THE ART OF BEING HAPPY

CASHMERE FROM BATH AND BODY WORKS

Last evening, while at Marina Mall, I dropped into Bath and Body Works. They had this wonderful smelling 'Cashmere' range of body lotions, fragrance mist and  scrub. I am not sure if they have the shower gel. When I tried the 'Cashmere' body lotion, I loved it instantly, the enticing smell and the softening effect it had on the skin. The body lotion comprises of shea butter, Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E. The fragrance of the body lotion is more towards  woody/orient note. It comprises of a blend of golden peach and shimmering vanilla with soft cashmere musk which give out a lovely fragrance, that lasted on my skin for over 6 hours. The moisturizing effect of the lotion is meant to last 24 hours. Try it out, its very different from any of their other body lotions.

GARFIELD CARTOON - REVELATION

WEIGHT LOSS - WHAT WOULD YOU CHOOSE?

I stumbled upon this short but profound statement....

Life is hard. You just have to choose which hard you want - obesity or transformation 

(Bellyfit Club)

I couldn't agree more with this statement. You know, reading this statement took me way back to 2004, when  I was on the heavier side. I was getting treated for a severe hip injury.  My doctor told me all sorts of scary things that can happen if I wasn't going to lose weight. I was at a turning point in my life, where I had to decide whether I chose illness or good health. My doctor literally forced me to lose weight.  The only magic that happened really was changing my attitude and mindset towards food, exercising restraint against cravings, a healthy low calorie diet and plenty of exercise and giving priority to my health and wellbeing. It took me around 8 to 10 months to reach my target weight ideal to my height. And at the end of it all,  I was so happy, relieved and I cannot express how good and lighter I felt. Over the years, I had to manage my weight and like all people, I do get tempted, and I do have a tendency to put on a few kilos if I don't watch my diet or exercise. I know weight management is  a life long process. But it's not a hard thing, as I have understood why it's so important to eat right and eat healthy. So I've grown to be aware of what I eat and drink.  At times I do allow myself to eat some of my favourite stuff in managed amounts that would not obstruct my calorie intake.

If you choose transformation then you also know what you have to let go, and what you have to do to lose weight. It's simple, eat less, eat healthy and exercise. It's just a matter of changing your old food habits to an improved one. The transition from unhealthy eating habits and sedentary life style to a healthy one might seem hard. It's only temporary phase and you will get through - be hell bent on transformation! And believe me, you have all the power within you  to lose weight. Just don't go back to your old eating and drinking habits and say no to junk food, overeating and binging.

Visit my previous posts on healthy weight loss, go to the title 'Labels' on the right column of my blog page and click on  'weight loss'.

INTERESTING ART - MONKEY MADE WITH FLIP FLOPS

In 2010, Rotterdam-based artist Florentijn Hofman  along with some students, constructed a giant installation sculpture called 'Fat Monkey' using 10,000 flip flops that was initially displayed in a park . This was created  for 'The Pixelshow' conference in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 2010. In case you are wondering why did I put up a 2010 art work, well, art has no expiry date, it's eternal and Hofman's work is indeed unique and one of a kind.

BECOMING A BETTER PERSON

Becoming a better person is a whole life project. It requires focusing on your step by step efforts on multiple areas of your existence. In an effort to be a better person, respect should be a key element of your efforts. When you acknowledge that all people are deserving of your compassion, consideration and dignity, you are naturally more apt to treat them in the manner you yourself wish to be treated. As you endeavor to develop yourself further, you are cultivating consciousness within yourself through the choices, actions and behaviors.

(Excerpt from "Growing Day by Day - Becoming a better person" by Madisyn Taylor)

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - THRILL OF SPEED

I took this photo at the Waterfront beach close to the Towers.

HALLOUMI CHEESE FROM FARMER'S MARKET

Now a lot of Cooperative Societies (co-ops), Geant and Sultan Center have a section for Farmer's Market that sells fresh milk, several kinds of cheese (both goat and cow), yoghurt, natural honey, organic fruits and vegetables and lots of other foods. I really like their Halloumi cheese. What I don't like in some types of cheese is the high salt content. Halloumi Cheese from Farmer's Market has less salt content. The other Halloumi I like is from Farmland. If you are a cheese lover, and you like haloumi cheese, try the one made from cow's milk available at all Farmer's market. Oh before I wind up this post, there's one thing, remember, cheese has high calorie content, so restrict the quanity you consume. 80 gms (one serving) of halloumi cheese contain 253 calories, 17 gms of protein and 19.7 gms of fat. I prefer to add halloumi to my salad, which makes it a healthy meal. I usually avoid bread and sandwiches which would add to the calories.

