Beauty Stash: Human Nature Products

This was something I picked up during our visit in Manila last year. I plan to share my other beauty finds when we were there but for now, I believe these Human Nature products deserve its own blog feature. 

What attracted me to Human Nature products? It's organic, reasonably-priced and has pretty packaging. I also like that they have a great website where you can learn about their company and products and shop online too. 

These are the products I've tried so far:

Calming and Rejuvenating Massage Oil. I suffer from frozen shoulder (stiff shoulders due to cold weather, lifting heavy items, computer stress, poor posture, etc) during cold season and I found that massaging oil on my shoulders and back helps in preventing this to occur. I massage some oil on before bedtime and it keeps my shoulder and back warm at night. I like the smell of both variants, it really calms and rejuvenates, and at the same time moisturises my skin. 

Natural Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner (with Soothing Aloe). I'm not very lucky when it comes to organic/natural shampoos and conditioner because sometimes they still make my scalp dry. Thankfully, these ones from Human Nature feels gentle to the scalp. I noticed too that I have less hair fall when I use these. 

Sunflower Beauty Oil. I've read on HN's site of the many uses of this wonder oil before deciding to buy it. I love this oil and I'm so glad I gave this one a try. I use it as a moisturiser before bedtime. After a few days of use, I noticed the size of my pores have minimised and my skin has become less oily. My breakouts have lessened too and it brightened my skin. I normally use a different moisturiser during Summer season but even if this was made of oil, it's still perfect for Summer as it's not sticky. It's the perfect moisturiser for the whole year. 

If you're in Manila, visit one of their stores (locations list) or if you would love to do some online shopping for natural beauty products, check out Human Nature's website (http://humanheartnature.com/buy/index.php/).

The Dry Skin Brushing Experience

One of the healthy habits I discovered this year was dry brushing of the skin. A beauty blog has led me to information about it and while I was open to trying it out, it took me some time to finally buy my first dry brush and making it a habit. 

What is Dry Brushing? It is a way of exfoliating the skin by using just a brush. No water needed. It aids in the detoxification of the body's lymphatic system.

I purchased a dry brush when I was in Manila last April. I found a reasonably-priced dry brush at Watsons (not more than P500.00) and it was only here in Sydney that I started using it. 

Did I like using it? Yes. My skin immediately adjusted to the bristles of the brush. It was neither hard nor soft, it just had enough roughness to exfoliate the skin. 

Effects on My Skin and Body. After a few days of dry brushing, I noticed my stretchmarks have disappeared and my cellulites have reduced. I noticed too that even if it's Winter now, I don't suffer from too much dryness of skin. 

When and How Often Do I Dry Brush? I dry brush before I take a shower and I try to do it everyday. Although on some days I can't because I woke up late and rushing in the morning to go to work BUT I try to do it as regularly as possible.

Let me share with you a few things I learned about dry brushing:

Benefits of Dry Brushing

• Removes dead layers of skin and other outer impurities.
• Stimulates and increases blood circulation.
• Helps release fatty deposits under your skin’s surface.
• Assists the eliminative capacity of your body’s organs.
• Rejuvenates your cells.
• Strengthens your immune system.
• Increases muscle tone.
• Improves skin texture.
• Helps prevent premature ageing.

How To Dry Brush: 
(source)

1. Begin with your feet and brush vigorously in circular motions.
2. Continue brushing up your legs.
3. Proceed to your hands and arms.
4. Brush your entire back and abdomen area, shoulders and neck.
5. Use circular counter-clockwise strokes on the abdomen.
6. Use light pressure on the breasts and any other sensitive areas.
7. Brush upwards on the back and down from the neck. Better yet, have a friend, spouse or family member brush your back.

A short video I found which shows the proper way of dry skin brushing:

(source)

Some Tips:

• You will need a brush with soft natural bristles for dry brushing. Do not use synthetic bristles. Buy one that has a longer handle so it'll be easier to reach your back and sides.
• Make sure that the dry brushing is done softly in the initial stages so that soreness is avoided. 
• Application of a little more pressure can be done as your skin gets used to dry brushing.
• Your skin and brush should be dry. Shower after skin brushing to remove exfoliated skin.
• Do not do any dry brushing over cuts, wounds or rashes.
• Begin by brushing the outermost parts of your body (hands and feet) towards the center of your body.
• Pass the brush once over your body, except the face.
• The brush strokes should move towards your heart. This improvement in blood circulation is why so many people feel extremely refreshed after an energetic session of dry brushing.
• It is only when you are dry brushing your stomach that you are going to apply clockwise brushing movements.
• Slight flushing of the skin is normal, due to increased circulation. The skin should not be red or irritated, if it is you're using too much pressure.
• The entire process should only take one to two minutes.
• Clean the brush meticulously after every brushing session.
• If your skin is extremely dry, rub some oil into it after you have brushed it and showered. 

