<![CDATA[Mums Forum - All Forums]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/ Sat, 19 May 2012 06:35:42 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[The Power of the Perfect Kiss]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1145.html Fri, 18 May 2012 15:14:46 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1145.html It has been theorized that a woman decided within five minutes of meeting a man whether or not she will have sex with him. Possibly true, but there is one catch. Most women I know, myself included, may initially decide we'll have sex with a guy, but when we find out he's a bad or a mediocre kisser, we change our minds entirely. We decide we will never have sex with this guy. He won't even get asked for a nightcap, much less for breakfast the next morning. As our lips part while we stand on the doorstep, we will announce that we have an early-morning meeting or (if you were really awful) that we're actually already married to someone else.

[Woowoo- Cary Grant punches Eva Marie Saint's Ticket in North by Northwest]
What we will never, ever say is, "God, you're a lousy kisser. I was going to have sex with you until just this moment." This is one of the ways in which men and women differ. If a man is very attracted to a woman but discovers she's a bad or mediocre kisser, he'll probably have sex with her anyway if presented with the opportunity. A woman can't get past a bad kiss. (Unless, of course, she's a horrible kisser herself, but we're not talking about those women here.) Experience has shown most women that a bad kiss only spells trouble down the road, so to speak. After all, if he hasn't mastered kissing and fails to see its sensual possibilities, what hope is there for, ahem, anything else?

The disappointment of a bad kiss is a recurring topic of discussion among a group of single women I run with in the park several times a week. "It tuens into a fabric softener thing," says Nora, a blond from Dallas, when describing the previous night's date. "You know, where the guy kisses you and it's so bad but you've got to finish it up so your mind wanders and you start wondering if you have enough fabric softener to do two loads of laundry the next day?" She laughs. "So I'm thinking about that, and the guy says, "Wow! You're very passionate."

Oh, the egos we would crush if men could hear the post-mortems. If any guys happen to be running with us, they immediately demand to know what exactly constitutes a bad or good kisser. So we tell them about the all-purpose litmus test: A bad kisser, reguardless of whether he likes to secrete a gallon of drool or waggle his head like a dog menacing a bone, seems to be simultaneously thinking: " When can we get to step two? And three and four? Is she aroused yet? can I put my hand on her breast now?" He sees kissing as the next step on a carnal quest. The good kisser, however, sees the kiss as the destination itself. He kisses as if he will never do anything else with this woman, as if he never wants to do anything else with this woman. He kisses as if this is what he's been dying to do for years and he wants to savor every moment. I guarentee you that this is when the woman decides there will be other activities on the agenda.

The first thing to remember: When in Doubt, Go Slowly. make that first kiss slow and gentle and easy. While you may want to demonstrate that you're a cauldron of seething desire, save that for later, when you're both sufficiently warmed up. In the meantime, resist the urge to mash your face against hers so hard your teeth collide and she ends up with brush burns from your stubble. One woman in our running group actually passed out during a particularly bad kiss of this sort, when the man pressed his face to hers so tightly he blocked off her nose with his cheek, mistook her thrshing for passion, and suddenly felt her body go limp. "i was out for maybe thrity seconds," she says. "Fortunately, he had me in a bear hug, so I didn't hit the group. Of course, he thought I passed out because the kiss was so good." This is what's known as the Harrison Ford School of Making Out. Watch him in the movies,a nd watch his costar's face get twisted out of shape from the sheer force. this is also why they're panting afterward. It's not from desire, it's oxygen deprivation. So the second thing to remember while kissing is to make sure she can still breathe through her nose.

There are other movie stars who perpetuate bad kissing styles. There's the Tom Cruise Method (as seen in Top Gun), whereby his tongue is already slithering out before he's met her lips. This is also referred to as the Lizard-King Style, and once lip-locked, it may also feature the rather grotesque tongue-insterted-rapidly-in-and-out. Most women do not cherish the idea of kissing a large anaconda, which is what this must be similar to. Equally unappealing is when the guy's tongue seems to be on a thorough search for any food trapped between the woman's molars. This is her tongue's job, not yours. The only response possible is for the woman to open her mouth wide and remain motionless while he finishes his routing, a posture that calls to mind trips to the dentist.

[Kiss and tell: This 1930's ingenue claimed she could recognize her leading men by how they kissed] Like good sex and great dancing, any tongue action should involve a give-and-take, with both parties allowed the opportunity for interaction in a saliva-laden minuet. Get into a groove with this, and every now and then you may want to stop for a short time while still joined at thelips. Like being on a dance floor and suddenly holding your partner motionless, it can have the galvanizing effect of heightening the sensation. this is ideally practiced in places like a dark booth in a dive bar with a great jukebox. Just make sure your sleeve doesn't catch fire from the candle on the table.

So although no one wants a tongue completely jammed down her throat, neither do we want its exact opposite, as favored by Woody Allen, one of the screen's all-time-worst kissers. Check out the last scene in Hannah and Her Sisters, and you'll see him pecking away at Dianne Wiest. This Road-runner-eats-birdseed style of dry, repeated kisses accompanied by inordinately loud smacky sounds is not what any woman fantasizes about--even if she's weird enough to fantasize about kissing Woody Allen. The occasional smacky sound is inevitable and can exciting, but go easy on the moaning and groaning. Its sounds fake at best and, at worst, like an unconscious habit, like tuneless whistling.

Daniel Day-Lewis belongs in the kissing hall of fame for Best Use of Hands. He gently caresses his costar's face and touches her hair, a model of how hands can increase the erotic pleasure of the moment. Bear in mind the hands should not be used to prevent the woman from going anywhere or to clamp her head into one uncomfortable position. Remember most women like men to toy gently with their hair. After decades of bad press about sticky hairsprays and helmet hair, most of us have been using products to enhance "touchability" and are favoring hairstyles that look good a bit tousled. So go ahead and touch hair. And quit using all that sticky hairspray and goo so we can go back to touching yours.

Finally, I offer this suggestion: Try opening your eyes. I once cautiously opened my eyes while kissing and saw a pair of brown eyes staring back at me, which made the kiss even better because it became more intimate. Some people find this to be an impossible task (like sneezing with your eyes open), but while the prevailing belief is that we must try to block out all other sensations, you may find that kissing with your eyes open is the sensual equivalent of making love with the lights on. And if you're going to be kissing for several hours in a make-out bar, it's a good idea to peek periodically at the where-abouts of your drinks, her purse, and your wallet.]]> It has been theorized that a woman decided within five minutes of meeting a man whether or not she will have sex with him. Possibly true, but there is one catch. Most women I know, myself included, may initially decide we'll have sex with a guy, but when we find out he's a bad or a mediocre kisser, we change our minds entirely. We decide we will never have sex with this guy. He won't even get asked for a nightcap, much less for breakfast the next morning. As our lips part while we stand on the doorstep, we will announce that we have an early-morning meeting or (if you were really awful) that we're actually already married to someone else.

[Woowoo- Cary Grant punches Eva Marie Saint's Ticket in North by Northwest]
What we will never, ever say is, "God, you're a lousy kisser. I was going to have sex with you until just this moment." This is one of the ways in which men and women differ. If a man is very attracted to a woman but discovers she's a bad or mediocre kisser, he'll probably have sex with her anyway if presented with the opportunity. A woman can't get past a bad kiss. (Unless, of course, she's a horrible kisser herself, but we're not talking about those women here.) Experience has shown most women that a bad kiss only spells trouble down the road, so to speak. After all, if he hasn't mastered kissing and fails to see its sensual possibilities, what hope is there for, ahem, anything else?

The disappointment of a bad kiss is a recurring topic of discussion among a group of single women I run with in the park several times a week. "It tuens into a fabric softener thing," says Nora, a blond from Dallas, when describing the previous night's date. "You know, where the guy kisses you and it's so bad but you've got to finish it up so your mind wanders and you start wondering if you have enough fabric softener to do two loads of laundry the next day?" She laughs. "So I'm thinking about that, and the guy says, "Wow! You're very passionate."

Oh, the egos we would crush if men could hear the post-mortems. If any guys happen to be running with us, they immediately demand to know what exactly constitutes a bad or good kisser. So we tell them about the all-purpose litmus test: A bad kisser, reguardless of whether he likes to secrete a gallon of drool or waggle his head like a dog menacing a bone, seems to be simultaneously thinking: " When can we get to step two? And three and four? Is she aroused yet? can I put my hand on her breast now?" He sees kissing as the next step on a carnal quest. The good kisser, however, sees the kiss as the destination itself. He kisses as if he will never do anything else with this woman, as if he never wants to do anything else with this woman. He kisses as if this is what he's been dying to do for years and he wants to savor every moment. I guarentee you that this is when the woman decides there will be other activities on the agenda.

The first thing to remember: When in Doubt, Go Slowly. make that first kiss slow and gentle and easy. While you may want to demonstrate that you're a cauldron of seething desire, save that for later, when you're both sufficiently warmed up. In the meantime, resist the urge to mash your face against hers so hard your teeth collide and she ends up with brush burns from your stubble. One woman in our running group actually passed out during a particularly bad kiss of this sort, when the man pressed his face to hers so tightly he blocked off her nose with his cheek, mistook her thrshing for passion, and suddenly felt her body go limp. "i was out for maybe thrity seconds," she says. "Fortunately, he had me in a bear hug, so I didn't hit the group. Of course, he thought I passed out because the kiss was so good." This is what's known as the Harrison Ford School of Making Out. Watch him in the movies,a nd watch his costar's face get twisted out of shape from the sheer force. this is also why they're panting afterward. It's not from desire, it's oxygen deprivation. So the second thing to remember while kissing is to make sure she can still breathe through her nose.

There are other movie stars who perpetuate bad kissing styles. There's the Tom Cruise Method (as seen in Top Gun), whereby his tongue is already slithering out before he's met her lips. This is also referred to as the Lizard-King Style, and once lip-locked, it may also feature the rather grotesque tongue-insterted-rapidly-in-and-out. Most women do not cherish the idea of kissing a large anaconda, which is what this must be similar to. Equally unappealing is when the guy's tongue seems to be on a thorough search for any food trapped between the woman's molars. This is her tongue's job, not yours. The only response possible is for the woman to open her mouth wide and remain motionless while he finishes his routing, a posture that calls to mind trips to the dentist.

[Kiss and tell: This 1930's ingenue claimed she could recognize her leading men by how they kissed] Like good sex and great dancing, any tongue action should involve a give-and-take, with both parties allowed the opportunity for interaction in a saliva-laden minuet. Get into a groove with this, and every now and then you may want to stop for a short time while still joined at thelips. Like being on a dance floor and suddenly holding your partner motionless, it can have the galvanizing effect of heightening the sensation. this is ideally practiced in places like a dark booth in a dive bar with a great jukebox. Just make sure your sleeve doesn't catch fire from the candle on the table.

So although no one wants a tongue completely jammed down her throat, neither do we want its exact opposite, as favored by Woody Allen, one of the screen's all-time-worst kissers. Check out the last scene in Hannah and Her Sisters, and you'll see him pecking away at Dianne Wiest. This Road-runner-eats-birdseed style of dry, repeated kisses accompanied by inordinately loud smacky sounds is not what any woman fantasizes about--even if she's weird enough to fantasize about kissing Woody Allen. The occasional smacky sound is inevitable and can exciting, but go easy on the moaning and groaning. Its sounds fake at best and, at worst, like an unconscious habit, like tuneless whistling.

