Is Christmas the best time of the year?

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? I must say that recently I have spent a lot of time with my family talking about different stuff and laughing my head off. In my point of view, family bonding time is enormously important for numerous reasons, for instance this is "a great way to model expected behaviors inside the family circle and with others in the community. Modeling expected behaviors is also a great way for the parents in the family to learn how to communicate to each other as well" (http://houston.cbslocal.com/2011/10/26/the-importance-of-family-bonding-time/). I recommend you to glance at this article, it seems to be very enlightening. 

Anyway, I would like to pose a question about disadvantages of Christmas. Do you agree that Christmas is the best time of the year? In my opinion, there are many inconveniences. One of the issues is certainly an abundance of food: we serve a large number of dishes and, what is worse, everything is really rich. Furthermore, Christmas preparations is a very time-consuming process which rests with women. Quite often this is a real grind but they want to cope with expectations. 

 (http://angryjogger.com/i-am-feeling-pretty-hopeless-at-the-minute.html)

I believe that it is worth pointing out that the Poles waste a lof of money buying misguided gifts which are too expensive. Why? We want to please not only our family but also circle of friends. We forget that a small present gives pleasure as well and does not cost too much. 
Anyway, Christmas (generally holidays) is necessary: this is a kind of a binder which unites people.

Is it worth eating chocolate?

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? Christmas is getting closer and closer and we have to run a lot of errands. It can be exhausting but at the end of the day, this is a splendid and enjoyable time for everyone. Do you agree with me? What leads you to Christmas? 

I don't want to write about a Christmas tree, gifts, carols... Everybody talks about this. Today I would like to touch on a slightly different issue, which is chocolate. Are you astonished? 

Do you think that eating chocolate is heathy? According to dailymail.co.uk, "Scientists have revealed that eating chocolate - in reasonable amounts - makes you feel emotionally better and so improves the smooth running of your body's endorphins. It even protects against heart disease" (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3728/Eating-chocolate-good-you.html).

For this reason, if you had a heart attack you should substitute one coffee cup for chocolate.

It is woth pointing out that these reasonable amounts do not convence me: I can not stop myself from eating more and more.

 (https://michigan.spoonuniversity.com/live/chocapocalypse-looming-chocolate-running-low/)

You know well that thanks to not only antioxidants but also other substances, chocolate prevents premature skin aging. That is why chocolate is widely used in the production of toiletiers and cosmetics. Furthermore, according to English specialists, eating chocolate has a beneficial effect on our mood. It also helps relieve stress and burn away tension. What conclusion would we draw from that? We should eat chocolate! :)

Why is fast-food so beloved?

Hi Everyone! 

How are you today? Have you already bought some gifts for your family? I am an enthusiastic advocate of practical Christmas presents. The reason is why I do not like storing unnecessary things. 

Today I would like to touch briefly on very interesting subject. Why is fast-food so beloved? Do you often eat in fast-food restaurants? What are the effects of fast-food on our health?

 (https://onmogul.com/articles/why-fast-food-is-ruining-america)

According to Dictionary.reference.com, we understand fast-food as something "that is prepared in quantity by a standardized method and can be dispensed quickly at inexpensive restaurants for eating there or elsewhere". (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/fast-food)

In my point of view, there are several factors which influence on fast-food's popularity. One of the major is, as its name suggests, low preparation time. Thanks to new technology, you can not wait a long time for your meal. But a what price? 

It is worth pointing out that fast-food does not cost an arm and a leg. Nowadays more and more people are saving not only money but also time. Thanks to fast-food restaurant chains they can do it. Unfortunately, they forget about inevitable and disastrous consequences: obesity, heart disease and stroke... Furthermore, many children eat pizza or hamburgers daily. What about their healthy eating habits?

How to overcome laziness?

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday I woke up and what I saw out my window? All houses were plunged into darkness. Unfortunately, I had to wrap up warm and faced problems. In autumn and winter the bad weather discourages people from coming out. In my point of view, particulary in the evening, we perfer to call in on our friends rather than roam around the town. What is more, we need something which can help us to increase our interest and motivation. As for me, the weather makes me feel awfully lazy. Could you advise me on this matter? At first, the definition of laziness:

"It is a state of passivity and of letting things stay as they are". 

