It’s not that I didn’t expect it; it’s just that I wasn’t prepared for the spring arrival yet. I mean, I could still feel the icy breathing of winter running through my veins. But it happened unexpectedly one morning when I managed to reveal my nose from the blanket, sniff an interesting fresh air and realize that the nature has changed over the night. I concentrated for a while to be perfectly sure it’s not just my crazy imagination. No, it was official, the spring arrived. The birds were back from far-away territories and they were happiest and noisiest than ever. I could actually hear them arguing, singing, chirping, yelling in so many tonalities and amazing small voices that it made me happy instantly. It was time to get rid of the winter clothes and become a butterfly. When I stepped outside I was wrapped in thousands of scents: fresh grass, bloomy tries, daffodils, tulips and oh… so many more. I could actually hear Vivaldi in my mind. It was the first day of spring; well not exactly; it was the first day of spring for me.
I revealed my new smile because it was the beginning of a new young season full of interesting and fresh ideas. I was finally ready! Spring took me by surprise, the impact was strong and wonderful and I was ready to meet its expectations.
(to be continued)
Believe it or not, small and simple changes like these can help you lose weight, improve, prolong life and have a positive impact on your health. You’ll discover the surprisingly easy tips for a total health makeover in the following lines.
You’ll need:
*desire to live, feel and look great
Studies found that persons who eat yogurt daily lose more body fat than those who don’t eat any. The calcium from yogurt helps you burn fat stored on your belly and thighs. So, indulge yourself and eat your daily yogurt!
If you are a wine lover, find out that the red wine from Chile gives you a bigger percent of cancer-fighting flavonols than any other red wine. So, it’s time to savor a Chilean red wine that matches perfectly your tasty dinner.
You want to sleep like a baby again? Try Valerian! It’s very easy to find in any health store near you and it’s clinically proven to work for eight of ten people. Is very important to get a good night sleep. So, if you have insomnia problems, try Valerian supplements and your problem will be solved.
Choose tuna for lunch instead of ham. This way you’ll reduce the risk of getting heart diseases.
Exercise a little every day. Make time for it! It’s very important for your health and body tonus. Pilates training is ideal because it works all of your body muscles. Try jogging, cycling, swimming, walking your dog or any other form of exercise you love.
Worry less! That voice of insecurity whispering in your ear, fight back and win! If you experience stress (who doesn’t nowadays?) try to reduce caffeine and other stimulants, alcohol, noise and consider quitting smoking, in case you still have that habit.
Eat dark chocolate instead of any other because contains a lot of antioxidants. This will be perfect for chocolate lovers.
Get back in shape at last! Instead of three meals a day, try eating more easy meals and healthy snacks. Eat every two, three hours and don’t let yourself get hungry. Hydrate a lot by drinking water and other healthy liquids.
Elevate your sex life! There’s nothing wrong with adding a little adventure and fun to spice up your love life. Consider a striptease, talking about your favorite sexual fantasies, making out like teenagers; these are only some ideas that might bring back the flame. Have fun together, you and your partner, because fun is the best aphrodisiac ever existed.
Even Valentine’s Day is gone, you don’t need special days to surprise your family with a great, funny and tasty breakfast. The heart-shaped muffins are very easy to prepare and you can make it your weekend’s breakfast fun, especially if you have children around; they will love to help you with the cooking activity. This recipe also gives you endless possibilities; you can always improvise and get inspired by adding your favorite spices, fruits and nuts.
You’ll need:
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 and ½ teaspoons baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 3/4 cup milk
* 2 eggs
* 1/4 cup melted butter
* 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon or orange peel
* 1 cup ground pecans or walnuts
* 1 and ½ fresh blueberries
* heart-shaped muffin cups (oven safe)
Preheat oven to 350-375 F. Grease the muffin cups and add a little flour on the bottom of the form.
Combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Add the milk, the lightly beaten eggs, butter, and lemon or orange peel.
Stir in pecans or walnuts and blueberries. Mix all together.
Spoon into prepared muffin heart-shaped cups, filling almost full.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until you insert a wooden pick in the center of the muffin and comes out clean.
Let them cool in pans for 5 minutes and then remove and allow cooling slightly.
Enjoy them with a hot cup of cafe latte or hot chocolate. They can be also a great evening snack accompanied by a glass of milk.
Special tips:
You can use all kinds of berries. If you cannot find them fresh, you can always use frozen berries.
You can add toppings if you want to make your muffins look even better.
If you don’t like berries, you may consider dried, dehydrated fruits.
