Beat the Monday Blue

In studies conducted with US participants, results have shown that suicides are more likely to occur on Mondays than any other weekday, and not surprisingly, the amount of suicides are the least during weekends. It is also revealed that Monday depresses the most people compared to any other days of the week. Seems like there is a reason behind the term ‘Monday Blues’ after all.

It probably wouldn’t come as a shock to you that a UK research also found that most sick leaves are also taken on Mondays. As to why Monday is a particularly moody day, well, it’s pretty obvious that we’d end up a bit down when returning to work, especially after a fun and rested weekend. In reality though, the real reason may be more than meets the eye.

It turns out that Monday Blues could be a case of biological emotional cycles that determine our ‘biological’ moods. In other words, it’s not the negative feelings we have of going back to work that’s making us blue, but periodic mood shifts that go by the week. Fortunately for us, there are a few simple things we can do to help minimize the ill effects of Monday Blues.

1. Have Something To Look Forward To On Monday Nights

What is it that keeps you going from Monday ’til Friday? Weekends! You’d probably be thinking about the weekend getaway with your buddies, daydreaming about the sea breeze and the golden sandy beaches that awaits your arrival; no doubt these thoughts would help make the time pass faster.

The same theory thus, should also apply to your Mondays. Plan something for after work so that you have something to look forward to. Monday is probably just the start of a hard week ahead, so you deserve an exciting event at the end of the day to motivate you while you work.

If you feel that you’d be too exhausted for a night out, consider doing something at home; something relaxing. Taking a long bath while indulging in soothing music and a homemade aromatherapy session should lessen the stress you are facing at work or after a long weekend, partying.

If you make it a habit to go home to relax every Monday evening, sooner or later you’d not see each Monday as a taxing day. Rather, it will become the day that you’ll long for. Monday doesn’t have to be the most painful day of the week; it is only so, if you focus on it.

2. Prepare Monday’s Work On Friday

This one seems like common sense, but people don’t seem to heed it. It is a case of instant gratification versus delayed gratification. Yes, Friday is the day when we can finally say take a breather and count down to the weekend. But in reality, some of us have already ‘closed shop’ by midday, and simply thinking about plans for the weekends.

The result? We leave Friday’s work to pick up on Monday,and we face a double whammy when we return to work after the weekend.

I suggest that you bring the coming Monday’s work to this Friday. This will not only minimize the dread you’ll face on Monday mornings, but also keep your mind off work during the weekend. At the very least, if you plan out Monday’s workload on Friday, you’ll feel less overwhelmed come Monday. Planning ahead can help you cope with Mondays and maintain your productivity levels for the rest of the week.

3. Socialize

Humans are social animals. Even if you are an introvert and prefer to keep to yourself most of the time, you still need some social contact once in a while. Engaging in a conversation stimulates the mind enough to actually kick-start it for the day. If you dive straight into your work the moment you reach the office, chances are that your brain is still trying to ‘wake up’. Like a car engine, your brain needs to warm up before it can function optimally.

Other sources would suggest waking up earlier, getting some sunlight, or finding something to laugh about, etc. The idea is to freshen up your mind before you start work, so that you’ll get enough motivation and energy to face yet another demanding Monday.

I suggest socialization here because there’s nothing more invigorating than the exchange of ideas and opinions via conversations. The conversations need not be ‘deep’ in nature; even a simple chat about how the weekend was spent can wake up all your senses and your mind for the day ahead.

4. Re-conceptualize Mondays

This one is a little tricky because it has a lot to do mind over matter. Ask yourself: why does Monday have to be blue? Just because everyone says so? Well, it doesn't have to be. Yes, you should ‘reprogram’ the way you see Monday. Monday may be the day we have to drag our feet back to work after an awesome weekend but if you look at it as the beginning of a great week ahead, the thought can empower you and propel you to a great start.

As it is with other things in life, it is a matter of seeing the glass half empty or half full. You can be overwhelmed with all the duties and deadlines you are in charge of, or you can be enthusiastic about the responsibilities and goals thrown upon you.

If this doesn't work for you, my fifth and final tip, the simplest and most counter-intuitive solution could just be the answer to your Monday woes.

5. Accept It

Monday blues is like a Chinese finger trap; the more you struggle, the tighter it gets. In other words, fighting the blues only makes it worse. The solution to both Monday blues and the finger trap is surprisingly very similar. For the finger trap, you just need to relax your fingers and push them further in. The trap will then loosen and you’ll get your fingers out. As for your Monday blues, just accept that it’s a dreadful day and that you’ll probably feel a bit tired and down.

Think about it: Monday is already a miserable day and you’re still thinking of ways to stop yourself feeling that way? It will only exhaust you further. Why not go with the flow and cope with the stress? Time passes by quickly when you don’t dwell on it.

After awhile you wouldn’t even remember that Mondays are supposed to be blue. It’s just the day after the weekend when we all have to return to work.

How do you cope with your Monday blues? Share your thoughts about the phenomenon and how you cope with the first-day blues in the comments section. Have a great week ahead and Cheers!

