YOUR FINDER: March 2013

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Pesto Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

2 cups of dry pasta (around 200 grams)

½ cup of basil pesto

½ cup of peas, cooked (around 75 grams)

1 medium-sized colored pepper, thinly sliced

½ a cup of seeded black kalamata olives (around 90 grams)

3 tablespoons of almonds, roughly chopped (around 30 grams)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The juice of half a lemon

Basil Pesto:

(Recipe adapted from Elise Bauer)

2 cups of basil leaves, fresh

⅓ cup of pine nuts

½ a cup of Roumy cheese, grated

½ a cup of olive oil

3 large garlic cloves, minced

Salt and pepper

To make the pesto:

Combine the garlic, basil leaves and pine nuts in a food processor and pulse several times. Drizzle the olive oil into the food processor while continuing to blend. Pour in a thin stream until finished. Pulse until smooth then add the salt, pepper and cheese. Pulse 2 more times before pouring out.

For the pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil then add your dried pasta. Cook until tender but firm. When done, drain and set the pasta aside. In a separate bowl, combine the peas, olives, colored pepper and almonds then add the pasta. Toss and store in an airtight container. Put the pesto and lemon juice into a separate covered container. Refrigerate both. Remove from the refrigerator when it is time to pack. Whisk the pesto and lemon juice together before pouring it over the pasta and accompanying vegetables. Toss gently and separate servings for packing.

Basterma Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

4 cups of pasta

100 grams of butter

110 grams of basterma

2 long red Italian onions, sliced

¼ cup of all-purpose flour

2 cups of full cream milk

½ a teaspoon of whole-grain mustard

½ cup of heavy cream

2 egg yolks, beaten

½ cup of Mozzarella cheese

½ cup of Cheddar cheese

½ cup of Parmesan cheese

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 175 degrees Celsius. In a large pot, cook the pasta until it's tender but undercooked. Drain and set aside. In a medium-sized pan, pan-fry the basterma in a drizzle of oil until it changes color and becomes slightly crispy around the edges. Keep the basterma fat that has melted in the pan on the side to use for later. In the same pan, melt 50 grams of butter and saute the onions over medium-low heat for approximately 10 minutes. They should have started to slightly color but should remain soft. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium-sized pot, melt 50 grams of butter. Add the basterma grease you previously reserved and add the flour. Whisk constantly as it cooks for around 1 minute. Add the milk and cream and cook for 3-5 minutes or until it begins to thicken.

Add salt and pepper and turn your heat down.

In a separate bowl, combine the egg yolks with 4 tablespoons of your bechamel-like sauce. Stir quickly then pour the egg mixture back into the sauce. Let it combine for a minute. Add the cheese and stir. Once the cheese has melted, add most of the basterma and onions and mix. Keep some on the side. Add the pasta and coat it all with the sauce. Tip your pot over a baking dish and pour your pasta mixture. Sprinkle with the rest of your onion and basterma mix and bake for around 20-25 minutes. Serve steaming hot.

Orange-Carrot Granita

Ingredients:

450 grams of carrots, peeled

300 ml of fresh orange juice

300 ml of cocktail juice, unsweetened

2 drops of orange blossom water

A small piece of ginger, peeled, around 3 cm

¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon of ground cloves

3 tablespoon of honey

Directions:

Finely dice the peeled carrots and the ginger. Throw them into a blender. Add the orange juice and cocktail juice then pulse making sure your blender is sealed well. Add the honey, ground cinnamon and orange blossom water then blend once more until smooth.

Strain the mixture using a fine mesh strainer then pour it into a shallow baking dish. After pouring, your mixture should be around 2.5-3 cm thick. If it’s thicker than that, it will take a much longer time to freeze. Place your baking dish in the freezer then freeze, removing it from the freezer after 45 minutes to rake the mixture with a fork. Repeat this step every half an hour after that. Try to avoid scratching the bottom of your baking dish with a fork. Don’t forget the corners because they harden quickly. The final texture should be fine, fluffy and light. Mine froze in around 2½ hours. Each freezer is different and so you will have to look out for when it’s ready.

If you prefer, you can space out the times you rake to end up with bigger crystals.

Remove from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving, depending on the weather. When you’re ready to serve, rake with a fork to collect the layers of shaved ice. Serve in glasses that have been chilled in the refrigerator.

