"WHEN WORDS R NOT ENUF"

Introducing my lil princess Emma :)

2010-02-01T08:28:00.000-08:00

Meet my reborn baby girl :) Emma Rose Hill...she is a special baby :) she is my first reborn baby..She is 21 inches long and about 4lbs 15oz..She was "born" on the 4th July 09,Reborn "Doctor" : Dr. Bonnie Brungardt
Enjoy her pics :)

Story worth sharing

2009-12-10T16:57:00.000-08:00

A story worth sharing :) it begins like this..

4 years ago, an accident took my beloved away and very often I wonder, how does my wife, who is now in the heavenly realm, feel right now? She must be feeling extremely sad for leaving a husband who is incapable to taking care of the house and the kid. 'cos that is the exact feeling that I have, as I feel that I have failed to provide for the physical and emotional needs of my child, and failed to be the dad and mum for my child.

There was one particular day, when I had an emergency at work. Hence, I had to leave home whilst my child was still sleeping. So thinking that there was still rice leftovers, I hastily cooked an egg and left after informing my sleepy child.

With the double roles, I am often exhausted at work as well as when I am home. So after a long day, I came home, totally drained of all energy. So with just a brief hug and kiss for my child, I went straight into the room, skipping dinner. However, when I jumped into my bed with intention of just having a well-deserved sleep, all i heard and felt was broken porcelain and warm liquid! I flipped open my blanket, and there lies the source of the 'problem'.... a broken bowl with instant noodles and a mess on the bedsheet and blanket!

Boy, was I mad! I was so furious that I took a clothes hanger, charged straight at my child who was happily playing with his toy, and give him a good spanking! He merely cried but not asking for mercy, except a short explanation:

"Dad, I was hungry and there wasn't anymore leftover rice. But you were not back yet, hence I wanted to cook some instant noodles. But I remembered you reminding me not to touch or use the gas stove without any adults around, hence I turned on the shower and used the hot water from the bathroom to cook the noodles. One is for you and the other is for me. However, I was afraid that the noodles will turn cold, so I hid it under the blanket to keep it warm till you return. But I forgot to remind you 'cos I was playing with my toys...I am sorry Dad..."

At that moment, tears were starting to run down my cheeks...but I didn't want my son to see his dad crying so I dashed into the bathroom and cried with the shower head on to mask my cries. After that episode, I went towards my son to give him a tight hug and applied medication on him, while coaxing him to sleep. Then, it was time to clear up the mess on the bed. When everything was done and well past midnight, I passed my son's room, and saw that he was still crying, not from the pain on his little buttock, but from looking at the photograph of his beloved mummy.

A year has passed since the episode, I have tried, in this period, to focus on giving him both the love of his dad and mum, and to attend to most of his needs. And soon, he is turning seven, and will be graduating from kindergarten. Fortunately, the incident did not leave a lasting impression on his childhood memories and he is still happily growing up.

However, not so long ago, I hit my boy again, with much regret. This time, his kindergarten teacher called, informing me of my son's absence from school. I took off early from work and went home, expecting him to explain. But he wasn't to be found, so I went around our house, calling out his name and eventually found him outside a stationery shop, happily playing computer games. I was fuming, brought him home and whack the hell out of him. He did not retaliate, except to say, 'I am sorry, Dad'. But after much probing, I realized that it was a 'Talent Show' organized by his school and the invite is for every student's mummy. And that was the reason for his absence as he has no mummy.....

Few days after the caning, my son came home to tell me, the kindergarten has recently taught him how to read and write. Since then, he has kept to himself and stayed in his room to practise his writing, which I am sure, would make my wife proud, if she was still around. 'cos he makes me proud too!

Time passes by very quickly, and soon another year has passed. It's winter, and its Christmas time. Everywhere the christmas spirit is in every passer-by... Christmas carols and frantic shoppers.... but alas, my son got into another trouble. When I was about to knock off from the day's work, the post office called. Due to the peak season, the post master was also on an edgy mood. He called to tell me that my son has attempted to post several letters with no addressee. Although I did make a promise never to hit my son again, I couldn't help but to hit him as I feel that this child of mine is really beyond control. Once again, as before, he apologized, ' I'm sorry, Dad' and no additional reason to explain. I pushed him towards a corner, went to the post office to collect the letters with no addressee and came home, and angrily questioned my son on his prank, during this time of the year.

His answer, amidst his sobbing, was : The letters were for Mummy.

My eyes grew teary, but I tried to control my emotions and continued to ask him: " But why did u post so many letters, at one time?" My son's reply was: " I have been writing to mummy for a long time, but each time I reach out for the post box, it was too high for me, hence I was not able to post the letters. But recently, when I went back to the postbox, I could reach it and I sent it all at once..."

After hearing this, I was lost. Lost at not knowing what to do, what to say....

I told my son, " Son, mummy is in the heavenly kingdom, so in future, if you have anything to tell her, just burn the letter and it will reach mummy. My son, on hearing this, was much pacified and calm, and soon after, he was sleeping soundly. On promising that I will burn the letters on his behalf, I brought the letters outside, but couldnt help opening the letter before they turn to ash.

And one of the letters broke my heart....

Dear Mummy,

I miss you so much! Today, there was a 'Talent Show' in school, and the school invited all mothers for the show. But you are not around, so I did not want to participate as well.. I did not tell Dad about it as I was afraid that Dad would start to cry and miss you all over again. Dad went around looking for me, but in order to hide my sadness, I sat in front of the computer and started playing games at one of the shops. Dad was furious, and he couldnt help it but scolded and hit me, but I did not tell him the real reason. Mummy, everyday I see Dad missing you and whenever he think of you, he is so sad and often hide and cry in his room. I think we both miss you very very much. Too much for our own good I think. But Mummy, I am starting to forget your face. Can you please appear in my dreams so that I can see your face and remember you? I heard that if you fall asleep with the photograph of the person whom you miss, you will see the person in your dreams. But mummy, why havent you appear?

After reading the letter, I cant stop sobbing. 'cos I can never replace the irreplaceable gap left behind by my wife....

For the females with children:

Don't do so much overtime. If you cannot finish the work, it must be some kind of problems within the company, and it is not your sole problem. Feedback to your boss. Endless overtime may not necessary be the answer to the problem. Take care of your health so that you can treasure and take care of your little precious.

For the married men:

Drink less, smoke less, cos nothing can replace your good health, not even business nor clients.

Try thinking this way, are you able to work till your clients are totally dependent on you? or your boss is totally dependent on you? In this society, no one is indispensable.

Take care of your health, so that you can take care of your little precious and your loved ones.

For those singles out there:

Beauty lies in loving yourself first.

With confidence and loving yourself, you will see the beauty in other things around you. You will be able to work better and happier. Don't let your health be affected by your work or your boss, so nothing matters more than your well being.

My own version of Streets Of Heaven..

2009-10-07T17:49:00.001-07:00

Heaven Is So Real Book!!

2009-10-07T02:04:00.000-07:00

I recently & half way reading this book called Heaven Is So Real..It is awesome! This book was given to me by a friend in the year of 2005..haven't even touch it till last week..( i know..my bad ) For those of you who read this please do share with us your greatest testimonies ..we would love to hear from you..tell us how u feel about this remarkable story...

Choo Thomas tells a remarkable story of her encounters with Jesus Christ, where she visited heaven many times and saw hell twice.

Her book, "Heaven is so Real" is more than just a book - it is Christ's loving message to a generation that has largely forgotten, misunderstood or is indifferent about Him.

This book will touch your heart and soul and will challenge you to live a life of obedience and purity like you have never done before.

About Choo Thomas

Choo Thomas is a simple, down-to-earth Korean American. She is married and has two children and four grandchildren.

In 1992, she accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and since then, has strived to please the Lord with all her heart. Two years later, she saw Jesus' visible presence at a Neighborhood Assembly of God in Tacoma, Washington and in 1995, she began having physical manifestations from the Holy Spirit.

In 1996, the Lord Jesus escorted Choo into heaven and told her to record what she has seen and heard, bringing forth the book, "Heaven is so Real".

This book was published in October, 2003.

A Message From Choo Thomas Regarding "Heaven is so Real"

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus,

Heaven is so Real is our Lord Jesus’ end time book. He only used my body to write this book. He wants all believers and unbelievers to read it and prepare for His coming. He said, He is letting people know what it takes to enter His Kingdom, through this book.

Remember, none of our salvations are secure until the end. We work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). The Lord himself took me to heaven 17 different times, in my transformed spirit body, at an age of about 15 to 16 years old and showed me countless things in heaven that He has prepared for His people, and showed me hell twice. He also showed me things during the time of the tribulation, after He took His people to heaven. After the end of all these visions, He showed me the rapture. The preface clearly explains how the Lord took me to heaven. When you read this book you will see how the Lord took care of this book from the beginning to end of publishing.

This book is a great tool for the salvation of souls. Those who read this book and convicted by it, are sharing it with others. Some get dozens, hundreds, and thousands to give away.The book is our Lord Jesus’ end time book and He wants all Christians to read it and witness with it to others so they can prepare for His coming. It is changing thousands of lives. This book is for two kinds of people, those who want to go to heaven and those who love the world. So, not everyone will be interested in His book. The devil hates this book.

Currently over 60 countries are translating and re-printing this book and most of the translations are being done by pastors who were transformed by the book after reading it. Dr. David Yonggi Cho translated the book after reading it three times and it was the #1 bestseller in Korea. All these things are happening because it is our Lord’s book. It is truly an end time book. The book is an International best seller and is on the charismatic best seller list in the US.

Sept. 2007 I wanted to give all the readers an update on “Heaven is so Real”

It has been almost four years since it was published. I would like to let all the readers of the book know what our awesome God is doing for His people. Praise the Lord!!

He has moved some reader’s hearts to make donations toward His book. He brought in close to $300,000 in offerings and the money has been donated to overseas pastors who translated the book but don’t have enough funds to print the book and give it away. With this money they are able to print the book and give them away. Over 100,000 books have been printed in China and Muslim countries. Pakistan has printed 50,000 books. India, Africa, and many other countries in Europe have printed and given the book away freely to prisoners and some poor countries. All these awesome things are happening because it is His book. Hallelujah!!

Some readers are curious how much money we make from the sales of the book and what we do with it. The royalties that are received from Creation House are spending on our ministry. We are donating money to many poor countries for the books and sending out DVDs/CDs all over the world for about three years now. We are sending out at least 30 packages weekly. We decided never to spend any money from the royalties or offerings for ourselves.

Whoever judges “Heaven is so Real” and other prophetic books should read Matthew 7:1-6, repent and stay ready for the rapture before it's too late. Christians should never judge other Christian's work of God. Remember any kind of message from God that doesn’t bear fruit is not from God. “Heaven is so Real” is bearing more fruit than most prophetic books around the world. The Lord has been saying that because of this book, at least 1,000,000 people will see His face. I am praying for those who will be left behind after the rapture, to read this book, so they can be saved also.

Please go to: www.choothomas.com. This site has some awesome testimonies in English and Korean and also links to some CD samples of the book. My video is on the internet. The link to the video is on my homepage. The DVD is about forty minutes. Please witness with it. Praise the Lord!!!

The Lord Jesus loves us all.
Choo Thomas

Take this case to the Lord in prayer..Let's us pray together....

2009-10-06T02:33:00.000-07:00

Rebel outlines ‘invasion’ plan

By PHILIP GOLINGAI

(Hostile sweep: Bendera’s vigilantes, armed with sharpened bamboo sticks, blocking a road to search for Malaysians in Jakarta on Sept 8. – AFP)

Maintaining that it has valid reasons to ganyang Malaysia, Bendera’s leader reveals details of its planned invasion on Oct 8. Should we be worried?
JAKARTA’s forestry department was the most unlikely place to meet an Indonesian man who was six days away from waging a war against Malaysia.
But that was where my Indonesian journalist friend Samiaji Bintang brought me for a face-to-face interview with Adian Napitupulu, a 38-year-old Batak man spearheading a vigilante group that has vowed to ganyang (crush) Malaysia.
As we headed for our lunchtime appointment with Adian, the leader of Bendera (Benteng Demokrasi Rakyat or People’s Democratic Defence), I asked Samiaji how far the meeting place was from where Adian’s vigilante group conducted their “sweeping” of Malaysians.
“It is about 10km to 15km away,” said the 32-year-old journalist.
Far enough, I thought.
On Sept 8, a dozen Bendera vigilantes clad in red and white (the colour of the Indonesian flag) and armed with sharpened bamboo sticks set up roadblocks at Menteng in central Jakarta and checked ID card of passers-by to screen for Malaysians.
They failed to net any Malaysian.
On Friday afternoon, when most Indonesians were focused on the double earth quakes that devastated Sumatra, Samiaji and I entered one of the government buildings in the forestry department to locate Adian, who was in Regina Putera Cafe.
I did not know what to expect – a man carrying a sharpened bamboo stick, perhaps?
Outside the café at a Starbucks-like table sat three Indonesian men. I gave my business card to all of them, not knowing who was who. Adian turned out to be a skinny dark-skinned man wearing a white shirt and jeans.
“When was Bendera founded and what is its purpose?” were my first two questions as I wanted to gauge the hostility of the leader of the group that plans to invade Malaysia on Oct 8.
Speaking in Bahasa Indonesia, Adian, a member of PDI-P (Megawati Sukarnoputri’s Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle), said he founded Bendera two and a half months ago during the Indonesian presidential election as he found that political parties did not fight for the people’s rights.
“What has your fight for the people’s right got to do with Bendera’s ‘sweeping’ of Malaysians on Oct 8?” I asked.
“We were ‘sweeping’ Malaysians because (the Malaysian government) is ‘sweeping’ Indonesians in Malaysia,” said the man who was not involved in the Menteng ‘sweeping’ as he had other nationalistic duties on that day.
“We only managed to ‘sweep’ for 30 minutes because the police stopped us,” he added.
“What would you have done if you had managed to find a Malaysian that day?” I asked.
“Suruh pulang (tell them to go home),” he said as he smoked Djarum Super, a kretek (clove-flavoured) cigarette.
“Why did your men carry sharpened bamboo sticks?” I asked.
“It is the symbol of Indonesia’s independence struggle (from their Dutch coloniser),” he said.
When I asked if he had planned to use the bamboo stick on any Malaysian citizen that day, he replied: “We would only use it in Malaysia.”
He was referring to Bendera’s announcement – which was widely reported in the Indonesian and Malaysian media – that Oct 8 is their D-day to avenge all the wrongs committed by Malaysia against Indonesia.
Adian then gave me Bendera’s four-page war declaration with the bold headline “GANYANG MALAYSIA!”
The declaration stated that the Rentcong Aceh, panah Papua, Pedang Pattimura, mandau Kalimantan, keris Jawa, kujang Sunda, golok Betawi, badik Palembang and pedang Sisingamagaraja (Indonesian traditional weapons) had “bloodily” vowed to crush Malaysia’s arrogance.
It also listed several reportedly recalcitrant actions by Malaysians that have exhausted the patience of the people of Indonesia. The list included claiming Indonesian islands (Sipadan, Ligitan and Jemur); stealing Indonesian cultural heritage (food like rendang, songs like Rasa Sayang Sayange, Injit Injit Semut, Burung Kakak Tua, and Anak Kambing Saya, and the Pendet dance); and abusing Indonesian workers (it named 34 people including Nirmala Bonat who was abused with a hot iron, hot water and a metal cup by her employer in 2004).
“How’s your plan to attack Malaysia?” I asked.
Six weeks ago, according to Adian, 10 Bendera spies slipped into Malaysia to build a network among Indonesian workers. He claimed these Indonesian James Bonds managed to convince 1.45 million Indonesians – maids, construction and plantation workers – to burn their workplace when Bendera launches its confrontation on Malaysia.
When I pointed out that it would cost Bendera about RM145,000 just to text message the 1.45 million Indonesian workers (assuming the spies have all their phone numbers and an SMS costs 10 sen), Adian flashed his crooked teeth. “We’ve got our ways to communicate,” he stated.
“On paper, we have already won,” Adian said, again flashing his crooked teeth.
In World War II, according to him, the allies required two months to prepare for their attack on Germany. But Bendera does not need two months as it already has 1.45 million conspirators in Malaysia.
“That is why we have a different view from President SBY (pronounced as ‘ess-bay-yay’, the initials of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono). SBY said Indonesia cannot attack Malaysia as there are 1.8 million Indonesian workers in Malaysia. But for us the 1.8 million people are our strength to attack Malaysia.”
And then Adian started attacking Malaysia by showing the photographs (in the four-page declaration) of Indonesian maids being abused here.
“Look at this,” he said, pointing at the photograph of Nirmala.
“If Malaysia says that Malaysians and Indonesians are satu rumpun (the same stock), then why do they abuse their own rumpun?”
Pointing at a photograph of a man being caned, he asked angrily: “Why does your police, soldier and what do you call… Rela… abuse Indonesians?
“Do you know that once in three days an Indonesian is abused in Malaysia?”
On Oct 8, Adian claimed, about 300 Indonesians – trained in ilmu kebal (black magic) which makes them invincible to sharp objects and bullets – would invade Malaysia by attacking Malaysian towns in the island of Borneo (where Indonesia’s Kalimantan and Malaysia’s Sabah and Sarawak are located).
“From Pontianak (in Kalimantan) we will cross to Kuching (in Sarawak) and capture it. And then we will go to the next town. And from Nunukan (in Kalimantan) we will cross to the next town,” he said.
“What is that town?” I asked Adian, Bendera’s war strategist.
“I don’t know the name. But it is the town that we are going to capture,” he declared.
(Just for the record, the closest Malaysian town to Nunukan is Tawau in Sabah.)
In six to eight months, he confidentally predicted, Bendera would conquer Kuala Lumpur.
“Why don’t you just go straight for the jugular and attack Kuala Lumpur?” I asked.
“Uncle Mao’s military tactic was to first capture villages and then the city. We will capture your villages, your towns and eventually your capital,” he explained.
“What is your image of Malaysians?” I asked Adian who has never visited Malaysia.
“Jahat (evil),” he said.
“All 26 million Malaysians?” I asked.
“If 26 million Malaysians keep silent about other Malaysians abusing Indonesians, then they are all jahat,” he explained.
“How do you feel now that you are face to face with a Malaysian?” I asked.
“Mukanya baik. Mukanya lucu. Mukanya tak ada niat jahat (Your face looks nice. Your face looks humorous. Your face doesn’t show any evil intention),” he said, smiling while the handful of Indonesians who were intensely listening in to the interview burst out laughing.
“Are you Malaysian?” asked Poltak Sitanggang, 42, who owns a news website and had just finished interviewing Adian.
“Yes,” I said.
“Why don’t we ‘sweep’ him?” Poltak suggested to Adian.
“No, he is a funny guy,” Adian said.
I continued to smile.
And Adian continued his verbal tirade against on Malaysia.
“Malaysia has exported two terrorists (Noordin Mat Top and Dr Azahari Husin) to Indonesia. And yet the international community think that Indonesia is full of terrorists,” he said.
“Is it correct to say that the Indonesian government has not arrested you because it thinks your invasion plan is just omong omong kosong (empty talk)?” I ventured.
His face turning angry, he said the police had occupied Bendera’s headquarters (which was formerly used by Megawati’s PDI-P as their base).
He said he had received intimidating phone calls from people who have the power to intimidate. Others called to warn that attacking Malaysia was suicidal.
But he just switched off his phone when he received such calls, he said.
When told that an Indonesian Embassy official in Kuala Lumpur had said Bendera’s plan to invade Malaysia was “too ludicrous to respond to officially”, Adian said that was what the embassy thought.
“But they don’t know as it is not the Indonesian government which will invade Malaysia but Bendera.”
“So what are the chances of your group succeeding in its invasion plan?” I asked.
“In 1998, Suharto (the former Indonesian president) did not believe the students could make him step down. But it happened,” said Adian, one of the student leaders who had organised mass street protests against Suharto.
Poltak, a Batak, said he interviewed Adian because he was curious about the nationalistic views of the former student activist who had made a name for himself during the fall of Suharto.

