Have met up with an accident and have asked a friemd (hopefully) to keep this blog flowing...
Will see you in 2 months.....
Am really gonna enjoy the attention !!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
Tips While Traveling Alone
Traveling in group is fun but have you tried travelling alone ?
Traveling alone can be equally adventurous and exciting if you know well that how to plan your journey and make proper arrangements keeping the safety in mind. If you haven't tried it then it will be a new experience for you. Some people have the experience of short trips and never realized how it feels when you travel alone on long journey.
Traveling alone need not be lonely. It could be fun in more ways than one. Don’t be reluctant to travel just because your on your own. Just remember these things:
Following tips may prove fruitful for traveling alone:
With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. It can also be fun..
Try it - traveling alone can be one of your best experiences.
Traveling alone can be equally adventurous and exciting if you know well that how to plan your journey and make proper arrangements keeping the safety in mind. If you haven't tried it then it will be a new experience for you. Some people have the experience of short trips and never realized how it feels when you travel alone on long journey.
Traveling alone need not be lonely. It could be fun in more ways than one. Don’t be reluctant to travel just because your on your own. Just remember these things:
Following tips may prove fruitful for traveling alone:
- Plan ahead - Research and read about the place you’re heading to. Know where’s the nearest hotel, restaurant, and such. Make reservations too, if possible. That way, your travel is on a good start
- Take a city map - You better study how to read maps. Needless to say, these can guide you where you are going, especially if it’s the first time you’re going to that place. Relying too much on the cab driver is not a good idea
- Learn the language - Just study the basics, and the most common things you’re likely to ask a local. Also get yourself a basic dictionary and learn the language before you arrive
- Don’t be afraid to ask for directions - It would be okay to ask someone for directions, but be sure you are going to choose who to ask. You can ask a waiter in restaurant, or the receptionist in your hotel. Just be sure you get all information. Asking from a complete stranger outside is not advisable
- Pack your baggage carefully to avoid any kind of problems during the journey. List of all requirements should be made so that you don't miss anything. Lock in luggage is necessary to avoid the thefts. Over weight of your luggage can become hurdle in your smooth traveling.
- Hide your valuables - Put your guard up. Don’t invite muggers to come and get you. Don’t wear too much jewelry outside the streets. Use inexpensive accessories.
- Dress appropriately - Check what the locals wear on a given time of day. You don’t want your clothes screaming you’re a tourist. The lesser attention you draw to yourself, the better.
- Keep all your medicines and also few medicines for precaution because you cannot rely on anyone for the help during emergency. Travel insurance policy can provide a great help when you don't have enough money to spend on the medical treatment and expenses on hospital bills.
- Arrange for the passport and visa in advance to avoid any kind of delay in the journey. You can also contact to the travel agents to make your trip comfortable. You can book your tickets online by visiting the websites of airlines.
- Lodging in hotels and resorts sometimes cost a lot for single person. You should book the room in advance which can help you in taking the proper rest when you reach the place. Online booking of accommodation is a good option for single travelers.
- Books are the best companion of loneliness. If you don't like reading novels then magazines are other choice. You can carry the reading material and can keep yourself busy during the journey. It's better to avoid relying on strangers from the safety point of view and reading habit can make your boring journey interesting. Listening music can also be a good option.
- No need to carry cash, alternative is to use electronic money for transaction. Credit cards and debit cards can be used for shopping purpose. Never buy heavy things which you can't carry. Basically, take just enough cash. Traveler’s checks and credit cards are good, and it could be your primary mode of payment, but you might want to keep a few extra dollars in your pocket with local money.
- To make your traveling interesting you can indulge in exciting things like trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving etc. Activities which give you pleasure should never be missed. Skiing on the snow covered landscape is usually enjoyed by the people traveling alone.
- Lastly, enjoy your self - Well, you are traveling, so make the most of it. Make friends with a local. Talk to somebody over lunch in a café. Get the addresses of the friends you make to send them a thank you card. Maybe next time, you’d be their host. Always keep your confidence up and boost your morale before starting your journey alone.
With solo traveling, you will definitely learn more about your self and what you can do. It can also be fun..
Try it - traveling alone can be one of your best experiences.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
What Is Vegan And Veganism
Veganism is something more than an eating choice - it is a lifestyle or a movement.
