Life Lessons Let Go: What It Means And Why You Should Do It 8:00 AM Letting go doesn't mean that you don't care about someone anymore. It's just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself. -Deborah Reber You need to let go. If you're still affected by it, you still feel something for it. If you still hate someone who has wronged you in the past, you still are under the other person’s power. Let go of hatred and release yourself from the prison you have created. Let go of grudge and declare yourself free from the other person’s clutch. Let go of anger and remove the other person’s power to control you altogether. You are not your emotions. You are not your feelings. You are not a slave of your past mistakes. You are more than that. Take ownership of your life. Again. Now. Learn to let it go.Giphy What does it mean to let go? Letting go means you need to stop holding on to what's holding you back.It means setting yourself free.Let go of...Your past mistakes and wrong decisions. Just bring the lessons you learned from them, Your traumas and pains. We are all wounded and scarred. It happened. It's over. It can't hurt you now unless you let it. Your TOTGA (the one that got away). If it was meant to be, it will be. If things didn't go your way, it's all for the best. Your could have been and the what ifs. Don't beat yourself up for things that never occurred. You cannot change the past. You can only take charge of your present and choose what kind of future you want. Stop beating yourself up. Stop crying over spilled milk. "Stop clinging to the past. No matter how tightly you hold on, it's already gone." - How I Met Your MotherGiphy Why do we keep holding on?Sometimes we hold on to it because it's what we've known to be 'home' for so long. We always come back home, don't we? It's familiar and what's familiar brings us comfort. It makes us feel confident somehow because we know how things go. Or maybe because we've grown attached to it that it's the only reality we know. And the unknown terrifies us.Or maybe because we're hoping that if we keep holding on, things will change for the better. And we'll live happily ever after.GfycatWhy you should let go?We need to let go because greater things happen outside our comfort zone. Miracles happen in the courage zone. Because we get to see things we never thought existed. Because we experience something beyond our imagination.We need to let go because we need to free ourselves of the old so the new can come in.We need to let go because as long as our hands are still full, we won't have space to receive again.Sfygif The reason most people are afraid of the dark is not because of the dark per se. But because they can't see and that makes them unsure of what will happen next. Will harm come to me? Will I fall? Will I get hurt? These are the same questions we ask ourselves when we're about to make a major shift and let go of the familiar.It is what you don't see and know that scares you. It is what you think is out of your control that frightens you. But amazing things happen when you let go of fear and embrace change.Just have faith.You'll never know unless you try.
Lux Thinking Aloud Another Year Older And Hopefully Wiser 8:00 AM It's my birthday week! I'll be another year older and hopefully wiser. I hope I've learned enough from my past experiences and make more reasonable decisions this time. I hope I'll be able to discern God's voice. I know it's not easy, but at least now I can say I feel at peace. I must be doing something right. My 2017 has been going so fast that sometimes I pause and think, "Are these things really happening?" So many things have occured. The year is not yet over but my life is already changing. Big time. Everything in my life is God's grace. I don't deserve any of these blessings. When I think about it, I'm too sinful to live such an amazing life. God's mercy and love are all behind these. Another Year Older And Hopefully Wiser I think as you mature, you make better decisions because you see things more clearly and not solely based on feelings or sentiments. I am glad to say that I am wiser in choosing the people I hang out with. If they don't value me as much as I value them, if they don't respect me and my time, there is no point holding on to the relationship. Even with relationships longer than a decade. Wiser to choose the food I put in my body. When you eat, you either feed or fight disease. (Who said that?) Also, I am more aware of the situations of animals. I am beginning to understand that I don't have to kill or support the killing of innocent lives just so I can be fed or enjoy eating. I am not a vegan yet but I sure am inclining to that direction. Thanks to my dogs who taught me that animals have feelings and can teach you about humanity more than some people. That they too deserve to be happy and have the right to live freely. I can say that I am at this point in my life where I am happy and content. And whatever God gives me that is outside my needs is a huge bonus. Late last year, I wrote about joining the dating scene again. But this time, I've found a different field. That field is on the web. I don't get to go out as often as I should be in order to find a potential partner. My circle is limited. And I work at home I seldom go out. So what are the odds that I'd meet my ideal partner on my way from my work desk to the fridge? Zero. I have planned my future