Top Droppers - January 2009

Below are Moms... Check Nyo's entrecard top droppers for the month of January. And just like the past months, all 10 awesome blogs will be featured on my side bar for the whole month of February with their links. Thank you and Happy Top Dropper day!

1.) Prove Me Wrong
2.) Everyday living
3.) Authority Directory
4.) Night Clicks
5.) Symphony of Love
6.) Pinoy Web Surfer
7.) Beaded Tail
8.) Mr. Soleh's Outburst
9.) The Sewing Mom
10.) My Notes

Psychic Readings and Fortune Telling

I have a lot friends who believe in fortune telling, feng shui, psychic readings and horoscopes, most of them are Chinese. Every time a major decision is to be made, they consult not just one expert, but they also seek help from fortune tellers and Telemedium Phone Psychics. If someone dies in their family, they would seek advice as to where and when the dead person will be buried. If the psychic tells them that the person should be buried in the North at exactly the given time, it will be followed. Even when it comes to purchasing a new home, expect them to talk to a psychic first to know if it has good vibes and if it will bring them more luck.

In almost everything, be it a wedding, personal problems, sickness or business, they ask guidance and help from a psychic. It may sound weird to some of you but it's really true. My mom is also half Chinese and half Filipino, though she was brought up the Filipino way, she would call a pychic line every time she needs advice on something. It somehow helps her put her mind at ease. How about you? Do you also believe in psychics?

Feet Pressure Points

Here's another great tip I'm sure most of you will be happy to hear. I have read that one of the most effective methods for shrinking inches sans diet and exercise is by rolling your feet over a bumpy surface. According to the healing art of reflexology...

"It has been proven that by applying pressure to reflex points near the base of the toes, it boosts metabolic rate for an instant calorie-burning burst."

The area near the base of the toes is the part of the foot that corresponds to the thyroid gland. Here's what you should do: In a large, shallow basin, put some rounded, smooth pebbles, make sure you cover the bottom. Fill with warm water then roll the soles of your feet over the pebbles for 5 to 10 minutes. For added bonus, put a drop each of lavender and cypress essential oils. Lavender has pain-relieving properties that soothe tired and achy feet, while cypress has a natural astringent quality that helps deflate bloated body parts.

Widget for Smart Girls

My sister and i grew up with Barbie. We were so amused with our first dolls because of their bendable arms and legs. Dressing them up and styling their hair is our favorite past time. Barbie became so popular, many girls dream of having not just one doll, my daughter even wanted to have one every time a new Barbie comes out in the market. I even know a local celebrity who happens to collect Barbie Dolls, she was featured on TV and her collection almost filled up her room.

I was dropping my entrecard last night when I passed by several blogs having this party widget. I got curious so I watched, I can't believe that at my age, I had fun watching the video. Amy Poehler did great on presenting Barbie on a new level. I loved the interview portion, where young girls talked about their most memorable Barbie moments. Makes me reminisce my own Barbie moments.

I'm going to embed the video here so you too can watch it. Or you may want to get your own widget here and embed it on your blog. Watch it with your daughters, I'm sure they'd love to see how other Barbie enthusiasts enjoy their dolls.

A Food Blog

What have I been up to lately? I recently purchased a new domain name. For so long, I've been wanting to put up a food blog where I can share my love for food, recipes and some tidbits on foods that can only be found here in the Philippines. Yummy-as-can-be is now up and running. I hope you'd find the time to drop by. See yah :)

You're a Woman, Be Proud!

While I was in my pre-teens, I have always despised the thought of having my monthly period. And when the dreaded moment came, I had nothing to do but live with it. I later came to realize that I should not really make a big fuzz about it, I still feel "normal" even on those days. Now it's my daughter's turn to feel that way. I can't blame her because unlike me, she suffers from terrible stomach cramps. During menstruation, she can't move well because of the pain. I had to tell her that every woman needs to go through that process every month to get rid of accumulated tissues that the body doesn't need anymore. I give her prunes and pears before and during her period to help her deal with cramps.

Little did we know that the period we dread can actually save lives. I have heard about cord cells, but it was only recently that I heard about the potential of stem cells found in menstrual blood in saving lives. You can view about stem cell C'Elle Testimonials here.

The stem cells are collected and preserved to be used for future therapeutic developments to treat diabetes, stroke, heart disease, MS, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Studies are still being made for the stem cell's ability to treat and heal wounds and to put the breaks in aging. Meanwhile, I'd Order C'elle Now if I were you. It's always good to be prepared if and when someone in the family gets hit by a major disease.

