All About Breastfeeding Dr. Miriam Stoppard

Breastfeeding has to be learned, and it’s a good idea to seek support and advice from your family, from friends with babies, and from your midwife or health visitor. Above all you’ll learn from your baby, by understanding her signals and discovering how to respond to them. No special action is required to prepare the breasts for feeding unless you have an inverted nipple. If you do, use a breast shell to make your nipple protrude so that your baby will be able to latch on to it. If you are having your baby in hospital, make sure the nursing staff know that you intend to breastfeed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Suckle your baby as soon as she is born – in the delivery room, if you are in hospital – to form a bond with her as early as possible and let her get used to suckling.

Colostrum and breast milk

During the 72 hours after delivery, the breasts produce a thin, yellow fluid called colostrum, made up of water, protein, and minerals. Colostrum contains antibodies that protect the baby against a range of intestinal and respiratory infections. In the first few days, your baby should be put regularly to the breast, both to feed on the colostrum and to get used to latching on to the breast. Once your breasts start to produce milk, you may be surprised by its watery appearance. When your baby sucks, the first milk that she gets – the foremilk – is thin, watery, and thirst-quenching. Then comes the hindmilk, which is richer in fat and protein. Breastfeeding positions

Lying down is ideal for night feeds; when your baby is very small you may need to lay her on a pillow so that she can reach your nipple. You may find a lying position the most suitable if you have had an episiotomy and sitting is uncomfortable. If you’ve had a Caesarean section and your stomach is still tender, try lying with your baby’s feet tucked under your arm.

Nursing bras

You should always wear a supportive nursing bra when you are breastfeeding. Try it on in the store before you buy, and look for one with front fastenings and wide straps that won’t cut into your shoulders. Drop-front or zip-fastening bras are easy to undo with one hand while you hold your baby. A good bra will minimize discomfort if your breasts become sore.

Breastfeeding Positions

Lying position Breastfeeding positions that allow you to lie down are a restful alternative and can keep a wriggling baby off a tender Caesarean incision. Sitting position Make sure that your arms and back are supported and you are relaxed.

Ensuring a good milk supply

Looking after yourself properly is the key to a good milk supply. If you stay relaxed, eat well, and drink enough fluids, you will have plenty of milk for your baby.

• Rest as much as you can, particularly during the first weeks, and try to get plenty of sleep.
• You produce most milk in the morning when you are rested. If you become tense during the day, your supply could be poor by evening. Go through your antenatal relaxation routines and have a lie-down every day.
• Let the housework go; do only what is absolutely necessary.
• Try to give yourself a few treats; relax with a glass of wine at the end of the day.
• Eat a well-balanced diet that is fairly rich in protein. Avoid highly refined carbohydrates (cakes, biscuits, sweets, and so on).
• Ask your doctor about iron and possibly vitamin supplements.
• Drink about 3 litres (5 pints) of fluid a day; some women even find that they need to keep a drink by them while they are feeding.
• Express any milk your baby doesn’t take in the early feeds of the day to encourage your breasts to keep producing milk.
• The combined contraceptive pill can decrease your milk supply, so avoid while breastfeeding. The progesteroneonly pill may be prescribed instead, but discuss methods of contraception with your doctor. Supply and demand
  Milk is produced in glands that are deeply buried in the breast, not in the fatty tissue, so breast size is no indication of how much milk you can produce; even small breasts are perfectly adequate milk producers.
  Milk is produced according to demand – you supply what your baby needs, so don’t worry that you’ll run out of milk if your baby feeds very often. Your breasts are stimulated to produce milk by your baby’s sucking, so the more eagerly she feeds, the more milk they will produce, and vice versa. During the time that you breastfeed, the amount of milk available will fluctuate according to your baby’s needs, and once she becomes established on solids, the breasts will produce less milk. I’m against babies being fed by the clock so I’m loath to show any kind of chart, but the following will give you an idea of what to expect. The Let-down Reflex
  Hormone messages Your baby’s sucking sends messages to the hypothalamus, which stimulates your pituitary gland to release two hormones: prolactin, responsible for making milk in the milk glands, and oxytocin, which causes milk to pass from the glands to the milk reservoirs behind the areola.
  This is an excerpt from Complete Baby and Child Care: Everything you Need to Know for the First Five Years by Dr. Miriam Stoppard, DK Publishing.
  
  http://ohbabymagazine.com/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleId=1301&CategoryId=2

Marshmallow Fudge

Marshmallow Fudge

You will need:
12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
1½ cups miniature marshmallows

Heat the milk and pour over the chocolate; stir until melted. Stir in the marshmallows. Pour into a parchment-lined 8-inch square baking pan and refrigerate until firm, at least 12 hours. Cut into 36 squares. 

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/desserts/start-with-semisweet-chocolate-00000000028264/page2.html

