The closest you will come to flying.

The term ‘Bucket List’ has been derived from a list of  things to do before you ‘kick the bucket’ or inevitably pass away (unless you are a Hindu and re-birth is an option in your eyes…..even if it is as a mouse).  Some save this for the latter part of their lives but we think the sooner you start the more exciting your life is going to become.

Now we are not recommending you quit your job, leave your family and start taking on all manner of death defying feats to cross off your list. No.  We would prefer if you work your way into, get a feel for knocking a few lower ideas of the list.   Maybe warm up by: learning how to make sushi, running a half marathon, writing a blog or even something simple like walking to the shops backwards.

Once you have built up your confidence (and a bit of spare cash) then start easing into the top 10 below.   But don’t feel like you have to follow the ten to the letter, oh no, mix it up if you wish and add a bit of your own personality.

This list is meant to inspire, not dictate. So good luck and if you do manage to get all these done then be sure to let us know!

Wingsuit Flying – The closest we can possibly come to flying without a machine. So don’t just sky dive, slip on a wingsuit and feel the freedom.

The Big 7 – Visit all seven natural wonders of the world.  You can take your time on this one as this will require a bit of cash but will be oh so worth it: Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, Aurora, Parícutin volcano, and Victoria Falls

Kayak down the Amazon - Take an 8 to 10 day journey down one of the worlds largest rivers and experience some of the most surreal scenery and wildlife.

Write a Movie Script – Sure it might not be technically sound when you first write it but it’s a creative outlet that you can do in your own time no matter where you are.

Bike across China – You could do this across any large continent but as long as the landscapes are vast, tourist attractions a plenty and it’s physically challenging.  Plus you will need an ass made of granite.

Roll the dice – A play on ‘The Dice Man’ (less sinister) but go on an overseas trip where the following (picked from a list of 6) are decided by a roll of the dice: destination, duration, accommodation, food every night, and the countries top extreme activities.  If you really want to mix it up let you friend pick each of the 6 choices.

Experience Weightlessness – Going into space might soon become a reality for people with a spare million.  But you can get your weightlessness thrills by other means such as Zero G who are bringing this thrill to the public.

Drive a ’57 in Cuba – Rent and drive a 1957 Pontiac or similar around Cuba before these cars are lost not only to rust but the evolving economy post-Castro.

Stand-up in New York – Write your own stand-up comedy act, go to New York.  Then perform it live to an audience of more than 50 people at an open-mic night.

Visit New Zealand – Check out the home of hobbits and bungy jumping in one one of the worlds most diverse landscapes pack into a small area  for.  The best month to travel is March.

Pure New Zealand

New Zealand is known for it’s; lush green pastures, rugged snow capped mountains, pure rivers & lakes and all round beautifully diverse landscape.  All these great assets combine in the clean environment to produce some of the finest natural products in the world.

From Manuka honey packed with anti-bacterial properties to the purest milk powder money can buy.  New Zealand has been carving a place in the export market for many years and it’s only getting stronger as demand in countries like China and the United States grows.

Now seemingly there are a plethora of top natural products coming through so how do you decipher the best kind of products to get your health conscious hands on.  Well not only will we give you a top ten guide to the best type of products but we will also recommend some of the most trusted brands producing them.

Manuka Honey – Our favorite honey product is the UMF Manuka honey from Comvita.

Sauvignon Blanc – There is simply no better Savignon Blanc in the world then New Zealand’s Cloudy Bay.

Organic Infant Formula (Milk Powder) – The most trusted brand is Karicare by Nutricia.

Propolis –  Due to their extensive experience in bee products, Comvita get our vote here again.

Merino Wool – For a range of fashionable and practical merino products you can’t go past Icebreaker.

Lamb – Just remember to always look out for the quality mark when buying New Zealand lamb.

Kiwifruit – You can’t go past the largest exporter Zespri for quality Kiwifruit.

Bottled Water – For the finest New Zealand water at your next dinner party, check out Antipodes.

Thermal Mud – There are a few options but we have found this product the best thermal mud option.

Colostrum – One of our stranger exports but renowned in China for it’s health benefits.

The best way to start your day!

Staying healthy is a combination of a few key things like;  maintaining a good diet, keeping stress free, using the right skin care products and keeping fit.  So with all these things you need to keep an eye on to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s very useful when an appliance comes along that can create a wholesome supplement very quickly.

