Here's To Love Health and Happiness!!!

WELL,THIS IS MY FINAL BLOG! I HAD A FUN TIME WRITING ABOUT THINGS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO OUR DAILY GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS, AND WHAT BRINGS US LOVE. I BELIEVE WE SHOULD ALL REFLECT ON OWN OUR STATE OF BEING...AND KEEP GROWING AS INDIVIDUALS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. THIS WAS A FUN ASSIGNMENT... ;)

The Month Of May

For this blog I wanted to write about my birth month: May. I was born on May 7, and I absolutely love May. It's the heart of Spring, and it reminds me of beautiful flowers, fresh air, birds chirping, and greenery. There are many songs and holidays dedicated to May. Here are some more fun facts about this wonderful month:

Birthstone: Emerald
Flower: Lily of the Valley

(Info from: http://www.entourages.com/barbs/may.htm)


MAY

Facts about May

According to the early Roman calendar, May was the third month. Later, the ancient Romans used january 1 for the beginning of their year, and May became the fifth month. May has always had 31 days.
Several stories are passed around to show how the month of May was named. The most widely accepted explanation is that it was named for Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. Her name related to a Latin word that means increase or growth.

May is one of the most beautiful months of the year in the North Temperate Zone. Usually the snow and ice are gone and the hot temperatures haven't arrived. The first garden begins to sprout in May. The wild flowers are blooming, and the trees and grasses have turned green. Wild flowers that bloom in different parts of America are the forsythia, dogwood, violets, and jack-in-the-box. Many birds have built their nests, and mother birds are sitting on the eggs, which will soon hatch.

"May May Come and Bring Me Flowers, After all those April Showers." -Me ;)

***JuSt SoMe FuN MuSic ViDs**

Music makes you dance, smile, and be happy! Some clips I really like...


**Russian Music Video**




**Cool Armenian Song**



**A Nice Britney Song**

Far Far AwaY....

Do you ever close your eyes and think of being somewhere far away? Maybe on a deserted tropical island, surrounded by aqua water and palm trees. Or on top of a snowny mountain in a cozy cabin. Everyone of us has a certain place that we imagine when we want to relax. I personally like to picture myself on a tropical island, surrounded by beach and palm trees. I would spend the whole day swimming in the clear waters, then relax in a hammock. Ahhhh.... Anyways, it's very important for all of us to have relaxation in our lives. Even mental relaxation helps, especially to relax from stress and unwanted thoughts. So next time when you feel like getting away, close your eyes and picture that perfect escape and enjoy...until you open your eyes again ;)

I think the perfect beach-fun song is Coco Jambo by Mr. President. So if you ever imagine being on a beach, this song is great!!

Thanks at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is coming up and it's so important to realize what we have and what we should be thankful for. Most of us underestimate our privileges, luxuries, and day to day life because we are used to such things. If we look at other countries and people who can only wish to have our "simple" lives, we would be more thankful for what we have. Thanksgiving is a great holiday, and I really enjoy it. I enjoy gathering with the family, feasting on delicious foods, and being thankful for all that I have. =)

To the Moon and Back...

One of the greatest things we as human beings can ever experience is love. The feeling of loving and being loved. Not only humans, but animals, plants, and nature in general reacts to nurture and love. When we give love, we see happy results. Love is an action, a thought, and a feeling. With love there come many emotions. Those emotions are often times reflected in song. One of my favorite love songs, or love-related songs, is called "To the Moon and Back" by Savage Garden. It's a song about a girl wanting to find love, and wishing that the guy of her dreams will find her. She will "fly to the moon and back" if he'll be her baby. It's a song about desiring to find a true love, in a world where dullness and sorrow surrounds us. The melody in the song is beautiful, and the lyrics are touching. It's very important to have love in your life, whether it's from a lover, family member, friend, or even pet. Love is what makes us happy. Love conquers all. Really, it does.