7 Easy Ways To Keep Food Costs Down

Food prices could be a significant portion of your budget, and the bad news is that they are not getting any cheaper. Depending on where you live and the selection of local stores, some food can be extraordinary expensive compared to the norm. For instance, fresh fruits and vegetables in my new neighborhood are a lot more expensive than what I was used to back in New York.
[In Pictures: 12 Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes]
The good news is that you can still keep food expenses manageable if you follow these easy to follow tips.
1. Plan your shopping trips. If you plan your grocery shopping carefully, you can significantly reduce your costs. For instance, Costco offers much better value than our local supermarket for fruits, vegetables, and meats. Instead of buying everything we need from the local supermarket, we plan a trip to Costco about once or twice a month and buy most of what we need in bulk, and limit local supermarket shopping to things that run out in between, or things that are easily perishable.
2. Eat more vegetarian based meals. Vegetarian meals are not always cheaper than non-vegetarian ones, but on average vegetables are cheaper than meat. It certainly is not practical for a family to suddenly switch from meat-based meals to vegetarian meals just to save money. However, making vegetables a larger part of each meal, or even planning one vegetarian meal per week is not out of reach for most families. There are many vegetarian recipes available online and off. Try out a few things until you can find ones that the whole family enjoys.
3. Start your meals with a soup. Soups are easy to make and one pot can last several meals. You can cook once in a large quantity and save the rest for other days. They are also great at curbing your appetite and cut down your overall food expenses. Now that we are going into the winter months, they are also great at keeping you warm and comfy.
4. Bring your breakfast and lunch from home. Eating out daily adds up very quickly. Even relatively cheap breakfast and lunch could easily add up to $10 per day--that's $50 a week! A loaf of sliced bread is only $2 to $3 and a jar of peanut butter could last you the entire month. In short, your monthly breakfast cost could be as little as $10 to $15. The same bread could be combined with lettuce and sliced ham to make lunch sandwiches. You could easily save $150 or more a month this way. If you don't want to make lunch everyday, just cook a little extra dinner each night and pack the leftover for lunch.
5. Minimize waste. This one is obvious. Everything we buy is almost always too big, and this includes food that you buy in restaurants. Most entrees you buy today can feed two people...at least. Unfortunately, this tends to create bad habits that get carried to the home front. If you find yourself pitching a bit of food into the garbage each night, it's a good time to start adjusting. Another area of waste, and probably a bigger one, is stockpiling too much food and not be able to use them all before they expire or go bad. If you find yourself with a stuffed refrigerator and have to empty it out every once in a while, reconsider your grocery shopping plan and adjust downward. Eating the fresh food first and less perishable stuff later can really helps cut down on spoiled or unused food, and that means saving more money.[Visit the U.S. News My Money blog for the best money advice from around the web.]
6. Use your pantry. Some people have the tendency to stockpile their pantry -- things go in, but rarely come out. If you are a hoarder, take a close look at your pantry and plan your meals around it. If you are bolder, plan your meals around the stuff that are about to go bad. Mix and match pantry food with fresh food to keep your meals palatable. Your pantry and your pocketbook will thank you.
7. Clip coupons. Last but not least, take advantage of discount coupons and membership cards. Stores offer coupons and discounts to loyal members all the time, you just have to keep your eyes out for these special deals and take advantage of the savings. With coupons and discounts, you will have to be a little more flexible with your meal plan, but it's well worth it.

re you feeling the crunch at the supermarket? How do you plan to save money on your meals?
Pinyo is the owner of Moolanomy Personal Finance Blog, which covers a wide range of personal finance and investing topics, with features that include reviews, comparison guides, and Q&A sections.
http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/7-Easy-Ways-To-Keep-Food-usnews-3897643954.html

Comments:
watermelon and kool-aid are cheap
yes right thing to do is to save.. eat more vegetables and fruits ..more to save ..more healthy lifestyle we should learn.

Brownie Crinkles Recipe

Throw together these delightful morsels in a snap by adding two ingredients to Teresa's Brownie Mix. The crinkle-topped cookies are crunchy outside and chewy inside.

• 18 Servings
• Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Ingredients

• 4 cups Fudge Brownie Mix (recipe also in Recipe Finder)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Spice Islands®, All Natural, No Corn Syrup Added, Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

• In a large bowl, combine the brownie mix, eggs and vanilla; mix well.
• Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375° for 8-10 minutes or until the tops are cracked. Cool for 2 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Yield: about 3 dozen.
•  
• http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Brownie-Crinkles

Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie Cupcakes Recipe

• 12 Servings
• Prep: 15 min. Bake: 20 min. + cooling
•  
• I have made this outstandingly delicious recipe for years. These rich cupcakes are sure to delight everyone you make them for. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
•  
•  

Ingredients

• 1 package fudge brownie mix (8-inch square pan size)
• 1/2 cup HERSHEY’®S Mini Chips Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon confectioners' sugar

Directions

• Prepare brownie batter according to package directions; stir in chocolate chips. For filling, in a small bowl, beat peanut butter, cream cheese, egg and sugar until smooth.
• Fill paper-lined muffin cups one-third full with batter. Drop filling by teaspoonfuls into the center of each cupcake. Cover with remaining batter.
• Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in brownie portion comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator. Yield: 1 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 cupcake equals 328 calories, 18 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 40 mg cholesterol, 201 mg sodium, 39 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 5 g protein. 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Peanut-Butter-Filled-Brownie-Cupcakes

Brownie Cups Recipe

rom Spearville, Kansas, Merrill Powers shares this recipe for individual brownie-like cupcakes studded with pecan pieces. "This crinkly tops of these chewy treats are so pretty that they don't even need frosting," she relates.

• 18 Servings
• Prep: 15 min. Bake: 35 min.

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter
• 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 4 eggs
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands®, All Natural, No Corn Syrup Added, Pure Vanilla Extract

Directions

• In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring until smooth. Cool. Add pecans; stir until well-coated. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, flour and vanilla. Fold in chocolate mixture.
• Fill paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 325° for 35-38 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen.
  
