Basil Tea good for Relaxation

Herbal teas are known for their property to help in relaxation and Basil is one of them. It is not only an ingredients in cooking but can be used as tea good for relaxation if you are stressed. Others use tarragon tea. However, tarragon is a bit difficult to source. Alternatively, basil is easier to find in the supermarket and also not so difficult to propagate. An advantage in drinking herbal teas made form culinary herbs is the rich amounts of anti-oxidants. Therefore it is recommended frequent intake of herbal teas. The active principle in herbal teas, particularly, basil tea, is the presence of aromatic or volatile oils. In preparing your own tea just put about 4 leaves of basil in a cup, pour boiling water and steep it for 5-10 minutes. Steeping is the preferred way which is done by just leaving the leaves in hot water, not a decoction. This procedure preserves the volatile oil from evaporating. You can also use holy basil which the Ayurvedic preparation.

How we Filipinos Celebrate Holy Week

Holy Week in the Philippines is a unique, solemncelebration; it is so different from almost any place in the world. Palm Sunday signals the beginning of Holy Week. Since this week commemorates Jesus Christ's suffering and death, traditionally, Filipinos believe that ... almost the entire holy week is considered sacred. Many would take a vacation from work starting Holy Monday, and would resume work after Easter. Going to the provinces is a common thing, thus, the sight of full-packed buses is expected. People from the metro will flock back to their own provinces and security is tight in almost all ports. The new National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Roberto Rosales has even ordered the few thousand policemen to watch over people at these times. Which would mean no holiday for them too... I hope they really keep peace and order like what they are supposed to do. I watch from the TFC, that Rosales tasked his District Director to assure that there will be visible police men on public terminals, ports, airports and malls.

As early as Holy Wednesday, some do the "Penitencia"(Penance). This is when men (and some women) would reenact the the sufferings of Jesus by carrying wooden cross, flagellating themselves with thorny and sharp objects and ropes, and even allow themselves to be nailed on the cross. Just like these people from San Fernando, Pampanga who join the traditional marching and crucifying their way of repenting from their sin. Most foriegners visit this place to witness this event every year. See pics...

After a while of whipping themselves they start the 4 KM long procession to the cross

penitents passing in by a Sari-Sari store with a crowd watching

The first penetents approaches

Here The Roman soldier is looking for the right spot where to nail his feet to the cross while sustaining to the devotee as minimal damage as possible.

one approaches with a six inch nail in his hand

the cruxified person

Maundy Thursday is a day of a lot of prayers. The tradition starts with a mass in the late afternoon or early evening, which is highlighted by the "Washing of the Feet". Instead of a regular mass, there are 12 men who would pose as Jesus' disciples. The priest officiating the mass plays the role of Jesus. They have a ready basin with water and a piece of cloth. To explain the meaning of humility and service, Jesus (as represented by the priest) would wash the feet of the 12 men.
After the mass, there is a short procession to move the consecrated host from the tabernacle to the altar of repose. This is an altar that is beautifully adorned by flowers, lacy white cloths and lighted by many candles. This is going to be visited by plenty of people who would go from
one church to another to do their traditional "Visita Iglesia"(Visit the Blessed Sacrament). Some choose to do a many as 13 different churches, while others could opt for at least 7. They would visit the altar of repose and say their prayers. The side of the church that holds the altar of repose would be open until 12 midnight. There is a continuous vigil of prayers and songs until midnight. After visiting the churches in Manila we go to the places like The Divine Mercy Shrine in Bulacan and the famous Grotto also in Bulacan where we do our Station of the Cross. There is a new place where you can go if you want a solemn day of Prayer it is located in the Hill Lucban, Quezon.Here is the Video:

