TAI CHI

This book is available at Virgin Mega Stores, Marina Mall

TAI CHI is a gentle, low impact form of relaxing exercise done in slow motion that promotes good health, flexibility and overall wellbeing. Tai Chi originated in China. It differs from other forms of exercise as they involve slow movements, never forceful, which relaxes the muscles and does not cause strain to the joints and the connective tissues are not stretched. Tai Chi is said to unblock and encourage proper flow of energy force called 'Qi' (in chinese) in our whole body. It is also said to create a balance between Yin and Yang (the opposing elements that make up the universe). 

If you come across a Tai Chi class, you could visit a session and observe how it's being done and talk to the instructor and ensure he or she is a knowledgeable and certified instructor who can guide you and help you attain the maximum benefits of Tai Chi based on your age, physical health and limitations. Or you could watch You Tube videos on Tai Chi suited for you or even buy yourself a good book that demonstrates, instructs and explains the benefits of Tai Chi. 

 

FOR SPIDERMAN FANS

I saw these cute spiderman soft toys at Hallmark in Marina Mall. Spiderman soft toy would make a nice gift for a child who a big fan of Spiderman, no doubt. Do you have a child, niece or  nephew who is fond of Spiderman? Want to suprise them with a Spiderman soft toy? They come in different sizes. I liked the smallest size. 

WAKE UP WITH BREAKFAST

Marks and Spencer has a nice window display at their outlet in Salmiah. The message being 'WAKE UP WITH BREAKFAST'. A lot of us don't have time prepare breakfast before heading for work. Choose a healthy breakfast cereal from Marks and Spencer and add some fresh milk to it and your breakfast is ready; you don't have to feel tired and hungry at work. M & S has  a variety of healthy breakfast cereals to choose from. Breakfast is an important meal of the day and never to be skipped. 

YOU ARE UNIQUE

Always remember you are unique like everyone else

HUMOUR - GETTING OLD AND FORGETFUL

Couple in their eighties are both having problems remembering things. During a checkup, the doctor tells them that they're physically okay, but they might want to start writing things down to help them remember ..
Later that night, while watching TV, the old man gets up from his chair. 'Want anything while I'm in the kitchen?' he asks. 'Will you get me a bowl of ice cream?' 'Sure..'
'Don't you think you should write it down so you can remember it?' she asks.
'No, I can remember it.'
'Well, I'd like some strawberries on top, too. Maybe you should write it down, so a s not to forget it?'
He says, 'I can remember that. You want a bowl of ice cream with strawberries.' 'I'd also like whipped cream. I'm certain you'll forget that, write it down?' she asks.

 Irritated, he says,  

'I don't need to write it down, I can remember it! Ice cream with strawberries and whipped cream - I got it, for goodness sake!'  
Then he toddles into the kitchen. After about 20 minutes, The old man returns from the kitchen and hands his wife a plate of bacon and eggs.. She stares at the plate for a moment.
'Where's my toast ?'

A long time good friend send this to me by email. She always sends me funny forwards, witty jokes and inspirational pps files.

DO YOU REACH OUT FOR CHOCOLATES WHEN YOU ARE STRESSED?

Why do people reach out for chocolates when they are stressed? What really happens in our body, that makes us crave for chocolates? A friend confided in me recently that whenever she feels sad, stressed or upset, she consumes a lot of chocolates which has now become a habit and though she knows excess chocolates contribute to weight gain, she says she is unable to do anything about her addiction to chocolates. 

There was a study led by the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre that led to suggest, during stress, the hunger inducing hormone ghrelin is released in the intestine, that makes us hungry and crave for high calorie sweets and resort to chocolates, cakes and pastries and Elevated levels of ghrelin reduces stress and the person feels relaxed. This is a vicious cycle as consuming high calorie foods to soothe one self leads to obesity and makes it even more difficult to lose excess weight if one is addicted to high calorie sweet foods and does not break the habit. 