  Editor's Note: This recipe contains no leavening.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 286 calories, 19 g fat (9 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 118 mg sodium, 29 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

Cupcake Brownies Recipe

• 18 Servings
• Prep: 15 min. + cooling Bake: 20 min. + cooling 

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, cubed
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate
• 4 eggs
• 1-3/4 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon Spice Islands®, All Natural, No Corn Syrup Added, Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1-1/2 cups chopped pecans

Directions

• In a microwave, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool for 10 minutes.
• In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until blended. Beat in vanilla and chocolate mixture; gradually stir in flour and nuts.
• Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups two-thirds full. Bake at 350° for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool. Yield: about 1-1/2 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 283 calories, 19 g fat (8 g saturated fat), 74 mg cholesterol, 117 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Cupcake-Brownies

Scrabble Brownies Recipe

One bite will send snackers scrambling for their dictionaries to describe these unbeatable blond brownies. With a nutty texture and chocolaty frosting, the treats are letter-perfect for dessert.

• 60 Servings
• Prep: 20 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 3 cups packed brown sugar
• 4 eggs
• 2 teaspoons Spice Islands®, All Natural, No Corn Syrup Added, Pure Vanilla Extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup chopped nuts
• 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
• 1 cup vanilla frosting

Directions

• In a large bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in nuts.
• Spread into a greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool.
• Frost brownies with chocolate frosting. Cut into 1-1/2-in. squares. Place vanilla frosting in a small heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut an 1/8-in. hole in one corner. Pipe letters on brownies and arrange on a serving platter to form words. Yield: 5 dozen.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 each) equals 159 calories, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 22 mg cholesterol, 112 mg sodium, 23 g carbohydrate, trace fiber, 2 g protein. 

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Scrabble-Brownies

7 Money Tips for Twentysomethings

David B. Armstrong, On Saturday 20 November 2010, 1:55 SGT

It's easy to look back, ask,"What if?" and second guess all the decisions I've made in the past 43 years. I have been fortunate to have no major regrets and a whole lot to be thankful for. However, there are some things I would have paid more attention to and done differently if I could go back and relive my early 20s.
Here's a list for all of you in your 20s, as well as for some parents to consider if you have children graduating from college soon:
1. Don't rack up credit card debt, and pay any debts off quickly. Seems simple and downright obvious, but taking on debt is easy to do. The transition from college to the working world can be expensive--new clothes, shoes, apartment, furniture, and other business-world expenses can make it easy to quickly pile on debt. Budget for these expenses, and if credit must be used to get going, have a plan in advance for paying it down.
2. Contribute to your 401(k). Just do it. Retirement contributions build up fast, often have an employer matching contribution, and are saved before taxes. Look at it as savings with an instant profit.
[See 6 Strategies for Funding Your 401(k)]
3. Start a savings plan early. The best time to start a savings plan is before you are used to having extra money in the first place. A good rule of thumb: Use 50 percent of your after-tax paycheck (excluding 401(k) contributions, of course) to pay for the non-negotiable "needs-based" expenses in your life, like rent and food. Use 35 percent for negotiable "wants-based" expenses--entertainment and other costs can scale back quickly if needed. Save 15 percent. Your goal here should be to save about six months of your pay.
4. Don't try to keep up with the Jones's. There is no need to buy the best brand of everything right out of college. People in their 20s who are driving expensive cars, living in luxury apartments, and buying the most expensive clothes either already have money from something other than their first job or they are piling on debt--which isn't smart.
5. Pay off your highest interest-rate debt first. Hint: It's not always the debt with the highest balance. The debt with the highest interest rate is probably the credit card you ran up on bar tabs and that Spring Break trip in the final year of school. Pay that off first. Your student loans, while they carry a big balance and are possibly the scariest in terms of size, probably have a reasonable interest rate relative to any credit card debt.
6. Save four months of your salary in cash before you start investing after-tax money in an investment plan. This may take a while, but the journey of a thousand miles always begins with one step. This is important because if you lose your job, you'll need to make sure you are not forced to sell your few assets at fire-sale prices or default on debt payments at a young age. It will keep you from a panic and keep you from moving back into mom and dad's place.
[See How to Teach Your Child Money Habits for Life.]
This also gets easier,because once you have the first four months saved, you can apply that savings discipline toward an after-tax investment strategy, and as salary raises come along, you can tune up your savings plan to raise your cash balance over the course of six months to a year.
7. Be patient. It's easy to "want." Be patient; with hard work and good fiscal discipline, you will amass a nice portfolio that allows you to realize all the hopes and dreams you may have for later in life. There are probably a lot more major financial events in your future, and you'll want the flexibility to make proper decisions when the time comes.
Having cash, savings, and an investment portfolio that allow you the flexibility to take advantage of opportunities down the road will really help.
If you remember nothing else, remember this: While it seems like your life is full right now, there is probably a lot coming up--such as a first home, graduate school, and maybe even, gasp, kids!
David B. Armstrong CFA, is a Managing Director and co-founder of Monument Wealth Management in Alexandria VA, a full service Private Wealth Planning and wealth management firm. Monument Wealth Management is backed by LPL Financial, the independent broker-dealer and Registered Investment Advisor. He has been named one of America's Top 100 Financial Advisors for two straight years by Registered Rep magazine (2009 & 2010) based on asset under management. David and Monument Wealth Management can be followed on their blog at "Off The Wall", their Twitter account @MonumentWealth, and on their Facebook page. Member FINRA/SIPC.
*The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for individual. To determine which investment is appropriate please consult your financial advisor prior to investing. All performance references is historical and is not guarantee of future results. Securities and financial planning offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/7-Money-Tips-for-usnews-3057985594.html 


comment:
I can save 75% off my pay every month. Done use credit card if u need it use debit card, i walking more then i take transport. Bring your own meal from home, no need buy meal from outside, My saving 15year is S$x,xxx,xxx.00.
I can make it, you all also can make it.
 

readyforrain

http://www.readyforrain.com/

Ready for Rain

Ready for Rain

Christmas Giveaways-Salad Dressing

RANCH DRESSING

INGREDIENTS
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup buttermilk
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

PROCEDURE
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, chives, parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Bottle and keep chilled in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.

