College 101: Flu Season ~ How Not To Get Sick

College campuses are not only for the students, but for the germs too. All kidding aside, it doesn’t take much to get sick while you’re off at college. Whether it’s a common cold, the flu, hepatitis,or another disease, if you are not careful, you can become ill. Falling sick while studying has its consequences too: unable to concentrate in class, slacking off with schoolwork, missing important due dates, or not doing your level best on an exam. From my experience, I can say that being sick and trying to study are two things that are hard to do at once! For more, watch the video below!

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College 101: What Not To Forget When Packing for College!

Hello Everyone!

When I was getting ready to head off to campus, I was so excited that I forgot a bunch of the most important things! It took me multiple trips to get everything I needed....it was exhausting! It also made my first week of classes pretty hectic. So, to save you guys some time and stress, I have put together a list of things to remember to take with you when going to college. More tips to come so stay tuned. Enjoy! 

College 101: Helpful Advice from the College-Grad

VIDEO DOWN BELOW!

As a recent college grad, I can't tell you how happy I am it's over! Haha! Even though there were some great memories made, that I will cherish forever, there were the times like moving in, and moving out that proved to be very stressful. Getting everything prepared during my freshman year seemed the hardest, but with experience, each year became a little bit easier. There were so many things that I had to learn on my own, that I wish someone had given me advice about. And so, I decided to help those who are heading to college soon. Here are just a few tips to get you started. 

More videos are soon to come! Check in next week! 

If you have any questions, please leave a comment below or send us a message by clicking the contact link! 

Enjoy!

Creative Outlet: Peacock Painting

I am always on my laptop or phone. As a college student, technology has become a very important part of my life and I sometimes find it hard to get back in tune with myself. So, I use a creative outlet to spend a few hours away from my technology and to check in with myself.  This can be anything that lets me use creativity and imagination. Not only does this help relieve stress but it can also help give your brain a break from all of the screen time!

This time, I went for a painting class at the Cancer Support Community in Cincinnati, OH, in which we made peacocks! Tracing the outline of peacock stencils onto wooden planks, we painted them as we liked. Some people chose to go a more traditional route, using more natural and realistic colors. Others let their imaginations soar as they used all kinds of colors and patterns! It was very interesting to see how everyone was different, despite starting out with the same peacock pattern! 

I really encourage all of you to go out and try your hand at something creative. This can be anything from painting, to building! It will not only help you to get away from a hectic lifestyle, but who knows, you may even discover a hidden talent! 

If you have been affected by cancer, I encourage you to reach out to the Cancer Support Community, a nationwide charitable organization. They hold different types of programs and support groups that can help those in treatment and those in recovery. It is a great place to find the support you need! 

What You Don't Know About Green Tea

As I sit in front of my window on a cold Saturday morning, drinking a warm, delicious cup of green tea, I cannot help but to share with you its benefits.Green tea has magical powers that not only help you change those numbers on the weight scale, but also help you feel rejuvenated and healthy. So here are some of the amazing benefits you can gain when you drink green tea.

Weight Loss:

While it doesn't help you drop 100 lbs. in a day, or anything crazy, green tea has been shown  to burn fat and increase metabolism.

Cancer:

Green tea contains polyphenols (also found in fruits and vegetables), which gives green tea its anti-carcinogenic properties. Studies done by the National Cancer Institute have shown that those who drink green tea not only decrease tumor growth, but are also less likely to get cancer at all.

Longevity:

Green tea has been shown to help people live longer! The polyphenols also help fight free radicals, thus helping you to age beautifully. 

Diabetes: 

You can reduce the risk of getting Type 2 Diabetes by drinking green tea. For those with Diabetes, green tea can help you maintain weight, and reach a balance in glucose levels. 

Heart Disease:

Green tea helps to lower cholesterol, which decreases your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Already had a heart attack or stroke? Green tea can still help you! It will help your heart to recuperate faster and prevents death of cells

So now we know about the health benefits of drinking green tea, but what exactly is green tea and what makes it so good for you?

Well, let's talk about its origins. Green and black tea come from the same plant- Camellia Sinensis. Black tea is oxidized, green tea is not.

Second, green tea (like black tea) is so good for you because...drum roll please...it contains catechins! No, catechins have nothing to do with cats. Catechins are flavinoids and antioxidants that fight the bad guys like disease. Catechins, along with other flavinoids are the reason green tea is so good for you. The more the better. To get the most out of your tea, soak the tea/tea bag for 3-5 minutes in boiling water. The longer you soak the tea/tea bag, the more flavinoids are emitted.