This recipe that I’m about to share with you is one of the best main dishes. Even if you haven’t heard of it before, I strongly recommend trying it. It takes a little more time to prepare it, but at the end you will be rewarded with a great taste. This winter season’s recipe can add that little something that you were looking for and, even more, originality to your weekend special dinner. I’ve got your attention already? Good! Here are the ingredients and the steps to be followed.
You’ll need:
- 3 cabbages
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 onion
- 2 lb pork loin top roast boneless
- 3-4 tomatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bunch fresh dill
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoon blend pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 2 cups of water
- 1 cup oil
Wash the red bell pepper, peel the onion and cut them into little pieces. Add 1/2 cup of oil into a frying pan and add the onion and the red pepper. Cook them for about 10 minutes or until the onion become a little yellow. Remove the pan from the heat.
In the meanwhile, cut the cabbages in quarters and then every quarter into tiny pieces. Be careful to not cut the cabbage stalk as well, remove that. Add 1/2 tablespoon salt and mix it with the cabbage. Add 1/2 cup of oil in a pot and add the cabbage. Cook it until the cabbage turns a little yellow, stirring occasionally.
Cut the pork loin into squared pieces and stir it in the cabbage pot. Add 1/2 tablespoon of salt, the blend pepper and 2 cups of water. Cover it and cook it for half an hour, stirring occasionally.
Add the red pepper, the onion and mix all together. Cook it for 5 more minutes.
Meanwhile, clean the fresh dill and cut it small. Peel the tomatoes, cut them in little pieces and put them in a saucepan. Add the tomato paste and 1/2 tablespoon salt.
Bring the mixed cabbage, meat and vegetables in an oven pot. Add the tomatoes, the dill and mix them all together. Cover the pot with aluminum foil. Heat the oven at 350 F and cook all for about 45 minutes. Take the pot out of the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Put the pot back in the oven for another 15 minutes.
Dinner is ready! This cabbage, meat and vegetables recipe match perfectly with polenta, 2 tablespoons of sour cream and red hot peppers. Enjoy it with your guests and complete it with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Many of us live our lives in a tumultuous way and every day pass by at lightning speed. Sometimes we don’t even realize where the entire week has gone. You find yourself wondering: ‘it seemed like Monday yesterday, but today is already Friday’. Sometimes we are so caught in daily things that we forget to stop for a minute and think about our lives and what exactly we would like to do on right that very moment. Well, you have to decide if you enjoy your life the way it is or you would like to add or change things in your advantage.
You’ll need:
* determination
* inner strength
* perseverance
* optimism
An important step to increase the quality of your life is to activate. This means it’s time for sports in your daily schedule. Either it’s aerobics, Pilates, swimming, boating or jogging; it doesn’t matter as long as it gives you that tonus. You will feel better, sleep better and live better by exercising and it’s never too late to start, but do it today!
The biggest excitement of all is traveling. Nothing compares to discovering new, beautiful and interesting places that look nothing like your home. At least once a year take a trip to remember. If you organize yourself and reserve an excursion in advance, you may find great deals at travel agencies. Every one of us dreams of a great, exotic journey, but sometimes we don’t find the proper time to take it. Don’t post pone it! Traveling enriches you spiritually.
If you’re feeling tired every day, maybe it’s time to change something in your diet. Treat yourself with more fruits and vegetables, and you will feel more energized. Stop refilling your cup with coffee, eat an apple!
Make sure you get a perfect night sleep! It’s the time when your body and mind rest to be able to work properly the next day. Air your bedroom every evening before going to sleep; it’s very important to have fresh air in the room. Make sure you feel comfortable when you go to bed, choose cotton pajamas and soft bed clothing.
Spend time with your family and friends, make plans with the ones you love. They make you happy and it’s the best quality time ever. These moments always fulfill your heart and give you the comfort of the sweet home.
Never give up your dream! We all have a special dream and sometimes is getting so hard following it. Well, it’s never too late to start believe in that dream again. Keep in mind that nothing is impossible.
Reading a good book is a fascinating experience that gives you boundless possibilities. You can be everyone and live in every period of time. William Styron said that “A good book should leave you… slightly exhausted at the end”. You live several lives while reading it.”
Be happy with yourself and don’t forget to smile! No one likes a frowning person, not even you. I know, sometimes it’s too hard to be all smiles when the situation is not exactly rosy for you, but keep in mind that you might lose your temper with the ones who don’t deserve it!
Be young at any age! It’s very important to keep a young spirit, be childish when you’re needed to, leave yourself being spoiled once in a while, do crazy things like you used to do when you were a kid. It will make you happy!
