Coconut Water Cocktails

A coconut-water infused cocktail is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer night—plus it’s packed with potassium, a healthy alternative to coconut milk or Crème de Coconut. Bartenders are putting a new twist on a favorite tropical flavor with these beach-inspired drinks:

Honeydew-coconut cocktails

~ Ingredients  

• 4 cups cubed fresh honeydew melon
• 1/4 cup cream of coconut
• 1 1/4 cups pineapple juice
• 1/2 cup melon-flavor liqueur
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• Ice

 ~ Directions 

• In a blender combine melon cubes and cream of coconut. Cover and blend until smooth.
• Transfer mixture to a large pitcher.
• Add pineapple juice, melon liqueur, vodka, and lime juice to melon mixture in pitcher. Stir to combine. Pour into six ice-filled 8-ounce glasses.

The Governor’s Punch

~ Ingredients  

• 2 ounces coconut water
• 1 ounce Governor’s Reserve Coconut Rum
• ½ Cayman lime, freshly squeezed
• 1 drizzle of brown sugar simple syrup (or a dash of dark brown sugar)
• 1 coconut shell (optional, for serving)

 ~ Directions  

• Combine all ingredients in a shaker and serve in a coconut shell (optional).

Coconut Flower Martini

~ Ingredients  

• 2 ounces  elderflower liqueur
• 3 ounces coconut water
• Edible orchid for garnish

 ~ Directions

• Mix elderflower liqueur  and coconut water. Serve in a martini glass garnished with an edible orchid.

29 -Fev -16 Coffee Quote

MY BLOOD TYPE IS COFFEE, WHAT ABOUT YOURS?

Reverse Cavities Naturally

I didn't now this is possible, but according to some dentists you can reverse cavities  and heal tooth decay naturally. What do you think? 

What Really Causes Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is another message from our bodies that something is out of balance. Tooth health is kept in check with proper nutrition, not dentistry or fluoride. In fact, fluoride doesn’t make teeth stronger and it actually puts our health at risk. In a recent study published in The Lancet Neurology, fluoride was added to a list of toxic environmental chemicals contributing to neurodevelopmental disabilities such as autism and ADHD. Fluoride joined the list along with mercury and arsenic. This casts a new light on those fluoride treatments offered by your dentist, doesn’t it? Unfortunately in many places around the country water is still fluoridated and any bottled water bought at the store usually contains added fluoride too. Not to mention the fluoride in many children’s toothpaste brands.

According to the doctors, tooth decay happens for a multitude of reasons including: 

~ Lack of Fat Soluble Vitamins (mostly vitamins A and D)
~ Standard American Diet Full of Processed Foods (SAD)
~ Hormone Imbalances
~ Lack of Minerals in the Diet
~ A Diet High in Phytic Acid (naturally occurring on most grains, nuts and legumes. Phytic acid can be removed by soaking grains, nuts and legumes overnight in water and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice before consuming them.)

How to Reverse Cavities Naturally

~ Remove Sugar 

Probably the worst culprit of them all for anyone who desires healthy, cavity-free teeth, sugar should be avoided like the plague. So kick that sugar addiction stat. Not only does sugar feed oral bacteria that prevents a healthy flow of dental fluids, but it’s highly acidic and can literally decalcify or demineralize the structural content of teeth that create dental decay.

~ Eliminate Phytic Acid

Phytic acid (phytate) is a mineral blocker and enzyme inhibitor found in grains, nuts, seeds and beans that can cause serious health problems in our diets. The main reason phytic acid has become an issue today is because we have stopped ancient food preparation techniques, such as sprouting or sourdough fermentation, which kills off the phytic acid. 

~ Consume Raw Dairy and Nutrient-Rich Foods 

Raw dairy is filled with the vitamins and minerals that contribute to a healthy dental fluid flow and help maintain strong teeth and promote oral wellness. Thus, it’s a great way to get cavity-free teeth. Loaded with calcium, vitamin K2, vitamin D3, magnesium, phosphorus and fat-soluble vitamins, it’s a good idea to consume raw dairy products at least weekly. I recommend goat milk, kefir, raw cheeses and organic grass-fed butter as great options. 