Daniel Day-Lewis belongs in the kissing hall of fame for Best Use of Hands. He gently caresses his costar's face and touches her hair, a model of how hands can increase the erotic pleasure of the moment. Bear in mind the hands should not be used to prevent the woman from going anywhere or to clamp her head into one uncomfortable position. Remember most women like men to toy gently with their hair. After decades of bad press about sticky hairsprays and helmet hair, most of us have been using products to enhance "touchability" and are favoring hairstyles that look good a bit tousled. So go ahead and touch hair. And quit using all that sticky hairspray and goo so we can go back to touching yours.

Finally, I offer this suggestion: Try opening your eyes. I once cautiously opened my eyes while kissing and saw a pair of brown eyes staring back at me, which made the kiss even better because it became more intimate. Some people find this to be an impossible task (like sneezing with your eyes open), but while the prevailing belief is that we must try to block out all other sensations, you may find that kissing with your eyes open is the sensual equivalent of making love with the lights on. And if you're going to be kissing for several hours in a make-out bar, it's a good idea to peek periodically at the where-abouts of your drinks, her purse, and your wallet.]]> <![CDATA[How Many Kisses do you know?]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1144.html Fri, 18 May 2012 15:12:00 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1144.html
kissing Below you will find a variety of kiss types. If you find some that catch your fancy, feel free to try them :-)

Butterfly Kiss - With your faces less than a breath away, open and close your eyelids against your partners. If done correctly, the fluttering sensation will match the one in your heart.

Cheek Kiss - A friendly, "I really like you" kiss. Often the preferred kissing method of a first date. With your hands on your partner's shoulders, gently brush your lips across her cheek.

Earlobe Kiss - Gently sip and suck the earlobe. Avoid louder sucking noises as ears are sensitized noise detectors.

Eskimo Kiss - With your faces less than a breath apart, gently rub your noses together.

Eye Kiss - Hold your partner's head with both hands and slowly move their head in the direction you wish your kiss to go... then slowly kiss up towards your partner's eyes and give them a tender kiss on top of their closed eyes.

Eyelid Kiss - While your partner is resting/sleeping with eyes closed, very very gently kiss the spot right below their browbone. A very intimate kiss.

Finger Kiss - While laying together gently suck on their fingers. This can be very seductive and pleasurable.

Foot Kiss - An erotic and romantic gesture. It may tickle, but relax and enjoy it! To give a toe kiss by gently suck the toes and then lightly kissing the foot. It helps to gently massage the base of the foot while performing the kiss.

Forehead Kiss - The "motherly" kiss or "just friends" kiss. The forehead kiss can be a comforting kiss to anyone. Simply brush your lips lightly across the crown of their head.

Freeze Kiss (or Melt Kiss) - Experiment with this fun kiss. Put a small piece of ice in your mouth, then open mouth and kiss your partner, passing them the ice with your tongue. It's an erotic and sensual french kiss with a twist of cold.

French Kiss - The kiss involving the tongue. Some call this the "Soul Kiss" because the life and soul are thought to pass through the mouth's breath in the exchange across tongues. Surprisingly, the French call this "The English Kiss".

Fruity Kiss - Take a small piece of fruit and place between your lips (juicy fruits such as grapes, strawberries, small pieces of pineapple or mango are ideal). Kiss your partner and nibble one half of the piece of fruit while they nibble the other until it breaks in half, allowing the juice to run into your mouths.

Hand Kiss - Gently raise her hand to your lips. Lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. Historically this kiss was performed with a bow, which showed deference to a lady.

Hickey Kiss - The object is not to draw blood, but to gently leave a mark that will prove your interlude was not a dream. This is often included in erotic foreplay.

Hostage Kiss - Cover your lips with tape and get your love's attention. When they come near, make noises like you're trying to tell them something and motion as if you can't get the tape off. Once they remove the tape from you to hear what you're trying to say tell them: "I've been saving my lips all day just for you!" Then kiss your love passionately!

Hot and Cold Kiss - Lick your partner's lips so that they're warm, and then gently blow on them. The sudden cold blast makes for a sensual explosion, and they will often try it on you next, as well as get very passionate.

Mistletoe Kiss - Surprise your lover by capturing them with a gentle holiday kiss under the mistletoe. This is also a good method for shyer individuals to steal a kiss from a potential lover.

Letter Kiss - Send your lover a kiss in a love letter by writing the letter x several times in a row at the bottom of a letter such as XXXXX.

Lick Kiss - Just before kissing, gently run your tongue along you partners lip whether it be the top or bottom one depending on the position of your lips. Very sensual.

Lip Sucking Kiss - When kissing gently suck on their lower lip. This can be very exciting.

Neck Nibble Kiss - Gently nibble up and down your partners neck. End with a gentle kiss on the lips.

Nip Kiss - This kiss can create a very erotic sensation. While kissing your partner, ever so gently nibble on their lips. You must be very careful not to bite to hard or hurt your partner. When done correctly, this kiss ignites wonderful sensations.

Reverse Lips Kiss - It involves standing above your lover and kissing them from over their head. This way, each kisser can take the hyper-sensitive bottom lip of thier lover in their mouths, and GENTLY draw blood to the surface of the lip by nibbling and sucking. A very sensuous, connecting kiss.

Searching The Cavern - Use the lips and tongue to gently tickle and kiss your lover's navel. Vary speeds and stroke to change sensation. Invigorating and intoxicating.

Shoulder Kiss - Simply come from behind, embrace her, and kiss the top of her shoulder. This is a sensual, loving kiss.

Sip Kiss - Take a small sip of your favorite drink. Leaving a little bit of it on your lips, kiss your partner. It is a unique way to create a sensual feeling and your partner will enjoy it.

Talking Kiss - Whisper sweet nothings into your partner's mouth. If caught in the act, simply say as Chico Marx, "I wasn't kissing her. I was whispering into her mouth."

Teaser Kiss - Starting on the forehead, a sweet short kiss on lips, then move up the arms up to her hand, kiss her hand, then come back up her arm, to her face and then lightly kiss her lips till she wants a passionate kiss.

The Buzzing Kiss - Gently place your lips against your lover's neck , behind their ear. Now, send a shudder through their skin by gently growling and humming, vibrating your lips and cheeks as you do so. Move up and down the neck, over the bones of the face and lips. Stimulating and erotic when done correctly.

The Whipped Cream Kiss - Dip your finger into some cool whip or whipped cream of your choice. Lick it off slowly, then embrace your partner and kiss them deeply letting their tongue slip over yours for a wonderfully sweet kiss. It's very seductive and passionate.

Tiger Kiss - Quietly sneak up behind your partner making sure they do not know what you are going to do. Out of the blue, grab them and gently bite their neck. Make sure to get a few good growls in too. This will surely surprise them.

Trickle Kiss - Take a sip of a favourite drink and trickle it slowly into partner's mouth while kissing.

Tongue Sucking - A variation of the French kiss. During an open-mouth kiss gently suck on your partner's tongue (not too hard because it may hurt). Very sexy :-)

Quickie Kiss - When you're in a rush. Often the nose gets it rather than the lips.

Vacuum Kiss - While kissing open-mouthed, slightly suck in as if you were sucking the air from your partners mouth. This is a playful kiss.

Wake Up Kiss - Before your partner awakes lean over and kiss their cheek and move over giving soft kisses until you reach their lips. Definitely a more than pleasant way to wake up!]]>
kissing Below you will find a variety of kiss types. If you find some that catch your fancy, feel free to try them :-)

Butterfly Kiss - With your faces less than a breath away, open and close your eyelids against your partners. If done correctly, the fluttering sensation will match the one in your heart.

Cheek Kiss - A friendly, "I really like you" kiss. Often the preferred kissing method of a first date. With your hands on your partner's shoulders, gently brush your lips across her cheek.

Earlobe Kiss - Gently sip and suck the earlobe. Avoid louder sucking noises as ears are sensitized noise detectors.

Eskimo Kiss - With your faces less than a breath apart, gently rub your noses together.

Eye Kiss - Hold your partner's head with both hands and slowly move their head in the direction you wish your kiss to go... then slowly kiss up towards your partner's eyes and give them a tender kiss on top of their closed eyes.

Eyelid Kiss - While your partner is resting/sleeping with eyes closed, very very gently kiss the spot right below their browbone. A very intimate kiss.

Finger Kiss - While laying together gently suck on their fingers. This can be very seductive and pleasurable.

Foot Kiss - An erotic and romantic gesture. It may tickle, but relax and enjoy it! To give a toe kiss by gently suck the toes and then lightly kissing the foot. It helps to gently massage the base of the foot while performing the kiss.

Forehead Kiss - The "motherly" kiss or "just friends" kiss. The forehead kiss can be a comforting kiss to anyone. Simply brush your lips lightly across the crown of their head.

Freeze Kiss (or Melt Kiss) - Experiment with this fun kiss. Put a small piece of ice in your mouth, then open mouth and kiss your partner, passing them the ice with your tongue. It's an erotic and sensual french kiss with a twist of cold.

French Kiss - The kiss involving the tongue. Some call this the "Soul Kiss" because the life and soul are thought to pass through the mouth's breath in the exchange across tongues. Surprisingly, the French call this "The English Kiss".

Fruity Kiss - Take a small piece of fruit and place between your lips (juicy fruits such as grapes, strawberries, small pieces of pineapple or mango are ideal). Kiss your partner and nibble one half of the piece of fruit while they nibble the other until it breaks in half, allowing the juice to run into your mouths.

Hand Kiss - Gently raise her hand to your lips. Lightly brush your lips across the top of her hand. Historically this kiss was performed with a bow, which showed deference to a lady.

Hickey Kiss - The object is not to draw blood, but to gently leave a mark that will prove your interlude was not a dream. This is often included in erotic foreplay.

Hostage Kiss - Cover your lips with tape and get your love's attention. When they come near, make noises like you're trying to tell them something and motion as if you can't get the tape off. Once they remove the tape from you to hear what you're trying to say tell them: "I've been saving my lips all day just for you!" Then kiss your love passionately!

Hot and Cold Kiss - Lick your partner's lips so that they're warm, and then gently blow on them. The sudden cold blast makes for a sensual explosion, and they will often try it on you next, as well as get very passionate.

Mistletoe Kiss - Surprise your lover by capturing them with a gentle holiday kiss under the mistletoe. This is also a good method for shyer individuals to steal a kiss from a potential lover.

Letter Kiss - Send your lover a kiss in a love letter by writing the letter x several times in a row at the bottom of a letter such as XXXXX.

Lick Kiss - Just before kissing, gently run your tongue along you partners lip whether it be the top or bottom one depending on the position of your lips. Very sensual.

Lip Sucking Kiss - When kissing gently suck on their lower lip. This can be very exciting.

Neck Nibble Kiss - Gently nibble up and down your partners neck. End with a gentle kiss on the lips.

Nip Kiss - This kiss can create a very erotic sensation. While kissing your partner, ever so gently nibble on their lips. You must be very careful not to bite to hard or hurt your partner. When done correctly, this kiss ignites wonderful sensations.

Reverse Lips Kiss - It involves standing above your lover and kissing them from over their head. This way, each kisser can take the hyper-sensitive bottom lip of thier lover in their mouths, and GENTLY draw blood to the surface of the lip by nibbling and sucking. A very sensuous, connecting kiss.