Love! The most important one! Love gives you all the energy, the power, the joy, the foolishness, the sparkle and the wings you need. When you love, you’re on top of the world. It’s the ultimate sensation and our lives without love would be unproductive and empty.
The Oscars ceremony is one of the greatest motion picture awards presentations. The Academy Awards ceremony will be seen in many countries worldwide and the next presentation, the 80th, will be, as expected, transmitted live on television and will make the greatest event on February 2008. If you are one of the many of us who love the Oscars and want to watch and comment the best moments with your dear friends, here is a great party idea that will match perfectly with the refined ceremony.
You’ll need:
* stylish pajamas
* imagination
* TV
* confidence
* friends who go crazy about the Oscars
The Outfit
It’s easier to create one than it would be for a real Academy Awards ceremony, that’s for sure. Tell your friend guests to dress in fancy silk and satin pajamas or in long, elegant nightgowns, Hollywood style. Don’t forget to spice it up by wearing great matching accessories for the big night, like shawls, feathers, earrings, bracelets and mini purses in fancy colors.
The Decor
You know that the red carpet is the central piece and the delight of the ceremony, right? You may improvise a red carpet, like a long red blanket or a sheet to welcome your invitees in style. Arrange some nice blankets, in red, golden, white and black on the chairs and couch, where you’ll be watching the show. Use big golden candles to create even a greater atmosphere. Light them in tall, transparent vases; you’ll create a special lights and shades scene.
Food and Drinks
Organize a Swedish buffet. Arrange cocktail finger food with dipping, mini cupcakes, sushi and sashimi on ample plateaus. Be sure you have napkins in matching colors (red, golden). Don’t use plastic plates; it’s a special night, entrees plates would match perfectly. Complement the food with interesting cocktails. Use pomegranate or tomato juice to obtain a red color drink. Champagne is also appropriate. For dessert arrange spherical chocolate bonbons covered in golden aluminum foil in transparent glass bowls. It will give a great sense of occasion.
Entertainments
It’s the night of entertainment by definition, but you need to personalize it as much as you can. Comment with your friends the red carpet activity from the live ceremony (who’s coming, what everyone is wearing); it’s a delightful and gossipy moment. Prepare yourself for this event; find out in advance the nominees and place bets with your friends. Establish a prize for every guessed category (movie tickets, popcorn bowl and fashion magazines).
Special tips:
* take pictures to capture the moment. Later, you can frame the photographs, add movie like themes and quotations from the party.
* if you really want to declare a night of festivities, you can also decorate the house with bouquets of red roses. With this type of decorations you’ll let your invitees speechless.
* it is recommendable to have one of those High Definition TV-s, you’ll have the amazing reality sensation and you’ll feel like you are part of the Oscars Ceremony.
And the winner is…
With the cold weather installed, we’re all searching for hot dishes to warm our body and delight our soul. This vegan soup recipe that I’m about to share with you, it’s a very tasty dish and a great idea for light after holidays meals.
Ingredients:
* 3-4 carrots
* 1 celery root
* 1 onion
* 1 parsnip
* 4-5 tablespoons olive oil
* salt, pepper
* cumin seeds
* Italian parsley
* croutons
Peel the carrots, onion, parsnip, and the celery root. Wash them and cut them in little pieces, except the onion, which remains as it is. Put all the vegetables in a medium pot. Pour water in the pot until the vegetables are completely covered.
Cover the pot and bring to boil. After 30-45 minutes the vegetables should be already boiled. Strain the soup in another pot and put the vegetables on a large plate to cool faster.
Pour a cup of soup and as many vegetables as you can in a blender.
Blend all until you obtain a creamy consistence. Pour the obtained composition back in the cooking pot. Repeat the action with the remaining vegetables.
Add 4-5 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper as desired. Spread some cumin seeds for an incredible aroma and add a little more soup if your composition is too thick. Warm gently, stirring until all the ingredients are mixed in the creamy soup.
Et voila ! The extraordinaire soup is ready! Serve it immediately in soup bowls, garnish with a touch of fresh minced Italian parsley and croutons.
Special tips:
* the vegan creamy soup is a great choice for after the holiday days, when everybody is looking for light meals.
* this soup recipe could be also a great treat for holiday dinners. Serve it with toast, butter and Swiss cheese instead of croutons and your guests will be impressed by your original and interesting idea.
Traditionally, with the New Year’s Day approaching, people become more superstitious when it comes to luck. All around the globe there are so many traditions and customs that are supposed to bring good luck to folks. Many persons believe strongly in these good luck-bringing customs and they never forget to repeat them year after year. Here are some of these actualized good luck traditions. Hope to bring you good luck!
