Love my Bulldog!

Love my Bulldog!

by | Sep 24, 2023 | Animals and pets, Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, uncategorised

Maddie has sent me a blog about bulldogs-

Recently her family have welcomed two British Bulldogs into their family.

They were delightfully cute and cuddly, friendly little puppies who are now growing into bigger friendlier dogs.

Here are some observations from Maddie.

Bulldogs should only do a certain amount of exercise a day. Maintaining a healthy weight for your dog requires that you take your dog for a walk for at least 20-40 minutes of exercise a day and you should also make sure they are drinking plenty of water.

They are often considered to be ‘high maintenance’ dogs, particularly French and British Bulldogs, and both our puppies have already suffered from cherry eye.

Cherry eye is a swollen gland from the third eyelid. It looks like a cherry!

This is a condition when the eye starts to swell and pop out of it’s gland behind the eyelid resulting in a puffy looking reddish eye.

Younger dogs about one year old, often suffer from cherry eye and surgery is often needed to fix it. Read more here

Bulldogs should not be exposed to too much heat and they do not like changes in their routine, like a lot of humans, and while bulldogs look really cute and innocent, they are highly protective of their owners and family.

Other issues with Bulldogs could include the following:

Their teeth need to be brushed at least 3 times a week, as they can get serious dental problems.

Their deep wrinkles also need to be cleaned often and dried properly to prevent bacterial infections.

Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis.

Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye.

Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea (surface of the eyeball).

This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Bulldog.

Breeds with a large head and small pelvis are more prone to difficulties during the birthing process.

Your English Bulldog is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast (Malassezia dermatitis).

Read more here for general health information on Bulldogs.

© gentlelifehacks.com| Author| Maddie| age 13 years.

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Smart gadgets

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Technology | 0 Comments

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! Smart wiring, or smart homes are often talked about and the digital natives amongst us know all the tricks. Just listening to some of the things required in our new smart home made my head...
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Messy house or hoarder?

by | 18/06/2021 | Handy hints, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between hoarding and extreme clutter. Many times in my real estate career, I have come across people who do not see the clutter when they come to sell their homes. It is rude to point it out to them, and sometimes difficult to be...
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Houses built from hemp

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Some interesting ways of building homes over the years have included products such as Hemp. It has apparently been used globally as a natural building product for thousands of years. Recently a Western Australian couple hand built their three-bedroom home on a...
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10 Simple Life Hacks to Stay Healthy and Active

by | 25/09/2024 | Health and Wellness | 0 Comments

Introduction to Healthy LivingIn today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel overwhelming. However, implementing a few simple life hacks can significantly improve your well-being and help you stay active. This blog post explores effective...
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10 warning signs to look out for when buying a house

by | 30/11/2021 | Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Renovating is not always easy. Even the the tasks that look like they could be simple can turn out to me a mission to finish! Have you ever found a few cracked tiles in the kitchen and thought about replacing them? It is okay if you have spare matching tiles, but what...
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A wise old donkey

by | 18/06/2021 | Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He...
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Are you a hoarder?

by | 20/01/2023 | caregiving, Coping skills, Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Are you a hoarder? They say you should always "declutter" when selling your home? When I was selling my own home after the death of my husband, I wondered if I was a hoarder! They say that hoarding is often a coping mechanism. Apparently if we are bereaved , or...
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Are we teens addicted to gaming?

Are we teens addicted to gaming?

by | Aug 17, 2023 | Healthy living, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs

Are you spending too much time gaming or on your mobile phone?
A huge percentage of children play video games and studies show an unhealthy percentage can get addicted to them.
Did you also know that the World Health Organisation have recognised gaming addiction as a disease.

Anti social behaviour and video games

Studies have also shown that a large proportion of teens experience uncontrollable anger and rage while playing video games and that this unhealthy feeling of being defeated results in further feelings of no control.
Some video game addicts become more concerned with their interactions in the game than what is happening in their own lives.
Those that are addicted often neglect their personal hygiene, or gain or loose weight, and become anti social or lie about how much time they spend playing these video games.
Although Video games can be a nice social and fun thing to do with friends, it is important to recognise that when you get addicted it can become really unhealthy.

Teenagers and sleep deprivation from gaming

Many teens confess to staying up late playing games rather than sleeping so this can also lead to stress and anxiety.
Our brains need to rest so getting enough sleep is very necessary.
Parents can help their children and teenagers by setting time limits for them to be allowed to play the games and not allow mobile phones or gadgets in bedrooms at night..
They can encourage them to do other activities and exercise as there is also a health risk associated with sitting and playing for long stretches at a time.
They can also install apps that restrict the time limits of play time on a game.
Some apps can even limit the access to specific games, while others can lock the player out of the device altogether during a set time.
  • For example:
  • Computer programs like Game Boss can set time limits on games or block your access to gaming websites.
  • If you play games in a web browser, try an extension like StayFocusd for Chrome or LeechBlock for Firefox.
  • For phone games, try apps like Off time or BreakFree to set time limits, track your game usage, or block your access to gaming apps.
  • Read more here 
 “Believe that you can, and then you’re halfway there!” 
©gentlelifehacks.com| inspired by Author| Maddie| aged 13
Eating right as a teenager

Eating right as a teenager

by | Aug 17, 2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs

When you are a teenager it is very important to eat a healthy diet.

This will help you with skin infections like acne and help you develop strong healthy bones.

Of course you can have a little treat every now and then, but too much could cause serious problems for you later in life.

Too much sugar in fizzy drinks, or too much saturated fat in takeaway meals are the things to avoid.

It is very important to eat a healthy diet as our teenage years are a time for us to grow and develop.

Young people often have large appetites and a sweet tooth, but we need to keep our diets and food intake balanced between healthy and unhealthy foods .

 By eating healthy in your childhood  it will give you less chance of  developing obesity, heart problems, diabetes and many other serious illnesses.

It is also the key to a healthy mind set as well as clear skin, strong bones and muscles to support our sport, and activities.

Healthy eating habits can reduce high blood pressure and increase our immune systems so we have better ability to fight sickness and disease.

Eating a well balanced diet with proteins, minerals, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins is best.

Nutrients that are important for teenagers include:

Calcium  found in dairy products like yoghurt, cheese and low fat milk.

It is also found in canned fish like salmon or sardines, nuts and chickpeas, lentils and whole grain bread and cereals, brown rice and Oatmeal porridge.

Iron is also important and teenage girls especially should eat more foods like lean meat, chicken, eggs, or baked beans to increase their iron intake.

Vitamins like vitamin C and B12 are also important, so foods like oranges, and greens are good.

 Eating a healthy diet provides you with more energy to get through the day

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day to give you a boost.

Start off with a bowl of oatmeal or weetbix to give you energy and protein.

You can include berries and fruit, some low fat milk and whole grain toast.

Lastly it is important to keep your fluid intake up by keeping hydrated throughout the day- plain water is good for this.

Read more about teens and nutrition

You don’t have to eat less, you just have to eat right!