“I’m not gila (crazy),” said Adian. “We have good reasons to attack Malaysia. Only crazy people attack (another country) without any reason.”

(Adian: ‘If 26 million Malaysians keep silent about other Malaysians abusing Indonesians, then they are all jahat’)

Does Your House Smell Like A Doghouse?

2009-10-05T06:15:00.000-07:00

Ahhh...that infamous doggy odor! A smell most of us know all too well. And the smell just seems to spread all throughout the house, doesn't it? You approach your home, open the front door, a wind blows and...POW! You've officially entered The Doghouse; fully equipped with doggy odor!

I know it's tough. So anytime we come across simple tips to help keep doggy odor to a minimum we just have to share it with you.

Here are few tips to help keep your home from becoming "The Doghouse":

1. Open the window! Circulate fresh air from the outside to diminish strong doggy odors.

2. Keep the rugs clean. Vacuuming alone won't do; it doesn't get all of the smelly dog hair and bacteria deep down in your rug, so it's best to wash them once a week. If you can't pull up your rug, spray it with an odor removal solution. It is also helpful to have your carpets professionally cleaned every year to help eliminate those deep rooted stains and odors.

3. Keep your dog's bedding clean. It holds tons of hairs and bacteria that can cause odor.

4. Keep your dog clean. I know this is a no brainer, but dirty dogs not only smell bad, they spread bacteria throughout your house.

5. Keep your vents clean. Try using a handheld vacuum cleaner or vacuum attachment. We cannot see them, but lots of hairs get trapped inside our vents.

6. Use air freshener, particularly those that really attack odor molecules.

7. Mop the floor. It may not look like it, but even hardwood collects dirt, hairs and bacteria. Be sure to get corners, because this is usually where lots of hair hides and builds up.

8. Keep your house fresh with Zero Odor. Zero Odor is a top-notch pet odor removal system that attacks odor molecules rather than masking them...and we all know that doggy odor is way too strong of an odor to mask! The great thing about Zero Odor is that it's safe on all surface: rugs, bedding, furniture, hardwood floors...it's even safe when sprayed through the air as a freshener. It can help keep your house fresh in so many ways. No more Doghouse! Check it out: http://www.petproductadvisor.com/store/mc/zero-odor-dog.aspx

I hope these tips help your house smelling fresh and clean!

Until next time,

In the arms of an angel..(Abused case)

2009-10-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

About me:
This is my story, life as a victim. I was born February 14, 2002, Valentine’s day and I was premature. I was curious about the outside world and had no idea what it had in store for me. Where do I start to begin my story? In my brief five months here on earth, it was filled with so much pain. I have been told by angels that childhood is suppose to be full of joy. I did not know any of this. Not once did I have a friendly face to reach out to or a hand to hold onto. Instead, no one answered my cries. Not crying from being hungry or tired but crying from my ribs being broken. I was beaten and bitten by the only family I knew. One night my parents were drinking beer again with my uncle. My mother passes out and leaves me with my dad and his brother. They continue to drink while playing games by throwing me into the air, and not always catching me. Where is my mother? Where is anyone to help me? What more do I have to endure? Then my uncle rapes me, I am only five months old. My injuries are severe and my anus is torn. I lay here crying while my dad and his brother fall asleep. The following day, they awake and realize that I am not well. They rush me to the hospital but it is too late for me. I have a broken skull and several broken bones. I also have bite marks and internal injures from being raped by my uncle. My injuries are documented by my autopsy photos. This is the only picture available of me because during my brief life my family never took a single picture of me. I am not sad now and I am smiling down from above, smiling at mommy, the only mom I have come to know. Susana Martinez, District Attorney that worked so hard to pass my bill, Brianna’s Bill. What happened to me should happen to no child. Remember me always, Love, Fly high baby girl,even though we do not know you hold a special place in so many hearts.

The short life and brutal death of Baby Brianna

Reporter: Kim Vallez
Web Producer: Bill Diven

Correction appended
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) - Brianna Lopez would be 6 years old now had her death at 6 months not revealed perhaps the most brutal child-abuse case in state history and prompted a major change in New Mexico law.
But as the July 19 anniversary of her death nears, some say the changes have not gone far enough.
The story of Baby Brianna is a hard one, but it is the ugly reality of child abuse. Violent family members caused her death while others hid what they knew was going on.
"They raped her; they beat her," said District Attorney Susana Martinez who prosecuted the case. "She had bite marks on her face, cheek, head, arms, legs, chest, torso, everywhere.
"Literally bruised from head to toe, from the top of her head all throughout her body all the way to the big toe on her right foot."
She was beaten and raped by her own family.
"Massive bruising on the head, and then her little fingers were lacerated, toes," said Detective Lindell Wright who was the first officer on the scene.
Brianna died on July 19, 2002. When Wright saw her body at a hospital, he remembers one thought going through his mind: "I've got a lot to do."
Later, when he had time to look back, "I cried my eyes out. It will stay with me for the rest of my life."
Investigators said Brianna's mother and father,Stephanie Lopez and& Andy Walters,and her uncle Steven Lopez were responsible.
The night before, Steven and Andy threw Brianna to the ceiling, then let her slam to the ground. And they had raped her time and time again.
Brianna's mother had bitten her child. The source of the other bruises remains a mystery.
"Bite marks throughout her body; there were old and new," Wright said. "She had skull fractures that were old and new.
"She had bleeding on the brain both old and new which means she had been abused physically her entire life."
And while all the abuse was going on another uncle and a grandmother knew but never reported it or tried to stop it.
Martinez won convictions and maximum sentences for the three abusers.
"It tests you to the point you're not sure you can speak," Martinez said."You're afraid that the emotion will take over."
For some Martinez's successful prosecution only highlighted shortcomings in the law.
When Baby Brianna was killed a person who committed intentional child abuse resulting in death faced a maximum of 18 years in prison. Her case brought on a major change.
"Eighteen years for the life of a child?" State Sen. Mary Jane Garcia Ana said. "I thought it was absurd."
It took Garcia three years of trying, but she changed the law to make the crime punishable by a life sentence.
"If the judges continue to sentence to the maximum under the new law, the law is sufficient," Martinez said. "But if a judge doesn't sentence them to the maximum to try to give some sort of deterrent effect to the rest of the community we've lost."
Both Martinez and Garcia said more needs to be done to punish people like Brianna's grandmother and uncle who fail to report abuse.
"Those two individuals knew she was being abused," Martinez said. "She was full of bruises that were old: green, brown, yellow-colored.
"Had they reported it early, had they and insisted on that child not being abused maybe we would have never had her death take place."
For failing to report the abuse the three were sentenced to 30 days in jail. The maximum is one year.
"I think perhaps we ought to try to make it five years at least," Garcia said. "I would go for something like that, and I would certainly try it."
However Wright said it's not just the law that needs to change.
"I think a lot of proactive still needs to happen as far as young parents need to have proper education, proper support systems," Wright said. "I feel a lot of young parents are struggling by themselves.
"They don't have anywhere to turn, and it is the chemistry of child abuse."
Brianna's story still brings much pain to the people in DoÃ±a Ana County who came together after her death, paid for her casket and burial and claimed her body when no one else would.
"The community felt that Baby Brianna could be their child, their granddaughter, their daughter, their niece," Las Cruces resident Edgar Lopez said.
Baby Brianna is now locked up in a cage built around her grave by her family to keep the community who loved her so much out. It is a mess, unkept and full of trash.
"They were asked, and they said they just wanted to be left alone and they wanted Brianna to be left alone," Martinez said.
Inside is a cherub with a finger raised to her lips. Some believe it's a message.
"My first thought was, 'Let's not talk about what's occurred here,'" Lopez said.
Yet the community vows to not let that happen. People still leave flowers here and have built another marker.
The people of this community will never forget Brianna and neither will the detectives, social workers and prosecutors who worked on her case.
Wright said they never found pictures of Brianna in her..

(Baby Brianna's mother)

Case 2

The story of Baby Kelsey..

Kelsey was born on December 28, 2002 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to divorced parents. She lived with her mother, and maintained contact with her paternal family. The first two years of her life were uneventful. Before January 2005, no signs of abuse were reported to authorities, nor noticed by family members nor Kelsey's day care staff.

From January 2005 to the end of her life, Kelsey had suffered several documented and confirmed incidences of child abuse. Her injuries included a broken collarbone, broken legs, and multiple bruises and abrasions on her face and body.
On January 17, 2005, the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) first confirmed abuse against Kelsey's mother after Kelsey was taken to a local emergency room with a broken collarbone, multiple bruises and abrasions to Kelsey's lower back, buttocks, and thighs.
In April 2005, both of Kelsey's legs were broken. Medical examiners determined these were spiral fractures in different stages of healing and were caused by child abuse. After this incident, Kelsey was taken into OKDHS (State's) custody.
On June 15, 2005, Kelsey was placed into the home of biological mother Raye Dawn Smith and stepfather Michael Lee Porter by Associate District Judge Craig Key, against an OKDHS recommendation. The judge stated that the abuser was "unknown"
Kelsey Shelton Smith-Briggs died on October 11, 2005 at the home of her mother, Raye Dawn Smith, and her stepfather, Michael Lee Porter in Meeker, Oklahoma. Her death was ruled a homicide from blunt force trauma to the abdomen

From the moment I knew about these babies..they have been in my mind since then..May God keep them ..They are too precious for a human being to keep..they belong to JESUS and I am glad Jesus took them with Him..

These flowers are for u lil' Princesss...:)

I sang this song for you..and dedicated to u..;)

7 Benefit of Vinegar ??

2009-10-03T06:05:00.000-07:00

1) Cleaning

White distilled vinegar is a popular household cleanser, effective for killing most mold, bacteria, and germs, due to its level of acidity. Cleaning with white distilled vinegar is a smart way to avoid using harsh chemicals. You’ll also be glad to know that it is environmentally friendly and very economical.

To shine chrome sink fixtures that have a lime buildup, use a paste made of 2 tablespoons salt and 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar.

Make your own scouring cleanser by combining 1/4 cup baking soda with 1 tablespoon liquid detergent. Add just enough white distilled vinegar to give it a thick but creamy texture.

Clean counter tops and make them smell sweet again with a cloth soaked in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize a drain by pouring in 1 cup baking soda, then one cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let this sit for 5 minutes or so, then run hot water down the drain.

Deodorize the garbage disposal by pouring in 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup hot white distilled vinegar. Let sit for 5 minutes then run hot water down the disposal.

Deodorize and clean the garbage disposal with white distilled vinegar ice cubes. Make them by freezing full-strength white distilled vinegar in an ice cube tray. Run several cubes down the disposal while flushing with cold water.

Clean the microwave by mixing 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar and 1/2 cup water in a microwave-safe bowl. Bring it to a rolling boil inside the microwave. Baked-on food will be loosened, and odors will disappear. Wipe clean.

Clean the shelves and walls of the refrigerator with a half-and-half solution of water and white distilled vinegar.

Cut the grime on the top of the refrigerator with a paper towel or cloth and full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Avoid the bad smell when you heat up a newly cleaned oven by using a sponge soaked in diluted white distilled vinegar for the final rinse.

To clean a grease splattered oven door window, saturate it with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Keep the door open for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping with a sponge.

Remove soap buildup and odors from the dishwasher by pouring a cup of white distilled vinegar inside the empty machine and running it through a whole cycle. Do monthly.

To prevent good glassware from getting etched by minerals, wash then spray with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Give the glasses a hot water rinse before letting them dry or drying them with a towel.

For cloudy glassware, soak paper towels or a cloth in full-strength white distilled vinegar and wrap around the inside and outside of the glass. Let sit awhile before rinsing clean.

Get rid of lime deposits in a tea kettle by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water and letting it sit overnight. If more drastic action is needed, boil full-strength white distilled vinegar in the kettle a few minutes, let cool and rinse with plain water.

Remove mineral deposits from coffee makers with white distilled vinegar. Fill the water reservoir with 1 cup or more of white distilled vinegar and run it through a whole cycle. Run it once or twice more with plain water to rinse clean. (Check the owners’ manual first.)

Remove stains from coffee and teacups by scrubbing them gently with equal parts of salt (or baking soda) and white distilled vinegar. Rinse clean.

For stained and smelly plastic food containers, wipe them with a cloth dampened with white distilled vinegar.

Remove odors from a lunch box by placing inside a slice of bread that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave overnight.

Remove ugly film in narrow-necked glass jars, flower vases, and bottles by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar sit in them for a few hours. Add a little rice or sand and shake vigorously to loosen stubborn stains. Repeat if necessary.

To clean tarnished brass, copper, and pewter, use a paste with equal amounts of white distilled vinegar and table salt.

Make a metal cleanser by adding enough white distilled vinegar to 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar to make a paste. Rub it on and let it dry on the surface. Wash it off and dry with a soft cloth.

Polish brass and copper with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of ketchup and 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar. Rub it on with a clean cloth until dry and shiny.

Remove dark stains on an aluminum pot by boiling a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 cup hot water.

Discourage ants by spraying undiluted white distilled vinegar outside doorways and windowsills, around appliances and wherever you find the pests coming in.

Get rid of fruit flies by setting out a small dish of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean the wheel of a can opener using white distilled vinegar and an old toothbrush.

Remove the smell of spoiled food from a refrigerator by first rinsing the area with soap and water. Spray surfaces with full-strength white distilled vinegar and wipe them down with a damp cloth or sponge. Fill some containers with baking soda and place inside. Close the door and leave for a few days.

Wipe grease off exhaust fan grids, the inside of your oven, or anywhere grease gathers with a sponge soaked in white distilled vinegar.

To make cleaning the grill easier, spray a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar on the cooking surface.

To remove a label, decal, or price tag, cover with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar. Leave the cloth on overnight and the label should slide off.

Renew sponges and dishrags by placing them in just enough water to cover them. Then add 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Let them soak overnight.

Get rid of calcium deposits on faucets by soaking a cloth or paper towel in white distilled vinegar and wrapping the area tightly. Let this sit for a couple of hours or overnight.

Remove soap buildup from faucets by scrubbing them with a solution of 1 part salt to 4 parts white distilled vinegar.

Rid a faucet of lime deposits by tying a plastic bag containing 1/2 to 1/3 cup of white distilled vinegar around it and leaving it there for two or three hours. If mineral deposits don’t wipe off, scrubbing with an old toothbrush should complete the job.

Shine colored porcelain sinks by scouring them with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Rinse away soapy film on countertops with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

Clean grout by letting full-strength white distilled vinegar sit on it for a few minutes and scrubbing it with an old toothbrush.

Kill germs all around the bathroom with a spray of full-strength white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

To remove grime, mildew, and scum from the tub, tile, shower curtain or door, wipe with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse with water.

Spray shower doors with full-strength white distilled vinegar after you’ve squeegeed the glass, or before you step in and turn on the water. It will help release the hard water deposits so they don’t remain on the glass.

Mix up an inexpensive tile cleaner by adding 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup ammonia to a gallon of warm water.

Get rid of stubborn bathtub film by wiping it with white distilled vinegar and then scouring with baking soda.

Soak a sponge or loofah overnight in a strong white distilled vinegar and water solution to remove dirt and slime. Rinse several times with cold water and let air dry (in the sun if possible).

Clean shower door tracks by filling them with white distilled vinegar and letting it sit for a few hours. Pour hot water into the tracks and wash and scrub away the scum with a toothbrush.

To clean a scummy showerhead, pour 1/2 cup baking soda and 1 cup white distilled vinegar into a sandwich bag and tie it around the showerhead. Let this set for an hour after the bubbling has stopped. Remove the bag and then turn on the water.

Deodorize the toilet bowl by allowing 3 cups white distilled vinegar to sit in it for about a half hour before flushing.

To make the toilet bowl sparkle, pour in a cup or more of diluted white distilled vinegar and let it sit several hours or overnight. Scrub well with the toilet brush and flush.

Freshen air in the bathroom by spraying into the air a solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar, and 1 cup water.

Get a shining finish on a no-wax vinyl or linoleum floor by cleaning it with a solution of one cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water.

Apply full-strength white distilled vinegar directly to tough linoleum stains. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes before wiping it up. If that doesn’t work, apply white distilled vinegar again and then sprinkle some baking soda over the white distilled vinegar. Scrub the area with a brush or sponge. Rinse clean with water.

For an economical and environmentally friendly floor cleaner, mix a solution of 3 drops dishwashing liquid to 1/3 part white distilled vinegar, 1/3 part alcohol, and 1/3 part water. Spray sparingly and mop for a fast clean-up.

Some carpet stains can be removed with a paste of 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1/4 cup salt or baking soda. Rub into the carpet stain and let dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet first).

Bring out the color in carpet by brushing it with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar for every gallon of water. (Always test on an out-of-sight part of the carpet beforehand).

To reduce soap bubbles in a steam cleaner add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar. Use the same amount in the rinse water to remove detergent residue and make carpets stay fresh longer.

Wash indoor/outdoor carpet with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar in 1 bucket of warm water. Scrub using a brush or a broom and then hose off.

Clean up pet accidents by first blotting up the area and then adding a white distilled vinegar-and-water solution. Blot until it is almost dry. Then sprinkle baking soda over the area and let it dry. Vacuum up the residue the next day.

Create your own window cleaning solution by combining 1/2 cup non-sudsy ammonia, 1 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a gallon of water.

Remove the wax residue left by commercial window cleaners with a solution of 2 cups water, 1 cup white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap or detergent.

To remove paint from windows try using undiluted, hot white distilled vinegar. Give the solution time to soften the paint before removing with a razor edge tool.

To remove paint splatters from windows apply full-strength white distilled vinegar with a clean paintbrush.

Get rid of mildew, dust, and stale odors by wiping down walls with undiluted white distilled vinegar on a cloth or a sponge mop.

Clean woodwork and walls with a mixture of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup ammonia and 1 gallon warm water. Wipe on with a sponge or damp—not wet—towel.

Clean wood paneling with a solution of 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar, and 2 cups warm water. Wipe on with a soft cloth.

Remove wallpaper easily by using a paint roller to wet the surface very thoroughly with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and hot water. Or spray on until saturated.

Get decals off walls or doors by letting undiluted white distilled vinegar soak into them for several minutes before trying to peel them off. Repeat if necessary.

Remove white water rings from wood with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and vegetable oil. Rub with the grain.

Remove fireplace soot and grime with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Use a brush to scrub and a towel to blot up the wetness and dirt.

Clean fireplace glass doors with a solution of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 2 parts water. Spray or wipe on, then wipe clean with a dry cloth.

