Small Changes = Big Benefits

I have always heard growing up that it’s the small things that make the big differences in life. For example, if you spend a little bit of time on your tennis swing each day, you will eventually perfect it. The same things go with healthy; if you do little things to maintain for your health then it will have a huge benefit in the long run. This came up as I was reading an article this morning on Yahoo! It was listing small changes you should make to help your health. Below are some of the little things I do to maintain my health:

• I eat every 2-3 hours so that my metabolism doesn’t crash.
• I spend 30 minutes to 1 hour a day with no phone. I read, journal or meditate.
• I had my Vitamin D levels checked. And turns out I didn’t have enough so my doctor prescribed me Vitamin D.
• Stay hydrated. Drink 48-64 ounces of water a day.
• Give yourself a compliment. Positive affirmations are a great way to boost self esteem.

These changes have not only made me physically healthier, but I feel mentally better as well. I think through the hustle and bustle of life we forget one of the most important things which is to take care of ourselves. What other changes do you recommend making?

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Did someone say Twilight?

Eclipse will be in theaters tonight! I can’t wait to see the movie, I loved the first one. I watched some of the trailers and they graphics look amazing. Bella has to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob. And while struggling with this decision she is surrounded by danger as Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge. I can’t wait to see who she picks.

Who do you think Bella is going to pick?

Check out this great trailer below:

Take the Sting out of Bee Stings

Summer is here and so are the bees. I have a phobia of bugs, so anytime one comes near me I am running in the other direction. I have always been told that when bees come around it is best to stay still which is nearly impossible for me. I was doing my daily reading and found this great article on remedies for bee stings oh Shine. Below are the tips that I found most useful:

• Apple Cider Vinegar - Put some vinegar on a cotton ball and rub it on where the sting is located. This will keep the area from turning red and swelling.
• Aspirin - Create a paste using water and crushed up aspirin and then apply it to the sting to keep it from itching.
• Sugar - Wet your finger and then dip it in sugar and rub it on the sting.
• Onion - Cut a piece and rub it on the sting. This is supposed to help with the swelling.

What other remedies do you have to help with bee stings?

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Facebook No-No’s

Facebook has become so popular and continues to get new user everyday. I know my parents are talking about getting on it now as well. My dad said he has some friends he needs to network with, which just sounds silly to me because they are my parents. I recently helped one of my friends set up her Facebook. She had no clue regarding privacy rules and what she should put up. I sent her this helpful article I found on Yahoo! about Facebook. For all of you new Facebook users below are 5 things you should never put on Facebook:

1. You full birth date and where you were born.
2. When you are going out of town.
3. Home address.
4. Risky behaviors. For example, “I wish I could stop smoking like a chimney.” Insurance agencies are looking at things like this now.
5. Bad things about your job, co-workers etc . . .

I hope these help you like they have helped my friend. What other Facebook safety tips do you have?

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Happy Hours

I have been going to a lot of places around town lately to find out where the best Happy Hours are located. It’s nice to go have a few drinks with friends after work and not have to go place to place looking for somewhere fun to go. Below is a list of the 5 places I recommend for Happy Hour:

• Candelari’s Pizzeria - Happy Hour is from 3p.m. to 7p.m.
• Taisho’s Steak and Sushi - Happy Hour is from 3:00p.m. to 5p.m. I know it’s a little early, but it’s great for half days!
• Mike’s Ultimate - They have trivia on Wednesday nights
• Antonia’s - Ladies martini nights on Wednesdays nights
• Masones - They have an early happy hour from 11a.m. to 7p.m. which is nice since the World Cup is going on right now.

What other places do you recommend downtown?

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Grocery Shop and Get Your Dog Washed.

This weekend Whole Foods is hosting a Dog Wash event on Saturday from 10a.m. to 1p.m. This event will take place at all 5 Whole Food locations in Houston.

This event is to raise money for CAP. Your dog will get a great scrub down with an all natural shampoo in exchange for a donation. Also, Pet Paradise will be providing FREE giveaways for guests that donate either pet supplies or monetary support.

Below is a list of the 5 locations so you can see which is most convenient for you:

Kirby
2955 Kirby Dr
Houston, TX 77098

Bellaire
4004 Bellaire Blvd
Houston, TX 77025

Woodway
6401 Woodway Dr
Houston, TX 77057
Phone: 713.789.4477
Fax: 713.789.9419

Wilcrest
11145 Westheimer Rd
Houston, TX 77042

Sugar Land
15900 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 77479

I know my dog is going to love this! I can’t wait to take him out there. Are you going to be bringing your dog out?

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Cheap Cleaners That Work

I am always looking for ways to save money. I found this very interesting article on cheap cleaners. I was surprised because I already had all of these products in my house; I just used them for other things. Below are the 4 items that work as cleaners too:

• Baking Soda - This is great for scrubbing getting stains and marks out. You can also use it to help kill smells that are coming from the sink.
• Lemons - It can help get dirt and grease out of clothing. You just need to mix it with some vinegar and sea salt.
• Hydrogen Peroxide - Removed stains from colored clothing without making it lighter.
• Distilled White Vinegar - Great for removing hard water stains and grease.

I love cleaning and trying new things, so I can’t wait to use these new little tricks around the house.

What other cheap cleaner tips do you have?

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Resident Breakfast

Don’t forget about our Resident Breakfast this Saturday!

Please join us at the Stongate Villas Clubhouse this Saturday from 9a.m. to 12p.m. for our “famous” Resident Breakfast. You will not want to miss out on the delicious food and great mingling.

Please see the leasing office for any questions.

We look forward to seeing you!!!

Thank you and have a great week.

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Father’s Day Gift at The Plaza

Father’s Day is June 20th, so if you haven’t bought your present yet you probably want to get on it. CITYCENTRE is having a Father’s Day Gift event this Saturday.The event is from 12p.m. to 5p.m. This event includes Houston Motor Club, Orvis Fly Fishing, and Edwin Watts Golf Shop.

There will be great gift ideas and deals to pick from. And while you are there might as well take a break and catch a movie at the Studio Movie Grill. They offer full service food, wine, beer, and soft drinks during the movie. I am planning on going with my sister and we are going to watch Sex and The City 2. I have been wanting to see it, but haven’t had time.

What are you getting your father for Father’s Day?

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5 Veggie Myths You Must Know

There are so many different suggestions out there regarding vegetable nutrition. Some sources say you should eat them raw and some say it’s better to cook them. I decided to take it a step further, I read about 10 various articles and put together the most common myths I found regarding vegetables. Below is the list I compiled of 5 Veggie myths you must know about:

1. Pre-washed means that you can eat your greens right out the bag. This is not true because there still can be bacteria and residue, so make sure to clean them before eating.
2. Potatoes make you fat. It’s not the actual potato, it’s the ingredients used to cook the potatoes.
3. Iceberg doesn’t have any nutrients. This is only half true, if you get a big head of iceberg lettuce it will have small amount of vitamins and minerals. It’s best just to get something like romaine lettuce.
4. Cooked veggies are less nutritious than raw veggies. This is only partially true; cooking them actually releases some of the vitamins and makes it easier to digest.
5. Fresh vegetables are better than frozen vegetables. This is not true because as soon as the veggie is picked it loses some nutrients. When you freeze it, you actually stop it from losing more opposed to fresh veggies.

What other veggie myths do you have to share?

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