TO THE MOON AND BACK LYRICS

Shes taking her time making up
The reasons
To justify all the hurt inside
Guess she knows from the smile
And the look in their eyes
Everyones got a theory about the
Bitter one
Theyre saying mamma never loved
Her much
And daddy never keeps in touch
Thats why she shies away from
Human affection
But somewhere in a private place
She packs her bags for outer space
And now shes waiting for the right
Kind of pilot to come
And shell say to him
Shes saying

Chorus

I would fly to the moon and back if
Youll be
If youll be my baby
Got a ticket for a world where we
Belong
So would you be my baby

She cant remember a time when she
Felt needed
If love was red then she was colour
Blind
All her friends theyve been tried for
Treason
And crimes that were never defined
Shes saying love is like a barren
Place
And reaching out for human faith is
Is like a journey I just dont have a
Map for
So babys gonna take a dive and
Push the shift to overdrive
Send a signal that shes hanging
All her hopes on the stars
What a pleasant dream
Just saying

Chorus

Hold on hold on

Mamma never loved her much
And daddy never keeps in touch
Thats why she shies away from
Human affection
But somewhere in a private place
She packs her bags for outer space
And now shes waiting for the right
Kind of pilot to come
And shell say to him
Just saying

Diversity and Beauty of Music

I love listening to energetic, good music. Infact, I think that a day without music is like a day without sunshine...kinda boring! I love all types of music genres-pop, rock, R&B, international. I love listening to superstar singers like Michael Jackson, Mariah, Celine, Britney. However, I also enjoy listening to other genres, including Russian and Armenian music. I really enjoy listening to Armenian pop/rock singer Hasmik Karapetyan. She's a popular singer in Armenia, and her songs are wonderful. They have great beats, touching lyrics, and her voice is very soothing and sweet. I really like listening to her music when I get tired of the fast-paced, repetitive beats of today's mainstream radio. She's really cool and I never seem to tire of listening to her music. One of my favorite songs by her is called "Andzrev," which means "rain" in Armenian. It's an awesome club song and her voice compliments the music beautifully. Anyways, music and the world of song is marvelous, in any language. So let's all start singing now!!! (or not. ;) ).

My Little Joy

One of the most special and dearest things in my life is my little Yorkie puppy named Ferre (like in Ferrari) Pijon. He's five months, and is the most precious puppy ever. He is the most sensitive, kindest, energetic, sweetest, and friendliest puppies ever, and he has become like a family member. Pets are one of the little treasures that we as humans have, and if you are blessed to have a pet at home, you know what it's like to come home to someone that really cares and loves you. I know that if I had a bad day, am tired, or not in the mood, I have my little Ferre waiting for me. I adore everything about him, from his adorable little teddy bear face, to his kind personality. I love my puppy!!!!

Great Meal at The Grill on the Alley

This Friday, I took my bf out for his birthday to a restaurant called The Grill on the Alley located in Beverly Hills. It was our first time there, and boy was it a fun experience! It was Halloween, so as expected, it wasn't crowded. We had a quiet booth all to ourselves, and the atmosphere was very romantic and cozy. The restaurant is medium-sized, and is known to be a celeb favorite for lunchtime. Anyways, I ordered the salmon with spinach mashed potatoes, while my bf ordered a thick juicy steak. The food was simply awesome. The steak was sooo good. I don't eat a lot of red meat, but this was absolutely delicious. My salmon was fresh and tender, and the potatoes wonderful. The place is a bit pricey, but if you're looking for healthy, quality, delicious food, definitely check out The Grill.

The address is:
9560 Dayton Way
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Confidence and Self-Love is Happiness

As I was reading a European celebrity magazine a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon a very interesting article about the life of Italian movie star, Monica Bellucci. In that article, I read about Monica’s great rise to stardom and her enormous self-confidence. I believe in one quote, she mentioned waking up every morning and telling herself that she’s number one. Wow, talk about self-love and high self-esteem. After reading that article, I started to think about how people with talent and self-love carry themselves and believe in themselves: with no doubt and no resistance. It’s either all or nothing. Another example of someone with tremendous self-confidence is Oprah Winfrey, who has shared her fortune, time, and love with the world for so many years. Oprah believes in her talents and virtues, and isn’t afraid to share them. She is a giver, and despite her difficult childhood, she has learned that through hard work, discipline, kindness, and determination, a person’s confidence can grow. Oprah never let her troubled past hold her back from conquering television, and her dreams. Another example of a feisty, self-confident female is Jennifer Lopez, who has conquered movies, music, and fashion. Jennifer has always been confident with herself, because she believes that everyone is an individual and has something to offer to society. She is confident with her looks, and even though she doesn’t have the standard Hollywood beauty, she has worked hard and believed enough in herself to turn her life into a fairy tale. Confidence is a topic that touches everyone of us. Women, I believe, are especially affected with this topic, because we are always aiming to please the ones we love, and be sensitive of our image. By working hard towards your goals and dreams, by not letting life’s obstacles stop you, all of us have the power to have great confidence and make a difference in the world. Self-love is confidence, and confidence is happiness. When we are confident and happy with ourselves, life is good, and we make people around us feel just as good, too. Confidence is power.