Remember, if you’re going to beat tooth decay, you need to increase your fat-soluble vitamin intake and mineral intake. If I were creating an ideal diet to follow, it would look like this: 

` Rich in animal foods like bone broth, meat, fish and eggs.
` Raw and cooked vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables.
` Raw dairy like kefir, cheese and grass-fed butter.
` Fruit, one piece daily early in day.
` Vitamin D — get plenty of sunshine, and days not in sun supplement with 5,000IU daily of D3.
` Foods high in healthy fats like coconut oil, avocado, olives, and fish or fermented cod liver oil.
` Fermented grains only and in moderation, such as true sourdough bread (or even better no grains at all). You can buy raw flours and breads.
` Nuts, seeds and beans only that have been sprouted.
` Finally, NO processed foods, packaged foods or fast food. 

~ Use Mineralizing Toothpaste 

First of all, I know it can get expensive, but there are several brands of fluoride-free toothpaste that you won’t have to pay a small fortune to get your hands on. Second, if you’re looking to save a buck or two and also want to remineralize your teeth in aparticularly powerful way, try making your own Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste: 

` 4 tablespoons coconut oil` 2 tablespoons baking soda (aluminum-free)
` 1 tablespoon xylitol or 1/8 teaspoon stevia
` 20 drops peppermint or clove essential oil
` 20 drops trace minerals or (calcium/magnesium powder)

~ Try Oil Pulling 

Used for centuries by Ayurvedic medicine, oil pulling is a fantastic oral detoxification procedure that has gained some popularity in the U.S. the last several years. Simply done by swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, this simple oral detoxification procedure has been praised to cure everything from gingivitis to headaches to systemic diseases like diabetes. 


If you can’t do 20 minutes, three to five minutes is still good. I recommend using coconut oil  and a drop or two of clove and/or tea tree essential oils for maximal antiseptic and antifungal power.

28 -Fev -16 Coffee Quote

6 Do-It-Yourself Remedies for Weight Loss + Workout

Gym memberships and personal trainers can be very expensive these days, making it difficult for most people to get started or continue exercising and losing weight. 

If you are looking for free information on home remedies for weight loss, you have come to the right place!

Here are the top 6 home remedies for obesity:

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is one of the best home remedies for fighting obesity. It helps improve digestion and aids in detoxification. Healthy digestion is an essential pre-requisite for weight loss as it helps your body get the nutrients required to burn fat. Furthermore, it helps remove toxins from your body that slow down your metabolism. 

~ Mix three teaspoons of lemon juice, one teaspoon of honey, and one-half teaspoon of black pepper powder in one glass of water. (If you use freshly ground black pepper, then just add one-quarter teaspoon.)

~ Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.

~ Do this daily for at least three months. 

Alternatively, you can simply have a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Apple Cider Vinegar

About a half an hour before you plan to have a meal, drink one tablespoon of straight organic apple cider vinegar.
How does vinegar help you slim down? Regularly following this regimen helps burn fat as it enters your body so you stay trimmer. It also helps to keep your appetite in check. Studies on people who take a shot of ACV before meals consistently show that participants eat about 30% less that they normally would.

Cinnamon Tea

Blood sugar has a direct impact on your weight as it affects how hungry and how energetic you are (if you have energy you’re much more likely to exercise!) If your blood sugar is balanced you are less likely to have a disproportionally large appetite, and your body will be more apt to use fat (energy) rather than storing it. While debate about its effectiveness drags on, more and more preliminary studies are coming out showing that cinnamon can help manage blood sugar levels, so why not whip up a spicy cinnamon tea?

You will need…

~ 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

~ 1 cinnamon stick

~ 8 ounces of fresh water 

Directions

~ Place the cinnamon in a mug and cover with 8 ounces of boiling water. Steep for 15 minutes before straining. Drinking 1-2 times a day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is useful in treating obesity because it stimulates the metabolism, increases energy consumption, and mobilizes unused fat in the body. It contains natural collagen proteins that make the body work harder in order to absorb the proteins. In addition, it helps remove toxins from the digestive system and colon. 

~ Take two fresh aloe vera leaves, peel them, and scoop out the pulp.
~ Put it in a blender along with one cup of citrus juice, such as orange or grapefruit juice, or simply water. Blend it for two to three minutes.
~ Drink this daily for at least a month.

Eat Spicy Peppers

One of the easiest home remedies for weight loss is adding spicy peppers into your normal diet. Did you know that the capsaicin in peppers speeds up your metabolism? Capsaicin is the natural ingredient that makes peppers spicey, and many studies have found that it can increase your weight loss quite a bit. Add it to stir fry or almost any vegetable dish for an instant kick!