© gentlelifehacks.com| Author| Maddie| age 13 years.

“Health-full” honey bees

by | 13/07/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Is honey good for us? Raw honey has been enjoyed thoughout history and has always been known for its health benefits and medical uses. It has a source of antioxidants with compounds known as polyphenols which may play a role in preventing heart disease. Phytonutrients...
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7 Cancer Myths

by | 06/08/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Cancer and common myths Cancer is something we are programmed to fear. Cancer statistics in the United States alone make quite alarming reading Yet the World Health Organisation reported that in 2019 the top 10 causes of death accounted for 55% of the 55.4 million...
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A dog in sheep’s clothing

by | 18/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Thinking of selling? Don't be a dog in sheep's clothing. Do it the right way. You would not be the first sellers who have questioned what their own obligations are as to what they should disclose to potential buyers. There are some out there who will blatantly hide a...
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Air fryer health benefits

by | 28/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

When we we were renovating, I purchased my first air fryer. We had limited space so it was ideal until my brand new kitchen was installed. I have since bought my 2nd air fryer (  the same brand -deLonghi "ideal fry"), so we can take one away with us in the motorhome,...
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Apple Cider Vinegar’s Mum

by | 30/06/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When fighting illness, it is common to search for products that promote healing. One thing I searched for was a way of maintaining an alkaline body. We were told that cancer does not like an alkaline environment. Cancer cells apparently thrive in acidity (low pH), but...
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Are we teens addicted to gaming?

by | 17/08/2023 | Healthy living, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

Are you spending too much time gaming or on your mobile phone? A huge percentage of children play video games and studies show an unhealthy percentage can get addicted to them. Did you also know that the World Health Organisation have recognised gaming addiction as a...
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Can you hear me?

by | 18/09/2024 | caregiving, Coping skills, Good values, Healthy living | 0 Comments

Everyone has bad days. Some days are just worse than others! When we communicate with others it is important to feel that you are heard. How often do you feel that people talk over you? It happens in shops, especially as you get older, or with people who are too busy...
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Understanding Dementia

by | 19/02/2024 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Wendy was only 58 when she was diagnosed with dementia. This brave lady has written a book about her disease. I was listening to Radio NZ this morning and heard an interview with Wendy who spoke of her life now. She seemed to normalise the disease. A disease that has...
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Bad sugar

by | 16/02/2024 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

There has been plenty of research done that tells us that a diet high in sugar is bad for our health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation are just a few health risks associated with consuming too much sugar. Not...
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More rainbows please

by | 16/02/2024 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Symbols of hope They say a rainbow is a symbol of hope. Rainbows are supposed to be a positive sign. They can bring a smile to the saddest person and lighten most people's moods. After my husband died I used to look out for them as I wondered about the belief in...
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Create a “laugh alot” garden for kids

by | 16/02/2024 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Remember those days of 'Lock down' which must have been incredibly hard on many people, but especially so if you were cooped up indoors with no space to play. Easy projects to keep the kids busy don’t always come to mind, but there are some that are clear winners....
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Virus or bacterial infection?

by | 02/02/2024 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

With the spread of Omnicron, one of the variants of Covid-19, it is hard not to put every sniffle or tummy ache down to having the virus. This is essentially because, even though most of us who have been able to be vaccinated, have done so, most countries are having...
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Mangoes are the fruit of eternal love

by | 02/11/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Who doesn't love a mango? I remember as a child eating mangoes in Africa - we would clean the stone and draw faces on it making it look like a hairy face! Later in Australia, we loved eating them and would include them in salads and puddings. The Mango is the...
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Is Hashimotos Thyroiditis incurable?

by | 29/09/2023 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

 So you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? I was also diagnosed after many years of feeling unwell. At first, in Australia, I was tested for Ross River disease, and then the doctor sent me off to a Heart Surgeon who organised an angiogram for my heart, after I failed some...
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Bounce back from illness

by | 25/09/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Ask anybody who has been ill and I am sure that they will agree, it can sometimes be hard to bounce back from illness, without following some simple rules. Stay hydrated Eat well Rest often Keep pain under control Keep moving Have a positive attitude Be kind to...
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Herbs and health benefits

by | 18/09/2023 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Herbs provide a lot of goodness to our diets  and this is often ignored by many of us in this busy world of ours. If we can improve our lifestyle by growing a little herb garden, then isn't it something worth considering ? You don't need a lot of space to create your...
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Be positive and hold on tight!

by | 17/09/2023 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Trying to stay positive is not always easy. Most of us know at least one person who seems to always see the bright side of life. And it is also true to say that we all know someone who leaves us feeling drained or sad. After undergoing some worrying health issues, I...
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Eating right as a teenager

by | 17/08/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

When you are a teenager it is very important to eat a healthy diet. This will help you with skin infections like acne and help you develop strong healthy bones. Of course you can have a little treat every now and then, but too much could cause serious problems for you...
Read More

Teenagers who are stressed and anxious

by | 13/08/2023 | Coping skills, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

When you are a teenager, there are many things that can cause stress. Most teens don't really like to talk about it so will mostly struggle with their anxiety on their own. Teenagers are known for getting far less sleep than the recommended amount of sleep we require...
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Avoiding acne as a teen

by | 12/04/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

Ask any teenager- acne is no fun! If you understand what causes acne then you can try and manage it with ease. When your skin follicles become blocked with oil or dead skin cells, then acne appears. It can be common for teens, but older people in their fifties can...
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Business Lingo- Cars NOT Cows!

by | 04/01/2023 | Life Stories, Real Estate | 0 Comments

The Big Move- 1995 Emigrating to a land at the bottom of the world was exciting if not different. There were many things other than acclimatising to the cold to get used to, but also trying to understand the quick speech and odd sayings of my new country was a...
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Asbestos hazard

by | 04/01/2023 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

When buying a house it is always advisable to employ a licensed building inspector to provide information on the building condition. Knowing what to budget for in respect of any repairs required in the coming years makes a lot of sense! Finding Asbestos in a home can...
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Fighting to stay healthy

by | 29/11/2022 | caregiving, Coping skills, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Shock medical diagnosis Hearing a shocking medical diagnosis is always going to be stressful. I know how I felt when we were told that my husband had only two months to live. Our world collapsed.  Shock made it difficult to breathe. What were we to do? How would we...
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Don’t make selling harder by over-pricing

by | 26/07/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Buying and selling real estate is not an exact science. Real Estate salespeople are required to comply with the current legislation, and in New Zealand, for instance they need to abide by their professional client and conduct rules. Rule 10 is very important as...
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Who’s your perfect match then?

by | 08/04/2022 | Lifestyle, uncategorised, Zodiac signs and more | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered who the right partner is for you? If you are single and unattached how interesting would it be if you could find the perfect match for you? Many people who have been in a relationship for a while are often shocked at how many connecting things...
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When the real estate market changes

by | 25/03/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a "sellers market". Post "Covid-19", what will the Real Estate market look like? There are many thoughts on this. Obviously it will be changed. There could be job losses, and more...
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Make your home a “healthy home”?