What are we talking about? A juicer of course and it’s come a long way since it’s beginning back in 1928.  Sure in 1928 the basic premise was the same in terms of extracting essential vitamins from fruit but it was more about juice from citrus fruits.  Nowadays it’s about extracting juice from all manner of fruits and vegetables.

A favourite juice recipe of ours is “A Very Berry Meledy”.  Simply add: 2 cups of strawberries, 2 cups of blueberries, 1 1/2 cups of raspberries.  Then juice till your heart is content and you will be revitalized before you can say “which juicer should I buy?”.  Indeed though which juicers should you buy? Well check out our top ten that has been compiled based on; design, reliability, and price.

Breville BJE200XL 700-Watt Compact Juice Fountain

Hamilton Beach 67650 Big Mouth Pro Juice Extractor

Waring JEX328 Health Juice Extractor

Black & Decker JE2200B 400-Watt Fruit and Vegetable Juice Extractor

Big Boss Juicer, 700W 18,000 RPM

Omega J8005 Nutrition Center Single-Gear Commercial Masticating Juicer

Cuisinart CJE-1000 1000-Watt 5-Speed Juice Extractor

Waring PJE401 Juice Extractor

Juiceman JM1000M Juiceman Express Junior Juice Extractor

Jack Lalanne’s JLSS Power Juicer DeluxeElectric Juicer

Counting calories is unhealthy!

Let’s face it, keeping healthy is some what of a weighty issue (excuse the pun) these days and not the most enjoyable part of our lives. Watching calories, not eating too much, going to the gym, staying away from the booze etc etc etc.   Sometimes it even feels like its a full time job but as we all know there is no gain without a little pain (mental or physical).

So if you are looking to kick start your healthy lifestyle and get back in shape then why not start by researching what some of the most famous celebrities are doing? Sure they might have a few personal trainers here and there but they are also the type of people that will only use a diet if it works (or if they are paid an inordinate amount of endorsement money by companies like Jenny Craig and Weight Watchers).  If the diet’s didn’t work then they might not pick up that next movie deal and oh the drama that would cause them.

One thing is for sure with this top ten list, is that we have not included the “sell you soul” approach to dieting that Kirstie Alley has shown over the years.  We have looked at the research and provided the best celebrities diets that we think could be a  real option for you but as always remember to check with your doctor if you have any health issues or concerns.

5-Factor Diet: Celebrities on this total fitness and food diet include;  Lady Gaga, Megan Fox, Halle Berry  - Try it Out

The Dukan diet: A high protein diet that is essentially the French version of the Atkins but it’s broken up into four key phases. Kate Middleton used the diet before her wedding, need we say more? – Try it Out

The Macrobiotic Diet: An evolution of a Japanese diet which is focused on high fibre and low fat. Includes celebrities like; Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna – Try it Out

The Raw Food Diet: Pretty self explanatory but loved by celebrities like; Demi Moore, Alicia Silverstone, Carol Alt. – Try it Out

The Zone Diet: Staying away from the junk food (no brainer) and then making sure you have 3 small meals and 2 snacks a day is less strict diet which attracts celebrities like: Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston. – Try it Out

6 Week Body Makeover: It has a body blueprinting system which essentially means you will have custom meals created to your body type and has attracted the mother of all dieters, Oprah Winfrey – Try it Out

3 Hour Diet: Eating small meals every three hours has attracted celebrities like; Jessica Biel, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Lopez – Try it Out

Hamptons Diet: Mixing up a healthy mix of carbs and sufficient protein this diet has attracted celebrities like: Sarah Jessica Parker, Renee Zellweger – Try it Out

Sonoma Diet: One of the more attractive diets as it fits in with your lifestyle hence why the following star use it; Jessica Alba, Salma Hayek – Try it Out

Blood Group Diet: This one is a little on the strange side as it tailors diet based on blood type but seems to be working for celebrities like; Courtney Cox, Liz Hurley – Try it Out

Focus on what works.

What happened to Nicole Kidman lately? Once a stunning beauty she now flaunts a new young look peppered with plastic surgery gone wrong. It astonishes the gruesome lengths famous women will take to keep their precious youth appeal. Will we look back and label this odd face the vogue of the noughties? Surely surgery can only get better?

Every beauty company knows it’s every woman’s desire to stay young and they’re not too shy about cashing in on this fact. From bio-ceramides to fortifying systems to cellular fillers the beauty industry knows a thing or two about selling and with this ground breaking technology launching daily it’s difficult not to be a little convinced.

Yet are we looking any younger?

