The Top Five Health Benefits of Folic Acid

The Top Five Health Benefits of Folic Acid

Fruit, Glorious Fruit

Fruit, Glorious Fruit

Beautiful Women: What Women Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery

Beautiful Women: What Women Should Know About Cosmetic Surgery

Beautiful Women: Believe in Yourself!

Beautiful Women: Believe in Yourself!

The Top Five Reviews of the Litigators By John Grisham

The Top Five Reviews of the Litigators By John Grisham

The Top Five Reviews of the Litigators By John Grisham

The Top Five Reviews of the Litigators By John Grisham

The Magic Ring: Chapter 6

The Magic Ring: Chapter 6

Beautiful Women: Women and Sugarless Foods

Beautiful Women: Women and Sugarless Foods

Beautiful Women: How to take control of your life in easy steps

Beautiful Women: How to take control of your life in easy steps

Beautiful Women: Graced by your beauty

Beautiful Women: Graced by your beauty

Beautiful Women: How to Have a Great Time at a Party

Beautiful Women: How to Have a Great Time at a Party

Beautiful Women: How to deal with Itchy skin

Beautiful Women: How to deal with Itchy skin

Are you a security risk for your employer?

It is a widely perceived generalisation that strangers are the greatest threat to an organization’s safety and security systems. Think again!

It is usually an organisation’s own employees who may pose a greater security threat. But, let us add here, it is not always intentional. Most of the security threats from employees are unintentional.

It was found that a lack of user awareness is the number one obstacle to achieving good information and communication technology security. Employees won’t think twice to reveal their computer passwords to others in exchange of a can of cold drink. Others, without thinking would just reveal their password to their colleagues without a second thought. Therefore, despite of the vast amounts of money invested on firewalls, encryption, virus check software and secure access devices, the weakest link is still you as employee. 

Remember, you are the first line of defence and common sense is your most effective weapon. Think before you give anyone information that would enable them to access your laptop, your PC or the corporate network – even if it is the most trusted colleagues.

A further alarming factor is the role of disgruntled employees. So it would not do any harm to be less trusting in the workplace. Do not write your password on sticky notes and leave it attached to your PC; log of when you have to leave your office or even when you are not using the PC for a while; do not save your password in your browser and do not leave your screen saver unlocked.

These precautionary measures should be standard in any workplace, even the smallest organisation. Make sure you adhere to it and do not pose a security risk to your employer intentionally or unintentionally. You owe your employer that loyalty!

Daniel

How to make garlic oil

By steeping herbs, spices, fruit and even flowers in cooking oil, the flavours are absorbed by the oil and subtly flavoured condiments are the end result that adds interest and zest to dressings, marinades and sauces. 

Flavoured oils are easy to make with herbs and plants such as rosemary, thyme, tarragon, marjoram and nasturtiums. The herbs are left in the oil for a certain period of time to impart their aroma and flavour, and then the oil is strained. To obtain a stronger infusion, the entire process can be repeated.

The flavouring-process is easy and actually flop-proof, on condition that only high quality and neutral oils, such as mild-olive, sunflower or soya oil is used. These oils are excellent in absorbing both the flavour and aroma of the added ingredients. The use of extra virgin olive oil is not recommended. The reason is that it has a too distinctive flavour for many aromatic herbs. Should you wish to use olive oil, use a lighter refined olive oil that is a mixture of refined and virgin oils.

You will need a saucepan, a glass bowl, a fine sieve and a funnel and the following ingredients:

·         2 cloves garlic (It is more pungent than its bigger brother, the onion. It is a very versatile herb – used in meat, fish, dressings, pastas, baked dishes, vegetable dishes, cheese dishes and bread.)

·         1 sprig of fresh thyme (It has a distinctive strong flavour and is used in stews, soups, salads, fish dishes and vegetable dishes.)

·         1 sprig of fresh rosemary (It has a delicate distinctive flavour. Leaves or sprigs are stuck into joints of roast lamb, veal and inside chickens. It can be added to a roasting pan, or in stews, vegetables, soups and fish dishes.)

·         1 small dried red chilli (This is a spice. Chillies are usually frantically hot and can be used fresh or dried in foods, especially curries.)