life as a single person. I have made sure that even if I grow old alone, I will be able to secure and support myself. All I outlined was a life free of responsibilities for another living creature (except maybe for our dogs). I've pictured out a future of me traveling locally and abroad with friends, family or alone. I was totally okay with that. But then God has better plans. Well, he always has. He sent someone who, believe it or not, checked off the non-negotiables I have on my list. So far at least. God gave me all I seek and more. And I wish I can say more about it now but I'm still a little overwhelmed by how God works in my life and how He's made what seemed to be impossible just a year ago, so real today. Like what I thought is far from my reach is now in front of me. What an amazing God we have. I have learned that it is important to be specific when asking for what we want because God surely delivers. We just have to be patient. Because our timeline is not the same with His. He is neither early nor late. He is always on time. That's how omnipotent He is. Where am I right now in my life? Still deciphering. Still obeying. Still working every waking hours. Still planting seeds for the future. And still in awe. Sometimes I feel exhausted. Sometimes things still get to me (especially on that special time of the month for ladies). Most of the time, my back still hurts. But looking at the things around me and thinking about how far I am from where I used to be, I can't complain. I can only give thanks. On my birthday, I wish nothing more than for God to teach me humility, contentment, gratitude, and dependence on Him (because I tend to control things and get disappointed when they don't go my way). I wish He transforms me fully to the Proverbs woman I aspire to be. It may sound cliche, but I still do wish for world peace. We can't continue to live in fear knowing that anytime a crazy gun man would attack us or our loved one. Or that someone is being treated unjustly because they're powerless. Surely this is not what Jesus died for. Although I am untroubled right now, I pray that God would continue to guide me to where I need to be. To change my life according to His plans because I trust Him more than I trust my own visions and capabilities. There are more things I need to accomplish, more things I want to experience, and more places I want to see. There are more changes I want to happen. For now, I choose to be here, content, thinking about my upcoming birthday with a heart full of joy and gratitude...and a flight to catch! I'll keep you posted when I get to catch my breath from this birthday trip. Thanks for being here always! What's your birthday wish for me? Photo credit: Michael D. Molinare Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Technology How Technology Improves Life: Everything On Your Radar 8:00 PM Are you thankful for technology? Millennials today or those who were born pre-internet or pre-computer era may never appreciate how technology improves life as much as the older generations do. They will never understand the hardship and the patience from waiting for a response from a friend through letters, or hearing your loved one's voice on the telephone via long distance call. Often, the reception isn't so great. But now keeping in touch is just seconds away with messaging apps and SMS. Speaking of apps, just how many apps are you using? Do you use apps for communication, for shopping or financial management, and keeping up with the 'what' and knowing 'where' the great things are? Did you know that there's an app where you can add location context and tracking to your apps with just a few lines of code? How Technology Improves Life Introducing Radar. Radar provides tools that help app developers add location tracking and context to their apps. For example, a shopping app can send a push notification when someone walks into a Walmart or a Starbucks. Or, a travel app may change the in-app experience when someone is traveling and at an airport. Or a delivery app can help track all the delivery drivers. App developers can use iOS and Android toolkits (software development kits, or "SDKs") to add these capabilities to their apps in just a few lines of code. Building these capabilities from scratch can take weeks or months, but integrating Radar takes only a few hours. 3 Radar products Geofencing With Geofencing, Radar will tell you when a user enters custom regions ("geofences") that you draw on a map. Geofences can be circles or polygons, and they might represent stores, neighborhoods, or other regions depending on your use case. Insights With Insights, Radar will learn where a user lives and works, and tell you when a user is at home, at work, or traveling. Places With Places, Radar will tell you when a user is at a place, a chain (e.g., Starbucks), or a category (e.g., airport), even if you haven't set up a geofence for that place. Radar technology is used in many apps, including Warby Parker, Via, SeatGeek, Chick-fil-A, Raise. Radar strongly believes that location is the future of mobile. We've had smartphones for over 10 years, but most apps are not location-aware in the ways described above. Moreover, many companies in the location space are ad tech companies, like Foursquare and Factual. Radar wants to change this. Their priority is to help developers build great location-aware product experiences, and to collect and store location data in a privacy-sensitive way. Install Radar and improve your life even more. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Events Spit Roast Catering for Your Next BBQ Party 8:00 PM Spit Roast Catering for Your Next BBQ Party The moment you hear the word ‘spit roast’, you think about a boar hung over the fire in some wilderness. Spit roast is something more than this. It is an excellent idea for those looking to throw a barbecue party where the entire family can enjoy. Spit roast catering can make the party a blast and the talk of the town for years. During any festive event, you can take the spit roast catering services to delight the guests. Even for weddings, people are opting spit roast. Although this is not the first thing to be thought about, people are still considering spit roast. Till the time you have a professional chef cooking delicious meals and the meat is of export quality, this idea will be a hit. This catering can be very enjoyable for the host and the attendees. You may add a few options in finger foods when the guests arrive for reception party. As weddings are well decorated, themed, the last thing that a couple would want is plated dinner or a catered buffet. It is important to choose a professional catering company if you want to avoid sloppiness and boredom in the food presentation. For the spit roast catering, it is worth choosing the right meats to be roasted upon the spit. This is crucial for the party host to remember. Apart from this, it is important to know the cooking time consumed by spit roast. Generally, spit roasts take quite some time for cooking. You cannot put too big piece of meat or too small one. Although the meat takes longer to cook, spit roasts can prepare really delicious roasts. The importance of catering services Whether it is a birthday or a wedding, you should opt for catering services. If you choose a professional company for catering assistance, the food will be presented in the most attractive manner and you need not worry about the taste of the food. If you are planning to use spit roast to take the party spirit to the next level, it is even more important to take up catering services. The meat will be cut at the right moment when it is thoroughly prepared. The presentation will be great while the meat is tender, juicy and appetizing. You need not even worry how the staff will be. They will be dressed properly in formal attire. They will also take care of the surrounding and coordinate the activities. It is they who will set up your catering area, take down the area and make sure that the food is delicious and fresh. Spit roast catering is a healthy option Using spit roast during the wedding is a healthy option. The meats that are prepared from spit roast are delicious and healthy. There is a cooker in which the meat rotates. So, the fat and unwanted waste will be dropping to the catcher. Only tender, delicious and appetizing meat will be left behind which retains its flavours and aroma. When the spit roast is used for the meat, there is no need to use additional oil or butter. Spit roast helps to roast the meat in proper manner such that the meat uses its own juices for flavours. There is no need to add anything. When compared to other caterers, spit roast caterers offer affordable rates as there is a huge competition in the market. You can choose the items of the menu and the company will offer you a lot of options. With the spit roast catering service, you may include a variety of meat items in the party like chicken, whole pigs, lamb and duck. If it is the wedding menu, do not forget to include a variety of appetizing items, entrees and desserts. All images were provided by the author. About the Author: This post was written by Melissa Hamler, a professional blogger who loves to write on catering blogs. I hope the above piece written by me about Spit Roast Catering for Your Next BBQ Party will help the readers. You can follow me on Facebook or Twitter for more updates. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Food 5 Superfoods for Healthy Body and Glowing Skin 8:00 AM You may already be aware of the famous axiom “beauty starts from within”. This couldn’t have been truer, especially with regards to our skin. Our skin often indicates how healthy we are. Many times, people seek instant solutions through moisturizers and other skin care products. While this can help to some extent, the healthiest and cost-effective way to beauty is through diet. A healthy diet which consists of antioxidants, collagen, good fats, amino acids, and vitamins could mean the difference between a lackluster, puffy, wrinkled completion and a fresh, glowing one. After all, you are what you consume. However, some food contains more nutritional values to your skin health than others. Here are the top five superfoods to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 5 Superfoods for Healthy Body and Glowing Skin Raw Organic Almonds Almonds are natural antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and other anti-ageing signs. It also enhances production of collagen in the body. This plant-based protein has plenty of amino acids that not only support productions of collagen but also strengthen your body. Besides this, almonds are a great source of natural calcium. When consumed raw, they are alkaline-forming. The good thing about alkaline food is that it enhances detoxification and