by | 18/03/2022 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Staying healthy requires not only eating the correct food and exercising the right amount, but also by making sure that we live in a healthy home environment. Everybody wants to live in a healthy home, but sometimes sadly, it is not possible for many people. However,...
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House too small now?

by | 02/02/2022 | Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

When is the right time to upsize? Wondering if you need to upsize as your toddlers suddenly become"tweens"? Or perhaps it is when they start to bring their friends home as teenagers? It is good knowing where they are and if they feel that they can entertain friends at...
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When is the right time to sell?

by | 26/01/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a “sellers market”. Post “Covid-19”, what will the Real Estate market look like? There have been many thoughts on this. One thing is for sure though- it will be a different world once we...
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The things kids say!

by | 20/01/2022 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

1940's -As an "Evacuee" duirng the 2nd World War I had learned two new words that day. I was an inquisitive six year old evacuee in Wales, and in the care of my foster Aunt Florrie. “What does ‘severe’ mean Aunty?” I queried. “It means ‘harsh’ or ‘really bad’ she...
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Elephants of Etosha

by | 09/12/2021 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

An occasional grunt or yap of a foraging jackal punctured the surrounding silence. It was early evening and the air was oppressive as we sat mesmerised, taut with the expectation of what we would see of this promised show.  Two floodlights directed from our camp lit...
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Unusual visitors

by | 09/12/2021 | Healthy living, Life Stories, Lifestyle | 2 Comments

The red salt- packed road ran in a straight line up the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. We had left behind the seal colony at Cape Cross a hundred miles back, where the stench of ammonia was so strong, that it brought tears to our eyes, and cleared the sinuses instantly....
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When will Covid end?

by | 07/12/2021 | Coping skills, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Worrying about things outside of our control is not helpful It is only with acceptance that there can be an absence of worry. This applies to most things in life. A virus has turned the world upside down. We cannot escape the media and understandably are feeling a...
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Turn bad news into good news

by | 12/11/2021 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

When it seems like the bad news keeps on coming Yesterday I had a much dreaded follow up appointment with the specialist. I was feeling slightly nervous, mainly because of recent experiences, and was certainly not jumping for joy, while I remembered the pain of my...
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The Bad Landlord

by | 12/11/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

What price should we put on good health? Am I right in thinking that if you are renting a property, and paying good money each week for the privilege one would expect to live in a healthy home? Landlords have been put on notice after the landlords of a damp, mould...
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Crazy world house prices

by | 28/10/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Buying a home is not for the faint hearted in today's market During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been much said about the shocking increase in property prices around the world. Take Brisbane, Australia for instance- the median house price in September 21 has hit a...
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Music soothes the soul

by | 27/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

The importance of music Maddie ( aged 11) wrote.... "Music can make a huge difference in peoples lives. I find that music calms me down when I'm mad or when I'm sad. We all need music in our lives as it is important that we think about ourselves every once in awhile....
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Tips for a healthier home

by | 20/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Keeping your home healthy is an ongoing process Sometimes we ignore the smaller issues that then become the bigger issues that cause us pain when we get sick or have to pay for extensive remedial work to alleviate further issues. Climate Change is a very real problem...
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Healing with food

by | 19/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Living with an Auto immune disease is challenging I know this first hand, as even now, some days I feel like I have been run over and can barely lift my head off the pillow, then other days I am bouncing off the wall. I also suffer at times from waves of anxiety and...
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Mindfulness – when the going gets tough

by | 18/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When times are tough When things get tough we often feel anxious and perhaps we might even have issues with sleeping at night. Every time we get stressed, a little part of our brain called the amygdala takes control. The amygdalae defines and regulates our emotions....
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The lonely bee hotel

by | 17/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Children's Corner | 0 Comments

Help our environment with a Bee Hotel During lockdown, Maddie (11) told me that she thought that a good project would be to make a Bee Hotel for the garden. At the time, she was busy re-cycling old glass coffee jars into food storage containers, and we were discussing...
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Fighting inflammation with Turmeric

by | 05/10/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Most people love a curry, but did you know that turmeric is one of the herbs that is known for it's beneficial cancer reducing properties, as well as also having many other health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a substance with powerful...
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Why children love and need pets

by | 05/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, Maddie's Children's Corner | 2 Comments

Maddie (11 years) and Lexie (8 years) are cousins in different countries, but since the rolling lockdowns,they talk daily over the internet. They can spend hours showing each other what they are doing every day, whether it is singing, dancing or aerobics, or playing...
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Waste not…want not!

by | 04/10/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, uncategorised | 0 Comments

When we throw away our unused old clothing, we are creating greenhouse gases which in turn contributes to climate change. Clothing that ends up in landfills around the world is increasing at alarming levels. It is a very important factor in the lives of our children...
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Lock down fatigue

by | 30/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! But since the beginning of the Covid outbreak and the many" lock down's" around the world, it just became harder. You would think that one would have plenty of time in lock down to do all of...
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Mask up and make a difference

by | 14/09/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Wear a mask .... save a life If somebody who was unknowingly infected with Covid-19 or the recent highly infectious Delta variant, and they sneezed within close proximity to you, the chances are you might get the virus, even if you are vaccinated. What are the chances...
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The dark side of chocolate

by | 13/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

I was talking to eleven year old Maddie who was eating chocolate over FaceTime the other day. Many countries are still in lockdown due to the Delta variant causing so much havoc. She sent me her research this morning for a blog she wanted to write, as obviously she...
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Is stress making you gain weight?

by | 10/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered why stress causes you to eat more? Stress can cause many unwanted things and we might not notice them all at first. Stress and your emotional, mental  and physical health If you are feeling irritated, or overwhelmed, and have a headache, with a...
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Can you cure Hypothyroidism?

by | 08/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Hypothyroidism doesn’t have to be permanent Sometimes finding out that you have an auto immune disease can not only be scary, but a relief to eventually find out why you feel so tired, and why you are putting on weight when you are actually eating less. Auto immune...
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So what’s your horoscope say today?

by | 07/09/2021 | Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Do you check out your daily horoscope? I wonder if there are others like me who will check out their horoscope every now and then, and if they don't like what they read, will find one that they like better? Are you also amazed that when you are reading all about your...
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Get on your bike!

by | 30/08/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Riding a bike through retirement Who would have thought I would ever ride a bike again at my age? Not me that's for sure! My first bicycle was a second-hand Raleigh. Life in then "war torn" Rhodesia, with Sanctions, meant that we could not buy new things, so when I...
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Can Pets improve our mental health?

