Happiness is...

from simple pleasures. Really, they just found this out? It should not be rocket science. It's always going back to the basic and the old age way of life.

According to the survey, these are the top 30 boosters - finding things that you value in your pockets (like dodger stadium cufflinks) that you didn't expect is always a big pleasure .

TOP 30 HAPPINESS BOOSTERS
1. Finding a $10 note in an old pair of jeans
2. Going on holiday
3. Getting into bed with freshly washed sheets
4. Swimming in the sea
5. Waking up on a sunny day
6. Sitting in the sun
7. Being surprised with a gift or flowers
8. Getting a nice message from a loved one
9. Cuddles
10. Receiving a thank-you card in the post
11. Seeing an elderly couple holding hands
12. Driving a car with the window down on a sunny day
13. Winning a $10 prize on the lottery
14. Booking a holiday
15. Hearing your favourite song
16. Finding a bargain
17. Seeing an old friend
18. A picnic in the park
19. Getting a promotion
20. A romantic night out
21. A song that reminds you of your past
22. Looking at old photos
23. Making a new friend
24. Having a quiet moment to yourself
25. Walks in the country
26. Hearing a baby laugh
27. A girls'/boys' night out
28. Waking up on a Saturday morning and realising it's the weekend
29. Chocolate
30. Eating cake

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/simple-ways-to-get-the-good-life-in-2012/story-e6frfkp9-1226233341745#ixzz1i7PcfVQr

I reckon, not centering ones life in material things can give one instant boost.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Stress Free Christmas

It's not like everyone would be stressed. Like me, I can't be bothered with all the commercialism of this season. I buy gift when I see things that I'm sure people that I know will like or appreciate them, no need for the occasion as a reason.

Anyway, if you're stressed juggling work, shopping, party, family... take some time to meditate. Five minutes of it will do wonders. I'm not one to meditate, as a matter of fact, I remember doing it when I was in retreat. But it doesn't seem to be that hard. I might just to do it. Twice daily is attainable, just less time watching download from YouTube.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Food Glorious Food

That's what most people love in Christmas. On top of being with family and friends of course. In the news today, some people consider it their most important meal of the year not to mention the most expensive, the Christmas lunch. It's also the time when people splurge and binge intentionally. Food is actually tastier when shared around, I reckon.

Oh, the pressies are in between here and there of course. Some would get zamberlan boots, jewellery, electronic gadgets, etc. We as a family get a lot. That I am thankful for. The whole year has been just full of blessings, I couldn't ask for anything.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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All I Want for Christmas...

..is none. I already have what my heart wished for. But then, those coupons for walmart are big help if you haven't done your Christmas shopping and if there's Walmart in your area. Sadly, there's none in Down Under. I'm familiar with coupons as I have used some and saved. So now is the right time to use these coupons to the max and enjoy the opportunities. Though from the b+s list of pressies, this caught my attention. I wouldn't mind some pampering products. Really.

b+s loves…

This set of beauty goodies is spiked with peppercorn oil, pink pepper extract and spicy cardamom and ginger, which is said to reenergise sluggish skin. Either way, it’s a gorgeous way to perk up our bathroom and our senses!

Molton Brown Refraction gift set, $99. Available from selected David Jones stores or phone (02) 9150 0590 for stockists.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Red Nore..

..reindeer?

When we get to a certain age, the magnifying mirror becomes the beauty tool we love to loathe. It saves us from smudging our eyeliner, but it also amplifies some facial details that perhaps we’d rather not scrutinise up close. Like the skin on our nose. It changes over time. The pores get bigger, the texture more rough and inflamed. And have you got those tiny broken capillaries around your nose? Yeah, me too. I’ve had my suspicions about what causes this (in a word: booze) but I wanted to get the experts’ take to find out what we can do about it.

Enlarged, visible pores may simply be the result of a build-up of sebum (or oil), which regular extractions by a facialist’s nimble fingers should resolve. But the main culprit behind the thickening and reddening of the skin, it turns out, is rosacea – a sensitised dermal condition that causes flushing all over the face. (Read up more about it in our rosacea fact sheet.)



“There is a subset of rosacea that seems to affect the nose and not much else,” says dermatologist Dr. Chris Kearney from Sydney Specialist Dermatology. “There’s something about that area that it likes to come to.”



Years of sun exposure can also change the nose skin’s appearance, of course. Add in the fact that around 15 per cent of the Australian population is affected by rosacea to some degree, and that hormonal changes also play a role and you’ve got an ageing trend. Which I’m now calling “nosacea.”