To kill germs, spray full-strength white distilled vinegar on doorknobs and then wipe them dry.

Remove the smell of a dead mouse or other rodent (after removing all animal remnants) by wiping down the area with either white distilled vinegar or bleach. Then place a fabric softener sheet in the area to remove any lingering odors.

Never use white distilled vinegar on marble. The acid can damage the surface.

Before painting old concrete, clean with full-strength white distilled vinegar. Let it air dry.

Clean hardened paint brushes by simmering them in a pot with white distilled vinegar. Soak them first for an hour before bringing the white distilled vinegar to a simmer. Drain and rinse clean.

Remove mud and stains from plastic, fiberglass, or aluminum sports equipment by applying a paste of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts baking soda. Wipe off with soapy water and rinse with clear water.

Clean your grill by spritzing white distilled vinegar over wadded up aluminum foil and scrubbing the grill vigorously with it.

To remove film in glass baby bottles, fill with equal parts hot water and white distilled vinegar. Let sit for at least an hour. Scrub with a bottle brush.

To clean and disinfect baby toys add a good-sized splash of white distilled vinegar to soapy water.

Clean vinyl baby books or board books by wiping with white distilled vinegar. Wipe clean with a damp sponge or cloth.

Clean scissors that have become sticky (after cutting tape, for instance) with a cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Clean and deodorize urine on a mattress with a white distilled vinegar and water solution. Then sprinkle the area with baking soda and let dry. Brush or vacuum the residue after it is dry to the touch.

Shine pennies by soaking them for a couple of hours or overnight in a glass or bowl of undiluted white distilled vinegar.

2) Pets

Humans aren't the only ones that can enjoy the many uses for white distilled vinegar-even our four-legged friends can benefit.

Give your dog a gleaming coat by spraying or rubbing with a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar to 1 quart water. As a bonus, you save the cost of an expensive shine product used on show animals. (Works even on a horse!)

Keep a dog from scratching its ears by wiping them out regularly with a soft cloth dipped in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Remove skunk odors by wiping down the animal with a 50-50 solution of white distilled vinegar and water, followed by a plain-water rinse. Repeat if necessary.

Discourage a cat from sitting on a certain windowsill or other surface, or from scratching upholstery, by spraying white distilled vinegar on the item. Test first on an unnoticeable area to be sure there won’t be a discoloration.

Keep a cat out of a garden area by placing paper, a cloth, or sponge there that has been soaked in white distilled vinegar.

Get rid of the deposits and water lines that form in aquariums and fish bowls by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar and following with a good rinse. For stubborn deposits, soak for several hours or overnight.

Keep the birdbath clean by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.

Keep flies away from horses or other outdoor pets by spraying a mixture of water and white distilled vinegar around the area where the animals are.

Remove cat litter odor by pouring ½ inch of white distilled vinegar in the empty litter box. Let it stand for 20 minutes, swish it around, then rinse with cold water.

Kill fleas by adding a little white distilled vinegar to your dog or cat’s drinking water.

Stop a dog from barking with a spray bottle filled with equal amounts of water and white distilled vinegar. When the dog barks, spray the vinegar water in its direction but not in the face.

Remove pet odors. After cleaning, cover the area with baking soda. Let it stand overnight. The next day vacuum up the baking soda and wash the area with white distilled vinegar. Rinse and let dry.

Cats hate the smell of vinegar. If you have a cat that is marking its territory around your house, spray the area with white distilled vinegar then rinse with a hose.

Stop cats from fighting with each other with a spritz of a white distilled vinegar and water solution.

Prevent cats from eating your plants by spraying the leaves with a solution of white distilled vinegar and water.

3) Cooking

Enjoying a salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing is one of the most popular ways to use vinegar in the kitchen. But that’s just the beginning! Regular and flavored vinegars are versatile recipe ingredients that add flavor and distinction, and can also contribute to good health!

To make basic vinaigrette salad dressing use 1 part white distilled vinegar to 4 parts oil.

Make creamy vinaigrette by adding some plain or whipped cream to a mixture of 1 part white distilled vinegar to 3 parts oil.

Tenderize meat with white distilled vinegar. Use it in marinades or when slow cooking any tough, inexpensive cuts of meat.

When poaching eggs, add a little white distilled vinegar to the water. The whites stay better formed.

For extra tenderness with boiling ribs or stew meat add a tablespoon of white distilled vinegar.

To add a zesty new taste to fresh fruits such as pears, cantaloupe, honeydew, or others, add a splash of rice or balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately to prevent the fruit from becoming mushy.

Freshen wilted vegetables by soaking them in cold water containing a spoonful or two of white distilled vinegar.

When boiling or steaming cauliflower, beets or other vegetables, add a teaspoon or two of white distilled vinegar to the water to help them keep their color. This will also improve their taste, and reduce gassy elements. This also works when cooking beans and bean dishes.

Make pasta less sticky and reduce some of its starch. Add just a dash of white distilled vinegar to the water as it cooks.

Give some extra zest to your white sauce by adding 1/2 teaspoon of white distilled vinegar.

Try cider or malt white distilled vinegar instead of ketchup with french fries—that’s how the British like to eat them. Either one is also great on fish or any fried or broiled meat.

Remove kitchen odors that come from burnt pots or when cooking certain foods by boiling a small amount of water with 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar so that the steam circulates throughout the room.

Make onion odors disappear from your hands by rubbing with white distilled vinegar.

Add moistness and taste to any chocolate cake—homemade or from a box—with a spoonful of white distilled vinegar.

To keep frosting from sugaring add a drop of white distilled vinegar. It will also help keep white frosting white and shiny.

Make perfect, fluffy meringue by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for every 3 to 4 egg whites used.

Perk up any can of soup or sauce with a teaspoon of red or white wine vinegar.

Eliminate the greasy taste in food cooked in a deep fryer by adding a dash of white distilled vinegar.

If you’ve added too much salt to a recipe, add a spoonful of white distilled vinegar and sugar to try correcting the taste.

Keep molded gelatin desserts and salads from sagging or melting in the summer heat by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar for each box of gelatin used.

When making tuna salad add a dash of any herb-flavored white distilled vinegar.

Turn out great rice by adding a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water.

To make the perfect picnic potato salad dressing combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Olives or pimentos covered with white distilled vinegar can be kept almost indefinitely if refrigerated.

To keep eggs from cracking when boiling add a tablespoon or two of white distilled vinegar to water.

4) Health

White distilled vinegar is something good for you on the inside and the outside. The next time you’re not feeling well, consider taking a break from expensive over-the-counter products and try a home remedy that is made with vinegar.

Stop insect stings and bites from itching by dabbing them with a cotton ball saturated with undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Soothe sunburn with a spray of white distilled vinegar, repeating as often as you like. Ice-cold white distilled vinegar will feel even better, and may prevent blistering and peeling.

For cuts and scrapes, use white distilled vinegar as an antiseptic.

Get rid of foot odor by washing feet well with antiseptic soap daily, then soaking them in undiluted cider vinegar for 10 minutes or so. Remember that cotton socks aid odor control more effectively than wool ones.

Clean a hairbrush by soaking in a white distilled vinegar solution.

Tone facial skin with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.

If commercial aftershaves cause rashes and itching, try using undiluted white distilled vinegar as an aftershave lotion.

Lighten body freckles (not facial freckles) by rubbing on full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Eliminate bad breath and whiten your teeth by brushing them once or twice a week with white distilled vinegar.

Make nail polish last longer. Wipe fingernails with cotton balls dipped in white distilled vinegar before putting on nail polish.

5) Automotive

Because white distilled vinegar has so many wonderful uses as a cleaning agent, it’s no surprise that it is also perfect to use on some of your bigger cleaning projects—namely automobiles. The next time you’re washing your car, shift into high gear and really make it shine with a little vinegar.

Keep car windows frost-free overnight in winter by coating them with a solution of 3 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water.

Polish car chrome with full-strength white distilled vinegar on a soft cloth.

Remove unwanted decals and bumper stickers by covering them with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar, or by repeatedly spraying them with full-strength white distilled vinegar. They should peel off in a couple of hours.

Rid the windshield wipers of road grime by wiping them with a white distilled vinegar-soaked cloth.

Remove the leftover odor after a rider has been carsick by leaving a bowl of white distilled vinegar overnight on the floor.

Get rid of hard water stains on your car with a rinse made from 3 parts soft water to one part white distilled vinegar.

Wipe vinyl upholstery with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.

Remove winter road salt residue on car carpeting by spraying with a mixture of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water, then blot with a soft towel.

Remove the hazy film that builds up on inside windows by spraying with white distilled vinegar.

Remove dirt and stains from car carpeting with a mixture of half white distilled vinegar and half water.

When doing car maintenance, soak rusty bolts and screws with white distilled vinegar to make them easier to remove.

Loosen chewing gum stuck to carpeting or upholstery by soaking it in white distilled vinegar.

Create an all-purpose window cleaner with a few ounces of white distilled vinegar in a quart of water.

Give leather upholstery an extra shine by cleaning it with hot white distilled vinegar and rinsing with soapy water.

Make your car extra shiny by adding a few drops of white distilled vinegar to your bucket of water.

6) Laundry

Looking for brighter whites or bolder colors? The answer just might be white distilled vinegar. It’s a safe and inexpensive way to boost the power of your detergent and add a little more muscle to your stain remover. With vinegar in the mix, your clothes have never looked better.

Prevent lint from clinging to clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the wash cycle.

To remove soap residue that makes black clothes look dull use white distilled vinegar in your final rinse.

Get stained white socks and dingy dishcloths white again. Add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and drop in the articles. Let soak overnight.

Some stains on clothing and linens can be soaked out using equal parts milk and white distilled vinegar.

Before washing a mustard stain, dab with white distilled vinegar.

Attack spaghetti, barbecue, or ketchup stains with a white distilled vinegar and water solution.

Remove perspiration odor and stains on clothing, as well as those left by deodorants, by spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar on underarm and collar areas before tossing them into the washing machine.

Forgot that you left wet laundry in the machine and it now smells moldy? Pour a few cups of white distilled vinegar in the machine and wash the clothes in hot water. Then run a normal cycle with detergent.

Remove smoky odors from clothes by filling the bathtub with very hot water and 1 cup white distilled vinegar. Hang the garments above the steaming water and shut the door so the steam can penetrate the fibers.

Keep the steam iron clean and in good working order by getting rid of mineral deposits in steam vents and spray nozzles. Fill the water chamber with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and distilled water. Set it in an upright position and let it steam for about 5 minutes. When the iron is cool, rinse the tank with water, refill and shake water through the vents onto an old cloth. Test before using.

Remove scorch marks from an iron by rubbing it with a warmed-up solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and salt. If that doesn’t work, use a cloth dampened with full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Remove musky smells from cotton clothes by sprinkling them lightly with white distilled vinegar and then pressing them.

Get water and salt stains off shoes and boots by wiping them down with a solution of equal parts white distilled vinegar and water.

Give patent leather shoes and bags a better shine by wiping them down with white distilled vinegar.

Get cleaner laundry! Add about 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse. The acid in white distilled vinegar is too mild to harm fabrics, yet strong enough to dissolve the alkalies in soaps and detergents. Besides removing soap, white distilled vinegar prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew.

Eliminate manufacturing chemicals from new clothes by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the water.

Remove soap scum and clean the hoses of your washing machine with white distilled vinegar. Periodically run the machine with only a cup of white distilled vinegar in it—nothing else added to the wash cycle.

Bring out bright colors by adding 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Fluff up wool or acrylic sweaters (hand- or machine-washed) and rid them of soap smell with 1/2 cup white distilled vinegar in the last rinse water.

Get rid of the tiny holes left along the hemline when you take out the hem of any garment by moistening a cloth with white distilled vinegar, placing it under the fabric and ironing.

7) Garden

White distilled vinegar provides many safe and natural ways to protect and enhance your garden and gardening tools. Not only will you feel good about keeping children and pets (and you!) away from pesticides and other chemicals, you’ll feel great about the low cost of vinegar compared to those other products.

Kill weeds and grass growing in unwanted places by pouring full-strength white distilled vinegar on them. This works especially well in crevices and cracks of walkways and driveways.

Give acid-loving plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and gardenias a little help by watering them with a white distilled vinegar solution now and again. A cup of white distilled vinegar to a gallon of tap water is a good mixture.

Stop ants from congregating by pouring white distilled vinegar on the area.

Discourage cats from getting into the kids’ sandbox with white distilled vinegar.

Preserve cut flowers and liven droopy ones by adding 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar and 1 teaspoon sugar to a quart of water in a vase.

Get rid of the water line in a flower vase by filling it with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar, or by soaking a paper towel in white distilled vinegar and stuffing it into the vase so that it is in contact with the water line.

Clean out stains and white mineral crusts in clay, glazed and plastic pots by soaking them for an hour or longer in a sink filled with a solution of half water and half white distilled vinegar.

Remove crusty rim deposits on house planters or attached saucers by soaking them for several hours in an inch of full-strength white distilled vinegar.

Clean a birdbath by scrubbing it often with undiluted white distilled vinegar. Rinse well.

Get rid of rust on spigots, tools, screws or bolts by soaking the items overnight or for several days in undiluted white distilled vinegar.

Neutralize garden lime by adding white distilled vinegar to the area.

Avoid skin problems after working in the garden by rinsing your hands in white distilled vinegar.

Increase the acidity of soil by adding white distilled vinegar to your watering can.

Eliminate anthills by pouring in white distilled vinegar.

Cure a cement pond before adding fish and plants by adding one gallon of white distilled vinegar to every 200 gallons of water. Let sit three days. Empty and rinse thoroughly.

Sanitize outdoor furniture and picnic tables with a cloth soaked in white distilled vinegar.

Kill slugs by spraying them with a mixture of 1 part water and 1 part white distilled vinegar.

To catch moths use a mixture of 2 parts white distilled vinegar and 1 part molasses. Place mixture in tin can and hang in a tree.

Keep rabbits from eating your plants. Put cotton balls soaked in white distilled vinegar in a 35mm film container. Poke a hole in the top and place in the garden.

Remove berry stains on your hands by rubbing them with white distilled vinegar.

Clean plastic patio furniture with a solution of 1 tablespoon white distilled vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

Wash fresh vegetables with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white distilled vinegar in 1 ½ quarts of water.

When cleaning an outdoor fountain, soak the pump in white distilled vinegar to remove any mineral deposits.

Clean a hummingbird feeder with white distilled vinegar—soap or detergent can leave behind harmful residue.

Remove mold from terra cotta pots by soaking in a solution of 1 cup white distilled vinegar, 1 cup chlorine bleach, and 1 gallon of warm water before scrubbing with a steel wool pad.

Pop Quiz anyone?

2009-09-29T08:02:00.000-07:00

How much do you know about cats? Take our Cat Quiz!

1. Why do cats arch their backs?

a. Because they feel threatened
b. Because their backs are sore
c. Because they are trying to look scary
d. A and C

2.True or False. Cats can't get heartworm disease.
a. True
b. False

3. Why do cats always land on their feet?

a. Because they are smart
b. Because they can fly
c. Because their feet are very heavy
d. They don't always land on their feet

4. Which medication should NEVER be given to cats?

a. Flea control medications prescribed by your veterinarian
b. Feline Heartworm prevention medications
c. Tylenol
d. All of the above

5. Why do cats purr?

a. Because they are happy
b. Because they are in pain
c. To communicate with their mother or with their babies
d. All of the above

6. Why do cats hiss when they feel threatened?

a. They are warning the threatening person or animal
b. They are releasing air from their lungs so they can fight
c. They are trying to sound like a snake

d. All of the above

7. Why do cats have whiskers?

a. They'd look funny without them
b. To detect the presence of prey
c. To help them determine if they can fit through the door
d. All of the above

8. Why do cats like to scratch?

a. Because they are bored
b. Because they don't like the furniture
c. To remove the nail sheaths from their nails
d. All of the above

9. What is the best way to change your cats food?

a. All at once
b. Gradually over a day
c. Gradually over a few days
d. You should not change your cats food

10. True or False. Cats can't get fleas.

a. True
b. False

Answers

1. The answer is d. Cats that arch their backs are usually frightened and are trying to look bigger and more threatening to the opponent.
They can do this because they have 60 vertebrae, twice what humans have.

2. The answer is b. Cats indeed can get heartworm disease. Cats living in areas where heartworm disease is endemic is recommended to be on heartworm prevention.

3. The answer is d. Contrary to popular belief, falling cats do not always land on their feet. In fact, every day cats become injured from falling out of open windows, off balconies and from rooftops.

4. The answer is c. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) should never be given to cats. It is highly toxic and as little as one pill can be fatal.

5. The answer is d. Some cats purr when they are contented and happy, but some purr when they are frightened or severely ill. Infants purr while nursing to let their mother know they are getting enough milk; mother cats purr to let their babies know she is there and everything is all right.

6. The answer is c. The sound your cat makes resembles that of a snake just before it strikes. And the message is clear: This is a warning, and if you continue bothering me I will have to do something about it.

7. The answer is d. All of the above. Whiskers serve as delicate sense organs of touch just like our fingertips. They are the same width as the cat's body to help determine if a space is wide enough for them to go through. And of course, they would look silly without them.

8. The answer is c. Cats' claws grow from within, like an onion, and the outer worn layers are eventually shed. By scratching, your cat loosens the outer layer from the cuticle. The outer layer falls off and remains behind at the scratching post (or the scene of the crime).

9. The answer is c. Don't change your cat's diet all at once, otherwise she may refuse the new food. Do it gradually over three days. Begin changing her diet by feeding 1/4 new food and 3/4 her old food for a few days. Then add 1/2 new food and 1/2 old food. After a few more days, feed 3/4 new food and 1/4 old food. Then, you can feed the new food entirely.

10. The answer is b. Cats can indeed get fleas.

Understanding Your Dog Better

2009-09-29T07:56:00.000-07:00

Just how smart is my dog?

Studies have shown that the average dog possesses the intelligence of a 3-year-old child. This corresponds to an ability to learn basic commands, express themselves (not always clearly), and interpret some emotions of those around them. Some breeds certainly display character traits much more advanced than this. Herding breeds for example appear to understand and function in complex thinking patterns. It's clear that many dogs understand certain words, for example recognizing toys on command. Perhaps talking to your dog isn't quite as crazy as it sounds.

How does a dog see the world?

Eyesight is quite different between dog and man. While dogs have a better visual field of view to see beside and behind them, they see with less visual detail than we do but function far better in dim light. Dogs also see colors differently than we do and function much like a color blind individual with difficulty distinguishing between close shades.

The dog eye is not designed for fine detail work like completing crossword puzzles but rather tailored to things like chasing things in dim light.

Why does my dog sniff everything?

Dogs are known for their super keen sense of smell. Dogs are reported to have approximately 40 times more smell sensing cells in their nasal passages than we do. To that end, understanding your dog's responses to certain situations may be out of the question. With such a super sensitive sniffer, dogs rely on this sensory information far more than we do. Given that some dogs are now being trained to smell changes within the human body, we may never notice the odors our dogs react to.

Do dogs hear things we can't?

When it comes to hearing dogs have a distinct advantage over us. Not only is their frequency range of audible sounds much wider, but their mobile ears act to funnel in low volume sounds. This is why dogs are so great at alerting you that the mailman is on the way and almost impossible to sneak up on. Understanding your dog's super sense of hearing may provide insight to their behavior. So pay attention when your pooch barks, someone really might be coming.