Now go and make yourself a warm brew of delicious and healthy green tea!

**VIDEO: Retreat At The Abbey Of Gethsemani

     The summer was our season for travel! From South Carolina, to Tennessee, to Kentucky, we saw and experienced many things! The most reflective part of our travels was in Kentucky, where we went on a retreat at the Abbey of Gethsemani. To say the least, it was a very surprising experience! The grounds are spread all around the Abbey, spanning many acres of beautiful rolling hills and farmland. It includes the church, walking trails, a library, gift shop and exhibit, as well as the private areas of the monastery dedicated to the farming and daily work of the monks.

     The church was simple but still something mystical was there. Seven times a day the monks recite the Liturgy of Hours and invite the retreatants to pray with them, so that was just what we did! The first prayer was at 3:15am, and was the hardest one to attend! But nevertheless, we soldiered on to the chapel in our pajamas and sweatpants. We also saw the grave of Fr. Louis Merton, also known as Fr. Thomas Merton, a monk and author of many books on the world and religion. Fr. Merton was a Trappist monk and lived at the Abbey.

On our last day, I have to admit, I was a little sad to go, because no where have I ever felt so peaceful and so content. Being there made me realize all that I have been given and the importance in the little things! Once we were all at home, it took us a while to get over the no talking rule in the monastery - we kept whispering! It was a great reflective journey and I plan on making this a yearly tradition for my family and I! 

Let us know what you think in the comment section below! Enjoy! 

To see more of our trip, click below to watch the video! 

Update: Father's Day Vineyard and Winery Trip

    As you may know, for Father's Day, my family and I went to a winery to celebrate my dad. Let me tel you, it was one of the best father's day celebrations we had. We tasted some delicious wines paired with a platter of assorted cheeses, and took a walk through the vineyards, all while talking and remembering our favorite memories of dad. To add to the fun, we learned that this winery carried Medugorje wine. Being Catholic, we couldn't have been more surprised and excited to learn about it. We couldn't leave without trying so we tasted both their white and red wine selections which had very rich dry tastes. 

Click the image below for the video update! Enjoy! 

Finally! A Vacation...

     I only have three months to enjoy myself before I go back to good ole' college life and to kick it off, I spent my first two weeks with the family down in South Carolina-a place with a deep history and rich southern charm. At first, the idea didn't seem like much, but once I got there, I could see why so many people love the state and travel there throughout the year to have fun and enjoy themselves. 

First, we stopped in Myrtle Beach which was just as beautiful and exciting as expected! It couldn't have been a better time to visit the beach either-it was not too crowded, nor was it lonely (If you don't like big crowds, early May or June is the best time to go to top tourist spots in the U.S.). Everyday we went to the beach early in the morning and left late afternoon and I enjoyed every minute of it. My favorite part was the long walks along the beach, especially in the early morning as the sun rose!  Our days consisted of paradisal activities - playing a little frisbee and volleyball, napping, and picnicking for lunchtime. It also happened to be Bikefest that weekend which added to the excitement. People from all around the country came down to the beach for the event to ride and show off their bikes. But these weren't just any bikes - bikers turn their motorcycles into moving works of art. Lights, detailing and artistic vision come to life on these bikes, turning them into some of the finest (and most expensive) out there! Bikefest was a very popular event that added to the excitement already at the beach and made our walks down to the beach all the more interesting - more people were out and about, shops were buzzing, and everyone seemed to be having a good time which made the atmosphere even more fun and enjoyable!   

The avenue entrance to the plantation lined with Oak trees. 

Slave cabins at the plantation we visited. 

     After spending the week at the beach, we moseyed on down to Charleston - a city at the center of it all from the revolutionary war to the civil war, Charleston was an important city during wars and the development of the US. There is so much to do in Charleston, that whenever you visit, it is best to spend at least five days in order to experience it all. A wide variety of tours such as african-american and slavery tours, city tours, revolutionary war tours, etc. are available but consume a considerable amount of the day (so get plenty of sleep the night before and plan ahead!). We decided to go on two tours - one of the city and one of a plantation, both of which were great learning experiences. Tours4Fun (Click Here) offers great tours not only in the United States but around the world too! 

