Supermarket Salads Are Not Good For You

Some supermarket salads contain more fat and calories than a Big Mac and fries.

Those hoping to enjoy a summer salad as part of a healthy diet could be in for a shock.

Many on sale at leading stores are more unhealthy than a diet of fast food and chocolate, a recent research by Which? discovered.

The consumer group says its findings emphasize the need for clearer nutrition labeling on food packaging.

It is said that a Big Mac and medium fries will provide you with 820 calories and 40g of fat, on the other hand, a prawn marie rose salad from Smedleys Atlantic, contains 855 calories and 66.3g of fat.

The salad’s fat level is 70 per cent of the recommended daily amount for a man. Eating too much fat can increase the likelihood of clogged arteries and would raise the risk of heart cancer.



It said the lack of a standard nutrition information label system makes it difficult for the consumers to easily see whether a product is high in fat, calories, sugar or salt.

Which? editor Martyn Hocking said: 'If you thought your high street salad was healthy, you could be in for a surprise.

via:dailymail.co.uk


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Cebu, Philippines Inmates gaves Tribute to MJ

The Cebu Inmates has been famous for doing their version of Michael Jackson "Thriller". The famous video was a rehearsal of a performance that prison administrators wanted to present for the province’s 438th founding anniversary on Aug. 1, 2007.

Last week, they performed a Michael Jackson tribute for the public with a dance routine that has become a global Internet hit.

Hundreds of spectators arrived at the jail to see the convicts, including murderers and drug-traffickers, put on the show two days after the music icon collapsed and died.

"Without MJ, the inmates would never have become world-renowned. That is why Michael Jackson is a God to them," Garcia told AFP. "Inmates had hoped that one day, he'll come to dance with them."

He said the prisoners had performed the routine for visiting tourism officials on Thursday afternoon, just hours before Jackson died.

Jackson's music served to help the facility in rehabilitating the inmates, Garcia said.






what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

What is your favorite fastfood chain?

This is my 2nd poll, and this time I would like to know what is your Top Choice of the following leading fastfood chain in the country? This will end on Friday July 3, 2009

Vote now!

 What is your favorite fastfood chain?

• 
  
  Jollibee
• 
  
  KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken)
• 
  
  McDonald

view results
Free vote poll

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Brooke Greenberg: The Girl Who Does Not Age

Brooke Greenberg has just turned 16 last January but she is still weighing only 16 pounds. Her condition has baffled everyone because in many aspects she seems to show an absence of aging of the body.

She is still the size of an infant, but with the mental capacity of a toddler. She also does not have the signs ordinary dwarfism. She still has her baby teeth. Her cognition is that of a child. Her bone age is only that of a 10-year old.

Does Brooke hold the secret to the fountain of youth? Her physicians are hopeful that sorting out the mechanism for her persistent youthful characteristics might lead to more insights on the normal process of aging:

"Brooke hasn’t aged in the conventional sense. Dr. Richard Walker of the University of South Florida College of Medicine, in Tampa, says Brooke’s body is not developing as a coordinated unit, but as independent parts that are out of sync. She has never been diagnosed with any known genetic syndrome or chromosomal abnormality that would help explain why."

via: abcnews

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Recipe for the Week: Cashew and Cheese Moonlight Dance

A simple but truly satisfying refrigerated cake for the cheese and cashew lovers!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes plus 4 hours chilling time

Ingredients
2 250ml NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream
½ cup condensed milk
1 cup grated cheddar cheese, divided
14 pieces graham crackers
½ cup chopped and roasted cashew 

Procedure
Mix together NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream, condensed milk, and ½ cup of cheese. 
Arrange Graham Crackers on a square glass or aluminum container. Spread about ½ cup of cheese-cream mixture and ¼ cup chopped cashew nuts on top of graham crackers for filling. Sandwich with another layer of graham crackers and finish it off with the remaining cheese-cream mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese and cashew nuts. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:
Calories:349
Carbohydrates (g):21.9
Protein (g):9.2

Recipe and Photo via: Nestle.com

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Angel Locsin won over Marian Rivera

Angel Locsin won over Marian Rivera on my latest poll (Who is the better looking Darna?) created last June 20, 2009. The result was 275 votes to Angel over 37 votes to Marian.  

I didn't expect this would happen since I post this poll over Angel and Marian fans club forum and website so that all their fans can vote for their favorite actress.