Some houses hold what is called the "Pabasa" which actually is a reading of a book about the Passions of Christ. It is read however, in a sing-song tone. Certain verses can be read using a different "tune", and then the readers would shift to another for the next parts. Individuals or groups take turns. This is non-stop and the entire book is usually finished the following day. In some provinces, the "Pabasa" is done in the churches. You can read and sing with the other church goers, and then have a helping of the refreshments outside the church. On Good Friday, the is no more mass to be held. A service is done to reflect on the "Seven Last Words" said by Jesus Christ on the cross. A priest and other guests would take turns in discussing. It usually starts as 12 noon and ends at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, the supposed time of death of Jesus. At 3 p.m. everyone is quietly in prayer. Some have the tradition of praying the Apostle's Creed 7 times, kneeling and with outstretched arms. This could be done at home with the entire family. A long procession follows after this. The "Santo Entierro" or the statue of bloodied and dead body of Jesus usually encased in glass, is at the very end of the procession. Joining the procession are other religious images of different saints and images of the Virgin Mary. The rosary is said over and over during this lengthy procession.
People are encourage do be silent and reflective until Saturday evening. The mood changes only the following day during the "Salubong" (meeting). At dawn, two groups of procession would come from different directions. The first group would be led by the image of the risen Christ, while
the other group is led by the image of the Mater Dolorosa, or the sorrowing mother of Jesus. At a designated spot, a real girl would be dressed as an angel and be helped to stay in a high platform. Once the two images meet, the "angel" would lift the black veil of the virgin mother, to signify the end of her sorrow and see her resurrected son. Bells would toll, singing will be heard and there is joyfulness around as they shout: "The Lord is risen!". A mass would follow after this and for the first time again, the Gloria will be sung.Filipinos take these religious customs seriously. The older ones try to teach these to their children and their children's children. Images are considered as family heirlooms and prized possessions. They rent places for safekeeping of the images and the important materials needed for the processions. They hire people to clean, take care of these images and do the intricately-designed expensive clothes. The practices are taught, explained and done so the younger ones would understand and continue them. For Filipinos, these customs show their love for their faith and their culture. Aside from believing that these would help them atone for their sins, these practices are their unique way of expressing their religious beliefs and values.

The Use of GPS

Welcome to the Gadget World! Technology is not just exciting but easy to understand. In this fast pace era you would be force to upgrade yourself so you could adopt using the latest and innovative gadgets and technology. A lifestyle that one cannot just put aside. One must familiarize themselves using different kinds of gadget. If you don’t know how to use these gadgets you will be left behind. You need to know how to operate this gadgets that is familiar to everybody computers, cell phones, digital cameras and now GPS. By the way what is this gadget all about?
The Global Positioning System or GPS is a satellite-based navigation system made up of a network of 24 satellites placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense. GPS was originally intended for military applications, but in the 1980s, the government made the system available for civilian use. GPS works in any weather conditions, anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day.
GPS Car Navigation is real big help when you are travelling (by car) because what is in stored in the unit is a special program that shows you thru the map that is on the screen, also commands and directions that will guide you verbally the names of the street you're traveling on and the name of the street you'll turn on appear on the system.
Instructions on how you operate the system:
Step1 -Start the engine, and insert a map disc CD-ROM into the CD player's CD slot.
Step2 -Follow the voice instructions of the Commander.
Step3 -Say the word "Navigator" before each command.
Step4 -Spell the street name, address or name of the point of interest you want to go to. The Commander will respond, "Are you at (Street Name)?"
Step5 -Say, "Yes." The Commander will begin its directions.
Step6 -Say, "Navigator next." The Commander will tell you how far to drive until the next turn.
Step7 -Drive the route. After making the turn, say, "Navigator next." The Commander will tell you how far you will have to drive to the next turn.
Step8 -Repeat until you reach the destination. You can request the Commander to give the previous instruction by saying, "Navigator previous." And you can ask the system to repeat a direction by saying, "Navigator repeat."
Step9 -Say, "Navigator next," when you reach the destination, and the Commander will say, "Goodbye," and shut off.
My husband is fond of shopping and buying most of our things online and he gets this gadget at HSN.com. The good thing in buying online is there is no hassle of going out and it is delivered right at your doorstep. We already tried this GPS when we travel to Connecticut and it’s pretty good and easy to use. We don’t need to print the directions on the computer like we used to do. Once you start your car, plug it and open the map will appear on the small screen and verbally it will show and guide you the directions where you will turn or go from the start point to the end point based on the address that you set. The funny part is that he buys the product for me. He said that it is in preparation at the time that i decide to learn how to drive but as of now I am not interested yet because I am living in New York where all means of transportation is available. We are lucky to have taxis, buses, and trains that anytime we need we can go or might as well call unlike in other states that you really need to learn how to drive and have a car in order for you to reach your destination. Me if my hubby is not available I can call taxi that would take me to my destination.Or I will go to the bus/train station. Favor for me as I have nervous in driving. I just hope that one day I will have the guts to drive and that I will not feel nervous getting into the car where i will be the one on the drivers seat.