Green Tea & Ginger

Green tea has long been debated as a weight loss aid, and more research is needed to confirm or deny how well it works. While some studies have turned up nothing, others have identified three main components in green tea that could help manage weight-caffeine, catechins, and theanine. Caffeine is just an overall boost to your system, and speeds up a number of bodily processes, including metabolism related to weight (technically speaking, metabolism refers to any and all biological processes in a living organism needed to sustain life.)

You will need…

~ 1/2 inch of fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped OR ½ teaspoon ground ginger

~ 1 teaspoon of green tea

~ 8 ounces of fresh water

~ Raw, organic honey (optional) 

Directions

~ Place green tea and ginger in a strainer or sieve and cover with 8 ounces of boiling water. Steeping green tea for too long can leave it with a bitter taste, so don’t exceed 3-4 minutes. You can stir in a little raw honey if you really need to sweeten it, but avoid milk or sugar at all costs. Drink 1-2 cups daily on an empty stomach.

For even bigger results you can do these simple exercises  

Do-It-Yourself Backyard Ideas

Thanks to many creative people on the Internet, we have discovered some pretty genius ideas for projects you can work on in your back yard this summer. Check them out!

~ Repurpose an old chandelier as a bird feeder.

~ Spray paint pebbles with glow-in-the-dark paint to light a path at night.

~ You can plant little mini gardens inside of steel pipe edging.

~  Recycle old tires into a new life

~ Set up a movie theater

~ Make a little colorful flower gardens

~ Build a simple treehouse

~ Put marbles in your fence's holes 

Gallstones: Everything You Need to Know

Gallstones are crystal-like deposits that develop in the gallbladder -- a small, pear-shaped organ that stores bile, a digestive fluid produced by the liver.

These deposits may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball; they may be hard or soft, smooth or jagged. You may have several gallstones or just one. 

These "silent" stones usually go unnoticed unless they show up in an ultrasound exam conducted for some other reason. However, the longer a stone exists in the gallbladder, the more likely it is to become problematic. People who have gallstones without symptoms have 20% chance of having an episode of pain during their lifetime.

When symptoms do occur, it's usually because the gallstone has moved and become lodged within a duct that carries bile, such as the cystic duct, a small conduit that connects the gallbladder to another tube called the common bile duct. The typical symptom is abdominal pain, perhaps accompanied by nausea, indigestion, or fever. The pain, caused by the gallbladder's contraction against the lodged stone, generally occurs within an hour of eating a large meal or in the middle of the night. Stones can also clog the common bile duct, which carries bile into the small intestine, and the hepatic ducts, which take bile out of the liver. 

Obstructions in the bile pathway can cause a duct to become inflamed and possibly infected. Blockage of the common bile duct, which merges with the pancreatic duct at the small intestine, can also lead to inflammation of the pancreas (gallstone pancreatitis).

Women are more likely to get gallstones

This is especially true as we age. (Gallstones occur in almost a quarter of women by age 60.) It's thought that the female hormone estrogen stimulates the liver to divert cholesterol into bile.

Pregnancy ups your risk. "During pregnancy you secrete the hormone progesterone in an increased amount and that decreases the gallbladder contraction". Bile lingering in the organ may become stagnant and stones may precipitate out.

Causes of gallstones

It is not yet clearly defined what exactly leads to gallstones. This may be one or a combination of the following theories.

~ Inflammation of the biliary system. It is thought that inflammation plays an important role in the formation of gallstones. Changing the pH of the bile leads to the formation of fibrin which, together with the bacteria are the basis for creating gallstones. 

~ Backlog of bile. If for any reason (malformation of the biliary obstruction etc.) Cause failures, allowing deposition of bile and gallstone formation. 

~ If the bile has elevated cholesterol or bilirubin, and the level of lecithin and bile salts is reduced, creating a possibility to form stones.

How are gallstones treated?

Sometimes doctors discover gallstones by accident while looking for something else. In that case it's generally best to leave them alone. But if you're experiencing symptoms, your doc will likely suggest cholescystectomy—an operation to remove the gallbladder (which may be done laparoscopically). Fortunately, the organ isn't essential; once it's gone, bile will flow directly from your liver to your small intestine.

Symptom: 

~ Pain in the upper right abdomen

This is where your gallbladder is located, just beneath your liver. Sudden, extreme pain could mean that stones are causing a blockage: Your gallbladder may be contracting but unable to drain, "so pressure builds up and it hurts," explains Dr. Silverman. But there are many other reasons you might experience pain in this area, he stresses, including muscle spasms. Call your doctor for emergency advice.