When you buy this, the container would be quite full; I took this photo when my halloumi cheese was almost over

HUMOR - TOP FIVE EXCUSES

AVENUES MALL PHASE III - GRAND AVENUE DISTRICT

Finally the long wait is over with everyone wondering how would the Avenues Phase III look like? The Phase III architecture, shops, restaurants and decor of all these look fabulous. We dropped into Grand Avenues (in Phase III) last week and had a great time looking around. There is still lot of work going on and lots of more shops will be opening soon. The Phase III has several parts to it - the Grand Avenue District, Prestige, The Mall, Souk and Soku. They all have their own distinct style of design and architecture. They have a nice looking fountain being construction near 'The Mall'. Grand Avenue district might remind you of UK or Europe. The Avenues is anyway, one of my favourite places to be and I could spend hours there not knowing time fly by. As much as I love being in nature, I enjoy spending leisure time at the Malls. One of the interesting things I have noticed is that, there are lots of health conscious people who come to take a brisk walk in the mall for exercise, as it's so huge an spacious. And then do whatever shopping or looking around they want to do. I used to do that last year, walk around the mall for exercise for one hour and then enjoy looking around in my favourite shops. One of the hardest things to resist would be the beautiful restaurants that has come up in the Grand Avenue District. Here are some photos of Grand Avenue District (Phase III)

WHEN DO MIRACLES HAPPEN?

PERFUME - MADEMOISELLE RICCI FROM NINA RICCI

I was passing by Va Va Voom the other day and they were promoting the new perfume from Nina Ricci , 'Mademoiselle Ricci'. Its a floral woody fragrance in beautiful bottle with a golden hue and gold cap, launched in mid 2012. I liked it a lot when I tried it on. At first you won't get a definite smell, but just wait for 5 to 10 minutes and the fragrance turns beautiful. It lasted over 8 hours (possibly more)! The top notes comprise of wild rose and pink pepper. The middle notes contain Nerium oleander, rosehip and laurels. The base notes are made of white wood and musk. Try it out and see if you like it.

In the photo I posted, on the right is the older fragrance released in 2010 'Ricci Ricci'. I tried that too. Its quite fruity and if you like fruity fragrances you will like Ricci Ricci. Its also long lasting (over 8 hours) and has a lovely smell. The top notes contain bergamot, zesty rhubarb and moonflower. The middle notes have centifolia rose, tuberrose and floral accord 'belle-de-nuit'. Base notes contain patchouli and sandalwood.

WEIGHT LOSS HUMOR - IF YOU INDULGE

MY PHOTO FOR THE DAY - BUSY LITTLE CHILDREN

One of the most fascinating things for me is photographing children. They are happy for no reason and they are so busy, totally engrossed while at play. Sometimes, there's a lot an adult can learn from a child.

This photo was taken at the waterfront beach park

DO YOU SUFFER FROM GAS AND BLOATING?

I have a relative, he's is in early sixties now. Many years ago, although he was a slim person, he had this unbelievably huge stomach and he suffered from gas and bloating and discomfort after having food. Finally after years of suffering, he visited a doctor, who put him on a healthy wholesome diet that brought about unbelievable results. His stomach became almost flat. When you change your eating habits, understand what foods your body can digest and cannot, you will find enormous changes in your body and you will actually feel healthier and relieved.

Do you experience bloating, gas, belching, reflux, heartburn, burning in the stomach, constipation, or a heavy feeling in the stomach after eating?. This is due to the fact that the stomach is unable to make enough acid for the digestive process. And usually we mistake the symptoms for high stomach acid. Relying on antacid tablets are not good for the body and will not solve your problem on a permanent basis. When the stomach does not produce enough acid for digestion, the food stays in the stomach and starts to ferment, which causes gas to be released. The gas is released by burping or it can get trapped giving terrible, sometimes excrutiating pain in various parts of the body like under the shoulder, shoulder blade, around upper or lower spine, in either of the arms, around the ribs, or aches in upper or lower back. Sometimes while the gas escapes, some of the stomach contents, which are acidic, travels into the esophagus. This is what causes "heart burn".

I've listed various reasons that cause tiredness or lethargy after eating, gas, bloating, heartburn, belching, pain in chest or back.  You can avoid them to prevent indigestion. Try to eat less and light at every meal. Have plenty of fruits and vegetables. Include salads, vegetable proteins, lean meat and fish.