To be honest, I also like Angel more over Marian to portray Darna.  Why? Because I think Angel represents a true heroine, more sporty looking (like Tomb Raider), has a morena complexion (color of a true Filipina) and with a feminine voice :)

It doesn't mean that I don't like Marian personally, but I am just getting my opinion based on facts.  I've researched some achievements they've got way back, and this are as follows:

Angel has achieve the following Awards: Pinoy Wannabe Award from Nickolodeon' Kids Choice Awards 2007, Best Single Performance by an Actress award from 22nd Star Awards for Television last 2008, German Moreno Youth Achievements awards, last 2005.  She became widely known when she first appeared on the cover of FHM (Philippine edition). The same magazine consistently lists her as one of the “100 Sexiest Women in the World”, as well as sexiest Filipina, ranking No. 2 behind Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.  She also landed at No.1 spot in MAXIM sexiest women.

Marian, on the other hand became famous after she played the remake of Mari Mar in Gma7. She landed No.1 last 2008 for the "100 sexiest women in the world" in FHM Philippines.  Now she was chosen by Yes Magazine to be at their cover of "100 Most Beautiful Stars".

I think they are both doing great in their field of works.

Thank You for all those who voted.

 

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

FUNNY PIC/VIDEO OF THE WEEK

a weekly highlight of the funniest pictures/videos I have stumbled this week. enjoy.

Fail: Weight Loss?

Fail: HAND/ Hair removal?

Fail: Urinal Placement

Fail: Stroller?

Fail: Evacuation Plan

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

DOH is running out of A(H1N1) testing kit

Health Secretary Francisco Doque III said in the news a while ago that the kit for testing the H1N1 virus is already running out. This is because more and more Filipinos are going to the RITM Hospital in Alabang right away to ask for a test if they feel sick, especially now that there was one recorded death. Sec. Doque said that "the money to buy the test kits are not a problem, but because this is a worldwide pandemic many countries are in need of the said kit." The DOH said that from now on they will prioritize the people who have health problems, and those who are too young and too old.

My concern about the matter increased because of this, the Philippines is a 3rd World Country and I don't think we are the priority regarding the distribution of the test kits or the vaccine if ever they would be one already. As early as May 2009, rich countries have already made an advanced order for the sought-after-vaccine. And, I think that if the vaccine were already out we will only wait for the donation of these rich countries. This is so sad but this is the reality we must face.

I think the best thing to do is to increase our faith to God and just keep on praying that this would end very very soon.

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Update on RP's H1N1 cases

I've heard on the news a while ago that there was a confirmed fatal case of H1N1 virus here in the Philippines. This is really freakin' me out. The positive cases already swell to 473, however 400 of this cases already recovered.

I am not ready yet for the doomsday, but it looks like it starting already. May God provide cure for this pandemic soon. I still want to live longer.

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

DIY Acne/Scar Reducing Mask & Toner

What can I say guys? Natural is the way to go for skincare! ^_^

This mask/toner remedy has many skin benefits such as:
Scar reducing
Treats blemishes
Refines Pores
Unclogs Pores
Firms the skin
Anti-ageing
Anti inflammatory
Skin brightener
Skin detoxer
Cleanser
Moisturising benefits



what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Cars: Our favorite Pixar Movie

Yeah! You heard it right, this movie is really our favorite. We have already watched it a hundred times. I have even memorized every dialogue of every character already :). We also loved their facial expressions. The artists are all great, we salute them. They made the characters feel so real even though they don't have any arms. I particularly loved Guido and Mater since they are so funny looking. I hope that there would be Part 2, just like Toy Story. 

I already tried other movies to show to my son but he doesn't like them, he will still pick the Cars DVD. I don't know when will the time comes when he will get tired of watching it. We even used Cars as a theme on his last birthday.

Cars Rocks!!!

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Who is the better looking Darna?

Hi dear readers!

Darna by Mars Ravelo will be aired by August at GMA7 starring Marian Rivera. This was previously starred by Angel Locsin (which is now on the rival station ABS-CBN).

I would like to know who do you think is more suited to play the role of Darna.

This is just for fun!

Angel Locsin VS. Marian Rivera

 Who is the better looking Darna?