This top 10 is not about turning back the clock ten years; you’ll need surgery for that. This is for ladies who are fed up with fluffy promises and want real results. Affordable, effective and non invasive, here’s our top ten for anti-ageing products that actually work.

Caudalie Premier Cru 50ml – Refined and effective, Premier Cru, is the Ultimate Anti-ageing Cream inspired by the greatest vintages from the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte.  A concoction of the rarest, most precious and naturally active ingredients makes this a powerful product for your skin. The fine ingredients in Premium Cru protect the skin from premature ageing and maintain optimal levels of moisturisation and hyaluronic acid to keep skin supple. The most sought after ingredient is resveratrol which stimulates sirtuins (longevity proteins) that increase the lifespan of skin cells by 160%. The skin is firmer and denser. This really is the cream of the crop, excuse the pun.

La Prairie Cellular Cream Platinum Rare 1 oz / 30 ml – This skin transforming formula won’t disappoint making it well worth the price tag.  Pure Platinum is the science behind this innovation which works by simply recharging the skin’s electrical balance to improve your skins nutrient absorption. The results? Plumps wrinkles (there really are visible results), refined and smooth skin for a radiant, flawless tone. Science and luxury that’s unbeatable.

Skinceuticals A.G.E Interrupter Mature Skin Treatment - This product is for an older skin type as it is targeted at improving the appearance of thin, creping skin.  A.G.E. Interrupter is a unique treatment formulated with 4% blueberry extract, 30% Proxylane™, and 0.2% phytosphingosine to help prevent the glycation process and correct severe signs of intrinsic aging in mature skin. The glyaction process is where glucose molecules stick to collagen and elastin fibres, binding them leading to severe wrinkling of the skin. AGE Interupter helps to prevent and also correct this process so the results really do work. There is also a fantastic eye product in this range that reduces the creping around the eye making the skin look firmer.

Olay Regenerist MicroDermabrasion and Peel Kit - A two step treatment with radiant results. Gently resurfaces the skins texture, accelerates cell regeneration and conditions the skin. Use twice a week and continue your routine for results that just keep getting better.

Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30 - Affordable and effective! Roc’s night cream works on wrinkles as you sleep which is when the skin is most receptive to repair and renewal. Overtime skin looks less tired and fresher in appearance. Retinal works to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles. Use with RoC Retinal Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum 1fl oz (30ml) for optimal results.  The serum can be used in the morning too and is a good base for make up.

Skin Labratory Glycolic Acid 35% Gel Peel - Glycolic acid is well known as a beauty must have due to the results seen after just one week of use. The benefits are endless and only improve with time – reduced pigmentation, smoothed out wrinkles, even skin tone – it’s the anti-ageing wonder ingredient.  And it’s not only for the face. If you suffer from razor bumps, stretch marks, eczema then give this product a go. The secret is repetitive and continued use.

Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Double Strength Deep Wrinkle Filler - A cheat’s product that has a worthy place in every woman’s bathroom cabinet. The results are instant as the product literally fills in wrinkles so that they are no longer visible. Unlike the traditional fillers which used drying silicone the secret ingredient to Kiehl’s filling power is Sodium Hyaluronte spheres. Along with hyaluronic acid wrinkles are also smoothed away over time.

Boots No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Beauty Serum - Worthy of the huge publicity this product receives it’s effective and affordable. For the UK chemist Boots, Protect & Perfect is now a complete range on anti-ageing phenomenon’s. The serum is the hero product and offers and is now available globally online.

Prevage MD Anti-Aging Treatment - Elizabeth Arden’s secret ingredient in Prevage is Idebenone – the most powerful anti-oxidant available.  For those starting this product young the skin is protected from environmental aggressors – it’s like wearing a protective mask to shield you from all those invisible attackers such as UV rays and pollution.  For the more mature lady Idebenone works to correct damage that has already happened. The full range is recommended but if you only have the budget for one product it’s got to be the eye cream.

Lancome Paris Renergie Microlift R.A.R.E. Superior Lifting Cream With Spf 15 Sunscreen - Our last recommendation is Lancome’s superior lifting cream. Instant and effective coupled with longer term skin improvements. Drooping brows are lifted, sagging cheeks are firmer and a slackening jawline is tightened.

For extra Anti-Aging tips check out our other post on: Top Ten Anti-Aging Tips

Brain cells

So we have all heard the magical brain power figure of 10% or if you have watched the movie “Limitless” (which inadvertently sparked this top ten) it’s 20%.  Yes, some people firmly believe that humans only use 10% of their brain.  However other’s firmly believe that this is a myth brought about partly by mis-diagnosis in the 1800′s and the love of the media to jump on fantastical stories or even hope.

