I have been keeping a journal since I was in high school. When I reached college, I wrote more or let me say, I made more that in later years. I had a hard time which place should I stock those piles. I don’t like the thought anyone going through my journals while I am still alive.

Someone asked me, what’s in your journal? I told her, oh well, they are personal experiences, mostly what my day was or a weekend like or my aspirations. I also recorded some love moments and even the fights and confused moments. I think keeping journal is a healthy habit. It may look weird for some because it makes an introvert person more introvert, but to me, it’s kind of healthy because if there is no one near you, or if one is not comfortable sharing her deepest thoughts, she has the journal to pour out her feelings.

Keeping a journal is not just for girls. There are men who kept one, too. Even great men have journals. Examples of men who kept a journal or diary are Ralph Waldo Emerson, Kurt Cobain, Ronald Reagan, and Captain Cook. These are just some of them. There are or course a lot of women who can add up to this list.

So, if you want to end up like any of them, keep writing! It does not matter if it’s only for your eyes, the important thing is you write about the moments of your life. :-)

Gone are the days when women would be content to drink their favorite soda, fruit juice or ice tea during social functions. Nowadays, women drink wine because wine-drinking is about celebrating festive occasions and enjoying life with family and friends. Women's wine choices are not based on wine ratings or vintage charts but on how good they taste. One big favorite of women is Carlo Rossi Sangria, which offers the sweet taste of freshly squeezed lemons, oranges and grapefruit in every bottle. It is a medium-bodied wine that is sweet, fruity, refreshing and easy to drink. It goes well with barbeque, and is perfect for any fun and casual get together. The best thing about it is that you don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to truly enjoy Carlo Rossi Sangria. If you have not tried it yet, maybe you should try it one day. By the way, the empty bottle could be used as bottled water. Just fill it with water from the faucet and put it in the fridge.

(Guestpost)

Along with a wide range of side effects, such as weight gain and stiff muscles, joint pain from menopause is an all too common issue. Most menopausal women will report experiencing this issue. The connection between joint pain and menopause is the same connection between menopause and other symptoms: fluctuating hormones.

Why?
As a woman's body enters menopause, her natural hormones will become unstable and imbalanced. Today's scientists point the finger to these fluctuating hormones as the reason behind most side effects during the menopause days. The hormones estrogen and progesterone in particular, are biggies when it comes to this issue. Many researchers also believe that decreased estrogen plays a big role in increased inflammation, which can easily enhance pain in the joints.

Symptoms
Menopause will take place once a woman stops ovulating and her periods end. This usually occurs around the ages of 45 to 55, with 50 being the average. Hot flashes, night sweats, urinary problems and so on are just a few issues relating to menopause. Weakness in the muscles, as well as joint pain and changes in weight can all stem from the same event as well.

Joint Pain. Though menopause itself does not pose any serious health risks, the chance of osteoporosis (or the thinning of bones due to inability of the body to create or produce bone tissues), can be increased after menopause has set in. Most women, during menopause will notice discomfort in the shoulders, hips and other joins. This is typically felt during the perimenopause stage. Joints that were once flexible, may now become painful and stiff.

Possible Treatments
Painful joints due to menopause may be treated in order to help relieve said pain. Here are a few measures that some women take in order to do just that:

Gentle Exercise and Stretching: Gentle working out and stretching of the muscles and joints is a great way of combating this health issue. Many women will even take yoga and pilates classes in order to help soothe any painful or stiff joints.
Menopause Supplements: Some supplements may also provide natural relief. Certain types of supplements may maintain joint health, such as omega 3 fatty acids and proanthocyanadins.
Herbs: Another great way to relieve joint pain in the long run, is to turn to herbal remedies. Here are just a few natural herbs to help you combat the pain:
Tumeric: This is an effective spice that has long been used for inflammation and chronic pain.
Boswellia: This Indian herb is extracted from the frankinscense tree, which luckily, causes no side effects. It acts quickly to relieve pain in the joints. The key ingredient in it is also the boswellic acid, which is great at decreasing inflammation responses.
Ginger: Ginger is wonderful when it comes to painful symptoms regarding the joints. Another plus is that it can also help to soothe a painful stomach (nausea is another common menopausal symptom).
Cayenne: Believe it or not, cayenne pepper can work to soothe pained joints. It's a natural painkiller because its main compound causes the body to produce pain killing agents.


Other Causes
Other causes for painful joints during menopause can include weight gain, which is an all too common factor in menopausal women. That being said, too much weight put on the joints can increase the pressure on them, and thus the pain. Also, not exercising or working out can do cause increased weight as well. Plus, along without exercise, this means you're not using your muscles or joints, so these joints and easily become sore and stiff. Poor posture is yet another cause for painful joints. Last but not least to consider, are emotional factors during menopause, such as depression, lack of energy, and fatigue, all of which can lead up to physical issues such as weight gain, and simply not moving around enough.

There are also a number of medications that can be taken in order to help out with joint pain associated with menopause. That being said, sometimes the most effective steps are those that can be used in everyday life to help out with painful joints.