Me, as a friend

Your Friendship Style is Gregarious

You love being with people, and you find it easy to make friends. Hanging out with your friends gives you a real charge, and you tend to be busy every night of the week. You enjoy interesting conversations and shared activities with your friends. Your motto is: "The more the merrier" While you love your friends, you don't love it if they put demands on you. You don't think that friendship should be about obligation. You and an Empathetic Friend: Are get along best one on one. Your Empathetic Friend loves talking about your social circle but may feel left out when the whole gang is around. You and another Gregarious Friend: Are a perfect match. You've finally found a friend who's as outgoing and fun loving as you are. You and an Independent Friend: Are well suited for each other. You don't put too demands on your Independent Friend, and your Independent Friend finds you fascinating. You and a Philosophical Friend: Are pretty different. You're high energy. Your Philosophical Friend is more cautious. You'll have to meet in the middle and learn from one another.

What's Your Friendship Style?

Feed Your Face

You may have noticed when passing through the beauty aisle that the traditional salad ingredients we love like avocado, cucumber, lettuce, carrots, tomato and olive oil increasingly appear in creams, masks, lotions and other facial products. Well, they are not there just to show off that they contain natural ingredients, these nutrients can actually nourish our complexion. Let's see how each one of them help our skin...

CUCUMBER. This refreshing vegetable/fruit does not only reduce puffiness around the eyes. It has compounds that help combat inflammation, which dermatologists describe as the single greatest culprit in age-related conditions (from Alzheimer's to wrinkled sagging skin).

AVOCADO. This creamy fruit is packed with fatty acids and vitamins B, C, E and K. I've mentioned in my previous posts that vitamins C and E fight sun damage best when used or taken together and the combination in avocado can safeguard sun-exposed skin along with other protective measures.

LETTUCE comes packed with vitamin K. Notice when buying eye treatments, ingredients include lettuce extract? That's because vitamin K helps diminish dark circles. The chlorophyll, which makes lettuce green, also has an antioxidant effect. It helps slow the signs of aging. If you don't see lettuce extract in the ingredients, look for phylloquinone, it is sometimes listed under that name.

CARROTS has beta-carotene that defends against environmental stressors (pollution, smoke, etc) that wreak havoc on our skin.

TOMATO. It's one of the richest sources of lycopene, an antioxidant that helps fight cancer-causing diseases. It has also been found to help reduce inflammation and limit sun damage when used in skin treatments.

OLIVE OIL is a natural emollient that boasts of antoxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds called polyphenols. The oil is rich in skin-soothing vitamin E and has been used for years for youthful skin. You'll find olive oil mostly in moisturizers and is sometimes listed as vegetarian or plant-derived squalene.

So there, take note of these yummy and healthy salad ingredients and look for them the next time you buy facial/skin products.

Protect Your Home

My mom got a call from my aunt who lives in New York the other day. She was very emotional while telling her about the burglary that happened that day. Apparently, some people broke in their house while they were out with my cousin, who's visiting from Japan. A lot of their possessions where stolen, expensive watches, jewelries, plasma tv and even my aunt's newly purchased laptop was not spared. Their home security system did not even scare off the burglars. We are thankful nobody's home when it happened, at least no one got hurt. In these hard times, we should not be too complacent because our homes are not safe from burglars. For your personal safety, I found some tips on how to safeguard our homes, read on...

1) Burglars are terrified of dogs. Even if you don't own a dog, it's a good idea to strategically scatter a few chew toys and other canine accessories like a leash around the yard. Dogs are a big problem for burglars because they can be aggressive and attack unknown persons anytime.

2) Burglars are not easily fooled by light timers. If you've seen the movie "Home Alone", you know that they are smart enough to know when the light goes on so it's best to set light timers so they switch on and off on a staggered schedule when you're away.

3.) Install a web-enabled home monitored Home Alarm system that lets you keep an eye of your home even when you are away. You can activate it, check it and even browse what is happening at your place at any time using your handy phone.

4) Burglars monitor the mail. When you're going away for a long time, have a neighbor or a friend collect your mails along with the newspaper everyday. When your mailbox is loaded with uncollected mails, your house is an easy target.

There are heartless people out there who take advantage of other people's hard earned possessions. Following these simple tips will give you peace of mind and stop burglars from scooting around your house.

Ways to Boost Your Mood

Thinking too much and work often leaves us stressed. It's tough to run a household, care for the kids and still worry about the budget. Sometimes, there are days when you are so busy and just thinking about the tasks ahead makes you fret and you can't seem to finish off anything.

Here are some stress busters that are guaranteed to boost bliss that doesn't cost much time and money:

1) EAT CHOCOLATE. There's a reason why many consider it a comfort food - they make people happy. Chocolate sends feel good chemicals throughout your body and biting into a candy bar feels heavenly.

2) LISTEN TO MUSIC. Listening to slow tempo music like classical or "easy listening" songs reduces heart and respiratory rates.