• 
  
  Angel Locsin
• 
  
  Marian Rivera

view results
Free vote poll

A little girl's last wish

Colby Curtin, a 10 year old girl from California was diagnosed last 2005 with vascular cancer, with just days to live she had a single request, she desperately wanted to see the new Pixar movie, "Up." Unfortunately, she was too ill to go to the theater. Pixar learned about Colby's illness and her dying wish, so the company sent a representative to deliver an unreleased DVD copy for Colby to watch in her room. Though she could no longer see, her mother narrated the action. Colby died several hours after the movie ended with her parents at her side.


UP is about a cranky old man and an overeager Wilderness Explorer who fly to South America in a floating house suspended from helium balloons.

via: nowpublic.com


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Recipe for the Week : Pinakbet

This is my favorite main dish. If you will offer me Adobo vs. Pinakbet, I would surely choose the latter.


Preparation Time: 00:10
Cooking Time: 00:15
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

2 tbsp cooking oil
1pc onion
1pc garlic
1/8 pork cut in small pieces or shrimp
5 pcs tomato
1 cup sigarilyas
3/4 cup okra cut-up
2 pieces eggplants, sliced
1 cup sitao, cut into 2 inches long
1 cup ampalaya, sliced
Bagoong to taste

Procedure:

1. Heat cooking oil, saute garlic, onion, tomato and pork (shrimp).
1. Stir in all vegetable. Cook until tender.
3. Add Bagoong to taste.
3. Bring to boil. Serve while hot.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:

Calories:55
Carbohydrates (g):6
Protein (g):1
Fats (g):3

picture via: flickr

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

L.A Lakers won over Orlando Magic

I don't really watch NBA games, so I don't know how did it happen ü.  I've just heard the news in the T.V. last night.  I don't even know who the players are in every team.  My husband also is not into sports, he liked playing computer games more rather than watching it.  He even told me that he will teach our son to play basketball, but not in the hardcourt but rather on the playstation.  Even when our very own "boxing champ" Manny Pacquio has a fight, I am more interested and enthusiastic to watch it compared to him. 

Anyway, I became interested with NBA when I was still working, and I had four basketball fanatic co-workers (Rex, Rey, JP and James).  I am the only girl in the group so I really have to work hard to relate with them.  

Everytime the Lakers had a game they would talk about it every morning and even imitate the moves of every player that they idolized.  I loved it when they do that because they never fail to make everyone laugh.  They don't even care if they are wearing Barong Tagalog (it's a formal wear).  These funny gestures are always accompanied with the "swoosh" sound that the ball makes when it goes through the basket.

One of them (Rex) is really a big fan of  Koby Bryant of  L.A. Lakers.  Even if you have failed to watch the game you will know if the Lakers have loss just by looking at the expression of his face.  I don't know if the real reason of his sad face is because of his favorite team's loss or he has loss a bet. 

While writing this I can't stop smiling because I keep remembering the funny things they do, all because of this game.

They really loved this game!!!! ü

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Woman Threw Away her Mom’s Mattress worth $1 Million

An Israeli woman decided to surprise her mother by giving her a new mattress to replace her old one which she has used for over a decade. But what was intended to be a pleasant surprise turned out to be a nightmare for them:

The girl told Israel Army Radio that she woke up early Sunday to get a good deal on a new mattress as a surprise for her mother.

She fell sound asleep that night, exhausted after carrying the the new mattress and then hauling down the old one to be taken out with the trash.

When her mother realized the next day what her daughter had done, she told her that she had been using the mattress to hide her life savings and had nearly $1 million padding the inside of the worn-out mattress.

The worried girl ran quicky downstairs, but it was too late. The garbage truck had already taken away the money-stuffed mattress.

The greater part Israel is now on the hunt for the $1 million mattress in all of Israeli dump sites.

Here is a quote from the girl:
"It's a very, very sad story but I've been through worse," she told Army Radio. "It's a matter of proportions in life ... people need to know how to accept the good and the bad in life."
via: cnn.com


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Recipe for the week: Brownie Cream Cone

Bits of brownies in caramel cream mixture

Preparation Time: 00:10
Cooking Time: 00:00
Servings: 6

Ingredients

1 square 8" x 8" ready to eat brownies
1 250 ml NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream
1/3 cup prepared caramel topping
6 pieces ice cream cones

Procedure

1. Scoop brownies into small balls using a melon baller.
2. Toss in NESTLE All Purpose Cream and prepared caramel topping.
3. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour.
4. Fill ice cream cones with mixture just before serving.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:

Calories:164
Carbohydrates (g):4
Protein (g):1
Fats (g):16


photo and recipe via: nestle.com

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

You're the 1, Goldilocks

left to right: standing (sharon and me)

sitting (fabie,gerlyn,tina and lhen)

taking the picture (lea)

Eating out is not only about superb-tasting foods but a lot of other factors combines together that make up a whole "feel-good" experience. It is also about the conducive atmosphere, the affordable prices, the friendly staff and a name that is synonymous to quality and excellence. These and more are the reasons why I keep coming back to Goldilocks Foodshops.