by | 30/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A loyal friend Basil Brush was my beloved friend. He was a hairy, stocky, short little dog with bucked teeth, an underbite, and a tummy that scraped the steps if he could manage them. He had a deep bark for such a little dog and a very weak bladder, which...
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The less you own, the less owns you

by | 25/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Do you ever feel like you are running from one task to another? Are you multi-tasking to get things done and constantly in catch-up mode, mobile phone in hand, and answering email after email, and then suddenly it is time to feed the family and catch up on laundry?...
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Try something different

by | 16/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Simplicity is the highest form of complexity When we first went into lockdown, we decided to try ordering ready-made fresh food online. Our Millenial children had already tried My Food Bag and still love it, so we decided to give it a go too! Our findings From the...
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Is Red wine good for you?

by | 13/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

To have or to have not After a tough day, I often look forward to a relaxing glass of Pinot Noir. Recently though, after a health scare, my partner gave up alcohol almost entirely, apart from the odd glass of wine. So it made me think whether I was now tasked with the...
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Is Goat’s cheese better for you than cow’s cheese?

by | 09/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Which is better? Goats cheese or cows cheese? I have always been wary of goats, mainly because I was attacked by one many years ago. The kind owner of the mean goat told me that "Pearl" was not attacking me but merely being friendly. I learnt how to jump a fence that...
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Good, bad or ugly?

by | 08/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered about which indoor plants are good and which are bad according to Feng Shui ? A friend of mine once remarked that her son’s new girlfriend had left an obnoxious plant by her front door called “mother- in-laws tongue” as a belated Christmas gift....
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Stressed & Angry?

by | 06/08/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90 % of how you cope with it. A sense of humour can be an amazing asset when it comes to dealing with stressful situations. It will improve your overall emotional and physical health and will help you to look at things in a...
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Is coffee good for us?

by | 02/08/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee is there? So often we are told that coffee is not good for us, but we continue to drink it and enjoy the different varieties that are offered today. The choice is mind boggling! In fact, it is estimated that...
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Kill unkindness with kindness

by | 23/07/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

It doesn't cost anything to be kind By being "the rainbow" in somebody's stormy day is such a lovely way to think about being kind to others. Even a simple smile can go a long way. How often does a good mood do a U turn when your happy greeting is barely acknowledged...
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Zoomers and creative writing

by | 23/07/2021 | Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Children and creative writing Maddie (aged 11) loves creative writing and has sent me her reasoning as to why it is so good for children. Maddie is from a generation now referred to as "a Zoomer" - Generation Z I love that she is busy in the school holidays being so...
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Feeling like a sad bear?

by | 19/07/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Seasonal affective disorder Sometimes when the days seem dull and the sun forgets to shine for days on end, we can suffer from something called SAD (Seasonal affective disorder). This depressive disorder is linked to the seasons of the year and is more common in...
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Greens are good says Maddie

by | 18/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 1 Comment

Spinach and Kale are 2 vegetables that are nutrient rich with loads of antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, iron and more. Maddie ( my eleven year old granddaughter) is on school holidays at the moment and has sent me a recipe that she has found for a healthy lifestyle....
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Oranges to stay healthy

by | 17/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

School holidays have arrived again and there are kids still in lock down in some countries. Maddie, my 11 year old granddaughter has sent me a good healthy recipe for a tasty orange drink. Maddie's healthy Vitamin C drink Recipe Get 6 -8 oranges ( or however many you...
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Auto immune diseases

by | 11/07/2021 | Healthy living, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Finding out that you have an auto immune disease can be a quite scary, but by the time I found out, I was actually relieved to at last find out why I was feeling so ill most of the time. Auto immune diseases occur when the immune system, which is the body's defence...
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Baby Baby good for you?

by | 09/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 2 Comments

Here is a great little tip from Sandy, in Christchurch, NZ, who was advised by her surgeon to use baby shampoo as a make up remover on her eyelids after having surgery. Unlike many expensive products these days that are sold to remove makeup, like Clinque or Lancome,...
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Maddie’s raw egg shake

by | 06/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Eleven year old Maddie sent me this quick and easy recipe. She called it a "high in protein" tasty drink. It is refreshing to see somebody so young taking an interest in healing foods. Maddie's simple recipe Use a Blender or Quick shaker Take a cup of milk One banana...
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Home and income… really ?

by | 06/07/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Home and Income Many people these days are looking for ways to reduce their mortgage. What better way than to have a property that can be split into two seperate dwellings. Of course, they have to comply with the building regulations and various council rules and...
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Befriend the little birds

by | 01/07/2021 | Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A simple life hack from Pat... Here is a life hack or handy tip from my childhood friend, Pat Barber who lives in Maryland, USA. How to keep ants from invading Hummingbird feeders. Hang the feeder on a pole and apply a 3/4 inch collar of Vaseline near the bottom of...
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Mokopuna

by | 30/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A drawing by Maddie ( age 11)

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Spirulina for smoothies

by | 29/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

When my husband was undergoing chemotherapy, one of the super foods that he was recommended to use daily was Spirulina. During his cancer journey, our favourite shops soon became the pharmacies and the many health food shops, while we searched for ways of limiting the...
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Cancer and Bicarb of soda

by | 27/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 1 Comment

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer we were told that bicarbonate of soda was something we should investigate and get into the habit of using daily. We wanted to try every possible avenue in order to keep him healthy while he underwent the invasive chemotherapy...
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Do you miss the world?

by | 27/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Covid-19 has made it a long 16 months so far. Just when it seems things are getting better, there is another outbreak. Like many people, I have decided to wait and get vaccinated before travelling overseas, even though I miss my family so much. Having an auto immune...
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Lemons

by | 22/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When my husband was battling cancer, lemons were one fruit that really helped. We used lemon zest in our salads, lemon juice in his smoothies and teas. Lemons are known to have an alkalising effect in the body. While they are acidic, to begin with, they also are...
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Buyer’s remorse

by | 22/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

So often when we purchase something we have a feeling of remorse soon after. This is no different when you purchase a house, in fact, the remorse and be much worse. Experienced real estate negotiators are keen to get the deal done that day for this reason. They will...
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Smart gadgets

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Technology | 0 Comments

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! Smart wiring, or smart homes are often talked about and the digital natives amongst us know all the tricks. Just listening to some of the things required in our new smart home made my head...
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Messy house or hoarder?

by | 18/06/2021 | Handy hints, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between hoarding and extreme clutter. Many times in my real estate career, I have come across people who do not see the clutter when they come to sell their homes. It is rude to point it out to them, and sometimes difficult to be...
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Houses built from hemp

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Some interesting ways of building homes over the years have included products such as Hemp. It has apparently been used globally as a natural building product for thousands of years. Recently a Western Australian couple hand built their three-bedroom home on a...
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10 Simple Life Hacks to Stay Healthy and Active

by | 25/09/2024 | Health and Wellness | 0 Comments

Introduction to Healthy LivingIn today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel overwhelming. However, implementing a few simple life hacks can significantly improve your well-being and help you stay active. This blog post explores effective...
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10 warning signs to look out for when buying a house

by | 30/11/2021 | Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Renovating is not always easy. Even the the tasks that look like they could be simple can turn out to me a mission to finish! Have you ever found a few cracked tiles in the kitchen and thought about replacing them? It is okay if you have spare matching tiles, but what...
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A wise old donkey

by | 18/06/2021 | Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He...
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Are you a hoarder?

by | 20/01/2023 | caregiving, Coping skills, Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Are you a hoarder? They say you should always "declutter" when selling your home? When I was selling my own home after the death of my husband, I wondered if I was a hoarder! They say that hoarding is often a coping mechanism. Apparently if we are bereaved , or...
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Teenagers who are stressed and anxious

Teenagers who are stressed and anxious

by | Aug 13, 2023 | Coping skills, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs

So what is stressful for a teenager?

