Amazing Wellness Spring 2016
Discovered this magazine not long ago. Now let's explore the Spring edition.
At a glance, I quite like these topics:
- 5 Signs of Aging
- Digestion and Aging
- Top 3 Herbs for Men
- SOS for PMS
- Amazing Aminos
- Scents That Slim
- Have A Good Hair Day
My Learnings-
Green Food Supplements:-
Moringa can help with improving the blood sugar levels and cholesterol. It is also good for liver care, and fights inflammation. *Grinning at my cup of moringa tea*
Top 3 Herbs for Men:-
For some time now, I noticed a pattern from The Husband-
- constant fatigue
- worrying of graying hair
- disturbed sleep
Although he does sports about 1-2 times weekly, the above condition seems to worsen. In summary he should be taking these:
1- Ginseng. It has anti-stress effect, improve mental performance and regulates blood pressure.
2- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera); comically also known as "like a horse" known for as a sexual tonic. But wait, this could reduce gray hair?! Someone must be happy to know this! Ooh and it helps with insomnia too.
3- Hawthorn. This is primarily great for lowering blood pressure. So for a low BP person, go moderate with it.
SOS for PMS:-
Wait, I don't like this point -
Is it common for PMS symptoms to get worse with age? Yes, PMS often gets worse toward the end of the menstrual years (OMFG). One reason for this is that progesterone levels decline in the later part of the fertility years. Progesterone is a progestational hormone that supports the development of the fetus. Estrogen builds the “nest” and promotes ovulation. Less progesterone equals relative estrogen dominance.
What is estrogen dominance? Estrogen dominance is characterized by more aggressive behavior, heavier bleeding, tender breasts, easier weight gain, water retention, bloating, anxiety or panic attacks, crying for no reason, carbohydrate cravings, headaches, acne, cold sores, asthma attacks, sinus congestion, and increased seizure rate (shitez I already notice a slight increase of those in red. I'm ruined). Taking natural progesterone can help balance all these crazy symptoms, but so can cleaning up your lifestyle and avoiding endocrine disruptors such as soft plastics, chemicals, drugs, pesticides, and GMOs (what are soft plastics??).
Solution? Consistently taking these supplement. Vitamin B6 (50 to 100 mg daily) and magnesium (start with 500mg at bedtime). Zinc can also help reduce the production of prolactin, a stress hormone; take 30–50 mg daily.
Amazing Aminos:-
I've been experiencing moodiness quite often. For no apparent reason. Just somehow not happy (although I have everything I need, and most of my wants). This article comes at the right time, and coincidentally The Husband suggested that I go back to my daily protein drink. Was going to open up the new pack and then I come across this. Evidential occurances? :)
"3 AMINO ACIDS THAT CAN HELP:
THEANINE: It has a calming effect on the nervous system. Studies have found that 200–400 mg daily calms anxiety and other symptoms of stress. It also enhances the ability to focus, improves sleep, and quickens reaction time without unwanted daytime drowsiness. A patented form, called Suntheanine, has been widely studied and is found in a variety of brands. "
Quick Fixes
Oh yeah:
#1 - So let's check back in 12 weeks. Fingers crossed!
#10 - Husband, the blue plate is mine from now on!
#11 - Always. I'm always loading up on clean water for drinking.
#12 - I reach for my cumin powder almost each time I cook. Who could have guess it increases metabolic rate? Woohoo!
#14 - No problemo. Not a fan of booze.
#18 - Mostly there.
#19 - A daily must have.
#23 - Hohohoho don't worry. I sleep way alot more than necessary.
#24 - I love you my massage creams..
#29 - Just socks. Go green please.
Hmm:
#3 - Well that means I'd have 2 pairs of workout clothes to wash daily? (assuming I workout daily haha).
#5 - But fitted clothes makes it difficult for me to breathe. And how on earth am I going to hide the tum? :P
#6 - I used to practice this until I met my husband. He insisted this wasn't healthy and that I should eat real food...
#8 - Err.. I'm home all the time.
#9 - I didn't know essential oils are safe for consumption.
#13 - Ok, regulate this.
