Being Frugal is Fun

Being Frugal Is Fun - Your Time Is Worth Something Too

Introduction:

 Some people earn money. However, they do not know how to spend it judiciously. Some of them squander away the money. They called prodigal or spendthrift people. For this, they suffer a lot in their life. They cannot get money at the time of need. They cannot give their sons education. They cannot give their daughters in marriage. They run into debts. They lose all and at last, they are on the street.

If I want to know what a word means, I usually run to my dictionary or do a quick search online.  Keeping true to my normal mode of operation, here is what I found in my first search for the meaning of "Frugality."

Love what you are doing, being frugal, is such fun! Stay focused on living frugally. Do not give up, saving money in today's world takes time, but I feel my time is well invested. When sitting down to watch a television program, I cut and file coupons, or look through the newspaper for other money saving offers. I am passionate about saving and talk to friends and family to find out what ideas they can share in living frugally. I never fail to read the Thrifty Fun newsletter. If I do not have time, I move them from my email inbox to a folder created just for the Thrifty Fun newsletter. Have fun saving and remember to share with others!

If I sat down to choose a catch phrase to define frugal living in today's world, I would probably say frugal living equals "living within your means."

 The reality is all riches have limits.   Some of us live with more limitations in the riches department of life than others, but even the largest fortune can still run dry if no restrictions are set on spending.   After all, how many mansions, yachts and private jets does one billionaire really need?

By cutting back on basic expenses, it can enable you to live out your dreams, get out of debt, and find yourself on the road to enjoying a financially stress-free life.

Why Live Frugally?

I have found over the years that people choose to live frugally for one of the following reasons:

1) Limited income

Whether someone's just starting out in an entry level job, or perhaps a young family choosing to have one parent home full-time, there are a variety of situations that make it necessary, either temporarily or long term, to live on a small paycheck.

2) Emergencies

Unemployment and medical emergencies are two common and usually unexpected difficulties that can throw even a financially well-off family into the "we-have-to-reduce-our-expenses" mode of living.

3) Debt reduction

With consumer debt rising each year, many find themselves juggling debt, maybe even borrowing money from one credit account to pay the monthly fees on another.  Reducing debt can seem like an overwhelming prospect, but for people who are serious about getting out from under the heavy weight of monthly installment payments; frugal living can be the perfect solution.

4) Stages of life

College students, young married couples, single moms, and retirees can all be in stages of life when there is a lot more months left at the end of the money and it becomes needful to examine the budget to look for ways to pinch a few pennies here and there.

5) Philosophical

Many people look for ways to reduce their spending as they voluntarily choose to simplify their lives, maybe to allow more time to connect with their families, community, and hobbies.

The Benefits of Frugality

Reducing spending can have far-reaching benefits beyond just today's grocery bill.

1) Achieving dreams

By cutting back on monthly expenses, many people are able to fulfill dreams they may have decided were out of reach:  Going back to college, being home full-time with their children, working from home, buying a home, starting their own business, pursuing a favorite hobby, or acquiring acreage in the country.

2) Becoming debt-free

The first step for getting out debt is to stop going further into debt. Choosing to live within your means is the beginning of debt reduction.

3) Easing stress

Pinching pennies in daily life can allow you to re-prioritize your expenditures and have more available for things like vacations and hobbies, and if you don't have to work as much just to meet basic expenses, you'll have more time to spend with your friends and family.   If you are in over your head financially, a huge stress
reliever is putting an end to phone calls and letters from bill collectors.

4) Reducing ecological footprint

One-way that frugal living helps the environment is when someone chooses to use more homemade food items; it cuts down on relying on over-packaged convenience items.  Those items may make life a little simpler in some ways, but the packaging adds a huge amount to local landfills.

So whether you're a single mom trying to make ends meet, a middle-income family deeply in debt, or you have life dreams you'd like to accomplish but think you can't afford, frugal living could be just the ticket to get you on your way to accomplishing your goals.

Conclusion:

Everybody has to learn a lot from story narrated above. Frugality is the most necessary quality for every person. The students should practice frugality at their every walk of life.

Posted by : Doshti

Healing Benefits of CINNAMON & HONEY

The Healing Benefits of CINNAMON & HONEY

Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot. Make sure your honey is untreated and unprocessed and not heated. This will have the greatest benefit. Caution honey is a form of sugar so too much honey of any kind is not good for the body. However, a little bit will help some of the following conditions.

In addition, the Cinnamon should be organic. Chinese medicine says it is warming and nourishing for the Kidneys. 

Weekly World News, a magazine in Canada has given the following list of diseases that can cure by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists: 

SKIN INFECTIONS: 

Applying honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts on the affected parts cures eczema, ringworm and all types of skin infections. 

BLADDER INFECTIONS: 

Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.  It destroys the germs in the bladder. 

