Pregnancy and Adoption

  

It is every woman's dream to get pregnant. I've been in this quest for more than 6 years now. I've been going to different OB's for the longest time and I find it all so stressful. Though there is this OB that has informed me and my husband to take Glutathione as a supplement this is because my husband had to go abroad for 9 months. Nevertheless, I've still continued on reading blogs and countless forums of ladies out there wanting to have their own little angel. 

    We've started taking Max GXL (Glutathione Enhancer) for more than a year then switched to C24/7 then added Herbalife Nutrition. Aside from consulting doctors, we still try to live a healthier life. 

   Since it has been known by few of our friends and neighbors that we've been trying to have a baby. We've been offered a baby three times. The first baby was sadly sold for a price to someone else. Second, my husband is abroad while I work in a retail store, no one will be left at home to take care of the baby. Recently, a couple in the church shared their experience in adopting a child through DSWD. The processing will take about a year but it is better to do things the right way.

Considering all of these, somehow pregnancy and waiting for a child to adopt are just the same. They can both break your heart when things don't turn out the way you hope it to be. 

Now, that I'm working at home and only accept project-based jobs. This is the perfect timing.

   To consider adopting a baby is never a sign of giving up. It's our way of giving a child a better chance in life. So many times I've cried over unwanted babies that has been aborted or thrown into the trash. I believe that there are a lot of couples out there wishing to hold a child into their arms. No one should wait until they're bearing years is over before taking such steps. And now, we are given that opportunity I just hope that this will be positive this time. 


 

Valentine's Day Dilemma

February is known to be the 'love month.' Love is in the air, heart is everywhere. Everyone is expected to show their love for one another.

Surely, this will benefit a lot of businesses, restaurants, flower shop, movie houses and the like.

On the other side of it. Is that it create a lot of expectations. With us ladies, imagining how that special day will be. Our partner taking us out on a date, giving a bouquet of roses or chocolates. Great if it happens just the way you imagined it but what if, it doesn't?  How will it be then for you? 

Women are different from men. We don't think alike, men are about facts while we based everything on how we feel. Feelings that can get hurt when our expectations are not met. Just like the expectations Valentine's Day creates. 

We, as women also expect that our men have plans during Valentines. Coming from a family with a father who is very expressive over his love for my mother. I, somewhat expected the same from my husband. For our case, it's the other way around. So this Valentine's Day, I bought him a blue rose and booked a vacation in Nasugbu, Batangas. 

Crazy, but love is a two way thing. If you're partner can't do what you expected of him then why not plan it yourself? You'll get the same result and have the opportunity to express your love for your partner just the way you would want him to do so. 

Helping Others with Scraps

Some say that in helping others you are also help yourself. Years ago, I've met Aling Nelia, a mother of 11 kids. She collects scraps in our neighborhood. There was never a single day that I didn't see her smile. She has been very positive despite of her situation. 

After learning that she and her family is getting their livelihood from scraps. I've started saving her the scraps which she can still sell rather than throwing them into the trash. This way I am able to help out without spending a penny. 

I've also started asking myself what else I can give. When I look at my house, I've realized that I have too much clutter, stuff that I bought but I never used. So now, I am learning to keep it simple. Stop buying things that I don't need, and to give as much as I can for this is the very reason why we've been blessed. 

Now, if you think that you can't help just because you don't have enough money. You're wrong. Complimenting other people, giving out encouragements, sharing your knowledge, giving out the things you don't need can go a long way. 

Think of what you can do today.

The New Kopiko BLACK 3 in ONE with 25% More Content

In the past few months, I've been drinking less coffee than I usually do. But with the latest Kopiko Black, I find it hard to resist coffee.

I've joined a Bible Group in our subdivision, during one of our meetings the host offered us Kopiko Black. I've been hooked ever since. It's now part of my grocery list. 

Me and my husband maintains a 150-calorie diet in the morning while Kopiko Black has 110 calories. The good thing about coffee is that the coffee itself doesn't have calories on it and it can actually help you burn fats and be energized the whole day. 

I always add coffee on our morning shake & afternoon shake. One Kopiko Black is enough for my Banana Shake which is good for two less the optional ingredients. This way I can still enjoy the taste of coffee less the guilt. 

 
When we don't have enough time in preparing the our banana shake (at times I'm just being lazy especially when it's early in the morning). We just drink a cup of coffee. It is always best to enjoy a cup of coffee with the one you love. 

If you're a coffee addict like me. Better try this now. I'm sure you're going to love it! 

How We Saved Up on Turbocharger Repairs for Hyundai Tucson CRDI

Last December, my husband accidentally left the radiator cap open. Our car was working fine but problem arises after this incident. We have already spent over P20,000.00 for repairs and parts replacement. And this January the turbocharger broke. 