#16 - The problem is, I have snacks all over the place. I'm rarely hungry - hence you're supposed to tell me how to lose the extra flabs.
#21 - What if you have a biatch resting face?
#30 - I might go this path when I have too much time to spare.
#33-43 - Okay, almost all are non applicable at the moment. Also whatever I couldn't pronounce - don't eat it. Sometimes, less is more. Just go with wholesome food..
Shitez:
#2 - The opposite just happened. I developed a sudden liking to caramel latte and I have been having coffee every other day! Dang!! For a person who couldn't take coffee to a couple a week. FML...
#4 - Lol not happening! My life starts after 8pm lolx.
#7 - Yucks, for real?
#15 - Come on. And get it smell like trash with all the food smell combo?
#17 - Fail. I'm most awake at these hours. :( #screwedforlife
#20 - Who has time for the mess? Seriously, OVER makeup?
#22 - Mess!
#25 - Lazy. Too much trouble.
#26 - Uncomfortable. And I won't be able to sleep.
#27 - Huh? Darken the area and here you have the women frantically covering up with concealers?
#28 - My waterlines are off limits! Do not trespass.
#31-32 - Seriously stop messing around. What is the use of a blush then?
Scents That Slim:-
I need a bathtub in my life.. and a garden to grow lavender and rosemary.
So there are some hits and misses with the tips from this issue. Overall I do like reading it. The simpler the remedy, the better :)
Elle Malaysia April 2015
This month's copy is 230 pages thick; sounds great yeah?
I've decided not to include pictures - too time consuming for me.
However, after flipping 90 pages I still have no idea why I picked this copy up. Sure there are the usual advertorials (by the way, Chanel is everywhere now eh?). But at the page 90 mark, I expect to come across at least 1 (pretty reasonable expectation I'd say) intriguing article, or a tempting wearable fashion spread. None, pft!
Those "fashionable"clothes are probably really "famous and belong to the creme de la creme pile". But really, I have yet to come across ladies dressed in any of those since.. never? Not in Japan (excuse Harajuku), Seoul, Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok. No one really wear those to work, do they? I must be hibernating in the cave all this while...
Ok, now lets jump to page 114 - Sun Catcher.
Now I'm smiling a little. Hot looking bikini there - I like how the green and red are quite muted, making them look kind of elegant, rich. (Bikini workout for some toning please!) The content of the article is basic, nothing that I (we) don't already know.. over exposure causes skin and hair damage; some good amount of sun is good for health.
The rest of the magazine.. I just wasn't really attracted to anything. A few pictures of nicely decorated home.
So that was it. Not impressed, sorry.
Maybe better luck next issue?
Workout for Body and Mind
After the recent case of me forgetting to use my cash vouchers and see them expiring; today as soon as I receive my MPH rebate voucher I headed to the bookstore.
I had a leisurely time browsing and reading some magazines. Have been back on track with workouts so wanted to add some motivation in. I am into Russian Twist.. and love the sore on my obliques lol.
BodyFit seems like a good read. I like it after a few past issues. Nothing too dramatic or crazy. A good mix of tips, food and beauty too. I don't buy every issue. The 15 min slim down topic caught my attention. I'm a lazy bugger sometimes :P
So I came across another book by Dr Sheh Seow Wah and instantly decided how to use my voucher. I've been reading his book on Chinese Management and connect to it. So I thought I would give Strategic Way a go.
Haven't been my happiest lately so I wanted to amp up my reading to feed my soul..
Ladyboys: The Secret World of Thailand Third Gender
Authour: Susan Aldous with Pornchai Sereemongkonpol
Publisher: Maverick House, 2008
Pages: 291
Publisher: Maverick House, 2008
Pages: 291
Price: 525 baht
This extraordinary book is an intimate portrait of Thailand’s ladyboys: the men who have chosen to become women. Funny, passionate, angry and provocative, Ladyboys is a no-holds-barred look at the secret lives of Thailand’s transsexual men.
The book offers intimate details of the lives that they’ve never publicly revealed. They talk about the choices they’ve made, their relationships, families, frustrations and hopes.
The stories include those of an exotic cabaret performer, a sex worker and even a Muay Thai boxing champion. Ladyboys will leave you amused, saddened, and entertained.