Searching The Cavern - Use the lips and tongue to gently tickle and kiss your lover's navel. Vary speeds and stroke to change sensation. Invigorating and intoxicating.

Shoulder Kiss - Simply come from behind, embrace her, and kiss the top of her shoulder. This is a sensual, loving kiss.

Sip Kiss - Take a small sip of your favorite drink. Leaving a little bit of it on your lips, kiss your partner. It is a unique way to create a sensual feeling and your partner will enjoy it.

Talking Kiss - Whisper sweet nothings into your partner's mouth. If caught in the act, simply say as Chico Marx, "I wasn't kissing her. I was whispering into her mouth."

Teaser Kiss - Starting on the forehead, a sweet short kiss on lips, then move up the arms up to her hand, kiss her hand, then come back up her arm, to her face and then lightly kiss her lips till she wants a passionate kiss.

The Buzzing Kiss - Gently place your lips against your lover's neck , behind their ear. Now, send a shudder through their skin by gently growling and humming, vibrating your lips and cheeks as you do so. Move up and down the neck, over the bones of the face and lips. Stimulating and erotic when done correctly.

The Whipped Cream Kiss - Dip your finger into some cool whip or whipped cream of your choice. Lick it off slowly, then embrace your partner and kiss them deeply letting their tongue slip over yours for a wonderfully sweet kiss. It's very seductive and passionate.

Tiger Kiss - Quietly sneak up behind your partner making sure they do not know what you are going to do. Out of the blue, grab them and gently bite their neck. Make sure to get a few good growls in too. This will surely surprise them.

Trickle Kiss - Take a sip of a favourite drink and trickle it slowly into partner's mouth while kissing.

Tongue Sucking - A variation of the French kiss. During an open-mouth kiss gently suck on your partner's tongue (not too hard because it may hurt). Very sexy :-)

Quickie Kiss - When you're in a rush. Often the nose gets it rather than the lips.

Vacuum Kiss - While kissing open-mouthed, slightly suck in as if you were sucking the air from your partners mouth. This is a playful kiss.

Wake Up Kiss - Before your partner awakes lean over and kiss their cheek and move over giving soft kisses until you reach their lips. Definitely a more than pleasant way to wake up!]]> <![CDATA[Mouth watering....try it.]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1143.html Fri, 18 May 2012 13:04:00 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1143.html

By Alwiyaa

Recipe Ingredients
1 pkt spaghetti
half kg beef mince meat1 onion
1 tea spoon ginger garlic paste
half tea spoon curry powder
half tea spoon garam masala
half tea spoon chilli powder(optional)
salt to taste

for the bashamella sauce:
4 tablespoon margarine(i use blueband)
4 tablespoon flour
1 pkt milk 500ml( you may not use the whole pkt)

Toppings:
half cup grated cheese

Recipe Method
1. fry onion together with the mince meat,put the ginger garlic paste then curry powder,garam masala,chilli powder,and salt of ur own taste.let it cook until dry and ready..keep aside
2. in another sufuria boil the spaghetti and add salt to ur taste.let it boil until ready.remove and set aside.

bashamella sauce:
1. In a pan melt the margarine at a medium heat until all melted
2. then add flour little by little while stirring until all mixed, still on the medium heat.
3. start putting milk in the mixture little by little while stirring until it becomes a little thick,then remove from heat.note that when the sauce stays for sometimes it becomes more thick, incase of that, return it to heat and add milk until light again..(don’t make it soo light, just aliittle bit thick)

3. now in a baking pan put half of the spaghetti,spread some sauce ontop and all around the spaghetti, ( i love alot of sauce coz it meks it more delicous,,but make sure you dont finish the sauce,)
4. put some of the cooked mince meat and spread it on top.
5. Add the rest of the spaghetti ontop( remember we are making layers of it)
6. then this time spread the rest of the mince meat ontop, then cover it with the rest of sauce.you shuld spread the sauce all round the spaghetti layers..
7. spread the cheese on top…
8. bake the bashamella until cheese is melted and becomes golden brown..
9. serve hot with a cold drink.
10. enjoyy..



http://www.pikachakula.com]]>

By Alwiyaa

Recipe Ingredients
1 pkt spaghetti
half kg beef mince meat1 onion
1 tea spoon ginger garlic paste
half tea spoon curry powder
half tea spoon garam masala
half tea spoon chilli powder(optional)
salt to taste

for the bashamella sauce:
4 tablespoon margarine(i use blueband)
4 tablespoon flour
1 pkt milk 500ml( you may not use the whole pkt)

Toppings:
half cup grated cheese

Recipe Method
1. fry onion together with the mince meat,put the ginger garlic paste then curry powder,garam masala,chilli powder,and salt of ur own taste.let it cook until dry and ready..keep aside
2. in another sufuria boil the spaghetti and add salt to ur taste.let it boil until ready.remove and set aside.

bashamella sauce:
1. In a pan melt the margarine at a medium heat until all melted
2. then add flour little by little while stirring until all mixed, still on the medium heat.
3. start putting milk in the mixture little by little while stirring until it becomes a little thick,then remove from heat.note that when the sauce stays for sometimes it becomes more thick, incase of that, return it to heat and add milk until light again..(don’t make it soo light, just aliittle bit thick)

3. now in a baking pan put half of the spaghetti,spread some sauce ontop and all around the spaghetti, ( i love alot of sauce coz it meks it more delicous,,but make sure you dont finish the sauce,)
4. put some of the cooked mince meat and spread it on top.
5. Add the rest of the spaghetti ontop( remember we are making layers of it)
6. then this time spread the rest of the mince meat ontop, then cover it with the rest of sauce.you shuld spread the sauce all round the spaghetti layers..
7. spread the cheese on top…
8. bake the bashamella until cheese is melted and becomes golden brown..
9. serve hot with a cold drink.
10. enjoyy..



http://www.pikachakula.com]]> <![CDATA[Breaking News!!!!!!]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1142.html Fri, 18 May 2012 11:55:45 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1142.html Coconuts are one of the wonder foods on earth that amply provides for all human needs? They can even save your life!
Few people (even fewer doctors) understand how important the coconut is to stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration; and even replacing blood plasma in an emergency.
Referred to as kalpa vriksha (Sanskrit for “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live”) in ancient India, the coconut palm has been recognized as a top immune booster, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial remedy for thousands of years all over the world. Yet, it has only been recently that modern researchers have begun to fully discover the massive health benefits this amazing fruit seed offers.
To give just one example of coconuts’ live-saving properties, they were used extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Since blood plasma supplies were scarce, it was very common for medics to siphon pure coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma transfusions for soldiers who were injured. Since coconut water is nearly identical to human blood, it was suitable for people of all blood types.
Because of its strong antioxidant properties, the coconut can be used to:

==> Lower cholesterol
==> Improve digestion
==> Ward off wrinkles
==> Stabilize glucose levels
==> Fight off viruses
==> Build cells
==> Regulate hormones
==> Increase thyroid production
==> Lose weight
==> Increase metabolism
==> Fight infections
==> Stave off memory loss
==> Kill bacteria
==> And more!

Considered one of the most treasured foods of all time, coconut products — including coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut cream — each deliver superb health benefits.
Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking — even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. Plus, this ultra-safe oil can give your body important antioxidants that can help build stronger cells and improve your overall health and well being.
Here are a few ways that you can use coconut products to stave off disease and to recapture the look and feeling of youth:
Coconut Water -

The coconut is a natural water filter. It takes almost 9 months for a coconut to filter every quart of water stored within its shell. This makes the resulting coconut water completely pure and sterile, which is one reason why it can be used for blood transfusions.
Another benefit of coconut water is the fact that it has the highest concentration of electrolytes than anything else found in nature. This makes it an excellent source of hydration.
Coconut Oil
In addition to being superior for cooking and baking, coconut oil also makes a superb topical oil that can help to naturally rid the skin of dangerous toxins. It also gives the skin the perfect mix of hydration and antioxidants that it needs to stay healthy, smooth and younger-looking longer.
Another great benefit of coconut oil is in protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities and disease. Simply rubbing a little fresh coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier than virtually any other dental treatment.
Most people don’t realize that coconut oil can actually help you lose weight! Yes, simply changing your cooking oil from the unsaturated fat variety to coconut oil can help you lose those extra pounds. Here’s why: Unsaturated fats found in canola, corn and other vegetables oils, as well as margarine suppress the metabolism, which makes it harder to lose weight — and easier to gain it. Over time, this metabolism suppression may result in 20-30 pounds of excess weight that your body cannot get rid of. Coconut oil, on the other hand, helps to increase thyroid function and boost your metabolism – 2 important components to shedding unwanted pounds.
Coconut Cream
The best skin treatment product one can use to achieve flawless skin may quite possibly be coconut cream. Unlike traditional skin creams which can actually introduce fats and oils to the skin that will break it down over time, making it look older, creams derived from the coconut can actually replenish the skin, giving it a more youthful and healthy glow than most other skin care products on the market.
When it comes to buying coconut products, coconuts are not all created equal. Wild coconuts are always best, but can be hard to obtain if you don’t live in a tropical country. Whether you are using this wonder food to boost your immune system; increase your metabolism or fight wrinkles, using products from young coconuts will help you reap the most benefit.
Young coconuts contain the purest unsaturated fat, compared to the fat found in the more mature varieties. This is why they offer the most rejuvenation properties for the body’s tissues. But how can you tell how old a coconut is? Young coconuts are usually green in color and oddly shaped. The brown hairy ones are mature coconuts, and while they offer a lot of healthy benefits, they aren’t nearly as good for you as younger varieties.

Try it out.]]> Coconuts are one of the wonder foods on earth that amply provides for all human needs? They can even save your life!
Few people (even fewer doctors) understand how important the coconut is to stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration; and even replacing blood plasma in an emergency.
Referred to as kalpa vriksha (Sanskrit for “the tree that supplies all that is needed to live”) in ancient India, the coconut palm has been recognized as a top immune booster, antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and antibacterial remedy for thousands of years all over the world. Yet, it has only been recently that modern researchers have begun to fully discover the massive health benefits this amazing fruit seed offers.
To give just one example of coconuts’ live-saving properties, they were used extensively in the Pacific during World War II. Since blood plasma supplies were scarce, it was very common for medics to siphon pure coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma transfusions for soldiers who were injured. Since coconut water is nearly identical to human blood, it was suitable for people of all blood types.
Because of its strong antioxidant properties, the coconut can be used to:

==> Lower cholesterol
==> Improve digestion
==> Ward off wrinkles
==> Stabilize glucose levels
==> Fight off viruses
==> Build cells
==> Regulate hormones
==> Increase thyroid production
==> Lose weight
==> Increase metabolism
==> Fight infections
==> Stave off memory loss
==> Kill bacteria
==> And more!