Source: HongKiat.com

35 Secret Starbucks drinks you didn't know you could order

Okay. Starbucks. Everyone love Starbucks. Don't deny it, we always have cravings for it, and there are so many times we hope that Starbucks do delivery.

So this whole post is gonna be bout Starbucks drinks!!

Most people don't know this, but Starbucks has a secret menu created by dedicated baristas and enthusiastic customers. It's not listed anywhere, and most of the drinks are region specific. But if you know the recipe¨Cyou can ask for them anywhere!

Ever notice custom Frappuccino suggestions scrawled on blackboards in the store, with a barista's name as the creator? That's where these come from! Some of these have become popular and wide-spread, but you should know the recipe as asking for a drink by name will NOT be familiar to almost all baristas.

Please be respectful to your Baristas; none of these items are on the actual menu, and are instead creations/customization by enthusiastic customers and baristas from throughout the world. If you'd like a drink you see here, don't ask for it by name; ask for it by the recipe! And please be mindful of seasonal ingredients in some of the drinks when that is noted.

1. Caramel Apple Frappuccino

This one can taste like caramel dipped apples, or even like a slice of cinnamon-scented apple pie topped with caramel. Delicious! For a more pronounced caramel flavor, try ordering (if the caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino's dark caramel is available):

Apple juice to the first line
Whole milk to the second line
Cream base (4 pumps for venti, 3 pumps grande, 2 pumps tall)
Dark caramel (3 pumps for venti, 2 pumps grande, and 1 pump for a tall)
Cinnamon dolce syrup (3 pumps for venti, 2 pumps grande, and 1 pump for a tall)
Caramel ribbon crunch pieces
Caramel drizzle
Get it with whipped cream and cinnamon dolce topping
If that seems like too much caramel for you, try asking for:

Cream base to the first line
Apple juice to the second line
Caramel syrup (2 pumps for venti, 1.5 pumps grande, and 1 pump tall)
Cinnamon dolce syrup (2 pumps for venti, 1.5 pumps grande, and 1 pump tall)

2. Orange Creamsicle Frappuccino

Orange and vanilla go so well together. What's not to like? When summertime refreshers are available, try ordering a Valencia orange refresher blended with the vanilla bean frappuccino base. Whipped cream on top goes well here. Very simple to order, but only available seasonally.

For other times of the year, try asking for:

Orange mango juice to the first line
Milk (soy, dairy, whatever you prefer) to the second line
Cream base (4 pumps for a venti, 3 pumps grande, and 2 pumps for a tall)
Classic syrup (4 pumps for a venti, 3 pumps grande, and 2 pumps for a tall)
Scoop of ice, then blended together
Get it with whipped cream on top

3. Nutella Frappuccino

For the numerous Nutella lovers out there, order:

Coffee frappuccino
Hazelnut syrup (1.5 pumps for venti, 1 pump for a grande, half a pump for tall)
Mocha syrup (3 pumps for venti, 2 pumps for a grande, 1 for tall)
Whipped cream blended in
Top it with whipped cream and/or caramel if you so desire.

4. Spiced Apple Chai

This one is delicious and simple to order. You can have it either hot or iced. It tastes like a spiced apple cider, and it's very refreshing when iced. I've actually been able to just ask for an iced/hot apple chai at most places and the baristas know what to do, but I've run into a few locations where they're a little confused.

If the barista is unfamiliar, just tell them it's a chai infusion in apple juice after asking for it hot or iced. That's how most ring it up on the register, too¨Calthough I've also seen some do a chai latte minus milk and with apple juice, which will be a bit more expensive. It varies depending on location. Try it with caramel drizzle and whipped cream on top if you're getting it hot.

5. Mint Chocolate Chip Frapuccino

You can try this flavor a number of ways. Our favorite is a mocha frappuccino with peppermint syrup (number of pumps according to your taste) and java chips blended in! You could also try:

A green tea frappuccino
Peppermint syrup (1-4 pumps, adjust for taste and size)
And java chips (1-4 scoops)
Alternatively:

A green tea frappuccino
Java chips
Mocha syrup (3 pumps for a venti, 2 for grande, and 2 for tall)
Peppermint syrup (2 pumps for a venti, 1 pump for grande and tall)
If the green tea is too strong, just ask for less green tea powder in the future. Find out which combination is your favorite!

6. Peach Ring Tea

Remember those sugary circular peach ring candies? This reminds us of those. Make sure it's summertime and refreshers are available.
Ask for:

Half Valencia orange refresher and half passion tea
No water
Peach syrup (6 pumps for trenta, 5 for venti, 3 for grande, and 2 for tall)

7. Caramel Snickerdoodle Macchiato

This one is reminiscent of a caramel covered snickerdoodle cookie. Ask for an iced soy caramel macchiato, upside down (this makes it so the flavors blend together better) with vanilla syrup (2 pumps for venti, 1.5 for grande, and 1 for tall) and cinnamon dolce syrup (2 pumps venti, 1.5 grande, and just one for tall).

8. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Frappuccino

This dessert drink is as close to cookie dough as you can get with Starbucks. It's a bit complicated.
Here's what you order:

Chai creme frappuccino
Get it with with soy milk
Whipped cream blended in
Java chips blended in
Cinnamon dolce syrup (3 pumps for venti, 2.5 grande, and 2 for a tall)
Chocolate whipped cream on top
Mocha drizzle

9. Ferrero Rocher Frappuccino

I can't get enough of those hazelnut chocolate sweets, and now I can have them in drink-form!

Double chocolate chip frappuccino (or java chip if you want the caffeine)
Hazelnut syrup (2 pumps venti, 1.5 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Mocha syrup (3 pumps venti, 2.5 pumps grande, 2 pumps tall)
Hazelnut drizzle on top
If you happen to carry around any of the candies, you can drop them in when you get your order! The whipped cream on top is your choice.

10. Caramel Popcorn Frappuccino

This sweet drink is buttery and tastes like cracker jacks! It's very simple, too; especially if it's when they're serving salted caramel drinks. Just order a toffee nut frappuccino with caramel drizzle & whipped cream on top, and top with sea salt (somewhere between one and two packs depending on taste and size).

11. Nutter Butter Frappuccino

You know, the cookies shaped like peanuts with a peanut butter filling? This tastes oddly similar. Order:

Hazelnut frappucino
Blend in a whole banana
Cinnamon dolce syrup (3 pumps for a venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 for a tall)
Toffee nut syrup (3 pumps for a venti, 2 pumps for grande, and 1 for tall)
With or without whipped cream on top¨Cthis nutty drink is tasty.

12. Peach Cobbler Frappuccino

The icier version of a hot slice of peach cobbler. This drink is all about the mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and peach flavors. Mm-mm. Order:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
Cinnamon dolce syrup (2 pumps for venti, 1.5 pumps grande, and 1 pump for tall)
With peach syrup (4 pumps for venti, 3 for a grande, and 2 pumps for a tall)
Whipped cream blended in
Cinnamon dolce drizzle on top
Get it with whipped cream on top
Add a pump of classic syrup if it's not sweet enough for you.

13. Blackberry Cobbler Frappuccino

This fruity drink is pretty and it tastes great! This is one of the combinations that is thanks to Starbucks introducing their fruity summertime refreshers. Order:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
White mocha syrup (2 pumps for a venti, 1.5 for grande, and 1 pump for a tall)
And a scoop of freeze-dried blackberries blended in
Top with whipped cream if you'd like!

14. Cadbury Creme Egg Frappuccino

Ugh, the cloyingly sweet fondant of Cadbury Creme Eggs is my arch-nemesis. And now I can gorge myself on this drink year-round! Here's what to order:

Java chip frappuccino
2 shots of espresso for venti and grande, 1 shot for tall
Vanilla bean powder (4 scoops for a venti, 3 scoops grande, and 2 scoops for tall)
Caramel syrup (1 pump for a venti-sized drink, and .5 pumps for grande and tall)
Vanilla syrup (2 pumps for venti, 1.5 pumps grande, and 1 pump for a tall)
Whipped cream on top is optional, but recommended. Likewise for the caramel drizzle on top.

15. Rainbow Sherbet Frappuccino

I love rainbow sherbet in the summer. This one is for those with a sweet tooth. It's only available while Starbucks is doing their refreshers. For a grande, order:

A strawberries and cream frappuccino made with orange refresher instead of strawberry pur¨¦e
3 pumps of cream base
A scoop of vanilla bean powder
A pump of raspberry syrup
A pump of peach syrup
Add ice and blend it all up
Again, this is one of the drinks on our list that is only available seasonally.

16. Black Forest Frappuccino

Berries and chocolate is such a tasty flavor pairing. And now you can have it in drink form! If mocha cookie crumble frappuccinos are available, order one of those and add raspberry syrup (2.5 pumps for venti, 2 pumps grande, and 1.5 pumps for a tall) rather than the vanilla syrup it normally has.

17. Banana Chocolate Chip Frappuccino

A thick & delicious dessert beverage. Try getting it with whipped cream on top! Order:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
With java chips (3 scoops for a venti, 2 scoops grande, and 1 for tall)
And a whole banana blended in

18. Caramel Macchiato Frappuccino

Now you can have your favorite two-layer drink in frappuccino form (albeit without the two distinct layers). Try:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
With 2 shots of espresso
Extra caramel drizzle on top, whipped cream optional

19. Key Lime Pie Frappuccino

Perfect for a tart treat in the summertime, this one will only be available when their refreshers are on the menu. It's a long one; here it is:

Cool lime juice to the bottom line
Whole milk to the second line
Cinnamon dolce syrup (1.5 pumps for venti, 1 pump grande, and .5 for tall)
Vanilla syrup(3 pumps for a venti, 2 pumps for a grande, and 1 for tall)
White mocha (3 pumps for a venti, 2 pumps for a grande, and 1 for tall)
Whipped cream blended in
Add toasted coconut flakes if those are available on top, along with whipped cream to top it off!