Crepe Suzette Sauce

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbl grated orange rind

1 tbl grated lemon rind

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

creme or ice-cream to serve

This sauce is used for crepes.

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup sugar

1 tbl grated orange rind

1 tbl grated lemon rind

1 cup orange juice

1/4 cup lemon juice

creme or ice-cream to serve

Directions:

1. Heat butter in pan, add sugar and stir over medium heat until caramlised.

2. Add rinds, juices and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes

3. Fold crepes into quarters and arrange across base of ovenproof dish forming a pattern. Pour sauce over the crepes and bake 10-15 minutes (210'c). Serve warn with creme or icecream.

Recipe: Chicken with avocado dish

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
7 tablespoons butter, divided
8 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup light cream
1 cup chicken broth
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 dashes hot pepper sauce
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
3 cups (8 oz.) sliced fresh mushrooms
1/4 cup sherry
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 or 2 avocados

Directions:

Preheat over to 350°F. Melt one tablespoon of butter in large heavy skillet. Add olive oil and swirl together with the butter. Add chicken and sauté until chicken pieces are browned and juices run clear. Turn pieces to brown evenly while sautéing. Place chicken breasts in 9 X 13 baking dish and set aside. Melt 4 tablespoons butter until foamy. Stir in flour, and cook for three minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add cream and chicken broth. Continue stirring and cooking until smooth and thickened. Season sauce with salt, black pepper, Parmesan cheese, hot pepper sauce, and herbs. Set aside.
Sauté mushrooms in remaining two tablespoons of butter. Add sherry and cook until reduced. Place mushrooms over the chicken. Pour the sauce over the chicken and mushrooms. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes, then sprinkle with almonds, and return to oven for 10 minutes. Peel and slice avocados lengthwise and place over chicken before serving.

Kim Kardashian’s Vampire Facial; Yay or Nay?

Celebrities and their style secrets are endless but a “vampire facial”? That’s too much! Kim Kardashian, The reality TV star tweeted a picture of her and posted it on instagram after getting a “vampire facial”. The new type of treatment that’s taking Hollywood by storm is known to plump up skin and give it a smooth texture. The procedure takes place at a doctor’s office and starts by drawing two teaspoonfuls of blood from the arms. The blood is then spinned or centrifuged to separate the platelets, growth factors, and a few stem cells. The skin is then re-injected with the separated mixture using tiny needles to promote collagen production and skin rejuvenation. The new facial runs for approximately $1000 but is not proven to be 100% effective with a slight risk of infection involved if carried under no medical supervision. Kim Kardashian has always been known to try out different, questionably beauty treatments so we suggest you wait until side affects start appearing (or not).

What type are you?

Dry, oily, combination, sensitive skin. ‘This product goes with that type and this with the other’… it can be daunting to even think about and frankly sometimes just sounds like someone’s brilliant marketing scheme doesn’t it? The truth of the matter is we just want to take care of our skin the best way we can without having to put too much thought into it so we can get on with our day. But what does that all really mean and just why is it so important to our daily skin care regimen? Quite simply, determining your particular skin type is essential in maintaining a proper regimen that will allow your skin to be its healthiest. Taking a few minutes of your time will reap rewards and fringe benefits that will last a lifetime.

No more blemish breakouts, dry patches or blotches.Determined by how much or how little oil your skin produces, your skin type will be revealed. Thirty minutes after washing your face (and without applying anything else), take a clean tissue and press it against your face. If the tissue shows no trace of oil then you have dry skin. But if there are traces of oil, read on to find out if you might have oily or combination skin.Dry: Especially after cleansing, dry skin feels tight and uncomfortable until you apply a moisturizer. In addition, you may also have fine wrinkles, flaking and red patches. In women of colour, skin may appear ashy or dull from dead skin build-up.

Dry skin is caused by under active oil glands that do not produce enough sebum (natural oils) to keep the skin naturally lubricated. It must be hydrated regularly from the inside and outside (drinking lots of water) and moisturised with rich hydrating creams or lotions like Olay’s ‘White Radiance Revitalizing White Moisture’ cream. Oily: While oily skin generally remains younger looking and more supple over time, it also tends to appear shiny or greasy with enlarged pores that can get clogged resulting in blackheads and blemishes. Caused by glands that produce too much sebum, oily skin benefits from periodic herbal steam treatments, followed by something like Olay’s ‘Classic Beauty Fluid’ which is a light, non-greasy formula that works deep down in the skin, locking in naturalmoisture.Combination/Normal: The most common skin type - about 70% of women have combination skin which can be so difficult to contend with since half your face is dry and the rest either normal or oily.

