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Creativity Adds Up on Valentine’s Day

Every Valentine’s Day couples scramble to secure reservations and gifts while single men and women sulk or celebrate their unattached status. If you happen to have someone in mid-February, odds are you spend an excessive amount of money to live up to Saint Valentine’s standards. The expectations of the holiday leave many searching for Valentine’s Day savings, specially those who haven’t heard of Offers.com yet. The day designated for chocolates and champagne has left couples looking for the obvious gifts and dates. Many couples forget that the best savings can come from creativity and a rejection of routine.

By observing how commercialized Valentine’s Day has become, it’s easy to wait until the last minute to buy a teddy bear and a card, go to the same restaurant, or go to the same theater year after year. The holiday gives you an obligation to do something romantic, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept the status quo. This holiday can give you the opportunity to save money by getting creative. The most thoughtful, romantic things rarely cost anything. For example, collect some lyrics from songs that remind you of your partner. Write a line on a piece of paper and leave it on the bathroom sink. Leave another on their windshield or car seat, and other places they’ll catch throughout the day.

Instead of spending time and money securing reservations to a restaurant, cook for your loved one. Even if you are a terrible cook, the thought alone will be more romantic than just about any restaurant. If you’d still like a date out of the house, save money and go out on a night other than Valentine’s Day. Surprise your lover by going out February 12. You won’t see as many lines, the service should be better, and you’ll save money. The most important thing to remember is that sometimes the most romantic things don’t cost any money at all. You can’t put a price on personal touch and creativity.

Superfoods Your Kids Should Eat

I was browsing my email when this article from babycenter.com caught my eyes. The article is entitled, “7 SUPERFOODS FOR EVERY CHILD”, pretty neat and catchy title. And boy, I am surprised to know that avocado is number 1.. Hubby was right in telling me that the reason why he is smart is because he loves avocado..

1. Avocado

The only vegetable laced with monounsaturated “good” fats that may lower “bad” LDL cholesterol that can harm the heart, avocado is also a super source of soluble fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar. And it’s full of vitamin E, which protects your cells from free radicals.

“Try mashing avocado with a little lime or lemon juice and yogurt and using it on quesadillas or tacos — or as a dip for raw vegetables,” suggests Jessica Seinfeld.

2. Blueberries

Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — substances that slow the body’s release of chemicals that can damage cells — blueberries can help lower cholesterol, sharpen memory, and fight certain cancers. These little fruits offer big health benefits, whether fresh or frozen.

“I make a purple puree filled with blueberries and spinach that I add to tacos, burgers, pancakes, cookies, and brownies,” says Missy Chase Lapine. “Wild, organic, frozen blueberries are one of the most versatile nutrient-rich foods you can disguise in dishes.”

3. Oats

These mild-tasting, versatile whole grains help prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes, will keep your child feeling full, and aid in escorting bad cholesterol out of the body.

“Serve oatmeal for breakfast,” says Chase Lapine. “The old-fashioned rolled oats, not the quick-cooking kind — they offer more fiber and longer-lasting energy. Cook them in milk, rather than water, and top with blueberries for a well-balanced start to the day.”

4. Salmon

This cold-water fish contains healthful fats known as omega-3s that can lower the risk of heart disease. These nutrients may also help improve mood and prevent memory loss.

“Make your own fish fingers,” recommends Jennifer Iserloh. “Choose wild salmon to reduce your child’s exposure to toxic substances such as PCBs and mercury. Adults enjoy these lightly crumbed strips too.”

5. Spinach

An excellent source of iron, calcium, and folic acid, along with vitamins A and C, spinach is great for growing bones and brains.

“This versatile vegetable has a mild flavor and cooks in a flash,” notes Iserloh. “Stir it into hot soups, toss it into your tomato sauce, and tuck it into quesadillas.”

6. Sweet Potatoes

Packed with vitamins B, C, and E, plus calcium, potassium, and iron, sweet potatoes are also rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, which keeps digestion moving along properly.

“Sweet potatoes are good at preventing a sugar crash, thanks to those complex carbs,” says Chase Lapine. “They also add a subtle sweetness to sneaky recipes and work hard to cut the acidity of tomato that some kids dislike in pasta sauces.”

7. Yogurt

Rich in calcium and a good source of protein, yogurt helps build strong bones and teeth. It also aids in digestion and fights bad bacteria in the gut.

“Buy plain low-fat yogurt and add your own fresh or frozen fruit to it,” recommends Iserloh. “That way, you’ll avoid the sugar that’s in flavored yogurts. It’s so creamy and comforting that most kids go for it.”

Let’s Have A Tea

When I was a kid, I only see tea as a beverage that can soothe my stomach pain or indigestion (that’s what my grandmother gives me whenever my stomach aches due to indigestion or if I am having gas pain). I never really liked the taste of tea back then and I even have to put some sugar on it just to appreciate the taste. Of course now that I am older (and a bit wiser), I have learned the numerous benefits of tea. I was even introduced to different kinds of tea (green tea, jasmin tea, chai tea). One of my favorite is chai tea, this is a black tea based tea and it was blended with cardamom, cloves, coriander, sweet cumin seeds, curry leaves, lemon grass, and rampe leaves. I love to put some milk and sugar on it whenever I drink one. Did you know that the word “chai” is tea, yes, literally. A friend told me that if ever I will purchase tea abroad, I should remember to turn the package up and down before opening it as the spices may settle on the bottom while the package was shipped to me. Of course, tea is nothing without tea kettles, and with the invention of electric kettle, making tea is easy.