a frightening jelly bean experience...

My husband I had a great scare tonight and it’s all because of jelly beans. I don’t know but my hubby really loves jelly beans – he calls them as his stress reliever and he knows that it’s not healthy! Of course, since Katiebug is the daddy’s girl it’s no wonder that she also likes jelly beans. Don’t get us wrong but we don’t really give our little girl candies, chocolates, chewing gums and all the sweets; not even soda. To put it simply, my almost four year old girl hasn’t been introduced yet to these stuffs.

About two hours ago, hubby was happily chomping his jelly beans and my girl asked for some. So, the father gave in and my girl was happy getting away with two until she put one jelly bean on her left nostril and it got stuck! Good grief! She was screaming and crying; and we told her to try to blow her nose but the dang thing was snugly stuck in her nose. Hubby tried to take it out with hair tweezers and after how many tries and a LOT of screaming, it finally came out.

Then, hubby and I had a real scare with a lot of blood that oozed from our bug’s nose. It really scared the heck out of us. I asked hubby if we have to bring our girl to the doctor or emergency but he said we will wait for a bit. Thanks God that the bleeding stopped all of a sudden to our big relief! We are glad that she’s okay right now after I let her play in the tub for a bit. Whoaaahhh! What a night for us especially for my bug! This frightening experience helped us to a final decision that for now, NO jelly beans or any candies at all for our Katiebug.

Foods that lift our mood...

With the global economic crisis going on, all of us can't help but stress about everything. When we are stressed out, we tend to eat LOTS - I do! Here's an article I read on Oprah.com that says that there are certain food you can eat that will help alleviate stress.

According to Debbie Mandel, author of Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7-Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life, one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and be mentally and physically healthy is to follow a low-fat, Mediterranean diet.

Staples of the diet include:

•A lot of fruits, vegetables and other plant-based foods
•Little red meat
•Fish several times a week
•Healthy fats such as olive oil
•Wine in moderation
•Low-fat dairy products, primarily yogurt and cheese



Complex Carbohydrates

When you start to feel low, depleted or stressed, Debbie says you shouldn't turn to a pint of ice cream. Instead, indulge in some complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, for an immediate boost. "The complex carbs really generate serotonin [a neurotransmitter that affects chemical balance] for women," Debbie says. Some of her top picks include:

• 
• Oatmeal
• Whole wheat toast
• Brown rice
• Brown pasta

Lean Protein

Debbie says the order in which you eat your food affects your mood. To get the most stress relief, she says you should first have some complex carbohydrates, then, about 20 minutes later, have some lean protein. Healthy lean proteins include:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Eggs
• Low-fat cheese

Omega-3s

Known anti-inflammatories, omega-3s also have a positive impact on brain health. Debbie suggests eating these sources of omega-3s several times a week:

• Salmon
• Halibut
• Mackerel
• Trout
• Flaxseed oil
• Walnuts

Dark Chocolate

A favorite of many women, Debbie says a little dark chocolate is the perfect treat when you are feeling stressed. "It really makes you more alert and releases stress," Debbie says.

That's it for today, guys! May our mood and spirit be lifted up with the above mentioned food. Enjoy and feel good!

Sunday afternoon drive...

After the Holy Mass and our lunch at KFC, we went for a drive in Boulder yesterday. We took a short detour at Eldorado Springs, hoping to find something interesting there. Indeed, it was interesting since the small village is kind of deserted and dusty. There was a hot spring pool there and maybe this summer we can go swim there. We came to Eldorado Canyon State Park, we were surprised that it was actually packed with people and we learned that the said park is good for hiking for its numerous trails. Next time, perhaps! We decided to turn back and on to Boulder we went.

The drive to where we are going was very interesting for the road was so curvy and we were going up and up for miles. The views from up there are just spectacular. You can see the whole metro of Denver on one side and the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains on the other side. Some parts of the road are unpaved and it seems like it went on and on until we get to this:

GROSS RESERVOIR

Named for Denver Water former Chief Engineer Dwight D. Gross, the reservoir was completed in 1954. It serves as combination storage and regulating facility for water that flows under the Continental Divide through the Moffat Tunnel. Standing 340 feet above the South Boulder Creek streambed, Gross Dam contains some 627,559 cubic yards of concrete. Gross Reservoir has a surface area of 440 acres and 10.9 miles of shoreline.

We really had a wonderful time here. We had fun taking pictures of this beautiful lake. You will really be dazzled by the deepest turquoise still and calm water. Truly awesome and it is truly worth the long bumpy ride!

super nutrients that fight fat

I was awake so early today (well, I usually do) and I am just browsing here in the net. I was really hoping to find good stuff here and viola, here’s what I found worthy this morning from prevention.com.

I learned that the amazing ways of eating – NOT dieting – can improve your health, help you lose weight and give you all-day energy. In fact, new research shows that certain nutrients found in loads of foods are powerful factors when it comes to balancing blood sugar and encouraging weight loss. Here are four that can have a powerful effect on your weight, your energy level and your long term health.