This skin type has medium pores, a smooth even texture, good circulation, healthy colour, may tend toward dryness on the cheeks while being oily in the t-zone. Your t-zone covers your forehead, nose, and chin while areas around the cheeks, mouth and eyes are normal to dry. Fortunately for those of us who have combination skin, there are plenty of skin care products to help us achieve great skin. Try our ‘Daily Cleansers Deep Pore Cream Cleanser.

The gentle exfoliating micro-beads clean down to the pores, without over drying the skin and then follow up with a ‘White Radiance Revitalizing White Moisture’ to revitalize your skin.Sensitive:Sensitive skin tends to be thin and delicate with fine pores. It can frequently break out due to allergic sensitivities, flushes easily and is prone to broken capillaries (those little spider veins around the nose) Sensitive skin frequently also reacts badly to adverse weather conditions, cosmetics containing alcohol, fragrances, or artificial colours or oils and often requires special treatment in order to remain in good condition. Olay has created a wonderful cleanser for sensitive skin called ‘Gentle Cleansing Milk’ with aloe for a gentle clean, to be followed up by ‘Complete Sensitive Skin Fluid’, a fragrance free, all day moisture with SPF for beautifully-protected sensitive skin.

6 ways fashion might be hazardous to your health

Have you heard the phrase, "Beauty is pain." Our beauty and fashion decisions can actually be bad for our health? Here are six fashion hazards that can be harmful to your health.

Thongs

Teeny undies are hot, but bacteria may have an easier time traveling from the rectum to the vagina when you're wearing a thong. Also: You may be at an increased UTI risk. No need to swear off that thong tha thong thong thong forever, but let your lady garden breathe by mixing it up with some boy shorts.

Tight Jeans

Squeezing into your high school jeans? Think again. You could end up compressing the nerve that runs down the front of your thigh, causing tingling and numbness to occur. Solution: Exhale, own your size, and love it!

Shapewear

We're all for muffin top eradication, if you are so inclined. But if you wear your shapewear too tightly, there's a chance you could end up with acid reflux, breathing problems, and the same type of nerve issues related to tight jeans. So, just make sure your schmancy shapewear has the proper fit.

Tight Bras

A too-snug boob-booster can lead to back pain, skin irritation, and breathing problems. Fixing this is easy: Hit up your local lingerie department and measure those girls too make sure you're not squeezing your bust too tightly.

High Heels

We wouldn’t dare tell you to swear off heels, but if you strut in those 5-inchers too often, you could wind up with bunions or plantar fasciitis—a thick band of connective tissue in your foot that is majorly painful. Unless you want your feet to look like your grandma's, vary up the size of the heel and type of shoe you’re wearing, mixing in sneaks and kicks with arch support. (Good thing platforms are still en vogue!)

Flip flops

Hello, calluses. This is what happens when there’s too much friction between your foot and your flip flop. Fortunately, a good, exfoliating pedi will help get rid of that deadened skin. The bigger problem here, though, is arch support, and the lack thereof, which can again lead to plantar fasciitis. Ditch the flat as a board style and opt for versions with some contour in the foot bed.

6 ways fashion might be hazardous to your health

Money talks when it comes to losing weight

How'd you like to get paid to lose weight? Financial incentives can help improve your odds of dropping pounds, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic followed 100 Mayo employees over the course of a year as they took educational classes on how to eat healthy and lose weight.

The employees were broken up into several groups - some of which got financial incentives to shed the pounds and others that just got the classes.

"We found that people who receive financial incentives tended to stick with the healthy behaviors we all wish we would do more often," said lead study author Dr. Stephen Driver, an internal medicine resident at Mayo Clinic.

"At 52 weeks, those in the financial arm of the study had lost an average of about 9 pounds," he said, "as compared to those who didn't receive financial incentives, who lost about 2 pounds."