·         500 ml olive oil, but not extra virgin, as already explained.

What to do:

·         Peel the garlic and bruise it with a blade or knife until moisture is extracted.

·         Transfer it to a sterile glass bottle.

·         Add the thyme, rosemary, and chilli.

·         Pour over the oil and seal the bottle with a cork.

·         Leave to infuse for a week.

·         Strain the oil to remove the herbs and spice from it.

Never keep flavoured olive oil in the fridge as it will thicken and turn opaque in the cold.

Daniel

Book Review: Theodore Boone by John Grisham

Watch  powerful review and discussion of the novel "Theodore Boone" by John Grisham.

Be prepared for an Interview

Anyone going for an interview for a new job must put in all efforts to be 100 per cent prepared as any interview is make or break. Competition is too fierce to rest on one’s laurels. It is all or nothing.

Here are some basic tips on how to make sure you are 100 per cent prepared:

1. Check your interview clothes at least 3 days before the interview whether it is clean, pressed and ready to go on the big day. If possible, check on the corporate environment of the potential employer to make sure your interview clothes will be appropriate. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

2. From your CV that has already been send to the potential employer, neatly retype the list of people who will give you references and have it ready during the interview should they need it.

3. Make quality photo copies of all your qualifications and other source documents and let it be certified as correct. Take those as well as the originals with you should they need it on the day of the interview.

4. Bring your portfolio up to date and have it ready should they ask for it.

5. Read up on the company or business where you will be interviewed.

6. Plan your schedule in such a manner that you arrive ahead of time so that you won’t be late. Take travel arrangements and factors like rush hour traffic into consideration.

7. When entering, project confidence with a firm handshake, a clear tone of voice and friendly eye contact.

8. Be ready with a short presentation of your background and experience. It is important to capitalize on those experience, qualifications and skills that are appropriate to the company and the job. Also be prepared to be questioned on the content of your CV or portfolio.

9. Besides answering questions during the interview, prepare some applicable questions on the job at hand or the company. Never ask questions about the salary, benefits and working hours. Let the interviewers lead on these questions. Ask questions that will be an indication that you are interested to work for them, and not only what you can reap.

10. Never, but never, make negative remarks about your previous employers, boss or colleagues.

Daniel

Myths and facts of influenza

Flu is a viral disease and the common cause of the flu is the influenza virus, although there are also other viruses, for instance para-influenza and adeno-virus. The most common types of the flu virus are types A and B. Most cases of flu occur in an epidemic pattern at varying intervals, usually during autumn and winter. Although a common illness, there are many myths surrounding this dreadful disease.

Here are six of the most frequent myths and facts:

Myth 1: Flu can be cured. The fact is that there is no cure – only the symptoms of flu can be treated. The only solution is bed rest, plenty of fluids, pain medicines for the muscle aches, natural remedies and cough suppressants.

Myth 2: Flu vaccinations will protect a person from getting flu. The fact is that each year flu viruses undergo significant variations in their protein structures. The result is that the antibodies the body made during the last time it had flu is actually ineffective against the flu variations. Although a new vaccine can be formulated each year it is important to acknowledge that vaccines cannot protect against all possible mutations of the flu virus. For this reason flu vaccines are mostly recommended for the elderly and for those with chronic heart or lung problems. There is also the myth that when a person is once vaccinated he or she is immune for the rest of the year. Whatever vaccination is received it must be borne in mind that it can at most only provide partial protection due to the various variations.

Myth 3: Getting flu cannot be prevented. The fact is that a healthy lifestyle can prevent flu. By getting sufficient rest, following a healthy diet, abstaining from bad habits like drinking and smoking and having enough exercise the body’s self-defence system will be strengthen and subsequently the body will be able to defend itself against viruses, like the flu viruses.

Myth 4: An easy way to attend to flu is by taking antibiotics. The fact is that flu is a viral infection and viruses do not respond to antibiotics. Antibiotics only play a vital role when there is a risk of secondary bacterial infection causing bronchitis or pneumonia.

Myth 5: Flu is limited to winter only; therefore, if a person can steer free from winter then he or she is home-free as far as getting flu is concerned. The fact is that flu is a viral illness that commonly occurs in winter due to the fact during winter when the weather is cold and miserable people are confined indoors with limited ventilation with the result that the virus can more easily spread than during the more warmer seasons – but, flu is all year around.

