken with blood-thinning drugs or by people with heart disease.

AsparagusMany foods thought to be aphrodisiacs were considered so because of their phallic shape. Asparagus however, has more than suggestive form. It is rich in vitamin E, a vitamin considered to stimulate production of our sex hormones and may be essential for a healthy sex life.

Banana
Due not only to its shape, but also its creamy, lush texture, some studies show its enzyme bromelain enhances male performance.

Caviar
It is high in zinc, which stimulates the formation of testosterone, maintaining male functionality.

Spanish fly
One of the most notorious of the modern love potions, Spanish Fly is actually quite dangerous. Made from the dried body of a special beetle, it irritates the urinary tract, sending a rush of blood to the genitals.

Champagne
Viewed as the "drink of love," moderate quantities lower inhibitions and cause a warm glow in the body.

Figs
Seasonal crops were celebrated by ancient Greeks in a frenzied copulation ritual.

Yohimbine
Yohimbine, extracted from Yohimbine bark, can facilitate erections by stimulating the nervous system and increasing blood flow to the penis. But it is not for everyone. Common side effects include increased heart rate, raised blood.

Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Published Nov 11 2009

Spooky spots

TheStar Online (October 31, 2009)

If your life needs a dash of spookiness, here are a some places in Malaysia to visit that could do the trick. (Don’t say we didn’t warn you.)

Highland Towers, Kuala Lumpur

A tragic event took place here when an apartment block collapsed due to a landslide after days of heavy rainfall, killing 48 people. Since then, many claim that the place is haunted. Voices of the dead can be heard at night and ghostly figures are said to have appeared at the scene.

There is also a story about a taxi driver who picked up a woman passenger in the middle of the night and dropped her off. She left behind a bag supposedly filled with blood.

Karak Highway

The stretch of highway from Gombak to Raub is infamous for ghost stories because of the many accidents and landslides that have occurred here. Drivers are advised not to look in their rear view mirrors when using the highway at night and never stop for hitchhikers.

Many late-night drivers have tales to tell of cars stalling mysteriously at deserted stretches and seeing a beautiful lady in a white or red dress trying to thumb a ride.

Motorcyclists have felt something heavy behind them as though they had a pillion rider.

The Deadly Junction Georgetown, Penang

The T-junction located beside the Union High School. It is said that if you ever drive through this lonely road late at night, your car will go out of control and crash. Many accidents have occurred here already.

There is also a tree beside the road which looks like a lady carrying a child. Legend has it that this “lady” was once a bomoh (witch doctor) who kidnapped her sister’s son.

Somehow, they never again appeared anywhere other than being seen occasionally beside this road.

St Michael’s Institution, Ipoh

This Catholic school was used by the Japanese as their headquarters during World War II. The building had many tunnels which were said to be used by the Japanese to torture prisoners and to store food.

Most of the sightings occured in the Chapel on the fourth floor where a Christian brother in a black robe without a head is usually seen holding prayer beads.

Malay College Kuala Kangsar, Perak

This school is said to have been a Japanese Occupation camp during World War II. Executions and torture of the prisoners took place here during that time.

Students would sometimes be awakened by a presence that loomed above them. A marching platoon can sometimes be heard in the field, and the sound of chains being dragged can be heard through the campus corridors.

A tree on the campus reflects a shadow of a man hanging from the tree.

Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur

A boy’s school that was turned into a Japanese base during the Occupation. Many British soldiers and locals were brutally tortured to death in the basement and buildings on the campus. It is said that apparitions are common in the day as well as night, and that there have been many cases of spirits possessing students.

The possessed boys would behave strangely, even violently, posing a threat to other students and teachers, only to snap out of it a few hours later and remember nothing.

Even if they are forcibly restrained, their bruises would disappear when they return to normal.

Source: http://theshadowlands.net/places/malaysia.htm

Child Dental Care: Fantastic Advice For You To Follow

By Dawn Enstruthe

Dental care for children is an important side of the general well being of a child. Youngsters are from time to time at risk to dental problems which make a child sick and often affect the child psychologically. Children suffer a lot from the critical problem of tooth decay.

Dental care for children is therefore a major portion in the life of a child which has its negative effects also when the teeth display critical difficulties. One of the major problems in childhood is the sufferings of tooth decay, which takes its toll on perhaps a good number of children.

The parents of youngsters have a duty to teach their wards the process to take care of the health of teeth. Tooth brushing of teeth with hardly takes any time however is an essential step for the dental care of kids. Parents should take care of the food that youngsters take regularly. They should teach the kids to abstain from excessive ingestion of sugar, sweets, chocolates and other materials of this type.

