The Top 5 Ways to Live Longer, Stronger and Happier

Just sharing....

Life in the 21st century can certainly derail our longevity plans! Lack of sleep, poor nutrition, too little physical activity, unhappiness and daily stress are five major rapid-aging culprits that wreak havoc on our health and shorten our lifespan. Follow these tips to boost your longevity and stop those crow's feet from creeping up on you too soon:

1) Don't Worry, Be Happy

A smile a day can zap those wrinkles away! Did you know that it takes more muscles to create a frown than it does a smile? When was the last time you laughed so hard that you hunched over from a bellyache? Watch a comedy, tell a joke or have a fun game night with your friends. Several studies demonstrate how laughter can reduce inflammation and blood pressure, boost immunity and even burn calories. A study conducted in Vanderbilt University measured the amount of 50 calories burned in just 10 to 15 minutes of laughter. Turn that frown upside down and smile your way to health!

2) Move It or Lose It
Start your day with some exercise to kick your endorphins and metabolism up a notch or two! The best way to keep yourself active is to engage in activities that make you happy. Are you a yoga fan, or do your prefer to shimmy and shake your way to a lean physique? Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of daily activity to pump your heart with oxygen, strengthen and tone your body, and reduce your risk for disease. For every pound of muscle you gain, you burn an extra 35 to 50 calories each day, which can add up to 18,000 calories lost each year!

3) Eat Well to Live Well

We have all heard the old adage "you are what you eat," but do we follow it? Our bodies thrive on the nutrients we provide it, so in order to maintain our youth, vitality and energy we must feed our bodies whole foods. Temptations like added sugars, fried foods, alcohol and a host of other processed foods abound. To add years to your life, don't cave to these cravings, and instead consume antioxidant-rich fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and heart-healthy fats. Here's a trick: in general, the less ingredients a product has, the better it is for you; stick to the whole foods you find around the perimeter of your food market. Try roasting some sweet potatoes for an added punch of vitamin C, potassium and fiber. Steam folate-rich kale with a spritz of lemon juice for a phytochemical punch. Proper nutrition is essential for disease prevention, so eat that apple a day to keep the pills away.

4) Be a Sleeping Beauty

The average adult requires anywhere between six to nine hours of sound sleep every night in order to replenish and repair the body from the previous day's stress. Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to weight gain, impaired cognitive function, increased stress and an overall poor quality of life. Try limiting caffeine intake to the early morning hours, as it can last up to eight hours in the body. Turn off computers and phones and sleep in a dark room to prevent distractions. You may also try drinking a calming cup of chamomile tea an hour before bed to increase relaxation. Sweet dreams.

5) Get Stress-less!
One of the greatest factors of rapid aging is stress. However, when the body undergoes chronic emotional stress, it invites multiple diseases. It is important to find some time during the day to relieve our bodies of unwanted negativity. To foster tranquility, take at least five to 10 quiet minutes during the day to close your eyes and breathe slowly. Give yourself some time to do the activities that bring you joy, whether it's reading, talking with a friend, walking in nature or dancing. Music therapy can also enhance your emotional well-being and reduce anxiety. In a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, patients with chronic pain who listened to music on headphones for one hour each day reported less pain and depression, as well as a sense of more control. Whether you're a Mozart or Madonna fan, turn up the radio and shake off the stress.

May you live long, live strong and live happy!

Dr. Maoshing Ni
Longevity Expert
The Huffington Post

The Shoebox

A man and woman had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box at the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover.

In trying to sort out their affairs, the little old man took down the shoe box and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money totaling $95,000.

He asked her about the contents. "When we were to be married,"  she said, "my grandmother told me that the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that If I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doll."

The little old man was so moved; he had to fight back tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness.

"Honey" he said, "that explains the dolls, but what about all of this money? Where did it come from?"

"Oh" she said, "that's the money I made from selling the dolls."