When you are a teenager, there are many things that can cause stress.

Most teens don’t really like to talk about it so will mostly struggle with their anxiety on their own.

Teenagers are known for getting far less sleep than the recommended amount of sleep we require to function properly every day.

Some common reasons for teens lack of sleep:

  • Watching TV late at night if they have a TV in their room
  • Using social media constantly
  • Staying up late to finish a homework assignment
  • Playing play station or X box

It is a well known fact that teenagers who like sport and exercise enjoy more sleep, and are happier when exercise is part of their daily routine.

If teens also remembered to eat nutrient rich foods and tried to have many interests and hobbies to keep them busy it would also help.

Other things teens stress about can relate to puberty, or body image, and whether they are good enough.

There might be bullying happening at school, or perhaps they have negative thoughts due to their social environment, and are lonely.

Since the introduction of the internet, most teens do not spend enough time socialising face to face, instead preferring to use social media and gaming consoles.

This way of communicating does not help them to feel less sad or lonely or less confused. It only makes things harder.

Try encouraging your teenager to engage more with others by spending more time outside socialising with their friends, or by playing sport, or by joining some sort of social  group.

Dance groups or cycle clubs, or studying a musical instrument would go a long way to helping reduce stress and anxiety.

Volunteering for dog walking or other social activities are also helpful.

Teenagers also need to be encouraged better manage their time by planning their schedule.

Instead of just coming home and playing games or sitting on their phone, or eating unhealthy food, they could take an hour a day, or enough time to study at least the day before any test or exam.

This will leave them less stressed and anxious, and probably not as sleep deprived when the time comes to write the exam, as they have managed their time better.

A good idea too is to encourage teens to keep a tidy, organised bedroom because if it is messy and disorganised it will cause more stress when they cannot find anything in the mess.

 Some symptoms that your teen is stressed or anxious

  •  sleep deprivation
  • depression and anxiety
  • being anxious or panicky
  • stomach aches or headaches
  • concentration issues
  • not wanting to go to school
  • withdrawal from friends or family
  • feelings of being overwhelmed
  • loss of interest in  sport or hobbies.

Teenagers often cannot put their fears and anxiety into words so by understanding, and listening to what is ‘not’ being said, and showing empathy and practical support is best.

 

©Gentlelifehacks.com| Author| Maddie ( age 13)

“Health-full” honey bees

by | 13/07/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Is honey good for us? Raw honey has been enjoyed thoughout history and has always been known for its health benefits and medical uses. It has a source of antioxidants with compounds known as polyphenols which may play a role in preventing heart disease. Phytonutrients...
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7 Cancer Myths

by | 06/08/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Cancer and common myths Cancer is something we are programmed to fear. Cancer statistics in the United States alone make quite alarming reading Yet the World Health Organisation reported that in 2019 the top 10 causes of death accounted for 55% of the 55.4 million...
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A dog in sheep’s clothing

by | 18/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Thinking of selling? Don't be a dog in sheep's clothing. Do it the right way. You would not be the first sellers who have questioned what their own obligations are as to what they should disclose to potential buyers. There are some out there who will blatantly hide a...
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Air fryer health benefits

by | 28/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

When we we were renovating, I purchased my first air fryer. We had limited space so it was ideal until my brand new kitchen was installed. I have since bought my 2nd air fryer (  the same brand -deLonghi "ideal fry"), so we can take one away with us in the motorhome,...
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Apple Cider Vinegar’s Mum

by | 30/06/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When fighting illness, it is common to search for products that promote healing. One thing I searched for was a way of maintaining an alkaline body. We were told that cancer does not like an alkaline environment. Cancer cells apparently thrive in acidity (low pH), but...
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Are we teens addicted to gaming?

by | 17/08/2023 | Healthy living, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

Are you spending too much time gaming or on your mobile phone? A huge percentage of children play video games and studies show an unhealthy percentage can get addicted to them. Did you also know that the World Health Organisation have recognised gaming addiction as a...
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Can you hear me?

by | 18/09/2024 | caregiving, Coping skills, Good values, Healthy living | 0 Comments

Everyone has bad days. Some days are just worse than others! When we communicate with others it is important to feel that you are heard. How often do you feel that people talk over you? It happens in shops, especially as you get older, or with people who are too busy...
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Understanding Dementia

by | 19/02/2024 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Wendy was only 58 when she was diagnosed with dementia. This brave lady has written a book about her disease. I was listening to Radio NZ this morning and heard an interview with Wendy who spoke of her life now. She seemed to normalise the disease. A disease that has...
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Bad sugar

by | 16/02/2024 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

There has been plenty of research done that tells us that a diet high in sugar is bad for our health. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, inflammation are just a few health risks associated with consuming too much sugar. Not...
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More rainbows please

by | 16/02/2024 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Symbols of hope They say a rainbow is a symbol of hope. Rainbows are supposed to be a positive sign. They can bring a smile to the saddest person and lighten most people's moods. After my husband died I used to look out for them as I wondered about the belief in...
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Create a “laugh alot” garden for kids

by | 16/02/2024 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Remember those days of 'Lock down' which must have been incredibly hard on many people, but especially so if you were cooped up indoors with no space to play. Easy projects to keep the kids busy don’t always come to mind, but there are some that are clear winners....
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Virus or bacterial infection?

by | 02/02/2024 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

With the spread of Omnicron, one of the variants of Covid-19, it is hard not to put every sniffle or tummy ache down to having the virus. This is essentially because, even though most of us who have been able to be vaccinated, have done so, most countries are having...
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Mangoes are the fruit of eternal love

by | 02/11/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Who doesn't love a mango? I remember as a child eating mangoes in Africa - we would clean the stone and draw faces on it making it look like a hairy face! Later in Australia, we loved eating them and would include them in salads and puddings. The Mango is the...
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Is Hashimotos Thyroiditis incurable?

by | 29/09/2023 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

 So you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis? I was also diagnosed after many years of feeling unwell. At first, in Australia, I was tested for Ross River disease, and then the doctor sent me off to a Heart Surgeon who organised an angiogram for my heart, after I failed some...
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Bounce back from illness

by | 25/09/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Ask anybody who has been ill and I am sure that they will agree, it can sometimes be hard to bounce back from illness, without following some simple rules. Stay hydrated Eat well Rest often Keep pain under control Keep moving Have a positive attitude Be kind to...
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Herbs and health benefits

by | 18/09/2023 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Herbs provide a lot of goodness to our diets  and this is often ignored by many of us in this busy world of ours. If we can improve our lifestyle by growing a little herb garden, then isn't it something worth considering ? You don't need a lot of space to create your...
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Be positive and hold on tight!