3) TAKE A DEEP BREATH. Science proves it that taking long, deep breaths for just ten minutes a day can lower blood pressure. When you breath deeply, your body gets the oxygen it needs to function at optimum levels, resulting to feelings of calm and contentment.

4) TAKE A SHORT NAP. A ten-minute nap helps jump-start a good mood.

5) GET SOME SUNSHINE. Sunlight triggers the body to produce vitamin D. Go out and catch the morning sun, lack of D has been linked to depression.

6) STOP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS. Studies show that the sweet smell of flowers can relieve feelings of tension after anxiety-provoking tasks.

7) BOND WITH YOUR PET. A few minutes of playing with pets raises levels of good-mood inducing brain chemicals. When you're stressed about so many things, remember to stop and play with your four-legged friends.

8) WATCH YOUR FAVORITE SHOW. Science proves it that unwinding with your favorite TV show can zap stress. Get yourself a drink, get on the couch and just enjoy the show. Looking at positive images sparks activity on the part of the brain that promotes feelings of happiness.

9) HIT THE PAVEMENT. Try to walk everyday for at least 30 minutes. Walking can reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol by up to 40 percent.

10) WEAR A RAINBOW. Research shows that the colors RED and YELLOW trigger a chemical reaction in the body that mimics a mini adrenalin rush. So, if you want a burst of pep, slip into something red and yellow.

Get Rid of Dandruff

Having problems with dandruff? Most of the time anti-dandruff shampoos don't work and they contain coal tar, which was labeled carcinogenic by experts when used in high concentrations. One of people's misconceptions is to use more of something if they feel it's not working in the beginning. This is a big no-no when it comes to using products containing harmful chemicals.

I found a drug-free remedy for this using apple cider vinegar. Mix 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar with 1/4 cup water and pour in a spray bottle. Spritz the mixture on your hair and scalp. Put on a shower cap or wrap your head with a towel for 15 minutes to 1 hour then wash out. The apple cider vinegar will help restore the scalp's proper acid-alkaline balance and kills bacteria that clog pores.

The Right Tool for Your Business

With our present economic situation, businesses need all the help they can get. The recession we are facing right now has forced some big companies to shut down. Other companies already made cut backs on employment and slashed down their budgets. I was at the bank yesterday and I overheard some people talking about how bad the economy is right now and they are nervous that things will get worse in the next months to come.

I'm no expert but if you will ask me, I think the best way for any business to survive in this kind of situation, is to find ways on how to optimize their business performance. Seek help from professionals who could assist in running the business efficiently and effectively using proactive network maintenance and support programs. The manhattan it consulting is one of the nation's leading IT Consulting firms who can help you find the right IT solution and make it work for you. If you're worried that your budget can't afford to have an in-house IT Department, don't worry, you can always source it out. The web site offers services that will take care of all your technology needs so you can focus more on your business. These experts will analyze and optimize your network's performance giving you the edge and the knowledge to handle any aspect of your technology needs.

For soft, kissable lips

During these cold months, sometimes, a lip balm is not enough to keep your lips rosy and soft. Lip balms still leave your lips dry and flaky. What's the best way to keep them soft? Use the toothbrush approach, but instead of using a regular toothbrush, use a baby toothbrush to slough off scaly flakes to avoid irritation. For best results, try dipping it in petroleum jelly first, then brush your lips in small circular motion. This increases blood flow, making your lips look plumper and giving them a rosy color.

Style and Comfort

Our feet are the most abused parts of our body. They carry the weight of the entire body and often, they are the least cared for. If you want your feet to look good foot care is a must. When buying shoes, look for a comfortable footwear which cushions and supports every curve of your foot like Jeffrey Campbell shoes.

You may have the most expensive shoes but that doesn't mean your feet are comfortable. Sure, you look so stylish and sexy with your signature shoes but after a long day, you go home with achy feet and blisters. Don't let your precious walkers suffer when you squeeze them into tight, uncomfortable shoes for the sake of fashion. When your feet are tired and strained, it shows on your face, you wouldn't want other people to see that. What really matters is comfort, support, flexibility and fit. With Jeffrey Campbell shoes, you can stand up for a long time and walk all day.

Don't be an abuser of your own feet. Take care of them, treat them well, and get a relaxing foot spa once in a while. If you think your feet need all the help they can get, start with Jeffrey Campbell, it's easy to look good and feel great.

Breakfast Really Counts

There is no question that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, that's where we get our energy to keep us going throughout the day. Here are more reasons why we should enjoy our eggs, sausages and croissant. I recently read that people who ate more in the morning ate less overall and gained less weight than those who skip breakfast. In a two different study, Texas researchers found out that people who eat 1 calorie less per day for every extra calorie they consume at breakfast. And UK researchers also found out that those who had 25 to 50% of their calories in the morning gained just over one and a half pounds.

