Wednesday, 21 December 2011

Pakistani Seekh Kebabs

Recipe by: PYARI

These make mouthwatering starters or are good for a party. They can also be served as part of a main course. Everyone always asks me for the recipe when ... See more







Ingredients

Serves10
  • 1 medium onion, quartered
  • 2 to 3 green chillies, or to taste
  • 4 large cloves of garlic
  • 2.5cm (1 in) piece root ginger
  • 2 medium potatoes
  • 675g (1 1/2 lb) lamb mince
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon gram (chickpea) flour
  • 1/2 tablespoon salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon chilli powder, or to taste
  • 1/2 tablespoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon cumin powder
  • good handful of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 10 bamboo skewers, soaked in water

Preparation method
Prep: 30 minsCook: 30 mins
1.
Process the onion, green chillies, garlic and root ginger in a food processor until finely chopped.
2.
Finely grate the potatoes and rinse thoroughly with water. Squeeze out as much water as possible by squeezing the grated potato in a sieve or clean tea towel.
3.
In a large bowl, combine the onion mixture and the potatoes with the mince and the remaining ingredients. Mix well. Cover, and leave in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.
4.
Take handfuls of the mixture and wrap around each skewer in the shape of a sausage. Place under a hot grill at the highest setting, or cook on a barbecue heated to high heat. Turn over once whilst cooking. Kebabs are done when both sides are crisp and browned, and when juices run clear.
5.
Serve hot with slices of onion and lemon wedges.

Tuesday, 20 December 2011

Hearty Vegetable Lasagna



By: Sue 

"This hearty, vegetable lasagna is the only lasagna my husband will eat. We love it!!! 

Hope you all enjoy as much as we do."






Ingredients
  • 1 (16 ounce) package lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 3/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 3/4 cup chopped onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 (26 ounce) jars pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 (15 ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Directions

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Rinse with cold water, and drain.
  2. In a large saucepan, cook and stir mushrooms, green peppers, onion, and garlic in oil. Stir in pasta sauce and basil; bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Mix together ricotta, 2 cups mozzarella cheese, and eggs.
  4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spread 1 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer 1/2 each, lasagna noodles, ricotta mix, sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layering, and top with remaining 2 cups mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Sunday, 18 December 2011


Look Slimmer Instantly

How To Look Slimmer Instantly
by: Susan Lockhart

Did you know that the clothing styles you choose can have a major impact on your apparent weight? Choosing the right clothes for your body shape and makes all the difference. Here are 10 simple tricks you can use to look slimmer almost instantly!

You can lose approximately 3-5 lbs (1-2kgs) with each point listed below. Choose a maximum of 5 points per outfit:

1. Vertical Lines 
A vertical design line that causes the eye to run uninterrupted up and down the body has an incredible power to make you appear slimmer and taller. Vertical stripes in particular are great at making you appear slimmer, but be careful with the stripes you choose. The wider the stripe and the further apart they are spaced, the less impact they have. Thin to medium stripes placed close together have the most impact.

2. Stand Up Straight 
Simple good posture will always make you appear slimmer. Standing correctly makes your clothes hang properly and elongates the body. This can take practice but it is a great habit to get into, both for your appearance and your health.

3. Underwear 
Wearing great foundation garments will help to keep everything firm and in place. Just wearing the correct size and style of bra for your body can do wonders, so get professionally fitted at least once a year or more often if you are losing or gaining weight, pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, wearing a light, loose camisole under your clothes can help to hide stomach rolls.

4. Colour 
Wearing dark colours over a figure challenge can help to visually reduce your size. It doesn't have to be black; charcoal, navy and chocolate all work well too. Just make sure the colour that is framing your face comes from your best colour palette. There is no point looking slimmer if you also look washed out and tired.

If you are short, wearing dark colours on the lower half of your body can give the appearance of extra height. Keeping colour contrast to a minimum also helps, so if you wear skirts, choose hosiery that gently blends in colour with your shoes and hemline.