ITALIAN DRESSING

INGREDIENTS
1 cup extra virgin olive oil (or any salad oil)
1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
2 small cloves crushed garlic (via a press or minced very finely)
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 cup of minced fresh herbs (parsley, chives, some fresh tarragon and thyme and mint leaves)
salt to taste
ground black pepper to taste

PROCEDURE
In a bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, garlic, and mustard. Add the olive oil the to vinegar mixture in a slow, steady stream, whisking until emulsified. Add minced fresh herbs. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.


ASIAN DRESSING
INGREDIENTS
1/3 cup lime juice
1/3 cup nam pla (Asian fish sauce)
1/2 cup peanut oil
¼ cup sesame oil
2 Siling Labuyo chopped
2 clove garlic, crushed with the side of a knife, then chopped
6 kaffir lime leaves, minced (optional)
PROCEDURE:

In a bowl, whisk together fish sauce, peanut oil, sesame oil, chili, garlic, lime leaves and the lime juice

White, and Green Pasta Sauce

by Delicioso on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7:33pm

GREEN: “Broccoli and Basil Pesto”

Ingredients:

-3cups fresh basil
-1cup fresh broccoli
-1cup grated parmesan reggiano
-1cup EVOO
-2/3cup pine nuts
-5 medium size garlic cloves
-salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1) cut broccoli florets. in a small sauce pan, blanch broccoli until cooked and drain. let it cool.
2) in a blender put basil, broccoli, pine nuts and garlic slowly add all the oils then add the cheese, salt and pepper. blend to form paste.

WHITE: “Alfredo Sauce”

Ingredients:

-3 cups cream
-1 cup grated parmesan cheese
-4 tbsp butter
-1 tbsp garlic
-salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. -in a medium saute pan, add 1tbsp butter to saute garlic till lightly golden; add cream and let it simmer then add the cheese
2. -gradually stir in parmesan cheese
3. -finish with butter and season with salt and pepper

Recipe 2/Eric Dizon: Holiday Pasta with Marinara Sauce

45 ml or 3 tb cooking oil
Garlic 15 g
Onion 50g
Ground beef 150g
Carrots 50g
Celery 30g
Bell pepper 30g
Clara ole tomato sauce 250g
1/4 cup ketchup
Salt and pepper
Pinch of Mccormick Italian seasoning
Mccormick oregano pinch
Mccormick thyme
Magnolia quick melt cheese 50g

No Bake Cheesecake with Blueberry, Cookies and Cream Topping

by Delicioso on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7:34pm

CRUST
a. 2 & 1/2 cups Graham crackers crumbs
b. 2 tsp cinnamon - baka may mccormick nito
c. 2/3 cup melted butter - baka may nestle butter
d. 2 tsp lemon rind
e. 4 tbsp sugar

FILLING
a. 2 package magnolia cream cheese soften
b. half cup sugar
c. 2 packs gelatin clear
d. 150ml fresh milk - nestle brand please
e. 3 cups nestle all purpose cream chilled

TOPPINGS
a. 1 cup comstock blueberry
b. 250 g oreo cookies

PACKAGING
a. microwaveable clear tupperware
volume 250 ml
- 12 pieces
- ribbons for design
- double sided tape

Banana Cream Pie

by Delicioso on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at 7:35pm

 

Crust
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/2 cups butter, melted
1/4 cups sugar

Procedure
1 mix together all the ingredients. Press into the bottom and sides of 9" pie plate
2 Freeze for 1 hour until crust is firm


Filling

1/2 can Condensed Milk
150 grams bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup Cream
1 Tbsp light cornsyrup
1 tsp Ferna Vanilla
Topping
5 pc banana
1 cup Non dairy whipping cream
1/2 tsp coffee flavoring
chocolate curls

Banana Cream Pie

Crust
1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
1/2 cups butter, melted
1/4 cups sugar

Procedure
1 mix together all the ingredients. Press into the bottom and sides of 9" pie plate
2 Freeze for 1 hour until crust is firm
  Filling

1/2 can Condensed Milk
150 grams bittersweet chocolate
1/2 cup Cream
1 Tbsp light cornsyrup
1 tsp Ferna Vanilla
Topping
5 pc banana
1 cup Non dairy whipping cream
1/2 tsp coffee flavoring
chocolate curls

Ready-to-Serve Christmas Hamon

Ready-to-Serve Christmas Hamon

Curing:
Ingredients:
700g-1kg deboned pork shoulder (skin off but not the fat)
2L water
3/4cup salt
1cup sugar
4tsp pink salt/sodium nitrate

Procedure:
1) In a large bowl, stir all ingredients until dissolved.
2) Put the pork in the mixture completely submerged, lay a heavy object on top of the meat completely submerging it.
3) Cover with cling wrap; marinade for 24hrs in the fridge
4) Rinse before baking

Baking:
-twine
-1cup brown sugar
-1can crushed pineapple(undrained)
-2tbsp lemon juice
-1tbsp prepared mustard
-salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1) Pre-heat oven to 325 F.
2) Tie meat with twine neatly
3) Bake meat covered with foil for 1hr. Meat is cooked when a meat thermometer pierced in the thickest part of the meat and kept there for 15 seconds indicates 160 F. or Another method for testing doneness is to pierce the ham with a meat fork or the tip of a knife. The meat should show little resistance by easily sliding in and out of the ham if it is done properly.
4) At this point the ham is cooked and ready for glazing to be served or cooled and packed for a giveaway. If not ready to serve make sure to keep in the fridge and not the freezer.