How Slumber number bed works on your Body

I and my husband occasionally experiencing discomfort on our lower back for almost a year now. Massaging or patching salonpas and applying liniments on the affected area is our temporary assistance to alleviate the pain for a moment, but oftentimes it comes back. I read from various articles that the only time which the muscles and other structures of the spine can relax is while we are sleeping; and if a person is suffering from back disorder, one of the remedy is to sleep well in order to help the healing process. When sleeping it is very important that you have the correct sleeping position and choose the right mattress as well.
Based from experience, choosing the right mattress is one key of reducing lower back pain. When you're using the right mattress, you wake up well-rested, no feeling of soreness and stiffness at the back.
I and my husband experienced severe pain in our lower back when we get up in the morning. Sometimes we rub liniment and massage the lower area so to alleviate the pain; until one time , we decided that it's time for to change our mattress, thinking that it might be the solution of the pain that we are experiencing. As we are browsing the internet looking for best buy, cheaper but guaranteed mattress we stumble at this interesting mattress that has adjust sleep number using a remote.

One of the bed's special features is you could use its remote to adjust the mattress if you want it soft or firm, by clicking its button. Unlike traditional mattresses that are made from metal coils and springs, The Sleep Number Bed uses uniquely designed air chambers to provide a gentle cushion of support which can be easily adjusted to your preference for comfort and firmness. In addition, the Sleep Number bed has two dual control remote that allows couples to individually adjust each side of the bed to the precise comfort level each partner prefers. However, you must take price into consideration as this is quiet expensive than a regular mattress.

My Dearest Lovely

Love,
This card says what my Heart feels. Thank you for being a part of my Life, Sweetheart. Mwah!
Love Always,

Cxxx

When i open my e-mail this is ecard was there waiting for me. My hubby is really fond of sending and giving me surprises. This is what fascinates me, made me like him most. I remember when he was still courting me me he never forget sending me e-cards. Until now he is always thoughtful. Even if he is busy he never fail to call at the house to check if i am okey and if i eat already. Hon, thank you so much for caring and loving me. I also thank your parents for moulding and bringing you that way. If they are still alive i would hug and kiss them as I have known that most only son are spoiled brat but you are not. Rest assured that i would love you and grow old with you "Kahit maputi na ang buhok ko" Lol.....

What you need to know about Frozen Shoulder and how it is treated

Adhesive capsulitis, also known as frozen Shoulder, is a disorder of the shoulder in which the capsule surrounding the joint becomes inflamed and stiff. As the condition worsens range of motion of the shoulder is severely reduced. The exact cause of frozen shoulder is unknown. However, there are a number of risk factors for this problem including diabetes, stroke, trauma, lung disease, connective tissue disorders and heart disease. Frozen shoulder usually occurs in 3 phases:

1. The Freezing Phase: This is the most painful stage. Pain occurs with any movement and there is a gradual reduction in range of motion.
2. The Frozen Stage: During this stage the pain in the shoulder gradually decreases. However, the shoulder is extremely stiff during this stage.
3. The Thawing Stage: During this stage range of motion of the shoulder gradually returns to normal.
People with Frozen Shouler typically lift the entire shoulder girdle when attempting to lift the shoulder.

Each stage can last months and full resolution can take over a year.
What is The Best Treatment For Adhesive Capsulitis?
Physical therapy can be very effective in decreasing the duration of frozen shoulder as well as improving function during this period. However, it is important that the physical therapist use effective treatment techniques. A recent study in the Physical Therapy Journal examined the records of 2,370 patients (That’s alot of patients!) with adhesive capsulitis to see which treatments were effective in decreasing pain and improving function and which treatments were not effective.
The treatments that increased the likelihood of pain reduction and improved function were:
1.Joint mobilization performed by a licensed physical therapist.
2. Exercise
The treatments that decreased the likelihood of pain reduction and improved function were:
1.Ultrasound
2.Massage
3.Iontophoresis (Delivery of steroid with electrical stimulation)
4.Phonophoresis (Delivery of steroid with ultrasound)

I am back

For the past few days i did not visit my blog because i got busy(dental clinic) with my work and my frozen shoulder come back. Its hurting and painful and when i tried to sit at the computer to write for blog i can't stand that long because my whole right shoulder down to hands and fingers feeling the numb, i ended up putting some liniment just to minimize the pain and rest . Last year i went to a Physical therapist and i undergo a series of exercises and after it was a massage. I feel good and eventually eliminate the pain for a while.