Through our research it’s clear that everyone might be partially right, let me explain.  We firmly believe that the 10% quote is a myth but potentially only through mis-interpretation.  Any loss in brain usage would be catastrophic so this can not be put down to a % and we don’t believe there is a correct % that has ever been calculated.  

The mis-interpretation could actually fall around the  word “usage”.  Your brain most definitely uses 100% of it’s basic function other wise this would cause a dangerous chain reaction through your body commonly associated with brain damage.  However there is the very real possibility to increase the ability of your brain to function in a more lucid, efficient, and dynamic capacity.

That brings us on to our top ten list.  What are the best ways to increase the capacity of our brain to allow us to; process information quicker, determine potential outcomes faster and retain more knowledge?

1. Brain Games: Play games that test your logic and constantly push your decision making ability – Get Started with the Nintendo DS.
2. Healthy body, healthy mind: Fitness, it’s an oldie but a goodie so keep your brain guessing, adapting and the heart pumping – Improve your fitness with Kettle Bells.
3. Break Routines: Force your brain to move away from basic routine’s in your life so that it can adapt and remember new aspects – Break the Routine
4. Seafood: Get more fish in your diet especially the ones with high Omega 3 in them such as salmon, sardines, mackerel and tuna – Cooking with Fish
5. Senses: Give your senses a boost by trying out new foods, using your left instead of your right (or vice versa),  read something different, listen to Mozart (apparently a benefit in it’s own right) etc – Alight the senses.
6. Reduce TV: Turning the TV off and removing the ability for other mediums to think for you is a sure fire way of improving your ability to think in a more lucid manor – Do a puzzle.
7. Reflection: Take time to reflect on past memories – Let this Picture Frame help you reflect.
8. Moderation: Drink in moderation and avoid drugs if you want to keep your brain’s capacity at it’s peak – Detox
9. Visualization: Stay positive and visualize how you are going to do achieve a goal successfully – Positive visualization
10. Breathing: Learn how to control your breathing so that you can think clearly and get enough oxygen to the brain.  During even slightly stressful situations can alter your breathing – Control your breathing

No driving on this road.

We have seen many devastating earthquakes around the globe and we will unfortunately continue to see these occur as the world continues to shift and move in a seemingly symbiotic relationship with mankind.

There have also been some recent and very tragic events that have lead us to write this Top Ten list about helping people survive earthquakes.  But we hope that these tips will help you out if you are ever caught in a big earthquake.  If you have any other great tips then please feel free to comment below and help us build a substantial and useful list.

The below safety tips are more geared to earthquakes occurring when you are at home however the same rules should apply when you are at work.  So make sure there is a person at your office that is charge of some of the aspects below.

1. Have a survival supply of products that you can easily access set aside to sustain you and your family for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Things you should consider are: blankets, torches, candles, matches, bottled water, solar powered radio, canned food, spade. – Buy a Specialized Kit Now
2. Make sure everyone that you live with knows where they can switch off the gas, electricity and water.
3. Purchase a first aid kit – Buy One Now
4. Assess your home for areas of low risk/protection zones such as; doorways away from glass, strong tables etc and also high risk areas such as; large windows, chimneys.
5. Secure heavy objects so that they cannot fall over during a big shake – Buy Safety Straps Now
6. If you live in a coastal area and are at sea level then move to high ground as soon as the earthquake has finished so that you can remove the additional risk of being caught up in a potential Tsunami.
7. If you are outside move to an area where no falling debris or structures can hurt you.
8. After the quake has finished and there is no Tsunami risk then assess the damage to your property.  If the house has sustained damage to aspects such as the foundations, walls, support beams etc then do not stay in the property as aftershocks could collapse the structure. – Buy a Tent Now
9. If you are inside when the earthquake strikes then attempt to move to your closest safety area but do not attempt to run outside as this can increase the risk of injury from falling objects.
10. Always boil your water until all sewerage and water utilities been given the all clear. – Boil Water Large Amounts of Water Outdoors

Note: The above are tips that can be applied to general circumstances.  However always use your best judgement and knowledge within the circumstances that don’t necessarily pertain the above.

More donuts anyone?