Have you tried dry skin brushing? If so, what effects did you experience after dry brushing your skin?

The Chilled & No-Cook Oatmeal

I've always cooked my oatmeal. I'm used to heating it up on the stove and I have to say that doing so sometimes discourages me from having oatmeal even though I like having it for breakfast (We don't own a microwave at home so that premise is moot).

Thank goodness the universe heard me and one day, I read a tweet from one of my tweethearts Bettina (@blissfulcow) wherein she shared that it's possible to eat chilled oatmeal. Hooray! Problem solved! 

So here's what I do in creating chilled and no-cook oatmeal in jars:

You need:

2 cups of Oatmeal

180 grams Natural Yogurt

2 cups of Milk

3 tbsp Honey

Fruits (or nuts) to mix in with your oatmeal (to make it a healthier dish)

- this yields 4 jars.

I always opt for the Natural Yogurt as it's less sour. Alternatives to Honey: Maple Syrup, Sugar, Nutella, Peanut Butter. 

Mix the oatmeal, yogurt, honey and milk in a bowl.

Then place the mixture inside jars or plastic containers. Throw in your fruits on top and seal the jar/container. You can also add nuts if you like.

Put the jars inside the fridge and chill them for at least 30 minutes. That's enough time to soften the oatmeal.

Freeze and Eat
I make a big batch, enough to fill at least four jars, during weekends and store them inside the freezer. I usually bring a jar to work and eat it for breakfast or morning tea. I finish all four jars in the course of the workweek. 

I've read that frozen oatmeal can stay good until about a month. The longest time I've stored oatmeal inside the freezer was two weeks.

The Flexibility of Oatmeal
There are so many things you can add into your oatmeal other than fruits and nuts. You can also make substitutions for the milk (almond milk, soy milk etc) and flavour of your yogurt. You can also omit the yogurt from the recipe if you don't like yogurt. You can add different toppings, syrups and seeds (i.e. chia seeds).

Why I Love It
It keeps me full for longer. It's low in calories but high in fiber, removes bad cholesterol, contains antioxidants and enhances the immune system. It's easy to make and and it tastes good! 

Beauty Stash: Spa Line from Imperial Leather

I'm loving the Spa Line bodywash of Imperial Leather. So far, I've come across the Korean Spa, Bali Spa and Japanese Spa. Imperial Leather's bodywash comes with triple moisturisers, is rich and creamy, skin-friendly and soap free. 

The Korean Spa bodywash is a moisturising shower cream with Pomengranate and Hibiscus milk. The Bali Spa has Coconut milk and Tiare flower. The Japanese Spa is made up of Jasmine and Green Tea. All three  have refreshing fragrances that doesn't irritate the skin. The moisturising cream leaves my skin soft and smooth. 

This is not a paid post.

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Beauty Stash: The Clarisonic Mia 2

Since I've been married, I never had the discipline to have facials. Other than being turned off by expensive costs of having facials here in Australia, I'd rather spend my time doing other things. However, I'm aware that it is important to take care of one's skin especially as one gets older. Then I discovered a skin cleansing gadget called Clarisonic Mia which cleans the skin more thoroughly by using a patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second.  For weeks, I studied the information in their website and read lots of reviews from beauty bloggers around the world. Then I thought of giving myself this as a Christmas present when I saw a good deal online. After two weeks, my Christmas pressie to myself arrived!

There are a few kinds of Clarisonic Mias but I chose the Clarisonic Mia 2 which has 2 speeds, a one-minute pulsing T-Timer and a protective travel case.

It also came with a 30ml Clarisonic Refreshing Gel which works well with my skin as it's gentle, doesn't leave my skin oily and doesn't cause me to break out.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 comes with a sensitive brush head (they have a variety of brush heads you can choose from) to easily introduce one's skin to sonic cleansing. It is advised to change the brush head every three to four months.

Charging the Clarisonic Mia 2 for the first time took 24 hours. I was very happy when the light finally signaled that it was fully-charged. 

The main reason why I opted to buy the Clarisonic Mia 2 (I really could have opted for the cheaper and basic one) was because of the protective travel case. Since this gadget is for personal grooming, I like that my Clarisonic Mia will be kept clean whenever I travel. 