     Along with the tours, the food is an absolute must. The south is known for its soulful, rich cooking and is something everyone needs to experience at least once in their lifetime! Charleston is jam-packed with restaurants catering to various tastes, many of which are award winning, five star, or run by some of the best chefs and restauranteurs around. From southern style cooking, to ribs, to seafood, there is something for everyone! We ate a little bit of everything to satisfy our taste buds. On our first night, we went to Sticky Fingers, one of the best places for ribs in Charleston! We tried the rib sampler, which came with four types of ribs, each cooked differently. It. Was. Amazing. When the waiter brought the platter, I thought I saw a glimmer of heaven. Nevertheless, I couldn't leave you guessing so I tried my best to take a pic (I really couldn't wait to get my hands dirty so this was taken halfway through the meal...sorry!)! 

From left: the cabbage and corn beef, bourbon salmon, and shecrab soup

     Another night we ate at Tommy Condon's, an Irish pub best known for its Shecrab soup. This soup is a must in Charleston, since it has its own beach and easy access to fresh crabs (and other seafood). Trust me, it's delicious! We also tried the bourbon salmon with sides of cheese grits and sweet potato fries, and the corn beef and cabbage dish which were also excellent. 

The South Carolina State Capital Building behind a monument dedicated to the Civil War in Columbia, South Carolina. This is also where the Confederate flag stood until it was taken down after the Charleston Nine shooting a year ago. 

     We did a lot of walking in Charleston and shopping as well. King Street and those surrounding it make up Charleston's main hub for all your shopping needs and resembles an outdoor mall making it fun and a great workout too! This was something I noticed about the city-they never failed to make use of the amazing weather. If there was a way to bring the indoors outside, it was done. There's also a beach! We spent much time in the Folly Beach area, and took in the beautiful view. Overall I think Charleston is the kind of city I would love to live in. There is so much to do and yet even though tourists are everywhere, the city still seems to have its secret spots that are only known and enjoyed by its residents. 

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Pictured are the lobbyists of South Carolina, named perfectly for waiting in the lobby of the capital building. In short, lobbyists are legislators or those affiliated with agencies who try to influence lawmakers. 

     The day finally came when we had to leave and I felt a little sad. I felt as though it all went by so fast! But we still had one more stop-Columbia, the capital. Columbia was very much like other state capitals in the US, but also had its own style that made it stand out. The main attraction was the state capital building (pictured above).  took a tour and even got to see both the Senate and House of Representatives in session! We were very lucky because a representative was retiring and giving her goodbye speech in which she talked about Senator Clementa Pinckney, who was one of the Charleston nine-nine church members tragically shot during a Bible study. It was close to the one year anniversary of the shooting and she gave a personal account of what a kind man he was. It was sad to hear about but also a privilege, since the speech was not televised. After that we went for a walk in the Five Points area, another outdoor shopping center spread out over five streets. There we had a light dinner and spent the evening taking in the sights. Columbia is also home to the University of South Carolina which explained the young vibe that I enjoyed very much! Lots of young people were out dining, shopping and hanging out and many stores seemed to cater to the younger generation.

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The retiring representative giving her last speech.

      While I enjoyed visiting the different cities, nothing could compare to Charleston! I enjoyed every single minute of it and will definitely be going back! There seemed to be something for everyone - a beach, great shopping and cosmopolitan area, wonderful sunny weather, and history for days! It's one of those places I could see myself living in-it has everything. Overall going to South Carolina was one of my favorite family vacations. So if you are in the mood for a vacation but can't decide, visit South Carolina! It's truly a gem of the US. 

Bye fans, until my next post! 

Live Healthier With Houseplants: 8 Reasons Houseplants Are More Than Decorations

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     If there's a plant that will grow indoors and is easy to care for, you can bet I either already own it or am about to! I grew up in a home where there were always plants and I guess that has stuck with me. But only now do I realize that plants may be one of the reasons that I am pretty healthy overall. Since plants purify the air, having them in one's home or office space means more cleaner and fresher air around them.

Lavender - a plant known for its calming qualities and can be grown both inside and outside.

     With all of the pollution and poisonous air surrounding us today, having plants may be the key to keeping side effects from polluted air at bay. Not only that, they can be very easy on the eyes! I love placing orchids and braided plants in my home to add color and design to boring corners and windows. Buying vegetable plants or herb plants can also be useful, as they can be used in cooking, present a good aroma, and add a pop of color-for example, lavender, mint have wonderful aromas and can be used in cooking! I know that after doing some further research on plants, they will continue to be a part of my life. They make the perfect partners too- they listen, don't interrupt me when I'm speaking and live long lives!

