Insomnia remedy- Philip Stein’s sleep watches

A week ago, I chanced upon a newspaper clipping on URBAN which had a short feature of Will Stein, who is the owner of Philip Stein, a renowned company which carries an extensive collection of watches. In the interview, Will Stein mentioned that he wears a watch which uses natural frequency technology to aid his sleep. I was intrigued by such a technology and decided to go find out more about it since I am in the pursuit for solutions to help people sleep better.  

In 2002, Philip Stein developed a watch which uses frequency-based technology incorporated into its luxurious watches. Within a year of the official launch, the company was overwhelmed by testimonials- better sleep, less tension, improved concentration and improved overall wellbeing. There was even an endorsement by media giant Oprah Winfrey who featured the watch on the show.

The interesting thing is that in 2009, Philip Stein commissioned NeuroTrials Research, an independent clinical trials organization, to conduct a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study. The results were positive and most people could sleep better. This page is where you can find the results of the clinical test.

It’s interesting how the natural frequency from the watch can resonate with the human’s electromagnetic field to help with sound restful sleep. Such findings have also raised skepticism among insomniacs who will baulk at the idea of spending a minimum of $1000 to own such watches.

In my opinion, such health related products should work to a certain extent if not people will not be won over by it. However, it may not work for everyone. An individual who is stressed and having sleep disorders should take note of other factors which are also equally as important.

Do you know anyone who wears watches of such technology? Leave a comment!

Read also: Sleep routines that HELP you sleep better

                  Sleeplessness: How does it affect you?

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How to Lower Blood Pressure Quickly and Naturally: Healthy Diet and Home Remedies

Elevated level of blood pressure, also referred to as hypertension is a condition which is characterized by blood pressure measurements in the excess of the normal allowable limits of 120/80 mm Hg. Also referred to as the silent killer, elevated blood pressure levels can result in a wide range of complications organ damage and circulatory problems. Hypertension if not treated promptly can result in even in premature death. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to lower blood pressure levels. Diet, Homeopathy and Exercise Regimen help in promptly lower blood pressure levels.

Diet can help control
blood pressure

How to Lower Blood Pressure Quickly and Naturally: Healthy Diet Suggestions

Though in most cases hypertension may be symptomless, occasionally it may be associated with headaches along with ringing in the ears. Nausea and vomiting may also be experienced by some individuals. Here are some diet suggestions,

• Studies have shown that elevated blood pressure is closely linked with obesity. Overweight individuals are at higher risk of developing hypertension. Following dietary guidelines to lose weight can be beneficial in lower blood pressure quickly. Restrict your intake of unhealthy fats, processed and refined foods. Alternatively increase the intake of natural and organic fruits and vegetables along with whole grains.
• Reducing sodium content in food is the foremost dietary recommendation. The recommended dietary intake of sodium is about 5 grams per day, but estimates suggest an average human consumes up to 15 grams of sodium each day. Reducing sodium in your diet can help lower blood pressure.
• Increase the consumption of foods rich in calcium and magnesium. Recommended foods include low fat milk and milk products, dark green vegetables, nuts and seeds, etc. Studies have shown that calcium can aid in reducing blood pressure, while magnesium improves the absorption of calcium in diet.



Celery helps lower Blood
Pressure Naturally

• Celery acts as a strong diuretic. Intake of celery helps flush out excess of fluids in the body, which are considered to contribute towards lowering blood pressure naturally.

How to Lower Blood Pressure Immediately / Instantly: Homeopathy

Diet is considered beneficial in management of hypertension; however homeopathic drugs have been known to aid in controlling blood pressure promptly. Some of the commonly recommended homeopathic drugs to lower blood pressure immediately include Nux Vomica and Sepia which should be taken in low potency repeated three times a day.

Biochemic drugs like Kali Phos and Ferrum Phos, taken four times a day have also shown useful results of lowering blood pressure instantly.

 Lower Blood Pressure: Natural and Home Remedies

 In addition to the above mentioned treatment regimen, there are certain other home remedies and natural supplements that can be beneficial in reducing blood pressure promptly. 

• In a recent preliminary research study conducted on seventeen people suffering from hypertension, intravenous injection of Vitamin C resulted in widening of the blood vessels which helped lower blood pressure naturally. Though more research is required in this domain, benefits of vitamin C to lower blood pressure cant be underestimated
• Coenzyme Q10 is another supplement which is considered to be useful to lower blood pressure. As per a study, about one third of all individuals with hypertension, suffer from a deficiency of Coenzyme Q10
• Amino Acid supplements including Taurine and Arginine are useful in lowering blood pressure. Taurine is believed to normalize nervous activity while Arginine helps widen blood vessels and thereby contribute towards lower blood pressure
• Essential fatty acids also aid in improving blood circulation and help lower blood pressure. Good sources of EFA include Flax seeds or Fish oils. 

