Simple Doughnuts Recipe

 

Images from Google

Who loves doughnuts? I am! Actually we can prepare it at home. For sure, homemade doughnuts is made with love and it will taste better =)

Ingredients 

Active yeast (2 pkg)
Lukewarm water (1 cup)
Sugar (3 tsp)
Egg (1)
Melted Butter (1/3 cup)

Vanilla (1 tsp)
Salt (1 tsp)
All purpose Flour (2 1/2 cups)
Cooking oil (for frying)


How to prepare:

1) Take one bowl and mix yeast with warm water and sugar. Mix everything wee until the mixture start to foam / bubbles.
2) Add an egg, melted butter, vanilla, salt and flour into the mixture.
3) Mix all together to form dough. Knead the dough and form it into ball shape.

 
4) Roll the dough out and cut out donuts according to your favorite shape
5) Put it aside to allow it to rise for 30 minutes on floured surface.
5) When the doughnut dough already rise and looks nice, fry in oil until golden brown.
6) Coat in sugar or any of your favorite topping. Can also dip in chocolate.

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Brownie in Mug

 

Photo from Google

 

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup of multi-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar 
• 1/4 cup of milk
• Pinch of salt
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Chocolate chips
• Mug  

 
Directions

• Add in flour, brown sugar, salt and cocoa powder into a mug. 
• Add the butter and milk.
• Stir everything to make sure it mixed well. Mix the chocolate chips in the batter.
• Put in the oven for 60 to 90 seconds. (Be careful not too overcooked the brownies)
• Enjoy your brownies =) -- Add on ice cream on top for better taste.
  
  

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Easy Ways to Relieve Stress Naturally

Stress is a person's response to a stressor such as an environmental condition or a stimulus. Stress is a body's method of reacting to a challenge. According to the stressful event, the body's way to respond to stress is by sympathetic nervous system activation which results in the fight-or-flight response. Stress typically describes a negative condition or a positive condition that can have an impact on a person's mental and physical well-being.

Anything that poses a challenge or a threat to our well-being is a stress. Some stresses get you going and they are good for you - without any stress at all many say our lives would be boring and would probably feel pointless. However, when the stresses undermine both our mental and physical health they are bad.

                                    

Let’s see what we can do to reduce our stress level. Or in other words is how to control or manage your stress.

1. Passionflower

Passionflower is used for sleep problems (insomnia), gastrointestinal (GI) upset related to anxiety or nervousness, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Passionflower is also used for seizures, hysteria, asthma, symptoms of menopause, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness and excitability, palpitations, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, and pain relief.

It is believed that passionflower works by increasing levels of a chemical called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This lowers the activity of some brain cells, making you feel more relaxed. Passionflower is available in a variety of forms, including infusions, teas, liquid extracts and tinctures.

Passionflower tea can be made by infusing 1 tablespoon of dried herbs in 1 cup boiling water. Let the mixture steep for about 10 minutes. Drink the tea near bedtime to induce restful sleep. More typically, we have patients use two droppers-full (about 50 drops) of tincture in warm water as a tea before bed. For people who are very anxious, they can take 25 drops as needed, and they may find it a reasonable substitute for Xanax and other anti-anxiety medications.

2. Massage

Everybody loves a massage. But did you know that it’s been used as a stress reliever for thousands of years? Historically, the Chinese used massage to open blocked energy channels in order to improve health and Hippocrates, the “father of western medicine,” used friction for physical healing treatments. Today, we use massage to relax tense muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation, which can all do wonders for the mind.

3. Meditation

Meditation, or mindfulness, only takes 15 to 30 minutes a day, which is possible even in a packed schedule. It’s also incredibly affordable, considering the only tool you need is your own mind. Just give yourself some silent time to let your thoughts run free or just focus on your breathing. That small amount of peace in your day can help you deal with or even release stress.

