How To Prepare For Events and Programs

Have you ever been tasked to spearhead a launching party or simply an event that gathered in a lot of guests? Perhaps, it is a talk, workshop, seminar, or any big corporate or academic gathering, or something else.

Do you feel clueless on how to begin and are too anxious to take on this big obligation? Fret not. Here are some helpful tips for you:

 

• Know what the event is all about: Is this a product launch of a new make up brand? Is this just a party for a foreign celebrity who is about to visit the country? Is it a press conference of high-profiled people? Is this a book launch? Will it be a seminar about climate change? Before even planning the program, you need to know first what this whole thing is all about. Ask if there is a theme you need to follow. Figure out a way to incorporate the theme and objective of the event in the program itself.
• What about the decors? For sure, if this is a big event, you will be working with a team to help you coordinate and do the legwork. If you’re lucky, you might even be able to assemble a decorating committee. Will you need a signage as a backdrop in the stage? Will there be a need to buy a grand opening stand or perhaps more specifically a grand opening flower? Would you need to buy some fixtures to make the stage and the venue more appealing? Make sure these little things are settled before the day itself.
• Will you need some equipment? If there will be a program, you are probably going to need some microphones, a podium, speakers, music players, some CDs, audio-visual equipment, and even a couch if there will be an interview portion during the event. Make sure to settle how to transport these equipment to and from the venue itself.
• Of course, the food is a big factor: Maybe, the event is not a big birthday party where you need to really serve your guests with big, sumptuous meals, but perhaps you need to offer them some refreshments or snacks. Knowing the number of guests and the time of the event will be big factors in deciding what to serve during the show. You can hire caterers if you have the budget for it.
• The flow of the program: Find a good host and discuss the flow of the program. Will there be a need for an opening prayer? Some intermissions? If this is a seminar or workshop, when will there be a question-and-answer portion or an open forum? How do you intend to close the program? Will there be opening and closing remarks? You need to settle all these things before starting the program itself. You need to make sure that the host will engage the audience so they won’t suddenly leave and disappear without understanding what the whole event is all about. Sally, 33, an event planner in Singapore shared, “I always make sure the program is not too long that you start to lose the interest of the crowd. But I make sure that all important elements are there.”

 

 

 

Getting Rid Of Your Wrinkles

School usually gives us so much stress in life that it leaves us long lasting effects all throughout our adult life. There will be times that the subjects and studies don’t really give off much of the stresses in our teenaged lives, but it’s the relationships with all out friends and the people we all get to interact with the whole time we are there. If you’re lucky, all that stress will not translate into wrinkles and marks on your face.

On the other hand, there will be times that these bad things will be inescapable. Wrinkles and lines all over your face will develop one way or another. So, to be able to fight this, here are a few ways to try and turn back time for your skin.

Try to avoid Soap
You can instead use warm water, especially in the morning and not wash it with soap. Soap makes skin dry. If for example you go to gyms to try and work out, instead of washing your face with soap and water, you can instead use a moisturizing cleanser.

Another reason you should avoid using soap on your face is that your skin’s natural barrier is made up of acid mantle. When the pH scale shows 7, it is neutral. Anything below this level is acidic and above it is alkaline. Skin’s pH level balance is typically between 4 and 6.5, even when the skin is very oily. Soap, on the other hand, is extremely alkaline and goes towards the other extreme. So, if you use soap on your skin, it messes with its pH balance and acid mantle, which can make skin conditions worse.

Never Overwash Your Face
Once again, this points towards the fact that you should not let your skin go too dry. There is an idea that washing your face multiple times a day would keep you beautiful. Do your very best not to follow or be swayed by this idea. All the natural protection and oils that protects your face will be removed and this will let more dangerous and harmful elements enter the skin of your face.

Hydrate With Healthy Oils
If all else fails, there are medical procedures. All those wrinkles means that the skin is getting too dehydrated and dry. (again, this is about your skin getting too dry etc.) Moisturize your skin. Choose the right type of moisturizer. Anything natural and lightweight that doesn’t leave your face feeling greasy is very important.