4 SUPER NUTRIENTS THAT FIGHT FAT

1. CALCIUM

Scientists aren’t sure how calcium burns body fat—some believe it reduces the fat-producing effects of a steroid hormone called calcitriol. What we do know is that it works: Researchers at the University of Tennessee found that obese people who went on a low-calorie diet that contained three daily servings of calcium rich dairy lost 70% more weight and 64% more body fat than those who ate just one serving of dairy a day.

WHAT TO EAT:Fat-free milk and low-fat dairy, spinach, kale, broccoli, and white beans

2. VITAMIN D

A landmark study from Tufts–New England Medical Center showed that low levels of vitamin D raise a person’s risk of type 2 diabetes by as much as 46%. Researchers believe vitamin D quells cellular inflammation that contributes to diabetes. Plus, your body needs D to absorb calcium—and together, they can help fight diabetes. According to the Nurses’ Health Study, an ongoing investigation of more than 83,000 women, those who consumed more than 1,200 mg of calcium and more than 800 IU of vitamin D a day were 33% less likely to have developed diabetes than those taking in less of both nutrients.

WHAT TO EAT:Salmon, mackerel, sardines, tuna, fortified whole grain cereal, fortified fat-free milk, and Swiss cheese

3. OMEGA-3s

New science published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that women who ate a balanced diet including omega-3s lost 1 1⁄2 more pounds of torso fat than women on the same exact diet but minus the omega-3s. These healthy fats slow the rate of digestion, which makes you feel fuller longer, so you eat fewer calories throughout the day.

WHAT TO EAT:Tofu, enriched eggs, shrimp, salmon, tuna, walnuts, flax, and flaxseed oil

4. FIBER

Foods high in fiber are nutrient-rich, filling, and low in calories—a combination that makes them weight loss wonders. According to a study done at the University of Minnesota, people who stuck to higher-fiber diets lost 2 to 3 pounds more per month than those who followed lower-fiber diets. Fiber triggers hormones that control appetite, which also helps with weight loss. Plus, both soluble and insoluble fiber help control blood sugar: The soluble type dissolves in water and forms a thick gel during digestion, which can interfere with and slow down carbohydrate and glucose absorption in the intestines, explains Quinn. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water. It stays solid and moves quickly through the digestive tract, so intestines have less time to absorb carbohydrates, and blood sugar levels stay even.

WHAT TO EAT:Whole grain breads and cereals, brown rice, barley, oatmeal and oat bran, apples, pears, citrus fruits, carrots, beans, and artichokes

way to go baby mac!

Yay, my Apple Macbook is all geared up for my blogging feat. Hubby had installed Windows after he gave it to me last Christmas because I really had a hard time with the mac applications. However, I haven’t been able to use it because it still needed anti-virus software. We really need this for protection and to keep our very dear partners in blogging computers safe and free from viruses, spywares, rootkits, and other dangers. Last night, my man finally installed the Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security. Woohoo, way to go baby mac!

my beauties of friendship

I find this beautiful poem here in the web and I would like to dedicate this to my best friends Rutchie and Rizza. I just missed these two of the most beautiful persons I have met in my life. Here’s to you girls!

THE BEAUTIES OF FRIENDSHIP

"A Friend" The first person who comes in when the whole world has gone out.
A bank or credit on which we can draw supplies of confidence, counsel, sympathy, help and love.
One who combines for you alike the pleasures and benifits of society and solitude.
A jewel whose luster the strong acids of poverty and misfortune cannot dim.
One who multiplies joys, divides griefs, and whose honesty is inviolable.
One who loves the truth and you, and will tell the truth inspite of you.
The triple alliance of the three great powers, Love, Sympathy, and Help.
A watch which beats true for all time, and never "runs down."
A permanent fortification when one's affairs are in a state of siege.
One who to himself is true, and therefore must be so to you.
A balancing pole to him who walks across the tight rope of life.
The link in life's long chain that bears the greatest strain.
A harbor of refuge from the stormy waves of adversity.
One who considers my need before my deserving.
The jewel that shines brightest in the darkness.
A stimulant to the nobler side of our nature.
A star of hope in the clouds of adversity.
A diamond in the ring of acquaintance.
A volume of sympathy bond in cloth.
Friendship-one soul in two bodies.
An insurance against misanthropy.
One truer to me than I am myself.
One who understands our silence.
A link of gold in the chain of life.
The essence of pure devotion.
The sunshine of calamity.
A second right hand.

With you two, I have found my beauties of friendship. Thanks for always being there.

the bible verse of my heart...

"For God so loved the world,

that he gave his only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

This is the first verse from the Holy Bible that I memorized when I was about three years old. My cousin who is like an elder sister to me was the one who taught that beautiful verse to me. I can still remember that vividly. She also taught me and some cousins a lot of bible songs. She was still in college that time. My older brother and I used to tag along with her going to Sunday school then. Now, she has been teaching for years in a public school in my hometown back in the Philippines.