(http://www.successconsciousness.com/overcoming-laziness.htm)

(http://www.socialsmiling.com/1740_laziness-is-nothing-more-than-the-habit-of-resting-before-you-get-tired)

My friend (I can always rely on her) told me that I should start by making a list of all of my duties. Ok, if it helps me to achieve my goal I am ready for this. Then, she made me log out of Facebook. Why? According to experts, social networks absorb so much of our time and many people decide to delete their Facebook account. Another thing that distracts us is, obviously, a mobile phone. It is worth switching off our iphones and smartphones. In order to be more active and productive we have to clean our houses: in well-organized surroundings we stop feeling overwhelmed and... overworked :)

"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas" of John Boyne

Hi Everyone!

Recently I have read one of the books of John Boyne, an Irish novelist, which is titled The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. I decided to tell you about this novel for two reasons. First of all, in my point of view, it touches really embarrassing problem and, obviously, it is worth bearing this in mind. Furthermore, a Boyne's style attracts reader's attention. Why? He has this amazing capacity to tell about very serious matters in simple words.

(http://www.dailyedge.ie/boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas-voted-favourite-winner-of-bisto-book-awards-346677-Feb2012/)

Do you know John Boyne? He was born on 1971 in Dublin and published his first novel  called The Thief of Time (Weidenfeld & Nicholson) in 2000. It is woth pointing out that Boyne recived Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of East Anglia this year. Today I would like to present you his the most well-known book which was awarded with a large number of prizes, including Irish Book Awards Children's Book of the Year, Deutscher Jugendliteraturpreis and Qué Leer Award Best International Novel of the Year. 

Taking place in Germany, the story focuses on the life of one of the German wealthies families in the 1940 s. One day, Bruno  the 8-year old boy moves from Berlin to the country due to his father's responsibilities. The father works as an officer: it is really valued profession. Bruno and his sister, Gretel can't get out. But Bruno breaks the rules and, as a result, he knows Shmuel. It might appear that his new friends lives in an entirely different world: behind a barbed wire fence...

WHY you can't find a job?

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? I would like to bring up very crucial subject which concerns many people. Do you wonder why people aren't getting hired? To tell the truth, today's job market is different than it once was. Why? In my point of view, it depends on many aspects. One of the most significant factors is an enormous number of employees: following on from that problem, the job market becomes more competitive. There is no point in fretting about this: you can't change it. 

(http://www.regaltribune.com/north-carolina-unemployment-grows-as-nebraska-retains-lowest-rate-in-the-country/22597/)

Coming back to the most important question, "Why you can't find a job?" I must admit that when you don't have work experience you can use volunteer jobs. In my opinion, this is the best way to achieve your goal. According to prospects.ac.uk:

"Volunteering can be a multi-purpose endeavour. Some students and graduates say that they volunteer to make a positive contribution to society in some way. For other people, volunteering is an important way of gaining the skills needed to pursue certain careers and to bolster their CVs" 

(http://www.prospects.ac.uk/work_experience_volunteering.htm)

Furthermore, not only your outfit but also behaviour during job interview might negatively impact on the outcome. You should remember that humbleness is really welcome. First an foremost, you have to pluck up the courage to apply for a job. Then I recommend you to discuss your CV with a specialist.

When you stuff yourself with candy...

Hi Everyone!

And now for something completely different :) Do you know that many people gorge themselves on chocolate and candy due to extreme stress? It allows to work off their frustration, tiredness and, above all, makes them happy. More and more of us are stuffing themselves with (not only) snacks in odrer to obscure troubles. It is common knowlegde that sugar and carbs affect human mood.  If you reach for chocolate (or a slice of chocolate cake) when something makes you skittish and then you are relieved... You should mull it over.

Unfortunately, eating beyond measure leads to health problems: one of these diseases is obesity. What's more, it can be results in mental disorder. It's worth risking our life?

 (http://www.milionkobiet.pl/zdrowie/dlaczego-ciagle-zajadamy-stres-slodyczami-naukowcy-znalezli-odpowiedz,20514,1,a.html)

According to psychologists and nutritionists, it's necessary to deal with our mind. Then, we can focus on our body. It is interesting that a strict diet leads down a blind alley: it cab result in obesity. The human body has to adapt to changes. It's bad enough that we begin to eat five small meals a day which contain a number of large of vegetables. Furthermore, experts advise people who have weight loss problem to engage in sports. 

So let's do it :)

Are you addicted to the Internet?

Recently I've found an Internet Addiction Test (IAT) (http://netaddiction.com/internet-addiction-test/). You can read:

"The Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is the first validated test for Internet Addiction to measure Internet use in terms of mild, moderate, to several levels of addiction.