Foxy Frangipani Says:
The hotel that I stay during my trips to Bangkok always has some magazines around. Something similar to Bangkok 101 caught my eye this round. And at the book review section I came across this book. I paid a visit to Asia Books and finally got it.
I've been to Bangkok so many times and each trips I'd come across transgenders but didn't really give much thought. This trip however, the massage place I frequent employed one and after observing her and reading this book, gave me alot of mixed feelings.
This book is a collection of stories from 9 transgenders - they are referred to as kathoeys. Sad to read that majority if not all of them are not easily accepted by the public. More reasons contributing to my mixed feelings:-
- Many of them came from poor family backgrounds. If you imagine poor as living without nice cars and 3 room houses; imagine a living of at least 5 siblings without TV, car, a salary of 200 Baht; working in the rice field for hours under the scorching sun or sleeping in the streets.
- They suffered mental abuse at a very young age when they realized they are not like other "normal" boys. Parents or siblings beat them up. They were labelled with terms like "wrongful incarnations".
- They were looked down by the society, hence is almost impossible to secure a proper job eg office worker. No wonder alot of them end up being a go-go dancer, or prostitute :(
- At "work" they need to learn a skill called taep-ing. Pulling back their penises between their legs and taping them so there is no bulge when they wear their bikinis. Imagine that they need to do this daily, and sitting on it..
- To be accepted they go to the extreme in taking hormone pills and collagen injections daily, sometimes with 3 meals a day!! Health my dear, is always compromised! All this just to grow breasts and to look more womanly.
- The more extremes would go for sexual reassignment. These group of people usually hate their male genitals. Or are tired of daily taep-ing. It just dawned to me that the real horror comes after the surgery. They need to insert 3 sizes of dilators to prevent the "wound" (or vagina) from closing up. Can you imagine sitting on a dilator after a surgery!?? One almost bled to death - the nurse kept pushing in the dilators but the blood gushes it out... just reading this is enough to bring tears to my eyes.
- If they did not end up dying young due to the excessive hormone pills, they usually end up living in shabby places. Like Lily the granny who gave indecent massages at Khao San Road. Incidentally before my trip there while I was reading up on Khao San Road, I read an experience from a backpacker that she was a victim of Granny Lily. How unfortunate for both!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This book really open up my view in life. I think it is not difficult to respect each other as a unique person. After all kathoeys are human too, and I do not have a problem addressing them as Miss or She. They are just trying to be their true self which makes them happy. Many of us "normal" people wear an invisible mask in life. Which is more shameful...?
If they are a result of bad karma from past lives, then so be it. It is their karma, why do most people have to interfere? Not that they kill or do something bad.. infact most of them tries hard to make a better living to support their parents. If we believe in religions, which religion teaches us to categorize people? Which teaches us to label them as wrongful reincarnations?
If I look from a different perspective, kathoeys have more diligence in making their lives a more positive one. They do not complain about menial things in life, they live each day to the best they could, and they give moral support to their sisters alike.
The only sad part is most do not end up with bright future. Their futures lack of hope. If only...
I respect them alot!
A Small Surprise
I didn't know there was a Borders at Straits Quay.. until The Husband took me there. Yes! The Husband.. bookstore :D
Its quite a small lot.. but a great selection of manga. And oh, I didn't know - all the books there were on sale. Imagine my disbelief when the cashier confirmed that these two were on 70% off!
They are brand new.. glad I waited! :)
Bonjour, Happiness! Secrets to Finding Your Joie de Vivre
Foxy Frangipani Says:
Authour: Jamie Cat Callan
Publisher: Citadel Press
Pages: 226
Publisher: Citadel Press
Pages: 226
Being a shopaholic with sharp eyes means I'm always looking for things that might interest me. Everywhere. Anytime.
I was at the Jakarta airport waiting for my flight, walking towards the terminal. And there was a smallish bookshop. I couldn't resist not going, so in I went. It was rather difficult to browse as the shop is really small and books were everywhere.
Some how my eyes spotted 2 books on French related topics. Yep I got both books haha (forgot how much they cost). I actually started the other book first but I wasn't interested enough to finish it, so I switched to this one.