Prep before serving:

1) Preheat oven to 325F.
2) in a small sauce pan,add sugar, pineapple with syrup,lemon juice,mustard. simmer till sauce is thick and season with salt and pepper.
3) Cover pre-cooked ham with glaze. Place in oven and glaze every 10 minutes. Cook to 140 F. plate and carve.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/notes/delicioso/episode-16-ready-to-serve-christmas-hamon/170553479636240

Thank You book.

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here is the cover of the Thank You book. A nice gift this Christmas. 462pesos. 

by tintin babao

Maicko's first roll over at 3 months

Maicko's first roll ver was last November 7, 2010 at 8:27 pm.

This video was taken November 8, 2010.This was his third time to do roll over.

He also sneeze at this moment.

Enjoy the video!

Visualization helped him top nursing exams

Inner Awareness

By Jaime Licauco

Philippine Daily Inquirer

First Posted 22:05:00 09/14/2010

THE AUG. 28 ISSUE of Philippine Daily Inquirer carried an item on how a nursing student became the top graduate through visualization.

According to the feature story written by Inquirer reporter Juan Escandor, Jr. of Southern Tagalog and DJ Yap:

“Rayan Abogado Oliva, the topnotcher in the nursing board exams last July, had prayed every day that he would top all examinees and posted in his room the number 1 sign which greeted him every morning he woke up.

“Oliva, who graduated magna cum laude at the Ateneo de Naga University, said he was very specific with his request to God that he be the one on top…. He said he had read somewhere that if one had a dream, he had to write it down, place it on the wall and be motivated by it.”

Without perhaps realizing it, Oliva instinctively used an ancient and proven visualization method. Visualization is the key to achieving whatever goal we desire. It means forming a vivid mental picture of what it is we want to get whether it’s a new job, new house, or even an ideal partner in life.

Visualization or forming a clear mental image of what you want works because everything begins with the mind.

Before something becomes a physical reality it must first be thought of or conceived. There is no exception to this principle. The physical is the last to manifest in the order of creation. Before a painting becomes one, it must first exist in the mind of the artist. Before a table becomes a physical reality it must first exist in the mind of the carpenter. Before the sun, the moon and stars exist, they must first exist in the mind of God.

Modern quantum physics is now beginning to accept that thoughts are things, that they have an energy which can affect a material object. The mere act of observing a physical object, quantum physicists have discovered, already changes the object observed. This is essentially what the ancient Buddhists have been saying all along, namely, that “we create our own reality.”

But some individuals say, “I cannot visualize.” That’s not possible because the mind by its very nature visualizes or creates ideas and images. If we substitute the word “remember” for “visualize,” then the problem vanishes. Being told to remember the face of one’s mother or one’s favorite movie actor or actress, sounds a lot easier to do than being asked to “visualize” it.

The mind has many ways of forming pictures. Sometimes we get very clear, detailed images, often in full color. Other times it forms vague images and we merely supply the rest of the details with words or ideas. And in some cases we can’t even see anything in our minds, but merely know that something is there and describing it through feeling or shadowy flashes of ideas.

4 basic steps

According to Shakti Gawain, author of the best-selling book, “Creative Visualization,” there are four basic steps to effective visualization: First, set your goal. Decide on something you particularly want. It should be very specific—for example, a particular house with so many rooms located in such a place, or a particular job in such company.

Second, create a clear concrete picture of what you want. It is important to imagine it in the present tense as already existing the way you want it to be. Picture yourself in it. Include as many details as possible including color.

Third, focus on it often. See it every day. Ponder on the mental picture of your goal constantly. Integrate it in your daily routine. See it as if it is already yours.

Fourth, give it positive energy. Make strong positive statements about the goal or object you want. Imbue it with affirmative feelings of desire, belief and acceptance. Imagine yourself already possessing whatever goal you have established for yourself and have no doubt at all that you will attain it. Imagine the exhilaration or feeling of accomplishment you would experience once you have achieved your goal. Let this be your final vision or thought for the day and surely, what you desire will happen.

Without knowing these principles, the above steps are what Oliva actually followed in becoming the top examinee in the July nursing examinations.

Of course he must have also used his left brain by studying hard for the exams. He did not simply lie down and visualize his goal without doing anything else. He did not follow the legendary Juan Tamad who merely opened his mouth while lying down waiting for the guava to fall on his open mouth. Oliva used visualization and mental affirmation to ensure that his efforts at studying will not be in vain.

Copyright 2010 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Raspberry S'mores

 

Serves 4| Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 10m

Ingredients

• 8 graham crackers
• 32 large marshmallows, cut in half
• 2 1.5-ounce chocolate bars (such as Hershey's)
• 1 cup fresh raspberries

Directions

1. Adjust rack to middle position and heat broiler or toaster oven. Break the crackers in half to form squares and place on a baking sheet. Arrange 4 marshmallow halves on top of each square. Broil for 30 to 60 seconds or until the marshmallows are golden brown.
2. Break each chocolate bar into 12 pieces. Arrange the chocolate and raspberries on top of half the crackers. Invert the remaining marshmallow-topped crackers onto the raspberry-and-chocolate–topped crackers, pressing gently to make sandwiches. Stack them, if desired. 

by realsimple

Quick Chocolate Buttercream

 

 

Makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes|

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter (1/4 pound), softened, plus 1 1/2 tablespoons
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate

Directions

1. Using a hand mixer or an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter in a large bowl until soft, about 1 minute. With the mixer on low, gradually add the sugar. When all the sugar has been incorporated, add the vanilla and salt. Increase mixer speed to high and cream the ingredients until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
2. Melt the chocolate and the remaining butter in a double boiler over gently simmering water. Beat into the buttercream mixture until well combined.