Sonic the Hedgehog is an engaging gaming character that has captured the minds and hearts of millions of gamers, kids and adults alike, for many years now. Sega’s tiny blue hedgehog with the wild hairstyle has become a worldwide phenomenon. Hundreds of games have been developed with Sonic the Hedgehog as its main character. A variety of Sonic the Hedgehog games of different genres and styles can now be played online using a single website. There is sure to be a game fit for every type of player in this kind of journey.

At some areas, gamers have hundreds of games to choose from. Arcade and action games are great for honing the gamers’ reflexes. These are short and quick games that require quick thinking as well as accuracy. You can also find different puzzle and creative games that help develop logical reasoning and critical reasoning. It encourages the players to be more alert and be quick in deciding what their next step would be. The RPG/Movies games meanwhile are great for gamers who like to engage in games that require them memorize combination moves, special attacks and develop a game that will allow them to complete each mission successfully. These are just some of the exciting Sonic the Hedgehog games that are available at the site.

 Playing online is a popular form of entertainment for gamers who like to spend their time engaging in exciting games. Multiplayer games are great for gamers who want to test their skills with other gamers. They can even compete with gamers from different parts of the world by playing online games. One distinct advantage of playing online games, is that gamers are able to develop their strategic thinking. There are games that require players to come up with the best strategy to win the game.

I love eating sea foods especially healthy tuna. It is either fresh from the ocean, canned or frozen is best for our health. As it has been said, tuna is pack with protein, omega-3, vitamin D, and selenium which plays an important role in our body. According to the research of scientific study, diet rich in fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like canned tuna, can curb or prevent cognitive decline, dementia, depression, neuro-psychiatric disorders, asthma and inflammatory disorders. An issue between tuna and pregnant women questioned but scientific studies prove that tuna is safe to eat for pregnant women! It is even proven that pregnant women who always eat tuna boosts her child's brain. While it is true that pregnant women should stay-away see foods that have high-mercury (like shark, mackerel, swordfish, tilefish), it is actually SMART to eat seafood during pregnancy (following what your OB-GYN or doctor words about what fish to eat or not)!

For me, I prepare my healthy tuna food usually for sandwiches. My family (especially DH) likes it a lot and even always requests me of preparing him to bring to his work. Since I love pampering him and our tummy, I always do it. I also have come to search for another tuna recipe which I will have to prepare for my beloved in the next following days. I am chasing and been reading a Caribbean-Style Albacore recipe which I plan to cook. I find it good for us because we are into diet.

I can't wait to chase for tuna this coming days to cook this recipe. Ciao...

After a 10 days-detox cleansing diet I had which the ingredients was being given by a good friend Anne, special thanks to her, now a very dear friend (Elaine) too is introducing to me the 30 minutes fruits-before-meal routine (I am making a so-called words, but you can see what is it in the pattern). Yes, I am in that current routine though I still drink some sugar-free or Grade B maple syrup-lemons juice. And I tell you, I can see the good effect on it. I was told to eat fruit/s first before 30 minutes to an hour of eating the normal meal. Friend E told me about fruits, but I am also including the vegetables from soup (like fish soups and alike) though the latter is a bit different with fruits since when eating the meal, I ate (or continue to eat) the vegetables first in the fish soup I made and to tell you what, I don't need to eat rice (I am a rice person, I can't eat a meal without rice or else it seems like I am not eating at all. Makes me more crave in that way.) with it after such. What I did the last time since I like to eat the fish and I can't eat the 1/2 cup of rice I had but I can't also eat the fish without rice, I just decrease the volume of rice. So instead of 1/2 cup, I just the 1/4 or 1/8 of it. And my fish craving had been successfully done. At the same time, I had protein (oops! not sure what we can get with the fish meat, correct me if I am wrong)!

So I am so ready for my other set of diet which is this "30 minutes fruits-before-meal"  for now. Yay! By the way, did you know that I already lost four-five pounds (4-5 lbs) from my detox cleansing diet for 10 days? Yep, a crash diet. First time ever. :-) Hope to maintain it or loss a bit. :-) (I had other post of it)

The possibilities of meeting new people are endless. There are various ways for you to meet new people and eventually finding someone to date. If you have just moved to a new town, you must take the initiative of socializing with the other singles in your community. If you have recently made friends with someone who is also looking for dating prospects, you can both go to places where you are most likely to meet other singles. Do not hesitate to get to know the people that you work with or with those that you constantly meet at community gatherings. You may be able to meet someone there.

But if being busy with work prevents you from getting involved in the dating game, you can try online dating. There are websites where you can meet and interact with other singles. You will be able to create your own profile and indicate what type of individuals you are interested to meet. You will be able to browse through profiles of individuals that interest you. You will be able to communicate with each other and you can both decide whether you want to meet personally and date. Through online dating, you will be able to find dating prospects without having to leave the comfort of your home.