Sudden, intensifying pain in your intestines—located in the center of your abdomen—could also be a sign of gallstones.

~ Fever and chills with abdominal pain

A blockage by gallstones can cause a buildup of bile in the gallbladder, which may lead to an infection called cholecystitis. Pain, chills, and a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher are classic symptoms, and may come on after a big meal. There are a variety of ways to detect the problem, including blood tests and a scan that tracks the flow of bile. If you're diagnosed, your MD will likely want to check you into the hospital. The treatment might involve fasting, antibiotics, and pain meds until the inflammation subsides.

~ A change in the color of your urine and stools

Bile salts are what make stools brown. If you noticed that your number-twos are pale or clay-colored, that might indicate that a gallstone is blocking the bile duct.

Your urine can also provide a clue. When there is excess bile building up in the body, it can turn your pee a darker, orange color.

Yellowing of your skin and eyes may occur as well. Read on for more about jaundice.

~ Yellowing of the skin and eyes

Jaundice can by a sign of gallstones, but when it's accompanied by abdominal pain and weight loss, it may be a symptom of gallbladder cancer. If a tumor is blocking the flow of bile, the yellow-brown fluid may build up in the body and give the skin and the whites of the eyes a yellow tint. Keep in mind, though, that jaundice is caused more often by hepatitis than cancer. In any case, it's a good idea to see your doctor right away.

A sign you may need your gallbladder removed

Gallbladder polyps are growths on the inside of the gallbladder wall show up on ultrasounds, often when doctors are investigating unrelated problems. Most of the time, they're nothing to worry about. But people with big polyps have a higher risk of developing gallbladder cancer. As a preventative measure, your doctor may recommend gallbladder removal.

Baked Potato

The Hasselback potato is one of those seemingly fancy creations that’s actually deceptively easy to make. Cutting the accordion-like shape takes no time at all--seriously. But the more important point here is that you can fill all those crevices with exponentially more toppings (hello, cheddar cheese and bacon) than your average baked potato.

INGREDIENTS

~ 4 large russet potatoes
~ 4 tablespoons butter, softened
~ Salt and freshly ground black pepper
~ ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
~ ½ cup chopped cooked bacon, crumbled

DIRECTIONS

~ Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 

~ Use a sharp knife to cut the entire top of the potato into thin crosswise slices (about ⅛-inch thick), stopping about three-quarters of the way down the potato so the base stays in tact and the pieces remain attached to the base. 

~ Rub 1 tablespoon butter evenly across the top of each potato. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper, and then place them on the prepared baking sheet 

~  Roast the potatoes until they are golden and easily pierced with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. 

~ Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle each potato with 2 tablespoons shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons bacon. Push some of the toppings between the potato slices. Return the baking sheet to the oven and cook until the bacon is crisp and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes more.

~ Let the potatoes cool for 5 minutes before serving.

5 Hairstyles That Every Woman Needs to Know to Make Herself

If  for every occasion you have the same hairstyle - it's time to do something different.

For every invitation to party you don't have to run to the nearest hairdresser, it's time to tweak the following 5 hairstyles that you can do at any time:

 Elegant bun

Low bun

High bun

Perfect braid

Relaxed crown of braided

Wrong Reasons to Marry

Marriage is a serious commitment and yet so many people are willing to jump the gun without really thinking about what they're saying yes to. But often times, people do it for all the wrong reasons and it ends up leading to a bitter marriage or even divorce.

If you're going to marry someone, do it for the right reasons and not solely for the the reasons below!

Peer pressure

Whether it's your friends or family members, don't let them push you into get married. The next time they ask you and your man when you plan to get married, reply with any of these cute responses instead!

You Are Getting Older

Yes, yes, the infamous biological clock is ticking away and reminding you that you are running out of time. But, you should know that once you are in a bad marriage, you would be so much worse off and wished you had waited for the right person as opposed to settling for the wrong person because you think time was running out.

For financial security

If you marry a man for his health insurance or financial status, chances are, your relationship won't last very long. Marriages that are built on materialism have weak and shallow foundations and crumble at the first sign of adversity.

It’s the next step.

So you and your man have been together for years. What’s next? Wedding bells? Not all the time. Being in a long-term relationship does not guarantee a happy marriage. If you feel like you have to marry your man as opposed to wanting to marry him, you've got a problem.

