Thursday 9 April 2015

I have learned...

Yesterday I found a page with some quotes I had printed about 6 or more years ago... I am not sure who the exact author is, but I remember back then I was enlightened by these words. Now, after years of experience, I truly believe they are spot-on. There are thousands more I can add to this list, but today I will just share with you what I had on that page.

-        We are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

-        You can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

-        Your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

-        Credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

-        Either you control your attitude or it controls you.

-        You can keep going long after you think you can't.

-        No matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

-        You should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

-        Just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, and just
because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

-        Just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to, doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

-        Our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

-        Maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

-        You shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

-        Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

Hope you enjoyed this quick read. Please share with me any quotes you come across that resonate with you. I would love to read them!
, Sana xx

Thursday 2 April 2015

Furious 7


 
Rating: ●●●○○

Certification: PG13

Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson

Director: James Wan

Running time: 140min

Alert: SOME SPOILERS

Synopsis: This movie is the 7th instalment of the Fast&Furious series. Deckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother.

Review: I feel terrible to give a negative review on this movie because I was a fan of Paul Walker, but it has to be done. This movie is so far removed from the Fast&Furious films I have come to love. It was an overdone, loser-Tom-Cruise-Mission-Impossible type of movie. I mean for the love of cars! They could have kept it action packed AND believable. Why make our favourite characters perform stunts that only a fantasy superhero could manage and also expect us to believe they can do it unscathed?!

The thrill and appeal of these movies has always been the convincing aspect that it could maybe, possibly happen in real life. But with this one, it’s all out the window for me.

Parachuting cars, men who defy the laws of gravity and driving through the top floor windows of three high rise buildings are amongst the many spectacles you will witness.

It’s gripping to watch but after a while the clichéd dialogue and one liners paired with the exaggerated, implausible action scenes make your eyes roll. The main villain could have been shot dead in the first scene- he was not made of steel. And I feel embarrassed for Dwayne Johnson and his cheesy parts!

The ONLY thing that saved this movie was the ending. Yes, the tear jerking tribute to Paul Walker. You can watch the music video for the song "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth from the film's soundtrack. It has clips from the previous F&F movies with a few shots from the new movie, including the film's final goodbye scene.

Here’s the link on Vin Diesel’s Facebook page: Tribute to Paul Walker

Although this movie was over the top, cringe worthy and dragged on for a bit too long, it’s entertaining and you won’t be bored. Give it a go.

Side note: After I watched the movie, I read up on it and found out the cars were actually dropped from planes (without any actors in it). It wasn’t CGI or any other special effects. That's definitely impressive!!

Paul Walker passed away half way through filming. By rewriting the script and with the aide of body doubles, Paul’s brothers, CGI effects and montages of previous scenes, the director was able to keep him in the movie. RIP Paul Walker.

, Sana xx

Wednesday 1 April 2015

Beauty and Household Tips: Banana Peels


Banana peels have a lot of beneficial qualities. Think twice before you toss them in the trash.
Of the many uses, these are my two favourites:
1) Teeth Whitener: the manganese, magnesium and potassium helps whiten the enamel of your teeth without wearing it down. Simply rub the inside of your banana peel against your freshly brushed teeth for about 2 minutes every day. I’ve seen immediate results with this. After a week you will have pearly whites!
2) Skin: Banana peels help with acne and dry skin. Rub the inside of a banana peel on your skin in a circular motion for 2 minutes. Wait as long as you can before rinsing your face. If rubbed on a bruise, it will aid in making it disappear.
 
 
Some other uses which I haven’t tried but are popular:
3) Shoe Polish: Lightly rub the inside part of a peel around your shoe and then buff it with a white cloth. I wonder if this makes your shoes smell funny? But I see it recommended often so probably not. The peel's potassium (a key ingredient in leather polish) will be absorbed into the leather and diminish scoff marks, leaving your shoes looking brand-new.
4) Itch Soother: Banana peels can help relieve bug bites and poison ivy. It won’t remove the oils that cause the itching but it’ll soothe the bite or rash altogether. The peels are full of polysaccharides, which will seep into skin cells to halt swelling and inflammation within minutes.
5) Meat tenderizer: Add a banana peel to your next roast and it’ll add just enough moisture to ensure that roast doesn’t get too dry. To grill a juicier piece of chicken breast, place a banana peel on top of each breast while cooking. The peel will create a barrier that acts like skin, helping the meat retain its natural juices. Again I have to wonder about the smell or flavour it will give the meat? Very strange... but often recommended.
6) Splinter Removal: Banana peels help ease splinters out of your skin. Place banana peel on a splinter with tape for a while and then try to ease the splinter out.
7) Good for plants: To keep away aphids, as a fertilizer, to feed roses and other plants and for compost.
8) Wart Cure: It only takes 1-2 weeks to remove a wart with a banana peel.
9) Anti-Depressant: Researchers have found that drinking boiled banana peel water (or juicing the peel) can ease depression.
10) Stop a scratched CD or DVD from skipping. If your favourite disc just won't play smoothly, fix it with a banana peel. Rub the back of the disc in a gentle circular motion with the inside of the peel. Wipe off any residue with a soft cloth, then lightly spray the disc with glass cleaner and buff it until it looks clean. The wax in the peel will fill in scratches without harming the plastic finish, so the disc can play sans skips. Going to try this!!
11) Swiftly lift ink stains from skin. Rub the white side onto the discoloured areas and watch the stains disappear. The natural oils in the peel will attract the oils in the ink, weakening the pigment's bond with the skin for easy removal.
 
There are many uses for fruit and vegetable peels. 90% of them are great for your skin. Take a few minutes to rub it on your face in a circular motion before throwing  away. Or blend for a natural homemade face mask.

Hope you benefit from this post.

, Sana xx