Goldilocks was very much part of my college life. It's pork barbeque, rellenong bangus and mouth watering fresh lumpia never fail to lift my spirits as well as that of my friends' especially after a stressful day in school. Sago't Gulaman is my personal choice as the best thirst quencher. If words are not enough, then maybe the clean plates and glasses shown in our picture taken almost ten years ago clearly manifest the truth that we can never get enough of Goldilocks foods and drinks. Clowning around usually follows as pure satisfaction sinks in and makes us livelier than ever.

You're the 1 Goldilocks, because through all the trials in my life you're always there to make me feel better.

left-right: me, lea, fabie, sharon and gerlyn 

tina (taking the picture)

left-right: din, fabie, tina, me and lhen

sharon (taking the picture)

Now that I'm married and have a child of my own, it is necessary to make wise choices. Every wife and mother would be happy to be able to bring home the "pasalubong" that would bring out that special glow in my loved ones' eyes without ruining our budget. My husband's all-time favorite was the choco rhumble. I'm not really sure if he notice that I always happen to have at least one to give him if I need to ask something from him. I'm sure he knows but is naturally inclined to give in to my requests. I have a feeling though, that this food casts a spell on him every time he takes a bite of it, making giving in far easier than expected.

Time has not made my interest in Goldilocks wane. Maybe this is because the people behind it makes sure that it remains current and exciting even as numerous competitions come and go. Health conscious customer can still enjoy as sugar-free bakeshop products became an option in Goldilocks offering.

Goldilocks is and were always be number one in my heart. You're the 1, Goldilocks, I swear!

Chinese fisherman trains birds to catch fish

“For hundreds of years, Chinese fishermen have been using hand-reared cormorants to hunt for their supper. The birds, which are considered a pest by some anglers in Britain, swim deep underwater searching for a meal. They are fitted with a ring around their neck before they dive to prevent them from swallowing their catch. This means that when they do resurface, they will regurgitate the fish before returning to hunt again. When the fisherman’s bags are full, the ring is removed and the cormorant are rewarded with a meal.”

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Benefits of using Virgin Coconut Oil

photo via: vitalitybliss

I just bought a bottle of Virgin Coconut Oil(VCO) yesterday. I am very much afraid to catch a Flu (Swineflu in particular) so I have to increase my immune system, and I've read that VCO is one of the best item to enhance your immune system. It contains Lauric Acid ( a substance found in mother's milk) which has a strong anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. These are some of the microorganisms that can be inactivated by Lauric Acid: HIV, Herpes, Influenza, Sarcoma, Measles, Pneumonia and Hepatitis C.

I've heard about the benefits of VCO a long time ago, that's when I was still an employee of one of the leading Supermarket here in the Philippines (that was Year 2004). I tried this item back then because suppliers gave it to us for FREE. But due to its awkward taste (which makes me fell like vomiting argh!) I have to stop it. It's good to know that some brands of VCO nowadays have different better tasting flavors you can choose from.

I have used the remaining amount for my hair, and I attest it really works. My hair back then was so soft and shiny. I used it as an alternative for my regular hot oil and conditioner. I know it works because I have a brittle and unmanageable hair but after I had a hair treatment and used the VCO every other day my office mates noticed that my hair is getting better and beautiful.

I had also put some VCO on my tummy when I was still pregnant because I've heard it can lessen stretch marks or even avoid getting it, but unfortunately it didn't worked for me. (sigh!)

Before, losing weight was not a problem for me since I have an ideal weight for my height. But after I gave birth I've gained an additional 40lbs. (sigh!). I want to lose some weight because I want to feel healthier, livelier and more confident. I found out that VCO also promotes weight lose. It stimulates the feeling of satiety, inducing a person to stop eating and raises the body's metabolic rate. VCO also regulates motility and has a wonderful cleansing effect for an effective elimination of body wastes and toxins.