To Get Over An Ex

Did you just hear that your ex has gotten married? Did you just go through a terrible break-up and you think jumping into a lifetime commitment will heal your broken heart? Well, this is really wrong. When you do eventually get over the ex (and you will) all you would be left with is a partner you do not love and the feeling of total regret.

A baby is on the way

A baby bump does not require marriage. If you and your boyfriend are ready for that kind of serious commitment, then by all means, go on with the wedding. Don’t make decisions at the spur of the moment though. Your child will need a stable and loving home, and if you and your man can’t provide that in the long run, then it’s better to make other arrangements.

Excercises For Perfect Body From Candice Swanepoel

The Candice Swanepoel Workout will show you how to train like an Angel. Candice Swanepoel boxes and uses circuit training to stay in shape. The Victoria’s Secret model combines all sorts of fitness activities to create the ultimate Victoria’s Secret model workout. Candice Swanepoel works out with trainer Justin Gelband.

To do the exercises you don’t need special equipment, just the will and some free time.

Flying T

Stand on your left leg. While you tilt your upper body to the front, raise your right leg. Stand in a “T” position. Stretch your arms in front of you while your palms face the floor. 

Do a “flying” movement with your arms, moving them back to front. 

15 repetitions.

Diagonal Plank With Jumps

Start with the diagonal plank position (legs to the right). Using your abdominal muscles, jump forward. Immediately tighten and jump left to make another plank. 

15 repetitions.

Advanced Sit-Ups On One Leg

Stand straight. Place your feet at hip distance and stretch your arms besides your body. Crouch a liitle and lift your arms in front of you so they are paralel to the floor. Shift your body’s weight to the right leg, lift your left leg and place the left ankle right above the right knee. Crouch a little more. Return to the starting position. 

15 repetitions on each leg.

Sideways Kick

Stand straight with your feet at hip distance and your arms bent at the elbows. Shift your weight to your right leg and kick sideways with your left leg. Return the left leg to the starting position.

30 kicks with each leg.

Dynamic Sideways Plank

Get in the sideways plank position. Use your right arm as support and get your left arm straigt above you. Lower your hips close to the floor but be careful not to touch it. Immediately lift your hips upwards. 

15 repetitions on each side

If you want more watch this video :) 

Bacon Fried Mozzarella Sticks!

It looks so tasty as it sounds. So next time you think what to serve for appetizers or to enrich lunch, use this idea.

Make a big batch of these babies and get that remote ready  : )

What you’ll need

~ 1 lb. bacon..2 slices per mozzarella stick!
~ approx. 6 mozzarella cheese sticks
~ oil for frying.
~ toothpicks
~ Ranch for dipping…or any dippers you’d like! 

Directions:

~ The first thing you need to do is FREEZE the CHEESE.  At least for a few hours!

~ Lay out a slice of bacon, and place a frozen cheese stick onto it..pulling up the bacon ends to cover each end of the cheese…

~ Now wrap another slice of bacon around the cheese stick, using it to secure the first bacon slice. Use a toothpick to secure the bacon while frying! 

~ Fry them up in hot (350 degree) oil, until they’re crispy and golden, let them cool on some paper towel. 

~ Serve them with some ranch for dipping! And DIG IN! ~Enjoy!!

Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate cupcakes are the ultimate party food. Make some for your next party!

Ingredients

~ 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
~ 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
~ 2 teaspoons baking powder
~ 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
~ 1/8 teaspoon salt
~ 3 tablespoons butter, softened
~ 1 1/2 cups white sugar
~ 2 eggs
~ 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
~ 1 cup milk 

Directions

~ Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin pan with paper or foil liners. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa and salt. Set aside. 

~ In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition, then stir in the vanilla. Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk; beat well. Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full. 

~ Bake for 15 to 17 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean. Frost with your favorite frosting when cool.

Pilates in the Office

For proper posture, better balance and strengthen the muscles, experts advise while in office not to sit on a chair, but on a big pilates ball.

This way you can spend the excess calories. It has been proven that by sitting on the ball and balancing a PC in just one working day, you can spend at least 160 calories. While establishing balance, the body is always changing position, as well as improves concentration and circulation. In the pause time you can do light stretching exercises.

Chest  

Lie on the ball and set so that your back is leaning completely. Relax the hips and head and let your hands fall easily a side. Hold this position for about five seconds. 