We as humans are endowed with the great capability of getting rid of an old unhealthy habit and following a new healthy one. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. If one were to stop eating chocolates and high calorie sweets for 2 weeks, the 3rd week gets easier and we wouldn’t crave for chocolates or high calorie sweets after 3 weeks. Instead of totally depriving yourself, you could have a small piece just once a week, which also keeps you in charge and control of what and how much you are eat.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO HOLD A BABY ALLIGATOR?

My son sent me these pictures when he visited the Aquarium in Charleston, South Carolina, last week. Quite brave of this little girl who is holding the alligator to show visitors as a part of her summer job at the Aquarium. Look at the sharp teeth in the second photo...I would rather watch a baby alligator, never hold one!

ARE THERE HIDDEN CAMERAS IN LADIES' FITTING ROOMS?

Has it occured to you ladies, when you are trying out clothes in a fitting room of a retail store, if there might be a hidden camera and you are being watched and recorded?. Yesterday, I saw a report in Arab Times about a lady intimating a local newspaper about hidden camera she found in a ladies 'trial' room (fitting room) in a retail store. This raises an important question, how can ladies feel safe enough to try out clothes in a fitting room anymore without worrying about being watched and captured on camera. 

CCTVs and cameras are found in almost all the stores and shops in Kuwait to monitor the crowd, for security measures and prevent theft. However, it is never expected that cameras would be installed in Ladies' Changing rooms.  Women generally assume it's totally safe to change and try out clothes or lingerie in the privacy of a changing room of a retail store. Even if you know your size and like what you see on display, you never know how well an outfit fits you or looks on you, unless you try out the outfit. Though the management would have installed hidden cameras in changing rooms to monitor and prevent 'shop lifting' but it is still an outrageous breach of privacy and no woman wants to be captured on camera in the changing room. The management of retail shops could devise ways to prevent shoplifting in ways other than installing cameras in changing rooms, to safeguard and protect the privacy of women. 

I read on a site today, that if you take your mobile phone into the changing room and try to make a call and you your phone does not work, you can expect the presence of a hidden camera! I don't know how true this is...I am yet to  try it out myself.... 

BEAUTY

MYSTERY FRUIT?

Not an mystery fruit....It's a little hedgehog! Isn't it adorable?

ENJOY SUNSET VIEW FROM THE KUWAIT TOWERS

Wondering where to spend your time during the weekend? Why not enjoy a beautiful sunset at the Kuwait Towers (if the sky remains clear and it won't turn dusty). The main tower is 187 metres above sea level. When you visit the Viewing Sphere at Kuwait Towers around 6pm, the sun would still be shining bright, and you can get a nice view of the city on one side and the beautiful blue sea on the other side, from a height of 120 metres from the observation deck located in the 1st sphere. You would get a nice aerial view of the Aqua Park next to the Kuwait Towers as well. The rotating observation deck takes approximately 20 minutes to complete a whole circle. By 6.45pm,  you are are going to be rewarded with an amazing experience of watching the sky slowly change colour, the sun turning orange and finally set. After sunset, as you look outside from the observation deck, the city shines bright as if a thousand stars have come down to earth in the back drop of the dark sky. There is a gift shop and a coffee shop in the Rotating sphere (observation deck) that serves snacks and refreshments. Apart from that, there are several other cafes and restaurants in other parts of the Kuwait Towers. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. 

Though you would have visited Kuwait Towers many a times, isn't it always a beautiful place to revisit and just enjoy the scenic beauty from a height of 120 metres! 

The Viewing Sphere/Observation deck is open 9am to 11pm during weekends

Contact Kuwait Towers at : 820001, 22444057, 22444046 
To visit Kuwait Towers website Click here

PERFUME RADIANCE BY BRITNEY SPEARS

Perfume RADIANCE by Britney Spears, is a captivating and delightful fruity-floral fragrance comprising of berries, tuberose, jasmine, orange blossom, iris, amber and musk.  Check out the lovely fragrance RADIANCE at Va Va Voom or Debenhams or any good perfume outlet.