Each participant received $20 for every pound they lost, but they also had to pay $20 for every pound they gained. Driver says the move wasn't just punitive; it was both an added incentive to lose weight and a way to fund the program.

"About 86% of large employers are already offering some kind of financial incentives to help employees reach their health goals," Driver said. "But one problem employers run into with financial incentives is that they can be expensive. Part of our model was to allow the so-called 'losers' to fund the 'winners,' and I think that can help things to be more sustainable."

This study is not the first to show the link between financial incentives and improved weight loss, but with one year of follow up, it is the longest.

Driver did point out one limitation of this particularly study design:

"Because it was research, everybody knew which group they were in," he said. "There may have been a higher proportion of dropouts in the non-incentive group."

Why? Because they knew there was no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, which may prove the point of the study even more.

"I think the message is financial incentives can be an important part of the puzzle, and an important tool to help keep you motivated."

Top 10 Beauty Quick Fixes

Problem: You Have a Bad Case of “Hat” Hair
Solution: If you can plan ahead when wearing a hat, don’t apply too many styling products. After removing your hat, spritz your hair with a little water. Then, tousle and shake until all the ridges disappear. Back comb your hair gently from ends to roots. If this still doesn’t break a “hat head,” then add a bit of gel, and slick your hair back.

Problem: Your Hair Has “Frozen”
Solution: This actually happens to many women during the cold months of winter, especially sports enthusiasts. First, don’t touch your hair until it thaws. Your hair could actually break off! Then gently “shake” your head until your hairstyle returns to normal.

Problem: Static Hair
Solution: If you ever find your hair catching on to your coat or the walls, or that it stands on end when you attempt to brush it, always use a leave-in conditioner. If it’s too late, slick on a bit of anti-frizz liquid. Run a fabric softener sheet over your hair.

Problem: Your Feet are Aching After a Long Day
Solution: Add a few drops of eucalyptus or almond oil to your legs and feet. massage it in, moving your thumbs in small circular motions. Roll feet around on a bunch of small apples or marbles to ease away knots that come from wearing high heels.

Problem: You’ve Gone Too Heavy on Your Powder or Foundation
Solution: Spritz a little water on your face and lightly sponge off with a tissue.

Problem: You’ve Got no Time to Wash Your Hair
Solution: Dust it with powder or cornstarch, and brush through. If your hair is on the shorter, wavier side, take the front section of your hair, dampen it, and divide it into four sections. Wrap each section around your finger and secure it with a clip. Dry hair on a low setting, and you’ll achieve a fresh set of curls.

Tip your hair upside down, spray a spritzer or gel on the undergrowth, and blow dry. This will create new life and movement to your hair.

Still at the office? Grab a can of soda and wrap your hair around it. Adhere it with an elastic. You probably won’t have hair spray at your desk, so grab a little perfume (everyone should have a small container in her purse) and spray.
Always carry a big black headband for worst-case scenarios. It looks chic, yet controls and smoothes even the most unruly hair.

Problem: Those Roots Have Popped Up Out of Nowhere, and There’s no Time to Color!
Solution: Run for a box of chalk, and find a color that most closely matches your hair. Don’t think of using crayon. You’ll never get it out! If you have dark hair, use a matching mascara on the roots.
You can buy sticks at beauty supply stores to do this. They’re always good to have for those in between times.

Problem: Tired Eyes
Solution: Use navy mascara instead of the traditional black or brown. Most of us don’t keep navy mascara on hand, so just rub any mascara into that old blue shadow. You should have thrown out that blue eye shadow by now, but it might be lurking somewhere in the back of that cosmetic drawer. Soft colors like taupe and pink are better for tired eyes than strong dark tones. Blue eye liner applied along the rim of the bottom lid will make the whites of the eyes appear brighter.

Problem: Big Under-Eye Circles
Solution: Apply a concealer at least a half shade lighter than your skin tone. Use it after applying your foundation. Mix a bit of blue eye shadow with moisturizer. Follow with foundation.
Some Hair Protective Tips
Make sure that you rinse all the shampoo out of your hair. Most people don't and the result is dull hair and an itchy scalp. Nothing ruins a style faster.
Have you ever considered adding hats to your summer wardrobe. Not only is it a smashing accessory, it protects your hair from the sun.