Lower Body

Ready to use the arms and the legs? For this one, complete a traditional squat, while holding the stability ball with the arms extended overhead. Adding weight (nope, not quite light as air) while keeping the torso in an upright position engages the shoulders and deltoid muscles. Go for 10 to 15 reps of this bad boy.

25 Reasons Why Your Mother is Your First and Best Friend for Life

MOTHER. One word, thousands of memories and endless emotions. 

Is there a person who you trust more than a woman who dedicated her life to you, the woman who is your first teacher, your strongest supporter, but also your fiercest critic? 

Sure, you have many friends, but none of them knows you better than the person who brought you into this world and none of them are fighting for your happiness as your mother.  

Stop searches for trusted friends because the trusted one is right under your roof.

1. She fell in love with you the moment you were born, but so did you. When you were born your mother found her soul mate and swore to be by your side forever. 

2. She knows your thoughts even if you don’t say anything. 

3. She is the only one who can handle your insults and anger. If anyone knows how to forgive, that is your mother. 

4. She is your biggest supporter. Even if she is not physically by your side, she is always there for you, and knowing that gives you strength. 

5. She always gives you the right advice, even though she knows you will do what you want. 

6. She always pus you and your life first. Her love for you is unconditional. 

7. She is convinced that you are the best at what you do, and she tells the rest of the world to. 

8. She doesn’t mind sharing her clothes and fashion accessories with you. 

9. She always answers her phone when you call her regardless of where she is. 

10. You call her every time life puts you on a test. 

11. You call her when life is really beautiful. 

12. She knows exactly what you want and she will do everything for you to get it. 

13. She knows all your sympathies and boyfriend since you were a child to present day. 

14. She helps you when nobody else is there for you. She is there for the good and the bad moments. 

15. She cares for you like nobody else does. 

16. She is the right person if you want to gossip and to tell her your secrets. 

17. She is always honest with you about the way your clothes fit on you. 

18. She is the only one who has been honest with you about giving up your dream of becoming a singer because you sing awfully or becoming a doctor because you can’t stand the sight of blood. 

19. Your mother knows more about your health than you know yourself. 

20. She supports you even though she knows you are wrong. 

21. You can talk to her about everything, absolutely everything. 

22. She often reminds you that you are the most beautiful person in the world. 

23. She is your partner in crime and your support. 

24. With every year that passes, the bond between you becomes stronger and stronger. 

25. Simply, she understands you. 

So, is there a better friend than  your mother?

Muffins with cheese

Treat yourself and your loved ones with delicious, soft and light savory muffins. Muffins with cheese are welcome in everyone's plate and are ideal for quick and irresistible breakfast or entertainment at home.

Here's how with just one recipe you can become an expert on making muffins that will be attracted by your guests to chop at least one more piece:

INGREDIENTS

~ 3 eggs
~ 1 cup yogurt
~ ½ cup butter
~ 2 cups flour
~ 1 baking powder
~ 200 g cheese
~ ½ teaspoon salt
~ sesame

PREPARATION

~ Toast 4-5 tablespoons sesame seeds over low heat and leave it aside.
~ In a bowl place the eggs and beat with a mixer. Gradually add the remaining ingredients in the following order: yogurt, butter, flour, baking powder, salt. Good mix.
~ Said amount of cheese grate it on the big side of the planer in a previously prepared mixture.
~ Fill the forms for muffins with the mixture and cover with sesame.
~ Bake at 200 ° C for half an hour.

8 Most Common Triggers of Allergy

The immune system is composed of various types of specialized cells, proteins, tissues and organs. Its main function is the detection of harmful organisms and their destruction.

When the immune system mistakenly recognizes a particular allergen as harmful, then even though the allergen is not dangerous for the organism to activate immune responses aimed at destroying "the harmful pathogen." In this case it is a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction or an allergic reaction - an allergy.

The most common triggers of allergic reaction are:

Food

Some foods may bother you. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you have an allergy.

When you have an allergic reaction to food, it usually happens within minutes after you eat the problem food. These allergies can be mild or severe. For instance, some children must avoid peanuts in order to prevent a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.

Milk, fish and shellfish, nuts, soybeans, wheat, and eggs are among the most common foods that cause allergies. Your doctor can help you pinpoint exactly what your triggers are so you can avoid them. 