Some Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia is not a disease, but it is a phenomenon which has various causes, such as emotional disorders, physical disorders and drug use. Difficulty sleeping is common, both in young and elderly, and often occur in conjunction with emotional disorders like anxiety, restlessness, depression or fear. Sometimes a person difficult to sleep just because the body and brain is not tired.

Some Causes of Insomnia

With increasing age, sleep tends to decrease. Stages of sleep also change, stage 4 which became shorter and eventually disappear, and at all stages more awake. These changes, although normal, often makes parents think that they are not getting enough sleep. Patterns in the early morning wake up more often found in old age. Some people fall asleep normally but wake up several hours later and it is difficult to fall asleep again.

Sometimes they sleep in a state of restless sleep and was not satisfied. Built in the early morning, at any age, is a sign of depression. The person may experience disturbed sleep patterns are reversed sleep rhythm, they are not asleep at bedtime and wake up at bedtime.

This often occurs as a result of:

1. Jet lag (especially if traveling from east to west).
2. Working at night.
3. Frequently changing work hours.
4. Excessive alcohol use.
5. Drug side effects (sometimes).
6. Damage to the brain (due to encephalitis, stroke, Alzheimer's disease).

hello

hello

Oh my Goth!

The fall is here and black is back from never going away. Much is change, but many things are still the same. Everyone needs some security to hold on to.

With this post I wanted to talk about the Goth issue. Many of you have probably noticed that the Goth image is more popular than ever right now. Fragile girls and boys wearing black torn clothes, adorned with crusifixes are a popular fenomenon. Today they're called nu-goth. Ok, so people love labels, and just plain 'Goth' not being enough, they decided to freshen it up. As fresh and 'new' as it may be, it get's a bit confusing for people who actually know something about the subculture. Don't get me wrong, I'm only happy to see these creatures on my computer screen, name or no name. I, myself, was never a fan of labels and I  refuse to categorize myself under any of them. If you really want to push me in box, you can call me alternative, I will not go further. I like too many different styles of music and dressing to fit into any category. I just have the freedom to be myself, every day, without feeling limited. And hope you do the same.

I do, definitely have a dark side, as I was always a lover of the macabre. So, this is another reflection of it.

Imagine, the woods, a hill with a small chapel on top, before it Jesus on the cross. Sounds like a beginning of a horror movie. But it isn't. The place looks just like I described it, and we pass it almost every weekend on our way home. It's mesmerizing, calm and peaceful. I wanted to shoot there for a long time and finally the moment has come. The outfit was just right. A little nostalgic, a little dark. 

I wanted to take my new dress from Forever 21 out. I looked for a perfect polka dot dress for ages. Combined with a little retro hairdo, and round sunglasses added a little edge to it, but still stayed romantic.

I'm happy with how the pictures turned out. The moment was just right, it was not too sunny or clouded, the forest was empty and still green. It was so calm and quiet. For a moment I just felt free of the daily world, routine and business of life. A place like this is kind of a sacred ground for me. It may be a surprise, but I'm religious. Only I don't discuss this part of my life, as it is considered private to me. 

Some day, I'll return there, for some new pictures, or just to take a walk.

I wore: Forever 21dress, Primark tights, H&M bag, Vintage sunglasses, Vecona brooch. 

Good Fats Vs Bad Fats: Foods and Diet for Healthy Fat Consumption

Lifestyle experts and nutritionist often warn their patients to limit the intake of fats in their diet. It is however essential to remember that not all fats are unhealthy and that fats are an important source of energy in our diet. Further fats play a essential role in absorption of certain vitamins and nutrients, which are otherwise not available in other foods. Consuming the right foods and limiting the intake of unhealthy fats can prevent a host of lifestyle disorders including obesity, cardiac ailments, hypertension and diabetes.

What is good fat? Are Fats Important?
Fats are an important part of our diet and are necessary to ensure a balanced diet. Fats play a crucial role in absorption of certain essential nutrients, aid in transmission of nerve impulses and contribute in maintaining the integrity of the cellular membrane. Fats are also the most potent source of energy and protect the body against cold and trauma by acting as an insulator.

Though fats in general are essential and beneficial for general health and wellbeing, excessive consumption of fats is associated with obesity and overweight. Further, a diet high in unhealthy fats can also increase the risk of development of cardiovascular disorders and atherosclerosis, hypertension and stroke. Studies have also shown that high levels of fat are associated with increased risk of development of cancer.

