UNKNOWN BLESSINGS

Give thanks to unknown blessings already on their way!

FRESHLY BAKED CROISSANTS AT GEANT HYPERMARKET

At Geant Hypermarket in 360 Mall, it’s almost like a ritual for me, to take a look at their bread section towards the end of my shopping,  to check if they have freshly baked croissants. Yesterday at Geant in 360,  I saw one of the staff behind a table and next to him, this tall rack with hot freshly baked croissants (butter, cheese, plain and zatar). The tantalizing sweet smell of their freshly baked croissants is truly unexplainable in words that sends me into a delightful trance! LOL. He was giving out samples of small warm pieces of croissants. They are quite a best seller really.

Geant's freshly baked croissants taste fabulous be it plain, buttered or cheese or zatar. I don’t like to buy the ones already packed and kept much earlier. I prefer to buy the hot/warm fresh ones.  I’ve tried croissants in so many places in Kuwait, but till now, its Geant’s freshly baked croissants that I love the most. Personally I like the butter croissants the most.   If you happen to shop in Geant, try out their freshly baked croissants.

General info
One large  plain croissant : 200 cal approx
One large size butter croissant : between 250 to 270 cal approx
Medium plain croissant : 115 cal
Medium butter croissant : 175 cal

Dieters can have one croissant (not several), so long as you adjust the calories you consume during rest  of the day. Besides the calories I mentioned, you could do your research on the internet for the calorie count.

KATE MIDDLETON 'PRINCESS CATHERINE DOLL'



Not a very good resemblance, right?



A Limited Edition Princess Catherine Engagement Doll is pictured during its launch at Hamleys toy shop in London April 7, 2011. The doll retailing at £35.00, made to resemble Prince William's fiancee Kate Middleton, has been dressed and accessorised by seven award-winning British designers, with £1 from each purchase going to the Help For Heroes charity. With only 10,000 dolls being produced, it’s predicted that the Princess Catherine Engagement Doll will be a must-buy for Royal Wedding collectors.

http://frostmagazine.com/2011/04/kate-middleton-gets-her-own-doll/5639

Kate Middleton doll by Franklin Mint has a very natural  resemblance to the real Kate Middleton

Also, another company, The Franklin Mint, known for its celebrity lookalike collectibles, has unveiled a Kate Middleton royal engagement doll, which has a very natural resemblance to Kate. The hand-painted, limited edition collector's item – only 5,000 will be produced worldwide, priced at $195, comes with a display stand and certificate of authenticity. The 16-inch Kate figurine comes with a miniature silk jersey dress quite similar to the blue Issa she wore when she and Prince William announced their engagement. The doll will also feature a replica of her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which belonged to William's mother, the late Princess Diana.

http://www.people.com/people/package/article/0,,20395222_20473851,00.html

http://promos.franklinmint.com/katemiddleton/

GOLD PRICE SOAR TO RECORD HIGH!

Gold hits a record high $1,474.19 an ounce and it is expected to rise to $ 1,500 an ounce. (One ounce = 28.35 grams)

For 1 gram of gold it's 13.09 Kuwaiti Dinars and in UK, its 28.93 Pounds. The rates stated are for 24 carat gold.

To read the full article, please visit source
http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/08/us-markets-precious-idUSTRE72C3Z120110408

S.T. DUPONT PERFUME FOR WOMEN 'PASSENGER'

 

As I was passing by Va Va Voom in Marina Mall yesterday, they were promoting S.T. Dupont 'Passenger' Perfume for women by S.T. Dupont. This is a fresh floral fragrance for women that is quite pleasant for the summer. When I had tried it out in the morning, its lovely fragrance lasted till late night. This morning, I was surprised to get  the lingering fragrance on me (but ofcourse to a lighter extent).

S.T. Dupont's 'Passenger'  is intended to create the mood of travel, wandering and adventure! Top notes are of juicy citruses, green mandarin, bergamot, pear and black currant zest. Middle notes are floral that comprises of cyclamen, gardenia, rose and iris. Sandalwood and musk provide a provocative final note and leave a lingering silky trail.

GLASS PAINTING

Here is a very simple glass painting I did on the tiny  Kraft cheese glass.

If you have empty jam bottles or cheese glasses, don't throw them away if you have a an artistic flair. Once the contents are over, wash them well, get rid of the label, and make sure glass is sparkling clean and you can paint on them and then do whatever design you want on the glass using  fabric paints (acrylic) or glass paints, which you can get to buy from Moghawi Stationery, Barakat or AG Mart in Salmiah or any art shop in Dasman Complex.. The pearl and metallic colours add an amazing brightness to the glass. You can encourage your children to try it as well. Medium size cheese glasses or jam bottles can be turned into a pen holder. The tiny ones can be turned into an attractive show pieces.