1.) It's an air purifier

Some can even remove "formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide thats produced by fuel burning appliances" others remove "mold from air"

2.) Breathe easier

Just like humans, plants respire, taking in oxygen and releasing CO2. Some plants, like orchids and succulents do the opposite by taking in CO2 and releasing oxygen. While you enjoy their beauty, they provide fresher air, allowing you to breathe easier

3.) Sleep better

Not only do they make breathing easier, but giving off oxygen also help to improve sleep! Put a Gerbera daisy in your bedroom and you will sleep like you've never slept before! 

My window

4.) Can reduce dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs

Due to their photosynthesis and respiratory processes, plants release moisture into the air, increasing humidity. This in tern helps to prevent and ease dry skin, colds, sore throats, dry coughs and even respiratory problems. 

5.) Increase Your Attention Span and Alertness

A study performed at The Royal College of Agriculture found that students who were in the presence of plants demonstrated 70% greater attentiveness while learning. 

6.) Speed Up You Recovery

According to a study done by the Kansas State University. Compared to the patients who did not have plants in their rooms, patients with plants in their rooms had less pain, had less fatigue and anxiety, and had lower heart rates and blood pressure. A study performed by the Dutch Product Board of Horticulture found that adding plants to office environments decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, flu-like symptoms and overall sickness!

7.) Remove cigarette smoke

 With the power to purify the air, plants remove pollutants resulting from cigarette smoke. One particular plant - The Peace Lily is effective in removing the smell and effects of cigarette smoke. 

8.) Lonely? Get some house plants!

My African Violets! 

Caring for a living organism is great therapy to reduce loneliness or depression. This is also the perfect solution to living in areas that don't allow pets!

BUT REMEMBER: Not all houseplants agree with some people. It is best to talk to your gardner or local florist about which plants are best for you! 

What do you think about having plants in your home? Let us know in the comments below! 

The 5 Important Things To Always Check On Your Car (Especially In Winter)

The time of bad weather is now upon us. Winter is not a good time to have car problems, which is why I am taking my car to the dealership! This is my list of the five most important parts to check when I go to the dealership. Even though I am preparing for winter weather, these are steps that can be taken for any type of weather (especially extreme conditions like monsoons, hurricanes, or any other kind of bad weather). Preparing you car will not only save your life, but will also spare you from an unnecessary financial burden!

1. Tire Tread

Sometimes people worry so much about tire pressure that they actually forget about the tread. Folks, tire tread can be what saves you from a terrible accident. Tread is what gives your tires traction. Traction is important in any kind of weather, but most of all during slippery and wet conditions. Winter is the time of snow, slush and freezing rain and it won't be good to get stuck in inclement weather with bad tread on your tires! 

2. Lights

It is one of my pet peeves when I am driving in bad weather (not voluntarily) and I have to jam my brakes because the car in front of me didn't have working brake lights. It is even worse when they don't have working headlights...ugh. 

3. Windshield Wiper 

CHANGE. THEM. Make sure they are fully-functioning and ready to take on whatever winter may throw at it. In general, these should be changed every 3-4 months.

4. Antifreeze

Proper amounts of antifreeze will keep your car running and functioning as it should in the harsh winter weather. It lowers the freezing point and is used to prevent the water in the engine and radiator from freezing. In summer, coolant does the opposite - it increases the boiling point of the water. Antifreeze also helps to clear up the windshield! 

5. Brakes

Brakes, brakes, brakes. This is probably the most important part on your car and should be taken for regular maintenance. Malfunctioning brakes are not something you want to risk having. It makes all the difference when a car juts in front of you at the last second on an icy road. 

If you think there is anything else that should be checked, please comment below! 

 Stay warm and drive safely! 

 

On The Prowl...For The Best Carpet!

Hey Everyone!

   We wanted to give a special room a makeover, and so we went shopping for some pieces to accentuate and liven the room up - it was kind of an early Christmas present for our home! We didn't want to leave you guys out and so we thought we'd share a little of our trip with you! To watch, click on the image at the right! 

   I hope you all are enjoying the holidays and are merrymaking as much as you can before it's all over! What festivities have you participated in this year? What customs and traditions are in your family? Comment and tell us how you spend the holiday season! 

4 Easy Ways To Reduce Stress

The holiday season can be very stressful! Sit down, take a breather and read our 4 best ways to reduce stress: 

1. SUN SALUTATION (A YOGA POSE)

Ok, not everyone has the patience or the time - I get it. But this quick yoga pose has a variety of benefits, from cognitive function to flexibility!  