Not all fats however are unhealthy and harmful for the body. Consumption of fats, with the primary objective of providing for the body’s energy need and supply of fat soluble vitamins is imperative. It is therefore vital to differentiate between good and bad fats.

Nuts are a great source of
MUFA/ Good Fats

Good Fat: Food and Diet Sources of Healthy Fats
Monounsaturated fats are considered to be good fats. These fats help to reduce the levels of serum cholesterol while boosting the levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), which are considered to be ‘good cholesterol’. On the other hand these fats help reduce the levels of Low Density Lipoproteins which are closed linked with the development of atherosclerosis and cardiac disorders. Some of the good sources of mono-unsaturated fats (MUFAs) include almonds, peanuts, walnuts, avocados and olives.

Similar to Monounsaturated fats, even poly-unsaturated fats (PUFAs) are healthy and contribute towards reducing blood cholesterol and LDL levels. PUFAs contain Omega-3 fatty acids and are found in good quantities in fish liver oils, walnuts and flaxseeds.

Processed foods and Fast
Foods are loaded with
unhealthy fats

Bad Fat: Limit the Intake of Unhealthy Fats
Saturated fatty acids are bad for health. These foods not only increase blood cholesterol levels and result in a drop in HDL and consequent rise in LDL levels. Further, these fats are difficult to be broken down and hence tend to be stored in the body as energy reserves, resulting in obesity. Animal products including eggs, seafood, cow's milk and milk products and meat are considered to be the sources of saturated fats. Coconut oil and Palm oil are also loaded with Saturated Fats.

 The most harmful form of fats is the Trans-fats. With changing life style patterns and over dependence on refined and processed foods, Trans-fats tend to comprise of a large portion of our diet. Trans-fats are found in processed foods like chips, wafers, etc. Hydrogenated oils are also a source of trans-fats which in turn result in increased risk of development of cardiovascular disorders.

How to Bridge the Good Fat and Bad Fat Difference: Good Fats Vs Bad Fats in Diet
here are some tips that can help in reducing the intake of bad and unhealthy fats in the diet and increasing the consumption of healthy fats,

• Focus on low calorie diet with minimal use of saturated fats
• Completely limit the intake of saturated and trans-fats. Reduce the consumption of coconut oil, margarine, butter, chips, fried and processed foods, etc in your diet.
• Increase the intake of MUFAs and PUFAs in your diet. Cook food using olive oil, canola oil or peanut oil, instead of coconut or refined oils.
• Move to fat free alternatives of processed foods, which are limited in trans-fat components. 

Opening Forever 21

So, here're the pictures of the brand new Forever 21 store that recently opened in Antwerp.

Me and many other fellow bloggers got the chance to check out the store before it opened to large public.

Everyone was very excited and overwhelmed by the size of the store. 5000², three levels, of shopping heaven. 

We also received a voucher of 50 euro's, so the hunt was on. The funny thing is that I lost some people out of sight ,during my two hour shopping spree, and  never saw them back. That must give you an indication of how large the store really is.

I must say I say I really liked what I saw, not only is the interior very impressive, but also many of the items.

There's something for everyone, you just drown in clothes, shoes and accessories. Not always easy to take your pick with so much goods luring at you! One of the biggest pluses of the store are the super large fitting rooms with a large mirror and a decent door. I just hate curtains!!

I liked the store way better than the one in Brussels, a wider range of styles and lack of hundreds of people was probably the reason. 

I'll be going back for sure. There are plenty of colored jeans and necklaces waiting to find a home.

So, the official pictures first. Due to an outrage need to shop and lack of free hands I wasn't able to take a lot of pictures.

My favorite room. Look at that floor and all those tables!

Annebeth is taking a picture of me while our picture is being taking. Vicious circle, I tell you!

Nathalie and me

Immi looking happy, he can pull a smile like no one else!

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Blog bar!!!

My pictures from here on. U are likely to see a slight difference.

That's what I call 'hooker panties' Don't get me wrong, I love them! Look at the shine!

Eternal chandelier love!

Glitter floor!

Must have this, a lot of gold, me wants, ... Are just some of the random things that pop-up when I see these lamps.

Hell yeah!

The Merrymakers looove

Showing our goods at the blog bar.

Yes, I have a giant strawberry in my mouth!

And ending with what I wore that day. I decided to pay a homage to Karl Lagerfeld and Chanel. 

Annebeth gets extra points for recognizing the look and taking my pictures ^^

I wore Comme des Garçons for H&M blouse, H&M jeans, Asos flats, Danity jacket and Monet & Co brooch.