20. S'mores Frappuccino

This popular campfire snack is now in beverage form! Try ordering:

A java chip frappuccino (double chocolate chip works if you'd rather not have the caffeine)
Toffee nut syrup (1.5 pumps for venti, 1 pump grande, .5 pumps for a tall)
Cinnamon dolce syrup (1.5 pumps for venti, 1 pump grande, .5 pumps for a tall)
Whipped cream blended in
Whipped cream and cinnamon dolce sprinkles on top

21. Red Velvet Frappuccino

This one is simple and delicious. Order a half white chocolate mocha, half regular mocha frappuccino with 2 pumps of raspberry syrup (or 3 for a venti) and top with whipped cream!

22. Neapolitan Frapuccino

Triple the flavor in this creamy treat.

Order:
A strawberries and cream frappuccino
Mocha syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 grande, and 1 pump for tall)
Vanilla bean powder (1.5 scoops for venti, and 1 scoop for grande and tall)
Get it with chocolate drizzle and chocolate whipped cream (if available) on top

23. Oreo Frapuccino

This is super simple to order. Just ask for a double chocolate chip frappiccuno with white chocolate mocha in the place of the regular mocha syrup.

24. Zebra Frappuccino

Do you like white chocolate and regular chocolate? For the best of both worlds, try asking for:

A mocha frappuccino
Made with half white chocolate mocha and half regular mocha
Add java chips
You can also try this combination (with or without the chips) in non-frappuccino iced drinks, or even hot drinks!

25. Butterbeer Frappuccino

As if it came from Hogsmeade, try ordering:

Creme frappuccino base with whole milk
Toffee nut syrup (4 pumps for a venti, 3 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps tall)
Caramel syrup (4 pumps for a venti, 3 pumps for grande, and 2 pumps tall)
Add caramel drizzle
Get it with whipped cream if you'd like.

26. Cake Batter Frappuccino

This one might sound weird, but it works and is very simple to order. It's just a vanilla bean frappuccino with almond flavoring added. Alternatively, vanilla bean powder added to a vanilla frappuccino with added almond flavoring. Unfortunately, the almond flavoring isn't always available anymore.

27. Cinnamon Roll Frapuccino

The frozen, drinkable version of a cinnamon bun:

Vanilla bean frappuccino
Cinnamon dolce syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
White chocolate mocha syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Cinnamon dolce powder sprinkled on top
Or if you want something easier to order, ask for a vanilla bean frappuccino with cinnamon dolce syrup added.

28. Banana Split

The frappuccino version of a favorite sundae, order:

A strawberries and creme frappuccino
A whole banana blended in
Vanilla bean powder
Java chips blended in
Get it topped with whipped cream and mocha drizzle
You can even add caramel drizzle on top of all of that for an even tastier dessert.

29. Creamy Dark Caramel Espresso Frappuccino

This one is deliciously rich and thick. It's different than the preparation of most other frappuccinos, so be very clear in your requests. For a grande:

Get heavy whipping cream (different from whipped cream) blended with just ice and cream base
Add 3 pumps of dark caramel sauce to the bottom of the cup, then pour the blended mix into the cup
Add a shot of espresso
With whipped cream and cookie crumbles on top (when available)

30. French Vanilla

Sweet and creamy. For a grande, ask for:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
2 pumps of toffee nut syrup
2 pumps of vanilla syrup
Extra caramel drizzle blended in
Top with whipped cream
You can also order any drink with a french vanilla flavor just by ordering something with half vanilla and half toffee nut. Go wild!

31. Turtle Frappuccino

Tastes just like the holiday chocolate turtle candies, and is a nice substitute if you're missing Caribou Coffee's frozen turtle mocha drink. Here's what you order:

A java chip frappuccino
Toffee nut syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, and 1 pump tall)
Whipped cream on top
Caramel and mocha drizzles on top

32. Twix Frappuccino

Inspired by the chocolate coated caramel cookie candy bar, this is another drink with a few variations. Try:

Caramel frappuccino
Java chips
Hazelnut syrup (2 pumps venti, 1.5 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Whipped cream blended in
Coat the cup with caramel sauce
And add mocha drizzle on top
Alternatively:

Caramel frappuccino
Chocolate syrup (adjust amount of pumps with drink size and taste)
Whipped cream on top
Topped with caramel and mocha drizzles
Sprinkled with crunchy caramel pieces (either from their holiday-time br?l¨¦e drinks or the summertime caramel ribbon crunch)
Or you could even ask for (grande size):

Java chip frappuccino
Add a pump of caramel syrup
Blend in half of a chocolate caramel pretzel (from their pastry selection if available, and not all locations will blend in whole food items like this)
Whipped cream and caramel drizzle on top
Add in the rest of your pretzel to stir with

33. Horchata Frappuccino

If you've never had this spicy traditional Latin American/Spanish drink made with rice milk (or tigernuts in Spain), then you're missing out!
For the frappuccino version, try:

Chai creme frappuccino
Cinnamon dolce syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Vanilla syrup (1.5 pumps for venti, 1 pump grande, half a pump for tall)
Chai (4 pumps venti, 3 pumps grande, 2 pumps tall)
Sprinkle cinnamon on top
Or for a simpler version, order a chai tea frappuccino with cinnamon syrup added, and garnish with cinnamon powder on top.

