Theeuroblog.com – Health, Food and Travel

My friend Joy prepared this salad during my birthday. Due to a lot of foods I cooked and prepared in my special day, I was not able to taste this one. I would like to ask my friend how did she made this. I mean what are the ingredients and the process of preparing it. Although I did not taste it, at least I have a photo of it and can always remember my friend Joy who helped me in preparing some foods during my birthday. Thanks a lot my friend.

Korean seafood noodle salad. this looks so yummy but I miss to taste it.

Everybody wants a beautiful, clean and comfortable home to live-in. Living such kind of home also means a living in a healthy environment, thus having a good life also. That is also the reason why we keep on repairing and improving our small home. This is a continuous project until all the areas of our house that need repairs will be done. We have an old stone house and from time to time we are repairing it when finances are available. Here are some areas that need improvements and repairs.

Dining Room

This is another area that needs a total repair. Its wooden floor needs to be replaced with tiles. Since the water pipe inside the house exploded in December 2006, everything in the first floor was flooded. We already changed the floor in our hallway but the ones in the kitchen and dining room need new floors also. We decided to replace it it tile flooring.

After it will be repaired, I am planning to buy a new dining table and chairs and maybe a kitchen dresser or sideboard too.

Kitchen

I don’t really complain about our old kitchen but it needs to be repaired soon. I am just happy that I can still cook there. We need a new kitchen unit because the one standing there really needs a new replacement. Our target for this is next year.

Bathroom

We have a shower and a toilet downstairs for visitors. On the second floor of the house, we also have a bathroom with toilet and bathtub but it needs full renovation. It simply means that we need a new tilt and turn window, bathroom set, new floor and the walls needs to be replaced with tiles.

We are having some home improvements at the moment. Our garden terrace and garage are still under construction. Back home in the Philippines, we are also finishing the seawall and terrace that is facing the sea. All these projects require money and effort. That is also the reason why we are doing it from time to time when finances are available. Me and hubby are quite happy and contented of our little investment.

When dining out, most everyone prefers good food, good service, good drinks, and great fun, as well as a memorable dining experience. There are many great restaurants all over the world that provide just that, but 5 of the best ones are in Europe. Guest restaurant pr contributors from Taylor Herring have compiled a list of the top five, which are found in France, Spain, Great Britain, and Denmark:

El Bulli, Catalonia Spain

This restaurant is operated by head chef, Ferran Adria and has been in existence since 1964. The season at El Bulli is limited to 6 months and reservations are taken for only one day after the restaurant closes for the season. The average season sees about 2 million requests for dining service, but no more than 8,000 reservations are accepted. The average meal costs 250 British pounds. It has led the top 5O list 5 different times.

The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, England

This restaurant is known for its experimentation with dishes and its creation of the unusual. Some of these include snail porridge, sardine on toast sorbet, bacon and egg ice cream, and liquorice poached salmon. It has been around since 1995 and is run by chef Heston Blumenthal.

El Celler de Can Roca, Girona, Catalonia, Spain

This restaurant was the brain child of three brothers, Joan, Josep, and Jordi who built the original next to the family’s traditional restaurant with modern ambience. In 2007, it moved to a new building where the use of natural light and the restaurant’s amazing wine cellar are believed to be what brought it near the top of the restaurant top 50 list.

Noma, Copenhagen, Denmark

This restaurant opened in 2004 and is listed as the world’s top restaurant for 2010, according to Restaurant magazine. The head chef and owner, Rene Redzepi has created a menu of modern Nordic cuisine, including vegetables in edible soil.

Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain

The head chef, Andoni Aduriz served as an apprentice chef at El Bulli. The restaurant itself is just south of town on the hillside. Dining at Mugaritz is considered an experience. Chef Aduriz is known for his ceramic potatoes which are potatoes coated in an edible thin ceramic coat.

If you plan to visit Europe in the future, don’t miss to try any of the famous restaurants above.

There are a few things around your home that might cause issues with radiation. However, most of the radiation that is emitted is actually quite harmless. There are two types of radiation, particle and electromagnetic. Most of the rays that are emitted with household items such as microwaves, cell phones etc. are actually quite insignificant. Modern appliances are not significant sources of harmful radiation.

The health and lifestyles experts of Love Reading came up with the list of these appliances and electronics.