I've used this for almost a week now and I'm loving it. Here are a few reasons why:

• The first time I used it, my skin felt cleaner, softer and tighter. 
• The brushing feels gentle on the skin and yet I feel as if I've had a mini-facial.
• It gets rid of blackheads on a daily basis!
• It seemed to have made my pores smaller, resulting to a less oily skin.
• It gives my skin a natural pinkish glow and even if I've worked all day, my face doesn't look tired. 

I'm very glad with my Clarisonic Mia 2 and I consider this the best present I've ever given to myself. 

If you want to know more about Clarisonic Mia and their products, please check out their website.

Lemon and Cucumber Water

Here's something refreshing and healthy...Lemon and Cucumber Water!

Put a few slices of Lemon and Cucumber in a jug, add water and then leave inside the fridge overnight. I do this every night after we've had dinner so that the following day, we'll have a few glasses of Lemon and Cucumber Water to drink.

Benefits: {source}

Lemon

• High in Vitamin C and B, phosphorous, carbohydrates and protein.
• Helps fight rheumatism, colds and swollen gums.
• Contains flavanoids which promote growth enzymes that detoxify carcinogens.
• The antioxidants in lemon juice detoxify harmful antibodies such as bacteria.
• Studies show that lemon juice helps cure kidney stones, relieve bloating and inflammation such as arthritis.

Cucumber

• Nutritional sources include protein, carbohydrate, sugar, fructose and starch.
• High in potassium, contains phosphorous, magnesium and calcium.
• Provides Vitamin A, beta carotene, Vitamin C and lutein.
• Relieves appendicitis.
• Helps cleanse kidneys, improve skin condition and lower blood pressure.

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Beauty Stash: Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng

The Husband considers me a Shampoo-and-Conditioner Collector because whenever I find shampoos on sale, especially ones I have not tried before, I buy them. The Husband calls our bathroom, much to my embarrassment, a museum for shampoos and conditioners. 

My love for shampoo and conditioner (S&C) stems from the fact that I love my hair. I can't afford to go to salons and have treatments (it's just so bloody expensive here!) but I have it regularly trimmed and styled by my trusted Korean hairstylist every two months. At home, I've somehow collected different brands of  (S&C) because I use about 3 kinds of S&C in a week--my hair is healthy that way. 

The things I do to have healthy hair: 

(1) I do deep conditioning treatments at home.

(2) During winter, I only wash my hair with water on days when I don't go out.*

(3) During summer, I wash my hair with baby shampoo on days when I don't go out.*

(4) I sometimes apply Argan Oil to give additional hair moisture.

(5) I almost never use styling products.

(6) I avoid colouring my hair since I turned 25 years old.  

*I use baby shampoo or wash my hair with just water as a way to rest my hair and scalp from harsh chemicals.

I've always wondered when I'd be able to try Organix. I've seen it in supermarkets and read good reviews about the brand but I find it a bit costly. When I dropped by the chemist a few weeks ago, I saw big bottles of Organix on sale AND it has a Cherry Blossom Ginseng variant. I couldn't resist so I bought it.

What I love about the Organix Cherry Blossom Ginseng S&C:

• It has all the ingredients I'm fond of: cherry blossom, ginseng and rice milk
• It smells wonderful
• It leaves my hair soft and hydrated ALL DAY!
• It doesn't contain lauryl/laureth sulfates and parabens.

I hope that by the time I finish these bottles, they'd go on sale again. I've come to love Organix and would love to try their other variants.

Beauty Stash: Murad

I mostly write about home, food and travel but this year, I've made two regular features on the blog, Beauty Stash and Style Musings, because like most women I'm also fascinated with beauty and style, and both topics are essential in living a charmed life. In Beauty Stash, I share finds and tips on grooming and staying beautiful.  Style Musings was formerly known as Fashion Fridays but it has evolved into sharing my thoughts on style and design. I hope you will enjoy these two features as much as I enjoy writing about them.

I have mentioned in a previous entry that it was only when I moved to Sydney that I followed a skin care regimen. While I did start putting skin care products when I was a teenager, it's when I was 28 y/o that I stopped jumping from one product to another. It was all thanks to Murad. 

Growing up, I've battled with acne for most of my teenage years. It comes and goes. I even had a theory before that I seem to get an attack of acne every four years.  When I turned 25, the breakouts lessened but I was aware that I need to find products that will suit my skin needs, especially that I'm not getting any younger. So when I moved here, I seek professional help, had a few session of facials and went home with Murad products to maintain the health of my skin.