Now, hopefully I don't get this in the future. It was said that people with oily skin get this but if under control, they age slowly. So there, oily skin is not always that bad except if your hormones are on overdrive. So take a break and maybe join the roadside assistance club because there's still rainbow behind the storm of acnea and shiny face.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Big Events Coming Up

The halloween has just passed. And there are more bigger holidays coming up. I want to get into the spirit but it is hard when you are not that kind of person. But we have so many things to celebrate and thankful for this year that when I get a breather, I'll surely get into it full blown.

I want to put a big tree this christmas - oh not just then but by the start of December so we can enjoy it more. I also want to get into my Christmas shopping early and avail some of those coupons which are already available when you click here. Certainly, there are so many things to get excited about and be busy.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Beneficial Foods

This is from the body and soul.com.au.

Glowing skin

We've all heard that vitamin C can keep the sniffles at bay. However, scientists have uncovered a new role vitamin C plays in protecting the skin. A natural part of the ageing process is a decrease in collagen and elastin fibres of the skin. Yet according to researchers at the University of Leicester, vitamin C, can not only "mop up" free radical damage (oxygen fragments that attack and damage collagen cells), but can help remove the DNA damage they form. Since the body cannot store vitamin C, we need to top up levels with our diet. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi fruit and vegetables such as capsicum, tomatoes, broccoli and sprouts.

Beat acne

It's often believed that eating greasy food or chocolate can cause the skin to breakout. Recent research, now suggests the root cause of acne could lie in the consumption of typically high-GI sugary foods. A study conducted at RMIT University in Victoria followed two groups of teenage boys for 12 weeks. One group ate low-GI, high protein foods, compared to the other, who ate a diet consisting of white bread, potatoes, and sugary drinks and snacks. The researchers found the sugar overload caused a rapid release in insulin, triggering the over production of skin cells, leading to acne. To keep breakouts at bay, keep blood sugar levels stable by eating a diet high in fresh fruit and vegetables, unprocessed grains, low-fat yoghurt, nuts and legumes.

Vitamin c rich foods do not only help boost our immune system, it also give glow to our skin. That plus healthy eyelash growth, will surely look one gorgeous or dashing. So, load up the shopping trolley of those citrus and high fibre good.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Having Healthy and Active Kids

Leading by example

If you want to improve your children's health, check you own health first. Look at your habits and how they are educating your kids. Make sure you eat all your vegetables and tell your kids about how great you feel and how good it tastes. This information will slowly have an effect over the years.

Eat as a family as often as possible

A recent US study found that children and teens who share meals with their families at least three times a week were less likely to be overweight, eat unhealthy foods or be at risk of eating disorders.

Work with your child about food

Give them healthy foods to choose from. By giving them a choice, you show understanding, compassion and respect for their likes. They will be much more inclined to try new things if they know they are not being forced.

Positively reinforce healthy eating habits

Kids love to be encouraged, supported and told how well they are doing. Telling them they're "not leaving the table until you eat your veggies" or offering a sweet reward for eating healthy food, are bad habits to get into.

There are many tips out there that helps us to raise healthy and active kids. They're all helpful but I suppose one has to be very consistent which is not part of our routine. I admit that we play it by ear or we rely on our instincts. Although, I am sure most parents are after of their kids well being and how are they going to turn up ias adults (maybe one of those raleigh nc lawyers?)? Regardless, parenting is always unique just like each one of us.

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Perfect Exercise

.. for me, that is. This is from body and soul website. This is what I truly need. I don't get enough exercise although I consider my doing the house chores enough exercise but apparently not. There are so many things that I have put-off including some Dental Jobs on my peggies that I am hoping to find time while overseas.

Start your day with a good stretch

Our muscles and the tissues that surround them need to breathe daily, so commit to starting your morning with a simple stretch. Just 10 minutes each morning will help you release tension and start the day feeling invigorated.

"Try some hamstring, lower-back and shoulder stretches that can be done on the bus, in front of the TV, after a workout or at the office," Kelly says. "If you can't motivate yourself, find a local yoga class."

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It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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Yummy Mummy

are you?

Here are some tips from Christie Nicholas:

HIRE a house cleaner if they can afford it.

ASK for help if they need it.

DO something that makes them feel sexy.

EXERCISE regularly.

ACKNOWLEDGE their emotions.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/health-and-happiness-is-in-your-hands-author-tell-smums/story-e6frfkvr-1226144532383#ixzz1Yxnb76bb

I'd say healthy mummy has less pressure and more achievable. On the other hand, I believe that it really depends on the person. One doesn't have to a Mum to be a slouch or it's not only women without kids that should look babe (yeah, that's what Mcj calls me). Being a mum makes one really full-on busy including getting away from electronic pickpocketing in crowded places. But supermums can do them. Really, they dont need exercise as the every day tasks are enough to keep them fit.

*****

It's All About What's In Down Under | Permanence in Change | I Am A Shoeaholic | A Juggling Act | Healthy Living | The Life of a Tatapilla | What's reel and real?

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