Dermal Fillers
These are naturally-derived or synthetic material that is directly injected into skin with the purpose of lumping that area on your skin that has got the wrinkle. This does sound like how Botox is done. Yet, these are two very different things. Unlike dermal fillers that are directed towards the wrinkles, Botox, prevents muscle movements that results in wrinkles.

Bonus Tip:
Diet-wise, you need to ramp up on your vitamin C. Tomatoes, strawberries, kiwi fruit, bell peppers kale, broccoli, and of course, oranges. These are foods that are high in L-ascorbic acid. (AKA Vit C) Our bodies need this to synthesize collagen. And without collagen, skin loses elasticity which then leads to wrinkles and sagging.

Different Skin Types And How to Take Good Care of Them

The outer most part of the skin which is the epidermis, is a very thin layer that covers up the whole body. The skin is thin and sensitive. The struggle of most people who have sensitive skin, tend to breakout especially when it’s not taken good care of. Even if your skin is healthy or well taken care of, pimples, acne, or any other impurities may happen, and it’s totally normal. The acne treatment that can be found all over Singapore helps patients to have a flawless looking skin, and with the help of the acne scar treatment, the darkness of the acne mark will sure be gone.

Your skin type may tell a lot, and it’s best to know on what causes the impurities to the face, and how to treat them properly.

 

• If you’re someone who has oily skin, causes might come either from genetics, your menstrual cycle, stress, the weather condition, putting too much makeup on, or your lifestyle nutrition. To avoid having an oily skin type, simply take care of your skin by cleansing your face with the right cleanser to get rid of the excess amount of oil building up in your face. On a daily basis, you can also bring your blotting papers to absorb all the oil and shine on your face. It takes a good amount of time for better results as long as you’re taking good care of your skin in the right way. Let your skin breathe and avoid using a heavy amount of beauty products.

 

• For people who have dry skin, causes may also come from genetics, lack of moisture, aging, the weather condition, dehydration, hot baths/showers, and using of harsh soaps. In order to prevent having a dry skin, the quickest and most convenient treatment is to drink plenty of water. Our skin tends to dry when not drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. Be frequent in using (gentle) moisturizers after taking a bath, before going to bed, or before applying makeup. Also take note that the skin dries up on cold winter seasons. Better start preparing those moisturizers!

 

• Another skin type is the combined skin type, which means you have both oily and dry skin. There are times when your face has dry patches while the t-zone area (forehead, nose, and chin) are more prone to being oily. Causes of having a combined skin type comes from the genetics, the weather condition and the environment, hormones, stress, and depending upon the makeup or skincare product that you are using. To prevent having a combined skin type, you can take good care of it by applying the right cleanser, toner, and moisturizer which has SPF 30 in it. SPF 30 will protect your skin under the sun for a good amount of thirty minutes. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors so much, use products with SPF 30 because this can really save your skin from the heat of the sun.

 

• People who have sensitive skin are more prone in having breakouts, acnes, irritation, and rashes. There can be many possible reasons on why some people have sensitive skin. Causes might come from the environment, weather condition, or using the wrong makeup/skincare product. Help yourself first in seeking what causes your skin to be sensitive. To treat the sensitive skin, cleansing and moisturizing will be your best friend. Avoid using soaps or any skincare products with strong fragrances in it, dermatologists do not recommend it. As much as possible, be aware to the surroundings. You do not want to get all that dirt in your face.

 

 

• You’re lucky enough if you have a normal skin That means your skin is healthy, has an even complexion, pores are less visible to see, and is prone to having breakouts. Self-love and care is the key to have a healthy looking skin.

 

Whether your skin is oily, dry, sensitive, combined, or normal, it’s always best to keep your skin hydrated. Everything takes time, that’s why if you wish to have a normal skin type, patience, faith, and self-care is the answer!