by | 17/09/2023 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Trying to stay positive is not always easy. Most of us know at least one person who seems to always see the bright side of life. And it is also true to say that we all know someone who leaves us feeling drained or sad. After undergoing some worrying health issues, I...
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Eating right as a teenager

by | 17/08/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

When you are a teenager it is very important to eat a healthy diet. This will help you with skin infections like acne and help you develop strong healthy bones. Of course you can have a little treat every now and then, but too much could cause serious problems for you...
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Teenagers who are stressed and anxious

by | 13/08/2023 | Coping skills, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

When you are a teenager, there are many things that can cause stress. Most teens don't really like to talk about it so will mostly struggle with their anxiety on their own. Teenagers are known for getting far less sleep than the recommended amount of sleep we require...
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Avoiding acne as a teen

by | 12/04/2023 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

Ask any teenager- acne is no fun! If you understand what causes acne then you can try and manage it with ease. When your skin follicles become blocked with oil or dead skin cells, then acne appears. It can be common for teens, but older people in their fifties can...
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Business Lingo- Cars NOT Cows!

by | 04/01/2023 | Life Stories, Real Estate | 0 Comments

The Big Move- 1995 Emigrating to a land at the bottom of the world was exciting if not different. There were many things other than acclimatising to the cold to get used to, but also trying to understand the quick speech and odd sayings of my new country was a...
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Asbestos hazard

by | 04/01/2023 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

When buying a house it is always advisable to employ a licensed building inspector to provide information on the building condition. Knowing what to budget for in respect of any repairs required in the coming years makes a lot of sense! Finding Asbestos in a home can...
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Fighting to stay healthy

by | 29/11/2022 | caregiving, Coping skills, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Shock medical diagnosis Hearing a shocking medical diagnosis is always going to be stressful. I know how I felt when we were told that my husband had only two months to live. Our world collapsed.  Shock made it difficult to breathe. What were we to do? How would we...
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Don’t make selling harder by over-pricing

by | 26/07/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Buying and selling real estate is not an exact science. Real Estate salespeople are required to comply with the current legislation, and in New Zealand, for instance they need to abide by their professional client and conduct rules. Rule 10 is very important as...
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Who’s your perfect match then?

by | 08/04/2022 | Lifestyle, uncategorised, Zodiac signs and more | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered who the right partner is for you? If you are single and unattached how interesting would it be if you could find the perfect match for you? Many people who have been in a relationship for a while are often shocked at how many connecting things...
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When the real estate market changes

by | 25/03/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a "sellers market". Post "Covid-19", what will the Real Estate market look like? There are many thoughts on this. Obviously it will be changed. There could be job losses, and more...
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Make your home a “healthy home”?

by | 18/03/2022 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Staying healthy requires not only eating the correct food and exercising the right amount, but also by making sure that we live in a healthy home environment. Everybody wants to live in a healthy home, but sometimes sadly, it is not possible for many people. However,...
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House too small now?

by | 02/02/2022 | Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

When is the right time to upsize? Wondering if you need to upsize as your toddlers suddenly become"tweens"? Or perhaps it is when they start to bring their friends home as teenagers? It is good knowing where they are and if they feel that they can entertain friends at...
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When is the right time to sell?

by | 26/01/2022 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

For many years, it is fair to say that Real Estate agents have been operating in a “sellers market”. Post “Covid-19”, what will the Real Estate market look like? There have been many thoughts on this. One thing is for sure though- it will be a different world once we...
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The things kids say!

by | 20/01/2022 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

1940's -As an "Evacuee" duirng the 2nd World War I had learned two new words that day. I was an inquisitive six year old evacuee in Wales, and in the care of my foster Aunt Florrie. “What does ‘severe’ mean Aunty?” I queried. “It means ‘harsh’ or ‘really bad’ she...
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Elephants of Etosha

by | 09/12/2021 | Life Stories, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

An occasional grunt or yap of a foraging jackal punctured the surrounding silence. It was early evening and the air was oppressive as we sat mesmerised, taut with the expectation of what we would see of this promised show.  Two floodlights directed from our camp lit...
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Unusual visitors

by | 09/12/2021 | Healthy living, Life Stories, Lifestyle | 2 Comments

The red salt- packed road ran in a straight line up the Skeleton Coast of Namibia. We had left behind the seal colony at Cape Cross a hundred miles back, where the stench of ammonia was so strong, that it brought tears to our eyes, and cleared the sinuses instantly....
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When will Covid end?

by | 07/12/2021 | Coping skills, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Worrying about things outside of our control is not helpful It is only with acceptance that there can be an absence of worry. This applies to most things in life. A virus has turned the world upside down. We cannot escape the media and understandably are feeling a...
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Turn bad news into good news

by | 12/11/2021 | caregiving, Coping skills, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

When it seems like the bad news keeps on coming Yesterday I had a much dreaded follow up appointment with the specialist. I was feeling slightly nervous, mainly because of recent experiences, and was certainly not jumping for joy, while I remembered the pain of my...
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The Bad Landlord

by | 12/11/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

What price should we put on good health? Am I right in thinking that if you are renting a property, and paying good money each week for the privilege one would expect to live in a healthy home? Landlords have been put on notice after the landlords of a damp, mould...
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Crazy world house prices

by | 28/10/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Buying a home is not for the faint hearted in today's market During the Covid-19 pandemic there has been much said about the shocking increase in property prices around the world. Take Brisbane, Australia for instance- the median house price in September 21 has hit a...
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Music soothes the soul

by | 27/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

The importance of music Maddie ( aged 11) wrote.... "Music can make a huge difference in peoples lives. I find that music calms me down when I'm mad or when I'm sad. We all need music in our lives as it is important that we think about ourselves every once in awhile....
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Tips for a healthier home

by | 20/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Keeping your home healthy is an ongoing process Sometimes we ignore the smaller issues that then become the bigger issues that cause us pain when we get sick or have to pay for extensive remedial work to alleviate further issues. Climate Change is a very real problem...
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Healing with food

by | 19/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Living with an Auto immune disease is challenging I know this first hand, as even now, some days I feel like I have been run over and can barely lift my head off the pillow, then other days I am bouncing off the wall. I also suffer at times from waves of anxiety and...
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Mindfulness – when the going gets tough

by | 18/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When times are tough When things get tough we often feel anxious and perhaps we might even have issues with sleeping at night. Every time we get stressed, a little part of our brain called the amygdala takes control. The amygdalae defines and regulates our emotions....
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The lonely bee hotel

by | 17/10/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Children's Corner | 0 Comments