Interesting.. Ooh la la!
In summary, there are things I learned, things I disagree and things I find quirky. Jamie referenced some blogs, books and sites - these introduced me to more reading options!
I don't quite agree in not apologizing when one is late. Its just rude to be late, what more just pretend no one cares just as long as you're gorgeous. Its basic manners to respect time...
I quite like these ideas (actually we all should):
- Making effort to look good. Well, I confess most times, I'm just too lazy to make that extra effort. I am particular about clean clothes and looking neat. But to make my face flawless and perfect hair before heading out is just too troublesome. I somehow want to be chic all the time. No pain, no gain... so...
- Wear matching undies. She suggests 3 pairs of panties to 1 bra in terms of colour (maybe fabric too). No cheap looking ones though. It has to ooze elegance and style, lol. So that gives us that secret inner confidence. Really? While I don't mis-match my undies, I don't think much about lingeries. I find the thought of dressing up innies too troublesome.
- Walk more. Maybe to everywhere. Err.. no. Not to everywhere. If I'm at the beach / village / places with cleaner air - yes perhaps. But under the scorching sun? I plan to run more regularly late evening though. When it is cooler.
- Focus on eating good food. Not expensive good, but healthy good. There are so many diets out there, but heard of Parisian Diet? Least restrictive, you can take chocolates, cheese, wine etc. We just need portion control. And hey, they stay out of the kitchen in between meals. How chic?
- Eat, Just Eat. Not in front of the TV - who is guilty of this? Turn on some jazz if you want, but focus on the food, not multitasking. Stay away from Facebook please.. or Angry Birds. In my part of the world, I don't have 3 hours for lunch, I'd be fired from my job :P Hence just make full use of the 1 (pathetic) hour I am entitled..
- Wearing a girdle / shapewear. Yes, we all want to look fantastic in the fitting dress. Who wants that unsightly tummy bulge and visible panty lines. But have you ever tried putting on a girdle? True enough all I wish for was to get rid of it. It is suffocating :P So.. perhaps put in more effort in exercise and toning up? Lol.
- Handwashing lingeries. Oh my god. No. Confession - I hate laundry and no I'm not handwashing anything when I have the washing machine.
- Flirt and art of conversation. Play eyes with the butcher, the cashier and your local cheeseman. Not my type. I lack of the finesse for conversation. I'd be really happy to sit with a book all afternoon or watch the world go by. And I'd do well in life reflections too. But ask me to join a director for dinner, and you'll get a sulky girl all night (well no silly I won't actually sulk at them). i'm not made to love socializing :P
All in all, I enjoyed this book. I will re-read this from time to time. Just to remind myself of the learnings I find handy. Now more French lifestyle books please! :)
Food for the Hungry Missus
After what seems like eons I finally had my drug fix (books are my drug) ;) I had the whole afternoon just hanging out at MPH. Ahh how I missed this place.
So now that I cook more at home (trying to be healthy and save some moolah) I'm looking forward to try new recipes.
I'm not yet a creative cook so I still need guides lol. Here's what I got..
Better Homes and Garden. These were my fave reads since college days. I'm so drooling over the home deco and fairy tale like garden. I wish I have one similar to those. Of course they have recipes too.
Yesterday I had a fantastic Yee Sang and GoodFood Asian ed covers the Chinese New Year recipes.
Finally the book on 5 Elements enzymes. I'm not new to enzyme but 5 elements made me curious. This is RM29 but when I paid it was on 30%. Say yay to pleasant surprise :)
Yoga Journal October 2012
Back to some Yoga, after slacking again!
Are we still giving thanks before each meals? I used to do it each time, but somehow along the way have missed here and there, especially if not with family. However, I am always grateful for the food that we get to enjoy...
I officiated my oven with a bunch of savoury cookies, maybe next would be pizza? Oooh it does require certain skills though..
This caught my attention - Chia seeds. For ages I had no idea what are they.. now I know! When my black sesame meal is finished I look forward to chia seeds next. Served with breakfast drink would be nice...