Radiance by Britney Spears at Va Va Voom, Avenues Mall

After the success of RADIANCE, Britney will launch her new perfume 'COSMIC RADIANCE in August 2011. The new perfume will be a fruity-floral fragrance again comprising of mandarin, lychee, pear, jasmine, gardenia, tuberose, peony, musk, amber, sandalwood and vanilla.

To be launched in August 2011

LUCKY BAMBOO

In Feng Shui, bamboo is very popular and considered a lucky plant that gives out positive energy, brings calm, peace and abundance. Though I am not an expert or a practitioner of Feng Shui, I am quite fond of the small bamboo plants that's grown at home as I generally love plants and flowers and feel very close to nature. Plants add ambiance and create a peaceful atmosphere at home. The small Lucky Bamboo plants we get here in the shops and stores here, are easy to grow, they need a little gravel to hold them and few inches of water and they grow very well. Keep the plant inside your home, in  a place where it can get natural sunlight, it will grow bright green and healthy. Plants always liven up the home and contribute to the decor. Attractive and healthy looking bamboo plants are available at IKEA (Ground Floor), Avenues Mall.

Bamboo plants at IKEA (Ground Floor), Avenues Mall

SPENDING TIME

Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you.

GOOGLE LAUNCHES NEW SOCIAL NETWORKING SITE GOOGLE +

   

(Video by Google)

Google has launched a new social networking site Google+ for field trials. The +Circles feature in the site is designed to allow users to share what they want with specific groups of people or social circles, instead of sharing with all friends. The following 5 enhanced features are included:

* + Hangouts

* + Mobile application
* + Location

* + Instant Upload 

* + Huddle 
 

To read more about Google+ social networking Click Here and Here

SULTAN CENTER IN SHAAB PARK - GRAND OPENING TODAY

Visit the Grand Opening event at newly opened Sultan Center, Shaab Park at 7pm today evening (Wednesday, June 29) and enjoy live music ( violin recital, saxophone) and lots more. Tents will be put up with tables and chairs for visitors. You can enjoy their sample products,  tour the new store and enjoy all that they have to offer. 

DRIVE SAFE AND ENJOY THE ATTENTION

HEALTH BENEFITS OF STRAWBERRIES

Strawberries besides being an attractive looking fruit with an exotic colour, is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Strawberries have an enticing flavour and taste, especially the sweet tasting variety. For maximum health benefits, they are best consumed fresh rather than processed.

Let's explore the health benefits of strawberries:
* One cup of strawberries has a mere 43 calories. 

* Dietary fibre in strawberries help to regulate digestion

* Helps in lowering blood pressure

* Reduces risk of heart disease 

* Helps in lowering cholestrol 

* It's an excellent detox food that helps cleanse the body of toxins

* Curbs overeating

* A rich source of antioxidants

* Phenols in strawberries fight inflammatory disorders

* Due to it's anti inflammatory properties, research have shown that consuming strawberries gives relief to patients suffering from arthritis. 

* Consuming strawberries can contribute to healthier eyes

* A great source of Vitamin C

* Helps boost immunity 

* Manganese, potassium, Vitamin K in strawberries help in bone building and maintaining healthy bones.
* Research and studies state that the anti inflammatory properties and antioxidants in strawberries fight the onset of many forms of cancer.

Strawberries - Shamiah Co-op

Strawberries from USA - Dean and Deluca, Avenues Mall

Strawberry Farm

GARFIELD - JUSTIFICATION OF WEIGHT GAIN

HEALTHY JUICES AND SMOOTHIES AT BOOST

BOOST Juice Bar at Marina Mall has a wonderful menu of a variety of healthy fresh juices, health drinks and low fat smoothies to choose from and feel absolutely refreshed!  Not only are they nutritious but delicious as well. 