 

Food Security and Organic Food

It is an interesting irony that in an era of cutting-edge technology and unrelenting development, food security is among the primary social problem worldwide. Of course, issues like climate change, environmental degradation, labor malpractices and other social inequities are still constant reminder that development is not always good but food security is a paramount global dilemma. Apparently,  food security is not just a matter of quantity but more importantly, a matter of quality and organic food and other products figure into the food security debacle.

Food security is a complex problem reflected in the fact that it is also complicated to define. Today there are at least 200 definitions of the term defining it simultaneously as a social condition and aspiration. But among these definitions, there are fundamental elements.

In a nutshell, food security involves household food security at the basic level and a household is considered food when it has access to the food needed for a healthy life for all its members and without risk of losing such access.  This already implicates numerous problematics or dimensions of the food security question. For one it suggests that in order to be food ‘secure’, food supply must not only be adequate in terms of quantity but also in terms of quality, safety and cultural acceptability. It also further suggests that access to food need to be constant sustainable.

Either way, food availability and access are critical terms in understanding and addressing food security issues but another dimension of the crisis reflected in the definition is the quality of food. Simply put, it is possible to have a high supply and corollary high purchasing power among consumers but the quality of the food is in contest. Health considerations in food production and utilization then also therefore also factors into the food security question.

It is precisely because of this dimension of food security that organic food and products  figure in the issue and has also become an advocacy among food security activists. Organic foods are meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products that come from animals that are not given antibiotics or growth hormones and from plants and crops that are grown without using conventional chemical pesticides, fertilizers from synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; or any such bioengineering or ionizing radiation processes. In other words, organic food is food that is healthy for both the consumer and the environment.

Today, the growing number of organic products or organic superfoods is a part of growing consciousness not just of health-related issues but in a widening understanding that food security also refers to environmental security. The similarly growing number of organic products in Singapore and other developing economies is further indication that even animal and crop growers and producers are slowly coming to terms with the fact that they too can, if they are not so already, culprits in the global problem of food insecurity. The growing market for these organic food products and an expanding consumer base bodes well in the struggle for food security since growing patronage is almost an assurance that producers will see that environmental awareness can also be profitable in the long run.

Goodbye Italian Cravings!

Food is definitely one of the best creations that have ever been made. No matter where you go or what type of food you crave for, once you feel the need to satisfy your cravings then spoil yourself with some great Italian food found all around Singapore.

Say no more whether you’re a fan of Italian foods or not, here are some list of Italian dishes that can be found in the top Italian restaurants all over Singapore that will surely make you feel the need to try  them all out:

 

• Cannelloni – Cannelloni is made from a baked cylindrical shaped pasta stuffed with meat, vegetables, and an Italian sauce to it.

 

• Fettuccine Alfredo – This Italian dish is made from fettuccine noodles topped with parmesan cheese and butter. Wait for a few seconds for the parmesan cheese to melt and it will serve as its delicious sauce.

 

• Gelato – The Italian version of an ice cream. The difference is that a Gelato tends to have lower fat, but high in sugar and the consistency is a lot thicker than a regular ice cream. There are hundreds of gelato flavours to choose from that you will surely love!

 

• Lasagna – Lasagna is a baked Italian dish that is made from wide cuts of layered pasta together with the tomato sauce, ground beef, chops of vegetables, and a good amount of cheese!

 

• Panini- The Italian version of a normal sandwich. Panini is made from Italian bread which is sliced horizontally, and also comes with cheese, ham, salami, shredded chicken, and a whole lot more! There are many ways on how to cook a Panini. Care to share on how you’ll make yours?

 

• Panna Cotta – This Italian dessert might even taste better than it looks! A Panna Cotta is made from thick cream with gelatine moulded similar to a dome shape then top it off with either a raspberry, blueberry, or a chocolate sauce. There are a lot to choose from!

 

• Pizza – You sure are familiar with this dish, right? Pizza originated from Italy and this Italian food is made from a flat and round shaped dough, topped with tomato sauce, cheese, pepperoni, basil leaves, and more varieties of toppings to choose from! Pizza comes in many different flavours so enjoy choosing your very own favourite!

 

• Ravioli – These are small envelope pastas containing ground meat, cheese, and vegetables in it. This dish can either be served together with a pasta sauce, or in broth.