CHOLESTEROL: 
Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient, was found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.  As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol will cure.  According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol. 

COLDS: 
Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 spoon cinnamon powder daily for three days. This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.  To make it lukewarm, place it in a small jar and let it set in warm water for a while. 

HEART DISEASES: 

Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast. It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.

Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heartbeat.   In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients successfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged; honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins. 

ARTHRITIS: 
Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can cure. In a recent research conducted at the  Copenhagen  University, it was found when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain. 

GAS: 
According to the studies done in  India and  Japan , it is revealed that if Honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas. 

IMMUNE SYSTEM: 

Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacterial and viral attacks. Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts. Constant use of Honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases. 

INDIGESTION: 
Cinnamon powder sprinkled on two tablespoons of honey taken before food relieves acidity and digests the heaviest of meals. 

INFLUENZA – FLU: 

A scientist in Spain has proved that honey contains a natural ' Ingredient’, which kills the influenza germs and saves the patient from flu.

UPSET STOMACH: 

Honey taken with cinnamon powder cures stomachache and clears stomach ulcers from the root. 

LONGEVITY: 
Tea made with honey and cinnamon powder, when taken regularly, arrests the ravages of old age. Take four spoons of honey, one spoon of cinnamon powder, and three cups of water and boil to make like tea. Drink 1/4 cup, three to four times a day. It keeps the skin fresh and soft and arrests old age. Life spans also increase and even a 100 year old might start performing the chores of a 20-year-old. 

PIMPLES: 
Three tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of cinnamon powder paste. Apply this paste on the pimples before sleeping and wash it next morning with warm water.  If done daily for two weeks, it removes pimples from the root. 

BAD BREATH: 

People in  South America first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day. 

WEIGHT LOSS: 

Daily in the morning one half hour before breakfast on an empty stomach, and at night before sleeping, drink honey and cinnamon powder boiled in one cup of water. If taken regularly, it reduces the weight of even the most obese person. Also, drinking this mixture regularly does not allow the fat to accumulate in the body even though the person may eat a high calorie diet. 

FATIGUE: 
Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body. Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible. Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing and in the afternoon at about 3:00 P.M. when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week. 

CANCER: 
Research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have cured successfully. Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day. 

HEARING LOSS: 

Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts helps restore hearing. 

Source : http://www.newrealities.com

Post by Doshti Healthcare

Home Remedies for Diabetes

Home Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes has become a very common heath problem whose main cause is lack of insulin or absolutely no insulin. Well, there is no cure for diabetes, but if you are suffering from diabetes, you need to control the blood glucose level. Once your blood sugar level is under control you can totally live a normal life.

There are natural remedies for diabetes that will help you to control the blood sugar level.

Here are top 10 remedies for Diabetes.

 Jambul 

Jambul also known as jamun can help a lot in controlling blood sugar level. Those suffering from diabetes can use each part of the Jambul plant such as the leaves, berry and seeds. Whenever this seasonal fruit is available in the market, try to include it in your diet, as it can be very effective for the pancreas. Else, you can make a powder of dried seeds of Jambul fruit and eat this powder with water twice a day.

Bitter Gourd

 

Having bitter gourd juice on an empty stomach can be good for those suffering from diabetes. First remove the seeds of two to three bitter gourd and then with the help of a juicer take out the juice of bitter gourd. Add some water and then drink the juice first thing in the morning. It is one of the best home remedies for diabetes. In addition, it is a good idea to include one dish made of bitter gourd daily in your diet. This will help a lot in keeping the blood glucose level in control.

Fenugreek

 

Fenugreek is another herb that can used to control diabetes. Soak two tablespoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Drink this water along with the seeds in the morning on an empty stomach. Follow this remedy without any fail for a few months to bring down your high glucose level. Even eating two tablespoon of powdered fenugreek seeds daily with milk can be of great help.

Guava

Due to its vitamin C and high fiber content, guava can be helpful in maintaining the blood sugar level. However, before eating a guava you must peel off the skin for better results. Therefore, those suffering for diabetes can eat guava without any problem. However, too much consumption of guava in a day not recommended at all.

Mango Leaves

The delicate and tender mango leaves can used to treat diabetes at home. Soak ten to fifteen tender mango leaves in a glass of water and leave it overnight. Filter this water and drink it on an empty stomach in the morning. Else, you can dry the tender leaves in the shade and grind it. Take half a teaspoon of this powder mango leaves two times daily. This is also an effective home remedy for diabetes.

Cinnamon

Powdered cinnamon has the ability to lower blood sugar levels. Add three to four tablespoon of cinnamon powder to four glasses of boiling water. Simmer for half an hour in low flame, and then strain the mixture. Drink this mixture daily to cure diabetes. Else, you can take a pinch of cinnamon and eat with warm water every day.