Based upon the following five-point likert scale, select the response that best represents the frequency of the behavior described in the following 20-item questionnaire".

I must admit that more and more people are suffering from various addictions. These days we are living in a hurried society: people are feeling not only overwhelmed but also overworked. That is why we are prone to stimulants and become addicted not only to nicotine but also the Internet and a phone. What's the first thing you do when you wake up? Many people log onto Facebook and check their email account (using a smartphone, multiple times per day). Even at breakfast they surf the Internet ignoring their family members. 

 (http://www.bandwidthplace.com/internet-addiction-disorder-when-online-is-all-the-time-article/)

What's more, in the Internet everything is available: we can shop groceries, clothes, electrical and electronic equipment. Low prices and convenience have an impact to our decision: we prefer to stay in. Unfortunately, all addictions run a huge risk. I recommend you to take a break from technology and dedicate time to yourself and your family.

Colombian violence: "Delirium" of Laura Restrepo

Today I would like to tell you a little about "One of the finest novels written in recent memory" (according to José Saramago). This Portuguese writer, awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1998, had in mind one of the works of Laura Restrepo, Delirium (2004, VII Premio Alfaguara de Novela).

I agree completely with Saramago: Delirium deserves really warm acclaim. In my point of view, everyone shoud read this not only captivating but also touching novel.

Firstly, I present you a bit Laura Restrepo. You must know that she is one of the most renowned Latin American authoress. Restrepo was born in 1950 in Colombia. She graduated at the Department of Philosophy and Humanities (Specialization: Political Science) and then she was emploed as a lecturer and journalist. She is not only a novelist but also a political activist: in 1982 the president of Colombia, Belisario Betancur engaged her in peace negotiations with the M-19 guerillas.  

 (http://www.azquotes.com/author/49493-Laura_Restrepo)

In her work Laura Restrepo pays close attention to Colombian's drugs trafficking and violence at the end of the 20th century. One of the main figures is as clear as day Pablo Escobar: an infamous Colombian drug lord. Delirium focuses on a love story between Agustina (an aristocrat) and Aguilar who belongs to the middle-class. He gets his Ph.D. in Literature but due to major riot he has to give up his professional carrer and start to feed dogs. Agustina suffers from delirium and, unfortunately, loses her mind. Her madness stands for Colombian disruption caused by drugs trafficking. What is more, Restrepo pays careful attention to aristocratic moral hypocrisy.

A little bit about Dubrovnik

Hi Everyone!

How are you today? How did you spend your weekend? 

Recently I have promised you a little mention of my favourite Croatian city: Dubrovnik. Ok, here goes!

Since childhood, during my summer holiday, I have been in the habit of traveling with my parents. I must admit that the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’, Dubrovnik, made on me an incredible  impression.

Firstly, Dubrovnik is situated at the heart of one of the most renowned tourist destination in the Mediterranean Sea: Dalmatia. Each year a bit of people decide to spend their holiday here. Really nice weather, kind inhabitants and partys into the small hours - that's why I point this city as a place so attractive for everyone. 

I recommend you to tour the fortress called Lovrijenak. However, you have to be in reasonably good shape :) There are so many stairs (too many for me...) but the fact is that you have an opportunity to burn off a few calories. Honestly, at the top I got to see absolutely breathtaking scenery: I found myself in entirely different world.

(http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/)

Furthermore, you should visit Sponza Palace. According to HotelClub:

"This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Activities".

(http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/)

 

This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Archives. The entry fee will cost you just 22 Kuna and all that money is more than well spent as you admire the beauty of the Sponza. - See more at: http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/#sthash.OSUEaise.dpuf

This historic Gothic Renaissance palace is one of the few buildings that has survived the catastrophic 1667 earthquake and has stayed intact. This is the finest architectural monument of Dubrovnik and is currently used to house the National Archives. The entry fee will cost you just 22 Kuna and all that money is more than well spent as you admire the beauty of the Sponza. - See more at: http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/walled-city-of-dubrovnik-pearl-of-the-adriatic/#sthash.OSUEaise.dpuf

Sponza Palace

Sponza Palace

 (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/citybreaks/8458904/Dubrovnik-Croatia-packages-hotels-restaurants-and-getting-around.html)

Personally, I think that the most interesting part was all that family bonding time. What's more, I love eating traditional Croatian food: my favourite dish is prawns with octopus and I have a strong yearning for Dubrovnik.