How can my dog eat that?

While dogs excel in the listening department, their sense of taste is a bit less refined. This is certainly evident in some of the things they find tasty. Compared to humans, dogs have approximately 1/5 the number of taste buds. Perhaps this serves as an explanation for the little complaints we receive for feeding them dog food.

Discovering your dog's sensory levels, breed-related instincts, relative intelligence and comprehension is simply a start to understanding your dog. Relationships between dogs and their human family are incredibly complex, however a little knowledge can greatly increase your understanding.

Time for Furry Quiz fellas!!

2009-09-29T07:54:00.000-07:00

How Much Do You Know About Dogs? Take Our Dog Quiz!

How much do you know about dogs? Dogs are wonderful pets and their actions and behaviors are sometimes mysterious. Here is a simple quiz to test your dog IQ.

1. A human can hear things about 25 yards away. A dog can hear things

a. 50 yards away
b. 100 yards away
c. 250 yards away
d. 1000 yards away

2. Puppies like to chew slippers, toys, newspapers, and other objects. This is because

a. Growing puppies are supposed to explore everything.
b. When they are teething, puppies need to chew on tough objects to help the new teeth break through.
c. Puppies are learning to be hunters
d. All of the above

3. True or False. When a dog wags his tail that means he is friendly.

a. True
b. False

4. The best way to protect yourself from a "dog attack" is to

a. Turn your back and run
b. If a dog approaches to stiff you - run
c. Scream
d. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog

5. What are some common reasons that dog "Attack" a person or child?

a. Dominance and territoriality - the will to control and protect resources
b. Through fear - for reasons of self-protection
c. Fear predatory reasons - when the so-called "prey drive" is activated.
d. All of the above

6. How can you tell when your dog wants to play?

a. He barks with a very deep bark
b. He lowers his front half while keeping his rear end high in the air.
c. He paws at the ground
d. He stretches out on his bed and takes a nap

7. Being a responsible dog owner means

a. Making sure your dog has food and water
b. Making sure you play with him a lot
c. Making sure you give him plenty of exercise
d. All of the above

8. How does a dog "See"?

a. Dogs also see colors differently than we do and function much like a color blind individual with difficulty distinguishing between close shades.
b. Dogs see only in black and white
c. Dogs see in full color
d. Dogs see only neon or very bright colors

9. How does a dog "Taste"?

a. Dogs have 10 times more taste buds than humans
b. Dogs have the same number of taste buds as humans
c. Dogs have 1/5 the number of taste buds as humans
d. Dogs have about 1/20 the number of taste buds as humans

10. How good is a dog's sense of "smell"?

a. Most dogs don't smell very well
b. Dogs can't smell at all – they can only sense the air flow
c. Dogs have approximately 40 times more smell sensing cells than humans
d. Dogs have approximately 10 times more smell sensing cells than humans

Answers:

1. The answer is C. A dog can hear things 250 yards away.

2. The answer is D. All of the above.

3. The answer is B. False. A wagging tail does not mean a dog is friendly.

4. The answer is D. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.

5. The answer is D. All of the above are reasons dogs will attack a person or child.

6. The answer is B. Your pup may lower his front and keep his tail in the air to let you know he wants to play.

7. The answer is D. You will need to feed him, play with him and give him exercise to keep him healthy and happy.

8. The answer is A. Dogs also see colors differently than we do and function much like a color blind individual with difficulty distinguishing between close shades.

9. The answer is C. Compared to humans, dogs have approximately 1/5 the number of taste buds.

10. The answer is C. Dogs are known for their super keen sense of smell. Dogs are reported to have approximately 40 times more smell sensing cells in their nasal passages than we do.

Your Cat's Seven Pet Peeves

2009-09-29T07:50:00.000-07:00

Even the coolest cat can suddenly become a bundle of nerves when subjected to annoyances – call them pet pet peeves – that drive them crazy.

Theresa Todd saw that happen when a neighbor began petting her new cat Kerouac. "He's so cute!" Todd's neighbor gushed, only to have Kerouac begin hissing loudly. "Kerouac!" Todd cried as her neighbor jumped back in surprise. "What's gotten into you?"

The fact is cats can get riled and complain in a variety of ways, such as fleeing, nonstop meowing or hissing at strangers, in response to negative stimuli. Here are some common pet peeves and how to avoid them:

Being tripped on. This is probably the number one bummer for cats. "Cats don't like it either when you step on their tails because it hurts." says certified animal behaviorist Mary Burch, author of Volunteering With Your Pet.

What you can do: Change your walk pattern.
"Teach yourself to look first, then step," says Burch. You can also teach your cat to move when your feet get near by firmly saying, "Move," as you approach. If your cat doesn't budge, gently guide her out of the way. Once your cat does move, praise her with hugs and "Good, kitty."

Loud noises. Cats will naturally flee from thunder, construction work and fireworks. "Loud noises usually don't signal good things to a cat," says John C. Wright, author of Is Your Cat Crazy?

What you can do: Don't feed the fear by over-reacting and pampering your cat. Just chill out instead. "Act calm and rational," says Burch. "Provide your cat with a safe, secure place (such as crate or bedroom). The key is for you to act like everything is under control."

Bothersome dogs. While cats and dogs can live in peace, some dogs can get under a cat's skin, too. "Pesky canines ruin the peaceful lives of cats by barking, biting or chasing the cats," says Burch.

What you can do: Socialize your animals early, do introductions slowly and separate young and old pets. Feed your pets at the same time – but in separate areas to avoid squabbles. Also, provide safe spots for your cat should the dog decide a game of chase might be fun, explains Burch.

Litter box changes. Linda Hill noticed that once she exchanged her old litter box for a new-and-improved one, her cat started eliminating in the bathtub instead of her box. That's no surprise to Betsy Cambarbri, animal behaviorist at Peninsula Humane Society in San Mateo, Calif. "Cats don't like change," she says.

What you can do: "If you have a winning litter box situation, don't change it," says Cambarbri, who also advises changing the litter often "because cats are neatniks."

Being tossed out of their favorite spots. Cats also have their favorite places and get bugged by being shooed away. "It ticks them off because you're violating their Queendom," says Wright.

What you can do: You can relocate, relocate, relocate. "If your cat prefers your stove or kitchen counter tops and you prefer that the cat not be there," says Burch, "make sure the cat has alternative places with similar features." You may want to invest in a cat tree.

Too much attention. "A lot of pats from new people can drive a feline up the wall," Wright says. Being picked up also can turn the sweetest cat from nice to naughty.

What you can do: "Let guests know that if your cat wants to be petted, she'll come to them," he says.

Too little attention. When a cat comes to you and you don't acknowledge her presence, she may find it a nuisance. "They think it's rude," says Wright, "because the cat has invited an interaction. And that's a big deal for a cat."

Wanna learn something??

2009-09-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

We recently received this very funny top ten list. One of our readers asked us to share it with you. We think you will enjoy this.

Top 10 Peeves Dogs Have With Humans

1. Blaming your farts on me..... not funny... not funny at all !!!

2. Yelling at me for barking. I'M A FRIGGIN' DOG

3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?

4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose. Stop it!

5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.

6. The sleight of hand, fake fetch throw. You fooled a dog! Whoooo oooooooo what a proud moment for the top of the food chain.

7. Taking me to the vet for "the big snip", then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back!

8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests. Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.

9. Dog sweaters. Hello ??? Haven't you noticed the fur?

10. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth. You're just jealous.

Do you have a peeve dogs have with humans? Share them with us!

Break time story!!

2009-09-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

A Petplace.com dog lover submitted this story. We thought it was wonderful and wanted to share it with you. I hope all you dog lovers like it as much as we did.

Petplace.com Staff.

A storeowner was tacking a sign above his door that read "Puppies for Sale." Signs like that have a way of attracting small children, and sure enough a little boy appeared under the storeowner's sign. "How much are you going to sell the puppies for?" the little boy asked. The storeowner replied, "anywhere from $30 to $50." The little boy reached into his pocket and pulled out some change. "I have $2.37" he said. "May I please look at them?" The storeowner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur.

One puppy was lagging considerably behind.
Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, "What's wrong with that little dog?" The storeowner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered that it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame. The little boy became excited. "That is the puppy I want to buy." The storeowner said, "No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you."

The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, "I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for."

The store owner countered, "You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies." To his surprise, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, "Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands."

Break time story!!

2009-09-29T07:38:00.000-07:00

A Little Girls Works Hard to Find the Right Puppy

This is one of the neatest stories you will ever hear. You will know precisely what this little girl is talking about at the end (you'll want to share this one with your loved ones and special friends)! It is called "Puppy Size".

Danielle keeps repeating it over and over again. "We've been back to this animal shelter at least five times. It has been weeks now since we started all of this," the mother told the volunteer.

"What is it she keeps asking for?", the volunteer asked.

"'Puppy size!'" replied the mother.

"Well, we have plenty of puppies, if that's what she's looking for."

"I know... we have seen most of them", the mom said in frustration.

Just then Danielle came walking into the office

"Well, did you find one?" asked her mom. "No, not this time," Danielle said with sadness in her voice. "Can we come back on the weekend?"

The two women looked at each other, shook their heads and laughed.
"You never know when we will get more dogs. Unfortunately, there's always a supply," the volunteer said.

Danielle took her mother by the hand and headed to the door. "Don 't worry, I'll find one this weekend," she said.

Over the next few days both Mom and Dad had long conversations with her.

They both felt she was being too particular. "It's this weekend or we're not looking any more," Dad finally said in frustration.

"We don't want to hear anything more about 'puppy size', either," Mom added.

Sure enough, they were the first ones in the shelter on Saturday morning. By now Danielle knew her way around, so she ran right for the section that housed the smaller dogs.

Tired of the routine, mom sat in the small waiting room at the end of the first row of cages. There was an observation window so you could see the animals during times when visitors weren't permitted.

Danielle walked slowly from cage to cage, kneeling periodically to take a closer look. One by one the dogs were brought out and she held each one.

One by one she said, "Sorry, but you're not the one."

It was the last cage on this last day in search of the perfect pup.

The volunteer opened the cage door and the child carefully picked up the dog and held it closely. This time she took a little longer.

"Mom, that's it! I found the right puppy! He's the one! I know it!" She screamed with joy. "It's the puppy size!"

"But it's the same size as all the other puppies you held over the last few weeks," Mom said.

"No...not size... The sighs. When I held him in my arms, he sighed", she said.

"Don 't you remember? When I asked you one day what love is, you told me love depends on the sighs of your heart. The more you love, the bigger the sigh!"

The two women looked at each other for a moment. Mom didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As she stooped down to hug the child, she did a little of both.

"Mom, every time you hold me, I sigh. When you and Daddy come home from work and hug each other, you both sigh. I knew I would find the right puppy if it sighed when I held it in my arms", she said.

Then, holding the puppy up close to her face, she said, "Mom, he loves
me. I heard the sighs of his heart!"

Close your eyes for a moment and think about the love that makes you sigh. I not only find it in the arms of my loved ones, but in the caress of a sunset, the kiss of the moonlight and the gentle brush of cool air on a hot day. Take the time to stop and listen; you will be surprised at what you hear. 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Let's be clean yo'll..;)

2009-09-29T02:58:00.000-07:00

5 Germy Habits You Should Probably Try to Break

Think you're getting an A+ in Germ Prevention 101? Maybe not if you're doing any of these things...

It might be time to stop doing these five things:
1. Not washing your hands after using the restroom. Have you ever heard the line that "urine is sterile" so there's no need to wash up. Um, sorry, you need to wash your hands. Sterile urine aside, there's still the business of wiping, flushing, and touching door handles--all of which could lead to cross contamination that can make you sick.
2. Eating food samples at grocery stores. For the same reason you wouldn't lick a stranger's hand, it's best not to dive into the freebie bowl of chips at the supermarket. Ask yourself: "Would I open up a bag of chips and share it, communally, with 50 people on the street right now?" Probably not.

3. Coughing into your hand. Maybe it's just me, but everywhere I'm looking these days people are coughing into their hands--instead of the inside of their elbow. If you tend to do this, try to retrain yourself to cover your cough with your arm and not your hands--it's polite and it also helps protect others with weaker immune systems from catching any bug you've got.
4. Rubbing your eyes--ever. After a fairly icky eye infection years ago, a doctor told me this: Think of your eyes as sacred and untouchable, and retrain yourself not to touch them with your fingers (no rubbing or messing with your eye makeup until you've washed them first). The second you touch a dirty hand to your eye, you're introducing all kinds of harmful bacteria and viruses, which can lead to annoying and even serious infections.
5. Letting your dog lick your hands then not washing them. Guys, I'm a dog lover, but when my pets licks my hands, I go wash them. Yes, it gets tedious to do this (because she's always giving me kisses), but it needs to be done. I will remind you that dogs and cats get into unsavory things (I'll just be blunt: mine likes cat poop).

He Is Lord..;)

2009-09-28T04:15:00.000-07:00

I did some fasting and praying earlier today..It was great :)

I spent an hour with the Lord..Just singing praises and worshiping in tears before Him was a great moment to spent..;)
A verse occurred to me this morning that put my heart at peace..

"Then the Lord said,"There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock.When my glory passes by,I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand untill ...I have passed by.Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back : but my face must not be seen" (Exodus 33:21-22)

Thank you Lord..for a beautiful verse..

I love this song..it made me cry each time I hear this..Hope U guys enjoy this as much as I do..

My lil' version of On My Knees ;)

Abuse boyfriend/husband?Say NO to them!!

2009-09-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Don't let yourself be the victim to these "loosers"

23 WARNING SIGNS OF ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP (www.health-first.org)

Physical or sexual violence may occur without warning. Sometimes, however, there may be signs or "red flags" that serve as warnings that abuse may occur. The following are examples of a person's behavior or personality that may be a warning that a person may be abusive. If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may be in an abusive relationship or be at risk for it. It is recommended that you speak with a domestic violence advocate.

1. Does your partner tease you in a hurtful way in private or in public?

2. Does your partner call you names such as "stupid" or "bitch"?

3. Does your partner act jealous of your friends, family, or co-workers?

4. Does your partner get angry about clothes you wear or how you style your hair?

5. Does your partner check-up on you by calling, driving by, or getting someone else to?

6. Has your partner gone places with you or sent someone just to "keep an eye on you"?

7. Does your partner insist on knowing who you talk with on the phone?

8. Does your partner blame you for his problems or his bad mood?

9. Does your partner get angry so easily that you feel like you're "walking on eggshells"?

10. Does your partner hit walls, drive dangerously, or do other things to scare you?

11. Does your partner often drink or use drugs?

12. Does your partner insist that you drink or use drugs with him?

13. Have you lost friends or no longer see some of your family because of your partner?

14. Does your partner accuse you of being interested in someone else?

15. Does your partner read your mail, go through your purse, or other personal papers?

16. Does your partner keep money from you, keep you in debt, or have "money secrets?"

17. Has your partner kept you from getting a job, or caused you to lose a job?

18. Has your partner sold your car, made you give up your license, or not repaired your car?

19. Does your partner threaten to hurt you, your children, family, friends, or pets?

20. Does your partner force you to have sex when you do not want to?

21. Does your partner force you to have sex in ways that you do not want to?

22. Does your partner threaten to kill you or himself if you leave?

23. Is your partner like "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," acting one way in front of other people and another way when you are alone?

How to Spot Signs of an Abusive Relationship

Step 1:
Watch for controlling behavior. If your loved ones' partner determines where she goes, who she can and can't be with, and what time she must be home, it is a warning sign of abuse.
Step 2:
Keep an eye out for extreme jealousy and possessiveness. We all get a little jealous or even a little possessive of our partners. When this jealousy is taken to the extreme, it is unhealthy.
Step 3:
Observe the way she speaks to him. If she regularly puts him down or belittles him, it becomes abusive.
Step 4:
Pay attention to how often she can see her friends and family. Isolation from friends and family generally happens slowly, over a period of time. If you notice that she can never hang out with you, other friends or her family, she is probably involved in an abusive relationship.
Step 5:
Don't believe the excuses. If you notice bruises or scratches on a regular basis, don't believe her when she says "I fell, I'm so clumsy."

Tips & Warnings

Don't be judgmental. If your loved one is involved in an abusive relationship, she needs a friend, not someone that is going to lecture or pass judgment on her.
Be understanding, but not to a fault. You want to support your loved one and help him get out of the abusive relationship, but you don't want to convey the message that it is OK or healthy for him to stay.
Don't confront the abuser. If your suspicions are confirmed and corroborated with other friends and family, talk to your loved one first. If you confront the abuser, he may take it out on the victim.
Don't attack the victim. When voicing your opinion about the relationship, make sure she knows that she is loved and cared about. Accusing her of making bad decisions will make matters worse.

Please ladies..talk to someone if u come across these problems..don't hold it to yourself.. I know someone who even dare to slash his girlfriend's back..and guess what?they recently got married..Sometimes..It keeps me wonder..why wouldn't she let go?Why does she let herself be tortured by that "animal"?I was told by many ..women likes it that way..they love abusive men.. is that the truth?Give me some comment about this topic ok?thanx

How To Adopt A Dog..

2009-09-22T06:35:00.000-07:00

Humanity and kindness go hand in hand. All the animal lovers have a special place in their hearts for their furry companions and love to provide for them, care for them and love them. Adopting a homeless dog is not just an act of kindness but finding an unwavering devotion, loyalty and companionship forever. Though, it may take time and patience, your rewards come inn the way these animals wait for you anxiously at home, without questioning your lifestyle and run to hug you and are contented to be petted. The pet and owner bonding is one of the most beautiful relations in the world. It is interesting to see how the two specials, naturally abhorrent to each other, live in harmony in a loving home and even become the best playmates ever. Such relationships include the friendships between cats and dogs.

Adopting a dog means choosing the correct type of dog for you as the fist step. You will have to decide whether you want a dog that is large or small according to the space available to you. You may want an active companion that loves to go hiking or a gentle one that is contented to sit in your lap and be petted regularly. There are dogs with long fur that look cute or the smooth-coated ones that shed very little. Guardian dogs need to be stronger and more intelligent while toy dogs need to be cute and gentle and easily sociable. Hundreds of breeds of dogs are available for adoption but you should be careful to choose the one that suits your personality type. Here are some things to keep in mind, before you adopt a dog:

Consider the size of your dog according to the size of your house. Flats, unit houses and farmhouses may all be suitable for different breeds.
Urban and suburban areas are more suitable for particular breeds while rural and semi-rural areas are preferable for others.
While choosing a dog, keep in mind that you have a yard at home or not.
Is the dog contented to be chained or stay within the property limits or is a natural wanderer.
The daily exercise that the dog breed needs on a regular basis.
The time you can spend with your dog and its need of companionship.
People with oldies, invalid people or kids at home must choose a dog that will not be a problem for them later.
The age group and the fitness level of the dog owner and the main dog sitter.
Energy level of the dog that you find comfortable.
The toy or small dogs such as Pekingese, medium dogs such as Cocker Spaniel and large dogs such as German Shepherd Giant and St. Bernard have all their exclusive uses.
The price of the dog and its daily maintenance cost.
Preferable length of coat of the dog. Smooth coated ones such as Basset Hound, dogs with short coat such as German Shepherd, medium coated ones such as Cocker Spaniel or long-coated ones such as Maltese, all have different looks and are suitable for different weather conditions. Long coated dogs in warmer regions need to be kept cool constantly by air-conditioning, while smooth-coated ones in cold countries will need warming up, thus, increasing their maintenance cost.
Grooming the dog requires.
The purpose for adopting the dog. Some dogs are so sociable that they are contented to keep quiet when strangers come into the house, while some breeds are merely threatening with barking but rarely bite. Some other breeds are quite dangerous and can attack any stranger savagely.
The number of dogs and cats that you already own, for this will determine how social and adjustable a dog you might need.
The training level, fitness level, age and health of the dog

Raising A Heathy Pet..

