Babblewell.com

16
Nov
2015

Food wastage

categories: Food, Food Pictures, My babbles, Tips, Uncategorized

Food wastage….. How much food do you waste weekly? How much food do you throw away because….

Food wastage is a big problem especially in the Western countries. We throw away so much food which the poor and hungry could only dream about. But why doesn’t that stop us from throwing food away? Because we just don’t think about it if we throw away those bruised apples. Those bruised apples could be turned into a yummy apple pancake, an apple sponge cake, a smoothie or maybe even apple sauce. If the solutions are that easy why don’t we do it? There are many reasons why we don’t do it. We are tired, we are busy or we are just plain lazy. Or we are …. Just fill in the dots. And did you know that you could make these dishes within 15 minutes. But still many of us choose to throw away those bruised apples which we worked so hard for so we could afford them. May be the next time when we want to throw away food we have to remember that we or our spouse woke up early in the morning to earn money so that those apples could be bought. And we have to realize that those apples did not magically appear in the supermarket or at the farmers market. A lot of effort has been put into growing these apples. Are we taking food for granted?

There are so many things we could do with leftover food. You could make your own fresh homemade croutons, a grilled cheese sandwich, French toast. Leftover meat or poultry could be turned into an easy tomato sauce. Vegetables just lying on the fridge waiting to be thrown away could be turned into a soup. Or add them to your tomato sauce.

Shouldn’t we actually be more aware of all the food that we have in the fridge or in our cupboards? In my opinion one of the solutions to keep food wastage to a minimum is to cook with leftovers once or twice a week. And don’t forget to look into your cupboard because those canned goods you bought when they were on sale will expire eventually.

How are you going to keep food wastage to a minimum?

03
Nov
2015

Weight loss is big business

categories: My babbles, Uncategorized, Weight loss

Have you ever paid to lose weight? Paid for a consultant, coach, a book, special diet food, diet drugs… or any other form?

The weight loss industry is big business; 100 billions of dollars are made in this industry. People who are battling their weight problems for several years’ maybe even decades are easy victims. They hop on and off from one diet to another diet. If you are battling with your weight, claims that you will lose weight in just a few months with a specific diet will sound like music to your ears, right? If you look at diets like these you can file them under category short term solution. You will definitely lose weight but what happens when your past the “expiration date”?

The other day I was talking to a mom about weight loss. She told me that a friend of hers was on a special diet which cost her about EUR 80 per month. She had to follow that special diet for four months. So this diet would cost her EUR 320 for four months. So after the four months you are on your own, I asked. No said the mom, her friend told her that after the four months you could take a subscription for the next few months. So actually to keep the weight off you have to be on a weight loss subscription your entire life which will cost you annually EUR 960. Suppose the lady who sells that specific diet has 3 clients, who are willing to pay that amount. She will have a passive income of EUR 2880, annually. I told you so, weight loss is big business!

People are willing to pay to lose weight. I know many of them and I haven’t seen any of them succeed in keeping the weight off. But all of these diets have burned hole in their pockets.

How many Euros or dollars have you paid in total to lose weight?

29
Oct
2015

Being judgemental, natural human behaviour?

categories: My babbles, Uncategorized

Is being judgemental natural human behaviour? When was the last time you were judgemental?

Last week I stepped into an elevator. I had to go to the second floor. But since I was wearing heels and was a little bit tired I didn’t felt like taking the stairs. A gentleman with kids and a lady stepped into the elevator. The lady stepped out of the elevator on the first floor. When the doors closed the gentleman said, well she could have taken the stairs when she only had to go to the first floor.

Usually comments like these would have triggered my comment button but that day I was feeling too tired to even comment. In my opinion his comments were so judgemental. First of all he doesn’t know the lady at all. Maybe the lady has a medical condition or she is just feeling too tired to even take the stairs to the first floor (like I did). People might seem healthy on the outside but what’s really going on with them we just don’t know. We only see these people for a few seconds of our lives who are we to judge them? But on the other hand is being judgemental not human behaviour? But then again why waste energy into being judgemental?

Everybody has their own agenda for being judgemental. Some are judgemental because they are jealous. Then there are those who are judgemental because they just can’t believe that that specific person can achieve something in life. Specific persons like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Walt Disney and the list goes on.

So actually being judgemental has other emotions linked to it. Emotions we hide we do not show others or ourselves. Emotions like these are actually polluting our brains making it hard for us to think straight.

So next time when we want to be judgemental we just have to take a deep breath. Look at the person we want to be judgemental about and think: we can’t judge a book by its cover.

When was the last time you judged a book by its cover?

14
Oct
2015

What do we need in life?

categories: My babbles, Uncategorized

What do we need in life? Think about it for a few seconds. If you have a family you need to provide for your family. Once these basic needs are taken care off we can start thinking about other things. A washing machine could be a basic need to you. But keep in mind that a lot of people don’t even have one, because they just can’t afford one. Aren’t you grateful that you can afford a washing machine? For me a dryer is a basic need, but I know many people who don’t want a dryer although they can afford one. A dryer is a necessity product to me. I know it’s a luxurious necessity, one I can live without. How I know? Well mine broke down and I had no dryer for a month.