The Vegan lifestyle choice is quickly gaining popularity in the United States and the rest of the world.
Vegan (pronounced vee-gun) refers to people who choose to forego meat and dairy products. Instead, their diets consist solely of plant-based foods. Not only do Vegans eliminate foods derived from animals, they also avoid clothing and products made from animal by-products.
You might be thinking that you got along so far by eating eggs, hamburgers, dairy products, hot dogs, poultry, beef, pork, and fish - so why should you go vegetarian, let alone vegan now?
Firstly, becoming Vegan means changing your whole lifestyle
Eating Vegan doesn't have to be boring. In fact, it is one of the most exciting way to eat! Fresh and organically grown plant-based foods are among nature's most healthful and delicious gifts
Being a Vegan has many benefits, but first, what exactly does being Vegan mean?
Most people are not exactly sure exactly what this term defines.
So here goes, a VEGAN is a person who not only consumes only plant products, but is also someone who does not support any product or food derived from the pain and suffering of any animal.
Then what is the difference between a Vegan and a Vegetarian?
A vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat any meat - In other words, they don’t consume meat, poultry, fish or other water animals or food made using animal fat, but they consume dairy products.
The main difference between a Vegan and a Vegetarian is that Vegans not only consume any animal by-products, which include eggs, dairy (including cheese, butter) or use products that have been tested on animals. Even honey is also avoided, as bees are killed during its production. And finally, Vegans also avoid wearing animal products like wool, silk or leather and don’t use cosmetics and toiletries that have been tested on animals or which contain animal ingredients.
To be a successful vegetarian or Vegan, you need to become more aware of nutrition. You learn what foods contain enough plant protein to satisfy your daily needs. You learn how to regulate the amount of carbohydrates and sugars you eat, to avoid the risk of diabetes. You start to understand the positive effects of a diet high in plant fibers, which help keep you regular.
Some benefits of being Vegan
It is believed, or at least I am of the firm belief that eating a meat free diet can definitely improve your health in addition to increasing your quality of life and as a result one tends to live longer.
The reasons?
Medical research has proven that a meat free diet considerably lowers ones chances of being diagnosed with ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease and even certain types of cancers.
Studies have also shown that not meat free diets provide more energy, in addition to building a more efficient immune system. It is also said that Vegans live six to ten years longer than average meat eater and also rid the system of pesky allergens that cause food allergies, ADHD, and asthma. Furthermore, it can also be said that Vegans have healthy hair, lower body weight in general and most importantly a clearer and suppler skin.
Most of us don't eat very well. We either eat fast food too much and even real sit-down restaurants are sometimes not always healthy for us. We are addicted to the bad habit of eating out of boxes, cans, and the freezer. In fact, when you eat at most chain restaurants, you're eating out of boxes, cans, and the freezer!
Most non-vegetarian foods are either processed or frozen, if not come in cans. When we eat high fat meats, low fiber processed foods, and fill our bodies with preservatives and chemicals, we're much more prone to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other serious health issues.
Vegetarians (fruits and vegetables people) don’t suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and any other diseases which tend to be linked with being overweight. In other words, you can eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and yet not gain any weight. This goes on to indicate that the food eaten in a vegetarian diet helps with the fat burning process. It also indicates that eating vegetables helps with insulin resistance instead of the food being stored as fat it tends to get taken up by the cells and burnt off hence no weight gain.
But, despite calling myself a vegetarian, I have put on tremendous amount of weight. This goes to show that vegetarian doesn’t really mean only vegetables and fruits, but there are fats (sweets, desserts, syrups), carbohydrates (rice and others) – the list is endless. So there is no guarantee that you are going to lose weight by just avoiding meat. Meat taken at reasonable amounts can lead to a balanced weight
However, being a Vegan will completely rid your diet from any of these processed foods. It will also rid you of all the fat and poisons generally found in processed or fast food that your body just wasn't programmed to intake. In other words, a family can easily and safely avoid the chemicals, preservatives, growth hormones and other harmful toxins found in almost all of today's meats and over-processed foods!
If you project to people that they don’t abuse their car like they abuse their bodies – they would perhaps get the message a lot better. A car engine that hasn’t been tuned or isn’t getting the type of gasoline it needs simply will not run efficiently, nor "live" for as long as it was intended to do.