Welcome to Croatia!

 Hi Everyone!

How are you today? Although the weather is daunting and we are eagerly waiting to catch a whiff of spring I hope that you are taking full advantage of your free time. Btw, I recommend you to boost your immune system in an attempt to avoid catching a cold. You should make ginger tea with lemon and honey. This, I believe, is the best way to not get sick easily.  

Today I would like to encourage you to plan your holidays in Croatia. In the world we can visit a lot of delightful and charming places but, in my opinion, Dalmatia is one of the regions which you have to see. I therefore think it is important to point out that this is one of the most popular and noteworthy tourist destination. 

In Croatia you can admire not only breathtaking landscapes but also marvellous monuments. In this country you meet very hospitable and generous people. Furthermore, you have a chance to sample a large number of traditional dishes. If you are in no mood for visiting tourist attractions I suggest you to lie around on the beach all day.  

 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvreWbVDECY)

In the next day I tell you a little about Dubrovnik: my favourite Croatian city.

See you soon! 

Welcome back :)

Hi Everyone!

After a longer break I return to writing my blog. I am glad to announce to you that I will share my ideas and thoughts with you again. I am happy as a clam :)
I would like to know where and whom did you spend your vacation? Could you recommend me any charming and breathtaking place to visit? I encourage you to share your memories and experiences with me!

Today I decided to write a little bit about the post - vacation blues. Do you know what is this or you underwent it? I suppose that it's worth clarifing this notion. According to MyHealthPortal:

"This is a legitimate feeling and psychologists at the University of Granada in Spain have researched this condition, which they describe as a general feeling of discomfort on having to go back to work". 
(https://www.myhealthportal.co.uk/articles/309,_95.html)

Thankfully, you can overcome this tipe of affliction: there are a lot of tips. Firstly, I recommend you to develop the habit of pursuing a healthy lifestyle: sleep well, get involved in sport and, obviously, be sociable. According to specialists, you should plan accordingly your back to work: thereby you dodge stress. What's more? You can meet with your friends and show them your vacation photos.

Good luck!

What great weather :)

It was a sizzling hot day yesterday! When the sun shines, it instills optimism and helps us to improve our mood. I am very happy because it was an excellent opportunity to sunbathe and, furthermore, admire the cloudless, blue sky. Ok, but we should remember that sunny weather can be not only fun but also very serious threat. When we relax and focus on our senses, we daydream. I would like to draw your attention to animals (chiefly to pets). According to American Veterinary Medical Association:

"Every year, hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. We've heard the excuses: "Oh, it will just be a few minutes while I go into the store," or "But I cracked the windows..." These excuses don't amount to much if your pet becomes seriously ill or dies from being left in a vehicle." (https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/pets-in-vehicles.aspx)

(http://www.blog.bezokularow.pl/bezpieczne-opalanie-w-soczewkach-kontaktowych/)

It is worth having in mind that the temperature into our vehicle rises in no time at all. We must not jeopardised our friends and we have to keep an eye on them. Moreover, we should take care of ourselves. How? It is as easy as anything. 

Firstly, the sun is at its full intensity between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM and we should avoid getting burnt. An exposure to the sun is detrimental to our health: it has been proven by scientific means. Don't forget about sunscreen: you should spread it on the whole body.What is more, we should be well hydrated: heat waves can cause a major problem. What about our clothing? I recommend you to avoid synthetic fabrics and choose some loose and convenient outfit.  It goes without saying that we have to remember about some headgear.

I hope the weather will be fine tomorrow :)

Parents & Children

Hi Everyone!

It’s now approaching 1st June: Children’s Day. On the occasion of this holiday I would like to pay attention to today’s upbringing. In my point of view, now children are currently attempting to dominate their parents. What’s more they think they are the cat's whiskers and require to fulfill their desires. Unfortunately, as they get older, these wishes are increasingly sophisticated. 

According to experts, we should remember that, in the end, the deciding factor is consistency. As regards disciplining children, it takes also patience. It turns out that children naturally emulate their parents: it is necessary to set them a good example. I believe that be parent is the most difficult role in the world. Why? It require tremendous dedication, involvement, availability… It’s worth making it clear where the boundaries lie. In my point of view, mutual respect and tolerance are the most important factors for success.  

Do not forget about reward for the effort put in. What really makes children happy? Obviously they are big fans of suprises. However, it is also vitally important to galvanize them into action. 
What about you? Do you agree with me?

 http://izquotes.com/quote/294009