JuSt SoMe CuTe LoVe QuOtEs...<3

I love Cute Quotes about Love. They're touching and in many ways inspiring:

Sophocles: Cute Love Quotes
One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life; That word is love.

Mother Teresa: Cute Love Quotes
Smile at each other, smile at your wife, smile at your husband, smile at your children, smile at each other - it doesn't matter who it is - and that will help you to grow up in greater love for each other.

Brian Jett: Famous Love Quotes
The greatest possession we have costs nothing, it's known as love.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Who so loves believes the impossible.

Willa Cather
Where there is great love, there are always miracles.

*from: http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Love3.htm

Descanso Gardens: Nature's Small Gift of Happiness

One of the greatest pleasures I get in life is to surround myself with nature and all of its glory. The sun, flowers, trees, animals, fresh air…almost seems like paradise. Well, I can tell you that a little secret “paradise” does exist. I’ve been going to that paradise since I was young, and that paradise is called Descanso Gardens, located in La Canada Flintridge. It’s like an escape from reality- like you’re entering an unknown land filled with the most beautiful seasonal flowers, and a gorgeous environment. Descanso Gardens sits on about 160-acre land, and has ponds, a Japanese tea house, many botanical bushes, flowers, and of course, wildlife. No, you won’t see any bears or mountain lions, but you’ll see many rabbits, unusual birds, small mammals, and the occasional reptile (no alligators! hehe). The garden is divided into little sections inside, where different plants and flowers of the world are separated into categories of species and origination. I have always found such serenity and joy whenever I have visited Descanso Gardens, and plan to go back soon. It’s really like an escape from Los Angeles and into a small forest-y island, where a small utopia exists. Take a loved one to Descanso Gardens, and you’ll definitely find the happiness that nature provides us.
For information about the location and schedules of Descanso Gardens, go to their website:
http://www.descansogardens.org/site/

Celebrating October

Whenever I think of October, I instantly imagine yellow and orange hues, chilly weather, and of course, pumpkins. Pumpkins symbolize October, and for this blog entry I wanted to celebrate the autumn season and post some tasty pumpkin recipes, which I got from the web. I absolutely adore that cozy feeling I get when I smell pumpkin spice on a chilly day. You instantly get a warm feeling, and October just springs to life. When I think of that delicious nutmeg-cinnamon-y “spice” smell of October, I think of pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread. I love the taste of pumpkin bread, and it’s actually healthy, too. Pumpkin pie, even though a dessert, is still pretty good for you, since it’s made of pumpkin and is of light texture. Try these two recipes at home, and bring alive the magic and warmth of October anytime.

Pumpkin Pie
(from: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=549931)

12 servings (serving size: 1 wedge and about 1 tablespoon topping)

Ingredients
Filling:
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 3/4 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated low-fat milk
2 large egg whites
1 large egg
1 (15-ounce) can unsweetened pumpkin

Crust:
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
Cooking spray

Topping:
1/4 cup whipping cream
1 tablespoon amaretto (almond-flavored liqueur)
2 teaspoons powdered sugar
Preparation
Position oven rack to lowest position.
Preheat oven to 425°.
To prepare filling, combine first 6 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add pumpkin, and stir with a whisk until smooth.
To prepare crust, roll dough into an 11-inch circle; fit into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Fold edges under and flute.
Pour pumpkin mixture into the crust. Place pie plate on a baking sheet. Place baking sheet on lowest oven rack. Bake at 425° for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350° (do not remove pie from oven); bake an additional 50 minutes or until almost set. Cool completely on wire rack.
To prepare topping, beat cream with a mixer at high speed until stiff peaks form. Add the amaretto and powdered sugar, and beat until blended. Serve with pie.