I exclusively used Murad (as in no other skin care product touched my skin) for three years. Their products are a bit expensive but I soldiered on because I wanted my skin to get better. It was all worth it as my skin did improve. I still have acne scars but  at least my skin texture has improved, it is less sensitive and it's not as oily as it used to be. 

Murad Products I've Used:

Refreshing Cleanser.  A gentle but thorough cleanser. It's perfect for my sensitive skin. I feel like I'm washing my face with milk. It also keeps the skin hydrated.

Skin Perfecting Lotion. One of the best moisturisers I've used so far. It's very light but my skin stays hydrated during the day. Perfect for daytime use and when indoors.

Perfecting Day Cream with SPF30. Similar to what I felt with the Skin Perfecting Lotion but only this has SPF. Moisturiser and sunblock in 1. After learning that it's a must to put on sunblock ALWAYS, I switched to this.

Perfecting Night Cream. Moisturiser for night time. 

Energizing Pomegranate Moisturizer SPF 15. One of the moisturisers from Murad that I used just because I got tired of the Skin Perfecting Lotion. Great for daytime as this has SPF15. I love wearing this during summer as it has cooling effects on the skin.  This is also best for combination skin as it keeps the Tzone and dry zone areas of your face balanced.

Essential C-Cleanser. The last cleanser I used from Murad. This didn't sit well with me as I noticed it gave me a pimple of two after I use it. Although it felt light and mild, I don't know why it didn't work well with my skin.

If you noticed from the products mentioned, when I acquired my Murad skin regimen, I basically did two steps: cleanse and moisturise. While it is common that toning is part of skin care, I was told by professionals that it is not necessary. And it worked for me. I'm grateful that their advice saved me time and money.

I have stopped using Murad for sometime now. While I can afford their products and a few drops is all it takes to get you skin cleaned and moisturised (a tube it last loooong time), I find it a bit expensive. Murad has given me better skin and now I'm able to use other products without being prone to pimples.

Based from my experience, I'd highly recommend Murad for those who have sensitive and problematic skin. Ask a professional about Murad before making the switch.

Why Coffee & Tea Are Amazing For You

This is a cute and very useful infographic for all you lovers of coffee and tea.

Get health and fitness articles at Greatist.com

So I Went on a Health Holiday

One month into the winter season and I went down with a nasty flu and throat infection.  I said hello to July miserable in bed surrounded by tissues, water bottles (that was tirelessly filled by the Husband), antibiotics and Chicken Arroz Caldo.  


My body's used to having bouts of head colds and cough on icy mornings. But just when I thought and felt that my body's more resilient with winter, a persistent bug caught me and knocked me down. What I thought was going to be just a 2-day sick leave from work, turned out to be seven days.  The plan was to go back to work middle of last week but I decided (yes, I decided) to take the whole week off to avoid a relapse and make it my Health Holiday.

There's always that connotation that sick leaves are not good (oh well, we know it's not good because it's about being sick) so instead of thinking that I'm on leave because I'm down with something, I renamed my break from work to a Health Holiday.  (Yes, I do make up names for my holidays sometimes.)


Health Holiday---doesn't that sound more positive?  


Whenever I get sick, I sometimes have feelings of vulnerability.  I don't think that's a bad thing. I actually think that it's normal for one to be emotional when physically unwell.  Staying home and not being able to do things we're used to doing makes one feel vulnerable.  At the start of my being sick two weeks ago, I started having "wawa" thoughts (kawawa thoughts/self-pity thought) but experience has taught me that negative thoughts and feelings do nothing.  I knew I was physically beaten so I instead of wallowing and be cranky (because I hated being sick), I made a mental turnaround and let go.  


I let go and accepted healing positively.


I let go and accepted that it's okay to be sick once in a while.  


I let go and laughed it off.


I let go and let my Husband take care of me.


I tried to be patient with getting well.  Being the conscientious person that I am, I sometimes give deadlines on when I should be well (probably because of the thought that I need to go back to work).  But instead of being too conscious of time, I focused on getting well and let my body recover on its own sweet time. I disregarded the thought that work may be piling up or that the office needs me.  I shrugged at boredom and instead became thankful that I have all the time in the world to get well.


I listened to what my body needed.  I slept for hours.  It amazed me that even if I didn't have much appetite, my body craved to eat good food.  I stayed away from the computer. I went out our balcony and let the sun comfort me with it's warmth and Vitamin D.

I'm a believer that every situation has its blessing(s).  In my case of being sick, it inspired me to be more healthy. Also, I've learned to let go and focus on being positive even when I'm down with something. 