4. Exercise

Whether it’s yoga, Tai Chi or running, exercise works much in the same way as meditation because it gives you the time to be alone with your thoughts (or an opportunity to let them go). However, exercise also has the added benefit of releasing endorphins into the brain, which improves your mood. It also prevents obesity and other health problems, giving you less to be stressed about.

5. Organize your life

Organization offers a sense of control and peace of mind, and there’s a number of ways you can improve in this regard. If you’re the kind of person who’s always running around, it can help to make lists so that you remember everything. If you’re the kind of person who feels edgy in their own house, tidy up. Studies have shown the mere sight of clutter can put us on edge.

6. Eat healthy

It’s actually been proven that junk food can make us depressed (not to mention fat) so clean up your diet. Healthy foods like whole grains and protein can improve your mood and give you long-lasting energy to tackle everything that comes your way during the day. Foods that are especially effective for stress-busting include blueberries, salmon and almonds, according to scientists.

Also, put down that extra cup of coffee. While studies have shown that some coffee during the day can offer health benefits, too much caffeine will make you jittery and anxious, and eventually lead to a crash.

7. Limit Internet and Smartphone use

Disconnect, disconnect, disconnect. Part of the problem with reducing stress in today’s world is that we are never truly able to shield ourselves from it. By turning away from the Internet and shutting off our Smartphone, we can at least block some of the channels from which stress can reach us. Doing this also allows us to live in the moment and appreciate it.

It is particularly important to cut off electronic use before sleep, which can cut down on insomnia-related problems.

8. B Vitamins

B vitamins are known to promote proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, as well as help induce relaxation and fight fatigue. In fact, indicators of B deficiency include irritability, depression and apathy, so to stave off those symptoms, increase your intake of foods rich in B vitamins. B vitamins are typically found in the germ and bran of cereal grains, as well as beans, peas, nuts, liver, eggs and dairy products.

9. Aromatherapy

In some cases, inhaling certain scents has been shown to have immediate stress relief effects by raising mood, reducing anxiety and aiding focus and concentration. Experts say it’s because the smells can stimulate the limbic system, which in turn releases chemicals that affect the brain, promoting feelings of relaxation, calmness, love and excitement. Popular oils for stress relief and mental fatigue include lavender, cypress and rosemary.

10. Sleep

Sleep is the most important natural stress reducer of them all. Too little sleep leaves us cranky, irritable and on edge. Too much sleep can leave us sluggish and depressed. Try to find the right balance that allows you to feel well-rested and ready for the day. Promote better sleep by establishing bedtime rituals that signal to your brain that it’s time to fall asleep, avoid exercise in the three hours before sleep or take a warm bath. Certain foods can also promote sleep, such as carbohydrates, bananas, peanuts, figs, dairy and - of course, a certain holiday favorite - turkey. These foods all contain tryptophans, a precursor for creating melatonin. However, avoid having a large meal close to bedtime, because it may result in indigestion, reflux or heartburn.

Sources : http://www.foxnews.com/

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42 Interesting Facts about Kissing

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Facts About Water

Water is very important for life. We need water to drink, to wash our hands, to cook, to water plants and many other things. 

Lets look the facts about water that we don't know.

• 884 million people in the world lack access to safe water supplies. 

• 3.5 million people die each year from water-related disease. 

• Almost 2 out of 3 people who need safe drinking water survive on less than $2 a day.

• In many developing countries, women and girls walk on average over 3.5 miles each day to fetch water. Women often spend more than 15 hours per week gathering water. Providing access to clean water close to home can dramatically reduce a women’s workload, and free up time for educating her children and increasing her economic opportunities. 

• Every 20 seconds, a child dies from a water-related disease. 

• Diarrhea is the second leading cause of child death in the world today, and the top cause of child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. This diarrhea is caused by poor sanitation, hygiene, or dirty drinking water. 

• More than half of all primary schools in developing countries do not have adequate water facilities and nearly 2/3 lack adequate sanitation. Water and sanitation programs in schools significantly reduce disease, increase student attendance and learning achievement, and contribute to gender equality. 

