Summer Slimmer Anyone?

If you are trying to shed a kilo or two this summer season, the best way to do it is to sweat it all out coupled with a balanced diet. I am no expert when it comes to losing weight but on my experience, keeping a healthy lifestyle is the key. It wasn't until around March this year when I realized that I am really in bad shape. I slowly began on a routine that has definitely changed my view of my self and has added a boost in my self-confidence. You see, I was around 74 kilos before I started to seriously discipline myself. It was already tiring trying to find clothes that will look good on me or having to rummage through plus size jeans just so I can wear one. And after a few months of serious working out at the fitness studio and cutting on rice especially during dinner time, eating more vegetables and fruits, and juicing, I began to feel lighter and more confident about myself. I also looked younger... hey, sweating helps to remove skin impurities or so I read. :)

My summer slimmer now that I am back in Germany. Perfect breakfast on those lazy days...

My first ever glass of summer slimmer. It looks green but it does taste refreshing!

I also tried to swap my breakfast to a "summer slimmer" juice for a week when I decided to lose then and then every now and then according to the level of my activity for the day. It is a concoction of apple, celery, cucumber, lime and ginger. I helped me to lose weight... There are many people advocating juicing and I can see why. Fresh fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals and antioxidants that keep the body healthy and strong. 

Why this summer slimmer works? According to Fabulousmag.co.uk where I got this recipe from: 

a) Cucumber is a natural diuretic and it helps to flush 
excess toxicity from the body, which aids weight loss. 

b) Citric acid in lime helps the liver produce more bile, 
which aids food digestion and helps burn fat. 

c) You burn twice as many calories digesting celery 
than the calories gained eating it."

So if you are in for a body change, try it out! 

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Home Renovations in Just 8 Days!

If there is one thing that I love about German television, it would definitely have to be the show "Zu Hause Im Glück" - which somehow translates to "happiness at home". Every week, the team would help a family who is in grave need of a house renovation because the family is held back from doing so due to a loss of a family, a serious sickness befalling a family member, and or financial dilemma. You could really tell that the house is in badly need of a renovation and you would really be amazed at the transformation.

I learn a lot from this show... it gives a lot of DIY ideas so that you can also do it on your own if you are really up to it. I also learn / get an idea as to how different tools such as laser guides, nailguns, and control levers are used, to how to install floor laminates and floor heating yourself! I get a lot of ideas on how to decorate the interiors of a room according to an individual's preferences and personality.

And you would really be amazed at the transformation of the house into a HOME... and all that in just EIGHT (8) days! And it is a really kind of dramatic ending... sometimes you see the entire family are teary-eyed. And what is really heartwarming: the look of delight in the eyes of the children whose dream of finally getting their own room designed according to their taste.

It is indeed an entertaining show and here's hoping that they may continue to be a blessing to others!

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Heaven Sent!

Some people are just simply heaven sent! That is one of the things that I realized today. If you are one of those expat families who has been longing to have a little quality time with your spouses, I guess you would know what I mean. As parents, we know how important it is for us to spend quality time with our children. But we must also not take forgranted spending some quality time with our spouses so that we can also enjoy each other's company as a married couple. It helps keep the marriage strong and allows you to rediscover yourselves.

So it was really such a blessing when I called our friend who is also like a second to us and asked if it would be alright if they can look after our little girl while we are away. She gladly said YES and even thanked me. You are indeed heaven sent Ate Lolit! I know that you and your family love our little girl and we know that she will be in good hands. My heart is at ease...

Now off I go to do some bookings! :)

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Summer Fun!

It's that time of the year again to bask in the warmth of the sun and boy, am I just so glad! 

Summer came a bit late for us here but now that it's arrived, it's presence can never be denied. Think more than 12 hours of sunshine and you'll know what I mean. Now I can do my laundry and hang them outside the balcony and in just three hours... Voila! My linens are dry. But more than that, I enjoy summer because of the longer days it affords me. I can stay longer outdoors with the family spending it at the park or at the outdoor swimming pools. It also means that I can really sweat if I go jogging or even just walking. 

But of course, one needs to be careful especially in this heat. The sun can really get so hot so it is also important to keep yourself hydrated. Bring lots of water with you if you are planning a day out. Lather on some high strength sunscreen lotion on your skin so you won't have to worry about sunburns. Protect also your eyes from the glares and get yourself a pair of sunglasses. If you are the frugal type, I am sure there are eyeglasses specials that you can check out and see if they have got sunglasses on offer too.

No matter what you do this summer, I wish you enjoy it every step of the way and out of harm's way.

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