Pumpkin Bread
(from: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000842pumpkin_bread.php)

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups (210g) flour
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup (1/4 L) pumpkin purée*
1/2 cup (1 dL) olive oil
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 cup (1 dL) chopped walnuts

* To make pumpkin purée, cut a pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds and stringy stuff, lie face down on a foil or Silpat lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F until soft, about 45 min to an hour. Cool, scoop out the flesh. Freeze whatever you don't use for future use. Or, if you are working with pumpkin pieces, roast or boil them until tender, then remove and discard the skin.
Method
1 Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda.
2 Mix the pumpkin, oil, eggs, 1/4 cup of water, and spices together, then combine with the dry ingredients, but do not mix too thoroughly. Stir in the nuts.
3 Pour into a well-buttered 9x5x3 inch loaf pan. Bake 50-60 minutes until a thin skewer poked in the very center of the loaf comes out clean. Turn out of the pan and let cool on a rack.
Makes one loaf. Can easily double the recipe.

Passion of Fashion

I love fashion!! I love getting dressed up, putting on accessories, adding volume to my hair, the whole deal. I believe that women should take good care of themselves, and grooming is a big part of that. I’m not saying that to be feminine one must wear expensive designer brands and always look chic. But I think that we should all put a little effort into representing ourselves as individuals. My personal style is sensual, sophisticated, and sporty. I love looking put-together, feminine, and be comfortable at the same time. I also love accessories. I believe that my outfit is never truly complete without either earrings, a ring, a bracelet, or necklace. When I was younger, my style was more sporty, but as I matured, I came to love chic clothing, and looking more elegant. I think that accessories should always be worn to accompany a nice outfit, because not only does it add more charm, but an outfit that you could have put together for about $50 can look more classy and elegant. I adore couture clothing like Dior and Chanel, and my dream is to one day raid the designer shops of Paris!) I don’t get dressy everyday, but when I do, I make sure that I look and feel wonderful. I take care of all the little details, such as my accessories, and love the feeling of femininity and looking spiff. I also love wearing colors, and exploring new styles. Everyone has their own style, and we should all try to bring the best out of that.

Voice of An Angel

As I’ve mentioned in my earlier blog entry, I love music. I love a great song that can lift my spirits, make me laugh, or make me want to dance. I love listening to all types of music, especially international. One of my favorite singers is Russian-Uzbek singer, Sogdiana. She was a contestant on a Russian version of American Idol, called Fabrika Zvozd. She was popular in her native Uzbekistan, and later found fame in Russia with her amazing look and voice. I love Sogdiana’s feminine voice and I adore her music. Her songs are in Russian, and her voice is simply magnetic. She is a talented pianist and composer, and although I don’t know too much information about her, I know that I listen to her songs very often! One of my favorite songs of hers is called Cinee Nebo, which in Russian means “blue sky.” Her songs have an exotic flare to them, and she looks wonderful in all of her videos. I admire Sogdiana’s girlish and delicate style, her humble personality, and her talent in music. Happiness comes to who use their talents in productive ways, and bring joy to others.

Here is a clip of her popular song: Cinee Nebo (Blue Sky)

A Supermodel's Cinderella Tale

As I was listing through the pages of a Vogue magazine, I stumbled upon a pretty face that exuded lots of joy and calm. Even though she was 26 years old, she looked like she was 17. That face belonged to Russian supermodel, Natalia Vodianova, who is known as the Russian Cinderella. I have been fascinated by Natalia since she came on the modeling scene in the early 2000s. Not because she’s beautiful, but because of her personality and life story. Born in Gorky, Russia on February 28, 1982, Natalia had a difficult childhood, where she had to sell fruits in order to help her mother and invalid sister survive. As faith would have it, Natalia went to a model casting, where she caught the eye of one of the photographers there. She was sent to Paris, and it was there where the blue-eyed beauty met her future husband, and real estate heir billionaire, Justin Portman. Their meeting was anything but a fairy tale. As Justin describes their first meeting at a restaurant, “We were both drunk and shouted at each other all night. My best friend said I had found my wife!” (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/24/1053585746715.html). Justin would later apologize to his future wife for their argument, and they would soon get married and have three children. Now, this supermodel, who has everything her heart desires, lives with her Prince, three beautiful offspring, and seems totally unfazed by her fame and fortune. She seems so humble, thankful, and happy because of what she has accomplished. Natalia knows what it’s like to be poor, live in a tiny flat apartment, and having to fight for your survival. That’s why the world of the rich and famous does not change her. And who would have thought that a simple pretty girl from Russia, who had no money and was not educated, would end up marrying one the richest men in England? Yes, happiness and love can happen to anyone as long as that person has a pure heart and is not afraid to take risks. After all, look at Natalia Vodianova, who went from rags to riches, all with a smile on her face.