Now some workout. Except for Locust Pose, all of these can be done anywhere.. if at work, consider taking slightly longer toilet break? ;)
Tree Pose with eyes closed is a real challenge - for me at least. And Chair Pose would definitely leave my butt feeling sore!
If only I could do this without losing balance lol. What a great all over stretch!
Lets twist this month..
And now for some poses to soothe neck and shoulder ache..
Namaste!
You're So 50... What?
Say, is there anyone out there who hasn't read 50 Shades of Grey?
I think I'm the only one lol. A friend mentioned this some time back and somehow it didn't ring a bell at all.
All of a sudden I'm seeing reviews everywhere, but look at these funnies:
I did pick up a copy and am currently on my first few chapters. Hmm I'm on the fence now - not exactly absorbing. I think Christian Grey is too perfect, and a sicko too!
Am not feeling motivated to continue reading but I guess I will some time later. Let's see if I end up being a fan ;)
Jamu - The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing
I finally finished reading a book in less than 1 week!
I couldn't remember when was the last time I got so excited over a book like this :D
I was on holiday though - the much needed rest after months. I thought a visit to the bookstore on my own would be rewarding, and yes! Came back with these:
I can never resist things related to metaphysics :)
The Runes Pack comes with a beautiful velvet pouch, at RM 66.90. I am on a budget, so before I decide to buy or not to buy, I had an agreement that the ceiling price would be RM80. Anything above that, put it back! *Grins* Imagine my happiness when I saw the price.
Runes is new to me but I'm always up to learning new things!
Anyway, back to the main book review - the Jamu book.
Authour: Susan-Jane Beers
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Pages: 187
Price: RM49
Susan-Jane Beers Says:
Indonesian jamu—part of an integrated system of inner and outer health and beauty, encompassing powders, pills, ointments, lotions, massage and ancient folklore—is unknown to most Westerners. How, when, where and why were these treatments developed? And, what is so special about them?
Through the pages of this book you'll learn about the closed world of ancient Javanese palaces where Indonesian jamu was perfected. You meet the healers and jamu makers whose skills have been passed from generation to generation and learn about their cures.
Advice is offered on where to find these age-old remedies, including formulae that can be made safely at home. The information here is for people who wish to find out more about Indonesian health and beauty, draw their own conclusions and even try jamu for themselves.
An integrated system of inner and outer health and beauty, Indonesian jamu has a 1,200-year-old history, yet little is known about it outside this diverse island nation. The first book to comprehensively explore the background, materials and application of this holistic approach, Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing is the culmination of ten years of research and more than 100 interviews with practitioners and producers—from housewives in kitchen apothecaries to CEOs of multinational corporations.
Its publication coincides with the increasing availability in the West of modern preparations of these time-honored herbal remedies. Encompassing medicine, massage, cosmetics and folklore, jamu is as applicable to today's lifestyles as it was in the rarefied world of the ancient Javanese palaces where it was perfected.
Foxy Frangipani Says:
I have to confess, it is very very difficult to find books on Jamu, in fact this is the only book on Google.
Good thing I got this when I was on holidays - I couldn't put this book down!
Its a great book, covering from the history of Jamu, the culture of the Indonesian, and some information on the plants used.
I now know why it is so hard to find information on the web - Jamu is a tightly kept secret, usually only passed down from mother to daughter. Beauty is an important features for Indonesian women - this is the most vital way to keep her man to herself... (Don't think this is so apparent nowadays, maybe 10 years back or so..)
If there are gripes it would be, alot of these topics are jumbled up together. You would read about history of Jamu, and then came in some true stories, and next thing introducing 1 particular plant and the benefits and uses would be on another chapter..
Hence if I am only interested in reading about plants and uses, I would probably need a highlighter to mark those pages, reading from start to end.
Other than that, this is a good read, and I would be re-reading this from time to time..
Elle UK August 2012
For me, Elle is usually for quick browsing. I have yet to find a deep connection that draws me to addiction to this magazine.
Somehow I will usually just breeze thru the contents (I wonder if it is the layout or the font or just, well the topics?)
Fashion:
I didn't like anything fashion related from this issue. So outrageous I wouldn't want to be seen in any of them :S I'm not fashion-adventurous, so basically I like clean and versatile cuts.