A  Prayer :

Dear Lord,
I pray for Wisdom to understand my man;
I pray for Love to forgive him;
And I pray for Patience for his moods;
Because Lord, if I pray for Strength,
I'll beat him to death.

Aww, this is really a rarity in this day and age... :)

Let's Ponder Together

I just find that life is really full of surprises. Good and bad they come together like Jack and Coke! ;)

Anyways, here's something that will remind us of something beautiful...Let it sink in and appreciate life! We only have one chance to live life to the fullest! I know, I know...Sometimes it's easier said than done especially if we are facing some trying times however, the question is, do you want to face the challenge being miserable or face it with confidence knowing that it can be solve and that you are strengthening your character and learning to be courageous no matter what situation you are in!

Here's something that's so beautiful. It's just so touching a story.... 

 A blind boy sat on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet. He held up a sign which said: "I am blind, please help." There were only a few coins in the hat after a long day of begging.

A man was walking by and took a few coins from his pocket and dropped them into the hat. He then took the sign, turned it around, and wrote something on it. He put the sign back so that everyone who walked by would see the new words.

 
Soon the hat began to fill up. A lot more people were giving money to the blind boy. 

That afternoon the man who had changed the sign came to see how things were. The boy recognized his footsteps and asked, "Were you the one who changed my sign this morning?
What did you write?"

The man said, "I only wrote the truth. I said what you said but in a different way." I wrote: "Today is a beautiful day but I cannot see it."

Both signs told people that the boy was blind. But the first sign simply said the boy was blind. The second sign told people that they were so lucky that they were not blind. Should we be surprised that the second sign was more effective?

Moral of the story: Be thankful of what you have. Be creative. Be innovative. Think differently and positively. When life gives you a 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1000 reasons to smile. In short, learn how to count your blessings. Face your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. Prepare for the future without fear. Keep the faith and drop the fear. The most beautiful thing is to see a person smiling...And even more beautiful, is knowing that you are the reason behind it!

Oprah's Favorite Things

 I am just in awe every time I watch OPRAH, especially during her farewell season. She's just ridiculously generous!  I know that there's a lot of other people out there who's doing such a thing however, since she is just one heck of a famous person, and she's very influential to the extent of using that power to make a difference in other people's lives! Long live, Oprah! Those favorite things just blew my mind away!

 www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Oprahs-Ultimate-Favorite-Things-2010

I wish I was there to receive those favorite things! Anyways, it's not the material things that matters! Those people deserved them for they were givers themselves! I could only wish for that Philip Stein Diamond Watch, Auntie Oprah! ;) www.philipstein.com/Oprah.aspx

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

So this is already out in theaters right now! I am not a Harry Potter fan but each time I watch the movie with my friends, I can't help it but appreciate the genius behind this film.

Here's what I got from my favorite movie website, www.joblo.com, "The film sold out countless midnight screenings and looks to set records this weekend as the first part of the last installment hits theaters."

Now, check this trailer and tell us what you think?

It's Official! Prince William Is Engaged!

Once upon time, there was a prince named William and his new fiancee named Kate Middleton. They lived in a far away kingdom called the Buckingham Palace.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40219363#40219363


They just announced that there relationship of nine years will officially end up in marriage most likely to happen in 2011. It's about time!!!  And this will be another history in the making after Princess Diana's wedding to Prince Charles. Everybody's buzzing around what gown she's going to wear and who will design it! Remember, it's a HUGE pressure to beat that one of Princess D and Charles wedding who had 1 billion of people watching that royal event. And this is a good story for all middle class citizens of the world or the "commoners", to be able to set foot and experience what it feels like to live like royalty! Bravo, Kate "Middle Class", that's her new nickname being known to some critics and envious people out there!!! Be brave, too! I hope that they will live happily ever after! Mazeltov!