Considered one of the most treasured foods of all time, coconut products — including coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut cream — each deliver superb health benefits.
Coconut oil, for instance, is considered the best and safest oil to use for cooking — even superior to extra virgin olive oil when it comes to giving the body what it needs for optimum health. Unlike other fats and oils that we typically use for cooking and baking, coconut oil does not form polymerized oils or dangerous trans fatty acids in our bodies, which can raise our cholesterol levels; clog our arteries and even make our skin sag and wrinkle. Plus, this ultra-safe oil can give your body important antioxidants that can help build stronger cells and improve your overall health and well being.
Here are a few ways that you can use coconut products to stave off disease and to recapture the look and feeling of youth:
Coconut Water -

The coconut is a natural water filter. It takes almost 9 months for a coconut to filter every quart of water stored within its shell. This makes the resulting coconut water completely pure and sterile, which is one reason why it can be used for blood transfusions.
Another benefit of coconut water is the fact that it has the highest concentration of electrolytes than anything else found in nature. This makes it an excellent source of hydration.
Coconut Oil
In addition to being superior for cooking and baking, coconut oil also makes a superb topical oil that can help to naturally rid the skin of dangerous toxins. It also gives the skin the perfect mix of hydration and antioxidants that it needs to stay healthy, smooth and younger-looking longer.
Another great benefit of coconut oil is in protecting your teeth from the bacteria that can cause cavities and disease. Simply rubbing a little fresh coconut oil on your gums and teeth can keep them stronger and healthier than virtually any other dental treatment.
Most people don’t realize that coconut oil can actually help you lose weight! Yes, simply changing your cooking oil from the unsaturated fat variety to coconut oil can help you lose those extra pounds. Here’s why: Unsaturated fats found in canola, corn and other vegetables oils, as well as margarine suppress the metabolism, which makes it harder to lose weight — and easier to gain it. Over time, this metabolism suppression may result in 20-30 pounds of excess weight that your body cannot get rid of. Coconut oil, on the other hand, helps to increase thyroid function and boost your metabolism – 2 important components to shedding unwanted pounds.
Coconut Cream
The best skin treatment product one can use to achieve flawless skin may quite possibly be coconut cream. Unlike traditional skin creams which can actually introduce fats and oils to the skin that will break it down over time, making it look older, creams derived from the coconut can actually replenish the skin, giving it a more youthful and healthy glow than most other skin care products on the market.
When it comes to buying coconut products, coconuts are not all created equal. Wild coconuts are always best, but can be hard to obtain if you don’t live in a tropical country. Whether you are using this wonder food to boost your immune system; increase your metabolism or fight wrinkles, using products from young coconuts will help you reap the most benefit.
Young coconuts contain the purest unsaturated fat, compared to the fat found in the more mature varieties. This is why they offer the most rejuvenation properties for the body’s tissues. But how can you tell how old a coconut is? Young coconuts are usually green in color and oddly shaped. The brown hairy ones are mature coconuts, and while they offer a lot of healthy benefits, they aren’t nearly as good for you as younger varieties.

Try it out.]]> <![CDATA[Spitting in pregnancy...has it happened to you?]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1141.html Thu, 17 May 2012 11:42:44 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1141.html I spit with all three of my pregnancies, and yes all were boys. Now , I'm on my fourth and yes I'm having the same problem. I have tried sunflower seeds, lemons, and Altoids, also plain salt. They all just make my tongue and jaws raw. I talked to alot of people about my situation, guess what no answer, some people have never heard of this case. What do I do? It's so embarassing specially when I have to walk with a container and do it every now and then and in public sometimes. Am kinda desperate......]]> I spit with all three of my pregnancies, and yes all were boys. Now , I'm on my fourth and yes I'm having the same problem. I have tried sunflower seeds, lemons, and Altoids, also plain salt. They all just make my tongue and jaws raw. I talked to alot of people about my situation, guess what no answer, some people have never heard of this case. What do I do? It's so embarassing specially when I have to walk with a container and do it every now and then and in public sometimes. Am kinda desperate......]]> <![CDATA[What I see & don't see]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1140.html Thu, 17 May 2012 10:41:21 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1140.html
What I see convinces me God exists;

What I cannot see, confirms it."
[Image: x19458514.jpg]]]>
What I see convinces me God exists;

What I cannot see, confirms it."
[Image: x19458514.jpg]]]> <![CDATA[You, yourself and YOU!]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1139.html Wed, 16 May 2012 09:33:34 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1139.html Perhaps you have been told
that you are as weak as your weakest link.
This is but half the truth.
You are also as strong as your strongest link.]]> Perhaps you have been told
that you are as weak as your weakest link.
This is but half the truth.
You are also as strong as your strongest link.]]> <![CDATA[This is my sister....]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1138.html Tue, 15 May 2012 11:54:39 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1138.html Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

If you ever find yourself envying another:
Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

If you have uncomfortable thoughts toward another: Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

Eventually, these unhelpful thoughts will fade away.
And the whole world will become your family.

Ron Atchison]]> Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

If you ever find yourself envying another:
Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

If you have uncomfortable thoughts toward another: Say to yourself, 'this is my brother' (or sister)
And wish them a beautiful life.

Eventually, these unhelpful thoughts will fade away.
And the whole world will become your family.

Ron Atchison]]> <![CDATA[Candida - What to eat & not to eat]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1137.html Tue, 15 May 2012 11:29:09 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1137.html Sugar

Refined sugar

..is thought to encourage the growth of Candida yeast.

Foods containing refined sugar include: white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, maple sugar, molasses, date sugar, turbinado, raw sugar, demerrara, amasake, rice syrup, sorghum.

Read labels carefully because there may be hidden forms of sugar. When reading the label, words to watch out for include: sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharides, polysaccharides.

Fruit

Fruit contain natural sugars that are thought to support the growth of yeast. Fruit that are typically eliminated include fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and juice.

Yeast

Foods that contain yeast are typically eliminated. Yeast-containing foods include: Baker's yeast, Brewer's yeast, Engevita, Torula, and any other types of nutritional yeast.

Baked goods raised with yeast such as breads, rolls, crackers, bagels, pastries, and muffins are not permitted.

Foods Containing Gluten

Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such as bread and pasta.

Vinegar

Includes all types of vinegar, such as white vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, and any food made with vinegage, such as mayonnaise, commercial salad dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, shrimp sauce, soy sauce, mustard, pickles, pickled vegetables, green olives, relishes, horseradish, mincemeat, and chili sauce.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are typically not allowed on Candida diets.

Peanuts, Peanut Butter, and Pistachios

Peanuts, peanut butter, and pistachios are thought to have mold contamination, which is why they typically aren't allowed on candida diets.


Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are believed to encourage the growth of yeast. All forms of alcohol are typically eliminated, such as red wine, white wine, beer, whiskey, brandy, gin, scotch, any fermented liquor, vodka, rum, and all liqueurs.

Coffee, Black Tea, Cider, Root beer

Includes regular coffee, instant coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and all types of black tea (including "fruit flavored" black tea).

Cider, root beer, and other fermented beverages are also typically eliminated.

Aged, Moldy and Processed Cheeses

Roquefort and other aged, moldy or blue cheeses are not allowed on a typical Candida diet. Also eliminated are processed cheese such as cheese slices, Velveeta, Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, cheese snacks, and Kraft dinner.

Processed, Dried, Smoked, and Pickled Meats

These foods include smoked salmon, pickled herring, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, bologna, sandwich meats, salami, corned beef, pickled tongue, and kolbassa.

Packaged, Processed, and Refined Foods

Canned, bottled, packaged, boxed, and other processed foods containing yeast, refined sugar, refined flour, chemicals, preservatives, or food coloring.

Candida Cleanse

List of Foods to Limit


Dairy Products -- Candida is thought to impair the body's ability to digest fat, so dairy products may have to be restricted. How much dairy one consumes may also depend on individual reactions to cow's milk and cow's milk products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and butter.
People often temporarily eliminate the following dairy foods from the diet:
Cow's milk, including whole, skim, 2%, dry powdered milk
Most cheeses. Cheeses lower in lactose may be tolerated, such as Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, Colby, provolone, and dry curd cottage cheese.

Organic skim yogurt made with live bacteria may be beneficial for some people because of the beneficial bacteria it contains.]]> Sugar

Refined sugar

..is thought to encourage the growth of Candida yeast.

Foods containing refined sugar include: white sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, corn syrup, maple sugar, molasses, date sugar, turbinado, raw sugar, demerrara, amasake, rice syrup, sorghum.

Read labels carefully because there may be hidden forms of sugar. When reading the label, words to watch out for include: sucrose, fructose, maltose, lactose, glycogen, glucose, mannitol, sorbitol, galactose, monosaccharides, polysaccharides.

Fruit

Fruit contain natural sugars that are thought to support the growth of yeast. Fruit that are typically eliminated include fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruit and juice.

Yeast

Foods that contain yeast are typically eliminated. Yeast-containing foods include: Baker's yeast, Brewer's yeast, Engevita, Torula, and any other types of nutritional yeast.

Baked goods raised with yeast such as breads, rolls, crackers, bagels, pastries, and muffins are not permitted.

Foods Containing Gluten

Gluten-containing foods include wheat, barley, and rye. This includes products made with these ingredients such as bread and pasta.

Vinegar

Includes all types of vinegar, such as white vinegar, red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, and any food made with vinegage, such as mayonnaise, commercial salad dressing, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, steak sauce, BBQ sauce, shrimp sauce, soy sauce, mustard, pickles, pickled vegetables, green olives, relishes, horseradish, mincemeat, and chili sauce.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are typically not allowed on Candida diets.

Peanuts, Peanut Butter, and Pistachios

Peanuts, peanut butter, and pistachios are thought to have mold contamination, which is why they typically aren't allowed on candida diets.


Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are believed to encourage the growth of yeast. All forms of alcohol are typically eliminated, such as red wine, white wine, beer, whiskey, brandy, gin, scotch, any fermented liquor, vodka, rum, and all liqueurs.

Coffee, Black Tea, Cider, Root beer

Includes regular coffee, instant coffee, decaffeinated coffee, and all types of black tea (including "fruit flavored" black tea).

Cider, root beer, and other fermented beverages are also typically eliminated.

Aged, Moldy and Processed Cheeses

Roquefort and other aged, moldy or blue cheeses are not allowed on a typical Candida diet. Also eliminated are processed cheese such as cheese slices, Velveeta, Cheese Whiz, cream cheese, cheese snacks, and Kraft dinner.

Processed, Dried, Smoked, and Pickled Meats

These foods include smoked salmon, pickled herring, sausages, bacon, hot dogs, pastrami, bologna, sandwich meats, salami, corned beef, pickled tongue, and kolbassa.

Packaged, Processed, and Refined Foods

Canned, bottled, packaged, boxed, and other processed foods containing yeast, refined sugar, refined flour, chemicals, preservatives, or food coloring.

Candida Cleanse

List of Foods to Limit


Dairy Products -- Candida is thought to impair the body's ability to digest fat, so dairy products may have to be restricted. How much dairy one consumes may also depend on individual reactions to cow's milk and cow's milk products such as cheese, yogurt, buttermilk, and butter.
People often temporarily eliminate the following dairy foods from the diet:
Cow's milk, including whole, skim, 2%, dry powdered milk
Most cheeses. Cheeses lower in lactose may be tolerated, such as Monterey Jack, sharp white cheddar, swiss, mozzarella, Colby, provolone, and dry curd cottage cheese.

Organic skim yogurt made with live bacteria may be beneficial for some people because of the beneficial bacteria it contains.]]> <![CDATA[Candida & Candidiasis]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1136.html Tue, 15 May 2012 11:09:30 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1136.html What is Candida?