Jazz Up Your Veggies

We all know that we should take good care of ourselves. After all, the efforts that we put in now into looking after our bodies will show later on as we grow older. One of the biggest and most important things we can due to ensure our health is to have a nutritious diet. That includes eating lots of vegetables. I adore vegetables, especially tomatoes, asparagus, and garlic (not raw, but in food!). I try to eat as much veggies as I can a day, or drink vegetable juice. One of the biggest reasons why most people skip on their vegetables is due to the fact that they think veggies are not tasty, or are simply used in uncreative ways in food. I have found a solution on how to jazz up your veggies, and make some wonderful dishes. The following recipes are ones that I’ve made up (or made my own version of) and love making at home, and the ingredients are measured solely by eye-proportion (meaning they can be adjusted).

Tomato and Onion Sour Cream Salad

*2 plumb tomatoes
*1 medium onion
*½ cup sour cream (you can use light sour cream)
*salt and pepper to taste

-Cut each tomato into four big pieces, then cut in half each piece (so slices will look like crescent moons)
-Chop up the onion into similar slices, but don’t mince
-Add the sour cream, salt, and pepper, and mix.
It’s sooo good!

Asparagus Sticks with Olive Oil and Parmesan Cheese

*a bunch of asparagus sticks
*¼ cup olive oil
*1 garlic clove
*salt and pepper
*store bought parmesan cheese

-Preheat skillet to medium-high heat, and add olive oil.
-Mince the garlic clove and add to olive oil
-Chop the asparagus sticks in half, and add to hot oil
-Let cook for 5-7 minutes
-Sprinkle cheese on top of hot asparagus, and drizzle with hot olive oil from skillet
The cheese and garlic add great taste to the normally bland asparagus.


Garlic Broccoli in Olive Oil

*a bouquet of broccoli
*1 garlic clove
*¼ cup of olive oil
*1 lemon
*salt
*pepper

-in a medium pot boil water, then add approx. 1 teaspoon salt
-wash broccoli then cut the stems and drop broccoli into the boiling water
-let cook for 5-7 minutes, until broccoli is tender by fork touch
-preheat skillet to medium-high heat and add olive oil after a few minutes
-mince garlic and add to oil
-remove broccoli from boiling water and add into skillet
-add lemon juice after 2-3 minutes, basting the oil onto the veggies
-remove the broccoli from the skillet, and add pepper to taste
Super healthy and delicious.

Autumn's Healthiest Treat

Since Autumn officially began, I think it’d be a great to focus on one of its most popular fruits. I’ll focus on my favorite fall (or any season) fruit: apples. I’ll provide the nutrition content, and a fun recipe that I made up that you can try.

Apples- One of my favorite fruits, and probably the most popular and healthiest of all fruits. You know the expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, apples are full of vitamins, nutrients, and great taste that you can enjoy this fall.

Nutrition Facts: (from http://www.usapple.org/consumers/dailyapple/nutrition.cfm)

Apple Nutrition Facts
-fat free;
-saturated fat free;
-sodium free;
-cholesterol free; and
-an excellent source of fiber.

What the Nutrition Facts label doesn't tell you:
-Apples are a natural source of health-promoting phytonutrients, including plant-based antioxidants.
-Apples and apple juice are two important foods contributing the mineral boron to the diet, which may promote bone health.
-Apples contain natural fruit sugars, mostly in the form of fructose.
-Because of apples' high fiber content, the fruit's natural sugars are slowly released into the blood stream, helping maintain steady blood sugar levels.

-Federally-approved health claims for apples:
-Fiber-containing fruits and cancer: Low fat diets rich in fiber-containing fruits, vegetables and grain products may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are an excellent source of fiber.
-Fiber-containing fruits and the risk of coronary heart disease: Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol and rich in fruits, vegetables and grain products that contain certain types of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber, may reduce the risk of heart disease, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are naturally fat-free, saturated fat-free, and cholesterol-free, and are an excellent source of fiber.
-Fat and cancer: Eating a healthful diet low in fat may help reduce the risk of some types of cancers. Development of cancer is associated with many factors, including what you eat. Apples are naturally fat-free.
-Saturated fat and cholesterol and heart disease: While many factors affect heart disease, diets low in saturated fat, cholesterol and total fat may reduce the risk of this disease. Apples are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
-Sodium and hypertension: Diets low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, a disease associated with many factors. Apples are naturally sodium-free.