Myth 6: Although a person with flu feels very miserable and sick, it is not a very serious illness. The fact is that when having the flu, a person must look after him- or herself – if the symptoms are not treated serious enough the possibility is there for complications. It is especially for the elderly, infants and people with chronic conditions that flu can be dangerous.

Although it may be a common illness it is no laughing matter or something that should be treated in a could-not-care manner. Always attend to the various symptoms and make use of professional medical advice when in doubt.

Daniel

Walking Workouts – The Long Walk to Fitness

Taking up walking could be the best way for couch potatoes to become active. Off all the fitness options, walking is the easiest, safest and cheapest – no expensive, specialised equipment, except comfortable shoes, needed.

Starting out

1.       Beginners can benefit from as little as three walking sessions a week of about 45 minutes per session. As you get more and more use to the exercise, you may want to burn more kilojoules by making it five times a week and maybe 60 minutes per session.

2.       The best is to add variety to your exercise by not walking the same route each time and also ensure that your routes cover both hills and flat terrain.

3.       When walking on flat surfaces, keep your posture upright and relaxed. Your shoulders should be aligned over your hips.

4.       When walking uphill, try leaning forward slightly – it is easier on your legs and muscles.

5.       Walking downhill, contrary to what you might think, is harder for your body than uphill. It put extra stress on your knees, so it is a good idea to slow your pace and take shorter steps.

6.       Briskly walking about 2 km burns nearly as many kilojoules as running the same distance.

7.       Walking uphill burns more kilojoules than walking on flat terrain. The steeper the hill the more kilojoules are burnt.

8.       To burn more kilojoules on flat terrains, chose a route with grass or a gravel road.

9.       Walking along the beach is very good exercise. By keeping the same pace as on normal terrain, more kilojoules will be burnt due to the extra resistance.

Pole-walking

A fun way of walking is the so-called pole-walking style. Pole-walking is like cross-country skiing without the skis. Instead of ski poles use any lightweight sticks, fixed with rubbers at the end. To make sure the poles are the right size, when the pole is gripped the forearm should be nearly level as you walk. When you step forwards with your left foot, bring your right arm forwards and plant the pole on the ground, about even with the heel of the left foot. Pole-walking is very good exercise for the legs, chest and arms as well as some of the abdominal.

Water-walking

You can water-walk along a lake shore or a beach – in ankle- or calf deep-deep water. Walking at a steady pace will burn between 1 200 and 2 000 kilojoules per hour. Due to the water’s resistance you do not have to walk as fast in water as on land to burn the same number of kilojoules.

Lastly, if you have trouble sticking to your walking routine, get a dog to walk with you. You can trust a dog to get you up and walking at least twice a day!

Daniel

Ten Easy Stress Busters

When we are in a difficult or tense situation, we feel stress. The human body can go into a defence mode to fight off this stress or then at least to alleviate it. This means we are all aware what stress is; but are we able to assist our bodies to beat this stress?

Here are some quick cures and tips to assist our bodies:

1. Put aside anything you may be busy with; sit back and make yourself feel a wave of relaxation that starts from your head down to your toes.

2. Always have some healthy snacks with you – a rice cake, piece of fruit, etc. – and munch on it in small bites every 10 seconds.

3. Close your eyes and visualize your greatest achievement so far in life.

4. Point your finger or a pen at something in a distance for 60 seconds without shaking your hand.

5. Close your eyes and take slow but deep breaths. Whilst doing this visualize the air coming in and out.

6. Play with some coins you have in your pocket or purse by trying to let it stand on edge.

7. Randomly pick any age between 6 and 25 and try and remember where you lived then, who your bosom friends were and recall one thing that brings back fond memories.

8. Make a paper jet and throw it through the air.

9. Listen to the sound of something nearby that is actually annoying you – the air conditioner, traffic, or something similar. Close your eyes and then try to turn that annoying sound into something soothing.

10. Give your pet a 60-second scratch.

Remember, it is possible to have too little stress. We function or operate better with a certain level of stress – if the level of stress is too low, we get bored. So, accept stress as part and parcel of life and tackle it head-on.