The yeast Candida albicans is a yeast that normally lives harmlessly in small numbers in the body, controlled by beneficial bacteria in the body and the immune system.

If the beneficial bacteria are killed by antibiotics, or if a person's immune system becomes weakened, Candida can grow unchecked and cause symptoms.

Localized infections, such as oral thrush, skin infections, and vaginal yeast infections in women can result. Widespread infection can occur in immunocompromised people.

Candida overgrowth in the intestines is thought to, in some cases, penetrate the intestinal wall, causing the yeast and other unwanted particles from being absorbed into the body. This is thought to activate the immune system, resulting in fatigue, headache, mood swings, poor memory and concentration, cravings for sweets, and has been linked to conditions such as fibromyalgia.

This condition, popularized by William Crook, MD in his 1983 book, The Yeast Connection, is considered very controversial. Most conventional doctors think this systemic condition is overdiagnosed and many disagree with the diagnosis.

Contributing Factors

* Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids,
* anti-ulcer medications, or frequent or long-term use of antibiotics.
* High-sugar diets
* Pregnancy
* Diabetes

Symptoms include:

* Tired or lethargic
* Poor memory
* Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
* Numbness, burning, tingling
* Stomach pain
* Joint pain or swelling
* Muscle aching or weakness
* Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
* Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
* Prostatitis
* Erectile dysfunction
* Loss of sexual desire
* Endometriosis or infertility
* Menstrual irregularity or cramping
* Anxiety attacks or crying
* Cold hands and feet, feel chilly
* Irritable or shaking when hungry
* Natural Remedies

Alternative practitioners recommend individualized programs that usually combine diet and supplements. Supplements are introduced gradually to avoid a temporary worsening of symptoms called a "die-off" or Herxheimer reaction. This is because when candida are killed, they release protein fragments and toxins that can trigger an antibody response from the immune system.

Improvement in symptoms is usually noticed after two to four weeks.

Acidophillus
The beneficial bacteria acidophillus is thought to control candida by making the intestinal tract more acidic, discouraging the growth of candida, and by producing hydrogen peroxide, which directly kills candida.

Reasearch has shown that supplementing with a hydrogen peroxide-producing strain of acidophillus, DDS-1 greatly reduced the incidence of antibiotic-induced yeast infections.

These beneficial bacteria also help to restore the microbial balance within the digestive tract.

Fiber
One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Enteric-coated essential oils
Enteric-coated capsules containing oregano oil, peppermint oil, and other volatile oils are thought to prevent the overgrowth of candida. It is usually recommended for at least several months. A standard dosage is two capsules two times a day with water, in between meals. Pure volatile oils can be quite toxic in this amount so the liquid form of these oils should never be ingested, and the capsules should not be broken open before ingesting.

Enteric-coated garlic
Garlic capsules that have been enteric-coated to open when they reach the intestines are often be used in combination with the volatile oils. Once capsule two times per day taken with the enteric-coated volatile oil is a typical recommendation.

Other valuable supplements are caprylic acid from coconuts, oleic acid from olive oil, oregano oil, and pau d'arco. There are many combination products formulated for candida that contain these herbs and supplements.

Diet

Diet is an important part of the Candida cleanse. The length of time on the Candida cleanse depends on the length of time one has had symptoms, symptom severity, and overall health. People may notice improvement after strict adherence to the diet for two to four weeks. For others it takes months. Once symptoms are gone and lab tests show significant improvement, foods from the restricted list can be slowly incorporated back into the diet.

Limit daily carbohydrate intake - Sugar feeds Candida, so it is important to minimize the total carbohydrate content of one's diet. During the first 2 to 3 weeks of the program, it is often recommended that carbohydrate intake be restricted to 20 to 60 grams per day, depending on age, health, activity level, and extent of grain sensitivities. As symptoms disappear, the carbohydrate total can gradually increase. Foods that are low carb include protein foods such as meat, chicken, turkey, shellfish, some nuts, and non-starchy vegetables.

Environmental/Lifestyle

Consider talking with your physician about substitute methods of birth control if you are using oral contraceptives.

Practitioners usually suggest avoiding alcohol and smoking. Both can impair the immune function.

Sources
Crook, WG. The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough. Jackson, Tenn., Professional Books, 1983, 1984, 1986.
Martin, Jeanne Marie and Rona, Zoltan P. The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.]]> What is Candida?

The yeast Candida albicans is a yeast that normally lives harmlessly in small numbers in the body, controlled by beneficial bacteria in the body and the immune system.

If the beneficial bacteria are killed by antibiotics, or if a person's immune system becomes weakened, Candida can grow unchecked and cause symptoms.

Localized infections, such as oral thrush, skin infections, and vaginal yeast infections in women can result. Widespread infection can occur in immunocompromised people.

Candida overgrowth in the intestines is thought to, in some cases, penetrate the intestinal wall, causing the yeast and other unwanted particles from being absorbed into the body. This is thought to activate the immune system, resulting in fatigue, headache, mood swings, poor memory and concentration, cravings for sweets, and has been linked to conditions such as fibromyalgia.

This condition, popularized by William Crook, MD in his 1983 book, The Yeast Connection, is considered very controversial. Most conventional doctors think this systemic condition is overdiagnosed and many disagree with the diagnosis.

Contributing Factors

* Use of oral contraceptives, steroids, antacids,
* anti-ulcer medications, or frequent or long-term use of antibiotics.
* High-sugar diets
* Pregnancy
* Diabetes

Symptoms include:

* Tired or lethargic
* Poor memory
* Feel drained, depleted or exhausted
* Numbness, burning, tingling
* Stomach pain
* Joint pain or swelling
* Muscle aching or weakness
* Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, gas, or belching
* Bothersome or persistent vaginal itching, burning, or discharge
* Prostatitis
* Erectile dysfunction
* Loss of sexual desire
* Endometriosis or infertility
* Menstrual irregularity or cramping
* Anxiety attacks or crying
* Cold hands and feet, feel chilly
* Irritable or shaking when hungry
* Natural Remedies

Alternative practitioners recommend individualized programs that usually combine diet and supplements. Supplements are introduced gradually to avoid a temporary worsening of symptoms called a "die-off" or Herxheimer reaction. This is because when candida are killed, they release protein fragments and toxins that can trigger an antibody response from the immune system.

Improvement in symptoms is usually noticed after two to four weeks.

Acidophillus
The beneficial bacteria acidophillus is thought to control candida by making the intestinal tract more acidic, discouraging the growth of candida, and by producing hydrogen peroxide, which directly kills candida.

Reasearch has shown that supplementing with a hydrogen peroxide-producing strain of acidophillus, DDS-1 greatly reduced the incidence of antibiotic-induced yeast infections.

These beneficial bacteria also help to restore the microbial balance within the digestive tract.

Fiber
One teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin can be mixed in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Enteric-coated essential oils
Enteric-coated capsules containing oregano oil, peppermint oil, and other volatile oils are thought to prevent the overgrowth of candida. It is usually recommended for at least several months. A standard dosage is two capsules two times a day with water, in between meals. Pure volatile oils can be quite toxic in this amount so the liquid form of these oils should never be ingested, and the capsules should not be broken open before ingesting.

Enteric-coated garlic
Garlic capsules that have been enteric-coated to open when they reach the intestines are often be used in combination with the volatile oils. Once capsule two times per day taken with the enteric-coated volatile oil is a typical recommendation.

Other valuable supplements are caprylic acid from coconuts, oleic acid from olive oil, oregano oil, and pau d'arco. There are many combination products formulated for candida that contain these herbs and supplements.

Diet

Diet is an important part of the Candida cleanse. The length of time on the Candida cleanse depends on the length of time one has had symptoms, symptom severity, and overall health. People may notice improvement after strict adherence to the diet for two to four weeks. For others it takes months. Once symptoms are gone and lab tests show significant improvement, foods from the restricted list can be slowly incorporated back into the diet.

Limit daily carbohydrate intake - Sugar feeds Candida, so it is important to minimize the total carbohydrate content of one's diet. During the first 2 to 3 weeks of the program, it is often recommended that carbohydrate intake be restricted to 20 to 60 grams per day, depending on age, health, activity level, and extent of grain sensitivities. As symptoms disappear, the carbohydrate total can gradually increase. Foods that are low carb include protein foods such as meat, chicken, turkey, shellfish, some nuts, and non-starchy vegetables.

Environmental/Lifestyle

Consider talking with your physician about substitute methods of birth control if you are using oral contraceptives.

Practitioners usually suggest avoiding alcohol and smoking. Both can impair the immune function.

Sources
Crook, WG. The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough. Jackson, Tenn., Professional Books, 1983, 1984, 1986.
Martin, Jeanne Marie and Rona, Zoltan P. The Complete Candida Yeast Guidebook. Rocklin, California:Prima Books, 1996.]]> <![CDATA[Woman's Sexual Health - How Diabetes Affects it]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1135.html Tue, 15 May 2012 10:36:52 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1135.html Sex is good for diabetes. It's good for the heart and circulation, helps sleep, and improves mood. So why are many women with diabetes not enjoying sex?

The reason, of course, is that although sex may be good for diabetes, having diabetes is not always good for sex. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can make it difficult to have orgasms, and can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful. Bruising from injections and fears about blood sugar plummeting can zap your self-confidence. And if you wear an insulin pump, where does it fit into intimacy?

Diabetes-related issues may seem overwhelming, but they're solvable, experts say. "Many times I've heard people say, 'I'm done with sex,'" says Janis Roszler, RD, a diabetes educator and coauthor of Sex and Diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2007). "It's sad because there's so much that can be done."

As with most diabetes complications, high blood sugar levels are often the cause of sexual side effects, so keeping them under control is the No. 1 strategy. But even women with tight control of their blood sugars can face some sexual challenges. Here are some common problems and ways to conquer them.

Sex and Diabetes: Dealing with Vaginal Dryness

Experts say that for women, vaginal dryness is the most common sexual side effect of diabetes. Emotional issues such as depression, or damage to the nerves responsible for vaginal lubrication can cause vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness can become a painful cycle. "If a woman has pain during sex because of inadequate lubrication, she may anticipate pain the next time, and then have it because she tenses up," Roszler says.

Diabetes-related vaginal dryness can also be due to yeast infections associated with poor blood sugar control, especially in women with type 1 diabetes. In older women, menopause and hormonal swings may also play a role.

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, such as vaginal itching, burning, or pain during intercourse or while urinating, an over-the-counter topical antifungal medication may help but speak with your health care provider first.

For other vaginal dryness, water-based vaginal lubricants can help. Some lubricants may also help with sexual arousal. If you plan to become pregnant, be sure to ask your obstetrician for advice on choosing a lubricant, because some can affect conception.

"Estrogen replacement, including vaginal estrogen, can be helpful in post-menopausal women," says Vivian Fonseca, MD, FRCP, chief of endocrinology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and president-elect of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association.

Although hormone replacement therapy may increase risk of breast cancer and stroke, using estrogen in a vaginal cream or ring is thought to be a lower-risk treatment. That's because it's used at a lower dose and is only applied in the vagina. You and your doctor can weigh the risks and benefits for you.

Blood Sugar, Insulin Pumps, and Spontaneity

For some women with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, during sex makes it difficult to live in the moment. "Hypoglycemic events during sex are a real buzz kill," says Kerri Morrone Sparling, who blogs about her life with type 1 diabetes from her home in Providence, R.I. "Your body just shuts down during a low, so it crushes the enjoyment."