May 2004

by realsimple

Peanut Butter-Cup Cookies

 

Makes 48 cookies| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 40m

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 12-ounce package small peanut butter cups, coarsely chopped

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375° F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
2. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugars until creamy. Add the egg and vanilla and beat to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Fold in the peanut butter cups.
3. Drop tablespoon-size mounds of dough 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until light brown around the edges, 12 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a baking rack to cool.

•  

Peanut Butter Truffles

Makes 35-45 truffles| Hands-On Time: 40m | Total Time: 1hr 10m

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter, chunky or creamy
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, cut into small pieces (or semisweet chocolate chips)
• 1 cup cocoa powder

Directions

1. Make the filling: In a large bowl, place the peanut butter and butter and mix well.
2. Form the truffles: Pour the ganache into a 2-inch-deep baking pan, spread evenly, and place in the freezer for 30
3. minutes or until set (it should have the consistency of fudge). Using a melon baller or a small spoon, form rounds and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Let the truffles harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes. After removing from the freezer, roll truffles between your hands into marble-size spheres, squeezing slightly (try to do this quickly, otherwise they'll become too soft). You can now dust the truffles with cocoa and serve them as is, but they'll hold their shape better if you coat them with chocolate first.
4. Make the coating: Let the truffles rest in the freezer while you make the chocolate glaze. Place the remaining chocolate pieces in a large bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and stir occasionally, until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and let cool at room temperature, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate starts to set at the edge of the bowl. Drop the truffles into the melted chocolate and retrieve them with a fork, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. Garnish immediately or leave the truffles plain and proceed to step 5.
5. Garnish: For a cocoa garnish, set the freshly coated truffles on a plate and sift the garnish over them. Turn the truffles and sift again to cover completely. 
6. Storage: Place the truffles on the lined baking sheet and allow them to set in the refrigerator for 5 minutes. Truffles will keep for about 2 weeks, chilled or at room temperature, when stored in a tightly sealed container.  

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/peanut-butter-truffles-10000000608414/index.html

Mocha-Walnut Brownies

 

 

Makes 16 brownies| Hands-On Time: 10m | Total Time: 4hr 00m

Ingredients

• nonstick vegetable oil spray
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with the nonstick spray. Line the pan with a piece of parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides; spray the parchment with the nonstick spray.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate with the espresso powder, stirring occasionally; remove from heat.
3. With an electric mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and mix in the melted chocolate mixture, then the flour and salt just until incorporated. Fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips.
4. Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 minutes.
5. Cool completely in the pan. Holding both sides of the paper overhang, lift the cake out of the pan, transfer to a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares.  Note: Total Time includes cooling time.

By Susan Sugarman,  December 2009

h/ittp://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/mocha-walnut-brownies-00000000025802ndex.html

Basic Gravy

Serves 8| Hands-On Time: 20m | Total Time: 30m

Ingredients

• roasting pan and its contents, from Easy Roasted Turkey
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 to 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• kosher salt and black pepper

Directions

1. Remove the vegetables and neck from the roasting pan; discard. Carefully strain the pan juices into a fat separator. Let stand 5 minutes, allowing the fat to rise to the top. Pour the juices into a large measuring cup, leaving the fat behind.
2. Place the empty roasting pan across 2 burners over medium-high heat. Add the wine and cook, scraping up the brown bits stuck to the pan, for 1 minute.
3. Pour the contents of the pan into the measuring cup of skimmed juices. Add enough chicken broth to make a total of 4 cups of liquid.
4. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle with the flour to create a roux.
5. Cook the roux, whisking frequently, until deep brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Keep in mind that the darker the roux, the richer the flavor.
6. Whisk in the 4 cups of liquid and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
7. Season the gravy with ¾ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Strain just before serving. (If you do it any earlier, a skin will form on the surface of the gravy.)

By Kate Merker,  November 2010
http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/basic-gravy-00000000044774/index.html

 

Irresistible Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 40 cookies| Hands-On Time: 15m | Total Time: 35m

Ingredients

• 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• kosher salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375° F.
2. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment pape
3. paper or aluminum foil.
4. With an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the butter, sugars, and vanilla for 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the baking soda. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add the flour mixture to the egg mixture until combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
5. Scoop the dough into tablespoon-size mounds and place on the prepared baking sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until lightly browned at the edges, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks and cool completely.
7.  

Frozen Chocolate Sandwiches

Makes 12 sandwiches| Hands-On Time: 20m | Total Time: 3hr 40m

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 24 marshmallows
• 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, grated or chopped
• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
• 18 graham crackers

Directions

1. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with foil, allowing the foil to hang over the sides. Heat the milk and marshmallows in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring often, until smooth. Remove from heat. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on medium-high, beat the cream until stiff peaks form. Working quickly, fold the whipped cream into the chilled chocolate mixture, mixing until no traces of white remain. Spoon into the prepared dish. Tap the dish on the counter to remove air bubbles. Freeze, covered, until set, at least 3 hours.
3. Holding both sides of the foil, transfer the frozen block to a cutting board. Cut into 24 squares. Break the graham crackers in half. Layer the chocolate squares between the crackers to make 12 double-decker sandwiches. Place the sandwiches on a plate, cover, and return to freezer until ready to serve.

