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Joan Ambu

Fashion Gift Ideas Christmas Holidays Home Decor

Gift Ideas for The Holidays

JM Perez By JM Perez3 min read3.3K views

It’s almost that time of year again when giving is on the rise and you want to give the best Holiday gift to your loved ones. I know there are so many stores/shops to check out (by all means, do, if you can and have the time). My advice to those of you who are planning to shop in-store is to start by checking the clearance section of your favorite stores, you just might find some hidden treasures.
I am compiling a list of Online Stores I absolutely trust and love for their amazing products and prices.

  • Yves Rocher. Are you looking for Skin Care, Body Care, Hair Care Products, Makeup, Fragrances? Then this website is for you. The best thing about Yves Rocher is that he created Botanical Beauty based on the treasures of the botanical world and its infinite potential. Also, you are rewarded each time you make a purchase. As of now, they offer free shipping on orders of $40 or more and you have the opportunity to choose one free gift amongst six that they are offering. I will be going for the Oriental Massage Oil, Elixir.
Oriental Massage Oil, Elixir.
  • Spiegel (Newport News – Spiegel). If you are looking for Women Clothing, Shoes and Accessories; then you might want to start here.
Dress: Ponté-Knit Sheath Dress with Ruched Detailing.
Jacket: Signature Ponte Knit – Swing Jacket.
Shoes: Lace-Up Oxford Platform Pump in Waxed Satin.
Clutch: Oversize Clutch Handbag with Softly Pleated Front.
  • Save-on-crafts. Are you looking for a source to buy art and craft supplies? Then this is your destination. They have a huge selection of craft supplies, wedding/party supplies and they offer decoration ideas for pretty much all types of projects. They definitely got you covered.
  • Collections Etc. Another site similar to this one is The Lakeside Collection. They both carry a huge variety of items on Home Essentials, Garden Accessories, Men/Women clothing and accessories, unique gifts and so much more. I am fond of their unique selection of Solar Powered Lights.
Color Changing Solar Flower Garden Stakes . Green Glass Mosaic Solar Garden Stakes.
  • Gift Tree, Edible Arrangements (Gift Baskets).
    You will find everything from Wine, Fruits, Gourmet, Cookie, Chocolate, Coffee & Tea, Flowers to Spa Essentials and much more. The whole family is pretty much covered.
  • Pier1 (Pier 1 Imports®). This is a unique and high quality gift store specialized in imported home furnishings and decorations. The store has beautiful finds.
Peacock Home Décor.
1. Lane Boots Women's 'Tail Feather' Cowboy Boots. 2. Peacock Handbag. 3. Peacock Purse.
1. Lane Boots Women’s ‘Tail Feather’ Cowboy Boots. 2. Peacock Handbag. 3. Peacock Purse.
1. Peacock Jewelry Stand. 2. Peacock Napkins. 3. Peacock Swing.
1. Peacock Jewelry Stand. 2. Peacock Napkins. 3. Peacock Swing.
1. Peacock Pillow. 2. Peacock Paper Coaster Set. 3. Peacock Double Deck Playing Cards.
1. Peacock Pillow. 2. Peacock Paper Coaster Set. 3. Peacock Double Deck Playing Cards.
  •  A good bottle of Wine. Do you have a Wine Lover on your list or are you a Wine Lover yourself?
  • Visit your Local Vintage Shop. Support Local Vendors and give the gift of remembrance to that one person on your list who is fond of ‘Old’ things (it could be jewelry, furniture, music instrument, painting, etc!)
  • Make your Own Gift. By now you should know exactly what everyone on your list likes. Some people enjoy hand made stuff from their loved ones (for keepsake). If you have someone like that on your list then think about hand writing a Poem or creating something beautiful with the supplies you already have on hand. Cook a delicious and healthy Meal. Bake cookies and pass them out to family and friends. Donate things you no longer need as long as they’ve been gently used (Books, Toys, Board Games, Clothes, Furniture, Toiletries, Non-Perishable Food, Money, etc!) If you are considering donating books or know someone who’s thinking about donating, check out this website.
  • GIVE YOUR TIME. Gifts are awesome. Truth is, however, that we simply don’t need them. Time, on the other hand, is much needed and we cannot reset. Be there for your loved ones and if you can’t be there physically, reach out somehow and let them know how much they mean to you. Let them know how much you love and appreciate them. Donate your time to the less fortunate. Make a difference by volunteering. Being a Universal Blood Donor, I will be donating some blood if it can help provide the gift of life and health to someone else.
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Vegetables Fruits Health and Wellness Strength of The Small

Fighting and Disease Preventing Foods

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read672 views

I started actively reading about Cancer Fighting Food in 1997 when my Father was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and my research intensified in 2011 when I found out that my former neighbor was in her final stage of Cancer. They are so many disease fighting and preventing foods out there. For this post, I am only naming a few. Click on each one of them to learn about their health benefits (and possible side-effects, if any).