I really like the tiny cheese glasses with cream cheese (like Kraft) for the glass looks so small and cute, just perfect for doing some glass painting on it when the cheese gets over!

SALE AT LIZ CLAIBORNE MARINA MALL

There is a nice sale going on at Liz Claiborne in Marina Mall, Salmiah. The sale includes nice dresses, blouses, trousers, tee shirts, tops for the summer and lot of bags, ladies purses (wallets) and the prices are reasonable. I bought a Tee shirt and a summer top. I think the sale is till Saturday 9th April. Do visit before the sale and sizes get over!

Liz Claiborne, Marina Mall - Telephone : 22244692

TEMPTING FOODS CAN TRIGGER URGE TO INDULGE

Seeing a milkshake can activate the same areas of the brain that light up when an addict sees cocaine, U.S. researchers said on Monday.

The study helps explain why it can be so hard for some people to maintain a healthy weight, and why it has been so difficult for drugmakers and health experts to find obesity treatments that work. "If certain foods are addictive, this may partially explain the difficulty people experience in achieving sustainable weight loss," Ashley Gearhardt of Yale University in Connecticut and colleagues wrote in the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Gearhardt's team wanted to see what happens in the brain when young women are tempted by a tasty treat. They used a type of brain imaging known as functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, to study brain activity in 48 young women who were offered a chocolate milkshake or a tasteless solution. The team found that seeing the milkshake triggered brain activity in the anterior cingulate cortex and the medial orbitofrontal cortex -- brain areas that have been implicated in an addict's urge to use drugs.

"Ubiquitous food advertising and the availability of inexpensive palatable foods may make it extremely difficult to adhere to healthier food choices because the omnipresent food cues trigger the reward system," they wrote. The study suggests that advertising might also play a role in the nation's obesity problem. 

Note the calories mentioned against every item in the Menu



Calories mentioned against every dish after the description!



President Barack Obama's new healthcare law requires that restaurants add calorie counts to their menus. If every nation's health care law would follow the same, it would create so much of awareness among people to make better food choices when  they eat out. When they see the calories marked in Menu, they can decide what and how much they want to eat. Awareness is the key!

For the detailed article visit the source below :

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/04/04/health-us-obesity-food-addiction-idUKTRE7336HW20110404

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1373940/Desire-milkshake-stems-brain-drives-drug-addicts-craving.html

QUOTE FOR TODAY

Every human is an artist, a storyteller with a unique point of view. When we see ourselves as artists, we no longer feel the need to impose our story on others or to defend what we believe. We know that every artist has the right to create his own art. - Don Miguel Ruiz

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRESS

Yesterday I weighed myself and my weight has come down to 70 kg

25.02.2011 - 76 kg

04.03.2011 - 74 kg

12.03.2011 – 72 kg

21.03.2011 – 71 kg

29.03.2011 – 70.5 kg

05.04.2011 - 70 kg

Loss within 7 days : 0.5 kg

Total loss 6 kg in 39 days

One of the things I would like to share is the fact that I have my physical limitations when it comes to exercise due a permanent condition in my right knee after three times of having a ligament tear in the same knee two years ago. My doctor has advised me to stick to walking and not to do any aerobics so as not to strain my right knee. I do certain stretch exercises that do not give any stress to my knee, but benefits other parts of my body. When the weather is good, I go for my walks to the Waterfront near the beach or the Park. When its slightly dusty, I walk in the Avenues Mall for an hour.

The reason I shared this, is to assure you, that if you are in reasonably good health and can do cardio like swimming or  running or aerobics together with a bit of weight training (under supervision of a trainer at a gym), or brisk walking, atleast 5 times a week and follow a low calorie diet, believe me, you will lose weight much faster than me. Now with my physical limitations, if I can lose half a kilo weight every week, imagine what you could achieve. You could start using the treadmill if you have one, or go out for brisk walks during good weather or enroll in a gym which will ensure you get regular exercise. 

Swimming is not only a wonderful aerobic exercise, but being in water is therapeutical and according to gynaecologists, its an exceptionally good exercise for women. Men, ofcourse its good for you too! There are so many stretch and spot exercises on 'You tube' to tone different parts of your body. Remember, stretch and spot exercises can only tone your body. To encourage weight loss, you have to sweat, you have to do one of the many cardios I mentioned above.  If you are someone like me, with knee or hip pain, walking will help, be patient....you will still lose weight.