5. Fabric 
As a general rule you want to avoid wearing bulky, textured fabrics over your largest area. Instead, choose fine to medium textured fabrics that drape and skim over your body, rather than cling. Also remember to choose matte (non-shiny) fabrics. Shiny fabrics like satin catch the light and will show up every lump and bump.

6. Shape 
Lots of women go for very loose clothing with the hope of hiding extra weight. This can have the opposite affect and make you appear larger than you actually are. Instead choose clothes with some shape and make the most of your figure.

7. Accessories 
Wearing an accessory high on your body can be a great way to attract attention away from a figure challenge. A scarf, brooch or great earrings can act as a focal point, drawing the eye up to your face. Always choose medium sized accessories - anything chunky can add weight and anything too fine will disappear.

8. Prints & Patterns 
If you are overweight chances are you avoid prints and patterns, however you can wear them successfully. Always choose prints with a dark rather than light background. You should also choose prints where the repeat is not obvious and there is very little or no background colour showing. This will confuse the eye and visually reduce weight.

9. Shoes 
The chunkier the shoe and more rounded the toe, the heavier you will appear. The best shoes for reducing apparent weight have a thin sole, medium to high heel and reasonably pointed toe. Stay away from mules and ankle straps, instead go for shoes that show more of your foot, creating a long line and visually elongating your legs.

10. Simplicity 
Above all, keep your total appearance simple and elegant.

A personal image consultation will show you exactly which colours and styles of clothes are right for you, but these simple tricks will help to you look slimmer, instantly!


About The Author
Susan Lockhart is a leading Image Consultant in Brisbane, Australia and owner of Synergy Image Consulting. Learn how to make the most of your appearance and dress for success, no matter what size, age or shape you are. Get professional advice on colour, dressing for your body shape, bridal wear, grooming and more. Consultations for men and women. Visit http://www.synergyimage.com.au for more information

Your Thai Girl

Saturday, 17 December 2011

Fashion Do's and Don'ts 
& How to Survive When You Have Nothing to Wear!


By Monique Bellamont - August 2009.

RULE #1: Fashion rules are there to be broken.

RULE #2: Having fashion sense is all about knowing what looks good on YOU, not what looks good on Paris Hilton  or Naomi Campbell .

RULE #3: When fashion magazines or self-proclaimed experts say 

something is "Over, Bourgeois, Tired, Common, So last year or Very 
yesterday/last week/last century" it means the person talking now considers that particular style or colour to be out of style and are now pushing the next big thing, which they will usually describe as being "New, Now, Fresh, Brave, Chic, Divine, Girly, Love, Important, or To die for."

RULE #4: Don't listen to fashion magazines or self-proclaimed experts. They are just copying what everyone else is saying.

RULE #5: Trend setters either create something new or go retro to bring something from the past and make it new again. Trend followers are just copycats with no fashion sense of their own.

RULE #6: When picking out something to wear or shopping, always ask several things: A. Is this practical? B. What if it rains? C. Can I afford this? D. Will I ever wear this or am I just filling my closet with things I will never wear? E. Does it actually look good on me or am I just fooling myself?


RULE #7: Some colours match, some don't, but does it really matter? Sometimes you want to wear opposing colours because it will stand out more.

RULE #8: Just because it is a men's shirt, pants, socks or whatever doesn't mean it won't fit or suit you. I happen to believe men's briefs look very good on women.

RULE #9: Before stepping outside ask yourself "What if I die today and this is the clothing I am found wearing? Do I want to be found dead wearing corduroy pants and a leather thong?" (Or whatever you happen to be wearing!)