  • Soursop Fruit
    I fell in love with this Juicy fruit back in 1990 without knowing it benefits and without knowing what it was called then. I later found that it was called “Corossol” (its French name).  If I am not mistaken, I believe we had two Soursop trees growing in our front yard and I remember my Mother urging me not to eat too much and too fast. It would be great to have a few trees around here, from the Sweet Soursop.

How to Make/Use Soursop Tea (Source: Nature Chemo Care)

Boil 1 liter of water, then take 15 Soursop matured leaves (fresh or dried ones both have same effect) and 1 small stem cut into small pieces and put into the boiling water then continue to boil the water on medium flame for 30 minutes, until the water evaporates to 600 ml. Now the Soursop tea is ready to drink. Drink 1 cup (200 ml) filtered Soursop tea after cooling or warm, 3 times every day, in the morning, afternoon and in the night. For better taste you can add some honey (not sugar).

After drinking, the body feels the effects of heat, similar to the effects of chemotherapy but no side effects. In 1 or 2 weeks time you can feel the benefits of Soursop yourself, and in 4 weeks time the improvements can be checked with the doctor.

Note: every time you drink Soursop tea see that 30 minutes before and after, you don’t take any other food. Do not use it during pregnancy. Do not use in large single dosages and avoid long-term use.

Click here and here for additional information about this fruit. Click here for some delicious Soursop Fruit Recipes.

S.O.T.S. Divider

Source: OneGreenPlanet.org . MDAnderson.org . AllHealthNet.com.

Click here, here and here for more information on Disease Fighting Foods.

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Weather Nature Gardening High Desert

Grab Your Umbrellas: Rainy Days are Here

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read718 views

Without a doubt, the rainy days are here. One of the first things I looked for this morning was my Umbrella. I will be using it a lot more this year and possibly in the next hour as I will be picking up my Kindergartener from school. I am glad that I urged myself all last week to complete my last outdoor projects (adding privacy to the backyard, building the last planter, pruning my Roses and setting up the drip for my bulbs). Now we just have to get ready to winterize the irrigation system for the coming cold.

The Rain, I can stand. Those high and gusty winds: I just can’t. Weed pollen and other allergens are carried by the winds causing allergies. The best way to combat these allergies is to stay indoors as much as you can. Click here to read more on measures you can take to prevent some of these allergies. In addition to the allergies, there is also the danger of falling branches/trees, debris and in extreme cases, downed power lines caused by strong winds. Click here to read about safety measures you can take around downed power lines.

Raindrops on Roses (Color Magic Hybrid Tea).
Stormy Sky before the Rain.

There are some things I absolutely love about a rainy day:

  • The raindrops on my Roses.
  • The smell of clean, wet dirt.
  • Watching it fall through the window.
  • The sound it makes when it hits the window and roof.
  • Staying in and watching a Movie or reading a Book.
  • It sparks my creativity.
  • It’s the perfect opportunity to wear my cute rain boots.
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Inspire People

2012 U.S. Presidential Election

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read684 views

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (KJV)

Image Source

“The Best and Right thing to do in Life, is Give a Person a Chance to finish what they started.” ― Joan Ambu

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Home Improvement Weather Family Nature Gardening High Desert

Nature at its Best in the High Desert

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read431 views

It’s always a blessing when the Universe conspire in one’s favor as it was the case for us this weekend.
The weather was at its best and we finally (5 years later) completed one of my most important projects in the backyard, which is privacy. The front yard and the sides of the house are covered, all we needed was something for the far end of our backyard, which was overlooking a huge empty lot. We chose Chain Link Privacy Slats.

I planted more gorgeous flowering bulbs yesterday, including Belladonna Amaryllis, Pink Impression Tulip and Ice King Double Daffodil. The pictures below are a few of my fragrant roses from the front yard. I picked a few yesterday to make a centerpiece and I pruned most of them.

Beautiful Fragrant Roses. Find their name on Pinterest.

Below are some Fall colors in my Garden. The leaves on my Raywood Ash tree are slowly changing too.

Purpleleaf Cherry Plum . Heavenly Bamboo . Burning Bush.

The plants and flowers are thriving in the garden and the bees are busy collecting Pollen. It was fascinating watching them go back and forth as I was carefully taking pictures. Click here to learn more about Bee Pollen.

Honey Bees Collecting Pollen.

Since the beginning of the month I’ve seen quite a few Grasshoppers in my garden. As fun as they are to my kids, who enjoy watching them hop around; I am beginning to worry about their number and looking into Organic Pesticide to get rid of them. Click here or here to learn more about Grasshoppers and how to control them and click here to learn about some of their usefulness (serving as food for birds, for instance).

Seaside Grasshopper . Baby Bird . Heart Shaped Stone.

The best part of the day was video conferencing on Skype with the Family in France. My Parents traveled late last month to attend the Graduation ceremony of my big brother. The kids (cousins) got to see each other and talked to their grandparents, uncle and aunt. They even got a sneak peek at some of their Christmas gifts.

I am happy that everyone is safe and having a good time. I am looking forward to a peaceful week ahead.

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JM Perez By JM Perez