Fun Recipe: Baked Autumn Apples

*3 medium sized apples (preferably firm)
*About 3 large tablespoons of brown sugar (or enough to sprinkle the apple slices with)
*About 3 large tablespoons of cinnamon
*Chop up some walnuts into very small pieces (minced)

-Wash and cut apples into medium-thin slices and put onto tray with foil.
-Mix in the brown sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle on top of apple slices
-Sprinkle in the chopped walnuts

In a preheated 360’ oven put in the tray with the apples for about 5-10 min, until the apples are golden brown, and the toppings are bubbly. Let cool for about 30 minutes and enjoy with ice-cream, or by itself. Baking time may vary depending on temperature of oven.

Did You Know?

*The apple tree originated in an area between the Caspian and the Black Sea.
*Apples were the favorite fruit of ancient Greeks and Romans.
*Apples are a member of the rose family.
*October is National Apple Month.
(from: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/apples/facts.html)

Go Ahead and Smile! :)

Have you ever noticed how dull and energy-less a room can be when no one is smiling? Or when you pass by someone and smile, and they don’t smile back, don’t you feel a little bit upset? Well, I believe that if more of us smiled more often, the world would be a better place. As corny as it may sound, I actually believe that it’s true. Since my blog is about love, happiness, and better health, I think smiling falls into all categories. I mean, when you smile at someone or vise versa, don’t you feel a loving or friendly vibe? When you smile, you show off happiness or a positive energy. When you are happy, you are healthy. So there, smiling falls into all three subjects. I personally hate it when I see people communicate with each other and not smile. It doesn’t have to be a fake smile (I hate that!), but when a person tries to be nice, the mood is so much better. I mean, can you imagine if no one ever smiled, and always looked mad or serious? Well, it sounds pretty terrible. Also, smiling increases you own mood, because you are giving off positive energy. Just try it for one day, and you’ll see how smiling can lift your spirits up. Here are my own personal tips to remember every time you feel sad or not in the mood:

*Remember a funny joke or anecdote.
*Think of a really funny face or character that makes you laugh (how about Jim Carey?)
*Think of fun upcoming events that you’ll be going to
*Think of that special person that you love being around so much, even if you’re not with them
*Think of something funny that someone has said or done in the past
*Just believe that if you smile, things will be better.

Now that doesn’t mean that we have to walk around with goofy fake smiles on our faces. That’s worse than not smiling! But I think that if more of us smiled daily, we would increase our own moods and the moods of those around us. After all, if laughing is the best medicine, than where does that leave a smile? ;)

“You're never fully dressed without a smile“. ~Martin Charnin

from http://www.quotegarden.com/smiles.html

L.O.V.E

L et your heart be free and open.

O ut of this world is how I feel.

V ery beautiful love is.

E ternally we shall be.


...Just a little thought on Love.

How Can You Ever Forget...Romeo and Juliet?

Have you ever watched a movie that you just couldn’t forget? That one romantic (or funny) film that just lasts throughout time. Some examples of such exquisite movies are Gone with the Wind and Titanic. They simply continue to remain in everyone’s minds even after so many years. Well, one the greatest classics for me is Romeo and Juliet (1968). The movie, which was directed by Franco Zeffirelli, starred a beautiful Olivia Hussey as Juliet, and a handsome Leonard Whiting as Romeo. This is the best version of Shakespeare’s classic tale. You simply cannot not cry while watching Romeo proclaim his agony and everlasting love while staring at a lifeless Juliet. It’s the most beautiful, romantic, classical, and sensational movie ever. Period. The setting was shot mostly in Italy, and the costumes worn by the actors were absolutely amazing. The music throughout the movie touches the soul, and brings forth all of the actors’ emotions. I have never seen a more beautiful Juliet, as was Hussey, and a more emotional Romeo, as was Whiting. All of the actors played their parts perfectly, and if you love romance, classics, and an astounding film to remember for years to come, go watch Zeffirelli’s version of Romeo and Juliet.
" What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet "-Juliet

