Teleserye Marathon

We’re supposed to get a TFC Box but we couldn’ find an agent here in SLC so hubby went with Plan B and subscribed at TFCnow - Teleserye on Demand. For $7.95/month, we get access to all our favorite teleseryes aired in ABS-CBN Philippines. So now, it has become our nightly ritual to watch Dahil May Isang Ikaw, MIL’s fave teleserye, before and after dinner. 

Artificial It Is!

We first planned to get a real christmas tree this year but I changed my mind and opted for an artificial christmas tree instead. It is easier to decorate and the shape is always perfect! And being a bit of an OC, the latter is very important for me. I don’t think I can sleep very well thinking how my tree is leaning to the left or right when it should be standing upright. LOL! Well, that’s just me and I want things to be a bit perfect. And besides, artificial trees are very economical because you can use them over and over again.

Sunday Seven

The icons of All Hallow’s Eve is the subject of this week’s question!

Name the seven icons or images that you most identify with Halloween:

1. Witches.
2. Pumpkins.
3. Skeletons / Tombstones.
4. Scary Movies / Documentaries.
5. Michael Jackson’s Thriller Music Video.
6. Vampires.
7. Ghosts.

Play HERE!

I Need a Ladybug!

Having a baby in the house means you have to learn how to deal with tough stains and dirt. Because by the time they master holding and grabbing with their fingers, mess will be everywhere. Been there, done that! That is why as a mom, I have included this Ladybug XL steam cleaner on my Christmas wishlist this year to keep our house clean and germ-free. This was highly recommended by my fellow moms because not only it cleans “extremely” well but it is also environment-friendly and doesn’t pose any harm to your health. The only thing it needs to work is tap water! So even if you inhale the steam, it’s just okay. Unlike those nasty chemicals and fumes coming from other cleaning products, once inhaled, it can irritate your respiratory system. 

What Tetris Block Are You?

I AM THE “L” BLOCK

You are creative and interesting. You are always coming up with a new spin on things. Until people figure you out, you tend to be under appreciated. You talents usually go unnoticed at first.

You are adventurous and a total experimenter. You’ve tried things that people haven’t even dared to contemplate. You are always reinventing yourself in novel ways. You’ve gone through many different phases in your life.

Travelmates

When I saw this Blue Cross Blue Shield NC website, it immediately reminded me of the two teenagers who were on the same flight with us when we flew here in the US last year. It was their first international flight so they were really nervous. When our plane landed in Narita, Japan, they approached us and were really relieved when they found out that we are on the same flight again and heading on the same destination. They asked us if they could tag along because they don’t know what to do and they are afraid they might get lost in the airport. We parted ways when we reached St.Paul International Airport in Minnesota - they took the plane going to North Carolina and hubby and I boarded the plane to Utah.

Back to Reality…

Hubby’s 4 days off from work is over and it’s time to go back to our old routine. That means I have to prepare his “baon” for tomorrow after I’m done writing my online tasks. I am trying a new recipe this time and it’s called stir-fried beef with leek. Actually it’s very easy to prepare and I’m using a ready-made sauce so it won’t really take that much time. And speaking of time, I got to hurry up. More chika later!

Rare Coin Collectors Helpline

10 Weird Body Health Clues

Do this quick self-exam for subtle signs of future health problems.

What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You What size bra do you wear? How’s your sense of smell? Can you still fit into your college jeans? The answers to these questions — plus other weird body clues — may be a surprising predictor of potential future health problems. According to an array of psychic-worthy research, scientists are discovering more and more physical quirks and clues that may be early signs of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and cancer. Whip out a mirror and a tape measure, and use these 10 DIY tests to forecast your health; plus, the best strategies to change your destiny.

1. Finger length

Women whose index fingers are shorter than their ring fingers may be twice as prone to osteoarthritis in the knees, found a 2008 study in the journal “Arthritis & Rheumatism.” Those with this predominately male characteristic tend to have lower levels of estrogen, which may also play a role in the development of osteoarthritis, say researchers.

Prevent it: Strengthen the muscles surrounding your knees. While sitting, straighten each leg parallel to the floor 10 times; hold each rep for five to 10 seconds.

2. Height

Women taller than 5-foot-2 may be missing a gene mutation that helps them reach their 100th birthday, according to a study in “Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.”

Prevent it: Take a page from the habits of California’s Seventh-Day Adventists, who have one of the highest concentrations of centenarians: Quit smoking, and cut back on alcohol and eating meat.

3. Leg length

If your legs are on the stocky side, you may need to take better care of your liver. In a 2008 study published in the “Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health,” British researchers found that women with legs between 20 and 29 inches tended to have higher levels of four enzymes that indicate liver disease. Factors such as childhood nutrition may not only influence growth patterns, but also liver development well into adulthood, say researchers.

Prevent it: Avoid exposure to toxins your liver has to process, which will keep it healthier, longer. Wear a mask and gloves while cleaning or working with any type of harsh chemical. Limit alcohol intake to one 5-ounce glass of wine or 12-ounce bottle of beer daily.

4. Sense of smell

Older adults who couldn’t identify the scent of bananas, lemons, cinnamon, or other items were five times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease within 4 years, according to a 2008 study in the “Annals of Neurology”. The researchers believe that the area of the brain responsible for olfactory function may be one of the first impacted by Parkinson’s disease — somewhere between 2 and 7 years prior to diagnosis.

Prevent it: Take fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty acids can boost your brain’s resistance to MPTP, a toxic compound responsible for Parkinson’s.

5. Arm length

Have a hard time reaching the top of your kitchen cabinets? Women with the shortest arm spans were 1 1/2 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with longer reaches, found a 2008 study in the journal “Neurology”. (Find yours by spreading your arms parallel to the floor and having someone measure fingertips to fingertips; the shortest spans were less than 60 inches.) Nutritional or other deficits during the critical growing years, possibly responsible for shorter arms, may also predispose a person to cognitive decline later in life, say Tufts University researchers.

Prevent it: Put your appendages to good use with a hobby such as painting or pottery. A 5-year study from the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center found that adults who spent the most time engaged in engaging leisure activities were more than 2.5 times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those who spent less time challenging their brains.

(more…)

Desperate Housewife

Hey guys, do you know any safe weight loss pills for nursing moms? I know I shouldn’t be taking any pill while breastfeeding but I’m just worried about my weight gain these past few months. I have read somewhere that when you breastfeed, you will lose your pregnancy weight faster but in my case, it’s the opposite. I am packing more pounds as months go by. And most of clothes doesn’t fit me anymore. It’s really sad and costly (because I had to “upgrade” my wardrobe). So if by chance you know any tricks or pills to get rid of my excess flabs, please let me know by leaving a comment on this post. Thanks!