• Clean water is one aspect of improving sustainable food production in order to reduce poverty and hunger. 

• More than 80% of sewage in developing countries is discharged untreated, polluting rivers, lakes and coastal areas. 

• By 2025, the proportion of the world’s population living in water-stressed countries is set to increase by two thirds. 

• Every $1 spent on water and sanitation generates $8 as a result of saved time, increased productivity and reduced health care costs. 

Sources: Facts provided by ONE Campaign.

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6 Reasons Why Coffee is Good For You

 

 


1. High in Antioxidants

Many people probably don’t realize coffee is one of the highest sources of antioxidants. This tasty drink contains quinones — an antioxidant that can help lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and aid in tissue repair. But not only that, this clever compound can also help give your immune system an extra boost. As the cold and flu season comes into full swing, this added benefit may just be your best line of defense.


2. Anti-aging Properties

Coffee has become quite the anti-aging cure-all. The grounds can be used topically to refresh your skin and also to help reduce cellulite. But don’t worry, you can get anti-aging benefits from drinking java as well. Due to its high antioxidant content, coffee is a great weapon for fighting against wrinkles.

3. Prevents Parkinson’s Disease
Another great reason to reach for that cup of joe is that regularly consuming the drink can significantly delay the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Those who drink more than four cups of coffee a day have an 80 percent less chance of developing the disease in the first place. This added health benefit can also be of aid for those who are already diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, calming muscle tremors and restoring motor function. This discovery is a great reason to keep coffee in your diet.

4. Encourages Weight Loss

If you’re looking to lose weight or are just watching your waistline during the holidays, reach for a cup of coffee. Not only does coffee increase your metabolism, but it also curbs your appetite, making you less likely to give in to your favorite sweet treat. Just be sure to take it easy on the cream and sugar, as those calories can add up fast.

5. Helps Fight Depression

As the weather begins to change, many people find themselves suffering from the winter blues. But the good news is coffee may help. Caffeine not only gives your body a jolt, but it also acts a mild anti-depressant, boosting certain neurotransmitters in your brain responsible for happiness.

6. Prevents Colon Cancer

Another great benefit to drinking coffee is it cuts the risk of colon cancer by nearly 25 percent. More than just rich in flavor, coffee has over 1,000 compounds that can potentially reduce the chance for developing colon cancer. The regular consumption of coffee has also been linked to lower rates of rectal cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, and more.

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Simple & Delicious Pancakes

Pancakes are a type of flat bread, not necessarily sweetened, enjoyed by cultures around the world. Pancake recipes vary, but all have the same basic ingredients of flour, eggs and milk. Some countries, like the United States and Canada, serve pancakes for breakfast while others, such as the European regions, serve pancakes as desserts or even side dishes. They are eaten plain, with butter, sprinkled with powdered sugar or filled with pastry, fruit or cheese. Whatever the tradition, pancakes are a truly universal and enjoyable dish.

 Picture from Google

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 grams)
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3 eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 Tbsp melted butter (plus more butter for cooking)
• High-heat vegetable oil (like canola or safflower) for cooking

Preparation:

1. Pre-heat your griddle to 375° or heat a nonstick sauté pan or skillet over medium heat.


2. Pre-heat oven to 200°F.


3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.


4. Beat the eggs thoroughly. Add the eggs, melted butter and half the milk to the dry ingredients and mix gently until combined. Now stir in the remaining milk until the batter is the desired consistency. Don't overmix!


5. Melt butter on the griddle or pan. It should foam and sizzle. Drop a tiny bit of cooking oil onto the griddle and blend it with the butter.


6. Now, for each pancake, ladle ¼ cup of batter onto the griddle or pan.


7. Cook until the tops of the pancakes are full of bubbles and the bottoms are golden brown.


8. Flip the pancakes and cook until the tops are golden brown, then either serve right away or transfer to the oven to keep warm.

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