The technician we spoke to informed us that an oil change should have been done on the Tucson after the car repairs were made due to the overheat. This may have somehow prevented that turbocharger from failing.
  

The car broke down near a local technician known in our town. He was able to diagnose the problem and informed us that we need to replace the turbocharger. Here in our country, there are only few repair shops that offer repair for turbocharger. There are some that post turbocharger repairs online but will charge you P30,000.00 - P40,000.00 that is just for rebuilding the turbocharger. You'll still need to hire another technician to install the turbocharger back to place. 

Before spending over P30,000.00+ for turbocharger replacement. Watch this video and learn to do it yourself! 

(Credits to the video owner)

With this video, we were able to save over P20,000.00+ on turbocharger and just ordered turbocharger cartridge core on eBay. We bought ours from Powertec Autoparts.

Have it shipped and received the parts after 7 days.  The best thing about this is, my husband was able to rebuild the turbocharger by himself.  

Hyundai Tucson CRDI 2007

28231-27000

Engine: D4EA

CAUSE OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE 

1) Change oil not regularly done. 
2) Foreign object like dust or engine particles going in turbocharger. 
3) Past repair done on the turbocharger but the parts was not installed properly. 


SIGNS OF TURBOCHARGER FAILURE 

1) Acceleration problem. Car suddenly accelerate and go slow.
2) White smoke coming from the exhaust even when your car at a stop. 
3) A loud whining noise when the turbo is under boost.                                            

Lose Weight with Banana-Malunggay Chili Shake

Losing weight doesn't have to be that hard. The harder it is, the more you'll be tempted not to continue with your diet plan. 

1) Take note of your current weight then your ideal weight. This way you will know how many kilos you need to lose.   


 

2) Take note of your current weight then your ideal weight. This way you will know how many kilos you need to lose.   

3) Take note of your grocery list. The key is not to eat less but to eat more by choosing low calorie food and changing to a healthier diet. 

Changes Made to Diet 

• Switch from Palm Oil to Canola & Olive Oil 
• From Full Cream Milk to Non-Fat / Skimmed Milk / Soya Milk
• From Artificial Seasoning to Herbs 
• Removed Soft drinks or drinks with high sugar content
• Eat more veggies 
• Minimized your intake of pork and fatty foods
• Check on the nutritional content of the food we eat. 
• Cooked low calorie recipes 
• Add healthy choices for our grocery list 
• Plan the meal for lunch and dinner 
• Eat more chicken (no chicken skin) & fish

Meal Plan for the Ladies : 1070 calories/day 

Breakfast:  


Hot Tea                         
Banana Shake    150 calories


Lunch: 
1/2 rice or 1/2 veggies              100 calories
1 Chicken or 1 Fish                    300 calories

4pm Snack: 
Shake with Water Only              150 calories 

Dinner: 
1/2 rice or 1/2 veggies               100 calories 
1 Chicken or 1 Fish                    300 calories 




Maintain : 8-16 glasses of water 
No Soy Sauce nor any artificial seasoning. 
No skipping of meals
No softdrinks 
LESS salt 
NEVER skip a meal 

Lifeline : banana, apple, boiled egg or sweet potato. Limit it to 1 pc per day. These are your options in case you feel like eating.

Meal Plan for Men : 1600 calories/day 


Breakfast:  

Hot Tea                         
Banana Shake    150 calories

Lunch: 
1 cup rice or 1 cup veggies       200 calories
 2 Chicken or 2 Fish                   600 calories

4pm Snack: 
Shake with oats & banana         150 calories 
or Shake with non fat / 
soya milk

Dinner: 
1 cup rice or 1 cup veggies       200 calories 
1 Chicken or 1 Fish                    300 calories 



Maintain : 8-16 glasses of water 
No Soy Sauce nor any artificial seasoning. 
No skipping of meals
No softdrinks 
LESS salt 
NEVER skip a meal

Lifeline : banana, apple, boiled egg or sweet potato. Limit it to 1 pc per day. These are your options in case you feel like eating.



Shake Recipe with 300 Calories (For Two)    
  

1/2 cup water 
8 pcs.ice cubes 
1 Medium Size banana -  105 calories 
1 tbsp. Moringa (Malunggay) leaves - 17 calories
4 tbsp. oats  - 36 calories
3 pcs. Raisins - 6 calories
1 teaspoon Peanut Butter - 42 calories (Optional)
1 teaspoon Honey - 43 calories (Optional)   
1 small sized chili (siling labuyo) (Optional) 
100 ml - Soya Milk - 56 calories 

2 mint leaves - 1 calorie 

 


4) Take note of your progress every week. 