Kids must learn the correct procedure of brushing of teeth and ought to avoid too much of food which contain sugar in volume for instance the cold drinks, chocolates and such like. If there incurs any problem of the teeth the child should be taken to a qualified dentist to look into the problem and his advise.

Quite a lot of factors constitute the teeth problem in children. The chief cause is created by the repeated intake of soft drinks, chocolates and other fancy sweet preparations. The repeated brushing of teeth helps to keep away the bacteria that accumulates on the teeth as a soft layer of plaque and eats up the teeth from within. These bacteria are responsible to create acid from the sugary portion of the food and spoils the enamel of the teeth and hence the problem of tooth decay occurs.

Bring a limit to the sugar intake through chocolates, drinks, sweets and the likes. As an alternative give the child fresh fruits and vegetables. Two times tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste is undertaken with a circular motion which must be guided by you. Take the assistance of the dentist in this respect.

Brushing of teeth two times a day with fluoride toothpaste tends to keep the teeth free of any difficulty. Parents should take interest in the dental care for children.

About the Author:

If you want more info on aspects of dental care you should read about inexpensive dental implants San Diego and really cheap sedation dentist San Fransisco.

The Parable of the Pipeline

Everyone should watch this! This is a great motivational clip on why we should plan and work towards earning a passive income in the long run.

Warm regards,
Sany Woo

Sweets and desserts are a must for the Festival of Lights

TheStar Online (October 16, 2009)

THE Festival of Lights, or Deepavali, is a religious festival celebrated with great significance among Tamils of Hindu faith in Malaysia.

Members from the smaller segments of the Indian community like the Malayalees and Telugus of Hindu faith tend to celebrate Deepavali on a more modest scale.

At her home in Kajang, Chandriga Nair, 57, recalled how her late grandmother prepared the family altar for ancestral worship on the morning of Deepavali.

Have a bite: Lovely Sweets worker Laiq Ahmed Shafiq Ahmed showing the choices of traditional Indians sweets at the shop.

“We’ll have our oil baths, seek blessings from our elders, head to the temple and return for breakfast. The rest of the day is usually spent entertaining guests,” said Chandriga, who is Malayalee.

“My ancestors back in Kerala, India, didn’t celebrate Deepavali but Malayalees here, as Malaysians, welcome the idea of open houses. Basically, Onam and Vishu are the two important Malayalee festivals,” she added.

This Deepavali will be memorable for Chandriga as her daughter Anusya, 30, recently gave birth to a baby boy. Friends and family members are expected to converge in Kajang for the joyous occasion.

Sikhs who roots are from Punjab in India view Deepavali or Diwali, as it is referred to by North Indians, as a cultural event.

On Diwali, Jagdeeshpal Kaur, 32, her husband Charanjit Singh, 33, and daughter Jesrien Kaur, four, will return to her mother’s home in Klang for a family dinner.

Have some: Anusya, offering her young neighbour Trishadeep Kaur, four, some Indian savouries prepared for Deepavali.

“My mother used to make Indian sweetmeats because the family would gather for the Diwali dinner but these days she orders savouries.

“It is a low-key affair but I look forward to the time spent with my parents, three siblings and nieces,” she added.

For Sikhs, Vaisakhi holds greater significance as it commemorates the birth of the khalsa or the Sikh brotherhood.

The Festival of Lights will also not be complete without its essential sweets.

Among the popular items are ladoo, barfi,gulap and gulab jamun and pure milk sweets.

Lovely Sweets owner Jasmel Kaur, 47, from Johor Baru said the sweets, essential for prayers on Deepavali day, were in demand despite the economic downturn.

“Among the most sought-after is the ladoo. We sell more than 8,000 pieces of it every Deepavali.

“The sweets are important because they are served to guests during the celebration and used in prayers,” she said.

Her customers were from all over Malaysia and Singapore, she added.

Kombucha Vacation Solution

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The Wonder Years

Childwise by Ruth Liew

Nature provides an abundance of opportunities for children to learn and explore.

MY nephew celebrated his seventh birthday in a park two weeks ago. I gave him a “wonder box” for a present. He is a great collector of things that fascinate him. From a young age, he would collect insects, leaves, stones and twigs.

His “wonder box” was intended to enhance his curiosity of the world around him. I included “tools” that will help him in his discovery of the world when he goes out exploring – useful things like a magnifying glass, string, pencil and notebook, rubber bands and a pair of scissors.