Symptoms can include: 

~ Wheezing or trouble breathing

~ Hives

~ Vomiting

~ Diarrhea

~ Swelling around the mouth 

Do this: 

~ Avoid the foods that your body doesn’t handle well.

~ If you think you have an allergy, ask your doctor to check it.

~ If you have a food allergy, you should carry an epinephrine auto-injector that you can use in case of emergency.

Drugs

Some people are allergic to certain medicines, such as penicillin or aspirin.

Symptoms can range from a mild reaction like a skin rash a few days after you start a drug to a severe and immediate reaction. They can be concerning because they can lead to anaphylaxis. Serious symptoms include: 

~ Hives

~ Itchy eyes & skin

~ Flushing

~ Belly pain, nausea, vomiting

~ Swelling in the mouth, throat, hands, and feet

~ Feeling light headed or passing out 

Do this: 

~ For serious reactions, including anaphylaxis, you’ll need to call 911 and you may be hospitalized. For milder symptoms, your doctor may give you an antihistamine or steroids.

~ If you know you have a drug allergy or think you might, talk with your doctor. The doctor may refer you for allergy testing.

Pollen

Many people call it “hay fever,” but pollen from many different plants can trigger an allergy. Symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. 

~ Treatments in order of use include:

~ Salt water nose rinses

~ Steroid nasal sprays

~ Antihistamines

~ Decongestants that you either take by mouth or as a nasal spray

~ Allergy shots or tablets (immunotherapy) 

Do this: 

~ Stay indoors on windy days or when pollen counts are high.

~ Keep windows closed. Use an air conditioner if you need to.

~ Don’t hang clothes out to dry when pollen fills the air.

Dust Mites

These critters are so tiny you can’t see them without a microscope. Symptoms are similar to those caused by a pollen allergy, but they often happen year round instead of just during certain seasons.

Treatment may include medications such as steroid nasal sprays, antihistamines, or decongestants. 

Do this: 

~ Put dust mite covers over mattresses, pillows, and box springs.

~ Use hypoallergenic pillows.

~ Wash sheets weekly in hot water.

~ Keep all areas of your home, especially the bedroom, free of stuff that collects dust, such as stuffed animals, curtains, and carpet.

Mold

Molds are tiny fungi with spores that float in the air like pollen. They thrive in damp areas such as basements or bathrooms and in piles of leaves or grass.

The symptoms are similar to those of pollen and dust mite allergies and include sneezing, congestion, itchy and watery eyes, runny nose, and coughing.

Treatment is similar to that for dust mite and pollen allergies. 

Do this: 

~ Avoid mold and get rid of things that encourage its growth.

~ Repair any water damage or leaks in your home.

~ You may not want to keep plants inside because their soil can hold mold.

~ If you rake leaves in the fall, wear a mask.

Insect Sting

Ouch! Something stung you, and now you’re having a bad reaction to it.

Insects that cause allergic reactions include various bees, fire ants, yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps.

If you get stung by an insect, you can expect pain, swelling, and redness and heat around the sting site. Those symptoms can last for a few days.

It’s rare, but some people get a dangerous, full-body reaction called anaphylaxis, which needs emergency treatment. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include: 

~ Trouble breathing

~ Becoming hoarse

~ Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)

~ Swelling, especially around the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, hands, or feet

~ Belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

~ Feeling dizzy or passing out

Do this: 

~ Make yourself unattractive to insects. Don’t wear brightly colored clothes and avoid scented lotions or cosmetics.

~ Keep insecticide handy, wear shoes outdoors, and stay away from outdoor garbage.

~ Talk to your doctor about allergy shots. They can help prevent anaphylaxis.

Animal Dander and Cockroaches

You might react to the proteins from oil glands in an animal's skin or proteins from an animal's saliva.

It may take two or more years for you to develop an allergy like this. Once you have symptoms, though, they may last until you don’t come into contact with the animal anymore. If you don’t have pets, it might be cockroaches that you’re allergic to.

Symptoms include sneezing, congestion, and itchy and watery eyes. 

Do this:

~ Avoid the animals that cause your allergies when possible. If you’re allergic to your pet, ask your doctor if there’s anything you can do that would help, like keeping it off your bed and couches.

~ Wash your pet every week.

~ You can also take medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroids to help. 

~ If you have cockroach allergies, be sure to keep trash in closed containers and take it out of your home promptly.

