Budget-Friendly Christmas Gift Ideas

           A few more weeks to go and here comes the season of love and gift giving. It's always best to plan ahead and think of thoughtful gifts that won't hurt your pocket. Make a list of  persons you intend to give a gift. Allocate a budget as to how much would you be spending for these gifts. Check out gift items displayed in malls, bazars and even in online shops and take note of those that fit your budget.

          Here are some gift ideas that may express thoughtfulness without ripping your purse. 

1. Jam and Fruit Preserves

           Bottled jams, jellies and fruit preserves abound in gift markets and bazars during this season. Fruit preserves like peaches, mandarin oranges make a good gift, too. They also come in varieties like organic and less sugar. Some stores offer these goodies already wrapped or their bottles decorated  and ready to be given away. Don't forget to check the shelf life though. You do not want it unfit for consumption come Christmas time.   

Caring for your Child's Teeth

      For kids, Halloween is a time for dressing up in scary costumes, amassing lots of sweets enough to last for a month. As for moms, this should be a time too for reinforcing that daily reminder of brushing the teeth. However, are we really on the right track on caring for our kids oral health? How soon should we care for our child's mouth?
   
      Experts recommend that oral care should begin even before the eruption of the first tooth.
Babies' gums and tongue should be wiped with wet wash cloth or a soft gum brush after every feeding. When the babies began teething, soft and short bristled toothbrush suitable for infants with fluoride-free toothpaste may be used. The choice of a fluoride-free toothpaste is of importance for babies and toddlers due to their poor swallow reflex. Most toddlers too at this stage cannot gargle or completely rinse their mouth when brushing.

Cancer Prevention Through Crucifers

Cells

         There are many things around us that put us at risk to cancer:  tobacco use, certain infections, radiation, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, environmental pollutants. The cell is the fundamental structure of  living organisms. Cancer per se before it can manifest and produce harm to the body begins as abnormally developing cells. Cancer is a complex disease characterized by out of control cell growth.
          Most researches about cancer today are centered on its cure and prevention. One food group has been one of the focuses of these studies - the cruciferous vegetables, as they have been found rich in cancer preventing nutrients. Cruciferous vegetables are rich in several carotenoids ( beta carotene, lutein, xeaxanthin), vitamins C. E and K, folate, minerals and fiber. The cruciferous veggies are as follows:

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie

        Ask cookie lovers which cookie is their favorite and chocolate chip cookie surely if not on top, would always be on the list.
       Here is a chocolate chip cookie recipe made healthier by using whole wheat flour. More people are getting aware of the health benefits that can be derived from eating whole wheat. Whole wheat is a good source of vitamins, minerals and soluble fibre. It can prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease and cellular free radical damage. A healthy grain as it is contained in every munch of chocolate chip cookie. 

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cookie

    1/2 cup margarine

   1/3 cup oil ( canola,vegetable or grape seed oil)

   3/4 cup splenda

   3/4 cup brown sugar

 Cream the ingredients together on mixer at low speed.

The Trends at Charles & Keith

        The latest trend in ladies' shoes still range from flats to sky high heels. While being said as out moded by  celebrity stylists, low and mid heeled shoes are still very much seen in stores and are patronized by most working women.
       Here are the best buys and season's trends at Charles & Keith.

Colored Flats
     Bright colored flats abound shoe stores since it is the dictum of this years summer/spring trend. Charles & Keith keep up with the trend but stick with cool pastel shades.
     Luxe Play Ballerina Flats. A ballerina flat in cool shades of yellow, mint and beige with folded leather accent giving it a vibrant appeal. Great to wear with shorts, capri pants and skinny jeans.
     Sweet Pastel Ballerina Flats .  A fresh and laid back take on a ballerina flat in sweet shades of blue, pink and off white.
     Joy Flair Ballerina Flats. A tri-colored flat shoes that can complement color block outfits.