RULE #10: Last but not least, passe means that something has been already. Avante garde means nobody has ever done it before. See the difference? Don't misuse terms.
This season its all about what clothes just scream embellishment and look pretentious. No wait, that is every season. Every fashionista is always trying to look better than she really does, but far too many lack the common sense to realize they look like they are trying too hard to be kewl... understand the difference? These people are poseurs. They buy the latest shoes, the newest glasses (which may or may not be retro), the kewlest, most decorative jeans they can find and the end result is someone who is wearing a mish mash of competing styles... if a guy dressed that way we'd call him a douchebag. When a girl does it she is a douchebaggette.
And I will not apologize for saying that. Some people just try too hard and it shows. They flaunt their new fashion, but in reality its not new because they're copying what everyone else is doing. Worse, the poor girl is copying all of them at the same time. Please people! Don't be a douchebag(gette)!
Far too few women and girls out there know how to use a sewing machine... sewing is so easy its amazing more people don't take it up as a hobby or turn it into a profession. Everyone needs clothes. Clothes wear out. Clothes go out of fashion. Clothes don't fit like they used to. The fashion industry is everywhere and it is one of the oldest professions the world has ever seen.


And if you are on a budget, what could be cheaper than needle, thread and some fabric? True, some fabrics can be pricier than others, but if you shop around you can rip apart old clothes, 2nd hand clothes and recycle the old fabric to make something which is kewl, unique and nobody else has it.
People will wear what is convenient sometimes so if you are on a budget do some research and see what is out there. There are a tonne of YouTube videos on how to make your own clothing, sew, knit, darn socks, do your hair, clean fabric stains, etc. all on a budget. It won't take too much time or research and the next thing you know you will be a bit of an expert on the topic.
If you become really obsessed you can also take evening or weekend classes on fashion design. Many cities and large towns have clubs and classes you can join if you look hard enough. They're always looking for new members.
The beauty of fashion is that you can always match things with other things. Once you have bought a good sized wardrobe (or have sewn your own) you can coordinate clothing to create specific looks. To do you will need a good size full length mirror and test the mirror's quality to make sure you look good in it.
After that you are pretty much set.
I recommend reorganizing your closet by colour, not by type of clothing. Make it into a rainbow. It is faster to find a specific piece of clothing when you only have one yellow sweater and its the only sweater in the yellow section. Other people like to organize their closets using different methods, but it doesn't really matter which method you use so long as it WORKS.
My last tidbit of advice? If old people are wearing it then it is officially out of style. Thats right. If your mom or grandmother starts wearing low cut jeans that shows off her ass crack its time to rip those jeans apart and reuse the fabric. Happy sewing!

http://fashion.lilithezine.com/



Friday, 16 December 2011

Menopause and Osteoporosis


Correlating Menopause and Osteoporosis 
by: Nathalie Fiset 

Menopause occurs when there is not enough supply of estrogen in the body. With the absence of this important hormone in a woman’s body, there are lot of adjustments to be done and changes to prepare for. 

Studies show that the loss of estrogens accelerates bone loss in the span of five to eight years. One of the most common areas affected by the loss of estrogen in the body is the skeletal system—specifically the bones that lead to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis, as defined, pertains to the thinning of the bones. As the bones become thinner and thinner, it becomes weaker and breaks more easily. The bones that are often affected include those of the spine, wrists, and hips. 

COMBATING OSTEOPOROSIS CAUSED BY MENOPAUSE 

As women grow older and older, risks of having osteoporosis becomes greater. Studies show that aside from aging, more and more women and men suffer become prone to osteoporosis especially if he/she has a family history of osteoporosis, fair skinned like blonds and red heads, engage in low calcium diet, lives a sedentary or physically inactive, underweight, obese, smokers and those with serious illness and disease. 

In order to avoid, or at least, lessen the burden of having osteoporosis, here are some recommended lifestyle changes that you can do by yourself. 

1. Have enough calcium in your body. In order to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, men women alike should start taking about 1,000 mg of calcium every day that is equals to about three serves of dairy food. Calcium is naturally found in various foods and can also be added in powder form. Having enough calcium supply in your diet will ensure strengthened bones. Aside from eating foods rich in calcium, taking in calcium tablets can also support your calcium supply. For those who are drinking calcium to avoid further osteoporic problem, bear in mind that you should reach a total daily intake of 1,000 milligrams daily before menopause and 1,500 milligrams daily after menopause. 