Learning experience: Children playing with fish at the Pulau Payar Marine Park in Kedah. Children use their five senses to discover the world.

A child’s sense of wonder is an integral part of his life. Children are curious about their world and the things around them. They are patient with small creatures around them. They often wonder what clouds are made of.

Many adults have been amazed by how intent and patient a two-year-old can be when he follows an ant trail. You may even have seen a three-year-old chasing after a dragonfly in the garden.

Through the child’s eyes, adults can take delight in sharing the wonder and awe that nature inspires in each of us, regardless of our age or the environment we live in.

To nurture this keen appreciation of nature, children need a significant adult in their lives to share their interest. Parents and teachers can even rediscover the wonders around us if they allow the child to be their guide.

As children’s eagerness to learn increases, adults can help by providing resources for them to work with. They can offer guidebooks or help them to do a search in the Internet.

Don’t worry if you know nothing about the rhinoceros beetle or coniferous plants. You can learn alongside your child as he explores nature. You don’t have to have all the answers; just show enough enthusiasm to spur your child’s interest.

Children are spontaneous when they explore. They do not think about what they know or what they do not know. They just pick up ideas as they go along. They use their five senses to discover the world. They listen, look, smell and touch to find the answers to their questions

Observation is a powerful tool for children to gain knowledge and skills.

Young children watch and listen to those older and more skilled than them. They pick up language better when they hear it being used in conversations.

Children learn a lot when they watch people at work. These days, when machines perform most work, children hardly see fine craftsmen in action. It will benefit them greatly if their parents can show them how tailors sew clothes, how carpenters make furniture or how bakers bake cakes.

Young children absorb what goes on around them. They need a stimulating environment. You can provide this by allowing your your child to explore and experiment. Make a mess and find out what it feels like. Talk about everything. Read aloud to your child so that he can hear the wonderful sounds you make.

Some may say that children need to be taught and trained by adults to gain important lessons in life. They insist that children cannot learn much from their observations.

Critics have always considered child’s play as frivolous and time wasting. Contrary to their ideas, children gain greater knowledge and skills from play. The over-zealous adult who intervenes with children’s learning may do more harm than good.

Take time to observe your young child at play with other children. You will probably hear them negotiating and making up rules as they go along. Children learn to communicate and cooperate with one another. They also learn to solve problems and think critically.

One child might say: “You start running and I will follow.” When they are playing with children of mixed ages and abilities, they will have to adapt their play to fit everyone’s needs.

These play experiences help promote children’s social, cognitive, language and physical development.

Instead of allowing your child to sit for hours watching “educational” television programmes, take him out to the garden or the park. Talk about the living organisms that exist in the outdoors. Compare the different plants and listen to your child tell you what he observes.

Your child needs concrete experiences to learn about living and non-living things.

Children should be allowed to climb over, crawl under, and come into contact with dirt, sand, mud and just about anything there is in nature that is meant for them to experience and enjoy.

Water Kefir Lemonade

Women's Safety Tips

I would like to share the following article with all women readers.

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this... It may save the life of a loved one.

Because of recent abductions in daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation...

This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children and everyone you know.

After reading these 9 crucial tips, forward them to someone you care about.

It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do:

The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!


2. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse, DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM.

Toss it away from you.... chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you and he will go for the wallet/purse.

RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!


3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back tail lights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won't see you, but everybody else will.

This has saved lives.


4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their checkbook, or making a list, etc.)

DON'T DO THIS!

The predator will be watching you and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head and tell you where to go.

AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE.

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF, repeat:

DO NOT DRIVE OFF!

Instead start the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car.

Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat, they will get the worst of it.

As soon as the car crashes, get out and run.

It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.


5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot or parking garage:

A.) Be aware:

look around you,
look into your car,
at the passenger side floor
and in the back seat

B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Some serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver's side of your vehicle and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back and get someone - guard/policeman to walk you back out.

IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. (Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)


7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control,

ALWAYS RUN!

The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; And even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ.

RUN, Preferably in a zig -zag pattern!


8. As women, we are always trying to be sympathetic:

STOP

It may get you raped or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathy of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane or a limp and often asked 'for help' into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.


9. Another Safety Point:

Someone just told me that her friend heard a crying baby on her porch the night before last and she called the police because it was late and she thought it was weird. The police told her 'Whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.'