Prince William has given that engagement ring of the late Princess D to Kate Middleton

Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito Results: Pacquiao Fight A Boxing History

First and foremost, I am indeed proud to say, I am from the Philippines and that's where Manny Pacquiao comes in. I am super excited and nervous about the result of this fight. November 13, 2010 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium Texas at exactly 10:00 pm was when that infamous fight took place and he made another punch and forever will be remembered in the history of boxing. Thank you for making history for our country and for waving that Philippine flag victoriously. Bravo Manny!

Manny beat Margarito and he indeed beat him badly. He gave him a remembrance of broken orbital bone and he will have to need a facial surgery.

 http://sports.espn.go.com/sports/boxing/news/story?id=5804295

Margarito Before

Margarito After

Carrot Cupcakes

2 cups (260 grams) all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons  baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

 

4 large eggs

1 cup (200 grams) granulated white sugar

1 cup (240 ml) safflower, corn, or canola oil

2 cups (210 grams) finely grated raw carrots

1 cup grated apple (approximately 2 large)

1/2 cup (55 grams) pecans or walnuts, coarsely chopped

1 cup (100 grams) raisins or currants

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, room temperature

3 cups (330 grams) confectioners' (powdered or icing) sugar, sifted

1teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C) and place rack in center of oven. Place paper liners in 20 muffin cups.

In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. 

In another large bowl whisk the eggs, sugar, and oil until slightly thickened. Fold in the flour mixture until incorporated. With a large rubber spatula fold in the grated carrots, grated apple, chopped nuts, and raisins. Evenly divide the batter between the 20 muffin cups and bake about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.  

Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack. Pipe or with a knife or small metal spatula spread the cream cheese frosting on top of each cupcake. Cover and refrigerate the cupcakes until serving time.

Frosting: In the bowl of your electric, or with a hand mixer, beat the butter and cream cheese until very smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated and smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract.

Makes 20 cupcakes.

Enjoy!!!

Read more: http://www.joyofbaking.com

Natural Way to Boost your Metabolism‏

Here we go, there's one thing that I am struggling right now and that's one word. Weight. It's not an easy job, it is hard work, indeed. So please join me in following these few steps and for those all of you who are also facing the same battle, then, you are not alone! It's not the end of the world, it's now time to become victorious and conquer it and regain that great bod again! (;

 A fast metabolism is critical to burning fat and managing body weight. While some dieters use diet pills to speed up their metabolisms, the risks and side effects of these drugs make them risky. You can use some safe and natural methods to speed up your metabolism.

Gain Muscle

The American Council on Exercise recommends resistance training for weight management. Think of your muscles as your body's engine. The bigger your engine, the more energy you can burn. Muscle, unlike fat, is active tissue that raises your metabolism just by being there. Adding a resistance training program is a sure method of naturally raising your metabolism. To make the most out of your time in the gym, train three days per week, training your entire body during each session. Use basic, compound exercises such as the leg press and shoulder press.

Keep Hydrated

Inadequate water intake can slow your metabolism. Water is responsible for several metabolic processes, including digestion, waste management and temperature regulation. The Mayo Clinic recommends drinking 2 liters of water daily. You can fight hunger as well as raise your metabolism by drinking a glass before each meal. To provide an extra boost, make sure your water is ice cold. Your body burns extra calories heating it up to room temperature.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardiovascular exercises such as walking, jogging and cycling are all effective ways to burn calories and keep your metabolism stoked. If you are just starting out, use a low-impact, low-intensity exercise such as brisk walking or moderate cycling. With more experience, you can graduate to jogging or intense cycling like spinning.

Coffee

Whether you realize it or not, you might already be waking up to an effective natural metabolism booster. The caffeine naturally present in coffee raises metabolism and can improve fat oxidation. Drinking a cup before exercise can also improve alertness and help fight fatigue.
  Courtesy of: LIVESTRONG.COM

Funny Signs

Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule Recipe

• 1 ounce vodka
• 1 tsp. sugar syrup
• Fresh lime juice
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• 1 sprig fresh mint
• 1 slice of lime

Directions

In a copper mug, pour vodka over ice. Add sugar syrup and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with mint sprig and lime slice.