Daniel

How cholesterol affects heart health

The primary source of dietary cholesterol is foods of animal origin, with eggs, red meats, dairy products and prawns very high in cholesterol.

The main concern is that regardless of the dietary intake of cholesterol, the human body continues to produce cholesterol every day. The body is in a position to try to balance the cholesterol it manufactures with what it takes in by means of food, tending to produce less and to eliminate more in response to a high cholesterol diet.

In most cases, healthy people are able to maintain a fairly constant level of cholesterol in the bloodstream, although this level may go up as a person advances in age.  A diet high in polyunsaturated fats is normally associated with lower levels of blood cholesterol, whereas a diet high in saturated fats tends to increase the amount of blood cholesterol.

Saturated fats are the main culprit – they are far more potent in raising the blood cholesterol level than a diet rich in cholesterol itself, for instance, eggs. A diet high in saturated fats also causes the body to retain cholesterol taken in the diet. On a diet low in saturated fats, dietary cholesterol has little effect.

Cholesterol appears in the fat deposits that form in the linings of the arteries, causing these arteries to become less elastic. This process is known as atherosclerosis and takes place gradually in any artery of the body. When these fatty deposits become heavy and irregular it is known as plaques. These plaques can restrict or even stop the flow of blood through the arteries or can cause rough spots that may break loose and form a site for blood clots. When this occurs in one of the major arteries of the heart, it causes a coronary.

It must, however, be stressed that diet is not alone in creating a high risk of heart disease. A person’s heredity, physical activity, smoking habits, body weight, blood pressure and even a person’s personality may all play a part.

There are two types of cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins who may either protect the body against or promote heart disease. Both of these lipoproteins contain cholesterol but the ‘protective’ higher density ones (HDL) are found in greater amounts in people who are lean, who exercise, drink moderately and who do not smoke,  while the ‘promoting’ lower density ones (LDL) are more prevalent in obese people, sedentary people and people who eat too much fat.

In high risk people the majority of them have blood cholesterol levels that put them at risk of heart attack. A change towards a lower-fat, lower-cholesterol diet is a must. Those with additional risk factors such as a family history of heart disease, overweight, high blood pressure, smoking or diabetes should cut down on fats and cholesterol even further.

It is a proven fact that lowering blood cholesterol will lower the risk of coronary heart disease.

Daniel

How to Save Money in and Around the House

Here is how we managed to save money in and around our house:

1. Regulate the on and off time of the geyser: Our geyser, which has a big capacity is now only running for not more than 4 hours a day. It is switched on at about 17:00 and switched off at about 21:00. We both bath about 20:00 and after giving the geyser, an hour or so to heat up again we switch it off. In the morning, there is still enough hot water for the morning wash as well as for the dishes about noon.

2. Use a gas cooker in tandem with the electric stove: The problem with the electric stove is that it takes a long time to obtain operating temperatures and in the process, using extensive power. Gas is cheap and very fast. Our main cooking is now done with gas and the electric stove is only used for keeping food warm or when we have to prepare a few dishes.

3. Switch to low energy light bulbs: To keep up with the “green drive” we replaced all our conventional light bulbs with energy saving bulbs. The latter does not only last longer but it is obvious that the saving from a 120-Watt conventional bulb to an energy saving bulb of 12 Watt will be substantive.

4. Switch to a twin tub washing machine: Our automatic washing machine was at the end of its life span and after making some calculations; it was found that a twin tub machine would use less water than the automatic ones. We switched and after three months, we found that we used less water indeed.

5. Regulate the watering of the garden: We made a study of the watering needs of the different components of our garden and adjusted to this. Gone are the days when we just turned on the garden sprayers and forgetting about it. The garden is now watered by hand with the hosepipe and only according the volume of water the different plants need for survival and blossoming to its full potential. And, do not forget, we rescheduled the watering for the afternoons after 17:00 when the sun is not so fierce anymore.

There you are. Only 5 simple ways to save money in and around the house but believe me it does work!

Daniel

Tips for On-the-go Exercising

It is a proven fact that the fitter you are the more effective you are likely to be in whatever you do. This is not only applicable to athletes. This is also true for the workaholic or the most successful businessperson in the world.