Latex

You may have a mild reaction, like itchy red skin, from latex in gloves, condoms, or other things. If it’s a true latex allergy, you could also have symptoms like: 

~ Teary, irritated eyes

~ Runny nose

~ Sneezing

~ Cough

~ Wheezing 

It’s less common, but some people can have anaphylaxis from latex.

To treat this allergy, you may need to take antihistamines. Your doctor may also recommend you keep an epinephrine auto injector (Auvi-Q or EpiPen) with you at all times in case of emergency. 

Do this: 

~ Avoid anything that has latex in it.

~ Wear a bracelet that lets people know you have a latex allergy.

Banana Smoothie Recipes

 

I'm huge smoothies fan. I love to experiment with different flavors. So I decided to share a few Banana Smoothie Recipes with you. Enjoy :)

~ Banana 

Blend 2 bananas, 1/2 cup each vanilla yogurt and milk, 2 teaspoons honey, a pinch of cinnamon and 1 cup ice. 

~ Strawberry - Banana 

Blend 1 banana, 1 cup strawberries, 1/2 cup each vanilla yogurt and milk, 2 teaspoons honey, a pinch of cinnamon and 1 cup ice.

 ~ Banana - Pineapple

Blend  1/2 Banana, 1/3 cup Milk, 3 oz. Chopped Pineapple and 1 cup ice.

~ Peanut Butter - Banana 

Blend 2 bananas, broken into chunks, 2 cups milk, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 2 tablespoons honey and  2 cups ice cubes.

~ Mango - Banana 

Blend 1 banana, 1/2 cup frozen mango pieces, 1/3 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 cup orange-mango juice. 

Get Rid of Stretch Marks Fast

Stretch marks are the off-coloured stripes or streaks formed on the skin as a result of swift stretching of skin or weight changes. They mainly appear on abdomen due to pregnancy or obesity. In dermatology, they are termed as Striae. They are formed due to hormonal changes related to pregnancy, puberty, hormone replacement therapy, etc. Stretch marks can be commonly seen on waist, thighs, lower backs, hips, breasts, arms, and buttocks. How are these stretch marks formed? The skin of the human body consists of three main layers: 

~ Epidermis (the outer layer)

~ Dermis (the middle layer)

~ Hypodermic (the deepest and third layer) 

When the connective tissue is stretched due to the expansion and contraction of skin, the stretch marks starts developing on the dermis or the middle layer of the skin. With the stretch in skin, the collagen gets weak, and the elastin fibres start tearing. Due to this, its normal production cycle gets damaged or interrupted. This results in the formation of fine scars under the epidermis or the top layer of the skin. Initially, they appear red or pink, but gradually, they turned into thin silvery line.

Stretch marks can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter treats very well the stretch marks and is also very good at preventing them from appearing. Apply cocoa butter once a day on the affected areas and you will notice the healing process and the result. You will have less visible stretch marks with less effort.

Aloe Vera

By applying Aloe Vera gel every morning on your stretch marks you will see amazing results, the stretch marks will slowly start to fade. Aloe Vera is one of the most commonly used home treatment with highly healing properties.

Egg Whites

Eggs are a rich source of protein. For stretch marks, you want to use only the egg whites, which contain amino acids and proteins. Whip the whites of two eggs gently with a fork. Clean the affected skin area with water and then apply a thick layer of egg whites with a makeup brush. Allow the egg whites to dry completely and then rinse the area with cold water. Finally apply some olive oil on the skin to keep it moisturized.

Vitamin E

Like in many other cases, home-made remedies can greatly vary from one person to other. Vitamin E is one of the remedy that many women say it has magical results. All you have to do is to apply daily on your affected areas and the stretch marks will gradually start to fade. You can also use soap with Vitamin E and it will have the same effect.

Glycerine and Lemon

Lemon is rich in citrus acid. Put 1-2 drops of glycerine in lemon. Rub the lemon on the affected area gently. Repeat the process two times a day. It will not only reduce the stretch marks, but will also keep your skin moisturized.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is helpful in preventing scars on dermis. Vitamin K is present in green vegetables, like cabbage, spring onions, pickled cucumber, etc. Make a salad of all these vegetables and consume it daily to get rid of stretch marks.

Lavender Oil

It is really hard to make the stretch marks to disappear , but you can at least make them less noticeable. Lavender oil is also one of the most used and known remedy for stretch marks. You need to apply three times a day on the stretch marks and it will make them less visible . It is very cheap and if applied properly , you will see some improvements to your skin.