* Super Smoothies - Low fat smoothies with super powers without any artificial sweeteners, colours or preservatives and they are 98% fat free 

* Low Fat Smoothies - Fresh fruit favourites blended with TD4 low fat yoghurt . Their diary smoothies are a great source of calcium
* Ice Crushes - fresh juices with crushed ice

* Shooters - Fresh wheatgrass shooter that includes wheatgrass, high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants

* Super Juices - Freshly squeezed juices

* Create your own juice - from fruits of your choice from their list of fruits

* Absolute Fruit

Location: Marina Mall, Level 2 - Food Court area 

Fresh wheat grass sprouted from wheat

DONNA SIMPSON AIMS TO BE THE WORLD'S FATTEST WOMAN

Donna Simpson, 43 year old, mother of two, from New Jersey, USA, weighing over 600 pounds, aims to be the World's Fattest Woman! Her target weight is 1000 pounds to gain a place in Guinness World Records. She has difficulty walking beyond 20 feet and goes to shops  in her mobility scooter. Donna Simpson made headlines when she consumed a 30,000 calorie Christmas Dinner in 2010. Her daily intake is around 12,000 calories ( 7 times what an average woman consumes). She is happy being fat and is an advocate for the Fat Acceptance Movement. Her long term partner, Philippe likes her be fat and encourages her to eat more! 

Donna Simpson has own website where one would have to subscribe for gaining access. She has thousands of fans and some even send her food. She also receives hate mail from those who detest her eating habits. She went on record to state : "In a typical day I’ll eat four burgers and fries, a loaf of bread with peanut butter and jam, four servings of meatloaf and mashed potato, a large pizza, a chocolate cake with ice cream and cream, 12 cupcakes, two cheesecakes and fizzy drinks. Donna  has received a book deal and Reality T.V. show offer. 

Note: 

Being overweight is dangerous. It can bring about various kinds of illnesses like heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and  metabolic diseases. Excess weight affects various organs of your body, cause strain on your knees, feet, bones, tendons, ligaments and reduce mobility. It's important to eat nutritious wholesome food and exercise and maintain a healthy weight that's suitable for your height. No matter how overweight one is, it's not impossible to lose excess weight. 

KIND WORDS

Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless - Mother Teresa

KATE MIDDLETON AND HUSBAND PRINCE WILLIAM'S DAY OUT AT WIMBLEDON

The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton (Kate Middleton) wore a beautiful £795 Alice Temperley dress, when she attended the Wimbledon tennis tournament match between Andy Murray of Britain and Richard Gasquet of France on Monday.  She was accompanied by Prince William, Duke of Cambridge. 

 
Source

FASCINATING BIRD WITH BLUE FEET

On the west coast of Central and South America lives a fascinating bird with bright turquoise blue feet called BLUE FOOTED BOOBY. Female boobies are so magnetized by the blue colour of the male's feet. The bright and attractive blue colour is based on the food intake and nutrients the male boobies  get from consuming a large amount of fish. They also use their feet to keep their babies warm.

 

STAY CALM

This little inspirational book 'Stay Calm' is available in Hallmark, Marina Mall

Have you come across people who are very CALM all the time. They resonate a sense of peace and well being. It could you your boss, or a friend, or a relative and you just admire that person for that strength or quality and wonder how it's possible. There are times when unexpected storms come into our life and consume us unawares. Life is not always predictable and some aspects will always remain a mystery. Sometimes there are no rational answers to certain events or situations or happenings. That is when we need to dive deep within us and find that reservoir of peace that exists in each of us, to help us to be CALM, and come out with hope, faith and trust that the Universe will guide us and help us, in unimaginable ways through its miracles and healing, through people, new events, opening of new doors and situations. The mind has the unique power of settling down. By staying calm we overcome fears and regain  lost strength, helping us to overcome difficult situations in life.