Cell phones

It is true that cell phones emit radiation. The radiation that is emitted by your phone is minimal however there are still suspicions and therefore many people purchase a radiation shield for their cell phone. There are some individuals that are concerned about the link between cell phones and brain tumors, however, this is a causal link that has not been proven yet.

Computers and Laptops

As with cell phones, computers and laptops also emit small amounts of radiation. Using computers up to 10 hours a day at both work and home means that many people are subjected daily to this radiation. Again, a quartz wi-fi shield can be purchased for these which are simple to use and never need replacing.

Microwaves

Microwaves emit particles of non ionizing radiation. This is what cooks your food. However, even if your microwave is a powerful one, the amount of radiation that is emitted is not going to be harmful, in fact the worst it might do is cause a burn.

AM and FM radios

These devices also use radio waves to communicate with the radio towers. However as with cell phones and cordless phones, the amount of radiation emitted is not harmful to the individual. Individuals don’t need to fear leaving their radio on. Radios will not cause radiation poisoning or any sort of similar problem to the individual.

Radon

Radon in the soil is a strong carcinogen in some areas of the country. This may be something that individuals may want to check for in and around their home. Some levels of radon can be toxic, and can cause some sorts of cancers. There are radon detection kits that can help homeowners with the potential of radon in their area.

There are many other sources of household radiation such as sunlight. This is a far greater potential for harm with this, than any modern household appliances. UVA/UVB rays emitted by the sun have potential for damage to the individual.

Some of the most flavorful and tasty foods from Germany are also their most famous. Food and drink pr experts from Taylor Herring have kindly put together the following list of scrumptious German foods that you must try when you visit:

1) Sauerbraten

Sauerbraten is an unusual but delicious dish. Beef, ranging from any cut portion of the animal, is brined in a mixture of vinegar, sugar and spices for a short period of time. This pickling technique makes the meat fork tender after cooking and has a distinct sweet and sour flavor that is served sliced and plated alongside potatoes, vegetables or spetzel. This dish is available in most German restaurants.

2) Bratwurst

Bratwurst, or sausage, is made in a variety of ways. Normally consisting of a mixture of pork, beef or veal, it is fried with onions, bacon or sauerkraut and is part of a very hearty meal. Depending on which area of Germany you travel to, some areas eat Bratwurst on a bun with a topping of mustard and eat it on the go.

3) Spetzel (Spätzle in German spelling)

This is a common and simple dish served along with most meals. Spetzel is made simply out of flour, salt, and water. Special spetzel machine or a colander is used to produce small droplets of wet dough and these droplets are cooked in salted, boiling water. Similar to dumplings, it is served with butter and is a tasty side dish for many foods. It also absorbs flavors so it is a special treat when served with flavorful meats.

4) Pretzels

Any number of hand held treats can round off traditional and famous foods of Germany, but pretzels are a fun and delicious snack you can find at any street vendor. Soft and warm, seasoned or plain, they are great all year round. They are especially tasty on a cold winter day for it is a delicious steaming treat if straight out of the oven.

5) Rye Bread

Breads are known throughout the world as a staple, and in Germany, Rye bread is the leading bread of choice. Loaves can either have caraway seeds or not. The rye seeds produce a mild flavor similar to liquorice, which is very subtle. Rye bread is served on the dining table as a traditional appetizer or used with meals.

I am wondering if famous restaurants in Germany are serving foods using antique silverware. Any idea out there? If not I have to browse the internet for it.

After two years of not giving us fruits, the cherry tree in our garden finally bear some fruits this year. I thought we will never have some this year because a lot were frozen during the cold days last April. I am happy to get some cherries this year. It is not really that plenty but at least I have some bites from it. There is only one problem, the ones on the very top of the cherry tree are unreachable. I guess they are rotten now.

Here are some cherries I harvested last week. Some are still not so red but they are already sweet. I was very sad because this cherry will be cut this coming autumn season. We are currently building a terrace and garage near it. Hubby is afraid that the walls of the terrace might get broken if we will not cut the tree. I am planning to plant another one anytime soon.