34. Caramel Nut Crunch Frappuccino

This one is crunchy, nutty, and packed with caramel flavor, but not as strong of a caramel punch as the caramel ribbon crunch frappuccino. It's just about as sweet, though.
Order:

A vanilla bean frappuccino
Toffee nut syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Caramel syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, 1 pump tall)
Add in the caramel ribbon crunch pieces to the bottom of the cup before pouring in the blended mix
Add whipped cream and caramel drizzle on top
With more caramel crunch pieces on top
Enjoy!

35. Snickers Frappuccino

Just like the candy bar. Ask for:

A java chip frappuccino
Toffee nut syrup (3 pumps venti, 2 pumps grande, and 1 pump tall)
Whipped cream on top
Caramel drizzle lining the cup and on top
Add mocha drizzle on top for even more chocolate flavor (optional)

source from :

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10 Common Mistakes That Parents Today Often Make

As the writer favorite parenting philosophy goes: "Prepare your child for the road, not the road for your child."

With this said, the writer have outlined 10 common mistakes that parents today often make. The intention isn't to point fingers, but to raise awareness. What may be ingrained in our culture is not always in the best interest of our kids.

Mistake #10: Worshiping our children. Many of us live in child-centered communities. We're raising our kids in child-centered homes. Our children love this, of course, because our lives revolve around them. And for the most part we don't mind either, because their happiness is our happiness. It thrills us to do for them, buy for them, and shower them with love and attention.

But I think it's important to keep in mind that our children were made to be loved, not worshiped. So when we treat them like the center of the universe, we create a false idol, turning a good into an ultimate. Rather than kid-centered homes, we should strive for God-centered homes. Our children will still be loved, only in a better way, one that promotes selflessness over selfishness.

Mistake #9: Believing our children are perfect. One thing I often hear from professionals who work with children (counselors, teachers, etc.) is that parents today don't want to hear anything negative about their kids. When concerns are raised, even concerns voiced out of love, the knee-jerk reaction is often to attack the messenger.

The truth can hurt, but when we listen with an open heart and mind we stand to benefit. We can intervene early before a situation gets out of hand. It's easier to deal with a troubled child than repair a broken adult.

As a Children's of Alabama psychiatrist recently told me when I interviewed her on teenage depression, early intervention is key because it can change the trajectory for the child's life. She said that's why she enjoys child and adolescent psychiatry -- because kids are resilient, and it's a lot easier to intervene effectively when they're young instead of years later, when the problem has gone on so long it's become incorporated into part of their identity.

Mistake #8: Living vicariously through our children. We parents take great pride in our children. When they succeed, it makes us happier than if we'd done it ourselves.

But if we're overly involved and invested in their lives, it gets hard to see where they end and we begin. When our children become extensions of us, we may see them as our second chance. Suddenly it's not about them, it's about us. This is where their happiness starts getting confused with our happiness.

Mistake #7: Wanting to be our child's BFF. When I asked a priest to name the biggest mistake he sees in parenting, he thought for a moment and then said, "Parents not being parents. Not stepping up to the plate to do hard things."

Like everyone, I want my children to love me. I want them to sing my praises and appreciate me. But if I'm doing my job right, they'll get mad and not like me sometimes. They'll roll their eyes, moan and groan, and wish they'd been born into another family.

Seeking to be our child's BFF can only lead to permissiveness and choices made out of desperation because we fear losing their approval. That's not love on our end; that's need.

Mistake #6: Engaging in competitive parenting. Every parent has a competitive streak. All it takes to stir this monster in us is another parent giving his or her child a leg up at our child's expense.

I hear these stories a lot at the junior high and high school levels, stories of broken friendships and betrayals due to one family blindsiding another family. In my opinion, the root is fear. We fear our children will get left behind. We fear that if we don't jump into the craziness, and pull out every stop to help them excel early, they'll be stuck in mediocrity the rest of their life.

I believe children need to work hard and understand that dreams don't come on a silver platter; they have to sweat and fight for them. But when we instill a "win at all costs" attitude, permitting them to throw anyone under the bus to get ahead, we lose sight of character.

Character may not seem important in adolescence, but in adulthood it's everything.

Mistake #5: Missing the wonder of childhood. The other day I found a Strawberry Shortcake sticker on my kitchen sink. It reminded me how blessed I am to share my home with little people.

One day there won't be stickers on my sink. There won't be Barbies in my bathtub, baby dolls on my bed or Mary Poppins in the DVD player. My windows will be clear of sticky hand-prints, and my home will be quiet because my daughters will be hanging out with friends instead of nesting at home with me.