Enjoy!  This one is inspired by Oprah! I loved it!

 

Laughter is Still the Best Medicine

Bonjour everyone! Here' one funny video where we can just pause and laugh our hearts out! We don't need to analyze the things that are happening in our lives instead we can have a good laugh, it is the still the best medicine. So, enjoy as I continue to laugh here as well! Cheers and have a great weekend!

"Attempting It"

My First Attempt to Make a Blueberry Cheesecake

I just want to share something that's of essence with what I am going through in my life right now.  Life is not at all a bed of roses. Day to day, we face different kinds of surprises, challenges and to some they call it problems..Well, I fancy calling it as a challenge. It feels better...Here's something that we all can relate and learn from it. So, whatever it is we are wanting to happen and still grasping for answers like me, let's keep attempting! (:

Every single thing you ever achieve will come as the result of something that you attempt. So get busy making those attempts. Sure, some of them will fall short of the mark. Yet each and every one will bring you closer to the achievement of whatever you desire.

First Attempt of a Great Jet-boating Event!

Every winning athlete knows that practice is what ingrains victory. Practice is the process of making one attempt after another, and persisting through each and every outcome.

Those who achieve the most are those who attempt the most. Those who are told "yes" most often are those who have been told "no" most often. Sure, failure is possible anytime you attempt something. Yet failure is uncertain when you never make an attempt at all.

If you're waiting for a sure thing, you'll wait forever and nothing will ever come of it. So go ahead, get out there, get your hands dirty and make the attempt. That's what will bring victory. That's what will bring accomplishment.

What would you attempt if you knew you could make it happen?? Go ahead and make the attempt. The first one may not get you there, but it will get you started. Keep making the attempt and the achievement will be yours.

by: Ralph Marston

My Man Manny Pacquiao

Oh well, there's so many things happening in my beloved country right now...I think there's politics, problems that stems from nature itself, and so many negative things that I don't want to dwell upon since I know that it won't help solve those challenges, anyways. However, if there's one positive thing that I could be proud of as a Filipino citizen and to those who love boxing and the Philippines as a country would agree with me is that there's one positive thing about this place is one name...MANNY PACQUIAO! I can still remember when I was still working back home when he had a boxing match, oh, the streets where so peaceful and there's not one person walking everywhere. My point is, the streets are always busy with traffic, people always on the go and so on and so forth. You bet all of my country's citizens are glued on the television, watching this man fight and knock down his opponent.  There's something in this man that makes our country seems to unite as one. BOXING. The world stops. People stop bickering, fighting, pause for whatever crazy things they're doing and focus on one thing only.

He will be fighting against Antonio Margarito on this coming November 13, 2010. And also he's endorsing his new cologne. By the way, he's now a newly elected congressman in his native province called General Santos City.

I'm wondering what is he thinking? Is he bored and thinking I should be training in the gym right now instead of sitting bored in my ass in congress! Hahaha!

Manny seems to be a Filipino version of Superman simply because not only he's a boxer, now a politician, he's also a businessman, an actor and a singer!


Imagine with Manny Pacquiao x Will Ferrell. Enjoy everyone! I am proud to be a Filipino! Mabuhay!

Bring it on, Manny!!! 

Happy Halloween

Raph's choice of costume is sure outstanding!

There's nothing more interesting than to feel like a child again...Halloween is such a fun time and to be happy with family and friends alike. One lesson I learned is that I have to prepare in advance when shopping for a costume. It's never a good idea to shop a day before halloween because either you don't have much choices to make or you don't have enough time to think about what costume you are going to use.

It is just amazing that no matter what we are going through, we can still all be happy and celebrate what seems to be spooky and over-the-top decorations and just costumes that are popular and scary.

Super scary!!!  

 

    Look at this guy, he's really enjoying his time and it shows! Gosh, this looks so real...(:

I made some yummylicious halloween cupcakes!

  I am going to drink and be merry. (;