 

• Risotto – Risotto is an Italian rice dish topped with your desired meat or vegetable which is cooked in broth until it has its creamy consistency. This Italian dish is very easy to make and you can definitely recreate your own at home!

 

• Tiramisu – Another well-known Italian dessert! Tiramisu looks very similar to a slice of cake, but this Italian dessert is made from whipped egg resulting to a spongy looking cake, together with mascarpone cheese. Top this dessert off with powdered chocolate and Bon appétit!

 

 

The list of different Italian cuisine goes on. Have you found out what your favourite dish is? Drop by at the nearest Italian fine dining in Singapore and start satisfying your Italian cravings!

Remain Flawlessly Beautiful Through the Years

Wise men say that people should be like fine wine in the sense that they should get exponentially better, in more ways than one, with old age but this is easier said than done because of the different problems, overwhelming hardships and various concerns that they have to deal with on a daily basis. Sometimes, because of this smorgasbord of problems and onslaught of issues that bombard them from all sides, the stress levels of people shoot and skyrocket through the roof and that is why wrinkles and blemishes appear on their otherwise flawlessly and smooth skin. And this can really dampen their mood and lower their confidence and self-esteem because they feel that they are just an empty shell and hollow husk of their formerly beautiful selves.

And that is why more and more people feel that they need dermal fillers that will give them the confidence and beauty that they have slowly lost through the years. Some are even going for extreme measures as they go under the surgical scalpel for invasive plastic surgeries because they want to look good and feel good just like their favourite movie stars in Hollywood as well as other famous personalities grazing the cover of magazines and enjoying the limelight on television and the silver screen. But for average folks who cannot afford these expensive surgeries and operations, here are some simple tips that will give them that healthy glow, energy and vigour that they need to look good and feel even better each and every day.

Have a Good Night’s Rest

Because of their tight and hectic schedules, a lot of people barely have enough time at the end of the day to sleep and this can be very detrimental to their overall health and general well-being. People recharge their tired bodies, replenish their depleted energy and recuperate from all the hard work that they do during the day by getting some shut eye when the sun goes down. And that is why instead of going for expensive dermal filler treatments to smoothen their eyebags, crow’s feet and wrinkles as well as whiten the dark circles around their eyes, they should aim for eight to ten hours of sleep every night because this will make them feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

 

Eat a Balanced Diet

                Because of their busy lifestyles, a lot of people do not have the time to eat a healthy and balanced meal and stuffing their faces with junk like fast food and unhealthy snacks that are loaded with preservatives can give their skin a dull and unhealthy pallor. And that is why they should make it a point to load up on healthy food like fresh fruits, lean meat and vegetables that are loaded with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because this will give them that healthy glow that radiates from the inside.

Exercise Regularly

                Jogging for 30 minutes to an hour every morning will release endorphins that make people feel good, mellow and light throughout the day. Lifting light weights in the gym also burns up their excess fat and calories as it gives them the energy that they need to finish their tasks at work while toning their muscles and getting them closer to

Healthy Life Choices for Smart People

Wise men adhere to the idea that money is the root of all evil and it cannot buy happiness but it still stands true that people need to work hard in their respective careers and earn an honest living each and every day in order to survive in this world. And that is why we see a lot of folks buzzing around like busy bees all over the world who are drowning in mountains of work because they cannot afford to slack off and take it easy or else they will experience terrible financial difficulties in the long run without a doubt. While there is nothing wrong with devoting all their time, energy and tireless efforts to move forward in their chosen career as they inch closer towards their dreams and goals in life, these people are often reaching for the stars at the expense of their own physical, mental, psychological and emotional health.

Because of their busy and hectic schedules, a lot of these people are often stressed out of their minds and that is why they binge eat unhealthy food like potato chips, candy bars and cheeseburgers instead of eating organic oats for breakfast before heading out the door. Aside from that, they also take their health and well-being for granted and this can be detrimental to their lifestyle in the long run. And that is exactly the reason why they need to make necessary changes in their daily habits if they want to live a fruitful, happy and relatively blissful existence with their friends and family for a long time.