An interesting good luck custom is to eat fish specialties at the New Year’s Eve Party! It is said that you’ll swim through the New Year like a fish. You will be able to move smoothly and easily and go beyond obstacles with facility in the New Year.
At midnight, between the year ready to conclude and the one to follow, make sure you have some money in your pocket or purse. If the New Year finds you with money in your pocket, you’ll not miss them in the year to come.
Another good luck custom is to wear something new on New Year’s Eve. You don’t have to buy the entire outfit for the New Year’s Eve Party; it’s enough to have one new item. The proper way to welcome the New Year is by wearing something new.
The Dutch are eating donuts on New Year’s Day. They say donuts bring fortune because they have the shape of the ring, which symbolizes the full circle, the year’s cycle. If you don’t want donuts as New Year treat, you can try any ring-shaped food, like onion rings for example.
Make sure you have a bell in your proximity to announce the New Year. It’s a proper way to welcome the New Year and, guess what, it will bring you fortune.
Be aware at the first visitor on New Year’s Day! He or she would bring either good luck or bad luck. It is said that if the first person who visit is a tall, dark-haired man, he will bring good luck to the house and hosts.
It’s a very well-known New Year’s custom to make a lot of noise by organizing fireworks, confetti showers and striking crackers on the night between years. This way, it is said that the old year is getting scared and runs away, making room for the new one. So, be noisy on New Year’s Eve, scare away the concluded year and prepare yourself for the beginning of a lucky one!
The French toast is a simple and fast recipe to prepare. Maybe you have your house full for the holidays and you need to come up with an easy to prepare plan for breakfast. This recipe is the perfect idea for the holiday next day breakfast - and guess what, might keep the kids busy too.
Serves 10:
* 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
* 8 large eggs
* 1 cup milk
* 1/8 teaspoon salt
* 3 tablespoons brown sugar
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 2 loaves French bread
Cut the bread into ten 1″ thick slices. Pour the milk in a medium pot and warm it up a little, but do not boil it. If the milk is warm, the bread will absorb it better. In a bowl, beat eggs and add salt, sugar, cinnamon and the gently warmed milk. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed. One by one, dip the bread slices in the milk and egg mixture. Turn to coat well on both sides.
Butter two frying pans and place as many slices as you can. Fry on both sides until are golden brown. Repeat with the remaining bread. Serve with maple syrup, bee honey or with orange marmalade. Many people enjoy their French toast with fried eggs and bacon. Add some orange juice and coffee and your breakfast is ready.
Special tips:
* The French toast may be also baked instead of fried, if you prefer it that way. Preheat the oven to 375 F, generously butter two sheet pans and bake for 10 minutes, then turn slices and bake for 10 more minutes or until both sides are golden brown.
* Don’t be afraid to involve the kids in obtaining this delicious recipe. They will love it!
* This is a very easy to prepare recipe for a crowd, so make your late morning holiday breakfast a funny and joyful activity.
You’re invited to a Christmas dinner or cocktail party. Awesome! All the possible questions come suddenly into your mind: “what should I wear?”, “what should I bring?”, and so on. Here are some easy and helpful ideas in case you have those intriguing questions in mind.
Be very careful how late you intend to be! If it’s a cocktail party be 10-15 minutes late; for dinner you can be 10 to 20 minutes late. Never be more than 25 minutes late!
Bring something! If you’ve been told from the beginning what to bring, half of the job is already done. If you have no idea what to bring, buy some wine for dinner, fancy chocolate or a bottle of fruit liqueur for dessert.
Pay attention to the people you’re sitting next to! Remember their names if you’ve just met them, be open and communicative to them. Nothing is more annoying than an unwilling person sitting next to you, right? Remember that!
Don’t use your cell phone during the dinner. Be prepared to close it when the dinner starts, otherwise, in case of ringing, you’ll capture all the attention and the annoyed faces.
If you see an agitated host, offer your help. You might be refused, but you have the advantage of asking.
Don’t stay too long or leave too early. If you forget to leave, your host might begin to yawn or do the dishes, which, by the way, it’s not a good sign. By opposition, if you leave too early you might generate a mass exodus, which is not good either. So, you don’t want to be the first or the last to exit the party.
Thank your host the next morning. It’s such a lovely gesture and doesn’t need so much effort from you. Be sure you call and thank for the nice dinner party. An e-mail with thoughtful words always works. And if you want to be more authentic, send a thanks note or a lovely bouquet of flowers.