* Overeating
* Consuming high fat, fried and sugary foods
* Wheat based items (breads, pasta, pastries, cakes etc.)
* Stress (and eating when upset)
* Alcoholic beverages

* Too much salt in the diet (causes water retention and bloating)
* Eating too fast
* Eating large meals
* Overconsumption of protein
* Dairy (some find it difficult to digest milk, butter, cream, cheese. However, consuming low fat yoghurt is okay)
* Smoking
* Constant binging on high calorie snacks

* Eating too  many processed foods, juices and drinks

* Consuming too many nuts (although nuts are healthy - to some people they cause indigestion, bloating and gas)

* Too much fibre (Although fibre in diet is a must, some cannot digest fibre)

Through years of unhealthy eating patterns, whether on a meat based diet or vegetarian diet, people carry within their bodies anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds of accumulated toxic waste . Majority is stored in the colon. The fermentation and putrefaction of undigested food become toxic waste in the large intestine. These toxic waste sticks to the walls of the large intestine and becomes a breeding ground for many diseases. They not only cause disease, but rob you of your vital energy and your power to concentrate.

The treatment that helps remove toxic waste from the colon is called Colon hydrotherapy. It's a natural method that involves gently washing long-term wastes from the entire length of the large intestine or colon. Purified water is slowly and carefully introduced into the colon via a speculum inserted in the rectum. The water is set at a pleasant temperature, and a trained colon hydrotherapist is present at all times to monitor the comfort of the client. Wastes flow out through a clear plastic pipe attached to the speculum into a clear glass tube in the colon hydrotherapy machine. It is safe and not painful. You can discuss with a gastroentrologist to determine the reason behind your symptoms. If you don't have any other issue related to your stomach, you can request for a colon cleasing. You might have to repeat the sessions once every two months until all the toxic waste is completely cleared.

When these toxic waste is removed, it is only natural, that you will experience 3 to 7 pounds of weight loss! the body's digestive power would be restored, your body will gain back its natural strength to heal, fight disease and you will experience renewed energy and vitality.

WHEN YOU ARE INVITED TO AN ARGUMENT

Honestly, some arguments aren't worth it when you are dealing with a negative person or if you know the argument can go irrational, out of context,  with no results. State your view, or your opinion and walk away. Or sometimes, just ignore. Don't waste time arguing with idiots. And did you know, some people get a high or a feeling of euphoria when they plain argue? Don't give away your power to such people.

MY PHOTO OF THE DAY - RUNNING OF THE BEACH FOR EXERCISE

One of the best ways to build your stamina and strengthen your muscles is to walk, jog or run on the beach. It's a wonderful exercise and you will love it if you like the sea and sand. It rejuvenates your mind, de-stresses and gives you a renewed sense of energy and vitality. The weather is just fantastic to exercise at the beach. Here is a photo I took of some people running on the beach, near the Towers.

REEBOK TROUSERS AND T-SHIRTS THAT GIVE MORE ENERGY AND KEEPS YOU DRY

While we were shopping at 'Go-Sport' in Avenues Mall, I saw trousers and t-shirts from Reebok created using ZigTech - that gives 7% more oxygen which means increased energy. The material also incorporates Play Dry - that means it keeps you dry by keeping  the moisture away, increasing evaporation, getting rid of heat and increasing ventilation.  So if you are into exercising at the gym, park or beach or you a sports person, this would help you while you

HUMOR - FIRST WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHER

FISHY SURPRISE

We were at the beach near the Kuwait Towers on Saturday afternoon. The weather was fantastic. I just love being by the sea. Its so serene and peaceful. We saw this man at the pier fishing. He was catching a whole lot of fishes each time he cast his net. He would release them on the wooden planks of the tier and then place them in a huge bag. And this went on. He called out to us to come and take some fresh fish back home. And my husband waved his hand in negative.  He kept calling out to us and finally my husband went up to the pier and he was surprised at the amount of fish this man had caught. The man insisted and gave away about 10 kg fish to my husband. The fish is called Meed out here. It's small and scaly and resembles sardines. They are good for health. There were two other  fishing and they were able to get lots of fishes as well.  When we returned home in the evening, we shared almost half with our neighbour. The next day I grilled some (for me) and fried some for my husband and they tasted great. When I told this to my son, he called it life's little surprises. Here are some photos.

Can you see the fishes caught in the net?

Look at the net.  You can see the fishes little more clearly now

We were given a huge bag with  plenty of fish