2009-09-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

Raising a healthy dog is simple. Food, water, and exercise. Right? Well, maybe, but pet health goes well beyond that. Dogs need not only food, exercise and water, they need lots of love, affection and medication. Yet, giving your dog a healthy diet and lifestyle can keep the dreaded vet trips at bay. Here are a few tips for keeping your dog's health in check.
When it comes to what your dog eats, consider only quality, not quantity. Overfeeding your dog will be detrimental to pet health and cause obesity in your dog. Obese dogs will develop other medical conditions in time, such as diabetes. Yes, dogs, and even cats, can develop diabetes. It is not just a human disease. Also, giving your dog quality food means that they will have a strong pet health and bodily function. Stronger pet health means that they will be less likely to develop medical conditions. Vets state that dogs should get around forty per cent protein, fifty per cent vegetables and ten per cent carbohydrates. You can find that in most dog food, but you can also create your own organic diet for your dog too.

Exercise, exercise, exercise.

Exercise is key for a dog. Getting regular exercise can keep your dog from developing detrimental psychological and emotional disorders. And yes, dogs can go crazy from boredom too. Plus exercise is great for maintaining proper pet health. Just like us, dogs need to maintain their body, which includes exercising the internal organs. But exercise is also important to dogs, since they are animals. They are used to being outside, running, hunting, and exercising regularly, so to keep them penned up all day long will cause stress and anxiety. This will also give you an opportunity to monitor pet health as well. Watch their run, their breathing, their behavior, as these can all be signs of illness.
Water. While dogs do not have to have six to eight eight ounce glasses of water as we do, they still need plenty of water. Dogs can get dehydrated easily, particularly during the summer months, so make sure that they have plenty of water. Unlike cats, dogs can survive for periods of time without water, but to maintain proper pet health and function, it is best to keep water handy for them at all times. It is also necessary to keep clean water out for your dogs too. Most people think that a bowl of water out in the yard is fine for their dog, but this can leave them vulnerable to disease and bacteria. Be sure to clean the bowl you put their water in regularly so your dog does not develop a serious medical condition.
With these few steps, you can keep a strong sense of pet health within your family. Your dog will thank you for spending time keeping them healthy and happy. You can see it in their eyes. You can see it in their gait. They rely on us to keep them safe, so make sure they are.

Ipod ... anyone??..;)

2009-09-22T04:29:00.001-07:00

I was in the pub yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to fart. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

25 Ways to improve your health

2009-09-22T04:26:00.000-07:00

Pay Attention now people..;)

1. Brush twice a day!

2. Dress right for the weather.

3. Visit the dentist regularly.

4. Get plenty of rest.

5. Make sure your hair is dry before going outside.

6. Eat right.

7. Get outside in the sun every once in a while.

8. Always wear a seatbelt.

9. Control your drinking of alcoholic beverages.

10. Smile! It will make you feel better.

11. Don't over indulge yourself.

12. Bathe regularly.

13. Read to exercise the brain.

14. Surround you rself with friends.

15. Stay away from too much caffeine.

16. Use the bathroom regularly.

17. Get plenty of exercise.

18. Have your eyes checked regularly.

19. Eat plenty of vegetables.

20. Believe that people will like you for who you are.

21. Forgive and forget.

22. Take plenty of vacations.

23. Celebrate all special occasions.

24. Pick up a hobby.

25. Love thy neighbor as thyself.

Hush..lil..babies???

2009-09-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN THIS TIRED?

And the best comes last . .

A New Dish For try out...Roasted Pork with kim Chi

2009-09-21T03:04:00.000-07:00

U gotta try this dish ..it's to die for..yummy!!This is my version..;)

Firstly, roast ur meat..with rosemary flavour (u can get this instant flavor in supermarket)
Add some chicken stock to ur meat then roast...

Secondly,after it is cooked...cut ur meat into small pieces ...mean while,ready ur pot on the stove and heat it up with some cooking oil..

stir fry ur meat and mix with kimchi..then add some sugar ..lastly add a lil' chicken stock and ohh add some corn starch too ..all set ..ready to eat!

My Kim Chi ;)

2009-09-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Kimchi is a traditional Korean vegetable side dish. It is also spelled gimchi and kimchee. Kimchi is known as a banchan, or side dish in Korea. It is common, in Korean cuisine, to have many banchan served alongside a meal. Main courses may be accompanied by up to a dozen such side dishes. Kimchi, however, if the most popular of the lot.

Kimchi is made by fermenting seasoned cabbage and other vegetables. In addition to being served as a side dish, kimchi is also served with rice. Furthermore, kimchi is sometimes used as an ingredient in dishes such as kimchi jjigae (a kind of stew) and kimchi bokkeumbap (kimchi fried rice).

Ingredients :

1) Wong bok ( a type of Cabbage)
2)Sesame Seeds
3)Fish Sauce
4)ginger
5)garlic
6) fresh chilies
7)Cili Powder
8) spring onion
9)Sugar
10)Shrimp sauce (Cencaluk)

Da making of Kim Da Chi ;) ( I promise ..will make it as simple as possible )

firstly..soak ur wom bok sayur (look like cabbage except it is da longer one la) soak for 2- 3 hrs.While waiting for that 3 hrs..u can start to make the kim chi sauce..Fry dry some sesame seeds..(without oil)..then put aside..after that boil some FRESH red cili for 5 mins..then out aside..after that..pound small piece of ginger and one clove of ...garlic..then pound da red chilies that u have boiled earlier on then mix with the ingredients that u have pound (ginger,garlic) then put in a bowl..then mix with fish sauce(aprox.. 4 to 5 table spoon),cili powder,sesame seeds,then sugar ohh dun forget also to mix with cencaluk (Shrimp sauce) or air belacan..after that..u put those a side..then after 2 to 3 hrs ..it is time to wash ur wongbok ..then mix together with the kim chi sauce..then lastly put spring onion..and BAM!!! U have ur self a delicious original Korean dish....add some apple cider vinegar..for a great taste of ur very own Kim Chi..yum!! Good Luck Trying..

This is my version tho..

hahahha..not bad eh? :p

Let me explain to you the benefit of Kim Da Chi ;)

What Makes Kimchi so Healthy?

Summary
Korean kimchi is undoubtedly the healthiest food on the planet. In a tradition dating back thousands of years, vegetables are pickled and and combined in a multitude of ways that suit every taste. This article explains the health benefits that derive from kimchi in general, and the Ultimate Kimchi recipe in particular.
[3200 words]

by Eric Armstrong

Kimchi is sometimes spelled "kimchee", but I prefer the "chi" spelling because that is the spelling of the oriental word chi (gi, ki) that translates as "nature energy" or "inner energy". And kimchi lives up to its name.

Kimchi's Health Benefits

Kimchi is nothing if not healthy. It combines the world's healthiest ingredients in a tasty treat, and uses the combination of vinegar, oil, salt, and spices to way that makes an all-natural preservative. The following sections describe kimchi's specific ingredients and their effects:

Kimchi eliminates cholesterol
Kimchi promotes intestinal health
The quality of Korean food

Kimchi Eliminates Cholesterol

With its combination of garlic, scallions, fruits, and vegetables, kimchi works overtime to keep your arteries clear. This section explains how.

Garlic and Onions

It is only in recent years that the scientific community has begun to establish the powerful healing effects of garlic that have been known in Oriental cultures for centuries. Onions and garlic have for centuries been eaten as regular staples by the longest living peoples on earth -- Asians, Russians, and Bulgarians. There is no coincidence, here.
Garlic is a powerful anti-oxidant. That means it prevents oxygen from combining with things. Along with the vinegar and oil, it helps to keep the vegetables in kimchi fresh. Garlic has been used as a preservative for centuries by peoples in Korea and India, long before the advent of refrigerators. But garlic does even more for you after you eat it.
The oil of garlic is 60% allicin. When garlic is crushed, two enzymes join together to form this powerful substance. In the body, allicin reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels -- the major cause of heart attacks and strokes. It is so effective that volunteers eating a quarter-pound of butter actually showed reduced cholesterol afterwards when they ate it with garlic, instead of the higher cholesterol levels they would normally experience.Only foods in the garlic/onion family have this characteristic. So one benefit of eating fresh, crushed garlic is that it lowers your cholesterol.
Besides kimchi, what food can claim substantial amounts of fresh garlic? None! And it doesn't hurt that the scallions included in the kimchi have the same effect on cholesterol levels. Both foods raise the number of High Density Lipoproteins in the blood -- these are the "good guy" lipids that carry cholesterol to the gall bladder for elimination.
In addition to allicin, garlic is the best known natural source of selenium.This trace mineral is a key ingredient in the process that keeps skin and hair healthy, thereby preventing wrinkles. It also prevents cholesterol platelets from adhering to artery walls.
Selenium is deficient in the soils surrounding the major population centers in this country, and it has been shown to be deficient in most of the population. So garlic is a key ingredient! Be sure to use organic garlic, though. The non-organic variety has much less of this vital mineral. Selenium is so important that Jack Challum ("The Nutrition Detective") believes that selenium deficiencies may be responsible for ailments as diverse as the flu, the Ebola epidemic, and AIDs
Garlic is also important because selenium is a necessary part of glutathione a substance the body makes from the amino acids glutamine, cysteine, and glutamic acid. Glutathione peroxidase is a vitamin C "booster" that reconstitutes Vitamin C as it breaks down in the lens of the eye, due to sunlight and cathode tube x-rays. Glutathione therefore makes 10 units of Vitamin C do the work of a hundred! It is partly this activity, and partly the fact that it is required for Vitamin E to function, that accounts for selenium's ability to protect against cancer.
Since garlic's selenium helps to preserve Vitamin C, and since Vitamin C is responsible for transporting fat molecules across cell walls to fuel muscle cells, the combination of garlic and vegetables keeps us thinner and makes us feel more energetic!

Our Malaysian Famous Dish..Nasi Lemak

2009-09-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

600 g rice

450 g Grated coconut, extract 5 cups of milk by adding equal amount of water

4 Fragrant screwpine (pandan) leaves, tie into knot

2 cm Ginger, slice finely

6 Shallots, slice finely

3 cloves Garlic, slice finely

1 teaspoon Salt

1 piece Cinnamon

3 Cloves

Method :

Wash the rice and drain well.
Put rice, coconut milk and other ingredients into a pot or electric rice cooker and cook until all liquid is absorbed.
Loosen rice grain and test for doneness.
Add a little water if the rice is not well-cooked.
Cover the pot tightly until rice is fluffy.

To serve :

Serve the rice hot with sambal ikan bilis (anchovies), prawns, sliced cucumber, hard boiled eggs and fried peanuts...Happy Trying everyone ;)

Special Ingredients for Malaysian food recipe.

2009-09-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

Belacan - Its made by small or tiny shrimp that caught near the shore, which are then fermented in enormous barrels with salt. When they have rotted and formed a paste a number of lean, scooped this unpalatable looking mass out onto long, trestle-table-like tray using wooden shovels. These pile were left to dry further in the hot sun before packaging.

Asam Jawa (tamarind pulp) - This is used to give a tartness to Malay, Nyonya and Indian dishes. It is sold in 540g packets and can be kept for several months in a jar in the base of refrigerator or very cool place. The pulp come from tamarind tree. The juice is only used.

Buah Keras (macadamia nut, candlenut) - This chunky, hard-selled nut is about the size of small chestnut. They are so-named because when threaded onto the mid-rib of a palm leaf, they are used as a type of candle. Buy them ready shelled from oriental shops - crushed, they are frequently used in Malay and Indonesian cooking as a thickening for sauces. Substitue with Brazil or almonds, but be sure to double up on almonds.

Green Chutney Recipes

2009-09-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

1 bunch fresh cilantro
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
1 minced hot green chile peppers
1 tablespoon peanuts
salt to taste
2 tablespoons lemon juice

DIRECTIONS

Blend the following in a food processor until smooth: cilantro, garlic, ginger, green chili, peanuts, salt to taste, and lemon juice. Add a few drops of water if the mixture is too dry.

Crispy Masala Vada..

2009-09-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite Indian snacks..Go on and try it at home ..:)

Ingredients
1 cup yellow gram (chana) dak
1/2 cup onion finely chopped
1/2 cup coriander finely chopped
1/2 cup dill leaves finely chopped
3-4 green chillies finely chopped
1/2 tsp. cumin seeds
oil to deep fry

Method
Wash and soak dal for 3-4 hours.
Keep 2 tbsp. dal aside, grind the rest,coarsely.
Mix all other ingredients, including whole dal.
Add 2-3 tbsp. hot oil to the mixture.
Heat oil, make pattie shaped rounds with moist palm.
Let carefully into the hot oil.
Fry first one side then the other till golden brown.
Serve hot with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup

Making time: 20 minutes (excluding soaking time)
Makes: 15 vadas (approx.)
Shelf life: Best fresh

Foot Prints Poem!

2009-09-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

The most touching poem for Christians..

Footprints
Also Known As "I Had a Dream"

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

"Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don't understand why, when I need You most, You leave me."

He whispered, "My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you."

Romantic Lyrics for romantic couples..;)

2009-09-20T11:23:00.000-07:00

More Than Words Can Say

Here I am at six o'clock in the morning..Still thinking about you
It's still hard, at six o'clock in the morning..To sleep without you
And I know that it might.Seem too late for love
All I know..I need you now
More than words can say..I need you now
I've got to find a way..I need you now
Before I lose my mind..I need you now

Here I am, I'm looking out my window
I'm dreaming about you..Can't let you go, at six o'clock in the morning..I feel you beside me

And I know that it might..Seem too late for love..For love Oh, Oh, Oh

I need you now..More than words can say
    I need you now..I've got to find a way
   I need you now..Before I lose my mind
    I need you now..More than words can say
I need you now..Oh I got to hear you say
   I need you now..Before I lose my mind
I need you now..I need you now

Benefits of Chilli and other spices..

2009-09-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

On this post..is about the Benefit of Chili..don't you know that these chilies can burn FATS as well?? So for those of you who wants a fit slim body..U gotta mix lots of chilies in ur foodie..:) as for me..I have no problem..coz.. I love spicy food especially CHILIES!! Happy reading Fellas..:)

Benefits of Chilli

Chillies are excellent source of Vitamin, A, B, C and E with minerals like molybdenum, manganese, folate, potassium, thiamin, and copper. Chilli contains seven times more vitamin C than orange.

Ever since its introduction to India in 1498, chillies have been included in Ayurvedic medicines and used as tonic to ward off many diseases. Chillies are good for slimming down as it burns the calorie easily. Chillies stimulate the appetite, help to clear the lungs, and stimulate digestive system.

Capsaicin : Chillies have vitamin C and Vitamin A containing beta-carotenoids which are powerful antioxidant. These antioxidants destroy free radical bodies. Usually, these radical bodies may travel in the body and cause huge amounts of damage to cells. These radical bodies could damage nerve and blood vessel in diabetes.

The antioxidants present in the chilli wipe out the radical bodies that could build up cholesterol causing major heart diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Chillies have antioxidants that can destroy cholesterol which could cause major disease like atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. Other disease like cataract and arthritis like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It also dilates airway of lungs which reduces asthma and wheezing.
Detoxicants : Chillies acts as detoxifiers as they removes waste products from our body and increases supply nutrients to the tissues. It also acts as gastrointestinal detoxicants helping in digestion of food.
Pain killer : Chillies stimulates the release of endorphins that are natural pain killers. It relieves pain caused due to shingles (Herpes Zoster), bursitis, diabetic neuropathy and muscle spasm in shoulders, and extremities. It also helps in relieving arthritic pains in the extremities.
Antibiotic : Chillies brings fresh blood to the site of the infection. The fresh blood fights infection. The white blood cells and leukocytes present in the fresh blood fights viruses.
Brain : Capsaicin stimulates brain to excrete endorphin and gives a sense of pleasure when ingested. This is the reason people get addicted to chilli.
Cancer : It has been noted that vitamin C, beta-carotene and folic acid found in chilli reduces the risk of colon cancer. Chillies such as red pepper have cartonoid lycopene, which prevents cancer disease.
Heart Attack : Chillies have vitamin B6 and folic acid. The vitamin B reduces high homocysteine level. High homocysteine levels have been shown to cause damage to blood vessels and are associated with a greatly increased risk of heart attack and stroke. It also converts homocysteine into other molecules which is beneficial to lower cholesterol level.
Lung disease : Chillies gives relief from nasal congestion by increasing the metabolism. It also dilates airway of lungs which reduces asthma and wheezing. It relieves chronic congestion in people who are heavy drinkers.

Cigarette smoke contains benzopyrene which destroys the vitamin A in the body. The vitamin A present in chilli reduces inflammation of lungs and emphysema caused due to cigarette smoking.

A common ingredient in many popular dishes, red chilies provide dieters with both a spicy kick and a fat burning boost! As chilies naturally contain chemicals and compounds that enhance the fat burning processes in the body, dieters can enjoy this all natural food while experiencing added weight loss benefits.

The Fat Burning Powers of the Red Chili

When biting into a food containing chilies, or when eating this vegetable on its own, it does not take long for dieters to feel as though their mouths are on fire. The active ingredient in chilies that stimulates this effect is Capsaicin. This is a phyto-chemical that is, by nature, designed to actually deter animals from consuming it. This chemical is intended to work as a type of self-defense mechanism.

Today, however, the burning sensation is now a commonly desirable benefit from these spicy peppers. In fact, it is the Capsaicin chemicals that may stimulate the fat burning processes in the body. Essentially, when a dieter consumes a red chili pepper, the body reacts to the pepper by turning up its temperature, as the pepper stimulates heat producing reactions. When a dieter's body heat is subtly raised, the body's thermogenic process simultaneously kicks into effect. The thermogenic process, quite simply, is the rate at which the body is able to burn off calories and body fat. This is more commonly described as the body's metabolism. Basically, the more efficient and speedy the metabolism, the more quickly a dieter is able to lose weight and burn fat! By consuming chili peppers, dieters benefit from an enhanced metabolism and more effective fat burning benefits.

The Many Varieties of the Fat Burning Chili Pepper

While the red chili pepper is one of the most popular fat burning peppers, chili peppers also come in alternative colors and flavors. In addition to red chilies, dieters can also enjoy green chili peppers, as well as hundreds of others that come in a variety of shapes, degree of spice, and so forth.

Generally, when consuming a chili pepper, the hotter the spice, the more Capsaicin the pepper contains. While the red chili pepper is commonly the most popular, as it is considered to be mildly spicy when prepared with other foods or sauces, the habañero and Scotch bonnet peppers are considered to be the hottest peppers in the world, containing far more Capsaicin than most consumers find enjoyable to consume.