I can say that I have memorized the above verse by heart because until now I can say it in a heart beat. Thanks to my cousin who instilled this in my heart and mind. How about you? Can you share a verse from the bible that you know by heart? Please?

i say a little prayer for you...

I am so glad that Joy stayed for dinner here at home. I marinated chicken leg quarters yesterday and hubby barbequed them in our grill outside. It turned out so delicious, just like the chicken barbeque in the Philippines – very tasty. We also had fried smoked fish; and plain rice and cucumber salad as side dishes. Oh my Lord, we were so stuffed! I also made sweet rice for our dessert but we don’t have any room in our tummy for it.

Joy left about 9:30 pm. We were so engrossed with our blabbing with our cups of slimming tea that we didn’t notice how late it was. Her hubby called wondering where she was. We will just continue our conversation until next time. I really had fun tonight. Thanks, Joy for visiting!

I will leave a poem for you tonight before I head to bed, guys. I got this from 321greetings.com. So, read on and I wish everybody to sleep well! I will see you tomorrow.

I Said A Prayer For You Tonight

The most precious gift you will ever receive;

is prayer from someone who in Jesus believes.

It’s not wrapped with ribbons or bows,

and few people hear and few people know.

But it’s written in the chronicles of heaven.

Each prayer muttered, is a special gift given.

And yes, I said a prayer for you tonight;

For you to be calmed from all your fright.

For healing, and you to learn of God and His ways.

And, be able to look up at Himand give Him honor and praise.

I can’t see your face

and barely know who you are;

But I know one thing,

each muttered prayer will go so very far.

Oh my brothers and sisters in Christ;

Each prayer you whisper

is the greatest gift you will find.

It comes from the love of a pure heart;

That will last forever and never depart.

Someday we will all meet face to face;

We will be able to give such a warm embrace;

As the Kingdom of Heaven allows us to share;

In person what we can only do in prayer.

The most precious gift you will give;

Is a prayer,a sweet smelling fragrance so others can live.

By laying down your life in such a simple way,

Gives more to another than any gift will ever convey.

Oh prayer, no it does not have ribbons or bows;

It costs us our time, and our love that we share.

candle light dinner?

Hey there all! I just lit a candle with a cranberry scent here. Hmm, it smells so good in here. In a bit, our dinner of grilled fish and cucumber salad will be ready. We are just waiting for the man of the house to come home from work. I am sure hubby is ravenous after a day of hard work. He will like our dinner that I prepared for sure. Like me, he also likes grilled fish and cucumber salad with plain rice and soy sauce dip. Hmmm, mouth watering!

Before I go, I want you read this entry about the color of candles which has been posted in my portal of my mind blog. So, check it out!

Keep The Love Candle Burning

I just love candles especially the red colored fruity scented ones. You can usually see lots of them here in our home. I usually use them as decors in different spaces in our homes, as means to set a warm and lovely ambiance, as air freshener to absorb bad stenches and as God’s symbol to light our way.

As I have said that I love red colored candles. I learned that burning different colors of candles have meanings. So, here what I found out! Read on…

Cranberry Red – associated with passion, energy, courage, love, as well as enthusiasm.
Black – the absorption and elimination of negative energy.
Orange – strength, attraction, success, joy, as well as authority.
Apricot – a calming strength, as well as joy.
Yellow – deals with the mind, communication, clairvoyance, as well as learning.
Green – money, as well as lucky, fertility, prosperity and healing.
Pink – affection, harmony, and the kind of love that comes from emotions, as well as from the bonds made in regards to friendship.
Apple Green - emotional healing, protection, as well as achieving a calming state.
Cherry red – add to the love that an individual has for themselves, as well as creating stronger relationships with others.
Blue – for results in the fields of meditation, healing and tranquility. It can also be used to reach forgiveness within a person.
Purple - to awaken psychic awareness. It is also associated with wisdom and spirituality.
Silver Blue – for deep wisdom.
White - peace and purity and also protection, as well as truth.

Lavender – to reach certain levels in regards to intuition and dignity.
Gold – attached to the yang and also represents prosperity and the Sun.
Silver – attached to the yin and represents Moon, as well as identified with the female energy.
So, there you go, guys! Enjoy and keep the love candle burning!

so excited for this moment!

Welcome to Thinking Beyond...! You will find free, open, unadulterated and infinite account of dreams and aspirations in my journey to the depths of LIFE. With this, I hope to convey only positive attitude on this site since that is how I would always like to be - to always aim and hope for greater possibilities in life.

I have really been waiting for this moment, that is to have my own domain. I want to get on this right away but I am still unsure if I am doing the right thing? But with patience and perseverance not to mentions HIS Guidance and Blessings, I will get there. Just bear with me, okay? And please, help me make this site soar HIGH! Have a good one all!