Help our environment with a Bee Hotel During lockdown, Maddie (11) told me that she thought that a good project would be to make a Bee Hotel for the garden. At the time, she was busy re-cycling old glass coffee jars into food storage containers, and we were discussing...
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Fighting inflammation with Turmeric

by | 05/10/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Most people love a curry, but did you know that turmeric is one of the herbs that is known for it's beneficial cancer reducing properties, as well as also having many other health benefits. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a substance with powerful...
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Why children love and need pets

by | 05/10/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, Maddie's Children's Corner | 2 Comments

Maddie (11 years) and Lexie (8 years) are cousins in different countries, but since the rolling lockdowns,they talk daily over the internet. They can spend hours showing each other what they are doing every day, whether it is singing, dancing or aerobics, or playing...
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Waste not…want not!

by | 04/10/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, uncategorised | 0 Comments

When we throw away our unused old clothing, we are creating greenhouse gases which in turn contributes to climate change. Clothing that ends up in landfills around the world is increasing at alarming levels. It is a very important factor in the lives of our children...
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Lock down fatigue

by | 30/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! But since the beginning of the Covid outbreak and the many" lock down's" around the world, it just became harder. You would think that one would have plenty of time in lock down to do all of...
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Mask up and make a difference

by | 14/09/2021 | caregiving, Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Wear a mask .... save a life If somebody who was unknowingly infected with Covid-19 or the recent highly infectious Delta variant, and they sneezed within close proximity to you, the chances are you might get the virus, even if you are vaccinated. What are the chances...
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The dark side of chocolate

by | 13/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs | 0 Comments

I was talking to eleven year old Maddie who was eating chocolate over FaceTime the other day. Many countries are still in lockdown due to the Delta variant causing so much havoc. She sent me her research this morning for a blog she wanted to write, as obviously she...
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Is stress making you gain weight?

by | 10/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered why stress causes you to eat more? Stress can cause many unwanted things and we might not notice them all at first. Stress and your emotional, mental  and physical health If you are feeling irritated, or overwhelmed, and have a headache, with a...
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Can you cure Hypothyroidism?

by | 08/09/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Hypothyroidism doesn’t have to be permanent Sometimes finding out that you have an auto immune disease can not only be scary, but a relief to eventually find out why you feel so tired, and why you are putting on weight when you are actually eating less. Auto immune...
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So what’s your horoscope say today?

by | 07/09/2021 | Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Do you check out your daily horoscope? I wonder if there are others like me who will check out their horoscope every now and then, and if they don't like what they read, will find one that they like better? Are you also amazed that when you are reading all about your...
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Get on your bike!

by | 30/08/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Riding a bike through retirement Who would have thought I would ever ride a bike again at my age? Not me that's for sure! My first bicycle was a second-hand Raleigh. Life in then "war torn" Rhodesia, with Sanctions, meant that we could not buy new things, so when I...
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Can Pets improve our mental health?

by | 30/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A loyal friend Basil Brush was my beloved friend. He was a hairy, stocky, short little dog with bucked teeth, an underbite, and a tummy that scraped the steps if he could manage them. He had a deep bark for such a little dog and a very weak bladder, which...
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The less you own, the less owns you

by | 25/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Do you ever feel like you are running from one task to another? Are you multi-tasking to get things done and constantly in catch-up mode, mobile phone in hand, and answering email after email, and then suddenly it is time to feed the family and catch up on laundry?...
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Try something different

by | 16/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Simplicity is the highest form of complexity When we first went into lockdown, we decided to try ordering ready-made fresh food online. Our Millenial children had already tried My Food Bag and still love it, so we decided to give it a go too! Our findings From the...
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Is Red wine good for you?

by | 13/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

To have or to have not After a tough day, I often look forward to a relaxing glass of Pinot Noir. Recently though, after a health scare, my partner gave up alcohol almost entirely, apart from the odd glass of wine. So it made me think whether I was now tasked with the...
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Is Goat’s cheese better for you than cow’s cheese?

by | 09/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Which is better? Goats cheese or cows cheese? I have always been wary of goats, mainly because I was attacked by one many years ago. The kind owner of the mean goat told me that "Pearl" was not attacking me but merely being friendly. I learnt how to jump a fence that...
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Good, bad or ugly?

by | 08/08/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Have you ever wondered about which indoor plants are good and which are bad according to Feng Shui ? A friend of mine once remarked that her son’s new girlfriend had left an obnoxious plant by her front door called “mother- in-laws tongue” as a belated Christmas gift....
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Stressed & Angry?

by | 06/08/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Life is 10% what happens to you and 90 % of how you cope with it. A sense of humour can be an amazing asset when it comes to dealing with stressful situations. It will improve your overall emotional and physical health and will help you to look at things in a...
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Is coffee good for us?

by | 02/08/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

There is nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee is there? So often we are told that coffee is not good for us, but we continue to drink it and enjoy the different varieties that are offered today. The choice is mind boggling! In fact, it is estimated that...
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Kill unkindness with kindness

by | 23/07/2021 | caregiving, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

It doesn't cost anything to be kind By being "the rainbow" in somebody's stormy day is such a lovely way to think about being kind to others. Even a simple smile can go a long way. How often does a good mood do a U turn when your happy greeting is barely acknowledged...
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Zoomers and creative writing

by | 23/07/2021 | Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Children and creative writing Maddie (aged 11) loves creative writing and has sent me her reasoning as to why it is so good for children. Maddie is from a generation now referred to as "a Zoomer" - Generation Z I love that she is busy in the school holidays being so...
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Feeling like a sad bear?

by | 19/07/2021 | Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Seasonal affective disorder Sometimes when the days seem dull and the sun forgets to shine for days on end, we can suffer from something called SAD (Seasonal affective disorder). This depressive disorder is linked to the seasons of the year and is more common in...
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Greens are good says Maddie

by | 18/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Kid's corner, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 1 Comment

Spinach and Kale are 2 vegetables that are nutrient rich with loads of antioxidants, vitamins, calcium, iron and more. Maddie ( my eleven year old granddaughter) is on school holidays at the moment and has sent me a recipe that she has found for a healthy lifestyle....
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Oranges to stay healthy

by | 17/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

School holidays have arrived again and there are kids still in lock down in some countries. Maddie, my 11 year old granddaughter has sent me a good healthy recipe for a tasty orange drink. Maddie's healthy Vitamin C drink Recipe Get 6 -8 oranges ( or however many you...
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Auto immune diseases

by | 11/07/2021 | Healthy living, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Finding out that you have an auto immune disease can be a quite scary, but by the time I found out, I was actually relieved to at last find out why I was feeling so ill most of the time. Auto immune diseases occur when the immune system, which is the body's defence...
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Baby Baby good for you?

by | 09/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 2 Comments

Here is a great little tip from Sandy, in Christchurch, NZ, who was advised by her surgeon to use baby shampoo as a make up remover on her eyelids after having surgery. Unlike many expensive products these days that are sold to remove makeup, like Clinque or Lancome,...
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Maddie’s raw egg shake

by | 06/07/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Eleven year old Maddie sent me this quick and easy recipe. She called it a "high in protein" tasty drink. It is refreshing to see somebody so young taking an interest in healing foods. Maddie's simple recipe Use a Blender or Quick shaker Take a cup of milk One banana...
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Home and income… really ?