Sometimes it is tragic to hear people who are successful in their work complaining that they do not have time to exercise; it is all about money, money and money!

Wrong! Exercising or keeping fit should be your first priority. The improved blood supply that results from regular exercise, irrespective what exercise stimulates your brain to be more creative and to work at a faster paste for longer.

So, forget about the lame excuse that there is no time to go jogging, cycling or even walking for long periods. There is no need for formal exercising if you genuinely cannot break away for some exercising.

When it is difficult to bring yourself to exercise in the interest of fitness or health and wellbeing, then at least try to make some time in your hectic 24/7 schedule for toning and stretching exercises. Informal, on-the-go toning or stretching will help to reduce stress and stiffness that settle in with constant repetitive tasks or chores, keeping you on the edge and releasing tension. Such exercises can even be done at your desk or in the conference room whilst busy with the deal of the century.

Fortunately airlines the world over have introduced in-seat exercising for long-haul passengers. The following tips are based on such informal or relaxed exercising and more or less ten minutes in the morning and ten minutes in the afternoon will suffice:

1 Grimace, then relax and combine it with closing your eyes very tight and then open them again. Do this about ten times.

2 Turn your head gently to both sides as far as it will go (do not strain yourself!) and then move your head back to the centre position lift your head up and down. This sequence should be repeated about 5 times.

3 Pull your shoulders up to your ears whilst breathing in and out fully and drop your shoulders again. Do this also about 5 times.

4 Take a heavy object, for instance a book or even a door weight in one hand, keep your arm straight to your body and lift it sideways until it is in a 90⁰ angle with your body and back. Do it 5 times with each arm.

5 Take a tennis ball and squeeze it in the palm of your hand and keep a tight fist for five seconds and relax the hand again. Repeat 5 times for each hand. You can also use the so-called stress-balls for this purpose.

6 Lie face down on the carpet and do 5-10 push-ups.

Daniel

The Top Five Weird Wills of the World

Recently I published an article Ensure You Have a Will. This article let me to do some further research and I found some weird wills throughout the history of Mankind. Here is my top five weird wills:

Weird Wills #1

In 1926 a Canadian Lawyer, Charles Vance Millar died as a bachelor. He bequeathed the bulk of his estate to any woman of Toronto who gave birth to the largest number of children in ten years after his death.

Four women eventually won the ‘Toronto Stork Derby’ as aptly dubbed by the media. Each had nine children, and they shared between them $750 000.

A fifth woman who had ten children was ruled out because five of them were illegitimate.

Weird Wills #2

A Mr. Dickens left one of the world’s shortest wills. It just read ‘All to Mother’. This will was contested in 1906 but the Court upheld it.

Weird Wills # 3

A Londoner, John Nicholson was so obsessed by his name that in 1717 he bequeathed most of his money to assist poor people who had the same name. £100 a year was left to be given to any poor couple who wanted to marry, on condition that both their names were Nicholson. Another £100 was left to poor boys and girls named Nicholson who wanted to learn a trade.

The executors and trustees of his will of his will were the Lord Bishop of Carlisle, his son and 3 other men, all of whom were called Nicholson.

Weird wills #4

Then there was the hen-pecked Londoner who, when he died at the end of the 19th Century, left his valuable property to his wife – with a catch.

The condition was that every year, on the anniversary of his death, she walked barefoot to the local market, held a lighted candle, and read out a full confession of her nagging nature towards him when he was still alive. The basis of the confession was that if her tongue had been shorter, her husband’s days would probably have been longer.

Should she failed to do this, she was to receive no more than £20 year – just enough to live on.

Weird Wills #5

A parson of Ontario, Canada left his daughter $3000 on condition she gave up singing!

Daniel

How to Pickle Meat

Pickling meat is a process to cure and preserve all kinds of meat and fish, and originated from a time in history when the luxury of fridges or freezers was totally unknown. Today, pickled meat is a delicacy.

There is need to be a rocket scientist to pickle meat – it is very easy!