In other words, the human body shares the same concept with a car
So just for kicks, try eating vegetarian (fruits and vegetables) for a week or two. See for yourself if you feel different, more mentally acute and note any difference
Gets you thinking ...right?
Hence, going Vegan and eating in this manner is sure to you an incredibly healthier lifestyle.
Many familiar favorites and international specialties are naturally Vegan – Italian spaghetti with marinara sauce, pasta with garlic & olive oil, a cheese-less pizza piled high with toppings; bean & rice burritos smothered in vegetarian green chilly, sizzling fajitas with peppers, onions, squash and mushrooms, tortilla chips & guacamole dip; Middle Eastern falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and lentil soup; Indian vegetable curries, samosas, dal, and rice biriyani; Thai coconut curries, spring rolls & rice noodle dishes; Chinese stir-fry veggies in various sauces, sesame tofu, vegetable dumplings; Japanese vegetable sushi; and french fries!
Some interesting vegan recipes can be found at... http://www.veganchef.com/
The Vegan lifestyle choice is quickly gaining popularity in the United States and the rest of the world.
Vegan (pronounced vee-gun) refers to people who choose to forego meat and dairy products. Instead, their diets consist solely of plant-based foods. Not only do Vegans eliminate foods derived from animals, they also avoid clothing and products made from animal by-products.
You might be thinking that you got along so far by eating eggs, hamburgers, dairy products, hot dogs, poultry, beef, pork, and fish - so why should you go vegetarian, let alone vegan now?
Firstly, becoming Vegan means changing your whole lifestyle
Eating Vegan doesn't have to be boring. In fact, it is one of the most exciting way to eat! Fresh and organically grown plant-based foods are among nature's most healthful and delicious gifts
Being a Vegan has many benefits, but first, what exactly does being Vegan mean?
Most people are not exactly sure exactly what this term defines.
So here goes, a VEGAN is a person who not only consumes only plant products, but is also someone who does not support any product or food derived from the pain and suffering of any animal.
Then what is the difference between a Vegan and a Vegetarian?
A vegetarian is someone who doesn't eat any meat - In other words, they don’t consume meat, poultry, fish or other water animals or food made using animal fat, but they consume dairy products.
The main difference between a Vegan and a Vegetarian is that Vegans not only consume any animal by-products, which include eggs, dairy (including cheese, butter) or use products that have been tested on animals. Even honey is also avoided, as bees are killed during its production. And finally, Vegans also avoid wearing animal products like wool, silk or leather and don’t use cosmetics and toiletries that have been tested on animals or which contain animal ingredients.
To be a successful vegetarian or Vegan, you need to become more aware of nutrition. You learn what foods contain enough plant protein to satisfy your daily needs. You learn how to regulate the amount of carbohydrates and sugars you eat, to avoid the risk of diabetes. You start to understand the positive effects of a diet high in plant fibers, which help keep you regular.
Some benefits of being Vegan
It is believed, or at least I am of the firm belief that eating a meat free diet can definitely improve your health in addition to increasing your quality of life and as a result one tends to live longer.
The reasons?
Medical research has proven that a meat free diet considerably lowers ones chances of being diagnosed with ailments such as diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease and even certain types of cancers.
Studies have also shown that not meat free diets provide more energy, in addition to building a more efficient immune system. It is also said that Vegans live six to ten years longer than average meat eater and also rid the system of pesky allergens that cause food allergies, ADHD, and asthma. Furthermore, it can also be said that Vegans have healthy hair, lower body weight in general and most importantly a clearer and suppler skin.
Most of us don't eat very well. We either eat fast food too much and even real sit-down restaurants are sometimes not always healthy for us. We are addicted to the bad habit of eating out of boxes, cans, and the freezer. In fact, when you eat at most chain restaurants, you're eating out of boxes, cans, and the freezer!
Most non-vegetarian foods are either processed or frozen, if not come in cans. When we eat high fat meats, low fiber processed foods, and fill our bodies with preservatives and chemicals, we're much more prone to high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and other serious health issues.
Vegetarians (fruits and vegetables people) don’t suffer from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and any other diseases which tend to be linked with being overweight. In other words, you can eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and yet not gain any weight. This goes on to indicate that the food eaten in a vegetarian diet helps with the fat burning process. It also indicates that eating vegetables helps with insulin resistance instead of the food being stored as fat it tends to get taken up by the cells and burnt off hence no weight gain.