Lois Jovanovic, MD, FACE, CEO and chief scientific officer of Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif., suggests that women who are concerned about low blood sugar eat a hard candy or a little ice cream before getting intimate. "Or if you have surprise sex in the middle of the night, afterward have something with sustained sugar, like juice with the fruit pulp in it or milk," she adds.

Sparling, who wears an insulin pump, has found a way to deal with her diabetes so that "spontaneity is never an issue." She wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which she can simply consult to see if she's "in a decent range" to get romantic. She often wears her infusion set on her thigh because, she says, she feels sexier when it's adhered, working, and out of sight.

Sparling removes her pump before sex, as she does when she exercises. (Pumps can be safely disconnected for 45 minutes to an hour.) Afterward, she checks her blood sugar again and takes a dose of insulin if her blood sugar is high or has a snack if it's low. "I don't know other people who have so many cookies by the bed," she says.

"For me, this works," Sparling says. "But just like everything else, you need to find what works for you and to not be afraid to go through a trial-and-error period."

Problems With Libido and Orgasm

Difficulties with sexual arousal -- whether from loss of interest in sex or problems having orgasms -- are more common, and can be more complicated for women with diabetes.

Poor blood sugar control can drag down a woman's libido. So can depression, which is more common in women than in men. Some antidepressants may also dampen sex drive.

If you've been depressed or anxious for more than a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor. Counseling, medication, or stress reduction can help. If you are already taking a depression medication and think it may be lowering your interest in sex, talk to your doctor about finding one that is less likely to cause sexual side effects.

Some women with diabetes may need more time and stimulation to climax. Whether the cause is nerve damage or emotional issues, problems with sexual arousal are a good reason to make foreplay part of your sexual experience, if it isn't already.

Oral stimulation, sex toys, caressing, and cuddling can help arouse women and men, especially as they age. "Self-stimulation, or masturbation, can also help a woman get to know her body better," Roszler says.

If you are unable to climax because of significant nerve damage, counseling can help you learn to make sex an enjoyable experience without orgasm.

4 Tips for Better Sex

Along with strategies for specific sexual issues, these tips can help keep your sex life strong with diabetes:

Limit alcohol. A little alcohol may increase sexual desire, but drinking can also make your blood sugar level drop quickly. If you drink alcohol, stick with one drink. Have it with a meal or snack to limit its effects on blood sugar.

Be honest with your partner. Trying to deny or hide your diabetes only makes you more uncomfortable during sex, Sparling says. When she was dating, she made a point of getting to know boyfriends well before she got intimate with them, and they got to know her -- and her pump. "I never had a partner reject me because of diabetes," she says. "If anything, it brought us closer together."

Nurture your relationship. Little things like taking walks, working out together, or even doing chores for each other are important to keeping a couple's romantic life fresh and loving, Roszler says. Conversely, neglecting your love life may damage other aspects of your relationship. "When couples have difficulty in the bedroom, it spreads throughout their relationship," she says. "If you're angry with your partner, you're less likely to do things to take care of him or her."

Get help. If you are uncomfortable talking to your doctor about sex, ask for a referral to a gynecologist or other doctor with expertise in sexual issues. "If you don't get the answers or help you need, don't give up," Roszler says. "You can have a great sex life with diabetes."

WebMD Feature
By Camille Peri
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD]]> Sex is good for diabetes. It's good for the heart and circulation, helps sleep, and improves mood. So why are many women with diabetes not enjoying sex?

The reason, of course, is that although sex may be good for diabetes, having diabetes is not always good for sex. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, can make it difficult to have orgasms, and can cause vaginal dryness, making intercourse painful. Bruising from injections and fears about blood sugar plummeting can zap your self-confidence. And if you wear an insulin pump, where does it fit into intimacy?

Diabetes-related issues may seem overwhelming, but they're solvable, experts say. "Many times I've heard people say, 'I'm done with sex,'" says Janis Roszler, RD, a diabetes educator and coauthor of Sex and Diabetes (American Diabetes Association, 2007). "It's sad because there's so much that can be done."

As with most diabetes complications, high blood sugar levels are often the cause of sexual side effects, so keeping them under control is the No. 1 strategy. But even women with tight control of their blood sugars can face some sexual challenges. Here are some common problems and ways to conquer them.

Sex and Diabetes: Dealing with Vaginal Dryness

Experts say that for women, vaginal dryness is the most common sexual side effect of diabetes. Emotional issues such as depression, or damage to the nerves responsible for vaginal lubrication can cause vaginal dryness.

Vaginal dryness can become a painful cycle. "If a woman has pain during sex because of inadequate lubrication, she may anticipate pain the next time, and then have it because she tenses up," Roszler says.

Diabetes-related vaginal dryness can also be due to yeast infections associated with poor blood sugar control, especially in women with type 1 diabetes. In older women, menopause and hormonal swings may also play a role.

If you have symptoms of a yeast infection, such as vaginal itching, burning, or pain during intercourse or while urinating, an over-the-counter topical antifungal medication may help but speak with your health care provider first.

For other vaginal dryness, water-based vaginal lubricants can help. Some lubricants may also help with sexual arousal. If you plan to become pregnant, be sure to ask your obstetrician for advice on choosing a lubricant, because some can affect conception.

"Estrogen replacement, including vaginal estrogen, can be helpful in post-menopausal women," says Vivian Fonseca, MD, FRCP, chief of endocrinology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans and president-elect of medicine and science for the American Diabetes Association.

Although hormone replacement therapy may increase risk of breast cancer and stroke, using estrogen in a vaginal cream or ring is thought to be a lower-risk treatment. That's because it's used at a lower dose and is only applied in the vagina. You and your doctor can weigh the risks and benefits for you.

Blood Sugar, Insulin Pumps, and Spontaneity

For some women with diabetes, worrying about low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, during sex makes it difficult to live in the moment. "Hypoglycemic events during sex are a real buzz kill," says Kerri Morrone Sparling, who blogs about her life with type 1 diabetes from her home in Providence, R.I. "Your body just shuts down during a low, so it crushes the enjoyment."

Lois Jovanovic, MD, FACE, CEO and chief scientific officer of Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in Santa Barbara, Calif., suggests that women who are concerned about low blood sugar eat a hard candy or a little ice cream before getting intimate. "Or if you have surprise sex in the middle of the night, afterward have something with sustained sugar, like juice with the fruit pulp in it or milk," she adds.

Sparling, who wears an insulin pump, has found a way to deal with her diabetes so that "spontaneity is never an issue." She wears a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which she can simply consult to see if she's "in a decent range" to get romantic. She often wears her infusion set on her thigh because, she says, she feels sexier when it's adhered, working, and out of sight.

Sparling removes her pump before sex, as she does when she exercises. (Pumps can be safely disconnected for 45 minutes to an hour.) Afterward, she checks her blood sugar again and takes a dose of insulin if her blood sugar is high or has a snack if it's low. "I don't know other people who have so many cookies by the bed," she says.

"For me, this works," Sparling says. "But just like everything else, you need to find what works for you and to not be afraid to go through a trial-and-error period."

Problems With Libido and Orgasm

Difficulties with sexual arousal -- whether from loss of interest in sex or problems having orgasms -- are more common, and can be more complicated for women with diabetes.

Poor blood sugar control can drag down a woman's libido. So can depression, which is more common in women than in men. Some antidepressants may also dampen sex drive.

If you've been depressed or anxious for more than a couple of weeks, talk to your doctor. Counseling, medication, or stress reduction can help. If you are already taking a depression medication and think it may be lowering your interest in sex, talk to your doctor about finding one that is less likely to cause sexual side effects.

Some women with diabetes may need more time and stimulation to climax. Whether the cause is nerve damage or emotional issues, problems with sexual arousal are a good reason to make foreplay part of your sexual experience, if it isn't already.

Oral stimulation, sex toys, caressing, and cuddling can help arouse women and men, especially as they age. "Self-stimulation, or masturbation, can also help a woman get to know her body better," Roszler says.

If you are unable to climax because of significant nerve damage, counseling can help you learn to make sex an enjoyable experience without orgasm.

4 Tips for Better Sex

Along with strategies for specific sexual issues, these tips can help keep your sex life strong with diabetes:

Limit alcohol. A little alcohol may increase sexual desire, but drinking can also make your blood sugar level drop quickly. If you drink alcohol, stick with one drink. Have it with a meal or snack to limit its effects on blood sugar.

Be honest with your partner. Trying to deny or hide your diabetes only makes you more uncomfortable during sex, Sparling says. When she was dating, she made a point of getting to know boyfriends well before she got intimate with them, and they got to know her -- and her pump. "I never had a partner reject me because of diabetes," she says. "If anything, it brought us closer together."

Nurture your relationship. Little things like taking walks, working out together, or even doing chores for each other are important to keeping a couple's romantic life fresh and loving, Roszler says. Conversely, neglecting your love life may damage other aspects of your relationship. "When couples have difficulty in the bedroom, it spreads throughout their relationship," she says. "If you're angry with your partner, you're less likely to do things to take care of him or her."

Get help. If you are uncomfortable talking to your doctor about sex, ask for a referral to a gynecologist or other doctor with expertise in sexual issues. "If you don't get the answers or help you need, don't give up," Roszler says. "You can have a great sex life with diabetes."

WebMD Feature
By Camille Peri
Reviewed By Brunilda Nazario, MD]]> <![CDATA[ Sliding Bra Straps....help!]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1134.html Fri, 11 May 2012 17:37:16 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1134.html I hope this helps......

Step 1
Adjust the length of the straps. Seems obvious, but over time your straps can loosen. Tighten them if need be, but not so much that they cut into your shoulders.

Step 2
Yank the band of the bra down when you get dressed. It should rest just underneath your shoulder blades.

Step 3
Trot over to a lingerie shop for a professional fitting. You may be wearing the wrong size. If your “girls” aren't completely filling their cups, the straps can easily slip.

Step 4
Check the band size. If it is too large, or if you are using back extenders, the straps could be too far apart on your shoulders.

Step 5
Try out different bra styles. Invest in some quality time in the fitting room with a variety of bras, preferably ones with straps set closer together. Try a racer-back or leotard-back bra. Sports bras also tend to stay in place no matter what you do.

http://www.mom.me

Good luck]]> I hope this helps......

Step 1
Adjust the length of the straps. Seems obvious, but over time your straps can loosen. Tighten them if need be, but not so much that they cut into your shoulders.

Step 2
Yank the band of the bra down when you get dressed. It should rest just underneath your shoulder blades.

Step 3
Trot over to a lingerie shop for a professional fitting. You may be wearing the wrong size. If your “girls” aren't completely filling their cups, the straps can easily slip.

Step 4
Check the band size. If it is too large, or if you are using back extenders, the straps could be too far apart on your shoulders.

Step 5
Try out different bra styles. Invest in some quality time in the fitting room with a variety of bras, preferably ones with straps set closer together. Try a racer-back or leotard-back bra. Sports bras also tend to stay in place no matter what you do.

http://www.mom.me

Good luck]]> <![CDATA[What do women need in marriage?]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1133.html Fri, 11 May 2012 17:03:21 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1133.html
At the outset I need to say that I don't consider myself an expert on what wives "need" in marriage. I guess the most accurate description of who I am is a "willing learner" because even after 40 years of marriage I still learn something new almost every week.