Aloe Vera

One kind of natural concoction for diabetes can made with Aloe vera gel, bay leaf and turmeric. To make this herbal medicine, take one to two teaspoons of ground Bay Leaf, one teaspoon of turmeric and mix it properly with an equal amount of aloe vera gel. Drink this solution daily, before lunch and dinner. It will help in maintaining your blood sugar level.

Water

 

The amount of water you drink on daily basis can also help in controlling high blood sugar level. Water will mobilize the high sugar content in blood and thus will help in controlling it. For those suffering from diabetes must drink at least 2.5 liters of water daily. Drinking enough water will also lower the risk of other ailments associated with diabetes

Sunlight

Moderate exposure to sunlight is essential for leading a healthy life. In addition, sunlight can be great help for those suffering from diabetes. Sunlight will improve the functionality of vitamin D, which is essential for insulin production. Lack of Vitamin D can result in low insulin production. Therefore, it is important to allow your body to enjoy the sun light for a few minutes daily. This is an excellent and easy remedy for diabetes.

Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry also known as Amla can be use in controlling the blood sugar level. Enriched with high vitamin C, Indian gooseberry juice can be effective for the pancreas. Take two to three Indian gooseberries, take out their seeds, and then grind it properly to make a fine paste. Now with the help of a cloth you can squeeze out the juice. Take two tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice, mix it with one cup of water, and drink it daily on empty stomach. Alternatively take one tablespoonful of Indian gooseberry juice, mix it with a cup of bitter gourd juice, and drink it daily for a few months.

Besides following the above-mentioned natural remedies for diabetes, you must also eat healthy foods in small amounts, make regular walk, and exercise part of your daily routine. In addition, it is important to consult your nutritionist and doctor on regular basis.

Posted by the  Doshti Healthcare

Preventing and responding to sexual harassment @ Workplace

Effectively preventing and responding to sexual harassment @ Workplace

Sexual harassment is described as harassment in subtle ways, which may include sexual innuendoes, inappropriate sexual gestures and propositions for dates or sexual favours. In more blatant forms, such harassment may include leering, pinching, grabbing, hugging, patting, brushing against and touching.

 The Supreme Court's guidelines describe physical contact or advances; demand or request for sexual favours; sexually colored remarks and showing pornography as offensive conduct. Sexual harassment becomes even more serious when the granting of sexual favours is made a term or condition of the individual's employment, when it interferes with the individual's work performance or it creates an intimidating or hostile work environment. The offensive conduct could be exhibited by a superior, a colleague, a subordinate or a client.

Sexual harassment can take various forms. It can involve conduct such as:

·         unwelcome touching, hugging or kissing

·         staring or leering

·         suggestive comments or jokes

·         sexually explicit pictures, screen savers or posters

·         unwanted invitations to go out on dates or requests for sex

·         intrusive questions about an employee’s private life or body

·         unnecessary familiarity, such as deliberately brushing up against someone

·         insults or taunts of a sexual nature

·         sexually explicit emails or SMS messages

·         accessing sexually explicit internet sites

·         inappropriate advances on social networking sites

·         behavior which would also be an offence under the criminal law, such as physical assault, indecent exposure, sexual assault, stalking or obscene communications.

·         Sexual harassment is not sexual interaction, flirtation, attraction or friendship which is invited, mutual, consensual or reciprocated

          

When is sexual harassment unlawful?

Sexual harassment is unlawful in almost every employment situation and relationship. For example, sexual harassment is unlawful at the workplace, during working hours, at work-related activities such as training courses, conferences, field trips, work functions and office parties. It is also unlawful between almost all workplace participants.

What are my legal obligations as an employer?

There are good business reasons for preventing sexual harassment in the workplace.

As an employer, you may hold legally responsible for acts of sexual harassment committed by your employees. This is called ‘vicarious liability’. The Sex Discrimination Act makes employers liable for acts of sexual harassment unless they have taken all reasonable steps to prevent it from taking place.

While there is no uniform standard expected of employers in taking all reasonable steps, at a minimum employers usually expected to:

·         have an appropriate sexual harassment policy which is effectively implemented, monitored and communicated to all workplace participants.

·         take appropriate remedial action if sexual harassment does occur.

·          

Policies and procedures preventing harassment assist employers in maintaining positive workplace relationships and can improve employee motivation and performance.

In managing sexual harassment in the workplace, you may also have obligations under other laws, such as privacy, defamation, occupational health and safety and industrial laws.

Developing and implementing a sexual harassment policy

Why should I have a sexual harassment policy?

The key to preventing sexual harassment is for employers and management to make it clear to every employee and workplace participant that sexual harassment is unacceptable in the workplace. Employers should ensure that they have in place a clear sexual harassment policy, which is effectively communicate to each workplace participant and is understand. In addition, it is important that management throughout the workplace model appropriate behaviour.