What you will need:

• 2 kg (4 lb.) silver-side of beef
• 350 g (12 oz.) salt and a little extra for cleaning the meat
• 15 g (½ oz.) saltpeter
• 85 g (3 oz.) brown sugar
• 3.5 liters (1 gallon) cold water
• 2 level teaspoonfuls dry mustard

Great care must be taken when preparing meat for pickling, as it must be perfectly fresh. Wipe the meat with a cloth and sprinkle with the extra salt; then leave it to drain for a few hours – this completely cleans the meat of extra blood.

Meanwhile make the brine. Put salt, saltpetre, brown sugar, mustard, and water into a large saucepan and bring to boil, and then skim the surface. Pour the brine into a large earthenware basin or crock and leave it until completely cold. Put the meat into the brine and leave it for a week to ten days, turning it every day.

The basin or crock must be covered during the pickling – a large tray with a weight on top is ideal. After a week the meat will be mildly pickled – it gets stronger every day. Take the meat out of the pickle and wash it well in cold water. Remove any excess fat, roll the meat tightly, and tie it with string at about one-inch intervals. The brisket is now ready to cook.

To cook the meat, place it in a large pan together with whole carrots and onions; parsnips, peppercorns and a bay leaf. Cover with water and bring to boil and skim the surface. Cover the pan now with a lid and simmer for about three hours at medium heat. Enjoy with gravy and rice.

It is not only meat and fish that can be pickled, but a variety of vegetables can also be pickled.

Daniel

Ensure You Have a Will

You do not have to be rich to have a will. Every person of over the age of 18 years can make valid will, which is the only way to be certain that your earthly possessions go to those you want to have it.

During a person’s life time they build up assets of some sort – be it cash, investments, insurance policies, furniture or family heirlooms that have been handed down to them. A will provides the means by which you can ensure that the correct assets reach the person whom you love with the minimum of fuss and bother.

Unfortunately, many people put off drawing up a will as they have a resistance to signing a document, which will become operative only after their death. No one likes to be reminded that they are mortal and signing a will seems to some people to be the first step on the downward slope. But, you will find that knowing that your affairs are in order and that you have signed a will which should eliminate disagreements after your death, will give you great peace of mind.

The right to draw up wills is not reserved to any particular profession or body of persons. Anyone may draw up his own will and as long as the will complies with all legal requirements, such a will is a valid document. 

However, as there may be some legal pitfalls that can render a will null-and-void after the death of a Testator (the person making the will) it is advisable to use a solicitor to avoid any future legal tangles. Generally, to draw up a simple will, will not cost you an arm and a leg.

A will should be reviewed every now and then and be kept up to date. Should your marital status changes be sure to make a new will immediately to avoid complications.

Wills are not for the wealthy. Even if your estate will be small or insignificant, having a properly prepared will can greatly facilitate the speedy winding up of your estate.

Something to ponder on

Stop whining and complaining and start doing and taking action. You will find that the more action you take the more life will give you. It is simple. Participating in life at the fullest possible level will create a life that is exciting and full of opportunity.

Daniel

10 Best Childhood Aromas

For me, special aromas associated with my childhood bring back fond memories. Here are my 10 best aromas.

I grew up in a happy family environment and with this happy childhood, I associate aromas bringing back fond memories. There are too many of them but the 10 best aromas are:

1. Pot-roast in the oven:  My mother was an excellent cook and in an era when nobody was actually concerned about high levels of cholesterol she spoiled us on Sundays with her best pot-roast. Early in the morning she would prepare all ingredients, put it in the oven at low temperature and boy, when we returned from church the house was filled with the aroma of slow-baking pot-roast.  Rest assured, the taste of that pot-roast was just as good as the smell thereof.

2. Fresh-cut grass:  My father taught us from a very young age to attend to our garden ourselves and in that time, all houses had big yards with big gardens. Every Saturday was garden day, I had to mow the lawn, and the smell of fresh-cut grass was heavenly. It still reminds me of our bondage with earth.

3. Jeyes Fluid:  My father believed that once a week all drains had to be disinfected, the courtyard had to be washed and the dog kennels had to be cleaned. For this purpose, he only believed in Jeyes Fluid. The smell lingered on for days and the smell always reminded me of cleanliness.  Fifty years later, I still follow the same routine as my father and I still use Jeyes Fluid.