Raising small children can be hard, monotonous work. At times it's so physically and emotionally exhausting we wish they were older to make our life easier. We're also kind of curious who they'll grow up to be. What will be their passion? Will their God-given gifts be clear? As parents we hope so, for knowing which strengths to nurture enables us to point them in the right direction.

But as we project into the future, wondering if our child's knack for art will make them a Picasso, or if their melodic voice will create a Taylor Swift, we may forget to soak up the splendor in front of us: toddlers in footed pajamas, bedtime stories, tummy tickles and elated squeals. We may forget to let our children be little and enjoy the one childhood they're given.

The pressures on kids start way too early. If we really want our kids to have a leg up, we need to protect them from these pressures. We need to let them have fun and grow at their own pace so 1) they can explore their interests without fear of failure and 2) they don't get burned out.

Childhood is a time for free play and discovery. When we rush children through it, we rob them of an innocent age they'll never pass through again.

Mistake #4: Raising the child we want, not the child we have. As parents we harbor dreams for our children. They start when we get pregnant, before the gender's even known. Secretly we hope they'll be like us, only smarter and more talented. We want to be their mentors, putting our life experiences to good use.

But the irony of parenting is that children turn our molds upside down. They come out wired in ways we never anticipated. Our job is to figure out their inherent, God-ordained bent and train them in that direction. Forcing our dreams on them won't work. Only when we see them for who they are can we impact their life powerfully.

Mistake #3: Forgetting our actions speak louder than words. Sometimes when my kids ask a question, they'll say, "Please answer in one sentence." They know me well, for I'm always trying to squeeze life lessons into teachable moments. I want to fill them with wisdom, but what I forget is how my example overshadows my words.

How I handle rejection and adversity... how I treat friends and strangers... whether I nag or build up their father... they notice these things. And the way I respond gives them permission to act the same.

If I want my children to be wonderful, I need to aim for wonderful, too. I need to be the person I hope they'll be.

Mistake #2: Judging other parents -- and their kids. No matter how much we disagree with someone's parenting style, it's not our place to judge. Nobody in this world is "all good" or "all bad"; we're all a mix of both, a community of sinners struggling with different demons.

Personally, I tend to cut other parents more slack when I'm going through hard spells. When my child is testing me, I'm compassionate to parents in the same boat. When my life is overwhelming, I'm forgiving of others who slip up and let things fall through the cracks.

We never know what someone's going through or when we'll need mercy ourselves. And while we can't control judgmental thoughts, we can cut them short by seeking to understand the person instead of jumping to conclusions.

Mistake #1: Underestimating CHARACTER. If there's one thing I hope to get right in my children, it's their CORE. Character, moral fiber, an inner compass... these things lay the foundation for a happy, healthy future. They matter more than any report card or trophy ever will.

Source: karikampakis.com (blog)

7 foods that were supposed to be incredibly unhealthy — but are actually anything but

We were warned by experts to avoid these edibles at all costs. Turns out the experts were wrong.

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.

In the future, when we’re zipping around the biosphere on our jetpacks and eating our nutritionally complete food pellets, we won’t have to worry about what foods will kill us or which will make us live forever.

Until then, we’re left to figure out which of the food headlines we should take to heart, and which should be taken with a grain of unrefined, mineral-rich sea salt. Low-fat or high-fat? High-protein or vegan? If you don’t trust what your body tells you, remember that food science is ever evolving. Case in point: The seven foods below are ancient. But they’ve gone from being considered healthy (long ago) to unhealthy (within the last generation or two) to healthy again, even essential.

1) Coconut Oil

Old wisdom: Coconut oil is a saturated-fat body bomb that should be avoided.

New wisdom: Coconut oil can cure what ails you.

Talk about an about-face. Anyone who grew up eating such nutritious fare as SpaghettiOs, Nestle Quik and Bisquick—actually, anyone old enough to vote in the United States—probably doesn’t remember a jar of coconut oil in the cupboard, or anywhere in the family diet.

Why? Coconut oil was stigmatized after flawed studies decades ago tested partially hydrogenated coconut oil for its ill effects. Now, of course, we know that the chemical process of hydrogenation is what does a body ill. That’s true whether the oil consumed is coconut, corn, canola, soy or any other.

It turns out that unrefined coconut oil offers terrific health benefits. Yes, it is a saturated fat. But the scientific consensus on whether saturated fats are bad for us is changing. Now researchers are stressing that saturated fats like coconut oil actually lower bad cholesterol in our bodies. Studies of people in countries that consume high amounts of coconut oil have found fewer instances of heart disease than in nations, such as the United States, where coconut oil has not been a staple. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, which is known for its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties. Coconut oil, the new wisdom says, is good for our bodies inside and out. Studies and anecdotal evidence across the blogosphere tout coconut oil as a wondrous beauty aid, which can and should be used as a moisturizer to reduce lines and wrinkles, a moisturizer for dry hair, a soap and mouthwash.

2) Coffee

Old Wisdom: Coffee equals caffeine equals bad for you.