A written policy on its own is not enough. A policy that is not implementing through communication, education and enforcement will be of little or no use in avoiding liability.

What are the essential elements of a sexual harassment policy?

A sexual harassment policy should include the following:

·         a strong opening statement on the organization’s stance on sexual harassment

·         an outline of the organization’s objectives regarding sexual harassment

·         a clearly worded definition of sexual harassment

·         specific examples of sexual harassment that may be relevant to the particular working environment

·         a statement of what is not sexual harassment

·         a statement that sexual harassment is against the law

·         examples of places and times where unlawful sexual harassment may happen e.g. in the office, work conferences, work field trips etc.

·         the consequences for employees if the policy is breached

·         responsibilities of management and staff

·         information on where individuals can get help, advice or make a complaint

·         a brief summary of the options available for dealing with sexual harassment

Tips for employers: getting your employees to understand your sexual harassment policy

·         Officially launch the sexual harassment policy at a full staff meeting.

·         The chief executive officer or a senior management representative should endorse the policy and emphasise the fact that all staff are required to comply with it.

·         Email copies of the policy to employees, put a copy on the intranet and place an automatic shortcut on employee desktops.

·         Provide the policy to new staff as a standard part of induction.

·         Display the policy on notice boards and include it in induction manuals.

·         Ask employees to sign a copy of the policy acknowledging they have received and understood it.

·         Assign responsibility for the circulation and review of the policy to a specific position or area to ensure that it is widely promoted and regularly updated.

Complaints procedures

How do I take appropriate remedial action when sexual harassment happens?

As part of the legal responsibility to deal with sexual harassment, all employers must implement effective and accessible complaint procedures for employees and other workplace participants. A good complaint procedure:

·         conveys the message that the organisation takes sexual harassment seriously

·         can prevent escalation of a case and maintain positive workplace relationships

·         ensures that complaints are dealt with consistently and in a timely manner

·         reduces the likelihood of external agency involvement which can be time consuming, costly and damaging to public image

·         alerts an organisation to patterns of unacceptable conduct and highlights the need for prevention strategies in particular areas

·         reduces the risk of an employer being held liable under the Sex Discrimination Act and other anti-discrimination laws

·         can help to minimise the harm suffered by the person harassed

·         reduces the risk of the employer being held to have treated the alleged harasser unfairly, such as in an unfair dismissal claim.

Five simple steps to prevent sexual harassment in your workplace

It is recommended that employers take the following steps to prevent sexual harassment.

1. Get high-level management support

·         Get high level support from the chief executive officer and senior management for implementing a comprehensive strategy to address sexual harassment.

2. Write and implement a sexual harassment policy

·         Develop a written policy which prohibits sexual harassment in consultation with staff and relevant unions.

·         Regularly distribute and promote the policy at all levels of the organisation.

·         Provide the policy and other relevant information on sexual harassment to new staff as a standard part of induction.

·         Translate the policy into relevant community languages where required so it is accessible to employees from non-English speaking backgrounds.

·         Ensure that the policy is accessible to staff members with disability.

·         Ensure that managers and supervisors discuss and reinforce the policy at staff meetings. Verbal communication of the policy is particularly important in workplaces where the literacy of staff may be an issue.

·         Review the policy to ensure it is operating effectively and contains up to date information.

3. Provide regular training and information on sexual harassment to all staff and management

·         Conduct regular training sessions for all staff and management on sexual harassment and the organisational policy. Ensure that the training is specific about the types of behaviours that may amount to sexual harassment. Regular refresher training recommended.

·         Train all line managers on their role in ensuring that the workplace is free from sexual harassment.

·         Display anti-sexual harassment posters on notice boards in common work areas and distribute relevant brochures.

4. Encourage appropriate conduct by managers

·         Line managers should understand the need to model appropriate standards of professional conduct at all times.

·         Include accountability mechanisms in position descriptions for managers.

·         Ensure that selection criteria for management positions include the requirement that managers have a demonstrated understanding of and ability to deal with discrimination and harassment issues as part of their overall responsibility for human resources.

·         Check that managers are fulfilling their responsibilities through performance appraisal schemes.

5. Create a positive workplace environment

·         Remove offensive, explicit or pornographic calendars, literature, posters and other materials from the workplace.

·         Develop a policy prohibiting inappropriate use of computer technology, such as e-mail, screen savers and the Internet.

·         Periodically conduct workplace audits to monitor the incidence of sexual harassment.

The apex court's judgment in the case not only defines sexual harassment at workplace but also lays down guidelines for its prevention and disciplinary action.

Once we do training that is more effective and give managers a better understanding of the issue and the skills to deal with it, we will have workplaces that are more productive, safer, and more welcoming to all.