I don't get the weird combinations..
It could be just me, or does anyone really wear this out?
Maybe the only ad that caught my attention lol:-
~ Luminous skin, my dream!
I find this work mantra pretty useful..
Most new hires when they started working, are usually very motivated and energetic. Very willing to go the extra mile.. so if we work like our early days on the job success would be waiting for us.
Yep, that is all I find interesting.
I know right, boo!
Good Housekeeping South Africa August 2012
Aww I missed doing a proper magazine review. Bloody energy and time sapping job! Lol (excuses).
I've got a copy of Good Housekeeping South Africa August 2012 and after browsing thru the pages, here are my thoughts / the items I like:
I find the SA edition rather dull, compared to the UK one; don't know why.
Even the beauty related stuffs don't really attract me.
Need to move it move it.. yes, I need to be really disciplined - back to more regular workout please! Truth is, I got lazy.. really seriously lazy. Constant need to eat or else gastric visits isn't helping either. But how about this short article for a quick boost..
Now why don't we have these goodies in Malaysia? Why??
I like the look of these items:
Nivea body washes, Dove body lotions and more moisturizers from Johnsons, Vaseline and Nivea... Come on Malaysia.
Coincidently I have been wearing my hair in a side slick for a week. Just out of nowhere I did this one morning and decided I like it. The husband likes it too haha. Really easy to do, no need for oils / gel / products.
I fan dry my hair and just comb it to one side. Clip it for a couple of mins while having the fan blowing my hair. No I rarely use hair dryer.. (The frizzzz!)
Looks good either with a low bun or half clip up :)
I've been attracted to wood based dining table.. and this one looks so cozy. Like a warm family would gather for a good meal. Lovely. And the bench too..
Next up - Food Lessons.
Mom has been nagging me about starting to cook regularly. For healthier eating, and saves me alot of moolah. Also, since I got a "complete" kitchen at my new place, both mom and husband has been teasing and hinting me..
Arrrgghhh...!
My favourite is always salad.
Its healthy, and any lazy person can make this heee..
See, I told ya. Easy-to-make.
And healthy. I prefer no mayo.
Now the more sinful ones.
Mouth watering, but I don't know if I have the patience for these... :P
Well that is all that I find interesting for this issue.
Getting very sleepy (its only 12.55am duh! Ageing!)
See you soon!
Haul: Big Bad Wolf Books
Touted as the world's largest book sale, which bookworm could resist this!?
I missed this last year; because I find it a hassle to make trips down to KL:
- Yes it is (only for some) about 4-5 hours drive ( depends how slow you drive :P )
- Petrol, toll, and accommodation screams $$$
- Somehow the crime rate in KL scares me to merde; I'd always leave my handbags behind and just bring the necessities (credit cards, IC, cash, phone)
- Traffic is hectic!
- I can't for the life of me, recognize the directions / roads.
But finally I decided to check this crazy book sale out.
And it was amazing! Really. Mind. Blowing.
People actually used boxes as shopping cart. It is insane to be able to REALLY BROWSE all those books in a day! I mean, one could die of lethargic! So lets not even talk about how big the place was.
The price. This has surely gotta be one of the major reasons people flocked to this sale. Yo I mean, RM3 for an English Manga? My bro would be having an orgasmic experience if he was there himself. He doesn't read much, but has "stolen" a few of my R.Kiyosaki books so far and is absolutely nuts for manga.
Other things which I like about this event was:
- Sufficient payment counter. I did not have to wait long.
- Books were organized, which made it easy to target area of interest.
- Bathrooms were very clean!
- Temperature was just fine, not too stuffy, not cold.
Now, what did I not like:
- The venue was a pain to look for (considering I'm not local to KL)
- The wait. BBW loves to tease people with the release of the dates and venue. Seriously now, for people who lives outstation and had to plan ahead for this event - this was a major turn off. Like booking a hotel, planning annual leaves etc. If BBW could just release this info without much held back, it could help some other people (like me) save some money!
Anyhow, I came back a happy person:
Magazines were about RM5-RM8 each.
All the above, for about RM300! :D
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