2. Physical activity is quite crucial to avoid further complications of osteoporosis. Recent studies show that people with or without osteoporosis can also benefit from spontaneous physical activity. Doing regular exercises like walking throughout your life can help in the reduction of osteoporosis risks because it reduces the rate of bone loss while protecting the remaining bone tissues. Experts say that the required minimum exercise for people who are suffering with osteoporosis is still unknown, but physical activity of 15 to 60 minutes at least thrice a week in highly recommended. Here are some of the general recommendations for exercise approved by most experts. 

- Make sure that you have visited your doctor or health care provider before you start any exercise program. 

- If you are already suffering from osteoporosis, avoid high impact activities or those exercise requiring sudden and forceful movements. 

- Light weight-bearing exercises such as walking, dancing, and weight training are generally recommended. 

- Make sure that you can sustain the frequency of your physical activity. 

- Take strength training at least once or twice a week to prepare your body to more strenuous physical activities. 

- Choose exercises that flexibility exercises or stretching. 

- No matter how you love the water, avoid swimming because it’s not a weight bearing exercise. The buoyancy of the water will only counteract the effects of gravity and will be more difficult for you to maintain your balance. 

- Choose exercises that will help you reduce bone loss, improve your muscle strength, balance, and fitness so the incidence of falls and fractures will be lessened. 

Indeed, there is no easy way to address osteoporosis. Being a complex condition involving hormonal, lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental factors, osteoporosis can only be cured through proper exercise, diet, and supplements. Aside from these, medical preventions and treatments such as hormone therapy (HT), Bisphosphonates, selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), potential therapies like Tibolone (Livial) and parathyroid hormone are available today. 


About The Author 

Dr Nathalie Fiset is a family doctor and a certified hypnotherapist. For more information go to: http://www.bestmenopause.com/osteoporosis.html http://www.aperfectharmony.com or http://www.a-1hypnosis.com.

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Colour is So Important in Fashion

Why Colour is So Important in Fashion
by: Susan Lockhart 

Colour is the first thing other people notice about us, and its impact is immediate and long-lasting. Our fashion colour choices say a lot about the image we are trying to portray and how we feel about ourselves. So what does colour tell people? 

Within seconds of meeting you, others will respond to the 'colour messages' flashed by your clothes. Different colours can make people feel a certain way. In fact, it has been determined by medical science that colour can influence the viewer's hormones, blood pressure and body temperature. Colour also has an impact on: 

* Your apparent shape; 
* Your apparent weight; 
* Your apparent personality; 
* Your emotions 
* Others emotions 

Other important considerations are how appropriate the colour is for the location, occasion, time of year, your age and of course, your natural colouring. 

We are all influenced by colour every day, whether we realise it or not. If we're having a bad day and not feeling good about ourselves, we tend to automatically choose clothes in dull neutral colours like black, grey or brown because they match how we're feeling. Just as when we're happy and feeling great we will go for something a bit brighter. 

Have a look in your wardrobe and see how many different colours you own. Do you have a veritable rainbow of outfits? Or are there just 1 or 2 colours that you wear a variation of all the time? You may find you are stuck in a colour rut. Knowing this, why not experiment with the colours you wear and surround yourself with. 

Sometimes it is not just the colour itself, but a combination of colours that create the affect. Colours produce different reactions when used in different fabrics and when put together in different colour combinations. For example, a red jacket worn with a white shirt to a business meeting exhibits confidence and power, but a red jacket worn with a lacy red top may be interpreted as saying, "I'm sexy and exciting and I have other things on my mind besides this business meeting". 

Red is actually not the best colour to wear to a job interview as it can set the scene for an uneasy interaction between females. So what colours are appropriate for what situation? 

Here is a list of the colours that men respond well to, both socially and professionally. 