Those who want to rid themselves of excess weight, motivate yourself to lose weight and experience the joy of weightloss. Summer is here, so don't wait any longer. I will be back with more encouragement and inspiration to help you help yourself!

HAPPINESS QUOTE

Even if happiness forgets you a little bit, never completely forget about it - Jacques Prevert

GWYNETH PALTROW'S LIFE MOTTO

In an interview sometime back with 'Ladies Home Journal', the beautiful and talented actress Gwyneth Paltrow shared her life motto.

'Try your hand at whatever you're passionate about. I've taken whatever little bit of talent I was born with and worked it to death' - Gwyneth Paltrow

TSUNAMI DOG RESCUED IN JAPAN

This little dog has been found alive and well adrift at sea, an astonishing three weeks after the tsunami that devastated Japan. Members of the Japan Coast Guard came across the dog on Friday as they were conducting an aerial search of the area.

Against all odds: The dog appears to have survived by clinging to a partially submerged  house that had been swept away in to the sea, by the massive earthquake and tsunami that struck on March 11. Local television showed showed pictures of the dog scampering around the roof of the house before it disappeared inside through a hole in the roof.

Rescuers had hoped to find more tsunami survivors living inside the house but after tearing the roof open, it was found to be empty apart from the dog. Despite its three weeks at sea, the medium-sized brown dog seemed to be in reasonably good condition considering its ordeal.

Source : http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1372506/Safe-hound-Dog-alive-Japan-THREE-WEEKS-tsunami.html#ixzz1IJLTojDe

KARAK CHAI A BIG HIT IN DUBAI

Tea made in Indian style has become a major attraction among the people of Dubai as 'karak chai' (strong tea).  Stalls have come up in every nook and corner of the region.

Hundreds of cars stop every day in front of the 'Modern Cafeteria' to take a sip of its special 'karak chai', Gulf News reported. Traffic moves at a snail's pace on both sides of the road as motorists stop to get their favourite tea. At least two to three young waiters stand on the roadside from early morning till late at night to deliver tea in the cars.

'I have been drinking this 'karak chai' for the last five years from the same cafeteria and now I am hooked to this says Mohammed Jasem a UAE national. 'It is a very popular drink amongst Emiratis,' he adds.

For complete article, visit source

http://en.news.maktoob.com/20090000671684/Indian_chai_abighitinDubai/Article.htm

Tea Plant

Tea Plantation (India)

WAITING FOR GOOD WEATHER

I am waiting for the weather to change from dusty to bright and sunny so that I can visit Marina Mall to buy a special card and a special gift for a verrrrrry special person, my daughter! I hope that can happen in two days, so I can send it to her by post within this week and surprise her for her upcoming birthday. I took a look at the Birthday cards in Marks and Spencers in 360 Mall, and almost picked up one, but then changed my mind. That's me... (what if there's a prettier card with better words..).

INNER PEACE

 "When you find peace within yourself,

 you become the kind of person who can live at peace with others."
- Peace Pilgrim

Last few days, this was a  topic that was going through my mind, ‘Inner Peace’. I was talking to three really nice people I know who have different issues. Upon closer observation, I realized, all of them had one thing in common. They all truly lacked INNER PEACE!  Amidst our busy schedule, a huge list of things to do in a day, multitasking, and various responsibilities, we have a lot of expectations from ourselves and others. Certain expectations may not end up being fulfilled the way we wish.  Sometimes you have to work your way around for alternative solutions or be prepared to compromise in certain situations. Think out the box if need be, but in the end, be certain, everything WILL workout.

When a certain day might be filled with peace and everything working in your favour at work, or all is well in your personal life, and you think, WOW, I am really lucky and suddenly, boom, another day, you might find you have fallen sick or unable to meet a commitment or you face some hindrances in your work or project, you have this mean boss you have to deal with, you might have a fight over something big or trivial with your spouse or have a row with your friend. And you feel frustrated, down in the dumps or miserable. Why do you want to entrust your happiness or well being in someone else’s hands? They may or may not change. They have their own fixed personalities. The only way to get around them is to alter your thinking, improve your communication strategy and be calm around them. It’s natural for differing opinions and views to occur at work or at home. When you think calmly and peacefully, in any conflicting situation, you would always come up with a helpful answer. Don’t let conflicts cloud your thinking. Anger, resentment and sadness can take a toll on your health and it will in no way help to resolve any issues. The difficulties or trying situations we face or only ‘temporary’, a passing phase. There is a saying, ‘This too shall pass’.