by | 06/07/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Home and Income Many people these days are looking for ways to reduce their mortgage. What better way than to have a property that can be split into two seperate dwellings. Of course, they have to comply with the building regulations and various council rules and...
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Befriend the little birds

by | 01/07/2021 | Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A simple life hack from Pat... Here is a life hack or handy tip from my childhood friend, Pat Barber who lives in Maryland, USA. How to keep ants from invading Hummingbird feeders. Hang the feeder on a pole and apply a 3/4 inch collar of Vaseline near the bottom of...
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Mokopuna

by | 30/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion, uncategorised | 0 Comments

A drawing by Maddie ( age 11)

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Spirulina for smoothies

by | 29/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

When my husband was undergoing chemotherapy, one of the super foods that he was recommended to use daily was Spirulina. During his cancer journey, our favourite shops soon became the pharmacies and the many health food shops, while we searched for ways of limiting the...
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Cancer and Bicarb of soda

by | 27/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Lifehacks, Lifestyle | 1 Comment

When my husband was diagnosed with cancer we were told that bicarbonate of soda was something we should investigate and get into the habit of using daily. We wanted to try every possible avenue in order to keep him healthy while he underwent the invasive chemotherapy...
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Do you miss the world?

by | 27/06/2021 | Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Covid-19 has made it a long 16 months so far. Just when it seems things are getting better, there is another outbreak. Like many people, I have decided to wait and get vaccinated before travelling overseas, even though I miss my family so much. Having an auto immune...
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Lemons

by | 22/06/2021 | Handy hints, Healthy living, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

When my husband was battling cancer, lemons were one fruit that really helped. We used lemon zest in our salads, lemon juice in his smoothies and teas. Lemons are known to have an alkalising effect in the body. While they are acidic, to begin with, they also are...
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Buyer’s remorse

by | 22/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Opinion, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

So often when we purchase something we have a feeling of remorse soon after. This is no different when you purchase a house, in fact, the remorse and be much worse. Experienced real estate negotiators are keen to get the deal done that day for this reason. They will...
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Smart gadgets

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Technology | 0 Comments

Renovating a home is not for the faint hearted Take it from one who knows! Smart wiring, or smart homes are often talked about and the digital natives amongst us know all the tricks. Just listening to some of the things required in our new smart home made my head...
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Messy house or hoarder?

by | 18/06/2021 | Handy hints, Lifestyle, Opinion | 0 Comments

Sometimes it is hard to differentiate between hoarding and extreme clutter. Many times in my real estate career, I have come across people who do not see the clutter when they come to sell their homes. It is rude to point it out to them, and sometimes difficult to be...
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Houses built from hemp

by | 18/06/2021 | Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate | 0 Comments

Some interesting ways of building homes over the years have included products such as Hemp. It has apparently been used globally as a natural building product for thousands of years. Recently a Western Australian couple hand built their three-bedroom home on a...
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10 Simple Life Hacks to Stay Healthy and Active

by | 25/09/2024 | Health and Wellness | 0 Comments

Introduction to Healthy LivingIn today's fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel overwhelming. However, implementing a few simple life hacks can significantly improve your well-being and help you stay active. This blog post explores effective...
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10 warning signs to look out for when buying a house

by | 30/11/2021 | Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle, Real Estate, uncategorised | 0 Comments

Renovating is not always easy. Even the the tasks that look like they could be simple can turn out to me a mission to finish! Have you ever found a few cracked tiles in the kitchen and thought about replacing them? It is okay if you have spare matching tiles, but what...
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A wise old donkey

by | 18/06/2021 | Lifehacks, Lifestyle, uncategorised | 0 Comments

One day a farmer's donkey fell down into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered up anyway, it just wasn't worth it to retrieve the donkey. He...
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Are you a hoarder?

by | 20/01/2023 | caregiving, Coping skills, Handy hints, Home and Garden, Lifestyle | 0 Comments

Are you a hoarder? They say you should always "declutter" when selling your home? When I was selling my own home after the death of my husband, I wondered if I was a hoarder! They say that hoarding is often a coping mechanism. Apparently if we are bereaved , or...
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Yummy smoothies to try says Maddie

Yummy smoothies to try says Maddie

by | Jul 8, 2023 | Kid's corner, Lifestyle, Maddie's Blogs, Maddie's Children's Corner

Maddie sent me another idea for the school holidays.

She says……A shake or smoothie is the perfect way to start your day.

Maddie, aged 13, says that a smoothie is full of nutrients, vitamins and is very healthy for you.

She goes on to say “It can be very energising and can leave you feeling full up, so when you start your day with a shake it should put you in a better mood for the rest of the day.”

Here are some smoothie ideas for you to try.

Step 1. Add the milk of your choice into a blender
Step 2. Add the fruit of you choice for example: strawberries, mango, apple, or banana, etc.
Step 3. Add some Greek yogurt.
Step 4. Add a raw egg.

This is a great recipe and good to keep your energy up along with your protein intake high. It is an easy on the go recipe.
Step 1. Add the milk of your choice
Step 2. Add in some mixed berries
Step 3. Peel and put in half an avocado
Step 4. Put in 2 Tablespoons of honey
Blend it all up and you will have a yummy on the go smoothie to enjoy!

This last recipe is a very nutritious smoothie and it is great to grab and go
Step 1. Peel and add a banana
Step 2. Add some frozen berries and mango
Step 3. Add 100g of yoghurt
Step 4. Add 1/2 a cup of spinach
Step 5. Add 1/2 a cup of milk of your choice.

Hope you enjoy making your smoothies!

© gentlelifehacks.com|Author| Maddie

Maddie’s favourite Brownie recipe

Maddie’s favourite Brownie recipe

by | Jul 8, 2023 | Kid's corner, Maddie's Blogs, Maddie's Children's Corner

It is school holidays again and dear Maddie has been in the kitchen baking.

She sent this recipe to me to share with everyone.

Chocolate brownies.

Maddie says it is an easy recipe that takes about to 30 minutes, but ultimately leaves you with nice even, chewy and soft fudge brownies.

She says that they are really good for a last minute on the go type of recipe.

Ingredients:

1 cup of sugar
Half a cup of cocoa powder
100g of salted butter
2 eggs
Half a cup of flour
1 teaspoon of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven at 200 degrees on oven bake
2. Prepare a bowel with the sugar cocoa and melted butter mix till you have a ice texture
3. Add eggs
4. Prepare an 8 x 8 tray and line with baking paper
5. Add the flour and salt and mix till you get and nice sticky-ish texture
6. Put in the oven and leave in the oven for 25 mins
7. Take it out of the oven and leave for 5 minutes to cool and then cut into nice evenly cute brownies

Make sure to clean up the mess once you are done though, as that is the right thing to do!

©gentlelifehacks.com| Author| Maddie