I'm used to skipping breakfast but after reading this, I'm going to make changes.

Have you ever?

Two beautiful friends Mariuca, and Beth tagged me. Thank you darlings, I enjoyed answering the questions.

Here goes...

1.) Have you ever been on TV?
*Yes, during the finals of a bowling tournament. I was one of the finalists, didn't win though, I was too conscious of the camera, lol.

2.) Have you ever sung in public?
*Yes, same with Marzie, during karaoke sessions with friends.

3.) Have you ever dyed your hair blond?
*Nope.

4.) Have you ever eaten frogs' legs?
*Yes, fried frog's legs. It's really yummy and tastes like chicken. Try it marzie, you're going to love it.

5.) Have you ever received a present before that you really hated?
*Nothing that I can remember.

6.) Have you ever walked into a lamp post?
*No, but I've walked into glass door once.

7.) Have you ever cooked a meal by yourself for more than 15 persons?
*Yes, many times. When my kids are having a party here at home during their birthdays.

8.) Have you ever fallen or stumbled in front of others?
*Lol, yes. During a concert years ago, We were waiting on queue to get inside the concert hall when I suddenly made the wrong step, then I fell.

9.) Have you ever done volunteer work?
*Yes.

I'm passing this on to: Charm, Tina, Cherry

Changing Your Looks

Many women nowadays are becoming too conscious of their looks which explains the boom in cosmetic surgery business. Clinics performing plastic and aesthetic surgeries have mushroomed everywhere and even doctors who are not experts in this field are joining the beautification bandwagon. You don't have to look far to find a clinic offering these kind of services.

Changing your looks or getting rid of what you don't want is so easy. If you think your nose is too wide, you can easily have a plastic surgeon reduce it to the size you want. If your breasts are too large, you can have a breast reduction and the list goes on. What's even more surprising is that women are willing to pay more when it comes to looking good. But, should you trust a doctor if you know that he is not an expert in this field?

Changing or enhancing a part of your body is a very delicate procedure and it's always best to have a specialist in this field do the job. Professionals like the MYA [Make yourself Amazing] surgeons, who do not only understand what you need but who are dedicated in providing you the most-advanced and time-proven techniques available today. Complications may occur, I'm sure you know that, and if your surgeon is not well-experienced chances are, you'll end up not looking as you expected or worse.

If you're worried about cosmetic surgery prices, MYA offers their clients competitive finance packages that will suit your budget. Make Yourself Amazing now, click on the link or call 0 8000 14 10 14.

Melt Off Holiday Fats

Well, the holidays are finally over and here's great news to those who [like me] packed on extra pounds over the last weeks. A tropical fruit cleanse featuring papaya and pineapple can melt off 7 pounds in one day. It's because of papaya's papain and the pineapple's bromelain, both are enzymes that fight fat. They work hand in hand to break down protein to reduce abdominal bloat and dissolve fat-trapping waste in the circulatory system for fast elimination. The combo also revs fat-burning liver function and neutralizes inflammatory compounds to reduce gut inflammation.

For a one-day cleanse, here's what you need: cut at least 4 peeled papayas and 2 peeled pineapples into small chunks, place in a bowl and chill. Munch on these fruits whenever hunger strikes. Don't forget to drink at least 2 liters of water throughout the day. This seems very easy to do, so I'm definitely going to give it a try because I don't think I can last the one-day fluid only cleanse.

Learning Should Be Fun

My son is having some problems with his least favorite subject, and that is MATH. All his grades on his other subjects are okay except for this one. I'm a little worried because he is graduating this March and he's going to be in high school next school year. Hubs and I are thinking of getting him a tutor, and my sister in law have arranged for her son's tutor to meet with me on Monday. But now I think I am going to cancel the appointment.

It was a blessing in disguise when I checked my email a while ago. Social Spark has reserved the Brightstorm opportunity for me. First I had a vague idea on what it was all about, but when I checked the web site and was asked to Sign up for a free brightstorm account, I knew this was something my son needs and it's an opportunity I shouldn't pass.

Although I was not able to take the free course because my coupon has expired, merely reviewing the site's courses and reading their teachers' qualifications are enough to let my child take the easy courses. I've always believed that learning should be fun and although math is a serious subject, the kids will be more interested if they're having fun at the same time.

You too can also Sign up for a free account. Just click on the links to be directed to the site.

December Top Droppers

Below is the list of top droppers for the month of December. All ten wonderful sites will be featured on my side bar for the whole month of January. Thanks to all of you. Hope to see you again next month.

1. The Sewing Mom
2. Mrs. G
3. Picture to People
4. Thinking Out Loud Blog
5. Lainy's Musings
6. Everyday Living
7. The Ad Master
8. First Door on the Left
9. Prove Me Wrong
10. MJG's Rambling Thoughts

Happy New Year!!!