But, despite calling myself a vegetarian, I have put on tremendous amount of weight. This goes to show that vegetarian doesn’t really mean only vegetables and fruits, but there are fats (sweets, desserts, syrups), carbohydrates (rice and others) – the list is endless. So there is no guarantee that you are going to lose weight by just avoiding meat. Meat taken at reasonable amounts can lead to a balanced weight
However, being a Vegan will completely rid your diet from any of these processed foods. It will also rid you of all the fat and poisons generally found in processed or fast food that your body just wasn't programmed to intake. In other words, a family can easily and safely avoid the chemicals, preservatives, growth hormones and other harmful toxins found in almost all of today's meats and over-processed foods!
If you project to people that they don’t abuse their car like they abuse their bodies – they would perhaps get the message a lot better. A car engine that hasn’t been tuned or isn’t getting the type of gasoline it needs simply will not run efficiently, nor "live" for as long as it was intended to do.
In other words, the human body shares the same concept with a car
So just for kicks, try eating vegetarian (fruits and vegetables) for a week or two. See for yourself if you feel different, more mentally acute and note any difference
Gets you thinking ...right?
Hence, going Vegan and eating in this manner is sure to you an incredibly healthier lifestyle.
Many familiar favorites and international specialties are naturally Vegan – Italian spaghetti with marinara sauce, pasta with garlic & olive oil, a cheese-less pizza piled high with toppings; bean & rice burritos smothered in vegetarian green chilly, sizzling fajitas with peppers, onions, squash and mushrooms, tortilla chips & guacamole dip; Middle Eastern falafel, hummus, stuffed grape leaves and lentil soup; Indian vegetable curries, samosas, dal, and rice biriyani; Thai coconut curries, spring rolls & rice noodle dishes; Chinese stir-fry veggies in various sauces, sesame tofu, vegetable dumplings; Japanese vegetable sushi; and french fries!
Some interesting vegan recipes can be found at... http://www.veganchef.com/
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Beaute de Maman Beauty Products For Pregnant Mothers
I believe a lady should appear graceful and vivacious even when they are pregnant
Now you may ask, what right does a guy have, in making such a statement
None, I agree.
However, I know that maintaining their appearance makes them feel great in the inside.
It is also a well-known fact that pregnant women can no longer use their normal beauty products as they may contain ingredients that might not be suitable for the foetus. Hence finding beauty products that are safe for both mother and fetus is essential
Now I have heard so much about Beaute de Maman - the beauty products that are safe for both mother and the fetus
So, having said that, pregnant mothers don't deprive yourself from looking good just because you can't use your normal beauty products!
They say that Beaute de Maman is made for moms and babies. Their products are even certified by obstetricians to treat problems related to the physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Believe it or not, even certain Hollywood actresses such as Jennifer Blanc have certified using Beaute de Maman while they were carrying.
In short, Beaute de Maman offers botanical, natural and safe ingredients for stretch marks, acne-prone face, body blemishes, and nipple mastitis during breast feeding. Most importantly, they say and claim that all these products have been tested not on animals, but on humans and they have been proven safe by pregnant people. So, this means, these ingredients will not harm the foetus.
You can order now and check their labels and packaging.
If you'd like to try, you can order now ...
Now you may ask, what right does a guy have, in making such a statement
None, I agree.
However, I know that maintaining their appearance makes them feel great in the inside.
It is also a well-known fact that pregnant women can no longer use their normal beauty products as they may contain ingredients that might not be suitable for the foetus. Hence finding beauty products that are safe for both mother and fetus is essential
Now I have heard so much about Beaute de Maman - the beauty products that are safe for both mother and the fetus
So, having said that, pregnant mothers don't deprive yourself from looking good just because you can't use your normal beauty products!
They say that Beaute de Maman is made for moms and babies. Their products are even certified by obstetricians to treat problems related to the physiological and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Believe it or not, even certain Hollywood actresses such as Jennifer Blanc have certified using Beaute de Maman while they were carrying.
In short, Beaute de Maman offers botanical, natural and safe ingredients for stretch marks, acne-prone face, body blemishes, and nipple mastitis during breast feeding. Most importantly, they say and claim that all these products have been tested not on animals, but on humans and they have been proven safe by pregnant people. So, this means, these ingredients will not harm the foetus.
