Monday Bits

Julia Roberts' Latest Flick. I saw Fireflies in the Garden last night. Released this year, this drama was written and directed by Dennis Lee. The cinematography was what I liked best in this movie. Although I prepared myself to watch something out of my usual romantic comedy trips, there was great acting done by the cast. Fireflies in the Garden stars Julia Roberts, Ryan Reynolds, Willem Dafoe, Hayden Panettiere, Emily Watson, and Carrie Ann Moss.

Jamie, Oh Jamie. Last week I borrowed these books from my brother and as I scanned through the pages, I think I came to know Jamie Oliver more and more. Then I realized a few things: (1) the rock star chef loves extra virgin olive oil a whole lot; (2) that he cannot cook a certain dish without putting herbs to it; (3) he included a suggested basic list for every pantry that loves to cook i.e. canned tomatoes, almonds, dried pasta; (4) he doesn't buy pasta when he's shopping for ingredients, he makes pasta from scratch; (5) and his influence is more of Italian food, ergo his penchant for soups, salads and herbs.

"The Naked Chef" and "Happy Days with the Naked Chef"

Pork Chops with herbs! This is one recipe I'd like to try.

Another SATC Gift. My sister sent belated-birthday-early-yuletide gifts for the whole family. And although I mentioned about this wish gift from her, I still got all too excited when I lifted it from the box. Yay! The book almost completes my own SATC keepsakes. Sex and The City really got me hooked from day one, and if there's one thing I liked about the fact that they ended the television series with only six seasons, that's gonna give me an advantage to pick up the first five seasons fast. Hehe.

My SATC addiction. Is the movie DVD out yet? =)

New Arrival Coke Bottles. My sister also sent over something from Las Vegas. My husband's reaction upon seeing his new toys was just priceless! Thanks again Alan and Lenlen!

My favorite is the Las Vegas bottle.

On Caffeine and Health

It's a heart-tugging decision that I made a month ago to heed my doctor's advise. I am temporarily bidding goodbye to caffeine (temporarily being the operative word hehe), while the lipids are still acting up wayward.

I loved caffeine for the longest time. Although sinful to some who may take it abusively (and I am guilty as charged), many people have been addicted to Coke, coffee, and chocolates that are rich sources of caffeine.



As of late, I have been drinking low-fat milk, pineapple and mango juices, and plenty of water. Sounds too good to be true for those who really know me. But what the heck, if this isn't what it means to be turning on a new leaf, then I don't know what is. Let's see shall we.

This morning, I was reading through the health section of Philippine Star when I came across an article that listed some foods that are really proven to aid against cancers and help us detoxify.

Green Leafy Vegetables - the chlorophyll they contain helps swab out environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) and protects the liver. Throw them into a broth and then to juices or just eat them raw.

Brocolli - rich in vitamins A,C, and K. Vitamin A decreases oil production, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin K can help prevent bruises.

Lemons - lemon juice or lemonade helps keep the fluids running to wash out the body. Its vitamin C, considered the detox vitamin, helps convert toxins into a water-soluble form that's easily flushed away.

Garlic - add it to everything, salads, spreads, sauces. In addition to the bulb's cardio benefits, it activates liver enzymes that help filter out junk.

Apples - the fruit's rich pectin content helps to decrease cholesterol levels and helps prevent colon cancer.

Berries - blueberries and cherries are rich in antioxidants because they contain bioflavonoid that reduce free radical damage, more potent than vitamins C and E. Cherries contain anthocyanin compounds which aid the pancreas in producing insulin.

Fruits - they are full of vitamin C, fiber, nutritious fluids and all kinds of antioxidants.

Fish - it contains omega 3 fatty acids which is the good oil. Some also contain vitamin D. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in fish like salmon, tilapia and cod. Our bodies cannot produce those essential lipids naturally so adding omega 3 fatty acids to our diet can bolster our skin barrier, that is, the layer of lipids that holds onto moisture and keeps irritants out.

Lunch box check for today: Mango juice, 2 pieces tuna pandesal, granola bar.

As Hancock says, "Good job!"