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF CHERRY

Cherries contain anthocyanins, the red pigment in berries. Cherry anthocyanins have been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in rats. Anthocyanins are also potent antioxidants under active research for a variety of potential health benefits. According to a study funded by the Cherry Marketing Institute presented at the Experimental Biology 2008 meeting in San Diego, rats that received whole tart cherry powder mixed into a high-fat diet did not gain as much weight or build up as much body fat, and their blood showed much lower levels of inflammation indicators that have been linked to heart disease and diabetes. In addition, they had significantly lower blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides than the other rats. more about cherries here

For most diet-conscious individuals, purchasing organic food has become a regular habit. It is a form of a healthy lifestyle in which everyone always wanted. Most of the times organic food cost more and add punch to your final grocery bill. Despite of that many individuals are still buying organic vegetables, fruits and meat because of its advantage especially for our health. How would you love to prepare and to cook organic menus in your kitchen starting today?

a farmer’s market in Wiesbaden, Germany. I was there!

By the way, special thanks to my friend who gave me a beautiful table linen. I love it! I finally have a new one for our dining table.

Here are the 5 advantages of organic food.

Nutritional value

Fresh organic food has undoubtedly superior nutritional benefits when eaten fresh and prepared properly. Raw food dishes, juicing and salads are greatly enhanced when organic ingredients are exclusively used.

Quality

Food items that have not been overly processed and exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation naturally have less toxins and therefore allow the body to absorb more nutrients. Any food labeled as “organic” has to be approved by a rigorous set of Federal standards.

Perishability

If fresh organic food is properly stored it can retain its nutritional value for a long time, such as carrots or potatoes stored in straw in the cellar over the winter. Highly perishable fruits and vegetables can be juiced, pureed or preserved for later use.

Cost

Although organic food has traditionally cost more than those using pesticides and herbicides in their cultivation, the price is becoming more competitive as demand has grown. Cost conscious organic consumers frequently attend local farmers’ markets or go directly to their area supplier where they can purchase organic foods that quantities for a discount.

Availability

Many organic foods are governed by the seasons, and consumers traditionally purchase quantities when they are available and store them for later use by preserving, pickling or salting. The spread of organic practices around the world have helped correct this problem sœurs popular items can be shipped in from areas they grow year-round. Personal organic gardens may yield enough produce to share with friends, neighbors and family members.

This is a health info from our friends at The Knightbridge Laser Clinic.

Here is a very good tip especially for women who have oily skin.

Health and Beauty Tip

If you feel like your skin is too oily and you need toner, apply it to the T-zone, then rinse it off. Leaving it can make your skin too dry. Every three days or so, you can also use a clay mask to absorb excess oil.

Going on a timeshare vacation is serious decision that should be well researched. A timeshare can potentially be the best vacation ever, however if you are planning on becoming an owner you may want to just rent. Renting a timeshare provides all of the great luxuries that a timeshare has to offer without the costs and obligations of ownership. And if you simply rent you will not end up stuck trying to sell timeshares on the resale market.

Before you plan out a timeshare vacation check to make sure that you know what you are getting into. Some timeshares will rope you into an endless contract and charge you for just about everything at the unit. However, if you rent you will escape these obligations and be able to enjoy your timeshare vacation where and when you want to. Getting into timeshare ownership can have you searching for ways to cancel your timeshare contract right away.

And if you already do own a timeshare you may want to consider ways that you can get out of your contract. Most timeshares are made in an iron clad way in which the signer has little to no options for cancellation. A lot of timeshare owners have found themselves in hot water when they realize they cannot afford their timeshare and have no idea how to get out of the contract. That is why there are timeshare relief companies like Transfer America that assist timeshare owners in getting out of their timeshare contracts once and for all.

Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative disorder of the human brain. It rarely arises before the age of 40, but afflicts more than 1% of people over 60 and 4% of people over 80. The most obvious symptoms are movement-related, including shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement and difficulty with walking gait. Cognitive, sensory, sleep and emotional problems may also occur, especially in the later stages. The most noticeable symptoms are brought about by the death of brain cells that produce the chemical dopamine. Some cases are caused by genetic factors, but for most cases the causes are not known. Diagnosis is based on assessment of symptoms. In spite of extensive scientific research, no cure has yet been found. Modern treatments are effective at managing the early motor symptoms of the disease, mainly through the use of levodopa and dopamine agonists. In the later stages, however, these treatments gradually lose their effectiveness. The disease is named after British apothecary James Parkinson, and his birthday, April 11, has been designated Parkinson’s Disease Day. credit