I'm grateful to be back to attending to my usual routines this week.  Although I still have a bit of cough, I feel so much better and nearly a hundred percent recovered.

Beauty Stash: Something From Bath & Body Works

If you are a Filipino, you would know that family and friends would usually ask, "Ano ang gusto mong pasalubong?" whenever they are coming to visit or travelling from somewhere.  And whenever I am asked that question, I always think, "Hmmm, Ano bang meron doon na wala dito?" 


So when my aunt asked me what I want from America, my answer was, "Something from Bath & Body Works, please?"  And then I emailed her a list of my preferred items from the store.  And yes, you read it right, we don't have Bath & Body Works here in Australia.


Thanks to my aunt, I now have a few bottles of Bath & Body Works to last me awhile.


The Cherry Blossom Body Mist and Cherry Blossom Body Lotion from the Signature Collection.  The body mist a is refreshingly light floral scent of Cherry Blossoms and makes me think (and smell like) Spring. The body lotion moisturises the skin with the help of  Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. 

I love sweet scent of Vanilla so I also asked for the Black Raspberry Vanilla Shower Gel and Black Raspberry Vanilla Body Lotion.  The shower gel has aloe vera and Vitamin E that leaves the skin smooth and pampered after every bath.  Like the Cherry Blossom Body Lotion, the Black Raspberry Vanilla Body Lotion has Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin Oil.  Other than keeping my skin hydrated, these two gives my skin a sweet fruity scent all day.

Having Bath & Body Works hand gels are always a treat. I sometimes forget to use hand sanitisers now that I live here in Australia, but having these around is helpful all the time.

Beauty Stash: My Top 5 Oils (and a Few Tips on Skin Care)

Happy 1st day of Winter!  

It's my 7th Winter in Australia and so far my body has adjusted to the very cold weather.  The first two years were the hardest but I got used to it eventually.  

When I moved here, I only care to regularly cleanse my face.  I don't like putting moisturisers on because I have oily skin and thought it might cause my face to break out.  However, my skin went very dry come cold season so I had to ask help from a facial care centre.  

Their best skin care tips were:

(1)  It is important to have a regular skin regimen.

(2)  One can find skin care products that won't cause the skin to get too oily or pimple break outs.

(3)  Learn the habit of putting moisturisers and sunblock on as early as possible to avoid skin dryness, premature wrinkles and sunspots.

(4)  Drink lots of water all the time to hydrate skin.

(5)  Moisturise everyday.  I used to have this idea that I should only put moisturiser on when I have dry skin or during cold season only but I was advised otherwise.

I have since followed their advice and found skin care products that make my skin better.  Now that I'm in my 30s, I've seen a few changes in my skin and thought it's time to be more vigilant in moisturising.  I have always used cream moisturisers but recently I discovered the wonders of using oil.  

Here are my top 5 favourite oils:

Rosehip Oil.  Considered the miracle oil that contains Omega 3, 6 and 9, essential fatty acids and antioxidants, it minimise the appearance of wrinkles and scars.  Regular use results to smooth skin and dramatically improved moisture levels, leaving skin radiant and glowing. I love it because it is lightweight and non-greasy.  I use it as a base before putting anything on my face.  Even if I put a layer of cream moisturiser/sunblock/foundation on my face after putting rosehip oil on, it doesn't get oily.  I've used it for two weeks and my acne scars seem to be less visible.  This is so far the best oil I've used on my face.  


Argan Oil/Moroccan Oil.  I used this as a skin moisturiser before I discovered Rosehip Oil.  This is an all-around oil that can be used for the hair, face and body (it can even be used for cooking!).  It is high in Vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant.  Now that I have Rosehip Oil to do wonders for my face, I use this mainly for my hair because it keeps it soft, non-frizzy and silky.  It also prevents my scalp from being itchy and dry.       


Tea Tea Oil.   I call this my "Healing Oil" as this is my go-to when I have pimple break outs and dandruff.  I love it's soothing feel.  Although the Husband teases that I smell like a tree whenever I put this (usually at bedtime), I don't care.  I wake up with my skin healed which is the most important thing.

Palmer's Moisturizing Body Oil.  After a bath, I apply this on my damp skin to lock in moisture.  It absorbs quickly and softens my skin preventing it from being dry.  This oil is light but I feel the richness of its formula on my skin that I sometimes get away with not putting lotion anymore.


Johnson's Bedtime Oil.  This is my usual body oil when I take baths in the evening.  I also use this as an alternative to applying lotion at night.  The smell is wonderfully relaxing and induces me to sleep.