Additional Benefits of the Fat Burning Red Chili Pepper
In addition to the thermogenic and fat burning benefits of the red chili pepper, this vegetable has also been shown to provide dieters with a myriad of benefits. In fact, one scientific study of this spicy vegetable revealed that Capsaicin found in red chili peppers actually destroyed cancerous cells in the test subjects. Specifically, in one clinical trial, it even caused nearly 80 percent of cancerous cells found in the prostate to completely destruct. While this test was studied in mice, many experts believe that humans may also benefit from the cancer-fighting powers of the chili pepper and its healthy ingredients.

In addition to the elimination of fat and cancer cells, red chilies have also been shown to work as effective pain relievers, while these spicy vegetables may additionally help prevent and treat sinus congestion and discomfort.

When seeking to add the many benefits of Capsaicin to your own fat burning diet, try enjoying healthy snacks and meals that contain red chili peppers, such as salsa, meats cooked or marinated with the peppers, among many other foods and recipe options. For those with a milder taste and palate, this potent ingredient is also available in supplemental forms.
John Hartie is a recognised authority on fat burning foods, his website, http://www.bestfatburningfood.com provides a wealth of informative articles and resources on everything you will need to know about fat burning foods.

Chili Powder -
Like all peppers containing capsaicin, chili powder is a powerful stimulant that raises your body's temperature and helps you burn calories faster. Chili is another good spice for spaghetti sauce and of course, vegetarian chili.

Cinnamon -
Cinnamon, cloves, turmeric and bay leaves actually have drug-like properties that help us handle the sugar in sweets. Dr. Anderson discovered that these various spices help stimulate insulin activity, which means the body can process sugar more efficiently and, therefore, needs less insulin. Only a little cinnamon, such as the small amounts sprinkled on toast or oatmeal, can stimulate insulin activity. A dash of cinnamon may help keep blood sugar in check.
Fennel Seeds -
The Greek termed fennel, meaning to grow thin. Fennel seed is good to have before a meal, as it curbs your appetite. Drink fennel tea or add fennel when baking bread or muffins.

Ginger -
An Australian study proved that ginger revs up the metabolism and burns off calories. Biochemists applied both fresh and dried ginger extracts to the tissue of animals and found that the spice induced tissues to use up more than 20% more energy than usual. Chinese herbalists prescribe ginger for weight loss, because of its warming ability. By raising body temperature, ginger helps stimulate the body's fat burning mechanisms. It has also been proven in Ayurveda medicine (a medicine system from India aimed at balancing the body through diet, meditation, herbs and massage, so the body can heal itself), to help relieve arthritic pain. Slice up gingerroot and eat it with rice or stir-fry, or boil it and drink as tea, 3 times per day.

Garlic -
Garlic heats up the immune system and is known for its healing properties for colds and flu. Garlic is another potent diuretic and an excellent weight loss aid. Use garlic in just about anything; spaghetti sauce, soups, salad dressings and stir-fry.
Parsley -
The ancient Greeks used parsley as an aphrodisiac and to enhance beauty and youthfulness. Today, it's primarily used to stimulate the circulatory system, increase energy and fight water retention. Most people also know it as a breath freshener. You can use parsley in any recipe. Better than dried herb, chopped raw, fresh parsley.

Dolly Anyone???

2009-09-19T04:11:00.000-07:00

What are reborn baby dolls? ( In case.. U're wondering about those dolls)

A reborn doll is a manufactured vinyl play doll that has been transformed in order to achieve as much realism as possible in order to resemble a human baby. The process of creating a reborn doll is referred to as reborning, and the doll artists are referred to as rebornersReborn dolls are also known as living dolls or unliving dolls.
The hobby of reborn dolls began around 1990 when doll enthusiasts wanted more realistic dolls.Since then, an industry surrounding reborn dolls has emerged. Reborn dolls are primarily purchased on the internet but are available at fairs. Depending on craftsmanship, they range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
The International Reborn Doll Artists (IRDA) group was created to educate artists in the art form of reborn doll making. Any artist can join the association, however certain ethical guidelines must be upheld by members.
Reborning involves numerous time consuming steps. The most basic form of the process involves taking a vinyl doll, adding multiple layers of paint, and adding other physical features to the doll. Artists can pick different brands to best suit what doll they wish to create.Consumers can also buy reborn doll kits that include the doll parts and supplies for creating their own reborn. A doll made from kit is called newborning and allows artists to omit some steps in the fabrication process. Many supplies are needed for both external and internal modifications of reborns to make the doll seem more realistic.
Some consumers of reborn dolls use them to replace a child they once lost, or a child that has grown up. Others collect reborns as they would a regular doll. These dolls are usually taken seriously and are cared for like an infant.Critics debate whether reborn dolls are harmful, or whether these dolls can help in the grieving process and relaxation. Because of their realistic nature, reborn dolls have been in several news stories that cover various interest in the dolls to incidents involving the police

History
The craft of making reborn dolls began in the United States in the early 1990s. Reborning follows a long tradition of collectors, artists, and manufacturers restoring and enhancing dolls in order to portray more realism. The internet has allowed doll artists and collectors to create an online society focused on reborn dolls. In 2002, the first reborn was offered on eBay. This has expanded the reborn market allowing artists to open online stores which function figuratively as nurseries. The niche market for the dolls began with doll collectors who admired the superior lifelike accuracy of the doll. The market quickly reached those who wanted to use the doll as an emotional response, either to mother or for therapeutic purposes. Mass media coverage has helped to develop the phenomenon in other countries. Primarily reborning has grown in the Britain and Australia, but has also reached Canada, the rest of Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Doll manufacturers have also have also taken advantage of the trend and sell supplies, tools, and accessories catering to reborn followers. This has allowed reborners to invent new techniques causing the dolls to become increasingly realistic over time.Magazines, books, organizations, and conventions dedicated to reborn dolls have also appeared since these events.

Fabrication

Vinyl doll kit shown side by side (unpainted parts & painted "reborn" doll on cloth body).

The creation of a reborn doll takes time, knowledge, supplies and effort. To create a reborn baby doll, an artist learns from existing reborn artists what is involved, learns the techniques and gathers the necessary tools and supplies. The appearance of the doll depends on the reborn kit or doll used, skill of the reborn artist, and the quality of medium that the reborn doll was created with. Some reborn artists allow customers to customize their doll through input sometimes including a photograph. Custom orders for reborn baby dolls come from clients wishing to replicate a child lost as an infant, a baby they would like to have, a child representing a grandchild or child who lives too far away for visits, for a doll collectors exhibit or for other reasons stated by their client.

Reborning

Some vinyl or silicone/vinyl dolls can be used for reborning, however with the advent of reborn doll kits, most reborn doll artists prefer to use kits that contain the head, limbs and sometimes a cloth body. Dolls and doll kits vary by size, shape, materials and cost, making some more desirable or popular than others. According to Kevin Titterton of Doll Reader Magazine; Berenguer Babies, Zapf, Lee Middleton, Ashton Drake, Apple Valley, and Secrist Dolls are doll companies that make dolls which are easy to transform into reborns.Kathryn Peck of Doll Reader Magazine explains that with JC Toys Berenguer Babies, it is because the dolls already resemble human babies in their expressions, body shapes, surface materials, and other lifelike attributes.Ashton Drake uses a trademark vinyl for their incredibly realistic baby dolls in a collection called "So Truly Real" that lends itself to reborning.

Newborning

Newborning is a term coined by a doll company called Secrist Dolls, in an attempt to be different and unique in the world of reborn doll artists, however this terminology never caught on and is not used by the general reborn artist community. Most reborn artists call the art of creating a realistic baby doll 'reborning' whether the baby doll is made from a reborn doll kit or a manufactured doll. Secrist dolls state that if a reborn is created from a kit as opposed to whole manufactured doll, it is called newborning. This information is not fact, but a marketing tactic. The Secrist doll company started making Reborn Doll Kits in 2005. In 2009, they began producing supplies, tools, and tutorial videos specifically for reborning or newborning. JC Toys began selling kits in December 2007..

Supplies
Depending on the technique used, supplies for reborning are easily obtained from a number of sources. Genesis Heat Set Paints are the medium of choice for most main stream reborners. Reborning with acrylics or oil paints is also done but not as popular because of quality issues and difficulty in reborning. Starter kits are available for beginners who are not willing to research and acquire supplies from various sources. The Starter Kits from one company are equipped with basic reborning necessities such as limbs, faces, heads, paint brushes, eyelashes, weighting pellets, heat genesis paints, cloth bodies, cable ties, nose drill bits, fake tears, thinning shears,cosmetic foam wedges, cotton dipped applicators, and glue Other companies also offer reborning kits. Reborning supplies may be purchased separately from a variety of sources. Heat set genesis paints are an odorless, non-toxic paint that dries when the artist chooses by applying heat. A heat gun or oven can be used to set the paint. Heating the head and limbs at 265 for 8 minutes, after painting each layer of color, and testing the permanence of color with a wet q-tip is part of the reborning process. The nose holes may be drilled out for realism with a dremel, or drill bits, if desired, put not all reborn artists create 'breathers' - reborn baby dolls with the nose holes drilled out. The noses holes can be painted to look like they are open instead of actually drilling the hose holes out. aAcetone or a paint thinner medium is needed for removing the factory paint from the doll, if a doll is used to reborn with instead of reborn kit that needs no preparation except a soapy bath to remove any residue that may be on the kit from handling or molding. Reborn babies can have hand rooted hair, painted hair or occasionally be left bald. Fine mohair, human hair, or wigs can be used, and is available in a variety of types, prices and quality. Rooting tools called felting needles are utilized in rooting the hair, usually mohair, into the baby's head and are available in numerous sizes 20,36,38, 40, and 42. The smaller the number the thicker the needle which will grab more hair and leave a bigger hole in the head of the doll. Wigs are glued on. Eyes for a reborn doll are offered in a variety of brands and sizes.

Process

Vinyl doll kit shown side by side (unpainted parts & painted "reborn" doll). The doll has a "chest/belly plate".

The technique of reborning a play doll typically involves a number of steps. To begin the doll is taken apart and factory paint is removed. Then a blue color wash is applied to the inside of each vinyl part to give the appearance of realistic baby skin undertones. For dolls with an awake appearance eyes must be replaced. The outer layer of the vinyl doll is given its skin tone by adding dozens of layers of flesh colored paint. The doll must be baked inside an oven after each layer of paint is applied.Lighter skin tone dolls can take fifteen to thirty layers.The effects of the blue color wash combined with the outside layers of paint creates the appearance of veins, and gives the doll its newborn mottled look.Manicured nails and opening of the nose holes are other details that are added during this process.The next step is to apply hair. The hair can either done in one of two ways; wigging or microrooting.When microrooting, hair is added strand by strand. This can take up to thirty or more hours per head. Once the hair is finished, the original vinyl body is weighted with a soft stuffed body filled with pellets. The weight corresponds with its age to achieve a real effect. Various additions also can be added to give the doll an even more life like appearance. Reborns heads are often weighted, so that owners have to support the head like one would a real newborn. Purchasers can have magnets attached inside the mouth or head for attaching a pacifier or hair bows. Electronic devices that mimic a heart beat, or make the chest rise and fall to simulate breathing are common.Reborns can come with an umbilical cord, baby fat, heat packs to make the reborn warm to the touch, or voice boxes that mimic infant sounds. For preemie dolls, they may come in incubators with a breathing apparatus attached to their nose.

Poem 4 my momma..

2009-09-18T03:11:00.000-07:00

A Sonnet for My Incomparable Mother

" I often contemplate my childhood, Mom.
I am a mother now, and so I know
Hard work is mixed together with the fun;
You learned that when you raised me long ago. I think of all the things you gave to me:
Sacrifice, devotion, love and tears,
Your heart, your mind, your energy and soul--
All these you spent on me throughout the years. You loved me with a never-failing love
You gave me strength and sweet security,
And then you did the hardest thing of all:
You let me separate and set me free. Every day, I try my best to be
A mother like the mom you were to me.." I have da best mom EVA!! Though at times she may be STRICT (well all da time) especially about tidy and cleanliness.;) but on top of that she's my bestest of friend.. ;)

She's da pretties & coolest mom EVA!!!

This clip is for you ma..

Aww...How cute is that..?

2009-09-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

"A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself." ~ Josh Billings

"A dog has lots of friends because he wags his tail and not his tongue." ~ Anonymous

"The average dog is a nicer person than the average person." ~ Andrew A. Rooney

"Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later." ~ Mary Bly

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." ~ George Elliot

"The greatest pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself, too." ~ Samuel Butler

Love this song!!

2009-09-17T07:58:00.000-07:00

I love the lyrics of this song..The Show by Lenka..it has a meaningful words in it..that's why I chose this song to be the theme song for my blog ;)

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

Slow it down
Make it stop
Or else my heart is going to pop
'Cause it's too much
Yeah, it's a lot
To be something I'm not

I'm a fool
Out of love
'Cause I just can't get enough

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I don't know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

The sun is hot
In the sky
Just like a giant spotlight
The people follow the sign
And synchronize in time
It's a joke
Nobody knows
They've got a ticket to that show
Yeah

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

Just enjoy the show

I'm just a little bit caught in the middle
Life is a maze and love is a riddle
I dont know where to go I can't do it alone I've tried
And I don't know why

I'm just a little girl lost in the moment
I'm so scared but I don't show it
I can't figure it out
It's bringing me down I know
I've got to let it go
And just enjoy the show

dum de dum
dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

dum de dum
dudum de dum

Just enjoy the show

I want my money back
I want my money back
I want my money back
Just enjoy the show

I want my money back
I want my money back
I want my money back
Just enjoy the show

Hachiko ( A true dog's tale)

2009-09-17T07:17:00.000-07:00

This is a true story in Japan about a dog named Hachiko..Gotta get ready a box of tissue IF you wish to watch this movie..

THE STORY:
In 1924, Hachiko was brought to Tokyo by his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor in the agriculture department at the University of Tokyo. During his owner's life Hachiko saw him off from the front door and greeted him at the end of the day at the nearby Shibuya Station. The pair continued their daily routine until May 1925, when Professor Ueno did not return on the usual train one evening. The professor had suffered a stroke at the university that day. He died and never returned to the train station where his friend was waiting.

Hachiko was given away after his master's death, but he routinely escaped, showing up again and again at his old home. Eventually, Hachiko apparently realized that Professor Ueno no longer lived at the house. So he went to look for his master at the train station where he had accompanied him so many times before. Each day, Hachiko waited for Professor Ueno to return. And each day he did not see his friend among the commuters at the station.

The permanent fixture at the train station that was Hachiko attracted the attention of other commuters. Many of the people who frequented the Shibuya train station had seen Hachiko and Professor Ueno together each day. They brought Hachiko treats and food to nourish him during his wait.

This continued for 10 years, with Hachiko appearing only in the evening time, precisely when the train was due at the station.

That same year, another of Ueno's faithful students (who had become something of an expert on the Akita breed) saw the dog at the station and followed him to the Kobayashi home where he learned the history of Hachiko's life. Shortly after this meeting, the former student published a documented census of Akitas in Japan. His research found only 30 purebred Akitas remaining, including Hachiko from Shibuya Station.

Professor Ueno's former student returned frequently to visit the dog and over the years published several articles about Hachiko's remarkable loyalty. In 1932 one of these articles, published in Tokyo's largest newspaper, threw the dog into the national spotlight. Hachiko became a national sensation. His faithfulness to his master's memory impressed the people of Japan as a spirit of family loyalty all should strive to achieve. Teachers and parents used Hachiko's vigil as an example for children to follow. A well-known Japanese artist rendered a sculpture of the dog, and throughout the country a new awareness of the Akita breed grew.

Eventually, Hachiko's legendary faithfulness became a national symbol of loyalty.

Hachiko died on March 8, 1935. He was found on a street in Shibuya. His heart was infected with filarial worms and 3–4 yakitori sticks were found in his stomach. His stuffed and mounted remains are kept at the National Science Museum of Japan in Ueno, Tokyo.

Here's a lil preview about the story..

" I can see a vision!!"

2009-09-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

My Paw-Paw Children ;)

2009-09-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Meet Winky Doe..He is 3 years old..He is a Shih Tzu ;) He loves to play fetch such as balls,squeaky toys etc.. he love car ride too ;) ( well ..who doesn't ,right?)

This is Chi-Chi..He is a Chi Hua Hua..he is ..hmm..about 2 years old..Love to shake hands with people ;)

They are Whiskey & Gegirl..

My sweet Honey Bee ;)

We always have this sign at the back of our car ;)

Yea..he loves to sleep in an odd positions..;)

Simply just love them all ;)

Yea..he does it too ;)

Care for some riddles guys?

2009-09-17T06:19:00.000-07:00

The Giraffe Test

1. How do you put a giraffe into a refrigerator?

Stop and think about it and decide on your answer before you scroll down.

The correct answer is: Open the refrigerator, put in the giraffe, and close the door. This question tests whether you tend to do simple things in an overly complicated way.

2. How do you put an elephant into a refrigerator?

Did you say, Open the refrigerator, put in the elephant, and close the refrigerator?

Wrong Answer.

Correct Answer: Open the refrigerator, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant and close the door. This tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your previous actions.

3. The Lion King is hosting an animal conference. All the animals
attend .... Except one. Which animal does not attend?

Correct Answer : The Elephant. The elephant is in the refrigerator. Didn't you just put him in there? This tests your memory. Okay, even if you did not answer the first three questions correctly, you still have one more chance to show your true abilities.

4. There is a river you must cross but it is used by crocodiles, and
you do not have a boat. How do you manage it?

Correct Answer: You jump into the river and swim across. Have you not been listening? All the crocodiles are attending the Animal Meeting. This tests whether you learn quickly from your mistakes..

According to Anderson Consulting Worldwide, around 90% of the
professionals they tested got all questions wrong, but many preschoolers got several correct answers. Anderson Consulting says this conclusively disproves the theory that most professionals have the brains of a four-year-old.

Now try this out to frustrate all of your smart friends...;)

Popsicle Soap!!

2009-09-17T06:12:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that these Popsicle are just soap??Man!!Just by looking at these makes me craving for one (ice cream .. I mean..;p )

What ya think?are u guys hungry yet????

Cute Lil' Moments Of Ur Lil' Darlingss... awww....("A house is not a home without a pet." ~ Anonymous)

2009-09-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

Have u wonder how cute ur pets or any other animals can be? They're such a keeper ;)

"If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans" ~ James Herriot

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~ Roger Caras

"You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us" ~ Robert Louis Stevenson

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language~ Martin Buber

"The purity of a person's heart can be quickly measured by how they regard animals"

"A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution." ~ Hazel Nicholson

These animals are all beautifully created by God Almighty..so PLEASE STOP ANIMAL ABUSE!!Love them as your own..they need to be treated as a family..they need a proper home..;) Be kind to animal..;)

"Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled" ~ Fyodor Dostoyevsky

"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals." ~ Immanual Kant

Birthday thoughts..

2009-09-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Guess what??It's my birthday today!! Yea!!

I was touched by a special lady who wish me a "birthday wish" ..she said.."I want to claim to you that one day a special guy will be sent down from heaven..then I asked her..how will I know that he is the one for me?U will know that he is your guy because there will be a chop/mark on his butt that said "Made in heaven" ;)

WHEN WORDS R NOT ENUF..