2. MEDITATION

This is also a form of yoga (yoga is a great stress reliever!). This is like yoga for your brain. Meditating allows you to catch up with yourself, making you more self aware and mindful. 

3. STAYING HYDRATED

During the winter time, you tend to eat more and drink less. Keep yourself hydrated with a nice big pot of green tea - thats what I always do!  

4. LAUGHTER

Believe it or not, laughing makes you feel better! By producing endorphins, your body and mind are stimulated and feel refreshed after a good laugh. So when you get home after a stressful holiday shopping trip, watch a funny video or two! 

The 4 Magical Ingredients: Coriander, Cumin, Ginger and Turmeric

CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum)

Coriander contains two of the 11 essential oils: Cineole and linoleic acid. Both oils contain antirheumatic and antiarthritic properties, and can reduce skin swelling and inflammation. It contains disinfecting, antifungal, and detoxifying properties that help to clear skin disorders (i.e eczema). Coriander also contains acids that help to reduce LDL (the bad cholesterol) levels. Coriander stimulates the endocrine glands, thus allowing secretion of insulin into the blood. This results in better sugar absorption, which is essential for diabetics and for more effective metabolic functions. 

CUMIN (Cuminum Cyminum)

The aroma of cumin itself stimulates the salivary glands and contains Thymol, which aids in better food digestion. It is a carminative, and therefore relieves gas troubles. Taken with hot water, cumin can ease stomach aches and pains. Can’t sleep? Take cumin! It promotes better intake and absorption of vitamins and good digestion, reducing stress and resulting in better sleep. Cumin has an anti-congestive property that makes it the perfect remedy for respiratory disorders (i.e asthma). Cumin also contains lots of iron which increases the production of hemoglobin. When there is proper blood flow and circulation, more oxygen is able to reach the brain and other organs, leading to better function. 

GINGER (Zingiber officinale)

Ginger is good for easing nausea, loss of appetite, motion sickness and pain. Studies have shown that increasing ginger intake reduces obesity, heart disease, and diabetes risks. Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (especially for osteoarthritis). One study showed that ginger decreased inflammation, thereby reducing the risk of colon cancer. Ginger contains an overall abundance of vitamins and minerals that aid in proper function of organs and digestion. According to a medical research study, ginger also contains a substance able to kill of cancer stem cells. To get ginger in our diet, we like to make ginger garlic paste (pictured below - stay tuned for the recipe)!

TURMERIC (Curcuma longa)

Curcumin, a component in ginger, has been shown to increase levels of BDNP, a hormone in the brain responsible for brain function. When too low, the lack of BDNP can cause brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease. Multiple studies have also shown that turmeric contains over 600 therapeutic properties, and around 175 physiological effects on the body. It is comparable to a number of medications including Lipitor, Prosac, metformin, corticosteroids and oxaliplatin, a chemotherapy drug. According to UCLA doctors, curcumin, a component found in turmeric, blocks an enzyme that causes head and neck cancer. Curcumin is the most active ingredient in Turmeric.

What Happens When The Power Goes Out

    It was a bright early morning. We went out to buy groceries. It was raining; everyone holding umbrellas. We got out of the car, which was surrounded by water. Splash! Splash! Splash! Water went all over my skirt. "How treacherous" I thought! My friend screamed because her skirt lifted up and her umbrella went flying. It suddenly turned dull and we heard a high branch break and fall, so we ran into the store and did our shopping with our clothes dripping wet. The rain stopped for a little while so we got into our car and drove home. Oh and to our surprise, the garage door did not open. "Oh my goodness! What are we going to do? The power is out!" My friend said. We managed to get into the house and it was dark and dingy. We did not know where to find things. Somehow I had a lighter and used it to find some candles. We lit them, got dry, and sat down, coming to the realization that the power would not be on for an indefinite time. 

    I decided it was the perfect weather to make some warm tea...only to be reminded that the power was out. I decided that this called for some creativity and innovation. So, I used a tea warmer: 

    Using a tea warmer I got in India, I placed the candles inside it, surrounded it with foil and did the only thing I could do...wait. Within minutes the water became hot and started to boil! I quickly grabbed the cups and saucers, the tea biscuits and the milk we had just bought and put together a lovely little snack table. My friend and I sat down at the dark kitchen table and began chatting and drinking our tea as the thunder continued to roar and the pitter-patter of the rain drifted off into the background like soft music as my friend continued on with her stories.