Trim your hair every 6 weeks. That is the only way to stay on top of split ends.
Work with the hair that you have. It is much easier to work with a straight style if your hair is straight. Straightening your hair every morning is not a lot of fun and can be extremely time consuming.
Learn how to use a blow dryer. There are a lot of things that you shouldn't be doing that can destroy your hair.
Don't wash your hair more than is necessary. When it is dirty, wash it. Its as simple as that. Washing ever day or even every other day sometimes is necessary.

An Effective Way to Lose Massive Weight

31-year-old Jen Moore simply hula-hooped her way from a huge 288lbs to a trim 145lbs. Now she’s a fitness trainer with the very same company that helped her shed it all. Sure does sound like a dream come true.

Jen couldn’t hula hoop when she first got started. Not surprising really, looking at her before pictures. But what’s admirable is that she stuck to it, and within two weeks she was able to keep the hoop spinning around her waist. There’s been no looking back since then. Within just three months of learning the skill, she ended up losing 40lbs of body fat. Take a look at Jen’s ‘after’ pictures and you would never believe she was once obese. “I would go to my local YMCA and stake out a little corner on the court while the guys played basketball and snickered,” she says. “From day one, I felt a tremendous difference in my core strength, confidence and energy just from the workout involved in dropping, bending over and picking up the hoop.”

Jen and her husband were both obese owing to lazy eating habits. It was in 2008, when the safety bar of an amusement ride wouldn’t fit around her waist and she was asked to leave, that she knew something had to be done about her weight problem. Jen and her husband soon made a commitment to work on their weight for the sake of their baby girl. They wanted to set a good example for the child and they sure did do a great job of it. The couple made significant changes to their diet, focusing on healthy eating rather than crash dieting. Neither of them is obese now and Jen’s success story is being quoted on several weight loss and fitness magazines.

Beauty Tips For Eyelashes

One of the pretty features of the eyes are the eyelashes. Most women try hard to get long, thick and full eyelashes. Taking care of eyelashes and maintaining them should be a routine.

Condition your eyelash by the time you sleep. Eyelashes tend to break easily when they get dry. Make it a point to remove your eye makeup before you get to bed. Remove your mascara from an eyelashes. Put some petroleum jelly on a little cotton swab and stroke it on your eyelashes gently. Another easy way is to hold the cotton swab and allow some butterfly kisses by fluttering your lashes for some seconds. For pretty, long lashes, applying castor oil before you sleep is advised.

To get a pretty, curled look, use an eyelash curler before applying a mascara. They always give you a natural look and when applied in the right manner, they allow no clumping of lashes.

Make sure you coat both the top and bottom of your eyelashes. Start by coating the eyelashes slightly with a powder, as this will help hold the mascara that you will apply. make sure you don't hold the mascara brush for long, instead, wiggle the brush to apply mascara. Apply on both top and cotton coats.

Strength Training for Asthma Sufferers

Strength training combined with weight-bearing aerobic exercises helps counteract the effect of asthma medications.
Exercising with asthma can be a big challenge for asthma sufferers. Two things happen inside the lungs of women suffering with Asthma constriction, the tightening of the muscles surrounding the airways, and inflammation, the swelling and irritation of the airways. Constriction and inflammation cause narrowing of the airways, by a combination of muscle spasm, mucosal swelling and bronchial secretion with symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that, if left untreated, asthma can cause long-term loss of lung function.

In the words of Henry Hyde Salter (1882), a physician at the Charing Cross Hospital, London "I have seen several cases in which prolonged bodily exertion has been of great benefit, indeed, some in which it has been the best remedy to which the asthmatic could resort."

According to the American Council on Exercise, most asthma patients would benefit from regular exercise. Swimming has been considered an excellent exercise as one is less likely to strain muscles because the water itself can cushion each person's unique body weight.

The fact still remains that no workout is complete without involvement of strength training. The trick is to begin slow and gradually increase on intensity.

Essentials of Strength Training
Weights: Start with 3- to 5-pound weights or soup cans to work the upper body and lower-body. Exercises like squats, push-ups and lunges can be included in your strength training routine.

Number of Days: Do strength training exercises three times a week. Do not replace cardio with strength training, on the other hand, you do swimming and strength training on alternate days.

Warm-up and stretch: Whatever exercise routine you and your doctor agree to be sure and stretch adequately before and after each workout.