Animal lovers and pet owners would surely appreciate an article/s of how to care pets and animals when comes to pet journey. They can read different informative articles on pet care and how they can understand the needs of their pets better. There are helpful articles such as proper dental care for dogs, which can help make their dogs maintain proper dental health. There are also various articles that can help them understand the various health conditions that their pets have. They should have to be able to determine easily if their pets are showing early signs of ailments. There are articles also about dogs and liver disease. It will help dog owners understand the disease better and how they will be able to provide the best treatment for their dogs and other animals. And that's just one of the many stuffs that dog and pet owners has to know, don't you think? Hmmm.. enjoy caring pets! :-)

Yes! True enough when a woman just deliver a baby, it is expected for her to gain weight. Imagine bringing a six plus pounder (6+lbs) baby with all the other water with her and stuffs. If you haven't imagine yet, better do it now so we can proceed. Smile. Kiddingly smile but I am serious. :-)

Alright, I delivered my baby daughter six months plus ago. I breastfed through breast-pump mixed with formula for about two months then pure formula-fed afterwards. With that, I can eat whatever I want for health diet but that doesn't work. I still have this 122 lbs weight until now, though I loss the after-deliver weight but there's still the unwanted ones. And I don't like it! I don't like looking at my tummy, legs and upper arms.

So now, beginning today for ten (10) days, I have to do seriously the diet I have in my hand now. I need to do it religiously. So let's see if I am that goal-oriented enough. I aim to have 110 lbs to 113. Whew! Will I get that target weight? I'll see if I can do it! Good luck to me.  :-)

Spring season has just kicked-in. It is the start of warm season. You might be looking forward of the spring cleaning so you are ready for summer but for me, I am already much ready anytime as I really like to splurge in the sun hopefully in the swimming pool too. As much as I am so ready of the warm weather, this "Mary Ellen" Made in USA dress that I got to review is very much perfect for the season. You know how I love dresses!

 I got the natural-colored Morocco Cafe Wrap Dress instead of the colored-truffle to which the color of the latter is the pictured below (note: that's not me in the picture below huh. Hehe! I know that's obvious but just want you to know. Smile). I love Mary Ellen! It is great that "fresh produce" clothing company also carry dress for beach , party dress , women skorts of which to name just a few.

Thinking of what better things to give your yogini friend as Christmas presents? Why not check out those beautiful Crystal Singing Bowls while having one of your shopping journey moment. These are lovely handmade singing bowls made from the finest and highest quality Quartz Crystals which your friend can use during her meditations. Crystals are also believed to have healing features that made these singing bowls ideals for healing and therapy sessions. What is even better is these items are available in different sizes so you can choose which one fits your friend’s preference the most. They are also built to be hard-wearing so your friend can enjoy your gift for a long time.

Of course, it does not need rocket science to take on a sport now when you have been physically inactive all your life. You can either take on badminton or break a sweat through running or jogging. Or you can also sign up for your local gym to exercise, if you are too inclined. All you’ll really need is the determination and the drive, plus some cool sports stuff from surfstitch, perhaps, and you will be all set! And I f you are on a budget, you can even watch or download sports videos on YouTube and mimic them in the safety and comfort of your own living room.

One best way to stay fit and strong and ready to deal with the demands of the day, along with the tension, stress and physical strain that goes with it, is to be active in sports. It gives you more energy to go about your day-to-day activities and to unwind at the end of the day, so you can relax and be ready to take on your tasks head-on the following day. Sports also help you in keeping your vital organs healthy and give you a healthy mind, too! These physical activities not only keep your muscles toned and in the best shape, it also keeps you from diseases and ailments like high-blood pressure, heart failures and degenerative diseases.

You may perhaps suffering from an acne (some called it pimples or zits) and I sympathy of your suffering. I mean, it is not easy for a person suffering such. As in it is a pain in the ass, but then worry-not because there are already active solutions for it nowadays. As in it is just a matter of bucks and a reliable product then one could have an acne-free, beautiful or even a perfect skin one keeps on striving to have. I agree, one thing to have a beautiful, perfect skin is being an acne-free one. How could you then say he/she has a perfect skin when in fact, he/she has an acne? Weird of such former statement, isn't it? Ah, I hope you got the perfect way of striving that perfect skin, acne-free! All the best!

Two days from the middle month of February, I made this rice noodles (picture above) through my crave as I saw sis Anne Thompson pic of her daughter Faith's birthday. Of course, I saw it before the day I made it, or should I say days. I craved but I find it uneasy to cook directly. So I find time or day I should have to do it and glad I made what is what I want. :-) Yes, that rice noodles above is the result. I mixed it with my first home-made " embutido " and leftover roasted turkey for the meat then carrots and cabbages (green and violet color) for the vegetables. Yes, that violet color ones is violet cabbage. DH did not ate such, first time I put and use such cabbage, that's why. Guess what, I love it!  Most of the time when am the one cooking, I don't like eating it. And the other good news was, I managed to it such without rice, so less carbohydrates since noodles alone is already carbohydrates and is not good for the body, if lots of carbo especially that I am pregnant. Such noodles was made morning and until then were my snack, lunch (with something) and snack again. Then DH had the last serve for dinner. And he liked it (he doesn't like eating noodles like this, glad that time he liked *happy me*)!