With that said, here are some healthy life choices that smart people should make if they want to enjoy life to the fullest and make the most of their borrowed time here on earth.

Follow a Healthy Diet

Instead of gorging themselves and stuffing their fat, bloated faces with fast food items like pizza, greasy burgers and salty French fries, people need to start eating healthy if they want to ward off obesity and other health problems. They should eat vegetables, fresh fruits and organic superfoods like quinoa and whole wheat because they are good for their mind and body.

 

Hit the Gym and Run Like the Wind

                Lifting weights and pumping iron a couple of days a week will help people burn calories and the excess fat on their overweight bodies that they carry around on their problem areas like thighs, hips, saggy bellies and love handles. Jogging every day and running marathons on weekends is also a great way to stay in tiptop shape that will ward off the ravaging signs of aging.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

                As doctors and health professionals love to say, stress is the number one killer out there. And that is why people should hang out with people that make them laugh, smile and appreciate the beauty of the world because this will make them feel good about their life choices and melt their stress away. Laughter will also erase the stress lines on their faces, release feel good endorphins inside their brain and make them feel better especially on dark and depressing days.

Good Italian Food Thoughts

If you are looking for an Italian restaurant in Singapore, you can simply search the internet or pop up your maps and look for the one nearest to your place. However, you have to note that even if they are several, you have to choose that which is the most satisfying in order to have the best experience in town. We all know that when you crave for something, you would not be satisfied until and unless you find that great taste that your taste buds are really looking for. With this, here are few considerations in choosing which among them you should avail of.

1. Restaurant’s Chef and Name

Italian food is not a simple dish. It must have that savouring taste that would leave you to a state feeling as if you have eaten an authentic Italian dish right in Italy cooked by a legit Italian chef. However, since you are in Singapore, you have to know who the chef is and his expertise in cooking such dish. Of course, it does not mean that you are to interview him. This means that you correlate it with the name of the restaurant. With one search in the internet, your questions may be answered right away. Chefs come with the name of the restaurant. Even though they have been in the area for just a short span of time compared to others, they may carry a name of an Italian Restaurant known for its good food.

2. Price

The value or the price of the dishes would make a difference in making choices. Sometimes, there are those who are willing to pay for a higher price for a very good food. On the other hand, there are those who want a good food at a low and affordable price. The price of different kinds of dishes would depend on the ingredients used in cooking it and the procedure in doing so. That is why when the restaurant sounds popular and has good feedbacks, you can expect a higher price compared to others. Nevertheless, the best one would be to have a very good food with a low and affordable price.

3. Distance

Depending on your level of craving, there are restaurants that are purposely sought in order to avail of their foods and services and if there are delivery for such food, the better. However, if you are the kind of person who, regardless of the name of the restaurant, needs to satisfy your craving, you would settle for that nearest to your place. With this, your craving would be satisfied right away without traveling so far.

4. Quality of Ingredients

Most restaurants may be discovered first hand or by recommendation. Those persons whose favourite are Italian dishes, you can ask their comments as to the best Italian restaurant available in town. For sure, they will critique on the texture of the food, the taste of every bite and even the quality of the ingredients whether it is fresh or frozen and whether it is authentic or commercial. With that, you can now prioritize which among them best serves the Italian dish that would satisfy your craving.

Top 4 Grains and Their Benefits

Rice is the common type of grain that is consume by many people. In some countries, especially in Asia, rice is considered to be a staple food. However, there are people who are switching to other organic grains because of the healthier benefits they can give and some people just can’t continue eating rice for different health reasons. If you love having grains in your daily meal, below are some alternative organic grains and their benefits.

Oats

The first alternative grain that you can purchase is the organic oats, which can help lower the level of cholesterol. This grain has different benefits such as improving immune system, prevents breast cancer, and also helps control blood pressure. Compared to rice, oats are better if you want to stay fit because it will help you to control your appetite and you’ll feel full every time you eat it. Organic oats are also known to lower the risk of having diabetes, which is common disease for people who excessively consume rice. Oats don’t have a high score of glycemic index, which affects the level of the blood sugar in our body.