4. Wicks bubble-gum:  My childhood was during the late fifties, early sixties when money was scarce and we had to rely on one penny a week as pocket money. For that one penny, we could buy 4 pieces of wicks bubble-gum. The secret of this brand of bubble-gum was that the flavour lasted for days and the aroma of the bubble-gum was heavenly. I remember sitting in church when suddenly the smell would reach you from somewhere in church and you knew someone of your own age was secretly chewing the bubble-gum – unfortunately, the smell could not keep it a secret.

5. Dettol:  My mother only believed in Dettol as an antiseptic ointment. And believe me; she used bottles and bottles of it. We were outdoor children, not a day went by that bruises, and nicks had to be treated with Dettol. Dettol is even today part of my medicine chest and a spoonful in a hot bath is like aromatherapy for me!

6. Roasted peanuts: Once a year one of the big circus companies would visit our little town and you did not miss it for a thing on earth. With money a bit scarce, the only thing my father could afford for snacks during the show was a packet of freshly roasted peanuts in their shells. For that odd ninety minutes the show was on, I indulged myself in the aroma and taste of roasted peanuts.

7. Candy floss: During church and school bazaars there was always a machine making candyfloss. In spite of all the aromas of food and other edibles competing for your attention, candyfloss was always the winner and whilst it was melting in your mouth the aroma, itself engulfed you.

8. Vicks vapour rub: This was one of the musts for my mother’s medicine chest and she believed in it. We as children loved it for its beautiful aroma and warmness it created.

9. Wintergreen ointment: My father was a very active man and after a hard day’s work in the garden or his chicken coop or his garage he took a hot bath and afterwards he rubbed in wintergreen. I loved to sit in his arms in the evenings listening to the radio programs and just took in that heavenly smell of wintergreen. I always associated it with a macho-man because my father only used it after a man’s work!

10. The smell of a puppy: My father lived near the earth and he tried to bring us as family nearer to earth and therefore a dog was always a must in our house. Whenever we received a new puppy, I loved to cuddle it for the smell only a puppy could have.

All 10 best childhood aromas of mine are still part of my life. Yes, believe it or not, even the occasional candyfloss and roasted peanuts I buy when there is a church bazaar or when we visit the specialized candy shops in the malls.

Daniel

How to Make the Best of Time

No one can turn back the hands of time. Therefore, it is important to make the best of our time.

Time is precious. Time is also measured in money – remember the famous words of Benjamin Franklin – “Remember that time is money.”

 Most small chores can be accomplished in bits and pieces of time. What is meant here is that we can move mountains in the minute here or there we just sit idle and waiting – while waiting in the waiting room of the hospital for your appointment you can write a letter, whilst traveling to work by train your shopping list can be compiled, and think of many more examples.

1. What can be accomplished in 5 minutes?

·         Make an appointment with the dentist

·         Paint your nails

·         Water indoor plants

·         Write out a cheque for your electricity bill

·         Make a cup of tea

·         Pick up the phone and just say hello to your mother in the old age home.

2. What can be accomplished in 10 minutes?

·         Write a short letter SMS to your mother in the old age home

·         Buy a birthday card for your friend

·         Plant a tray of seedlings

·         Sort out your washing

·         Clean up your desk

·         Do some breathing exercises

3. What can be accomplished in 30 minutes?

·         Read the headline stories of your newspaper

·         Water your flowerbeds

·         Wash the piled-up dishes of the day

·         Bring a courtesy visit to your next-door neighbour

·         Take your dog for a brisk walk.

·         Have a tea party with your daughter and her dolls

So, never say you do not have time for small chores or in your eyes, trivial matters; because for someone dear and near you, it may be important matters.

Remember, make time to love somebody!

Daniel

The power of positive thinking

We start out in something new and have all this positive energy, in the beginning. Whether it is a new job, a new relationship, moving to a new area, or a new project, we start with zeal and passion. After some time, we grow tired. Our positive energy turns negative and our thoughts begin to work against us. Before you know it – you start thinking negatively toward the situation.

Your thoughts created by your own mind create the things you do not really want. In the end, it is your negative, self- destructive thoughts that create the things you do not want in life.

By not controlling your thoughts, you stop having positive thoughts and most important of all - you stopped creating the things you want in life.

Daniel