 It will take a week before you can adjust to diet like this. But over time, it will be easier for you and then you can add an exercise routine which will also help you to burn more calories and therefore lose more weight. 

This diet plan is inspired by Herbalife Nutrition. If you have the time and want to get more support as you lose weight. I would suggest talking to a Herbalife Coach near you. 

READ>>> My Herbalife Nutrition Experience to know what to expect.  

 

Homemade Rebond - Coconut Milk & Lemon

 


As I was browsing online for a Hair Rebond Home Service, I read a post about making your own Hair Rebond Cream. 

Here's what you'll need: 

1 cup of Coconut Milk 

2 tbsp Olive Oil / Corn Oil 

2 tbsp Corn Flour 

1 Lemon or 2 tbsp Lemon Juice 

Optional - 1 tbsp aloe vera extract 

Add a little hot water on your corn flour to make sure there is no lumps on your mixture then add the rest. With mine I used a food processor to make sure that it's all well mixed. 

Place it on a pot then boil, mix it continuesly until you get the consistency needed. 

This should give you at 1/2 cup of cream. 

Now, that you have the cream. First, wet your hair with lukewarm water then apply it to your hair including your scalp. Leave it on your have for 45 mins. to an hour. 

Wash your have with shampoo to remove the residue and smell. 

The Results 

The first time I've tried this. I noted that I will still my hair rebonded since it was not as straight. Now, after doing this just after a week I'll say better keep at using this 3-4 times a week and you'll see better results.

I'll say this is very good if you have dundraff. It's better than any scalp treatment I got from any parlor out there. 

As for my hair it it's softer and the part with hair color seem to lighten a little. 

After doing this treatment the second time, my hair feels softer. Again, it's not as straight but not I think it's better to have a healthy, natural looking hair than rebonded hair. 

Just keep at it and you'll see better results. 

Why Plant a Chili Pepper?

I've always love spicy foods and added 1 or 2 chili peppers on my dishes. It's just amazing that besides adding flavors to the dishes, it is also considered as one of the healthiest food.


In my quest of living a healthy life I've stumble upon a study on the health benefits of Hot Peppers.

Health benefits of chili peppers

• Chili pepper contains an impressive list of plant derived chemical compounds that are known to have disease preventing and health promoting properties.
• Chilies contain health benefiting an alkaloid compound in them, capsaicin, which gives them strong spicy pungent character. Early laboratory studies on experimental mammals suggest that capsaicin has anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic and anti-diabetic properties. It also found to reduce LDL cholesterol levels in obese individuals.
• Fresh chili peppers, red and green, are rich source of vitamin-C. 100 g fresh chilies provide about 143.7 µg or about 240% of RDA. Vitamin C is a potent water-soluble antioxidant. It is required for the collagen synthesis inside the human body. Collagen is one of the main structural protein required for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels, skin, organs, and bones. Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps protect from scurvy, develop resistance against infectious agents (boosts immunity), and scavenge harmful, pro-inflammatory free radicals from the body.
• They are also good in other antioxidants such as vitamin-A, and flavonoids like ß-carotene, a-carotene, lutein, zea-xanthin, and cryptoxanthin. These antioxidant substances in capsicum help protect the body from injurious effects of free radicals generated during stress, diseases conditions.
• Chilies carry a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, and magnesium. Potassium is an important component of cell and body fluids that helps controlling heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.
• Chilies are also good in B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that human body requires them from external sources to replenish.

Just 100 g provides (in % of recommended daily allowance):

240% of vitamin-C (Ascorbic acid), 
39% of vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine), 
32% of vitamin A, 
13% of iron,
14% of copper, 
7% of potassium,
but no cholesterol. 

Special credit to 'Nutrition and You'

Normally, you can harvest from a chili pepper after 75 to 90 days after planting. You can harvest from it for over a year.  In a period of 3-4 months, you'll be able to get at least 10-20 pcs. a day ripe chili's enough to provide for 3-4 families. Overtime, you will have too much leaving you no choice but find a way to store them. 

The most practical way of storing them are putting them into a big jar of vinegar.

 

 And sun drying them, turning it to chili flakes or powder with the use of food processor or grinder. If there is still moist, you can place it in an oven toaster to make sure that no moist is left.

You may roast them in olive oils with lots of garlic. This way you can either use them for your condiments or for cooking purposes. 

Due to its nutrition contents, I also put some chili on my smoothies. 
 
Planting your own chili pepper is not only economical but it will also save you time. Imagine getting your herbs and spices right from your own backyard, not only do you get them fresh but it's free.