I just hope it will work for me. It's cheaper than having a liposuction :)

To summarize, here are some of what coconut oil may do for you:

1. Improve your energy
2. Reduce your risk of heart disease
3. Reduce your risk of cancer
4. Improve your digestion and ability to absorb nutrients
5. Promote weight loss and maintenance of your ideal weight
6. Help prevent bacterial, yeast, fungal, and viral infections
7. Support and enhance your immune system
8. Help regulate your blood sugar and prevent or control diabetes
9. Help prevent osteoporosis
10.Help prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin
11.Help keep your skin smooth and soft
12.Help protect against skin cancer and blemishes

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Little Old Lady Moves Her House Brick by Brick

In 1947, May Alice Savidge bought a house to restore right after her husband passed away. A self-taught home improvement enthusiast, She employed a builder to repair the roof, but all the rest of the work - including brick-laying, carpentry, re-glazing and stripping plaster from the ceilings and 20 layers of paper from the walls - she did it with her own hands.

A few years later, she was told by the town council that her house was to be destroyed to make way for a new road.

She was determined to give them a fight. Dressed in a workman's apron, her greying hair tucked beneath a headscarf, she single-handedly piled high the thousands of hand-made Hertfordshire peg tiles from the roof.

She found a site 100 miles away, in the seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk, and obtained planning permission and laid foundations. A lorry made the round trip to Norfolk 11 times to carry every part of the house.

So began a life of hardship. She had no electricity and worked by the light of Victorian paraffin lamps. She used an alarm clock to set herself targets each day, noting how many nails she extracted from oak beams per hour, as she dismantled the house and prepared for rebuilding.

Two years later, the framework was fixed to the foundations by a local carpenter and May started to infill the brickwork. She had no experience of brickwork, but was determined to lay every single brick perfectly.

It would be another eight years before the roof tiles were put in place and the property made watertight.

By the time she was into her 70s, however, May had moved in and the house stood proudly in its new gardens, each old oak beam in place, the brickwork nearly complete and many of the walls plastered.

Now, her incredible story has been told for the first time by her niece, Christine Adams, in a book which is a heartbreaking tale of love lost, stoical determination and a poignant secret.

In tribute to her stoical aunt, Adams took on the project of finishing the house, and in the end it was May's hoarding instincts which breathed new life Ware Hall House. Adams sold May's memorabilia, raising funds to renovate the house, which she now runs as a bed and breakfast.

Through her extraordinary habits, May effectively financed the final building work from beyond the grave.

After everything and against all the odds, she had won - she had moved her house across Britain and defied the developers.

via: dailymail.co.uk


what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

Recipe for the week: Arrozcaldo

photo via: Flickr

Filipino version of congee made of chicken and 2 types of rice - a comforting dish during the rainy season.

Preparation Time: 00:40
Cooking Time: 00:25
Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:
2 tbsp oil
1 tbsp garlic
1/4 cup onion
1/4 kilo chicken cut into serving pieces
1 cup ordinary rice soaked in water for at least 20 minutes
1/2 cup malagkit rice soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
8 cups water
4 11g Broth Cubes, Chicken
sliced spring onions

Procedure:

1. Heat oil, saute garlic and onions until limp. Add chicken and cook until it changes color.
2. Stir in both types of rice and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in water and bring to a boil.
3. Add the Broth Cubes and simmer until rice is fluffy and fully cooked, about 20 minutes, add water if necessary.
4. Top with sliced spring onions if desired.

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT:

Calories:201
Carbohydrates (g):33
Protein (g):6
Fats (g):5

Recipe via: Nestle

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

May '09 Top EC Droppers

A round of applause to my Top Entrecards dropper for the month of May.
Thank You so much.








what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!

19 reasons to take a nap

The people over at BestHeathMag has compiled 19 reasons why you should take a nap during daytime.

"Studies show that not only will you feel better almost immediately, says Sara Mednick, PhD, a sleep medicine researcher at the University of California at San Diego and author of Take a Nap! Change Your Life, but a daily nap of between 20 and 90 minutes before 4:00 pm will also increase your mental performance, reduce your chances of gaining weight, and make you feel a whole lot more like having sex after dinner than you probably do now. What’s more, it won’t affect your nighttime sleep."

Here are just a few:

• Increase your on-the-job alertness by 100 percent
• Sharpen your thinking so you make more accurate judgments and better decisions
• Ramp up your productivity
• Regenerate skin cells so you look younger
• Increase your sex drive

visit their site to see them all:
besthealthmag.ca

what ever happens in life we should always remember to live life to the fullest!