Now that I've found oils that bring out the best in my skin and hair, I feel more confident surviving not just the winter season, but every season of every year.

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Why I Love Our Foldable Treadmill

If someone asks me what I bought with my first salary from my first Aussie paycheck, the answer would have to be my Resistance Elliptical Strider.  

I grew up being physically active.  When I was young, I always get involved in activities where I'm able to move and sweat.  It's not difficult to engage in physical activities in school thanks to the various clubs one can join but when one goes out into the corporate world of working 8-10 hours a day, it can become a challenge to some of us.  When I worked in Manila, I had the chance of joining sports competitions until such time I had to retire because of an injury. And just when that happened, I migrated to Australia where I felt I needed to continue having an active lifestyle.  

So when I received my first paycheck in 2005, I looked for a cheap exercise equipment and found a Resistance Elliptical Strider.  The machine may seem harmless but it is quite the opposite.  This one weighed a ton (I don't have the exact number but it is heavy) and takes a lot of effort (and muscle) to exercise in.  But given my age and physical capabilities then, it was good enough for me.  A few minutes on this machine 3 to 4 times a week gave me a fast heartbeat rate, strong legs and arms.  Other than the help of this machine, I averaged 30 minutes of walking on a daily basis. For three years, I lived near a park and every weekend, I'd briskwalk and run during the afternoons for additional exercise. 

When I moved to an apartment with my Husband, we brought the Elliptical Strider with us.  But as time goes by,  my body has changed and I needed an exercise equipment that will be more friendly to my body, my bones and joints in particular. 

As one age, we have to treat our body with appropriate care.  I'm petite and cannot carry very heavy things. I thought that I should treat my bones and joints well.  At one time, exercising on my elliptical strider gave me a backache so instead of being encouraged to use it, I became wary, fearing that I might injure so I stopped exercising on it last year.  It took me months to decide to let it go and opt for another exercise machine.   

Last month, I finally bought a Foldable Treadmill online via oo.com.au.

It came with simple instructions on how to unfold it.  No need to assemble any big parts.

In less than 5 minutes, our treadmill was ready for use.

I love our treadmill because:
It is handy, small, compact but serves its purpose.  With its 1530mm x 650mm x 720mm size, it is perfect for our 2-bedroom apartment.  Since it is foldable, it doesn't eat up too much space at home.  It only weighs 19 kilos so lugging it around is not a hassle.  It has a stable incline which is manageable for everyone in the family.


I don't have to get out of the house in order to walk or jog.  One of my biggest hurdle in exercising is going/driving to the park and the weather.  Going out requires extra time and effort while driving to a place involves petrol costs.  The weather can be a nuisance.  It's too cold during winter, too hot during summer and rains last for days.  Since I've got a treadmill at home, I've got no excuse.  


I'm back to my regular habit of exercising!  After three weeks of having a treadmill at home, I'm now back to exercising 3 to 4 times a week.  Nowadays, I look forward to going home and spending time on the treadmill.  It easily became a part of my lifestyle because I can get on the treadmill while I watch TFConline before dinner.  


The Treadmill was a great replacement to the Elliptical Strider.The treadmill is perfect for me because I love walking.  I can just walk for a long period of time while I watch TV or read stuff on the iPad.  If I'm not doing anything while on the treadmill, I don't get bored.  Walking in silence is therapeutic for me.  It helps me think and de-stress.


It's a fun exercise machine! I'm able to walk, briskwalk, jog, run on the treadmill.  In a 25-minute session, I'm able to do all four activities.  Sometimes, I do a bit of arm exercises while walking--a combined exercise.  I also sometimes sing while I walk on the treadmill and I love it!


Although I miss having the Elliptical Strider around, I'm glad I made this change in our lifestyle.  I realized now how important it is to finding the right equipment for me, one that will is more friendly to me body and one that makes me want to exercise. 


For those who would like to buy the same treadmill I have, you can check it out here.

How I Store Loose Leaf Teas

I have once shared that I have a bamboo tea organizer for our tea bags at home.  However, the Husband and I also like drinking loose leaf teas.  Some loose leaf teas are packaged in plastic and must be stored in an air-tight container to maintain its freshness.


Here's how I store our loose leaf teas:


I buy a couple of 600ml containers.



I cut out the packaging.  Then place the name of the tea on the surface of the container and stick it with clear tape.  I also include the expiry date of the tea.




I transfer the loose leaf tea unto to the container and seal it properly.  These containers are kept inside our pantry.



