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Joan Ambu

Chocolate Health and Wellness

Chocolate: Mood Booster

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read588 views

I love Chocolate and my love for this amazing treat began when I was a teenager and it amplified after the loss of my Sister. It was pretty much one of the few things that kept me sane and moving forward.
I enjoy Dark Chocolate the most (from its high flavonoids compounds, which perform the same task as antioxidants by helping rid our body of toxins to its high level of serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant). I eat it in moderation every now and then, taking the time to really enjoy the taste. It falls in the category of Mood Boosting Foods and it definitely enhances the ‘feel good’ mood.

A study conducted by some scientists claim that Chocolate provide greater health benefits for men than it does for women (read it here). Research shows that drinking cocoa promotes blood flow to the brain and improving Brain functions. They are so many Amazing Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate which you can read here, here and here. Some researchers have found that eating Dark Chocolate can help with skin texture and tone as well as slowing down the aging process. These are some great benefits of Chocolate, especially Dark Chocolate.

One Chocolate brand I’ve come to love in particular is Godiva® Chocolatier, Inc. I mostly enjoy the Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Milk Chocolate with Caramel. If you are a coffee lover, consider trying the Godiva® Chocolatier Coffee (French Vanilla, Hazelnut Crème, Chocolate Truffle, and Breakfast Blend) and for a limited time, you could enjoy their seasonal flavors, Cinnamon Gingerbread Truffle and Peppermint Mocha flavored coffees. They have a unique selection for all occasions (personal, business, etc …).

Godiva® Chocolatier.

To name just a few, the following foods are great Mood Boosting Foods: Spinach (high in folic acid), Almonds, Walnuts, Salmon (rich in omega-3, vitamin B12), Whole Grains (rich in selenium), Eggs (rich in amino acids), Lean Meat (rich in protein and vitamin B-12), Banana, Berries (rich in vitamin C), and Yogurt (rich in calcium and contains necessary bacteria for digestion). You can find a complete list here, here and here.

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Music Christmas Strength of The Small Family Gratitude

Sweet Sound of Music

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read547 views

Sunshine, cool breeze and the smell of freshly baked cookies in the air. Oh, what a beautiful day!

My Kindergartener returned from his end of year Christmas Party at school and together with his sister, they are having fun in the playroom. We will be having him home exclusively for the next three weeks, moments which I am looking forward to create and treasure. I have completed my morning chores and I have made myself comfortable on the loveseat, all relaxed and worry free. I am blogging and sipping a warm cup of coffee while listening to the sweet sound of Benise (“Spanigh Nights” album). We bought his first four CDs in 2002, while he was performing with a group of friends at the Ontario Mills® Mall. We couldn’t resist his unique style of music.

Benise, “Spanish Nights.”
Benise, Spanish Nights.

The excitement, anticipation and final countdown to Christmas is making everyone here antsy (myself being the antsiest). In just five days we’ll all be opening our gifts; reaping those beautifully wrapped presents which have been carefully and lovingly placed under the white Christmas Tree. To witness the unbridled joy and gratitude on my children’s faces as they contemplate their gifts is, oh, so priceless. In just five days, we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, to the virgin Mary. One of my favorite Holidays to reflect and rejoice.

Where has the time gone, literally? It’s hard to fathom that this year is almost over and that in just twelve days we will be starting a new year (of new beginnings and possibilities). This year has gone by way too fast. In retrospect, I think 2012 has been our best year so far and we can only hope that it takes us safely into 2013.

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Strength of The Small Gratitude People

State of Gratitude

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read632 views

Today was the annual Christmas Program performed by Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade classes. Unfortunately, the bad weather didn’t allow us to take our Kindergartener to the show since it has been cold, cloudy with high winds all last week and it rained all day today. As much as we would have loved to go, we know that it’s not the time for anyone to get sick. I would rather have my loves safe with me at home. At this point in time, we are mostly grateful for the gift of togetherness, for Life and good Health.

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow." ― Melody Beattie
Gratitude Unlocks the Fullness of Life.

Our day ended peacefully and beautifully with laughter and praises. Like every other night, as I kissed my Children goodnight, I was reminded of Life’s fragility (how any moment and every breath could be our last). My heart still aches as I think of those who can no longer kiss their loved ones goodnight. My continued prayers and well wished go out to all the innocent victims in the World as well as to the families of the offenders.

The pain and sorrow we witness around the World is overwhelming. Here, at home, we pray more, we love more and we laugh more. I hug my children a little bit tighter, I spend a lot more time with them, I worry less and enjoy more. We ceaselessly remind each other how much we love them because without advance notice, life can end abruptly. Our bond is stronger and more special than before.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

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Christmas Holidays Strength of The Small Love Inspire Family Life Lessons People

Joyful Gathering

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read604 views

Yesterday was a joyful day as we celebrated the moment, a friendship reunion and new beginnings.
We feel blessed and thankful for all the wonderful people we’ve met along our way through life. We are thankful for those who are no longer in our life and for the life lessons it’s thought us. We are most thankful to those who are still a part of our lives and whose presence (near or far) makes a difference.

Neri and Joan.

Today, I finally met Neri and her loving Family. We are all a DeVry Institute of Technology/University couples. She was Eduardo’s classmate and we used to chat a lot once upon a time, when we weren’t as busy with life and before we got married and started our families. She always had good advice to give and we stayed connected through Myspace and Facebook. After ten long years of wanting and hoping, I finally met Neri, which it seems, I have always known in my head and heart. She is a beautiful, strong and amazing Woman. A compassionate being, a free Spirit and her joy radiates. Have you ever had that feeling of meeting someone for the first time and had the impression of knowing them all your life? That’s how I felt in the presence of Neri.

Victoria Secret Gift Bag.

Thank you so much, Neri, for your hospitality and for allowing us to share a moment of one of your family’s cherished tradition. Thank you for the delicious food (as well as the ‘Take Home’). Thank you for the laughter, the conversations, the pictures, the gifts, the friendship, etc.

We thank God for you and for your wonderful husband, Michael. We thank God for your lovely children (you are teaching them well). Thank you for your continued encouragements in my life as a Writer and thank you for your invaluable input.

I pray that the Almighty God bless you abundantly and keep you safe, always.

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Christmas Holidays Vintage

Vintage Nativity Set

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read833 views

Aside from having a White Christmas Tree this year, Christmas itself wouldn’t have been complete without a Nativity set. As a lover of old things, you can’t imagine the joy I felt when I spotted a beautiful Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set of the Holy Family. I am grateful to have stumbled upon this set and I intend to keep for a lifetime. The beauty of the set is captivating and features carefully crafted porcelain. The colors are vibrant with wonderful detailing and finishing. Joseph is 12 inches tall, Mary is 9 inches high and baby Jesus is 4 inches long.

Vintage Porcelain Nativity Set (The Holy Family).

For our Nativity Angel, we’ll be using a Fontanini Simonelli Cherub Angel (playing a harp) which we purchased from an estate sale a couple of months ago. This Cherub is made of heavy duty composite and plastic material.  It’s an adorable piece and the details are stunning and simply breathtaking. There is an attached loop on the back for hanging (just don’t use it on a Christmas Tree as it’s quite heavy). It measures 7 3/4 inches in length.

Winged Cherub (Italy, 1984, Simonelli).
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