The lady then said that it sounded like the baby had crawled near a window, and she was worried that it would crawl to the street and get run over. The policeman said, 'We already have a unit on the way, whatever you do, DO NOT open the door.' He told her that they think a serial killer has a baby's cry recorded and uses it to coax women out of their homes thinking that someone dropped off a baby He said they have not verified it, but have had several calls by women saying that they hear baby's cries outside their doors when they're home alone at night.


Please pass this on and DO NOT open the door for a crying baby.


The Crying Baby theory was mentioned on America's Most Wanted this past Saturday when they profiled the serial killer in Louisiana

I'd like you to forward this to all the women you know.


It may save a life.. A candle is not dimmed by lighting another candle. I was going to send this to the ladies only, but guys, if you love your mothers, wives, sisters, daughters etc. you may want to pass it onto them, as well.

Warm regards,
Sany Woo

Tibicos or Water Kefir's Healing Properties

The healing properties of Tibicos were already known to the ancient societies of China and India. Tibicos can be found around the world, with no two cultures being exactly the same. However, the actual origin of Tibicos is still unknown.

This unique culture is known by different names in different parts of the world such as Chinese Mushrooms, the grains of the Prophet Mohammed, Indian Rice, Tibi, Water Kefir Grains, Sugar Kefir Grains, Japanese Water Crystals and California Bees.

Tibicos has antimutagenic and antioxidant properties, and can possibly be used to prevent mutagenic and oxidative damage in the human body.


Healing Properties of Tibicos

• live probiotic
• gives energy
• improve metabolism
• have youthful effect on body cells
• strengthen heart
• inhibit cancer cells growing
• replace antibiotics in asthma and respiratory inflammations
• clear nose and gives relief from symptoms of cold and flu
• prevent forming, break down and remove from body kidney and liver stones
• effective arthritis relief
• lowers blood sugar level
• natural detoxifier
  

How To Produce This Healthy Drink?

The Tibicos drink can be created by growing the Tibicos mushroom. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place the Tibicos mushroom and water (the water must be clean and chlorine-free) into a clean glass container (use alcohol or distilled white vinegar to clean the container if necessary).

2. Add brown sugar with 1 spoonful of sugar per 3 spoonful of Tibicos.

3. Cover the container with a piece of clean cloth and fasten it with a rubber band. This is because the Tibicos need oxygen to live and reproduce.

4. Place the container in an undisturbed area to ferment for 24-48 hours. If you leave the Tibicos to ferment over a longer period of time, this will increases the sour taste significantly due to an increases in the folic acid content.

5. Strain the golden liquid into a clean glass. (Use a plastic strainer and spoon because a stainless steel strainer will react against the Tibicos)

6. Drink the Tibicos liquid, preferrably in morning and on an empty stomach. If there’s any spare drink, you can store it in the refrigirator.

7. Repeat the procedures to create the next batch of Tibicos drink.

Please remember that frequent cleaning or rinsing the container may wipe out baby Tibicos.

You would have quite a large quantity of Tibicos after repeating the same procedures many times. Share the extra Tibicos with your friends and family so that all of you are able to benefit from the healing properties of Tibicos.

Here is a site where you can find tibicos owners willing to share their spare tibicos grains with you.


Warm regards,
Sany Woo
P.S. I found a site dedicated to educating the public about Tibicos which contains a wealth of information. Find out more about Tibicos, Tibicos recipes, how to store Tibicos and more! Click here to go to the site.

Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 symptoms

Here is some information I received from a good friend about H1N1.

Not 100% correct but if you are having all the following symptoms, please take more precautions and stay home.

Useful info on H1N1.

Know the Difference between Cold and Swine Flu Symptoms

Symptom	Cold	Swine Flu
Fever	Fever is rare with a cold.	Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing	A hacking, productive (mucus- producing) cough is often present with a cold.	A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches	Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold.	Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose	Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week.	Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills	Chills are uncommon with a cold.	60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness	Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold.	Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing	Sneezing is commonly present with a cold.	Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms	Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days.	The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache	A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold.	A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat	Sore throat is commonly present with a cold.	Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort	Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold.	Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu..

Real story:

When children has fever, the Dr will prescribe the fever medicine to them for

consumption either in 4 or 6 hours time period. I think all of you guys know this very

well . Normally the fever will go down after taking the medicine,

but it will come back after 3 or 6 hours. But if its for H1N1 infection,

the fever will not go down after taking the medicine and it will

consistently stay at high temperature for hours. And if this condition persists

continuous for 48 hrs, then the possibility of H1N1 infection is very

high. For this case, I mean consistent high fever for 48 hrs, Dr will

straight away give the patient the H1N1 antiviral treatment, ie Tamiflu

treatment for period of 7 days.