You can order now and check their labels and packaging.
If you'd like to try, you can order now ...
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Children’s Books
It is said that a little bedtime story each night could do more wonders for your child than any other reading programs could ever accomplish. So try and read to your infant for at least 15 to 20 minutes every night.
Although you may believe that reading to your infant is pointless, it actually helps your child get familiar with the language and vocabulary. Reading aloud will help your child to learn how to read and grasp the language much quicker. In addition, it also helps with your child's overall development.
As your infant grows older, he looks forward to be an active participant during story time. In other words, he will look forward to bedtime stories, instead of seeing it as a dreadful chore. Even if the child wants to hear the same story every night, read that same book to him, and in addition also read a new book to him. Variety will give your child a taste of different views, characters and places, which will help your child, in the future, to form his thoughts and opinions.
In other words, it allows a parent to spend some quality time with their infant.
Some of the current popular books are featured below
Mentioned below are the top 10 global children's bestsellers. Get them started off on these today;
Although you may believe that reading to your infant is pointless, it actually helps your child get familiar with the language and vocabulary. Reading aloud will help your child to learn how to read and grasp the language much quicker. In addition, it also helps with your child's overall development.
As your infant grows older, he looks forward to be an active participant during story time. In other words, he will look forward to bedtime stories, instead of seeing it as a dreadful chore. Even if the child wants to hear the same story every night, read that same book to him, and in addition also read a new book to him. Variety will give your child a taste of different views, characters and places, which will help your child, in the future, to form his thoughts and opinions.
In other words, it allows a parent to spend some quality time with their infant.
Some of the current popular books are featured below
- Great Indian Personalities - Refresh your memory on the lives of these great Indians and recount these stories to your children
- Famous Indian Legends - Famous classics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as stories of Krishna presented simply and interestingly. These stories will provide an excellent introduction to the Indian culture
- Panchatantra - This section consists of famous Indian stories quite similar to the Aesop's Fables, also based on the Animal Kingdom, but with an Indian context, and make for some fun readings
- Jataka Tales - The Hindu's believe in reincarnation, i.e. life after death. The Bodhisattva or the Buddha came in many forms - man, elephant, dear etc. The Jataka tales are his life stories as various life forms, spreading the message of justice. These tales will show you how good ultimately triumphs over evil
- Aesop's Fables - All children love animals. Here are over a 100 fables based on the animal kingdom and cleverly woven around a moral. Enjoyable reading for children of all ages
- Akbar and Birbal - Sharpen your wits with Birbal, King Akbar's famous, clever and witty advisor. Let your child learn the skills of perception and deduction from Birbals fine example
- Arabian Nights - Welcome to the world of magic lamps, wish-granting genies, valiant heroes & damsels in distress. Discover the voyages of Sinbad the gallant sailor, the adventures of Ali Baba and the forty thieves and many more mysterious and enchanting Arabic tales
- Fairy Tales and Other Stories - Take a trip down fantasy land and enter a world of magic, elves and fairies. Relive your childhood with your child as you help him or her develop a vivid imagination and good reading habits
- Amar Chitra Katha - Collection of above [1 to 8] in a picture/ comic format
- Britannica for Kids - Reading Club CD [Set of 2 CD's] - For Ages 4 to 7
An attractively packaged, interactive and fun-filled learning program that has been developed for children, between 4 and 7 years of age. It assists them with their reading and writing abilities. Besides, children with no prior knowledge of the alphabets will also be comfortable reading books meant for the first grade after completing this comprehensive program. More importantly, they will enjoy as they learn! Animation and music helps to make this a dynamic learning environment
Mentioned below are the top 10 global children's bestsellers. Get them started off on these today;
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling - Ages 9 onwards
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling - Ages 9 onwards
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling - Ages 9 onwards
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Hardcover) by J. K.Rowling - Age 9 onwards
- Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss - Ages 3 onwards
- Olivia by Ian Falconer - Ages 3-7
- Pikachu's Vacation by Tracey West - Ages 4-11
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carl - Ages 4-8
- Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey - Ages 7-11
- Captain Underpants and the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopypants by Dav Pilkey - Ages 7-11
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)