Coffee...Health Benefits Included

I love coffee! The aromatic smell of a strong cup of coffee makes my eyes pop open, and my day becomes more energized. Believe it or not, I’ve been drinking this beverage since I was five! Yes, my grandmother and I would often have a cup of coffee as a breakfast drink, along with a piece of bread with cheese. Coffee brings me many memories, and it’s the perfect social drink. Whether you are going on your first date, or catching up with some friends, coffee is the go-to drink for socializing. I love buying my coffee from coffee shops like Starbucks, but I also love making my own at home. Besides being a great social drink, coffee also has some pretty remarkable health benefits. Did you know that studies have found coffee beans to contain antioxidants, which help protect our body’s cells? Also, studies have found that drinking coffee has also helps decrease the risk of certain cancers, such as bowel cancer, from developing. Here are some other health benefits of drinking coffee (information from which I got through internet articles):
*Reduces the risk of diabetes
*Can decrease your headaches
*It helps reduce gallstones
*Helps reduce Parkinson’s disease (mostly in men)
Now, that doesn’t mean you have to start drinking up to fifteen cups a day. In fact, too much coffee is actually bad for you. It can stain your teeth, cause irregular heartbeat, and make you jittery. Unfiltered coffee is known to increase cholesterol levels, so make sure you drink filtered coffee. However, limiting yourself to two cups a day is fine. Coffee may not be as healthful to your body as water is (water is the best drink that you can have for your health), but it is not as bad as it was once thought to be. I would not rely on coffee to help me better my health, such as a good diet and exercise do, but it is pretty healthy (as opposed to prior beliefs). One delicious cup of coffee is a perfect way to start the day, to chat with friends, or to just relax with. Yes, coffee is definitely one of my favorite drinks.

Here are some websites with more information on coffee health benefits:
http://www.positivelycoffee.com/topic_antioxidants_home.aspx
http://men.webmd.com/features/coffee-new-health-food
http://www.volcanicacoffee.com/coffee-articles/healthy-coffee.htm

Here's a Youtube video of coffee art:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLL4khimqrw

Lasting Love in Hollywood...Not a Fictional Tale

Everybody says a happy marriage that lasts is almost impossible in the Hollywood superstar world. A year of marriage for a movie star probably equals a decade for a regular person’s union! However, I believe that two people who really love one another-movie star or not-can, and do, stay married for their entire lives. Need an example? Look at Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. They have been married for over a decade, and are still looking to be madly in love with each other. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, though not married, have been together since 1983, and are mad about each other. Yes, it seems like if you are really in love…nothing can change that. I wonder, though, how exactly these movie stars keep up with their hectic schedules, celebrity status, and maintain normal family lives. I believe the answer is that they keep their personal lives separate from Hollywood. They treat each other like regular, beloved people, and don’t get mixed up in the craziness of fame and fortune. Love is a delicate subject, and I think that the key secret to a happy relationship is to have communication, understanding, and unconditional love. You have to talk about your problems, concerns, joys, and wishes, understand the other person’s way of thinking, attitude, wants and needs, and give that person unconditional love, meaning love without the “buts” and “ifs.” Love is beautiful, whether you’re in Hollywood or not. If you understand and love your mate, I don’t think that your relationship can fall apart that quickly. Just like Hollywood, love is truly magical.

Pomegranates...the Tasty "Super Fruit"