The standard of living in Western countries is quite high. How come that in these countries, people with above average income are looking for something more? It seems like they are missing something. Or are maybe even bored and are chasing for that something they can’t even describe themselves. Let’s be clear here, we are not talking about people who have to live on a budget.

So what are they chasing for? Why is it that many people are into meditation and yoga? People, who don’t practice yoga or meditation because it’s a trend, are they searching for answers? Hoping to free their mind so that they can have a clear view of what is bothering them? People who have everything but are still unhappy….

What do we really need in life then, when we have everything? Do we need to buy more materialistic items to keep us happy for a short period of time? Or should we use our energy to help others to improve their lives. Like doing grocery shopping with your grandmother or helping your niece with her homework? These chores we do for others big or small, is that what we really need in life?

What do you really need in life?

08
Oct
2015

Reality or photoshop

categories: My babbles, Uncategorized

Do you ever read fashion magazines? What do you notice about the cover girl/woman? They look flawless, right? When in real life, most of them are not. Like every other women they too have their bad and good days. They are humans after all.

Many years ago a friend of mine wanted to have the same makeup look like J Lo. She went to the beauty store with the magazine cover and told the makeup artist what she wanted. My friend was so excited about her new soon to be makeup look. Then the makeup artist told her the bad news, we can’t make that look for you. That picture is heavily photoshopped!

We are being fooled all the time and not only by fashion magazines. What about the travel industry posting a picture on the internet with just the most perfect blue sky you could ever imagine. Or the food industry making that cookie or burger look so yummy you just want to buy it. We are being lied to all the times. Is it because, we would not buy that product if it was not photoshopped, would it not look attractive enough?

Then there is this other question. Are all the women who are wearing makeup photoshopping themselves? I don’t see it that way. Most of them are enhancing their beauty. And some of them are, let’s say “over enhancing” their beauty. I believe that there is nothing wrong with enhancing your beauty. Men and women have been using makeup many thousands of years ago.

The other day someone showed me their wedding album. The pictures were beautiful but most of them were photoshopped. So nowadays the photographer skill is not to shoot beautiful pictures. His skill is photoshop? Or is it a combination of the right shoot and photoshop?

30
Sep
2015

The Mobile phone has taken over our lives

categories: family, Kids, My babbles, Uncategorized

The other day when I was dropping of my little Maharadja for school I noticed that a lot of parents were busy with their phones. Are there so many important matters that have to be settled early in the morning? Or is paying attention to their kids not that important when dropping them off for school? So in short our mobiles phones are much more important than our kids…. That is quite harsh isn’t?

It seems that our mobiles have taken our lives. Just take a look around, how many people are busy with their mobile phones? In 20 years our life’s has changed completely. Can you imagine a life without a mobile phone?

On the other hand mobile phones are convenient. We can get in touch when with our kids when they are with their friends. Or we can call someone when our car breaks down or when there is an emergency.

People who can’t afford an computer or any other device can get in touch with the world by using a mobile phone. The mobile phone has made many lives easier.

But at the same time we have to find a balance. Do we have to respond to every message we receive. Do we have to be active on Facebook all the time? Or any other social media. Do we have to check our email every hour?

Last time I was on holidays I switched off my phone and left it in the save. I only checked my messages when I was in my room. Sometimes I didn’t even checked my messages for days. Not having a mobile phone with me felt quite peaceful. But at the same time I realized that I have to check my messages since I got a message from a family friend that their father hadbg passed away.

So mobile phones are an important part of our lives but should not lead our lives. We need to learn to focus on our lives and not to focus on our mobile screens all the time. Instead of sending a message why not call that person?

When was the last time you made a phone call?

27
Aug
2015

What brings you happiness?

categories: family, My babbles, Uncategorized

Just think about it for a little while. What brings you happiness? Your work, your family, your laughing kids, your caring family, that sweet lady who smiles when you pass by, that kid on the swing, that book which gave you a different perspective about your problems, your loving spouse, sun shine, kids playing and laughing in the park, that vacation to your dream destination. These are just little aspects of life which could bring a smile on our face.

Happiness differs per person since each person is unique. And then there is that question what kind of happiness are we looking for? Materialistic or experience happiness? What will bring a smile on our face when we think about it in a few years from now? Is it that pair of jeans you bought or the fond memories of your kids playing in the garden?

Nowadays it seems like people are “weighing” their happiness on all the things they own. They have to have the latest phone because all their friends have it. It is a group thing. The phone is working why do you need a new phone? What better feature does it have then your last phone which you purchased last year? And if there is a new feature, do you really need it? It will only take a couple of weeks or maybe even a few days before the excitement will wear off.

We don’t need much to be happy when the basic needs are taken care of that is. A great example for this is my little Maharadja. Over the couple of years he has build up quite a collection of toys. Most of them were gifts for his birthday and holidays (we have a large family). He plays with them for a while till the excitement wears off. And then he starts playing with his favorite “old toys”.

