V’gifts for hubby

Mmm… Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. I’m sure everyone is preparing the gifts they want to give to their special someone, just like me. Good thing I have the perfect timing now that hubby is not around. He is currently miles away from here and will be coming back probably by Saturday. So, I have ample time to look for the perfect gift without him knowing it. It’s quite difficult to secretly search for a gift when he is around.

Last year, I bought him some sweets, which he really adores. Now, I will also give him sweets, but will add other items. I’ve been checking the gourmet gifts of Sharies Berries. I’m one of their fans who adore the sweet stuff they offer. So, if you are looking for gift ideas for your boyfriend, you can also check their website and find out for yourself. They offer hand-selected gourmet snacks namely chocolate strawberries, cool cookies, delicious cakes and much more. Find a Valentine’s Day gift for him – under $50 – to surprise him without breaking the bank.

how to safely enjoy the sun

We can’t deny the fact that sunbathing is an integral and much loved part of most people’s holiday but recent reports of over exposure to the sun causing skin cancer have made many people wary of spending too much time in the sun. However, paradoxically the over use of sun screens can actually have health problems in itself and under exposure to the sun can also be detrimental to our wellbeing.

Too much high factor sun block can delay sunburn, which is of course an important reminder that you have had too much sun, and in addition it can block the bodies manufacture of vitamin D which in itself helps to protect us from skin, breast and prostate cancer and is invaluable for boosting the immune system in general. Vitamin D also offers us protection against osteoporosis and sunlight can, believe it or not, play a part in lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

As mentioned sunlight is important for the production of vitamin D, it also plays a role in the production of melatonin which controls our sleep patterns amongst other things, so a lack of sunlight can lead to insomnia. Melatonin also plays an important part in building a healthy immune system and can help protect against cancer. Serotonin, the good mood hormone, is likewise produced in the body in the presence of sunlight. So in order to be able to enjoy the sun when on holiday follow these practical guidelines to safe sunbathing:

  • Avoid exposure during the midday hours and don’t stay in it for too long if it is very fierce.
  • Choose a sun cream with added vitamins and minerals, apply it 30-60 minutes before exposure and re-apply often. Added nutrients which have been found to be of particular benefit are vitamins C and E along with the minerals selenium and zinc.
  • Take supplements such as vitamins C,D,E and Beta-carotene and the minerals selenium, calcium and zinc. These will give your sunscreen a boost and help to prevent skin damage.
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and veg. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, flavenoids and carotenoids, all of which are essential for a healthy skin and are good healing agents too.
  • Drink green tea, this has recently been found to be of benefit to prevent burning if drunk whilst sunbathing, it can also be soothing if applied topically to sunburn.

If after all your efforts at safe sunbathing you still end up sun burn there are a few natural remedies that may help: [Read more...]

solving addiction problem

Alcohol abuse is one of the common problems in our society nowadays. It is a disease describing the recurring use of alcoholic beverages, despite negative consequences on the individual’s work, medical, legal, educational, and/or social life. But, only few alcoholics realized that their alcohol consumption leads to serious problems. Some are even trying to convince themselves that their alcohol drinking habit is just part of their lifestyle; a way to be part of a group.

Basically, there is no exact cause of alcoholism; rather it is the result of a complex group of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Additional risk factors include schizophrenia, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety disorders, as well as having parents with alcoholism. Poverty, social isolation, and shyness may also be risk factors.

However, regular consumption of alcohol can affect the risk of developing alcohol dependency. Those who need more alcohol to achieve a feel-good effect are more likely to become dependent. As time goes by the body tends to require increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve the same effect. But, heavy consumption of alcohol, especially over a period of many years, can lead to serious health problems and even death.

Early detection can help the individual get rid of the problem. There are numerous individual treatments for alcoholism, including individual and group counseling, support groups, residential treatment, medications and inpatient rehab center. Most alcoholics face difficulty cutting back or stopping drinking. Going through the right treatment can help save the individual and start anew again.

nice experience to spend an outdoor activity

For two consecutive Fridays now, hubby and I tag along the family of his aunt on going to church and doing shopping. Other than my brother-in-law, they are the closest family we have here in UAE. We can’t spend much of our time with brother-in-law because he likes to be left alone with his friends. Lucky for us they welcome us warmly and generously in their family.

Yesterday, his aunt asked us to go on a trip with them. Of course, I can’t say no because in two weeks of staying here I’ve never been able to go anywhere other than job interviews. I’m pretty sure it would be a nice experience to spend an outdoor activity with the rest of the family. Oh well, I’m not sure how to return all the good deeds and generosity they showed us.

I thought about giving the family a gift once I landed a job. I’m not so sure what it is so I searched the web. Good thing, I came across the thule bike racks at cracksandracks.com. Their car can use this kind of accessory since they love to spend outdoor activities with their kids. Having a rack will help them bring along bikes. Well, I guess it’s settled then. All I have to do now is find a job as soon as possible.

preparing for his birthday

Hubby’s brother Jan is coming back here from Iran before his 20th birthday. We are hoping that it will really happen because their aunt is already making party preparations. She also has started sending beautiful birthday invitations to friends and other relatives. As far as that goes I observed she is much more excited than the celebrant. Well, I guess that is not surprising because he stayed in her house for more than two months.

Anyway, I’m pretty sure it will be a big blast on his day especially if he can make it. If not, I’m also not sure if the gathering will push through. But, it will really be a waste if the party will not pull through given all the preparations her aunt has gone through.

she has arrived

Yesterday, the owner of the house arrived. We thought she will be with the rest of her sisters. But, to our surprise she is with her boyfriend. I guess that is the reason, she is keeping her return a secret. Yet, I don’t think there is a need to hide anything since she is already 33 years old. She has all the rights to have a relationship even without the consent of her parents or those who raised her.

Actually, we were not able to have a nice conversation yet. She is still battling with jetlag after an 18 hours flight. But, the first question she raised is when she will be receiving one of my baby shower invitations. She reminds me not to forget about her when that time comes. Hmmm, I can’t tell her honestly that it’s not part of my plan yet. I’m pretty sure it will come at the right time. For now, hubby and I are focused on some other plan that is to commence.

better to own an rv

I really had so much fun with our picnic last Sunday. Almost all of us are present except for my sibling next to me. He did not go with us because he doesn’t want to leave the house for safety purposes. But, before the big day happen we asked for help from hubby’s sister. We borrowed her car since to pursue our plan because we only have a five seater sedan, but there are seven people. Still, it ends well.

However, I realized it is really better to own a recreational vehicle. That way everyone will fit and everyone will have the same experience while on the road. Of course, I’m also aware that breakdown service warranty is necessary for RV. It is a mechanical breakdown that guarantees service even miles away from home. It gives the peace of mind for a much exciting and fun travel.