Since my blogs are based on the topics of love, health, and happiness, I am going to focus on probably the most important one of the three: good health. Let’s face it, we all need good health to survive and flourish, so taking care of ourselves is essential. I’m specifically going to share my love and thoughts on pomegranate, the “super fruit.” Yes, this is a super-healthy, antioxidant-containing fruit, which grows on trees, and contains many tiny red seeds inside. The fruit’s outside layer is hard and usually ruby red. Once you cut into that hard layer, inside the treasure awaits…tiny red seeds. Those small seeds contain a sweet and tangy juice, which I simply adore. I usually cut the fruit into four pieces, and suck the juice out like I would an orange. Or, if I feel like it, I would take the seeds out individually (which takes forever), and put them into a bowl. Pomegranates are in season from March to May around where we live, and boy do I take advantage of that! This fruit has been praised and loved all throughout history, especially in the Middle East countries where it is abundant. I am Russian-Armenian, and I know that the pomegranate has played a great role in both cultures. In Armenia, pomegranate, or “nur,” as it is called, is a very popular fruit, widely grown and exported. Although it is not as popular in Russia, due to the cold climate of the country, which is not ideal for pomegranate cultivation, my encounter with this fruit began before I was born. My mother loves to tell the story of how when she was pregnant with me, she would have cravings for pomegranate, or “granat” in Russian. She would make my father bring loads of it home, which was probably a difficult thing to do, especially during the harsh Russian winters! She said she ate a ton of it before having me, and that’s why I love it so much. I am especially happy to know of all the wonderful health benefits that pomegranates have. A pomegranate’s juice contains radical fighting antioxidants, which help our body's cells stay healthy and fight against illnesses. I have even read that there have been studies where pomegranate juice helped cut back heart disease risk factors. I love drinking pomegranate juice, which is widely available in supermarkets, or sprinkling the seeds into salads. I recommend that anyone who has not tried this magical fruit to do so. Just be warned: your face will be stained with red juice, but the taste is so worth it!

This website will give you more info. on the health benefits of pomegranates http://www.pomwonderful.com/

Hey Mr. DJ, Put a Record On!

I simply cannot picture life without music. That is, the happy part of life. Music unites different people together and creates joy. A simple fun rhythm can brighten your day and lift your spirits. I personally love music. I can’t spend one day without listening to a song, and I don’t think we technically can go through one day without hearing some kind of music. Whether it is on the radio, on television, in someone else’s car, music is a part of our daily lives. Ever since I was a little girl, I would always sing and make up my own songs. At 17, I started writing my own lyrics, and creating melodies for them. I have taken piano and vocal lessons, and have been in choir, thus infusing my passion for music. I love singing, and I believe that you don’t need to sound like Whitney Houston to be able to sing from the soul. Music, for me, is like an emotion. Can you imagine a birthday party without music, or a romantic dinner without some soothing music in the background? Music helps us express our emotions, and it brings out the light in all of us. Sure, some songs are sad and can bring out our sorrows, but without those songs, how can we relate to the tough times that all of us have been through? Music expresses love, it conveys the feeling of happiness, and even promotes good health by making us sweat from dancing, and enriching our minds with classical music! Yes, music is like therapy. I personally listen to all kinds of music, but I especially enjoy listening to Russian, Armenian, and English songs. Some of my favorite singers are: Alla Pugacheva (Russian), Sogdiana (Russian), Natasha Koroleva (Russian), Sirusho (Armenian), Hasmik Karapetyan (Armenian), Aram Asatryan (Armenian), Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, and Britney Spears. Yes, Britney, because she has awesome songs to dance to! I believe the singer doesn’t need to be super talented or have a power house voice to be able to bring out emotion from the listener. A good beat is good enough! I loooove music…and hopefully so does everyone else!!!!

Don't Worry...Be Happy

Have you ever wondered what makes one person so happy? Happy to be alive, happy to wake up everyday, and happy to have that inner peace that so many of us lack? Why is it that someone with all the money and power in the world can be absolutely empty inside, and never find personal happiness and satisfaction, while a person with a simple, quiet life can be filled with inner calm and joy? I truly believe that when a person is internally fullfilled, happy with who they are as a person, and are comfortable with themselves, can they be happy and have that inner peace and spirituality that most people nowadays do not have. When you can look inside yourself and be proud and relaxed with who you are, where you've been, and where you think you are headed, you can realize that happiness will be, if not already, in your grasp. Because when you are happy, you are able to live knowing that there will be tomorrow, that today's sorrow and misfortune is temporary, and that everything...the good, bad, and terrible, will be OK. All the bad stuff will pass, and there will be that "rainbow" at the end of the dark tunnel. That's how optimists, and today's most successful and long-living people think. I believe one of their greatest philosophy is "don't worry, be happy." If you're down today, there's tomorrow. If you're zero now, tomorrow you can be a ten. It's not how many BMWs, houses, bank accounts, or fans you have. It's that inner peace, that comfort and love of yourself, and a strong spiritual sense that can truly bring out happiness. Remember, it's not how many times you fall...it's how many times you get up again. Don't worry...Be happy.

Here's a fun website about many quotes on happiness:

http://en.proverbia.net/citastema.asp?tematica=548