promotes healthy pH levels. In this case, it protects your skin against acidity, inflammation, and poor health. Almonds are also one of the best sources of both vitamin B and E. Vitamin E helps in protecting your skin from the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun. It is also a good skin nourisher. Chia Seeds You may already be using these seeds as a smoothie ingredient, but you might not have known that they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, according to Joshua Zeichner (a clinical research dermatologist and director of cosmetology at Mount Sinai Hospital), help in collagen productions and provide building blocks for healthy skin cell development. They, therefore, enhance overall hydration that makes you look fresh and glowy. On top of this, the seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. Gary Goldfaden, a professional dermatologist of the founder of Goldfaden MD, says that this is beneficial in combating and soothing acne-prone skin. Lemon Lemons, like oranges, are rich in vitamin C which is incredible for the skin. The fruit also boosts production of collagen and elastin that help to bind skin cells together which, in turn, lead to a healthy and younger appeal. In addition to this, lemon has properties that neutralize free radicals. While the fruit might taste acidic, it has minerals that help balance pH level and alkalize the blood. When the body pH levels get out of balance, your skin becomes dry and super sensitive. In most cases, your body can become too acidic as a result of consumption of processed food, alcohol, or beverages like coffee.Blueberries Blueberries are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Among the 40 common fruits that US Department of Agriculture studied, blueberries ranked top in terms of antioxidant activity. Basically, antioxidants help in maintaining a healthy and beautiful skin. They help to fight and neutralise the free radicals. Being one of the skin’s worst enemies, the free radicals are known to cause wrinkles, damage collagen and skin cells, and dry skin. Other than antioxidants benefits, blueberries have a high amount of quercetin and anthocyanins, which have anti-inflammatory properties. For younger looking, glowing skin, consume a half a cup of blueberries every day. You should also consider similar berries such as blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries because they are also good for your skin. The above superfoods have been proven to contribute immensely to healthy growth and development of your skin. Sure, you can eat your way to happiness and natural beauty. You no longer need to spend your money on the pricey products on the shelves. This post may contain affiliate links. About the Author: Allison works at KORA Organics, an award-winning brand of certified organic and certified natural products. She is passionate about beauty & well-being. She is consistently on the lookout for the latest beauty and skincare trends.
Guest Blogger 8 Crucial Steps To Survive Mass Shooting (Infographics) 8:00 PM While watching the news about a gunman freely shooting innocent people in the streets or in schools, have you ever wondered what you'll do if you ever encounter a mass shooting?Do you run? Do you hide? Will you be able to think clearly and face what may happen afterward? There are hundreds of possibilities and only two outcomes: you survive or face the consequences. Either way, it's tragic.And while I don't say this to scare you, no one wants to face the latter if they ever come across a deranged mass shooter. The risk is higher if you're not vigilant of your surroundings. Learn what precautions to make, and prepare for situations like these. The chances of coming upon a mass shooting are minimal, but in this day and age where we see this tragedy happen, it is better to be prepared.Stay collected and know the eight crucial steps to follow to survive a mass shooting and help keep yourself and others around you safe. 8 Crucial Steps to Survive Mass Shooting The infographic below will give you an idea of how to survive a mass shooting and avoid accidents while saving others regardless of where you are. By reading this and keeping casual yet alert at all times, you can save yourself and run to the nearest exit, or protect others and stay in cover if ever it is impossible. Read how to avoid a mass shooting and how to deal with the aftermath. It will help you loads! Note from Admin: I am against violence, and I despise irresponsible gun owners. But mass shooting is existent in this day and age. These mass shooting survival tips from guest blogger Naser can help save lives when faced with such a situation. Please be a responsible gun owner. About the Author: Hi, my name is Naser, a gun enthusiast who's always looking for new and exciting weapons to use and gun accessories to improve my skills. As someone who's had experience handling a gun since I was a teen, I have the expertise and skills to share my ideas and tips on handling a firearm correctly and with style. So come join me as I share my passion!