What is Pre-menstrual Cramp Syndrome? Natural & Effective Pre-menstrual cramp Relief

Pre-menstrual cramps and premenstrual syndrome are not signs of gynecological or menstural disorder but are often a part of the normal menstrual periods in most of the females. Though these condition can be treated using over the counter medications there are several natural and home remedies to manage the condition promptly. As per a recent study conducted in Germany, Chaste tree extract and Vitamin B6 supplements aided in reducing menstrual cramps and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in about 36% and 21% of the participants respectively.

PMS is associated with
severe distress

Premenstrual Cramps: Causes of Premenstrual Cramps

As a part of the larger syndrome (Premenstrual Syndrome), premenstrual cramps are relatively common among females during their reproductive age. However about 5-10% of females suffer from severe abdominal pain prior to their menstrual periods, which often tend to interfere with their routine functioning.

• Experts believe that premenstrual cramps stem from the imbalance among female sex hormones namely estrogen and progesterone. This alteration in balance tends to result in smooth muscle contractions due to electrolyte imbalances. 
• Liver Disorders also contribute to the development of premenstrual cramps. Liver plays an important role in excreting excess of estrogen from the blood. If the liver is not functioning adequately due to hepatitis, pre-menstrual cramps are experienced
• Some experts believe that premenstrual cramps can be attributed to lower production of serotonin (a chemical messenger and neurotransmitter). Studies have shown that serotonin resulted in increased sensitivity to pain and can result in cramping feeling in the abdomen.

Premenstrual Cramps and Premenstrual Syndrome: Symptoms of PMS

Pre-menstrual cramps may be primary or secondary in origin. Primary cramps are associated with primary dysmenorrhea and begin a couple of days prior to menstruation. These cramps are relatively severe and associated with colicky pain in the abdomen which may radiate down to the thighs/ hips. Secondary dysmenorrhea on the other hand is associated with genital disease namely pelvic inflammatory disease or urinary tract infection.

In addition to the menstrual cramps, a female may experience a host of other symptoms as a part of the Premenstrual Syndrome complex,

• Breast pain and breast tenderness
• Abdominal bloating and gaseous distention with gassy stomach
• Fatigue with lack of energy
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Headache along with generalized body pain and joint pain
• Constipation or diarrhea along with nausea and vomiting may also be experienced.

Premenstrual cramps relief: Natural and Effective Home Remedies to treat PMS

A large number of females usually treat pre-menstrual cramps using over the counter NSAIDs, which are often associated with various health implications include heartburn, reflux disease and peptic ulcers. Fortunately, there are a wide range of natural treatment options that can help in long term and effective management premenstrual Cramps.

• Chaste Tree extracts are considered beneficial in management of premenstrual cramps. Chaste tree supplements help regulate the hormonal imbalance by acting on the pituitary gland. Herbs like dong qaui and black cohosh are considered to increase the efficacy of chaste tree extract.



Magnesium and Vitamin
Supplements can reduce
Pre-menstural Cramps

• Vitamin B6 supplements are also beneficial in management of menstrual cramps. Vitamin B6 not only improves the livers ability to process and excrete excess of estrogen, it enables the brain to stimulate the production of serotonin.
• Magnesium supplements are known to reduce muscular contractions and can help in management of menstrual cramps
• Aroma Oils are considered to benefit in reducing pre-menstrual cramps. Lavender and geranium oils can aid in reducing abdominal colic and pain.
• Regular exercise or yoga therapy can help in improving the pain threshold along with playing a key role in improving hormonal imbalances. 

Sleep deprivation will lead to TYPE 2 diabetes

Extracting from the article published in The Straits Times, it is alarming that “Last year, 11.3 per cent of the population had diabetes, up from 9 per cent in 2004, according to National Health Survey.” Most sufferers have Type 2 diabetes- the kind linked to poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise and lifestyle- and the problem is spreading as “people in the developing world adopt more Western lifestyles.”

Diabetics have inadequate blood sugar control, which can lead to serious complications like heart disease and stroke, damage to the kidneys or nerves, and blindness. However, many are caught unaware when they are developing prediabetes symptoms which eventually lead to diabetes in less than 5 years later. 


Before people develop Type 2 diabetes, they almost always have "prediabetes"—blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. 

One of the crucial factors which can lead to diabetes is poor sleep. Lack of sleep also reduces the release of appetite controlling chemicals in our body. This causes obesity and paves path for type2 diabetes. Sleeping less than six hours each weeknight makes you four-and-a-half times more likely to develop prediabetes, according to a study presented at a recent American Heart Association conference.