By no means is this going to be an exhaustive list. If anything this will only scratch the surface. But one thing I know about men is that most of us can become easily overwhelmed (flooded) by too much information and we'll withdraw from our wives if we start to feel that way.

My goal is to give husbands a few key areas to work on so that our wives will sense we're willing to open our hearts to them and genuinely want to meet their needs. So, the following is a partial list (that I'll expand on) derived what women wrote to Promise Keepers a number of years ago as compiled by Holly Phillips called, "What Does She want From Me Anyway?"

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
.....a husband willing to assume spiritual leadership of the family. This doesn't mean a husband who quotes or twists scripture to get his wife to do what he wants."

Sadly, many men have abused the scriptures for centuries and as a result have left a wake of badly injured wives as a result. Spiritual leadership is not memorizing the Bible or preaching a sermon. It's understanding what the scriptures say and using them as a guide for loving (not manipulating) your wife. "Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12) If we spent the next year focusing just on developing those spiritual qualities it would make a radical change in how we love our wives.

Spiritual leadership also means being willing to pray with our wives not just FOR them. Cindy and I know how awkward it is to start this practice and how uncomfortable it can make you feel. But we also know that this is the one spiritual leadership practice that can have the most positive and dramatic affect on your marriage.

Start simple. Maybe just by taking your wife's hands in yours before you leave the house in the morning and praying, "Lord, thank you for this precious gift you've given me in (insert your wife's name). Bless her richly today and protect her while we're away from each other; in Jesus name, Amen." (We have more articles posted in the "Prayer" topic on our web site at http://www.marriagemissions.com).

One woman said of her husbands prayers, "When Ron prays for me, I feel as if I'm covered by a velvety blanket of protection. Even though I still face problems and setbacks, his prayers shelter me from the sharpness of the pain." [Cindy says she feels the same way when I pray over her.]

-- "A WOMAN NEEDS
......a husband who will listen to his wife." I admit this doesn't come naturally for me, or most men. But that doesn't mean we're to be given a "pass" on it. It means we have to be willing to learn how to listen. Webster's Dictionary says it is "to make a conscious effort to hear; attend closely." I've found that if I am to truly listen (make a conscious effort) to hear Cindy I'll have to put down what I'm reading, or turn the TV off, or close the lid to my laptop and look her in the eyes. Because if I don't make eye contact with her while she's speaking I will miss at least 50-75 per cent of what she is trying to get me to hear.

I like the way Ken Nair puts it: "Listening to her means to stop placing little or no value on her words. Concentrate on what she's saying. Learn to hear what her feelings are saying --not only what her mouth is saying."

This is another skill that takes time to develop but the payoff is tremendous in building intimacy with our wives. After 40 years of marriage I've found that when I take the time to connect (REALLY connect) with Cindy at this level it's like I've just given her the most expensive diamond in the world. That's how much she longs to be heard and understood.

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
.....a husband who will protect his wife and make her feel secure. This means more than protecting her from physical harm. It also means protecting her from emotional harm."

I don't believe there's anything (short of adultery or physical or verbal abuse) that's more destructive in marriage than a husband who belittles his wife in public. What many men consider a "little joke" about their wife's cooking, her appearance, the way she keeps the house, etc. can in effect be tantamount to verbally raping her. That's how hurtful our words can be. Proverbs 12:18 sums it up. "Reckless words pierce like a sword." And the second part of the verse sums up how we can protect our wives: "but the tongue of the wise brings healing." [NOTE: This works both ways, ladies --you need to watch what you say and how you say it to your husband's just as much.]

Protecting our wives also means we're to defend their honor and integrity to our family members. If we have parents or siblings who try to belittle (put down) our wives it is our God given responsibility to defend them and make it absolutely clear that we will not tolerate any slander or verbal abuse against our wife. As for security, that comes when our wives know there is no one thing that comes before her --not our jobs, our family needs, our hobbies, our sports --NOTHING!

We also build security in our wives when we as men take responsibility for our thoughts and actions, especially when it comes to sexual temptation. I'm not talking about just pornography; I also mean the way we look at other women or talk about how other women look. If you want to find out how well you're doing in this arena, just ask your wife to read this part of the message and then ask her if she feels secure.

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
....a husband who is a full partner in the marriage." I like expressing this by using the term, "Oneness" in marriage. This means in areas like disciplining and caring for the children, making financial or other major decisions, sharing responsibilities, we are to be in "oneness" of partnership. The opposite of oneness is alienation and if we as the husband don't become full partners with our wives they will feel alienated from us, and that is not God's plan.

I realize that there are dozens of other needs that our wives have, but I must stop here. Please know that in the "For Married Men" section of the Marriage Missions web site you will find many more articles and tips to help you better know the other needs your wife has in marriage. But I've given you enough to begin to make a huge difference in your relationship if you will but ask God to help you to implement the areas where you have identified that you are weak. God promises us husbands in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "for my strength is made perfect in weakness." What this means to me is: I'm weak. I can't do this in my own strength. God is strong and He can work through me to do what is necessary to bless my wife.

As always, Cindy and I pray that we will make our marriages a priority and learn what each other needs so that God will get all the glory. We hope this has been helpful. God bless you!

Steve and Cindy Wright]]>
At the outset I need to say that I don't consider myself an expert on what wives "need" in marriage. I guess the most accurate description of who I am is a "willing learner" because even after 40 years of marriage I still learn something new almost every week.

By no means is this going to be an exhaustive list. If anything this will only scratch the surface. But one thing I know about men is that most of us can become easily overwhelmed (flooded) by too much information and we'll withdraw from our wives if we start to feel that way.

My goal is to give husbands a few key areas to work on so that our wives will sense we're willing to open our hearts to them and genuinely want to meet their needs. So, the following is a partial list (that I'll expand on) derived what women wrote to Promise Keepers a number of years ago as compiled by Holly Phillips called, "What Does She want From Me Anyway?"

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
.....a husband willing to assume spiritual leadership of the family. This doesn't mean a husband who quotes or twists scripture to get his wife to do what he wants."

Sadly, many men have abused the scriptures for centuries and as a result have left a wake of badly injured wives as a result. Spiritual leadership is not memorizing the Bible or preaching a sermon. It's understanding what the scriptures say and using them as a guide for loving (not manipulating) your wife. "Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." (Colossians 3:12) If we spent the next year focusing just on developing those spiritual qualities it would make a radical change in how we love our wives.

Spiritual leadership also means being willing to pray with our wives not just FOR them. Cindy and I know how awkward it is to start this practice and how uncomfortable it can make you feel. But we also know that this is the one spiritual leadership practice that can have the most positive and dramatic affect on your marriage.

Start simple. Maybe just by taking your wife's hands in yours before you leave the house in the morning and praying, "Lord, thank you for this precious gift you've given me in (insert your wife's name). Bless her richly today and protect her while we're away from each other; in Jesus name, Amen." (We have more articles posted in the "Prayer" topic on our web site at http://www.marriagemissions.com).

One woman said of her husbands prayers, "When Ron prays for me, I feel as if I'm covered by a velvety blanket of protection. Even though I still face problems and setbacks, his prayers shelter me from the sharpness of the pain." [Cindy says she feels the same way when I pray over her.]

-- "A WOMAN NEEDS
......a husband who will listen to his wife." I admit this doesn't come naturally for me, or most men. But that doesn't mean we're to be given a "pass" on it. It means we have to be willing to learn how to listen. Webster's Dictionary says it is "to make a conscious effort to hear; attend closely." I've found that if I am to truly listen (make a conscious effort) to hear Cindy I'll have to put down what I'm reading, or turn the TV off, or close the lid to my laptop and look her in the eyes. Because if I don't make eye contact with her while she's speaking I will miss at least 50-75 per cent of what she is trying to get me to hear.

I like the way Ken Nair puts it: "Listening to her means to stop placing little or no value on her words. Concentrate on what she's saying. Learn to hear what her feelings are saying --not only what her mouth is saying."

This is another skill that takes time to develop but the payoff is tremendous in building intimacy with our wives. After 40 years of marriage I've found that when I take the time to connect (REALLY connect) with Cindy at this level it's like I've just given her the most expensive diamond in the world. That's how much she longs to be heard and understood.

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
.....a husband who will protect his wife and make her feel secure. This means more than protecting her from physical harm. It also means protecting her from emotional harm."

I don't believe there's anything (short of adultery or physical or verbal abuse) that's more destructive in marriage than a husband who belittles his wife in public. What many men consider a "little joke" about their wife's cooking, her appearance, the way she keeps the house, etc. can in effect be tantamount to verbally raping her. That's how hurtful our words can be. Proverbs 12:18 sums it up. "Reckless words pierce like a sword." And the second part of the verse sums up how we can protect our wives: "but the tongue of the wise brings healing." [NOTE: This works both ways, ladies --you need to watch what you say and how you say it to your husband's just as much.]

Protecting our wives also means we're to defend their honor and integrity to our family members. If we have parents or siblings who try to belittle (put down) our wives it is our God given responsibility to defend them and make it absolutely clear that we will not tolerate any slander or verbal abuse against our wife. As for security, that comes when our wives know there is no one thing that comes before her --not our jobs, our family needs, our hobbies, our sports --NOTHING!

We also build security in our wives when we as men take responsibility for our thoughts and actions, especially when it comes to sexual temptation. I'm not talking about just pornography; I also mean the way we look at other women or talk about how other women look. If you want to find out how well you're doing in this arena, just ask your wife to read this part of the message and then ask her if she feels secure.

-- A WOMAN NEEDS
....a husband who is a full partner in the marriage." I like expressing this by using the term, "Oneness" in marriage. This means in areas like disciplining and caring for the children, making financial or other major decisions, sharing responsibilities, we are to be in "oneness" of partnership. The opposite of oneness is alienation and if we as the husband don't become full partners with our wives they will feel alienated from us, and that is not God's plan.

I realize that there are dozens of other needs that our wives have, but I must stop here. Please know that in the "For Married Men" section of the Marriage Missions web site you will find many more articles and tips to help you better know the other needs your wife has in marriage. But I've given you enough to begin to make a huge difference in your relationship if you will but ask God to help you to implement the areas where you have identified that you are weak. God promises us husbands in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "for my strength is made perfect in weakness." What this means to me is: I'm weak. I can't do this in my own strength. God is strong and He can work through me to do what is necessary to bless my wife.

As always, Cindy and I pray that we will make our marriages a priority and learn what each other needs so that God will get all the glory. We hope this has been helpful. God bless you!

Steve and Cindy Wright]]> <![CDATA[What does your man want from you?]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1132.html Fri, 11 May 2012 16:33:12 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1132.html
We came across an article we think wives could benefit from reading. It was written by Dr. Val Farmer, who gave "points of advice that men frequently mention when it comes to describing what they would like in a marriage." It was published in The Pilot-- Independent and is titled, "What Do Men Really Want in Marriage?"

Ladies, we encourage you to read what Dr Farmer writes and pray about it. Ask God to reveal to you anything that you could learn that could be helpful. Even though it wasn’t written from a Christian perspective, there are a lot of Biblical applications. See if you agree. Dr Farmer wrote:

-- “BE LESS CRITICAL.
Men feel they’re often on the defensive and ‘wrong’ just for voicing an opinion that doesn’t match their wives’ expectations and standards. They want a feeling of teamwork, cooperation, and a more legitimate discussion of issues in their marriage.