2009-09-16T05:39:00.000-07:00

" Hush now, don't shake or break..

Words have fallen silent like soldiers to the grave...

No matter what they do or say "

Girls will be Girls..;) My reborn baby doll Emma..

2009-09-16T03:29:00.000-07:00

I love dolls..Infact I've been collecting them since I was a kid..I have about well..20 or more of them in my room..(every month bought one of each kind) then after I got married I stop collecting them..coz I have a real baby "doll" play with LOL..then one day..I heard my mom talking about Reborn dolls..and was very excited to know more about these dolls (it was da latest doll trend now since 2002 )I really wanted one of my own but we couldn't afford it ..too expensive to buy..but I didint give up and keep asking around if they would make one for me in a reasonable price..no one did offer me one..So i was soo upset..of corse was praying hard for it tho i know it will be impossible for me to have
one..so one day ..I googled around and found one person by the of Bonnie.She is from Kansas ..a very nice lady too.If you have decided to own one you can send an email to her at "aunt_bonnies@hotmail.com".infact she's a good friend...kind lady ;) here's her website.( http://www.freewebs.com/bonniesbabybundlesnursery/) go check out all her reborn baby dolls that she have created...all so awesome!!I'm so glad that I've found her.. she offered me a very good price and I was soo happy/excited abt it..so I discussed it with my mom and finally agreed!!After many years I finally got my hobby back..but this one is soo precious..much precious then da ones I collected b4 lol..
After months of waiting.. my baby girl finally is "Born"..so here's her photos..hope u guys like her as much as I do..:)

First Let me explain what are Reborn Dolls?
The creation of realistic child dolls is a burgeoning trend among hobbyists and collectors. The greatest challenge of the process is retaining the greatest degree of similarity possible to real human children. The creativity and hard work necessary to produce the lifelike figures has been dubbed “creating reborn dolls”. For hobbyists and crafters grown fatigued of traditional doll making, this is an exciting new market that moves away from typical practices, techniques, and technology.

The discovery of new artistic techniques allowing realistic enhancements to be made to the dolls has resulted in a booming market for the reborn dolls, with substantial growth taking place in the past five years. The Berenguer and Preemie dolls previously on the market were the first of their kind to closely resemble human babies in their realistic expressions, body shapes, materials used on the outer surfaces of the doll, and other lifelike attributes. The Berenguer and Preemie dolls were truly the forerunners of the current lifelike ones. A more realistic doll may be created through a laborious process to eliminate the artificial appearance of the doll
First the original doll is disassembled, and the surface paint is stripped in order to expose the molded plastic shell that forms the doll’s body. This step provides the basis on which to form a realistic doll. Adding a purple colored paint to the outer layer of plastic creates a realistic undertone to the skin, after which varied skin tones of paint are applied. If only one shade of paint were to be applied, it would not accurately represent the many tones that create the appearance of human flesh tones. To further recreate the variation and individuality found in the skin of human children, still other tones are used to create blemishes and lines. Finishing touches to the doll may include time consuming processes such as trand-by-strand application of real human hair to the scalps of the dolls to create a more realistic appearance. Eyelashes made of faux human hair may also be painstakingly applied to the dolls. Final reassembling of the doll may include adding lifelike fillers to the body or integrating accessories such as sound boxes (imitating the sound of breathing or heartbeat) with the body filler.

Hobbyists may purchase a reborn doll kit that will allow the purchaser to create their own reborn with less effort. Most people who desire a reborn doll are willing to spend upwards of a few hundred dollars to obtain one. Reborn dolls creating the condition of a child after birth have become popular with new mothers, as they can serve as a thoughtful gift and treasured memento. The challenge of creating dolls that resemble real human children is a growing trend among collectors and hobbyists, a practice referred to as Reborn Doll Kits. Crafters grown tired of less realistic dolls that have been on the market for a long time are excited at the prospect of a new market. The current trend of lifelike qualities and expressions possessed by Reborn Dolls is partially due to the Berenguer and Preemie dolls which have been available for years.

Over the past few months, reborn baby dolls have become more and more popular. However, most people do not even know what a reborn baby is. Reborn babies are doll replicas of a real baby. The doll is most likely made from vinyl and often times the creator of the doll will add items such as glass or beads to get the baby a realistic feel. But some may ask why are people attached to these dolls? One reason is that many women who no longer have children can take comfort in these dolls. They can cradle them and remember what is what like to have a newborn baby.

Key Babies Reborn Terms

There are few phrases and terms that those who are not familiar with reborn babies may have a hard time understanding the meaning. A reborner is someone who create these dolls for a living or as a hobby. These reborners will often times sell their product on the popular web site eBay. They will have a custom store where they will have reviews, pictures, and information on the reborn babies they have created. In addition, many times reporters believe and create a custom reborn baby if requested. They can go by a written description or even if you send them a photograph they can make one that will look extremely similar to the picture. Another term that many might not be familiar with is one that word adoption is being used. When someone when discussing reborn dolls is referring to the word adoption year she means the purchase of a new reborn baby. So when someone says they adopted a baby would that means is that purchased one from a reborn are most likely on eBay. Hopefully you have a better understanding of what reborn baby dolls are, now get on eBay and add a new baby to your family!

Whiskey Lullaby Story

2009-09-15T21:00:00.000-07:00

This story is about a man and a woman who were lovers since high school.. he went to war and when he came back she was with another man. He kills himself, drinking himself to death, leaving a note to say that he still loves her. In the next verse the woman is mourning his loss. She blamed herself and kill..herself as well, drinking herself to death, holding his picture..

(Flash back)
Allison: Please don't go..it could be dangerous.
Brad: This is my future..our future....I am saving the world..I'm with the army now..U should be proud ..ok?
Brad: I'll love you forever..
Allison: U come home now ok?We must raise a family..
Brad: yes honey..We'll do that..

“I'm almost home Allison, just wait for me a little longer” Brad thought as he drove down the winding road towards the apartment he shared with his long time girlfriend. He had been away several years at a dueling battle at work and was in a hurry to return to his beloved.He wanted to make his return as a surprise to Allison. He could almost feel her warm soft body pressed against his. He could taste the sweet honey of her lips. Brad felt the last few months of tension growing in his stomach as his foot pressed down a little harder on the petal of his car. It seemed like an eternity before he finally put his car in park and began climbing the stairs. It was late at night so it didn't surprise him all the lights were off.

Quietly, he opened to door. Sounds of whispering and giggles reached his ears. `What is going on?' wondered Brad as he crept towards the bedroom. The whispering and laughter became louder the closer he came to the back room. Through the crack in the door, he could see Allison with someone in a room together , cast by the many candles placed around the room.Brad continued closer until he was millimeters away, then in one quick movement, he kicked the door open. What he saw dumbfounded him. Allison was lying in her bed, half-undressed with his best friend John.

“Brad! U're alive?” Allison screamed in a surprised tone. She grabbed a handful of the sheets to cover herself as she pushed John off her bed. The rest of the blue haired girl's excuses were lost to him. He just stared at the two with empty eyes. Allison the woman who he thought had loved him, was cheating on him. His heart was pounding in his ears as he stared at the stunned John as he sat on the floor staring at him with disbelief.

He could feel rage and hurt building inside his chest. His hands fisted at his sides before his right are jerked outwards, leaving a reasonably sized hole in the wall. Allison backed against the wall pulling the sheet closer to her as if to make herself invisible. MJohn likewise moved away, fearing he maybe the next target of Brad's wrath. However, once he pried his hand from the wall, and as for Brad..he turned without a word and hurried away from the scene.

“Brad! Wait! Where are you going? Brady!” Allison screamed after him, trying to follow. But by the time she had untangled herself, the brunette was already speeding away down the street.

Brad sat between his trusted friends usually it will be John,mike and Bailey but all has changed now.. so it will be just Mike and Bailey, finishing off the fifth bottle and drank their nights away... Brad was swaying in his seat as he retold his story for the third time that night. “... and I haven't seen her since” he finished, his words slow and slurred.

“Honestly Brad, it's been over a year, you should really get over Allison by now” Mike said placing a hand on his friends shoulder to steady him.

“Yeah! Forget her Brady. If she's stupid enough to throw away a catch like you then she's crazy.” Bailey added. Brad could see how thoughtful his friends were but he ignored his them and raised his hand for another bottle of whiskey.

They just didn't get it. Allison had been the love of his life ever since he had met her. She had been his life, friend and lover. Now what was she? Just a pile of dusty old photos and painful memories. She was all he ever thought about. Not even the suppressing comfort of alcohol could ease the pain of her infidelity even a year later. This one wound would never heal. Brad stumbled into his lonely apartment. He had moved across town the very next day after finding Allison in bed with his former friend.

Moving through the darkness, the brunette eventually faltered into his messy bedroom. He began moving towards the bed when he suddenly found himself face down on the floor. He pulled himself up on unsteady knees. Suddenly, the picture on the bedside table caught his attention. Rei was sitting on his lap smiling in the park. Her long brown hair was braided and blowing in the wind. He was smiling as well. He felt his heart lurching as he thought of the happier times, times that would never come again. He couldn't live without Allison Swan.

Brad's mind wandered from the picture to the pistol kept under the pillow. He reached from his spot on the floor, pulled out the metal weapon, and stared at the polished metal gleaming in the moonlight, promising to take away his pain.

Brad placed the pistol down on the table and pulled out a note pad and pen. He scribbled down his final words of love. Then, holding tight to the note, he held the bottle to his head and in a moment, it was all over.

The sound of someone knocking on the door ran through the apartment and was soon followed by the click of the lock. “Hey! Brad! You in here ?” Mike called walking through the door followed by Bailey.

“Yo Brad, where are you?” Bailey yelled kicking an empty whiskey bottle across the living room floor.

“Hush Bailey, Brad probably still sleeping of all the drinks he had last night,” Mike chuckled to himself .. He walked to the bedroom and knocked softly. He opened the door and stepped inside. He stared wide eyed in terror at the bloody scene. Mike stumbled backwards out of the room.

“Bailey!!!” Mike yelled. He rushed into the room and flipped Brad's bloody, lifeless body onto his back. “Bailey! Call 911, I will see if I can find something to stop this bleeding.” both of his freinds went to work trying in vain to save their friend.

As Allison drove across town, the sounds of sirens reached her ears. `Wonder what's going on' she thought. She watched as the ambulances pulled into an apartment complex and stopped at a familiar building. `Isn't that were Brad moved too?' All of a sudden something compelled her to pull in to the parking lot and get out. She saw Mike, Bailey and some friends standing behind the police tape watching the proceedings.

“Hey! You guys, what's going on?” she yelled running up to them. They all turned to her with icy glares. “What? What's wrong?” Allison asked. Then her eyes widened when she saw the stretcher being rolled out with the body cover with a white sheet, only a small bit of brown hair could be seen sticking out from the top.

The bluenette looked at the three men begging for an explanation. Mike simply reached into his suit and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He handed it to Alison who opened it. Her eyes filled with tears as she read the words written in Brad's handwriting:

“I'll love her 'til I die”

“Brad was holding it when he put that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger. He never stopped loving you, Allison Swan. I hope your happy now” Mike said his voice cold and even. The girl looked up, searching for some hint of sympathy. No one showed her to slightest bit of forgiveness or compassion. She pulled the note to her chest and turned away. She ran back to her car and drove away as fast as she could, hot tears rolling down her face.

It had been a week since Brad Johnson had ended his life. His friends and family stood in the open field next to the willow field. Many were talking in hushed tones while others comforted those who were crying. Only one person stood out, a pretty young girl with blue hair stood alone by the freshly dug grave, staring at the casket that was positioned over the gave. Her eyes were swollen, but other wise dry. She had cried all her tears long ago. Allison whipped her hand over the clean polished wood, praying to God that this was all a bad dream and that she would soon awake in Brad's arms.

It never came though; the wooden box was lowered and covered, never to be opened again. As the final shovel of dirt covered the hole, Allison watched the proceedings with empty eyes. She looked across the grave and was met with hate filled looks or sideways glances of discontent. As everyone began leaving, Allison stood by the grave a moment longer. "This is all my fault" Claimed Allison. "Chill out Allison..this is what we called Destiny..or fate..maybe you guys are not meant to be together..Dont blaming yourself..I'm sure Brad wants you to move on.." Mike said in a soft tone.

“Please God, forgive me for what I've done.” She whispered. “Please Brad; forgive me for what I've done to you..I thought U were dead during the war..U haven't been home for 5 years Brad.. And John has always been there for me in my time of crying and mourning for ur death.and John is one of ur close friend..and that is why..I chose him"

5 years ealier...

(Flash Back ) "Allison!!" John called out.."have you heard the news about the war?" Allison sadly bowed her head " I did..no one survive?" John held her hands " yes...I'm sorry...you've lost your loved one..and I have lost my very best of friend.."

Allison sat alone at a table in a busy bar. She watched the happy couples dancing dropping back shots of whiskey, trying to dull the ache in her chest. She kept imagining dancing in Brad's arms to the songs. Few years had passed since he last held her, two years since he had killed himself and a year and a half of almost constant inebriation. Even at her drunkest, she never forgot the sight of her beloved in that lonely casket, the image just motivating her more to drink until she passed out into total nothingness.

Throwing back another drink, the sight she saw next hurt her even more. Sitting across the bar, holding his newly wed wife on his lap, was John.. Even he had abandoned her after Brad's funeral. It made her sick thinking of what she had done. She had let such a simple thing of loneliness and longing stray her from her true love. Allison knew she had never loved the black haired duelist. He was just someone who would take away that need, someone to satisfy her hunger with while Brad was away. She had never thought anyone would ever know.

"You knew everything didn't you?" asked Allison to herself. Throwing her head back again, she let the warm water of fire burn a path down her throat. She then stood and swayed her way out of the bar, down the street and back to her home. She entered the small apartment and collapsed on the couch. The side table drawer open and began groping around for the bottle of vodka she kept there. However, what she pulled out only made her heart bleed more.

In her hands lay a picture of her and Brad during their high school days. They had hardly been going out three months. She couldn't help but smile at how young and innocent she had been. A far cry from the drunk, timeworn woman she was now. She turned her attention to the other picture that she had produced from the drawer; a picture of the couple only a few months before their break up. She studied Brad's smiling face.

She wanted to see him smiling like that again.

She wanted to be with him again.

And she knew how to get to him.

She knelt down in front of the drawer and pulled out the pistol. Holding the pistol to her temple, she clung to his picture in the other. Her final thought was of her Brad before her eyes closed forever.

Allison's funeral was a shocking news for everyone. Only a few people attended, many simply out of respect for a fellow duelist. She was placed in her grave beside Brad, much to the discontent of many. John and Becky stood together, their two-year-old daughter, Felly, between them. After the service, the family was walking away, Felly turned back to look at the swaying willow tree. Two figures were standing together, a young pretty woman with blue hair dressed in a long white sundress, and the other was a young man, wearing a red dueling outfit. The two embraced and waved at the young girl. Felly smiled and waved back before hurrying after her mother and father.

The End..Hope U guys enjoyed the story..In my other post..I have posted a video clip about this story..Enjoy!

She put him out like the burnin' end of a midnight cigarette

She broke his heart he spent his whole life tryin' to forget

We watched him drink his pain away a little at a time

But he never could get drunk enough to get her off his mind

Until the night

1st Chorus

He put that bottle to his head and pulled the trigger

And finally drank away her memory

Life is short but this time it was bigger

Than the strength he had to get up off his knees

We found him with his face down in the pillow

With a note that said I'll love her till I die

And when we buried him beneath the willow

The angels sang a whiskey lullaby

(Sing lullaby)

The rumors flew but nobody know how much she blamed herself

For years and years she tried to hide the whiskey on her breath

She finally drank her pain away a little at a time

But she never could get drunk enough to get him off her mind

Until the night

2nd Chorus

She put that bottle to her head and pulled the trigger

And finally drank away his memory

Life is short but this time it was bigger

Than the strength she had to get up off her knees

We found her with her face down in the pillow

Clinging to his picture for dear life

We laid her next to him beneath the willow

While the angels sang a whiskey lullaby

What A Friend We Have In Jesus..

2009-09-15T18:08:00.000-07:00

This is one nice gospel song..it touches every men's heart in this song..

What A Friend We Have In Jesus

D G

What a friend we have in Jesus,

D A

All ours sins and griefs to bear,

D G

What a privilege to carry

A D

Everything to God in prayer!

A D

O what peace we often forfeit,

G D A

O what needless pain we bear,

D G

All because we do not carry

A D

Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?

Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful

Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Saviour still our refuge;

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise forsake thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer!

In His arms He·ll take and shield thee;

Thou wilt find a solace there.

Singing Tips!

2009-09-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

Music and singing is my life..I love to sing ever since I was a little girl ..and one of my idols are Erra Fazira,Mariah Carey, And Jaclyn Victor .I hope some of you guys out there have the same interest as me..;) then we can share2 la..;p

Over this few posts..I'm gonna teach/giving you some tips on vocal (just for you to practice at home)

Welcome to singing lesson nr. 1.

It is important to warm up your voice before you start to sing, especially if you are going to sing for a long time or maybe are trying out some new techniques. Once your singing muscles are warm, they will begin to function at their best. The warm-up of your voice also prevents damages such as swelling, nodules and cysts on your vocal cords. If you stick to warm-ups before you start to sing I’m sure you will eventually remove the vocal tension that makes your singing so uncomfortable.

First try to sing this exercise on the letter Rrr. It’s not very easy to do this in the beginning but if you try to sing this exercise every day I’m sure you will find it easier. If you think this exercise is too easy then just switch to singing on Bbb instead. Remember to do this exercise soft and gentle, ‘cause it’s only a warm-up. To succeed with this exercise you need a lot of air and a good flow.

Good Luck!

Welcome to singing lesson nr. 2.

The basis for good singing technique is to get a good relaxation and balance in the whole body and to have a good attitude and control of your breathing. The controlled breathing reduces strain on the vocal cords. The muscles used in the control of breathing requires that the body is in balance from head to toe. Lets begin from the bottom:

1. Swing back and forth on your feet to find an even distribution of your body weight. Make sure that you have enough space between your feet.

2. Observe your knees. Beware of over-stretched knees! The tension from your knees goes directly up to you back and then further on to your instrument.

3. Shake your hips to make sure they’re not strained in any way. Try to find a location of your hips that gives you a straight line through the whole body.

4. Lift the shoulders as high as possible and drop back down. Make sure your shoulders are relaxed and in a low position.

5. Give yourself a "proud" chest where the lungs have enough space to work.

6. Stretch out your neck in a fine line.

Good luck with exercise nr 2, and don’t forget that a mirror really can help you when working on a good posture!

Welcome to singing lesson nr 3.

In singing lesson nr 2 we talked about that the basis for good singing technique is to get a good relaxation and balance in the whole body and to have a good attitude and control of your breathing. The controlled breathing reduces strain on the vocal cords and that is why it is so important to control your breathing. The muscle that helps you in breathing correctly is called "diaphragm". Your diaphragm helps you to inhale correctly by expanding towards your viscera which gives more space for the lungs. (That is why you can feel that you are thicker around the stomach when you inhale). When you exhale, this muscle decreases the tension and goes up to its relaxed position again.