Other options for storing loose leaf teas: spice jars or spice bottles.  


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101 Practical Fasting for Lent Season

I received a this forwarded email from a dear friend and found the suggestions below very insightful.  May we all have a blessed season of Lent. 

Fasting, praying and almsgiving are the three penitential practices that we are asked to engage in during Lent. In addition to fasting and abstaining with the rest of the Church on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of Lent, we are also challenged to make individual sacrifices appropriate to our own spiritual condition. However, before we choose something to give up for Lent, it’s important to assess our current spiritual state:

• What habits do I engage in that are destructive to my spiritual health?
• To what material things am I too attached?
• What areas in my life are unbalanced?
• To what do I devote too much or not enough time?

Only after asking questions like these are we are ready to decide what to give up or what to add to our lives during Lent. The following list is meant to be an aid in this process. Use it as you need based on your current circumstances.

“Through fasting and praying, we allow Him to come and satisfy the deepest hunger that we experience in the depths of our being: the hunger and thirst for God.”

–Pope Benedict, Lenten message, 2009

The Usuals:
1. Give up candy/sweets.
2. Give up television time.
3. Give up eating snacks between meals.
4. Give up or limit soda or coffee.
5. Give up or limit video games.
6. Spend more time with family.
7. Give to the poor.
8. Do an extra chore each day.
9. Perform a random act of kindness.
10. Spend more time in prayer.

Prayer:
1. Pray a book of scripture using lectio divina.
2. Attend Mass on a weekday (every day if possible).
3. Pray the rosary each day, alone or with your family.
4. Prayerfully read Abandonment to Divine Providence.
5. Make a special prayer notebook and list all the people in your life who need prayers; pray for them each day. Add someone new every day.
6. Learn to pray the Liturgy of the Hours.
7. Make a commitment to attend Eucharistic Adoration regularly.
8. Commit to examining your conscience each evening.
9. Pray the Jesus Prayer throughout the day.
10. Pray the Angelus each day at noon.


For Those Addicted to Popular Culture:
1. Switch from regular radio to Christian music radio or Catholic talk radio.
2. Avoid shows with gratuitous sex or violence.
3. Give up or limit watching sports on television.
4. Listen to only classical music for the next 40 days.
5. Drive to work in silence each day.
6. Read a work of classic literature.
7. Read a Catholic classic.
8. Read a story to a child.
9. Sit in fifteen minutes of silence each day.
10. Write a letter to God each day.


For Internet Users/Bloggers:
1. Set time limits on overall online time.
2. Limit Facebook time.
3. Limit Myspace time.
4. Resist making or adding to lists that rank people.
5. Share one spiritual video with your online network once a week.
6. Blog about the poor once a week.
7. Add a spiritual blog to your blog reader.
8. Subscribe to a prayer podcast like Pray As You Go or Pray Station Portable.
9. Leave an encouraging or positive comment on a different blog each day.
10. Help a new blogger by sending traffic their way.


For Those Who Need to Be More Grateful:
1. Each week, write a letter of thanks to a different member of the clergy, beginning with your bishop and parish priest.
2. Each week write a thank-you note to your parents.
3. Write a poem of praise for each person in your family.
4. Get a stack of sticky-notes and write one sentence of thanks each day and stick it to the bedroom door of each person in your family so that by Easter they each have 40 sticky-notes.
5. Find the psalms of thanksgiving or praise in the Bible and pray them.
6. Write a list of the ways God has blessed you and add to it each day. This could be done in a notebook or on a big poster hanging on your wall.
7. At dinner each evening ask your family to share one thing for which they are grateful.
8. Make a CD or iPod playlist of praise and worship music and listen to it each day.
9. Make a point of saying “Thank You” a certain number of times per day.
10. Help your children write thank you letters to their teachers.


For Those With Lives Out of Balance:
1. Go for a walk each day with a loved one and talk about life and faith.
2. Take the kids to the park each week for some carefree time.
3. Give up fast food and give the money to charity.
4. Exercise each day.
5. Spend at least half an hour each day in meaningful conversation with your spouse.
6. Go on a Lenten retreat.
7. Pray with Sacred Space each day.
8. Commit to a daily 3 Minute Retreat.
9. Begin the online 34-week Retreat for Everyday Life.
10. Give up your most unhealthy habit.