-- "ACCEPT HIM FOR WHAT HE IS -IMPERFECT.
He needs to be accepted with his own legitimate interests and hobbies. Take advantage of his strengths and good points. Men want appreciation for things they're doing. Reinforce and reward the things you appreciate him doing.

-- "DON'T MAKE EVERY ISSUE BETWEEN YOU A FIGHT.
Some quirks and differences you can live with. Trying to change him adds to his frustration and resentment.

-- "THE HOME SHOULD BE A REFUGE
... not a place where he faces a barrage of criticism and conflict. How strongly and frequently you are judgmental of him may shut him down or trigger an emotional response that exacerbates the problem.

-- "FORGET THE PAST. Husbands feel that some past blunders aren’t left alone –that matters they think are resolved are brought up unfairly in fights. “Let the dead stay buried.” Forgive mistakes. Don’t bear grudges. Don’t bring up the past unless it pertains to a current problem.

-- "BE SUPPORTIVE OF WORK AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
Men want their wives to understand that work obligations occasionally take precedence over family needs. Some things are out of their control. Men would like understanding and appreciation for the work pressures they face. Work accomplishments and struggles need to be recognized and supported.

-- "THEY WANT ACCEPTANCE FOR THE NEED TO SOMETIMES BE ALONE or to pursue personal interests.

-- "BE NURTURING.
Giving emotional support, respect, attention, soothing and meeting his needs makes coming home special. Family meals together give more than bodily nourishment.

In homes where there is confusion, disorganization, anger or emotional distance, men don’t do well. The family doesn’t do well. This isn’t a rehashing of stone-age advice on how to please a husband --”shut up & wait on them.” Mutual roles need to be clarified, understood & negotiated. If you’re working outside of the home, this is a two-way street. He has a supportive role to play also. But the nurturing and caring still needs to take place. What we are talking about is caring, not care taking. In the era of women’s greater involvement outside of the home, the baby shouldn’t be thrown out with the bath water.

-- "VERBALIZE NEEDS.
Men don’t like being judged or criticized for not doing something they “should have known.” There are times when they just “don’t get it.” They want their wives’ expectations spelled out --the more detail, the better. Don’t expect him to read your mind. Be clear and spell out exactly what you want and expect from him.

-- "BE A FRIEND.
Men want a safe haven, a best friend where they can unburden themselves and be accepted for who they are. They want to be able to share emotions and know their thoughts and feelings will be kept confidential. Companionship, affection and romance are important. They want a friend who can take their side and is supportive of their struggles.

-- "TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.
Don’t expect your husband to solve all your problems. If you depend on him to make you happy and always do the thoughtful, loving or right thing, you’ll be disappointed. If you are insecure or unhappy with yourself, you’ll have a tendency to put strong and unrealistic demands on the marriage. Over time, unhealthy dependency breeds hostility and resentment."
.
……………….

Ladies, we realize that many of these points are ones that you want from your husband also. We get that. And he may not be meeting these needs --even though he should. We understand that too. However, we shared them with you NOT to infuriate you so you point fingers saying, "Me too! I want these things too" or to tell us in response, "I'll do my part IF my husband will do his." (Please know -that's not Biblical, no matter how much you/we want it to be.) We share these points to help us all gain a better understanding of the needs many husbands have expressed to gain understanding. Below are a few Proverbs that tell the importance of gaining understanding:

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions" (Proverbs 18:2).

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver" (Proverbs 16:16).

"Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did" (Proverbs 24:29).

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" (Proverbs 14:1).

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (Proverbs 24:3-4).


Cindy and Steve Wright]]>
We came across an article we think wives could benefit from reading. It was written by Dr. Val Farmer, who gave "points of advice that men frequently mention when it comes to describing what they would like in a marriage." It was published in The Pilot-- Independent and is titled, "What Do Men Really Want in Marriage?"

Ladies, we encourage you to read what Dr Farmer writes and pray about it. Ask God to reveal to you anything that you could learn that could be helpful. Even though it wasn’t written from a Christian perspective, there are a lot of Biblical applications. See if you agree. Dr Farmer wrote:

-- “BE LESS CRITICAL.
Men feel they’re often on the defensive and ‘wrong’ just for voicing an opinion that doesn’t match their wives’ expectations and standards. They want a feeling of teamwork, cooperation, and a more legitimate discussion of issues in their marriage.

-- "ACCEPT HIM FOR WHAT HE IS -IMPERFECT.
He needs to be accepted with his own legitimate interests and hobbies. Take advantage of his strengths and good points. Men want appreciation for things they're doing. Reinforce and reward the things you appreciate him doing.

-- "DON'T MAKE EVERY ISSUE BETWEEN YOU A FIGHT.
Some quirks and differences you can live with. Trying to change him adds to his frustration and resentment.

-- "THE HOME SHOULD BE A REFUGE
... not a place where he faces a barrage of criticism and conflict. How strongly and frequently you are judgmental of him may shut him down or trigger an emotional response that exacerbates the problem.

-- "FORGET THE PAST. Husbands feel that some past blunders aren’t left alone –that matters they think are resolved are brought up unfairly in fights. “Let the dead stay buried.” Forgive mistakes. Don’t bear grudges. Don’t bring up the past unless it pertains to a current problem.

-- "BE SUPPORTIVE OF WORK AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
Men want their wives to understand that work obligations occasionally take precedence over family needs. Some things are out of their control. Men would like understanding and appreciation for the work pressures they face. Work accomplishments and struggles need to be recognized and supported.

-- "THEY WANT ACCEPTANCE FOR THE NEED TO SOMETIMES BE ALONE or to pursue personal interests.

-- "BE NURTURING.
Giving emotional support, respect, attention, soothing and meeting his needs makes coming home special. Family meals together give more than bodily nourishment.

In homes where there is confusion, disorganization, anger or emotional distance, men don’t do well. The family doesn’t do well. This isn’t a rehashing of stone-age advice on how to please a husband --”shut up & wait on them.” Mutual roles need to be clarified, understood & negotiated. If you’re working outside of the home, this is a two-way street. He has a supportive role to play also. But the nurturing and caring still needs to take place. What we are talking about is caring, not care taking. In the era of women’s greater involvement outside of the home, the baby shouldn’t be thrown out with the bath water.

-- "VERBALIZE NEEDS.
Men don’t like being judged or criticized for not doing something they “should have known.” There are times when they just “don’t get it.” They want their wives’ expectations spelled out --the more detail, the better. Don’t expect him to read your mind. Be clear and spell out exactly what you want and expect from him.

-- "BE A FRIEND.
Men want a safe haven, a best friend where they can unburden themselves and be accepted for who they are. They want to be able to share emotions and know their thoughts and feelings will be kept confidential. Companionship, affection and romance are important. They want a friend who can take their side and is supportive of their struggles.

-- "TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR OWN HAPPINESS.
Don’t expect your husband to solve all your problems. If you depend on him to make you happy and always do the thoughtful, loving or right thing, you’ll be disappointed. If you are insecure or unhappy with yourself, you’ll have a tendency to put strong and unrealistic demands on the marriage. Over time, unhealthy dependency breeds hostility and resentment."
.
……………….

Ladies, we realize that many of these points are ones that you want from your husband also. We get that. And he may not be meeting these needs --even though he should. We understand that too. However, we shared them with you NOT to infuriate you so you point fingers saying, "Me too! I want these things too" or to tell us in response, "I'll do my part IF my husband will do his." (Please know -that's not Biblical, no matter how much you/we want it to be.) We share these points to help us all gain a better understanding of the needs many husbands have expressed to gain understanding. Below are a few Proverbs that tell the importance of gaining understanding:

"A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions" (Proverbs 18:2).

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than silver" (Proverbs 16:16).

"Do not say, 'I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did" (Proverbs 24:29).

"The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down" (Proverbs 14:1).

"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures" (Proverbs 24:3-4).


Cindy and Steve Wright]]> <![CDATA[Mama's Breast...it is sacred.]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1131.html Fri, 11 May 2012 15:49:57 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1131.html ...it gave me my first meal in the world.
[Image: u17176345.jpg]...it gave me the warmth from all the cold out there.
[Image: k5875896.jpg]...it gave me a sense of security.
[Image: PGB1484.jpg]...I enjoyed the slow beautiful drum beats there in.

[Image: PAA554000070.jpg]Thank you Lord for my mothers breasts, for the milk I so much enjoyed, for her embrace, for her protection even when all was not well and lastly, that she has a heart to keep her strong and alive.

[Image: k0762311.jpg]Mama's breast is sacred , a work of art from the creator Himself a master piece not for those on the street to look at, neither is it a punching bag or a pillow for those cruel hands.

Give it the respect it deserves.
[Image: k3141225.jpg]


......from all of us at http://www.mumsforum.eu the place to be. God bless]]> ...it gave me my first meal in the world.
[Image: u17176345.jpg]...it gave me the warmth from all the cold out there.
[Image: k5875896.jpg]...it gave me a sense of security.
[Image: PGB1484.jpg]...I enjoyed the slow beautiful drum beats there in.

[Image: PAA554000070.jpg]Thank you Lord for my mothers breasts, for the milk I so much enjoyed, for her embrace, for her protection even when all was not well and lastly, that she has a heart to keep her strong and alive.

[Image: k0762311.jpg]Mama's breast is sacred , a work of art from the creator Himself a master piece not for those on the street to look at, neither is it a punching bag or a pillow for those cruel hands.

Give it the respect it deserves.
[Image: k3141225.jpg]


......from all of us at http://www.mumsforum.eu the place to be. God bless]]> <![CDATA[I love you Mama]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1130.html Fri, 11 May 2012 15:10:34 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1130.html [Image: k9087735.jpg]One of the very few reasons I had any respect for my mother when I was thirteen was because she would reach into the sink with her bare hands - bare hands - and pick up that lethal gunk and drop it into the garbage. To top that, I saw her reach into the wet garbage bag and fish around in there looking for a lost teaspoon. Bare hands - a kind of mad courage.

~Robert Fulghum]]> [Image: k9087735.jpg]One of the very few reasons I had any respect for my mother when I was thirteen was because she would reach into the sink with her bare hands - bare hands - and pick up that lethal gunk and drop it into the garbage. To top that, I saw her reach into the wet garbage bag and fish around in there looking for a lost teaspoon. Bare hands - a kind of mad courage.

~Robert Fulghum]]> <![CDATA[Prezzo & Goldie]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1129.html Fri, 11 May 2012 14:54:37 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1129.html

&

[Image: Prezzo~0.jpg]


Are they an item?
]]>

&

[Image: Prezzo~0.jpg]


Are they an item?
]]> <![CDATA[BBA - Eazzy and Keita]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1128.html Fri, 11 May 2012 14:33:18 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1128.html ALL THE WAY and emerge the unshakable couple?

What do you think?]]> ALL THE WAY and emerge the unshakable couple?

What do you think?]]> <![CDATA[OMG!]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1127.html Fri, 11 May 2012 14:21:44 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1127.html
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.
~Jewish Proverb
]]>
God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.
~Jewish Proverb
]]> <![CDATA[Your son & the maid]]> http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1126.html Thu, 10 May 2012 12:32:12 +0000 http://mumsforum.eu/forum/thread-1126.html