Bulgur

The bulgur is a kind of wheat that looks like rice but in yellow colour. It is popular in Europe and India and it contains more protein and fibre compared to white rice. Its glycemic index is also lower and the vitamins and minerals are higher. It is rich in B vitamins that helps convert food to energy. Some people eat bulgur to help them lose weight and help prevent increasing their blood pressure. Like oats, it can also help prevent diabetes and the risk of having gallstones. Bulgur can also help to make your cardiovascular system to function better.

Quinoa

Organic quinoa is a great alternative grain for people who are vegan and vegetarian. Keep in mind that protein is very important for our body because it does not only build and repair tissues but it also serves as a building block of our muscles, blood, skin, and bones. However, great sources of protein are meat and fish, which is not allowed for people who are vegan, which is why quinoa is a great alternative for these. You’ll still have the amount of protein that your body needs every day if you eat quinoa and there are other vitamins and nutrients that you can get from it. Organic quinoa is high in protein, fibre, iron, minerals, calcium, rich in antioxidants, and it’s even gluten-free.

Barley

Like other alternative grains, organic barley is a popular choice for people who want to lose weight. It also prevents people from having diabetes and also contains a lot of nutrients and vitamins that our bodies need. Barley has a high level of fibre, helps control blood sugar levels, and prevents high diseases. Aside from providing antioxidants, the organic barley can also help improve skin elasticity to ensure that you’ll have healthy and youthful skin. It can also improve digestion and lower the level of high cholesterol. You can either add barley in your dishes as an ingredient or you can substitute it for rice. Barley can also prevent cancer and keeps the intestines and colon healthy.

3 Main Differences Between Organic and Natural Foods

Organic foods are getting more and more popular nowadays. However, many people are still confused on how natural and organic foods differ from each other. The main difference between the two is that natural foods are produced by using fertilizers, growth hormones, and pesticides and on the other hand organic foods are produced without altering the food products chemically or synthesized in any form.

The use of fertilizers and pesticides while growing the plants and the use of growth hormones on animals that produces meat and dairy products are known to lose or lower the amount of nutrients and their benefits to our body. Below are some of the differences between natural and organic foods that will help you understand and come up with a decision whether you should go for organic or not.

Benefits

The main reason why many people are going organic is because of the healthy benefits that it can give. You might be consuming natural dried fruits and think it’s already enough to make your body stay healthy. But the nutrients and vitamins that you can get from organic dried fruits are much higher and healthier. It is because they are not processed that will affect the nutrients that the products have. There are still several studies that are conducted to find out if the level of vitamins and nutrients between the two are different. Organic foods will also prevent you from consuming products that have been exposed to chemicals that are usually used when producing natural foods.

Price

When you visit a shop or just research it on the internet, you might be shocked on how much is the price difference of organic and natural foods. Obviously, the organic foods are much expensive than the natural foods. The increase of price is mainly because organic farmers need to exert more time and effort in taking care of the plants and animals that produces the organic products. They don’t use chemicals and pesticides, which makes the production faster and easier for conventional farmers who use it. The organic plants grow slower than natural plants because there are no growth hormones that have been used. Another main reason why organic foods are expensive is because the organic farms must be certified, which can cost a lot of money for the farm owners.

Availability

In any supermarket that you visit, you’ll definitely find natural foods. They are very accessible and will never go out of stock. On the other hand, organic products are a bit harder to find on supermarkets at first but because of its growing popularity, almost all supermarkets are already catering it especially the common ingredients and products such as different types of organic nuts Singapore, seeds, fruits, and even dairy products.

The numbers of online organic shops are increasing, which is why it’s becoming more accessible for everyone. You can always search on the internet to find shops that sells organic products near your area or you can just order some by online shopping. Almost all food products have their organic counterpart so you can ensure that you’ll have wide range of choices to use as your ingredients when preparing your everyday meals.