* Yellow: Holds their attention and keeps them alert; indicates the start of something new 

* Yellow-based reds: Energetic colour that keeps conversations going 

* True reds: Exhibits confidence 

* Burgundy: Reflects class and sophistication and attracts the same type of men 

* Mid-range blues: Puts others at ease and allows interactions to go smoothly 

* Sky blue: A calming colour 

* Navy blue: Signals that you want to be taken seriously; it inspires others to listen to what you have to say and displays that you are trustworthy 

* Blue-based reds: Suggests intelligence and femininity 

* Red violet: Suggests strength and creativity 

It is most important though, to choose colours that are a good fit for your natural colouring. There is no point choosing a colour that suggests creativity and confidence if it also makes you look washed out or sick. 

Wearing your best range of colours can have a huge impact on your wardrobe and your confidence. The right colours can make your skin tone appear more even, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles and make you look brighter and healthier. While on the other hand wearing a colour which isn't so good for you, can make you look tired, dull and even ill. A colour analysis with a professional image consultant will show you exactly which range of colours are best for your clothing, makeup and accessories. 

In short, our fashion colour choices tell the world a lot about us. Knowing how to use colour to your advantage can change the way you dress and boost your self-confidence. 


About The Author 
Susan Lockhart is a leading Image Consultant in Brisbane, Australia and owner of Synergy Image Consulting. Learn how to make the most of your appearance and dress for success, no matter what size, age or shape you are. Get professional advice on colour, dressing for your body shape, bridal wear, grooming and more. Consultations for men and women. Visit http://www.synergyimage.com.au

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Thursday, 15 December 2011


Pajamas


Pajamas: The Unlikely Romantic Gift 
by: Mario Churchill

It doesn't matter whom you are giving the gift to, pajamas doesn't seem to be a very romantic gift. But then again, it is a gift that many people will be happy to receive. This is because everyone loves to sleep. Especially after a long tiring day, a comfortable pajama in a warm bed can be one of the greatest highlights of the day. 

With the numerous varieties of pajama designs available nowadays. You can find a great set of pajama for anyone, a silk pajama for instance cut in a sexy fashion could be a great gift for your wife. A wool warm pajama could be fantastic to give as a gift to your dad. For any occasion, there is a pajama that anyone could use. 

When occasions like Christmas come and you have a long Christmas list, buying them all pajamas in their sizes can be very economical and time saving. You don't have to roam from one department to another. This is a great idea because everybody wears pajamas. No one can have too much of them as they are being used everyday. Want to give something extra to a boss or your best friend? Just add a matching robe to the pajama gift! 

This also includes any person at any age. As pajamas are widely produced, you have different designs and different materials used in manufacturing them to ensure that you can find a pajama that will suit their taste. This is a gift that shows a great gesture and shows that you are practical as well. 

But aside from just giving away pajamas, you can also buy one for your own. You also would definitely love the warm and cozy feeling of donning a pajama before going to bed. You will definitely feel very pampered and make yourself feel great. If you are comfortable with what you wear when you go to bed, the chances are high that you will have a great sleep. You will wake up in the morning feeling like a million bucks and you have your pajamas to thank for. 

When it comes to selecting the pajamas you are going to give as a gift, you can browse the Internet for the great number of online shops that carry them. You can just browse on and see the different designs and materials used to fit the taste of any person. When you buy in bulk, you may even probably get discounts and save some money while spending it. With the vast number of sites available selling pajamas, you can have the pick of the lot and surely find a pajama for every one you know. 

There you will also see some pajamas specially designed for romance. These are usually cut and styled sexy and made from different materials. But the most popular is silk and is combined with lace for some revealing designs and feel. The cool and slick feel of the silk pajama is usually what attracts many females to it, not to mention it is very soft and follows the contours of the body. 

There will be times when a negligee would be better, but there are moments when a pajama can just do the same. So whether it is for your wife or for your girlfriend, a pajama can be the unlikely romantic gift. 


About The Author 

Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information checkout http://www.caprirose.com and http://sleepwear.name.

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