Suspend-It

Okay, fine, cigarettes do not fall under the new weight loss pill category. Then again, did you know that in spite of the ads and laws being implemented on why smoking is bad for your health, smoking cigarettes actually do have benefits?

Yep. Because Nicotine is an appetite suppressant, one of the beneficial aspects of smoking is that it keeps the weight down. Cigarettes do this by:

• Keeping food in your stomach longer
• Suppressing your appetite
• Artificially speeding up your metabolism

Smoking burns up an extra 200-300 calories each day in a heavy smoker. Consequently, when you quit smoking, it’s normal to experience a gain of between 5 and 10 pounds during the first few months. However, if your eating habits have remained the same as when you smoked, you can easily shed this small gain with simple daily exercise such as a brisk, 30-minute walk.

So yeah, for those who want to quit smoking, you do not have “weight gain” as an excuse for not being able to. 0:p After all, knowing this benefit of smoking allows you replace the good side of smoking with things that are safer and healthier for you, while achieving similar results.

I am not really an avid environment-friendly supporter, but I do promote and go for eco-friendly alternatives whenever there are options. This is exactly what I did when I helped my brother and his girlfriend pick out a sofa for their room.

Though there are lots of stylish modern sofas available in the market, durable eco-friendly sofas that are stylish are definitely a rare encounter. Which is why, my brother, his girlfriend, and I, immediately fell in love with the Timucuan Sofa. What made it green? It used sustainably harvested hardwoods, soy-based cushions and recycled steel springs and covered in microfiber that is Oeko-Tex 100 certified. Cool, right? ^_^

It is true that many environmentally friendly options are still a bit higher in price and scarcity. Then again, knowing that, “Some statistics say that more than 90 percent of all furniture manufactured is made with materials known to cause global warming, respiratory problems, breast cancer and leukemia over extended periods of time.” will definitely make you lean towards eco-friendly sofas.

It’s almost all souls day, a time to remember and visit our beloved ones who already passed away. Yesterday we went to the cemetery to visit our grandparents’ graves. We brought flowers, candles and dinner. It like a picnic and a reunion at the same time. Reminiscing the days when we were still kids, I remembered myself asking my grandfather why he loved smoking his cigar. Back then I was taught by my parents that smoking is very bad so whenever I see my grandpa, I tell him that he must stop smoking. Anyhow, he told me that he was not smoking. He only wanted the taste of the cigar, but he did not actually light it. It was weird for me as a child because I thought that all cigars are the same.Oh well. After the reminiscing I saw my parents shedding some tears. Perhaps they also miss their own parents. I think I miss them too.

As I was surfing the net a while ago, I came across this video in youtube (keyword Jayesslee). A video of twins, Sonia and Janice, singing their version of “offïcially missing you “by Tamia. Well, if it was a stage performance, I’ll definitely give them a standing ovation. They really have very nice voices and they are so pretty too. What’s more amazing is that, THEY ARE TWINS! I just can’t get enough of them. hmm… I actually envy them. They looked like they won’t need to take anyappetite suppressant ever.

Try searching for their video entitled “the bubblegum song”. It’s very cute. I don’t remember singing that in kindergarten but it sounded so familiar. Anyhow, they have amazing videos: Worship songs, Original music, Covers, and Children’s songs. I bet you’ll get hooked once you’ve seen their videos.

While most are busy reading diet pills and colon cleanser reviews, I think it’s high time we all should think of deworming as well. After all, the world is full of parasites that there are chances of acquiring them however clean you are. A simple negligence on your part to wash hands thoroughly before eating or preparing food or even just eating an unwashed salad or under cooked meat can get you the eggs of these parasites.

Makes you shiver, huh? It’ll make you shiver more when you find out that according to UNICEF, report of “The state of the world’s children 1998” says that about 1.5 billion people have roundworms, making it the third most common human infection in the world. It’s very clear; the chances of these parasites creeping inside us are very high.

With this information, I’m sure you’re now asking yourself this, “How often should I deworm myself and my family?” The answer to the question is that in most cases, deworming once every six months is sufficient. However, it can be done more frequently as deemed appropriate by your doctor. In any case, deworming the whole family twice a year is necessary.

The conventional drug of choice is Mebendazole/albendazole in suspension or chewable tablet. This is because the side effects are too few and those side effects that exist are not caused by the drug itself but by dead worms being expelled from the body. Before deworming though, it is still best to consult with your doctor to know the prevalence of parasites in your areas and consequently know the amount of dosage and frequency on taking the deworming drug.

A friend of mine is also having her birthday this month. As with every year, we share the expenses to treat all our friends in one big party. We usually buy useful things for the other but this time I want to give her something special. I have been searching the net for ideas on where to get unique gifts for her. It doesn’t have to bee too expensive, but I want it to be memorable.At first I thought a gift certificate to a spa will do the trick, but then I realized that a GC is so lame. It’s like everyone could buy that anywhere. An ipod would be nice too, but she already has one. Then it struck me, why don’t I build her a website, her own website. Oh I think she’ll love that. Then I’ll gather comments and best wishes from good friends of ours. Hmmm… now for the presentation… ah! I’ll present her the gift during the party we’ll be having! Yay!

It’s my birthmonth!!! Guess what I got from my Nth level friend? Nope, he did not buy me diamonds. And no, it cannot be found on a list of “unique gifts for her“. My Nth level friend agreed to go on leave for two days to join me in my island tour in the Philippines this coming November! Considering that he already used up all of his vacation leaves and he’s going to be “sick” just so he could join me, I don’t think anyone could beat that. ^_^

It’s the best birthmonth present ever – to be with your bestest friend on a 3-day relaxing island tour. I can’t wait ‘til November. *jumps up and down with glee*

Out of all the quick weight loss programs abounding the market, there is one sure way to become thin – depression. Unfortunately, it may be effective, it is not healthy though. Besides, this is applicable only to the type of people who tends to barf and/or lose their appetite when they are depressed. There are actually certain types of people who tend to eat more when experiencing depression.

In short, you’re lucky if you belong to the, I-lose-my-appetite-when-depressed category. Otherwise, I suggest you still stick to regular exercise and balanced diet.

Earlier I received an email from a friend of mine inviting me to join in her networking business. It’s sort of a franchise that sells herbal medicines and stuff like that. I am very interested in her products although right now, I don’t think I have the time to handle any business.

I told her, instead of being a partner; I’ll just be a client. I would love to try the colon cleanser capsules that she offers. According to colon cleanser reviews, it’s very safe to use and no need for a prescription. She even told me that it worked for her pretty well and that she has been taking the cleansing pills for 2 years now. She promised to deliver a month’s supply to me, at a fraction of a price. Cool deal huh.

I have a tendency to have breakouts when I’m very stressed or during PMS. But there was a time when I was at quite at a loss when acne started appearing on my chest and back as well!

I initially thought it was probably because I’m more stressed than usual. However, after calming down and spending some time off to relax, instead of going away, I kept getting one bump after another on my skin and it really bugged me.

I thought of getting one of those acne treatments just to go back to my normal skin… That was until my mom asked if I changed my shampoo or conditioner. I stared at her blankly for a few seconds. She was surprised at my blank stare and promptly relayed that Shampoo is something most of us use on a daily basis. It not only comes into contact with our hair, but also our skin. My mom furthered that there are shampoos AND conditioners which can actually cause chest and back acne.

In fact, did you know that the ingredient that gives shampoos that pearlized look can contribute to acne? Yep, they can! So, if you have longer hair and are experiencing breakouts on your chest, back and/or shoulders, try switching shampoos and/or conditioner.