So, what brings you happiness?

18
Jun
2015

What keeps you motivated?

categories: My babbles, Tips, Uncategorized

What or who keeps you motivated? Think about it for a second.

Some people are gifted, they can motivate themselves. Others get motivated by their loved ones, a book they read, a stranger they just bumped into, their children, a YouTube tutorial, a situation, circumstances, an occasion. The list is endless.

Sometimes it is “scary” to work towards your dreams because it is out of your comfort zone. Right at that moment we need to get motivated or else we will let go of our dreams. Achieving your goals in life gives you satisfaction and fulfillment. Think about the chores you postponed and the satisfaction you felt once they were done.

I know two gentlemen who have quitted their well paid job to start their own business. They were motivated to pursuit their goals, their dreams. They dared to step outside of their comfort zone. Then there are people who have a goal but can’t achieve them. Since they cannot motivate themselves or the people around them demotivate them, by telling them they just can’t do it. Then there are people who are motivated to reach their goal but because of the circumstances or situations they can’t.

Maybe you have read my blog about my Maharadja’s eczema, if not here’s the link https://babblewell.com/maharadjas-eczema-caused-food-allergy/. His milk allergy motivated me to bake dairy free cakes and cookies. I can even make dairy free ice cream now!

A few weeks ago we were at my friend’s house. They have a beautiful house with a beautiful well kept garden. And it’s not a tiny garden! I asked my friend who did her garden. And she said we do it ourselves. That got me thinking. If they can do their huge garden all by themselves how hard can it be to do our tiny garden by ourselves. So Mr. Babblewell and I did our garden. My friend also gave me some gardening tips like cut back what you don’t like and improve the soil quality. With only these few tips my garden looks much better! We only need some color in our garden so this weekend my Maharadja and I are going shopping for some flowers.

Motivation (or getting inspired) leads us to completing our goals whether they are big or small. The most important part is, it gets you started.

What keeps you motivated?

11
Jun
2015

Weight loss and a fall back

categories: Food, My babbles, Uncategorized, Weight loss, Working out

Does this sound familiar to you? You are so proud about your weight loss journey and then there is this one day that you crave for some chocolate, candy maybe even a hamburger or something else which is not that healthy. And then before you realize it yourself you just can’t stop eating. At the back of your mind you know that you should stop eating but you just don’t stop. You are just filling your mouth with all the yummy goodies. Then after you had your, let’s call it “eat attack” you feel guilty and think that you have ruined everything you have worked so hard for. And therefore you start going back to being your old you.

If you ever have one of this “eat attacks” please do not go back being the old you. Instead go ahead with what the new you was doing before the “eat attack”. One eat attack won’t ruin what you have worked so hard for. Let me tell you, there will be more of these kinds of “eat attacks”. We are humans after all. The most important thing is “pick yourself up” after such an “eat attack” and keep yourself in control for the next few days. Doing some extra workouts and watching your diet carefully like a hawk. You will shed the extra calories you consumed in the next few days, don’t worry about them. And don’t feel guilty or think you have failed, you haven’t at all!

During your weight loss journey many events will take place, there will be holidays, birthdays, weddings, vacations or other special occasions. At all these events there will be lots of yummy food which you should absolutely enjoy, in moderation that is. You can’t be on a strict diet all your life that is just impossible. Enjoying the food at all these occasions can prevent “eat attacks”. Discipline yourself to shed the extra calories after such an “eat attack” and you will just be fine.

The most important part is, is to be nice to yourself :).

When and where was your last “eat attack”? Please do share with us.

03
Jun
2015

Are you a honest parent?

categories: family, My babbles, Tips, Uncategorized

Are you a honest parent? Do you tell your kids that they do not have the skills to, for instance sing, dance or play soccer?

A few weeks ago I went to a concert of a big Bollywood singer. In the hallway I heard “singing” which can be more described as screaming , I thought to myself …….? It was a kid who could not sing at all. Then after that another kid began to sing and it was just horrifying. What were his parents thinking? Putting him on stage in front of 1000 people. That he was the next Justin Timberlake? I really felt sorry for the kid…..

In my opinion your “job” as a parent is to guide your child. If your child likes to become a singer and doesn’t have any talent at all, be honest and tell your child that singing is not his or her cup of tea. They can sing in private as a hobby but not in public. This way your child can’t make a fool of themselves. You as a parent don’t want to your child to be laughed at, right? If your child is not talented to be a singer, he or she definitely has other talents, like playing a music instrument, painting drawing, sports or….

It’s a fact a child can’t do everything right. When your child draws a human being and the hands are out of proportion for instance, you should tell your child so (unless your child is drawing inspector Gadget). This way your child can improve itself. In my opinion by not telling parents are sending the wrong signals. And in the future it can back fire on your child. Since the child thinks that everything it does is great. And who can blame the child? No one ever told the child that certain skills really need improvement.

Next time your child is painting something, be honest and tell them what they could improve. Unless your child is the next Picasso of course.