Cooling Down: Perform a graduated 10- to 30-minute cool-down after vigorous exercise. This allows the temperature changes in the airways to occur gradually and reduces the risk of exercise-induced asthma.

Inhaler Support: Always use your pre-exercise asthma inhalers (inhaled bronchodilators) before beginning exercise. A generic inhaler such as albuterol may provide you with more immediate relief and you would basically take just one puff and that's it - when you have symptoms. The albuterol helps relax any swelling in the breathing tubes of your lungs. You should use asthma medication 15 minutes before exercising. Take 4 different puffs of blue reliever (Asmol, Epaq, Ventolin or Airomir). Take one puff at the time via spacer device. Take 3 breaths from the spacer after each puff of medication! Wait up to 5 minutes and until you do not feel attack symptoms anymore. If the symptoms do not stop, then use your blue reliever as before and stop with exercise. Visit your doctor and inform him/her about it!

Breathing: Exhale while lifting, take a short breath in between reps, and breath in while lowering the weight. this doesn't work for all lifts, but you will find it helpful.

Avoid going beyond 70 to 80% of max of your cardio level as this will decrease the likelihood of you encountering any additional stress. In case of an attack during workout, stop exercising immediately.

Remember: asthma is not a reason to avoid exercise. With proper diagnosis and the most effective treatment, you CAN enjoy the benefits of an exercise program without experiencing asthma symptoms.

Five Fruits for a glowing skin

That fruits are the best medicine is a wellknown fact. We also know that a cup of fruit juice a day is sure to guarantee a clear complexion.

How about a massage with a fruit pulp or a fruit facial? Fruit facials have been there for at least a decade now. But with people getting more wary of effect of chemicals on the skin, a majority of them are now resorting to using something from their own kitchen. What better way to pamper your skin than with pure stuff which is free of toxins and not harmful to your skin? Besides the fact that they hydrate and rejuvenate your skin, the very smell of a fruit on your face is quite de-stressing.
Unlike the chemical beauty treatments, fruits are cost-effective, natural and also bring a visible difference. Here are a few fruits and their properties, choose what suits you best!

Banana: This is one fruit that's abundantly available in India all through the year. We know it's a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium and helps reduce menstrual cramps. The effect of banana on skin too is not something that can be ignored. Bananas are rich in vitamin A, B and E and hence works as an anti-aging agent. A fresh mashed banana facial can do wonders for your skin.

Lemon: Lemon juice is an important ingredient in most Indian recipes. This is also a fruit of all seasons and almost always finds place on your kitchen shelf or refrigerator. With its vitamin C content, its juice will keep your skin beautiful. A glass of warm water with a tsp of honey and a dash of lemon juice on an empty stomach every morning is a great skin cleanser. With its astringent properties, it can be used to lighten the skin tone and also diminish acne scars. Rub the inside of a lemon peel on your elbow remove dark spots. Mix lemon and honey and use it as a natural bleach on your skin.

Apple: An apple a day keeps the doctor away is clichéd, but its health benefits are undisputable. Apple's antioxidant property prevents cell and tissue damage. Studies by nutritionists have shown that apples contain abundant amounts of elastin and collagen that help keep the skin young. Applying a mixture of mashed apple, honey, rose water and oatmeal can act as a great exfoliating mask on your skin.

Orange: Rich in vitamin C that improves skin texture. Like apple, orange too contains collagen that slows skin aging process. Rub the insides of orange on your skin to tighten the skin. Oranges can be dried and powdered and used as a natural scrub. Like lemon, oranges too help clear skin blemishes.

Papaya: The benefits of this fruit on skin have perhaps been talked about since the time of our ancestors. Papaya is rich in antioxidants and contain a special enzyme called papain that can kill dead cells and cure skin impurities. A glass of papaya milk or just applying the flesh of papaya on your skin can do wonders to your skin.

Mango: Rightly called the king of fruits for not just its taste but also for health benefits. The soft pulpy fruit has an amazing effect on skin too. Rich in vitamin-A and rich antioxidants, it fights against skin aging, regenerates skin cells and restores the elasticity of skin.

Do NOT buy these gifts for your mom, Please!

