Join Pregnancy Forum for Support

Being away from my parents are very hard especially if you live overseas just like me. It was even harder when I got pregnant for the first time. I was new to this country and was in the process of adjusting myself because everything was foreign to me. I wished that time that my mother was with me to help and tell me what to do. Talking with her over the phone helped though. Had I known that there is a Pregnancy Forum I can join, it would have been easier for me the second time. Thank goodness it isn't too late because I can still join the forum talks about toddler and older kids. I can still gather info on how to deal or care for my kindergarten child and vice versa. Joining this group is a great support for every mother and mother to be alike.

Food Trip Friday: Litsong Kawali and Pansit Bihon

This is what I served my family on New Year's Eve. Hubby loves the litsong kawali and son loves the pansit :-)

For more yummy foods entry, visit Willa's Blog

Tuna Fish Salad, Recipe We Love!

I grew up in a country where seafood is abundant and cheap. My mother buys fresh seafood in the market almost everyday. That is why I have no problem eating seafood. My husband on the other hand is not fond of seafood and is allergic to scallops and oysters. But that doesn't stop me from cooking my favorite salmon, tuna, catfish and more. So when I got pregnant with my son, I enjoyed eating tuna salad. My doctor told me to be careful on the kind of seafood for some fish like swordfish, mackerel, shark because they are high in mercury. Tuna fish on the other hand is rich in omega-3's, protein, vitamin D, selenium and more which is healthy and important for pregnant women and for the healthy growth and development of small children. A scientific study was just released in which the findings show that women who skip seafood during pregnancy could be putting themselves in danger for depression. I am glad didn't skip eating seafood, now my son who is five loves fish, shrimps and other seafood and I didn't suffer depression. Tuna fish is very easy to prepare like tuna salad, tuna patty burgers and more. Here I have included a photo and recipe of my favorite healthy tuna fish salad shared by a generous Mom online.

Ingredients:

1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped onion

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

paprika to taste

Directions: In a large bowl, combine the tuna, celery, onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, parsley, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled. Sprinkle with paprika if desired.

Foods that Make You Sleep Better

I have no idea why I couldn't sleep at night no matter how early I go to bed. I once asked my doctor for a sleeping pill but told me to take an over the counter allergy medicine for two weeks and I will be able to sleep. I did what he told me, but it only work for awhile. Now I am back to sleepless night and sleeping in the morning as if I work on a night shift just like my hubby. Anyway, last night as I was checking my emails, RealAge.com has this article about foods that would aide me so I could sleep better and here they are:

The meal you choose tonight could mean the difference between counting sheep and getting some serious shut-eye. So order the salmon.

In her new book Eat Your Way to Happiness, Elizabeth Somer, RD, explains how nutrients in salmon, as well as in beans, yogurt, and spinach, could help make you a more satisfied sleeper.

Salmon
The healthy fats in this fish (namely docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA for short) may boost levels of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin. Eating at home?

Beans
Beans and other legumes provide a nice sampling of B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folic acid, all of which help the body regulate sleep cycles and produce relaxing serotonin. In fact, studies have shown that boosting B vitamins may help people with insomnia.

Low-Fat Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and magnesium -- two important sleep-supporting minerals that together help you fall asleep faster and ratchet up your deep-sleep time. And skimping on both may lead to muscle cramps, higher stress levels, and worse sleep.

Spinach
Dark leafy greens are a great source of iron -- a nutrient that may help protect against the sleep robber known as restless legs syndrome.

Thanks A Bunch...My Friends!

Who would have thought that a true and real friends can also be found on the internet? I have found these wonderful ladies and fellow bloggers and fellow Filipinos...and they are all kind and nice to me... genuine friends whom I can turn to and confide without being judgmental and accepted me for who I am and was! With that I am grateful...and thanked God for meeting each one of you!

From Clarissa of Japan....
Juliet from Mesquite. Texas...
Liza of Alabama...
Rose from West Virginia...
Rosalie of Forth Worth, Texas...
and Shy/Sheila of Pennsylvania...
And last but not the least...Demcy of Sacramento, CA...with their family newsletter, a card and the cute sleepwear. I love it dear!.
My family and I would like to thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart. We sure appreciate your friendship and love :-)! May the Almighty God continue to Bless you and you families!