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/frozen-chocolate-sandwiches-10000001661841/index.html

Flourless Chocolate Cake

 

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into pieces, plus more for the pan
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, plus more for the pan
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
• 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar, plus more for dusting

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350° F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan and dust with cocoa powder.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the butter with ¼ cup of the heavy cream over medium-low heat until the butter is melted. Add the chocolate and stir until melted and smooth; remove from heat.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and cocoa powder; whisk in the chocolate mixture.
4. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake until puffed and set, 35 to 40 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 1 hour. Run a knife around the edge of the cake before unmolding.
5. Using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 1 cup of heavy cream with the crème fraîche and confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Dust the cake with confectioners’ sugar and serve with the whipped cream.

How to Save One-Third of Your Income

Kimberly Palmer, On Wednesday 3 November 2010, 3:23 SGT

One of the main arguments in my book, Generation Earn, is that we need to drastically increase the amount of money we're saving. On average, we should save about one-third of our income in our twenties, thirties, and forties for retirement, emergency funds, and big goals such as purchasing a home. I've gotten a lot of questions about that--how is it even possible? What did you give up to do that? Are you doing that right now? I wanted to share some of the ways I saved that much and explain why I think it's necessary.
[In Pictures: 12 Money Mistakes Almost Everyone Makes]
First, a confession: I am not currently saving one-third of my income. That's because I've experienced two major financial shocks in the last year, having a baby and buying a house. Between mortgage payments and daycare expenses, I've fallen way behind, but I plan to return to my previous saving levels as soon as those costs become more manageable.
For most of my twenties, though, I was saving one-third of my income. About twenty percent went directly into my retirement accounts, so I never even saw the money. I put an additional 15 percent into after-tax savings accounts, which was mostly invested in money market funds.
Here are some of my strategies that made it possible:
Live like a college student long after graduation: My husband and I continued living in a small apartment with our old futon as a sofa for five years after graduation. At first, we didn't use cable and stuck with an old tube television. For awhile, we even figured out a way to make room for our baby in that small space.
Become a frugal chef. I didn't know much about cooking before I got married, but I quickly learned how to make vegetable-focused meals from the Food Network. Using small amounts of meat saved us money, as did limiting our restaurant meals.
Stick with one car. We've always chosen to live near public transportation so we can limit ourselves to one car, which saves us thousands of dollars a year. Between gas, upkeep, and insurance, cars are expensive, so sticking to one can make a big difference. (These first three items--housing, food, and transportation--take up about two-thirds of most people's incomes, so focusing on that pricey trifecta can have a big impact.)
[For more money-saving tips, visit the U.S. News Alpha Consumer blog.]
Use old cell phones. We never joined the smartphone craze, so while we might not look as cool with our bulky old-style phones, we're saving a lot by avoiding pricey data plans and high-tech gadgets.
Splurge on small but meaningful indulgences. When I bought my husband a LCD television for his birthday one year (to replace the old tube set we had), I knew it was a huge splurge, and certainly not a necessary one. But given all of our other sacrifices, I figured it was worth it, and given how much he likes it, I think it was. We also buy high-quality beer to drink at home. Even though a $9 six-pack is no deal, it's much cheaper than drinking at a bar.
Everyone's strategies will be different, since they're based on your own preferences. You might bring a bagged lunch every day but go on an international vacation every year, or indulge in restaurant meals while collecting coupons for the grocery store. As long as you're cutting back on the areas that aren't that important to you, you won't feel like you're making an impossible sacrifice.
Almost everyone can save a significant chunk of income, regardless of income level or where you live. You just have to live a lifestyle that's a lot more frugal than the one you could actually afford. Sure, you might occasionally wish you had a fancier television, or furniture, but purchasing those items give such short-term bursts of pleasure that the cost is hardly worth it. Instead, invest in your relationships, hobbies, and career, all of which can outlast even the most expensive television.
What are your savings techniques? How much of your income do you try to save?

Kimberly Palmer is the author of the new book Generation Earn: The Young Professional's Guide to Spending, Investing, and Giving Back.
 Comments::
>Live a holy life. No entertainment. Give 2 hours a day for our Lord Jesus and give your titles. He takes care of your present and your eternal future!!
>Live within your means and increase that means! You can spend money with your love ones but always think of how you can save while spending and the same time you and your loved ones will also be happy. Example, when you feel like having a food trip, you may go to a cheaper restaurant rather than going into hi-class resto. You may spend on watching movies by buying original DVDs at Php300 and watch it at home rather than going into a movie house with P200 cost of ticket for each person.

On increasing your MEANS, do not rely on your paycheck alone. have your savings invested into instruments that generate higher returns over bank savings and time deposit accounts.

Explore other income generating activities while controlling your family's expenses.

Always have a list of your income and expenses so you will know where you're spending more.

>I'm not a personal finance guru but as of now, I'm following the principles of personal finance and will share you later how will i am doing for the next 5 years! Good luck to all!
try having separate atm one for your savings the other for your expenses...and try leaving the saings atm in your house rather than putting it in our wallet for safety reason hehehee

>Waste not, want not. Be simple, live simply and be happy. At mid-fifties, i can attest to that, and, Thanks God for everything.

http://sg.finance.yahoo.com/news/How-to-Save-OneThird-of-Your-usnews-2368738838.html

Small Changes = Big Rewards

From the minute we are born our brains are being programmed by adults, don't do that, don't do this, that's right, that's wrong, the list goes on. Parents all over the world programming their children's minds with what they believe is right. Like a computer the information is stored in the memory and is repeated day in day out, over and over again. Once programmed it is sometimes hard to change our life we consider normal.