Some people refer to mother’s day as “I’ll get you something you’ll probably never use again” day. Funny, yet true. You can never be too prepared for Mother’s day, think of it as a pop quiz exam, the moment you start studying it gets cancelled. I for one, KNOW what my mom wants for mother’s day the things is all the stores are running out of products and as easy as a “jacket” may seem, I must tell you, it’s a Task. Well, with this list here at least I know what I’m NOT getting her when I can’t find the right gift.

• A faux-leather bag: faux= fake. Saying it in French is faker than the bag itself.

• Accessories: it’s not my mum’s 16th birthday bash; the word for middle aged accessories for women is called “jewelry”. “Faux” jewelry = accessories so stay away as well. Don’t have the cash to buy her something gold/ silver/ diamond? Save up, pitch in with a sibling, or even give her the money as a head start she’ll appreciate it.

• Too big: I found the jacket my mom wanted, got it, hope was raised, she fell in love with it, then BAM it’s too big. The key in buying clothes for someone else is having their exact size. Too big or too small is more frustrating than not getting a gift at all!

• Mom jeans: what better way to say “happy LAST mother’s day mummy” when you hand her those pair of jeans. Mom jeans are a curse. Even those that own a pair, regret the fact they’ve worn them ever so PLEASE don’t buy your mum any Mom Jeans, we don’t want her to commit suicide.

• A gadget: if this was father’s day, a new Bluetooth wireless headset would seem like the perfect gift. Most mums don’t fancy gadgets; they’d rather dine out or get a massage at the spa instead of getting a “toy” from the “hardware store”.
Now that you know what to steer clear of, don’t say we didn’t warn you and better yet take her mother’s day gift shopping with you, it’ll help you bond.

Mother’s Day Flower Colors and their Meaning

Not everyone knows that there’s a meaning behind every flower. A flower color is the best way to send a special “hidden” message to someone you admire. The ancient Greeks used flower colors as indicators to the moods of their gods (much like mood rings), and the ancient Celts forecasted weather and child gender using flower colors. This mother’s day, pick your colors wisely.

• Red Flowers: there’s a reason why everything associated with love is red. This reason being, red is the color of passion, energy, desire, heat, eroticism, and blood. Two types of red flowers can be found, Red Berlin (a light tomato red meaning devoted passion) and Black Magic ( a dark burgundy/black rose meaning beauty, perfection, and strong love) just remember the deeper the red, the deeper the meaning.

• Orange Flowers: when I say orange, you say Sun. That’s why a bouquet of orange flowers means warmth, growth, expansion, friendships, socializing, and happiness. Being a flashy color, orange flowers tend to boost out self-confidence and satisfaction.

• Yellow Flowers: yellow, is the closest color to gold when it comes to flowers. Gold is usually associated with purity, clarity, truth, intellect, and friendship. So if you want to slow things down in a relationship, sending out a clear message that you just want to be friends, yellow is the way to go.

• Green Flowers (vines/ivy): at the first sign of spring, green is everywhere. Green symbolizes growth, health, hope, new beginnings, fertility, richness, and harmony. Green flowers are uplifting and rejuvenating so can be used in get well soon bouquets.

• Blue Flowers: blue, the color of the ocean. It’s calming, inspiring, peaceful, stable, and serene. So a big bouquet of blue roses will definitely calm the recipient down and help them take their minds off things.

• Purple Flowers: being a unique color, the recipient can only feel the same. Purple flowers mean devotion, uniqueness, trust, nobility, and enchantment. Some people think it’s a royal color, and that’s why they link it to dignity, pride, and success.

• White Flowers: white = purity. Anything in white is angelic, pure, innocent, hopeful, and perfect. Great for mother’s day, and new relationships.

• Pink Flowers: pink has always been a girls color because it’s playful, innocent, uplifting, fun, feminine, and un-traditional. Truly a graceful color that’s why it would be perfect in your mother’s day bouquet.

Roses are red, violets are blue, I love my mum, and she loves me too.