Inhale and let your stomach get thick and relaxed. Start to sing exercise nr 3 "I am going home" and remember not to breathe in the middle of this exercise. The goal is to be able to sing the phrase "I am going home" twice before breathing again. It can be a little hard in the beginning but if you try this a few times I’m sure you will find it easier soon! Don’t forget to use a good posture while practicing.

Good Luck!

Welcome to singing lesson nr 4.

Now that you start to understand the body's impact on sang and singing technique, it is time to start singing with the support. Have you ever heard that you should sing with your stomach or support? That's right! When you are singing, it is important that power comes from the muscles around the abdomen and not your throat. If you forget to sing with support, it is easy to get injured and become hoarse.

When you sing exercise number 4, you should focus on your support. Your stomach should be drawn in and then out again for each "ha". It is important that you have time to relax your stomach between each "ha". The whole exercise will be very bouncy and full of energy. It can be difficult to get a perfect pitch for all "ha" but it is ok if it sounds crazy sometimes. The important thing is that you become aware of how your use your support.

Good Luck!

Welcome to singing lesson nr 5.

Many people have a favorite part of his voice. For some, it feels best to sing in his low voice, while others prefer their bright voice. We will go work with both voices here on karaokeparty.com but we start with your dark voice. To be able to sing really low you need to have good control of your singing support. But make sure you do not push down the voice in a low position. There’s no need to force down your voice lower than what feels comfortable. You’ll know pretty fast if it’s wrong, ‘cause it won’t feel good. To come down really low, you may want to sing with a smile on your lips. Besides your face looking gorgeous , it also does miracles with your sound. The words you sing in your low register will become much clearer if you sing it with a smile, and you will also have e a completely different sound! We will work with emplacements of sounds lessons to come.

Good Luck with exercise nr 5 and don’t forget that the more you practice the better you will sound!

Watch it!!

2008-09-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have the
power to create conditions in your life.
What you speak about, you can bring about;

If you keep saying you can't stand your job,
you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body,
your body will become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car,
your car could be stolen or just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're always broke, guess what?
You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman,
you will always find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job,
you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone
to love you or believe in you,
our very thoughts will attract more
experiences to confirm your beliefs.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive
and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can
have what you want and deserve.

Watch your "Thoughts,"
they become your words;

Watch your "Words,"
they become your actions;

Watch your "Actions,"
they become your habits;

Watch your "Habits,"
they become your character;

Watch your "Character",
for it becomes your "Destiny"

So.......To prevent any obstacles.......

GET OUT OF YOUR OWN WAY!!!!!

God's Pharmacy

2008-08-29T17:00:00.000-07:00

FOOD & NUTRITION

God's Pharmacy is Amazing!

(This article has been across the Internet a dozen times, but it is worth repeating.)

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish... all before making a human. God made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These foods are best and more powerful when eaten raw. God left us a great clue as to what foods help what part of our body!

THIS IS SO REAL, MAKES YOU THINK TWICE

	A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
	A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.
	Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
	A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
	Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
	Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
	Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (mo dern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
	Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.
	Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actual ly bal ance the glycemic index of diabetics.
	Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries
	Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just l ike the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
	Onions look like the body's cells. Research shows onions clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. Garlic also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

After birth thingy...;)

2008-08-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

Most old folks strongly believe in pantang..especially after birth..
But to express my thought on this matter, why we were told not to take shower,for a whole month?? May be in the old days they didn't have readily available HOT/WARM water like today. And also in the old days when people were living in the kampung (village), they took their shower outside the house on the backyard or somewhere and you could have see the night sky view while showering/bathing. And since then, this 'rule' has been passed down to the next generation.
As for myself, I did the following:

Took shower during the midday.
Turned on the shower to let the warm water run.
Took warm-hot shower (though MIL said to use ginger water but I didn't due to difficulty on using it as my shower area is very small and the ginger water probably would not stay warm that long).
Quickly dry off when stepped out from shower.
Quickly dressed up after drying.

2. Wash hair - I washed my hair once a week. My hair wasn't smelling too badly as I wasn't cooking and didn't go out much. I didn't cut my hair short because I prefer to be able to tie it up. The first week when I wanted to wash my hair, I asked my hubby (he was watching tv) to assist me as I didn't want to wet my hand too much (I've been washing my hands a lot after bathrooms or touching anything else, as I was breastfeeding). I was really mad at him because he told me to do it myself. On top of that, I was using the sink in my kitchen to do it and the little shower connector wasn't working correctly. I was grumbling at him, ran into the bathroom with my half rinsed hair (wet and dripping water all over) and finished up at the bathroom sink. GRRRRR .... enough about that.

So why in the old days they didn't allow postpartum mothers to wash their hair? Because they didn't have the new invention of the - HAIR DRYER...Am I right?U know..touching your new born without any shower for a whole month..is very bad for the baby?The baby will get infected.

I did this for hair washing:

Washed hair during the midday.
Quickly dried hair after washing, using two towels.
Blowed dry the hair with hair dryer.

3. Ginger - this I highly believe and recommend to all new mothers. Ginger is a very good remedy even for pregnant women as they were used to reduce nausea during the first trimester. When I was younger, I "LOve" Ginger. But Love the sweetened black vinegar ginger and I could have it every day (ONLY up to one month). That's what I have everyday - ginger fried rice with chicken. I did the ginger drink too but wasn't so well with my bowel movement and I opted out from that. Also my doctor said not to drink it while breastfeeding baby. Beside those two dishes, I also had chicken wine with ginger. And of course the fish soup with ginger and papaya.

4. Physical activity - I was told when I was at the hospital to walk around to fasten the healing process. When I got home, my cousin-in-law said to sit more instead of walking around. Then my husband's relative told me to lay down more and to sit less . Well, I couldn't lay down because is only me and my husband around the house and he could only help so much. I walked quite a bit and sat while breastfeeding. It wasn't too comfortable for me to sit due to the stitches, and had to stand up after sitting down was worse. So I preferred standing.

I thought I healed on the second week and I did more walking and then the third week was when the pain came back and it tore. So I guessed, I wasn't supposed to be walking too much. Or may be it was from carrying my baby from inside the house to the car during his third week doctor's appointment (my husband had to attend some classes so I had to take a bus to see the doctor). After that, I laid down most of the time as my aunt were in the house..and my mother in law was helping a lot with the household stuff.

I think this is important - my aunt had told me earlier not to squad down before the stitches got healed.

5. No plain water - my aunt told me to drink only warm water but I told her I couldn't . I've been drinking a lot of water actually. I am not a water person. Mostly, I drank warm water from the water boiler(yucky!!). But that only was for the first two weeks. Then the next two weeks, I had cold water most of the day if not the weather wasn't cold. But everyday, whenever I wake up I drink a glass of warm water.

I have no reasonable explanation on this matter about the pantang (beliefs). Is it because in the old days postpartum women had a lot of water retention in so they were not allowed to drink more water worried that they may increase the symptom? According to the new research, if one has water retention symptom, one has to drink EVEN more water.

6. Don't touch tap water - oops ... this I totally ignore. As for hygiene purposes, I washed my hands every time I went to the bathroom or after eating or after anything else, with cold water from the hot water tap. This is due to the warm water will take about 2-3 mins to get into the bathroom. I have no patient to wait that long in the middle of the night as I wanted to go back to zzzz. So I just washed and wiped dry and go back to sleep. I am now afraid that my hands will hurt when I get older.

Finally!!My pizza is sucessful!!!

2008-08-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Many times I wanted to make pizza..it is always ending up postpone to another day..so yesterday I decided to make an effort of my time to make pizza :) and it worked out YUMMIE!!

Let me teach ya how to make 'em..

First thing first.. :

1.Big Onion
2.Button Mushrooms
3.Mince beef/Chicken
4.Pineapple cubes
5.tomato Puree
6.Preggo (spaghetti sauce)
7.Mozzarella cheese
8.Chicken stock (Pati Ayam)
9.Sugar

First..Cut the onion into small pieces then the mushroom along with the pineapple cube.
Secondly..heat up it wok (pot) then pour in oil.
Thirtly..Fried the onions in a hot oil along with the mince beef/chicken
Fourthly..preggo along with tomato puree
Then button mushroom and the pineapple cubes
lastly add some chicken stock and sugar to taste

Wait till it cool down then spread unto your frozen pizza crust and don't forget to add your Cheese on top...
Then... finally..bake for 150 C' about 15 minutes
And You're done..pretty simple huh??But you know..as for me..I mixed it all up..I added prawns,mince beef and mince chicken..hehehhe seafood style mah...

So Happy Cooking!!

Cool Vids!!and oh..if u want to watch one of my cool vid..please put my player on hold..thank you

2008-08-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

Young Love..

2008-08-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

"Hey ..do u want to come out and play?"..the tone of his voice had been ringing in my head all the time.It have been 17 years since we have not seen each other..I was only 6 years old back then when I met him...who is he??...
Let me tell you a story...

Back in the year of 1988..I met a great friend..he was who I called "my first American buddy"..
I just moved into a new area..my mom worked as a maid for a German couple..
I was so bored doing nothing at home so I decided to take a walk around my new neighborhood..
I went around looking at the surrounding.."nice area" as I thought in my head.

Then I saw two dogs laying around in someone's car porch..so I went to them just to say hai..both are male..one had white fur with black spots,and the other one is brown in colour..then they both walked right up to me..

So I played a little while with them..then suddenly a Volvo car came passing by and parked at the car porch where I was standing.

A little boy came out .." Hai guys!"
So I came closer and held out my hands.." hello.."
Then he looked at me and smile "hello..I'm Micheal Blanding"and these are my buddies..Floppy and bobby..
So we introduced ourselves..and finally we get along well with each other..with the dogs of course..
He has a golden hair with green eyes..and a sister called Sarah..she was 2 years old at that time..I was six and Micheal was 7.

He was the one who gave me my first bike..it is blue in colour..he taught me how to ride it..he's a great American friend.He had taught me everything I do not know..like example...he taught me how to speak in english..taught me how to sing in english..

He have the best parents ever!!Mrs Blanding was a kind lady,friendly and very beautiful..as for Mr Blanding..very charming (that's where Micheal got his good look from) again friendly..

(A year have passed)

I went into their bathroom and found a pink pill on the sink.So I took them and eat them..it tasted so sweet like candy..then Sarah came on "Hey Sarah..try this..it's delicious"
So while we're having a good time eating it Mrs Blanding came rushing in and snatched the pills away from us.I was puzzled.

"Sarah..tell mommy where did u get this?"
"I didn't found it mommy.."Sarah's face had turned red and started to cry.
"If U didn't..then how did it get into your mouth sweety?"
"I dont know ..she gave them to me" I knew I will be in trouble the minute she pointed at me.
Mrs Blanding turned to me and asked "Honey..is that true?"
I know at that moment I cant lie to her though I do not understand why she was so upset about us eating those pills.So I nodded.
She took a deep breath and continued "ok..I will have to punish you for this and do u know why?"

I shaked my head and said "No.."

"well honey..do u know what's this is?this is a medicine..U cannot eat this when you are not ill.It will be dangerous.From today I will ground you from coming into my house to play with Micheal and Sarah..and as for you Sarah..no TV and no swimming for a month..do I make myself clear?for the both of you?"

At that very moment..I rushed out and cry..Micheal saw the tears and asked what's wrong.I left him without saying any word.
Few days had passed..I was so lonely..I thought of an idea..and ran to Micheal's house.
I rang the door bell..Micheal opened the door..

"Come..to my house..I got birthday party."
Micheal asked permission from his parents and they let him go.
I know from the look on his face he must be wondering why my house seems empty when there's supposed to have a party.I have to make a fake birthday party..I prepared some sandwiches and a plain cold water to drink..I was relived that he enjoyed himself..we make fun of each other ..we ran around chasing each other.We had fun until a voice came out.."hey u guys..can I join?..I'm Steven"
We introduced ourselves and we played till we didn't realized it was time to go home.
Steven is from Belgium..he has dark curly hair..very friendly.

The next day we meet up in Steven's house..Steven was so closed to me..I can tell from the look of his face..I knew he wasn't happy about it.

Till one time..we made fun of Micheal..he got so angry and punched Steven on the face and pushed me and I pushed him back..he pulled my hair and I pulled his.So we end up fighting.
I ran to my house and shut the door.

Few weeks had passed..I was alone at home..playing with my mom's pots and pans (at that time I do not have any toys to play with) then I heard a voice calling .."hey..do you want to come out and play?"

I looked through my window is was Micheal.I ignored him and just stayed in my room.After a few calling..he finally gave up and leave.I was in tears at the same time feel guilty..I mean why do i have to ignore him ?I was the cause of us fighting ..maybe I was hurt because he hurt me..with all the hair pulling and stuff..

Then after a minute there I saw a piece of card underneath my door.I got up and read it.
It was a hand made card made beautifully by him.He is a great artist..he love to do painting.He love to paint picture..especially a Red Indian picture.

I smiled and hang it to my cupboard door.The very next day he came again so we went for a bike riding.
We spent easter and Christmas together..I was so happy..why?because I am not grounded anymore from playing with Sarah and Micheal in their house.

Everything went well..untill..one day..

We were playing in the play room..I was playing polly pocket with Sarah while Micheal pretending to cook on the easy bake oven toy.Mrs Blanding came into the room,and told us a news that once again bring tears to my eyes..she just received a phone call.Mr Blanding had a job offer in China..and had to moved there in a month time.

I was so disappointed..and it hurt even more when I helped them pack their things.

Finally the day comes when they have to leave..Mrs Blanding gave me a gift..more like going a farewell gift from all of them..all wrapped out very nicely in a present paper.

Mr and Mrs Blanding got into the taxi..Micheal came up to me "hey come visit us sometime..and we can ride our bikes together." I was excited when he said that not knowing how far is China from where we live now.

"Please dont go..I have no friends to play with " words that I never thought would come out from my mouth..

"come to China..I will play with u" he hugged me and he left.

I do not understand that time..why it hurts so much to see him leave.

Every time I ride my bike with the accompany of floppy and Bobby.. I'll stopped by his empty house and smiled.I could still imagine him saying "hey..do u want to come out and play?"all i have with me now is floppy and Bobby..I had them till my mom had to change her job..but two years after that we moved to a new city..

He left in the year of 1991..until today I have not heard any news from him..I do hope one day I will meet him again..but at least for now..I will always remember him as ...My American buddy..

The meaning of "Purple Rain"

2008-08-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Here's what I found about "Purple Rain"..Got that from the net..

1) Prince has always said the meaning is there if you look for it.We can sit all day and discuss them and argue the point, but all we will find is we all find something different that he tried to express."Purple Rain" is about facing your problems and fears in life,looking for solace in those around you instead isolating yourself in self pity and doubt.You always find people running away from the rain, but it's only water,so why the panic? Rain is the perfect metaphor for what he was trying to express.

2)Rain in poetry is tears. Purple is usually spiritual or mystical. So purple rain, spiritual tears, crying on the inside...

3)It means face up to your troubles ,it will rain wherever you run.

We all have problems and the only way to beat them is to face them and sort them out.It is the same for everyone, we are all the same.

Something like that Prince is pretty obsure with his meanings.

Told you it has lots of meaning....As for me..it means facing all your problems in faith and confident..don't run away from it just because it is big to handle..after all problems may come and will be solve once u handle it in truth..sometimes crying does not take away any of your problems..U have to face them..

Purple Rain Lyrics..

2008-08-22T01:46:00.000-07:00

I never meant 2 cause u any sorrow
I never meant 2 cause u any pain
I only wanted 2 one time see u laughing
I only wanted 2 see u laughing in the purple rain

Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain

I only wanted 2 see u bathing in the purple rain

I never wanted 2 be your weekend lover
I only wanted 2 be some kind of friend
Baby I could never steal u from another
Its such a shame our friendship had 2 end

Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain

I only wanted 2 see u underneath the purple rain

Honey I know, I know, I know times are changing
Its time we all reach out 4 something new
That means u 2
U say u want a leader
But u cant seem 2 make up your mind
I think u better close it
And let me guide u 2 the purple rain

Purple rain purple rain
Purple rain purple rain

If you know what Im singing about up here
Cmon raise your hand

Purple rain purple rain

I only want 2 see u, only want 2 see u
In the purple rain

In My Life..

2008-08-22T00:52:00.000-07:00

Have U ever wondered what had happened to the world today?
Have U ever wondered what had happened to all the purity of "love"?
Have U ever wondered what's the life after death?

Will U ever gonna see the sun shine brightly?
Will u ever gonna feel what's the feeling of love in our life ?
Have U ever wondered ..about the word love in each of a person's life?
I wish I have the answer to all of the questions above..I wish I knew what's going on in this life..
a life that is full of confusion and hurt..noone lives happy in this world..which all of us realised it.

There are places i'll remember,All my life though some have changed.Some forever not for better.Some have gone and some remain...All these places have their moments...With lovers and friends i still can recall,Some are dead and some are living

In my life i've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers,There is no one compares with you..And these memories lose their meaning..When i think of love as something new..Though i know i'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before..I know i'll often stop and think about them

In my life i love you more

Just wanting to find my way back into love again..

2008-08-22T00:44:00.000-07:00

Wanting,
lusting,
to be held,
to be loved,
to feel warmth,
to feel your beating heart.
Wanting to be sheltered from the cold,
heartless winds.
Falling into invisible arms;
into an abyss of love.
Wishing,
hoping,
that my desires will be filled;
my desires of loving warmth.
Wanting to be held,
comforted,
loved.
Dreaming of passionate embraces,
of tender kisses,
loving words,
romantic nights.
Waiting for undying love.

...After all..it is just a life we will go through..

2008-08-22T00:39:00.000-07:00

Life can seem ungrateful and not always kind.
Life can pull at your heartstrings and play with your mind...
Life can be blissful and happy and free...
Life can put beauty in the things that you see...
Life can place challenges right at your feet...
Life can make good of the hardships we meet...
Life can overwhelm you and make your head spin...
Life can reward those determined to win...
Life can be hurtful and not always fair...
Life can surround you with people who care...
Life clearly does offer its Up and its Downs...
Life's days can bring you both smiles and frowns...
Life teaches us to take the good with the bad...
Life is a mixture of happy and sad...

So...

Take the Life that you have and give it your best...
Think positive, be happy let God do the rest...
Take the challenges that life has laid at your feet...
Take pride and be thankful for each one you meet...
To yourself give forgiveness if you stumble and fall...
Take each day that is dealt you and give it your all...
Take the love that you're given and return it with care...
Have faith that when needed it will always be there...
Take time to find the beauty in the things that you see...
Take life's simple pleasures let them set your heart free...
The idea here is simply to even the score...
As you are met and faced with Life's Tug of War
....After all..it is just a life we will go through..

My Butterfly..

2008-08-22T00:35:00.000-07:00

When you love someone so deeply
They become your life
It's easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside
Blindly I imagined I could
Keep you under glass
Now I understand to hold you
I must open up my hands and watch you raise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be, so spread your wings and fly
BUTTERFLY..
I have learned that beauty
Has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled
Or their spirit dies
You have given me the courage
To be all that I can
And I truly feel your heart will
Lead you back to me when you're
Ready to land

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandonedly into the sun
If you should return to me, we truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
BUTTERFLY..
I can't pretend these tears
Aren't overflowing steadily
I can't prevent this hurt from
Almost overtaking me
But I will stand and say goodbye
For you'll never be mine
Until you know the way it feels to fly