For Those Who Need Spiritual Nourishment:
1. Read the documents of Vatican II, especially Gaudium et Spes.
2. Read The Cathechism of the Catholic Church or The United States Catholic Catechism for Adults.
3. Sign up for adult formation classes at a local parish.
4. Join a Bible study.
5. Attend Stations of the Cross at a local parish.
6. Find a spiritual director.
7. Read The Imitation of Christ.
8. Listen to a free Catholic audio book from Maria Lectrix.
9. Read Introduction to the Devout Life.
10. Read a spiritual autobiography (i.e., Augustine’s Confessions, Story of a Soul, Journal of a Soul, Witness to Hope)


For Those Who Need to Increase Their Service to the Needy:
1. Volunteer at soup kitchen or other food program.
2. Coordinate a food drive at your parish, school or place of employment.
3. Find out who in your parish is sick and offer to visit them or bring them food.
4. Call your local Catholic Charities office and volunteer.
5. Begin making visits to a nursing home.
6. Help an elderly or disabled person in your neighborhood with yard work or other difficult chores.
7. Become a hospital volunteer.
8. Become part of a prison ministry team.
9. Coordinate a clothing drive.
10. Make rosaries and give them away.


For Those Who Need to Be More Active in Their Parish:
1. Become a lector.
2. Volunteer to become an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist
3. Volunteer to help with the parish youth group.
4. After each Mass stay awhile and introduce yourself to someone you don’t know.
5. Join the Knights of Columbus.
6. Offer to be a Confirmation sponsor.
7. Volunteer to be an usher.
8. Offer to help with funeral dinners.
9. Help with the RCIA program.
10. Volunteer to do lawn work, cleaning or other needed maintenance for the parish.


Potpourri:
1. Begin to receive the Sacrament of Penance weekly.
2. Give up foul language.
3. Give up gossiping.
4. Read and study Healing the Culture.
5. Study the life of a different saint each day.
6. Cook dinner each night for your family if someone else normally does.
7. Pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
8. Carry extra food in your car, purse or backpack to give to street corner beggars.
9. Begin practicing socially conscious investing.
10. Spend a week meditating on each of the seven principles of Catholic social teaching.
11. Make breakfast each morning for your family.


Conclusion:
Lent is a tremendous opportunity for spiritual growth. I hope these suggestions re-energize you on your spiritual journey. If you try one or more of these ideas, or if you’d like to share your own Lenten practices, please leave a comment. 
  Follow @ibyang

Fruits and Veggies? Let's Juice It!

When we were newlyweds, we used to buy bottled juices from the supermarket.  But after a few months, we stopped because we found that bottled juices contained lots of sugars.  Other than bottled juices we don't buy softdrinks because (1) I never liked the taste of softdrinks and (2) it is unhealthy.  The Husband used to drink softdrinks all the time but developed the discipline to drink water or tea instead.  Although from time to time, we get exposed to softdrinks or bottled juices (parties, dining out or simply because there are no other beverage choice), we make sure that what we keep inside our home are more of the healthy drinks.  Some benefits of not buying bottled juices and softdrinks: we get to save money, we developed the discipline of drinking lots of water, the chance of avoiding illnesses related to drinking beverages high in sugar and chemicals.

For years, I have just eaten fruits as it is but when I learned the benefits of freshly-juiced fruits and vegetables, I lusted for a juicer.  Last year, in order to have freshly-juiced fruits and vegetables, I used a blender or a food processor.  But the texture of the juice was different from the ones that come out of a juicer.  So when the Husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas last year, I said, "Just give me a cheap juicer."  Luckily he found a medium-sized juicer on sale before Christmas.

From an article I've read, here are some of the benefits from drinking freshly-juiced fruits and vegetables:

More absorption. When you drink your fruits and vegetables you absorb up to 80% more of the nutrients. That is a massive amount of minerals, vitamins, etc. that you would otherwise be missing out on.

More fruits and vegetables.  People in today’s world are not eating anywhere near the required amount of fruits and vegetables. Jucing them allows you to pack more into your day thus helping your health. 

Good for your organs.  Juicing your fruit reduces the amount of work your digestive organs have to do and has been shown to increase the health of the liver, kidneys, etc. This kind of thing leads to better immunity and overall better long term health. 

Weight loss.  If you drink fresh juice you are likely to lose weight. The body loves natural foods like this and responds really well. You also don’t need any sugar and kick start your metabolism without the calories 

(source)

I've started juicing at the start of the year and we've been enjoying fresh juice at home most days of the week.  What I do is have a "juicing session" at least once or twice a week (usually on weekends) to save myself time and effort.

I started with juicing fruits and lots of carrots--I love carrots so I always include it.

Two weeks ago, I started adding more greens such as celery and cucumber.  Next time, I'll add beetroot and green peppers.