However, by looking at ways of improving the mind can only bring the dreams we have one step closer to reality. With small changes we can all improve the way we live. If we sit back and live the life we have been given it will always stay the same.

Achieving can become addictive, as a smoker for most of my life and tried to pack up more times than one can remember. There were plenty of reasons to quit, children, the cost and health were the top ones. However I always could find a good excuse to start again, an argument with the wife, a special occasion, down the pub with other smokers that was good enough reason.

Then One day and I still don't know why, I woke up and decided I wasn't going to smoke again, there wasn't a last one or last puff I just stopped. I did that 3 years ago, packing up was so easy once I got it into my head.

My head is now programmed to believe that I don't need them, and since stopping I have continued to look for the next challenge. 3 years ago I would have loved to know how to turn on a computer, I now own 3 of them and have a built a number of websites too! I am always on the look out to find ways of improving myself.

Talking to people is one of my favourite past times but for some reason I get nervous when I have to stand up in front of people and make a speech, that is what I have made my project at the moment, so when I officially marry the woman I already call my wife, I will be able to stand up in front of a crowd and tell everyone how much I love her, without stumbling around for words.

By slowly changing the way our minds are programmed, it is possible to achieve almost anything in life, with confidence and self-belief more and more people are getting out of life what they have only ever dreamed about before.

Inspirational

 http://readbud.com/Articles/Inspirational/Small-Changes-_61_-Big-Rewards

Personal Power Maps and Creative Ideas

At about the same time I started to think about building an Internet website, I considered my personal strengths and resources. It occurred to me that it might be a good idea to make a list of all the things I have in my life, as well as the things I have learned and skills I can use. This could help me come up with new directions for my personal development. After I've started writing these things down, I decided to call it "Power Maps" as they outline my sources of power, and could also show me ways to turn my strengths into more powerful actions. In this brief article I will try to demonstrate how I do this, hoping you can do the same. I use my own Power Map as an example, so you also get a chance to know me better...
I began by writing down the major categories of things I do and am related to. Here is what I came up with:

• Family & Friends
• Places I know
• My Studies & Work
• Languages
• My Hobbies & Pastimes

Try to make your own list now. It doesn't have to be similar to the one I made or even have the same logic or structure. Just try to think of the major things that make up the person that you are.
Next, I added more details to each major category - ending up with many of the things I consider to be my sources of power and knowledge. This is what it looked like by now:

• Family & Friends
  
  • My wife
  • My children
  • My mother, sisters & brother
  • My friends
  
  
• Places I know
  
  • Israel
  • Europe
  • South America
    
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Peru
    • Bolivia
    • Brazil
    
    
  • South East Asia
    
    • India
    • Nepal
    • Thailand
    
    
  
  
• My Studies & Work
  
  • Human Resources
  • Management skills training
  • Thinking, Innovation & Creativity
  • Philosophy
  • Computers
    
    • Web programming
    • Database planning
    • Online & computer games
    
    
  • Myself as an employee
  
  
• Languages
  
  • Hebrew
  • English
  • Spanish
  
  
• My Hobbies and Pastimes
  
  • Capoeira
  • Diving
  • Board games
  
  

Seeing all that I have in my favor, I already started to feel stronger!
If you want to get the same feeling - take a few minutes to list many of your own sources of power.

Turning power maps into creative action

Now it was time to start thinking how I could turn all those resources into something I could make or contribute. In other words - come up with new and useful things I could do with all I have. What I came up with was consisted of things I did before and could do better or on a larger scale; things I haven't done before but believed I could do; and some other creative ideas that just came up.

In order to distinguish these action ideas from the resources I already listed, I use an undeline for the action items. I am sharing some of these with you:

• Family & Friends
  
  • My wife
    
    • Help your wife pursue her dream
  • My children
    
    • Write children's books
  • My mother, sisters & brother
  • My friends
  
  
• Places I know
  
  • Israel
    
    • Knowing what it's all about
  • Europe
  • South America
    
    • Argentina
    • Chile
    • Peru
    • Bolivia
    • Brazil
    
    
  • South East Asia
    
    • India
    • Nepal
    • Thailand
    
    
  
  
• My Studies & Work
  
  • Human Resources
  • Management skills training
    
    • Tools for planning
    • Small Business Handbook
  • Thinking, Innovation & Creativity
    
    • Improved Memory Techniques
    • Building a Personal Thinking Center
  • Philosophy
  • Computers
    
    • Web programming
    • Database planning
    • Online & computer games
      
      • Principles of development
      • Review best games on the web
    
    
  • Myself as an employee
  
  
• Languages
  
  • Hebrew
  • English
    
    • Translation tips
  • Spanish
    
    • Learning tips
  
  
• My Hobbies and Pastimes
  
  • Capoeira
  • Diving
  • Board games
    
    • Playing tips
    • Designing & Inventing
    
    
  
  

Now I had something I could work with. There were other things on the list - this is just to show you the general idea. I am sure that if you try to complete your own Power Map now - you'd have many action ideas.

Bringing it all together

With such a detailed Power Map, you can start looking for practical ways to harness all that power to interesting development possibilities. The strongest creative ideas would be those that combine as many strengths and action items as possible. Consider the creative ideas website I have built (see resource box below) - it combines my power at: English, Internet, Creativity, Management training, and more.

I truly hope this can help you become stronger, more creative, and ultimately happier. If you liked this article and the Power Map tool, you should check out the Resource Box Below for a constantly growing source of ideas and creativity tools.


http://readbud.com/Articles/Creativity/Personal-Power-Maps-and-Creative-Ideas