Prediabetes already afflicts 57 million Americans, and 25% of them will develop Type 2 diabetes. The researchers say sleep may be crucial in helping manage hormones that control blood sugar. These are some symptoms you could look out for if you are concerned whether you are at risk:

•   increase in urination
•  increased feeling of thirst
•  marked weight loss
•  feeling of being ill

Fortunately, pre-diabetes does not automatically become irreversible Type 2 diabetes if one can correct their lifestyle changes to a healthier one with nutritious diet, adequate sleep and a regular exercise routine.

By the above discussion we can conclude that diabetic patients need to keep an eye on their sleep habits and also pre-diabetics who are at risk for conversion to Type 2 diabetes. A sound sleep always improves your general health and reduces the risk of diabetes as well as other diseases. 


No one can deny or undermine the refreshing importance of sound sleep. Isn’t it so?

Opt-in to my mailing list and get in touch with me for a wellness screening to better understand the condition of your body which may be affecting your quality of sleep every day.

Low Calorie Foods for Kids: Low Calorie Recipes for Obesity and Weight Loss in Children

Obesity Trends in the United States, are rising dramatically across all ages, over the last two decades. According to the Centre for Disease Control and prevention, over 12.5 million children and adolescents in the United States are obese. Low calorie diet for kids is considered very beneficial in controlling obesity and preventing a host of other complications including cardiac and circulatory problems. Here are some low calorie recipes and foods along with life style modifications that can be beneficial in controlling obesity among kids.

Childhood Obesity
is rising incidence

Low Calorie Recipes for Kids: Guide for Healthy Dietary Practices

Early childhood obesity has been linked with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, hypertension and other morbidities as age advances. Regrettably, a rise in childhood incidence of diabetes, cardiac ailments and hypertension is also being observed. Faulty dietary practices and lack of physical activity are considered to be the prime culprits for the increasing incidence of childhood obesity. Here are some tips while preparing low calorie recipes for kids,

• Inculcating right eating habits from early childhood has become imperative. Children should be taught to avoid having heavy meals, which in turn implies an overload of fats, sugars and calories which in turn trigger a host of lifestyle disorders.
• The key to designing low calorie recipe for kids is to ensure that they are healthy whilst being yummy to taste.
• Involving the child in preparing the menu and determining what combination of foods that can be consumed is very vital. Child involvement in meal planning not only increases compliance but also makes the entire process enjoyable and less strenuous.

 Low Calorie Snacks for Kids: Preventing Obesity among Children

Avoid unhealthy snacks
and foods

Here are some low calorie snacks for kids that are high in nutritive value and also very tasty,

• Fresh fruits are considered as very healthy and beneficial snacks. Fruits are not only packed with anti-oxidants but are also loaded with dietary fiber. In addition fruits contain simple sugars that are easily broken down to generate energy. Ensure that your child has an “All Fruit Breakfast”. Fruits like grapes, bananas, apples, cherries, peaches, oranges, sweet lime, etc can be included in your child’s diet
• Dried fruits are also loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids and other vital nutrients which are healthy for the heart and prevent obesity. Consume at least one serving of dried fruits comprising of prunes, apricots, almonds, resins, cashew and dates.
• Increase the intake of fresh vegetable salads as snacks. Salads can comprise of parsley, spinach, tomato, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, etc. Salads should ideally have a low fat dressing.
• Cereals including Oats, barn, rice flakes, corn flakes, wheat flakes and pastas form a great snack option for kids. Cereal bars form a great mid evening snack for children. Cereals along with yogurt smoothie are healthy and tasty. Further yogurt is loaded with probiotics which improve digestion and improve intestinal health.

Involving kids in Diet Planning
can improve compliance

 Low Calorie Foods for Kids: Tips to help Weight loss in Children 

• Portion control is vital and critical part of low calorie diet for children. Discourage children from consuming large proportions of meals. Encourage consumption of small and frequent meals. Don’t put on the Television, while eating.
• Frequent helpings comprising of fresh or dried fruit are beneficial. Limit the intake of sugary foods, ice creams, cookies and fatty foods.
• Home made muffins, cookies, breads, cakes and biscuits are always better. Home made recipes should have a lower fat usage. Add loads of dry fruits, flax seeds, etc which help increase the nutritive value. Cook home made muffins in polyunsaturated fatty acids like olive oil, sunflower oil, etc. Avoid the use of hydrogenated oils or refined oils in cooking.
• Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, as it boosts the energy levels in the morning and also promotes metabolism. Alternate ‘all fruit breakfast’ which whole wheat sandwiches and cereals.
• Cook at home, restrict going out for lunch or dinner. Also teach your children to eat healthy. Help them make the right choice by promoting healthy foods like brown rich, fresh salad over unhealthy foods like burgers, confectionary items and pizza