1. Oprah – We don’t have a crystal ball but we think this will be a safe bet.  The queen of day time TV and one of the richest woman in the world has loads of money to make her feel better so we don’t feel too bad about this positioning.
2. Sir Winston Churchill - Not only did he fight them on the beaches, in the air but also at the restaurants around London.  The cigar smoking legend supposedly down roast beef and yorkshire pud like it was going out of fashion.
3. Elvis Presley – Obviously the older version of Elvis but never the less he managed to put away enough donuts to see him tip the scale at around 320 pounds.
4. John Candy – The stereotypical fat funny man may have lost the battle with obesity but he will always be a comedic legend.
5. Marlon Brando - Another in our list that started his career as a lite weight, but then Marlon ballooned to a reported 300 pounds or 136 kgs by the 1990′s.
6. Pavarotti – This opera singing Italian not only loved music but he loved his favourite pasta dish of “Rotolone spinaci e ricotta” in abundance.
7. B.B. King – This musical icon is defying some of the other heavy set celebrities who passed before their time and is still going strong(ish) at the ripe old age of 85.
8. Cass Elliot – Another unfortunate loss to the musical community when at 32, Cass passed away from an apparent heart attack in a flat in London.  From our research we can safely say that no ham sandwich was involved in the death as some urban myths allude to.
9. Chris Farley – Drugs don’t usually mix well with obesity and in the end proved the downfall of this young mix of Belushi and Candy.  But Farley in is short career managed to make a substantial impact on the comedy scene.
10. Kirstie Alley – We don’t really care what she does next either but it is amusing to see her attempt to make cash out of yo yo diets.

Think before you eat.

Pesticides and herbicides are used on our foods constantly to improve yields and cut down on time at most industrial farms, but they can be VERY bad for your health no matter how much you wash them as these residues can seep into your foods. We have done a little bit of research and found the fruits and vegetables you should avoid unless you are sure that they come from an organic farm.

Either excessive pesticides are being used or these fruits have a higher absorption rate then others and are harder to remove the residues that can cause poor health in you and your family.

Source: Organic Food Blog

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Carrots
8. Cherries
9. Pears
10. Squash

Guest Contributor: Shane Grissum
Website: http://gingerlove.ca/

Stress can Kill!

Coming into the new year and out of the holiday season, most people will no doubt begin to slowly slide back into their stress filled lives.  For those of you who don’t get stress then you are a lucky minority, however for others it’s an everyday occurrence.  So we thought we had better compile a helpful Top Ten list of way’s you can remedy your stress levels and bring your blood temperature back to normal.

1. Exercise – Get the endorphins pumping through your blood stream and release that stress by throwing tin, running, bag work, what ever your preference.  Along with a great stress release it also has all the other added benefits.
2. Breathing Exercises – Yep, it’s a simple case of taking a step back and getting some deep, controlled breaths which helps oxygenate the blood and reinvigorate the brain.  For more info check out these breathing exercises.
3. Meditation –  As cliched as this may sound, mediation (if done correctly and you have the patience) can provide a huge release from stress.  The focus on nothingness joined with focused breathing is a recipe for enlightenment.
4. Sex – What better way to get rid of your daily stress levels by par-taking in some horizontal dancing.  Whilst this might not be the right answer for the single people out there it certainly gets the blood pumping so to speak.
5. Music - Get your iPod, find your version of soothing music, find a comfy place to sit, close your eyes and loose yourself in the music.   It’s a form of escapism that puts more focus on your imagination rather than your stressful issues.
6. Massage –  Stress is as much mental as it is physical.  So take some time (and a bit of cash) and treat your muscles to a relaxation massage.  It’s a proven way to reduce the harmful hormones (cortisol, GH and norepinephrine) produced when under stress.
7. Diet - Making sure you have all the right nutrients in your body to counter the effects of stress is exceedingly important.  If your diet is not right and you have an energy crash at a stressful time it can emphasize the symptoms.
8. Sleep –  One of the best pieces of advice that I now live by is “take a night to sleep on it”.  If you are in a stressful situation where you are at risk of acting emotively then take the time.  Go home have a nice dinner and get some well deserved sleep.  Along with the sleep deprivation you may have already been suffering it gives you a chance to revitalise and prepare yourself properly for the the next day.
9. Humor – Laughing is one of the easiest ways to get rid of stress. It’s another outlet that will let you stop and see that perhaps the world is not going to implode tomorrow.
10. Hobbies –  Have some other activities in your life that do not relate to the stressful part of your life in any way shape or form.  This will allow your brain to re-focus on something else and give it a chance to re-charge.