For Moms Benefits Of Giving Rice To Your Baby 8:00 AM Are you considering giving rice to your little one? The time when your baby can eat rice is the time when you get the opportunity to introduce something healthy and nutritious that will add value to his meals. Rice is a staple food that is well-recognized in South East Asia, especially in countries such as China, India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, and Korea. Here’s an interesting fact about rice. Do you know that rice was cultivated some 8000 or 12000 years ago? This is the findings that appeared in a study conducted by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. In this study, it was also mentioned that rice is actually one of the oldest cultivated and widely consumed crop in the entire world. The high population in Asia, especially in India and China, is linked to this theory. Rice is a crop that consumes a greater quantity of water. The abundant supply of water in lakes, rivers, monsoon rainfall, and canals contribute to the production. You might wonder whether or not rice is good for your baby. Without a doubt, it is! In this article, I will be giving you some of the top benefits of rice to your baby. Can I give rice to my baby? Yes, you can give rice to your baby. In a report released and published in the National Nutrient Database by the Department of Agriculture in the USA, rice is filled with nutrients such as water, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, riboflavin, vitamin B6, fiber, iron, phosphorus, sodium, folate, thiamin, and niacin. Rice is a low-allergen food and that makes it perfect for babies five to six months old. Benefits of Giving Rice to Your Baby There are lots of benefits that come with giving your baby rice. First, rice is a great source of vitamin B complex. Brown rice or whole rice is rich with vitamin B complex. These vitamins play a crucial function in your baby’s overall development including brain and physical development. The proteins present in rice are beneficial for your baby’s muscle development while the amino acids aid in rejuvenating the muscles following some contracting and stretching. The amino acids are likewise useful in building tendons and ligaments. Are you looking for foods that can boost your baby’s energy? Rice has it! Rice has a greater amount of calories compared to cereals. Since your baby and toddlers play most of the time, they need enough energy to prevent tiredness. Rice has a high amount of energy needed for strenuous physical work. If you are worried that rice can trigger constipation, don’t be. Rice is easily digestible. Hence, this is highly advantageous for babies because as little as they are, they still do not have the capacity to fully digest heavy foods. The weak digestive system of babies makes them incapable of digesting complex foods. With rice, digestion is smooth and easy. Have you tried rice with milk? If you haven’t yet, then, you should try and experience feeling rejuvenated. The same happens when you mix milk with rice. It rejuvenates your little one and gives him strength and energy to stay active throughout the day. The amino acids present in rice are enhanced when added with milk. In various oriental cultures, rice mixed with milk is the first solid food given to babies. Is your baby experiencing dysentery or diarrhea? Try mixing boiled rice with butter milk. This mixture is excellent in controlling dysentery or diarrhea in just a few hours after ingesting it. Important Measures to Follow When giving rice to your baby, there are certain measures that you need to follow. First is the selection of rice. Choosing good rice is important to ensure your baby’s health. There are basically three varieties of rice - the long ones, the short-grained ones, and the medium ones. The medium and long ones are more expensive while the short-grained varieties are cheaper. In preparing the rice, flour is essential. Before you put rice to a boil, rinse it well and soak it for an hour for easy cooking purposes. Using a pressure cooker, cooking rice is even easier. There are other alternative methods to rice preparation such as dry roasting rice for at least five minutes and then grinding or pulverizing it to turn it into a power. The powder product can be kept for a month or two. The rice powder can act as a base ingredient. When feeding rice, add some sterile water to it to produce a puree. Add milk as desired and with your pediatrician’s recommendation. Adding soy milk is not ideal because it can produce allergies. Speaking of allergies, also check your baby for any presence of rashes or swelling of lips, mouth, or tongue, or any sense of dizziness. Do you wish to introduce brown rice to your baby? Health specialists suggest that brown rice is better compared to white rice. However, there is one thing that needs some consideration. Although brown rice is a great option and has lots of vitamins and minerals, it likewise has fibrous layers that make it hard for babies to digest. Hence, it is advisable to wait until your little one reaches three to four years old before giving him brown rice. Final Words The time when your baby can eat rice is the time when you also need to be extra cautious of the foods you are feeding him. White rice is extremely beneficial but it should be selected and prepared well. Did you find this article helpful? Share your thoughts with us. About the Author: Mary Ross is a mom of four. She loves using her energy to help other people improve their lives. She started The Impressive Kids to help first-time moms and dads overcome the challenges of being new parents. She’s a foodie, and always finds time to cook for her family. Images provided by the author. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