When your desires are not fulfilled, and you seem to be in the waiting list of the Universe, well, don’t give up. Keep trying…have faith. But then, if you didn’t get what you hoped for, no matter how hard you tried, remember, the Universe has a bigger and more beautiful Plan B or Plan C for you, The strong positive desires you send out into the world, are captured by the radar of Goodwill and will return to you in the form of Great Blessings in due course. You just have to do your part. When you create inner peace and a higher vision, you are able to come to terms with what happens around you and meet the challenges or solve problems with a clearer mind and attract ABUNDANCE. When you dive within yourself into this reservoir of inner peace, you are able to function from that perspective, and find yourself spreading that peace to everyone around you. You begin, not to let what people say or think or how they behave to deeply affect you. You will not let negative situations pull you down. Your inner peace would be strong enough overpower any negativity.  In fact you would end up surprising yourself and a lot of people with your inner peace and aura.

Be at peace and spread Peace around you!

SANDSTORM, HIGH WINDS, THUNDERSTORM EXPECTED IN KUWAIT

The weather is expected to be unstable with sandstorm and  high winds until Tuesday April 5th. There might be thunderstorms today. Though the sandstorm won't be as monsterous and strong like the last one, yet, its best to take the necessary steps and precautions to be safe, especially when you are out in the traffic due to lesser visibility. Drive patiently and carefully! Better to be home bound after work or school for today and tomorrow, as it's unhealthy for your lungs to walk around in the dusty weather inhaling the dust, or even going to the beach . Even covering your nose while out in the open may not guarantee you won't be breathing in the dust. This leads to allergic reactions and paves way for upper respiratory illnessess. Those who are asthmatic or having cold and cough, please do take extra care. It's best not to send children to play outside for the next two days until the weather has stabilized.

For more details visit

http://www.kuna.net.kw/NewsAgenciesPublicSite/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2157176&Language=en

http://www.q8weather.com/dynamicdata/5DaysForecast.aspx

http://www.q8weather.com/dynamicdata/WeatherWarning.aspx

EATING STYLES - WHAT DOES IT SAY ABOUT YOU

1. The Unconscious Eater: If you find yourself constantly munching or binging or even eating without really paying attention to , what and how much have you been eating, you are an   UNCONSCIOUS EATER. WAKE UP! Be in the here and now.

2. Gulp n' Go: Are you always on the run, doing the ole' GULP n' GO? Sit down and take a moment. Please.

3. Food Architect: You are a FOOD ARCHITECT if you sculpt mountains of mashed potatoes, arrange broccoli in and around them like trees, and layer slices of meat until you've created a high-rise apartment building or even neatly pile up food in your plate. Well, play with Legos instead!

4. Assembly-Line Eater: You are an ASSEMBLY-LINE EATER if you load-up another fork full while still chewing. Put the fork down in between bites.

5. Never Say, "No, Thank You.": Do you have a NEVER SAY, "NO, THANK YOU" policy in place? Afraid you might offend someone? Well its Time for a re-write.

6. If It's FREE, It's for ME: Do you exclaim, "IF IT'S FREE, IT'S FOR ME!" when you see free food tastings and samplings at the supermarket? Eat before food shopping and recommit to your goals before you head out. Resist sampling everything in front of your eyes, just because its free (if you are on a diet)

7. Closet Eater: You are a CLOSET EATER if you keep a mini-fridge in your coat closet and visit it nightly. Come on, out of the closet and join the rest of us. It's safe out here.

8. Beige-Eater: If potatoes, pasta and mac and cheese are your main stay, then you are a BEIGE-eater. Add red peppers, strawberries, green beans, and bright blueberries to your palate . . . NOW

.

9. Secretive Eater : You are a Secretive Eater if you eat out frequently at restaurants alone or order for food while alone at home or hide and eat  ensuring no one knows of your escapades of your quest for high calorie exotic foods, as you would like everyone to think you are ‘dieting’.

10. Emotional Eater: When you are sad, hurt or in pain, feeling empty and  seek comfort in food which is high in fat and sugar, you are an Emotional Eater. Food might seem to give you a ‘high’ but the high calories in them will keep your weight soaring.

11. Fried: You are FRIED if you think 'fried' is a food group. Now you know better!

Introducing 12th Style of Eating

12. Healthy, Plain n' Simple:  Try  'Healthy' as your eating style with plenty of vegetables, fruits, skim milk, low fat yoghurt. Some lean meat and eggs in moderation !

Eating Healthy isn't complicated. In fact, it's simple. All you need to do is eat more - more fruits and vegetables - more colorful plants. Not only will you lose weight; your health will also dramatically improve.