New Wisdom: Coffee is loaded with antioxidants and other nutrients that improve your health. Plus, a little caffeine makes the world go round.

Why? Actually, most of the world never bought into the whole caffeine/coffee scare that made so many Americans start to swear off coffee, or heaven help us, switch to decaf. But these days, the U.S., chock full of Starbucks, has come around. Several prominent studies conducted over the last few years unearthed a bounty of benefits in the average cup of joe. As everyone knows, caffeine boosts energy. Based on controlled human trials, it has also been proven to fire up the neurons and make you sharper, with improved memory, reaction time, mood, vigilance and general cognitive function. It can also boost your metabolism, lower your risk of Type II diabetes, protect you from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and lower the risk of Parkinson’s. Whew.

3) Whole Milk

Old wisdom: High-fat milk lead to obesity. Exposing children to lower-fat options keeps them leaner and healthier and instills the low-fat habit.

New Wisdom: Ha!

A study at Harvard University found that despite recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics that children drink skim or low-fat milk after age two, doing so did not make for leaner or healthier children. In fact, the study found the opposite. Kids who consumed skim milk were likely to be fatter than those who drank it whole. Turns out that skim drinkers were more likely to indulge in junk food, which spiked their blood sugar levels, leading to more cravings for junk. And so on and so on.

4) Salt

Old Wisdom: Salt kills. It raises blood pressures, causes hypertension and increases the risk of premature death.

New Wisdom: Salt is essential to health. Too little salt can actually lead to premature death.

The new wisdom is actually older than the old wisdom. Long before it became the number-one evildoer in the Department of Agriculture’s hit list, worse than fats, sugar and booze, salt was considered so valuable to body and soul that it was literally used as currency. Homer called it a “divine substance.” Plato described is as dear to the Gods. The Romans considered it the spice of life; a man in love was salax—in a salted state. Only fairly recently, in that oh-so-wise 20th century, did salt become the bad guy at the dinner table.

It turns out that high-sodium processed “food” is the real villain in our diets. Unrefined salt, such as Himalayan salt or raw sea salts, contain 60 or more valuable trace minerals. It supports thyroid function and a faster metabolism and speeds the elimination of cortisol, the stress hormone that causes weight gain. Did you know salt is also a natural antihistamine (a pinch on the tongue may stem an allergic reaction). Finally, unrefined salt is needed for good digestion.

5) Chocolate

Old Wisdom: Chocolate gives you pimples, makes you fat and creates heartburn.

New Wisdom: Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants.

Chocoholics of the world rejoiced when the food scientists started doing an about-face on chocolate. After a few decades on the vilified list, in 2001, scientists began doing a double take, with the New York Times reporting that the science on chocolate was up in the air. Ten years later, chocolate had moved squarely into the good-for-you column. A 2011 Cambridge University study concluded that chocolate “probably” lowers stroke rates, coronary heart disease and high blood pressure. A more recent study has found that regular chocolate consumers are often thinner than non-chocolate eaters.

No one is advising you to grab a Snickers bar for lunch, though. Eating chemically laden, sugar-bombed milk chocolate is still a no-no…for now, anyway.

6) Popcorn

Old Wisdom: Popcorn is junk food.

New Wisdom: Popcorn is a whole grain, loaded with nutrients.

Like most of the foods on this list, this one has caveats. If you consider popcorn something to douse with “butter-flavored topping” and shovel in your mouth at the multiplex, then keep it on the “bad” list. A study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest has concluded that movie theater popcorn—a medium tub, mind you—has 1,200 calories and 60 grams of the worst kind of saturated fat. And that’s before you add whatever it is that is supposed to taste like butter. That calorie count is the equivalent of three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

Microwave popcorn, laden with chemicals, is also bad. But homemade, air-popped (let’s add organic, for good measure) or made with good oil popcorn, well, that’s a snack of a different color. Last year, researchers at the University of Scranton revealed that homemade popcorn has more antioxidants—known as polyphenols—than fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancers.

If that isn’t enough to make popcorn addicts rejoice, popcorn is a great source of fiber (it’s a whole grain) and is low in calories. Air-popped popcorn is the healthiest of all, with only 30 calories per cup.

7) Eggs

Old Wisdom: Eggs clog your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, diabetes and early death.

New Wisdom: Nonsense! Eggs are very nearly the perfect food.

How did this one happen? A century ago, when our grandparents gathered their eggs from the backyard hens, there was no controversy. Then cholesterol became the big bugaboo, and all of a sudden, we were being lectured to limit our consumption of eggs to four a week, if any.

Last year, scientists decided to settle the matter once and for all. A meta-analysis of 17 studies on egg consumption and health discovered that eggs did not contribute—at all—to heart disease or stroke in healthy individuals. On the contrary, eggs raise our good (HDL) cholesterol numbers and change the bad (LDL) cholesterol from small and dense to large and benign. Eggs are also high in iron and protein and two antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthine, which protect against age-related eye disorders like macular degeneration and cataracts.