Mother’s Day breakfast in Bed

When picking a meal for your mother on mother's day, it can be very tricky due to the different tastes people have. When it comes to breakfast, the task becomes easier since everyone loves the "continental breakfast". This kind of breakfast is usually light meant to keep you satisfied till lunch. It has a variety of foods, to satisfy all tastes plus you can buy all of its contents at a supermarket near you. A typical continental breakfast consists of coffee (cappuccino, latte, hot chocolate or just whatever hot drink your mum likes) alongside some pastries like croissant, brioche and bread rolls. In a small basket or plate, put some chocolate squares (divide a bar into squares), tiny jam jars, butter boxes and cheddar cheese cubes. To mix things up you can include a yogurt box and some cereal (don’t forget the milk though). Now squeeze some orange juice and leave it in the fridge for 30 minutes so it can chill. If you feel the menu is too sweet, you can boil some eggs or bring her an omelet in bed.
For a posh recipe to impress her, you could go with the Eggs Benedict recipe down below.

Ingredients:
• 4 large eggs
• 4 slices ham / luncheon/ turkey or smoked chicken
• buttered toast to serve
For the sauce:
• 45ml (3tbsp) white vinegar
• 75g (3oz) butter, melted
• 2 large egg yolks
• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

1. To make the sauce, place the vinegar in a small pan and simmer until reduced by half. Place the egg yolks and vinegar in a small heatproof bowl and set it over a pan of gently simmering water. Whisk the egg yolks until the mixture is thick enough to leave a ribbon trail when the whisk is lifted. Gradually whisk in the butter until the mixture has thickened. Season to taste. Remove the bowl from the heat. And set aside.

2. To complete, pour 5cm water in a large frying pan and bring to a gentle simmer. Carefully crack the eggs into the simmering water and simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the eggs are poached to your liking.

3. Place two pieces of buttered toast on each plate, top with your choice of cold cuts, then place a poached egg on top. Spoon a little of the sauce over each and serve.
Have a good morning.

Take a Yoga Break at Your Office Desk

Modern day office work requires long hours of sitting at a desk in front of a computer, which over time can result in back pain and repetitive stress injuries. Taking a few minutes off and stretching can help loosen up your body, increase productivity and make you feel relaxed. It may sound impractical but with time you will see results.
Remember, all through these poses you need to maintain a proper body alignment, by watching your posture while sitting. You can do these yoga asanas either barefooted or with your shoes on. If possible use a foot rest for an erect posture.

Sitting Reed Pose:
• Sit on the edge of the office chair and put your hands together with the fingers interlaced.
• Inhale and stretch the arms upward with the hands together, palms towards the ceiling. Make sure your body remains straight, then exhale and lean to the left. Inhale and go back, then exhale and stretch to the right. Repeat.

Seated Cow Pose:
• A perfect pose to do at your desk, since it is to be done while sitting. Take one arm, lift it up and bend at the elbow until your fingers are at the back of your neck.
• Take the other arm and reach from below until the fingers clasp together. Feel stretch and opening all along the side of your shoulder girdle, and a gentle, comfortable stretch at your other shoulder.
• Hold and switch the arms. If you find it hard to reach this far, then reach your arms as far as possible without hurting yourself.

Seated Side Twist:
• Just before going for your lunch or tea break try this yoga asana to breathe through your internal systems. Sit with your feet and knees together. Take a deep inhale and lift up through your spine.
• As you exhale, turn your body to the right. Place your left hand on outer right thigh and right hand to your right. Do drop your shoulder blades away from your ears.
• Stay for three or four breaths, lifting up through your center as you inhale and moving more deeply into the twist as you exhale.
• Look over your right shoulder and down toward the floor for an added neck stretch.
Wrist Stretch
• While sitting Erect on your chair. Turn your hands so that the wrists face your table and the fingers face towards you.
• Stretch the wrists and flatten your palms as much as possible. Maintain proper shoulder alignment. Back off if you feel pain.
• Repeat.

Sitting Backbend:
• Sitting on the edge of your chair with arms in the air, simply reach up and back.
• Sitting on the edge, clasp your hands behind your back with arms pointing down. Roll your shoulders in towards each other in the back and lean your head back.
• If you have a lean back chair, lift your arms in the air and lean back for a nice stretch.
Sitting Eagle Pose
• Sitting in your chair cross one leg over the other so that ankle rests just above the knee.
• While doing this lean forward to feel a nice stretch in your hip and buttocks.
• With time this exercise can help you get rid of lower back problems and sciatica.
• Repeat with the other leg.
By incorporating these modified yoga asanas in your office routine you can ward off stress at work. Once you are home you can practice deep breathing and relax.