The key is to eat eggs from free-range, happy and healthy chickens, just like in the old days, and avoid eggs that come from sickly, antibiotic-soaked, factory farm hens.

Happy Birthday Justin!

Happy Birthday Justin!

Hope you are very happy now and ready to go back to where you come from. Has your ship "Argo" filled up yet?

My first encounter of Justin Bieber is when read his interview on Airasia in flight magazine travel3sixty few years ago. At that time, I totally have no idea who he is.

By the way, if you happened to have the same birthday with Justin, the following is your birthday horoscope profile.

Birthday Persona Profile
People born specifically on the 1st of March are believed to be ambitious, hardworking and creative with more confidence than the average Piscean fish. The planet that rules this particular day astrologically is the Sun giving you lots of energy and motivation and a love of challenges. If you have this birthday your artistic nature has a competitive edge and a fantastic imagination. Although you can be a bit of a dreamer it does not stop you from being focused and realizing that it takes more than ability to achieve in life. You are visionary, enterprising and naturally instinctive with your timing making you skillful at planning ahead. Individuals with a March the first birthday have a charming loving and responsive spirit with a humanitarian approach. Sympathetic and caring you will usually give a helping hand to anyone in need of assistance. Your high ideals and sense of purpose help you keep looking positively forward.

Work and Finances
Work choice is important to a person born on the first of March as it must generally provide a feeling of self worth and satisfaction. Regardless of the type of occupation you choose your arty flair creeps into everything that you attempt to do. A perfect job for you is probably one that allows you to express your creativity for a worthwhile cause. Your respect for money makes you a careful spender and someone who will also tend to always have a little something put away for a rainy day. When your personal finances are plentiful you can be extremely generous and thoughtful with them.

Personal Relationships
For a Pisces, you are typically sweet and compliant but within romantic involvements you can also be bossy and headstrong. You are sometimes very reliant on friends for emotional support and find it easy to offer it back whenever you are needed. Even with supportive friendships you will seek the security of a long term relationship. You are ordinarily mild mannered, sensitive and kindhearted but can also be lively, sociable and fun loving. In new personal relationships you can act rashly and be unpredictably impulsive as you get to know someone. In more permanent, committed partnerships you are incredibly affectionate and will take the emotive union seriously. Your kind heart is happiest when joined with another who can satisfy your desire for a friend and lover rolled into one. You can be rather demanding emotionally but seem to give just as much as you receive.

Health
Health issues experienced by those born on March 1st are likely to be connected to diet deficiencies as you adore snacking. Preparing food from scratch is something you rarely do with any great enthusiasm as you find it a laborious task. Your keenness on quick snacks could occasionally cause excess weight gain, skin problems or lethargy. Despite this habit to neglect your dietary needs you try to make up for it with an active lifestyle. Keeping yourself fit is often found to be a pleasure and not a hindrance. You enjoy all kinds of physical activity especially team sports or outdoor pursuits.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Your main character fortes are noticed in your artistic inclinations, confident determination to succeed and high levels of kindness. These qualities and your capability to prepare in advance for things assist you to accomplish many good things in life. Other positives are that you are resourceful and usually have an aptitude for solving technical problems. Recognizable personality weaknesses for those born on March 1st are your tendencies to be hesitant and indecisive every now and then. In addition to this you can become self absorbed and unrealistic if particularly stressed.

Dreams and Goals
Being born on the 1st of March means that you are destined to be gifted with psychic senses and lots of practicality. You are unlikely to be boastful about your extrasensory perception but you do like to incorporate some spiritualist views into your opinions. Your insightful commonsense stance enters both your dreaming and goal making. It directs you to have visionary imaginative dreams yet still set yourself realistic and practical goals. Your aspirations are simple and normally for the benefit of others not just you alone. You mainly wish for a harmonious home atmosphere with the perfect soul mate.

Birthday Luck and Significance
As you were born on the first day of the month your date of birth has a special Root number of One. This numerical birthday reference has the keyword 'Drive' and it emphasizes your purposeful will and real hunger for achievement. The Magician is the 1st Tarot card in the Major Arcana deck and it is closely associated with your birthday. It symbolizes your gift of diplomacy and understanding as well as your heightened intuitiveness. The luckiest gemstone designated to March the first birthdays is the Ruby. It should be worn to promote healthiness and courage besides its luck inducing properties.

Summation
The Piscean personality is thought to be primarily determined astrologically by the planet Neptune's influence. The actual day you were born on, the first of March is governed by the influence of the Sun. The combined predominant authority of these 2 planetary bodies decide your difference to all others assigned this zodiac sign. Your conscientious energetic presence gets you noticed just as much as your versatile talents and gets you a reputation for being very thorough. Your intuitively based anticipation and helpfulness are lovely useful traits that accumulate you many lifelong friends. If you take care not to let stress build and eat a little more healthily your progress may be easier. A final advisory thought for people born on March the 1st is to consider letting go of things you cannot change in the past for the prospect of a bright and happier future.

 
More:http://www.gotohoroscope.com/birthday-horoscopes/march-1st.html