The Vitamin D Diet

  

   A diet high in Vitamin D can be mood lifting, melt away fat, and strengthen your bones.  D can be made by your body as long as you have exposure to the sunlight. However, sunscreen reduces your body’s ability to make D by 99%.  Even if you don’t use sunscreen which I highly advise against, it is tough to catch the right rays your body needs.  The sun in the early morning and evening, when you’re most likely outside is too weak to generate enough D and air pollution filters the UVB rays so less reach your skin.  So how do you get enough Vitamin D to be beneficial?  For starters find out if you are deficient in the Vitamin.  Next time you’re at the doctor’s office, ask for a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test or 25-OH D which will tell you if you are indeed deficient and by how much. 

   Every cell in your entire body needs vitamin D, vitamin D signals the body to either burn or store fat.  When vitamin D comes into the body it is like a key that revs up the body and burns fat.  Brain receptors need it to keep hunger in check and it also optimizes the body’s ability to absorb other nutrients especially calcium.  Keep in mind that the healthy adolescent or adult needs 200 - 400 IU's daily. You will see how easy it is to have the proper amount of vitamin D.

                                                          

Foods filled with D

Seafood

The most popular seafood, the fish is one of the best sources of vitamin D. Munching on 3-4 ounces of cooked wild salmon can provide adequate vitamin D. Although farmed salmon contain vitamin D, it is far too less in comparison to wild salmon. 3.5 ounces of wild salmon supplies around 400-700 units whereas the farmed salmon has around 200 units. Other good sources of vitamin D include tuna a, mackerel, sardines and herring.

Eggs

The sunshine vitamin is also present in eggs. However, if you are going to discard the egg yolk and eat only the white part, then the amount of vitamin D that you will get is zero. This is because, all the vitamin D in eggs is concentrated in the egg yolk. So, eating egg yolk in moderation (as it is high in cholesterol) can be a good remedy to combat vitamin D deficiency.

Cod Liver Oil

Many consider cod liver oil as an unpleasant option to improve vitamin D intake due to its bad taste. But, there is no denying the fact that cod liver oil contains vitamin D in substantial amounts. Thanks to its high vitamin D content, taking 1-3 teaspoons daily can be useful to keep rickets at bay. Moreover, other nutrients found in abundance in cod liver oil are vitamin A and healthy fats such as omega 3 essential fatty acids.

Beef Liver

Another way to obtain vitamin D would be to include beef liver. However, unlike fish, it does not contain a good amount of vitamin D. So, one cannot depend on beef liver to satisfy the recommended dietary requirements.

Foods Fortified with Vitamin D

Even if, milk is jam-packed with nutrients, it does not contain vitamin D. However, fortified milk is readily available in United States and Canada. In Canada, it is mandatory to supply vitamin D fortified milk. Food (infant formula ) that is specifically made for babies who have not yet completed 12 months must contain added vitamin D as per the law in both US and Canada. If you are looking for a health diet that gives adequate vitamin D, one can go for breakfast cereals. It is not difficult to get breakfast cereals that are enriched with vitamin D.

 
Mushrooms

Talking about vitamin D rich foods and one simply cannot forget to mention about shiitake and button mushrooms. These mushrooms are very good at absorbing sunlight. Most of the light that fall on these mushroom is absorbed. When exposed to sunlight, ergosterols (a type of steroid) in mushrooms play a crucial role in the synthesis of vitamin D. It is observed that mushrooms that get direct sunlight during the day are found to be an excellent source of vitamin D.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Deficiency of vitamin D obstructs the absorption of calcium, which can severely affect the bones and the joints. A diet lacking in vitamin D raises the risk of osteoporosis and joint pain. Calcium deficiency is often linked to a low intake of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency in children often causes rickets, a condition that is typically characterized by skeletal deformities. People who frequently drink iced tea and soft drinks, generally suffer from vitamin D deficiency.



Understanding The Gender Gap

  
  Men always say they do not understand the female sex and vice versa, but what exactly do we not get about each other, and why?  For starters, men and women speak in completely different languages.  This is because men think compartmentally and women think globally.  Men and women store info and data differently in their brains.  Men separate details and store them in different compartments, like a cabinet drawer system, in random order.  So men open and close drawers needed for the immediate moment, staying in that compartment.  Nothing else exists but that one drawer at that one moment.  Women do the complete opposite and connect things up seeing life more globally.  Women see how details and data have underlying and interrelated connections.  Both ways of thinking, compartmentally and globally are great ways to think with their own strengths and weaknesses.  Put them together and things start to get interesting. 

   Yes, men tell women what they think we want to hear and women tell men what we think they want to hear.  There are some universal truths that women believe all men should, but don’t understand.  The following lists are to help give men and women a better idea of what’s going through our minds.  Each was answered from a different woman or man.

Things guys don’t understand about women:

Q: “Why can’t you create a central location for your hair ties?”

A: Truth is we really don’t know the answer to this one as we are constantly missing them and buying more

Q: “Why are women so afraid of bugs and rodents, yet they can poor hot wax on themselves and rip it out by their roots?”

A: Because bugs are gross, they can bite, and you have no idea what they can do.  Hot wax is no biggie and what’s a little pain for beauty.

Q: What is with girls and drama?  Why do you make life like an episode of Dawson’s creek?  Do you ever get over an argument?

A: We remember ever little thing that guys are oblivious to and like Oprah says, “When someone shows you who they truly are, believe them.”

Q: Why does the onslaught of hormones take women by surprise?  You know it’s coming why can’t you just tell men not to listen because you’re hormonal?

A: We really should do this

Q: Why do women have so many pairs of shoes?

A: The shoes always fit no matter the dress size.

Q: Why do you say one thing and mean something else?  Like telling men to watch the game and then getting mad when we do.

A:  Probably because girls are trained to be accomadating and happy all the time.  Sometimes going against what they really think.

Q:  Why can’t women speak more directly? You know they want something but they don’t come out and say it. They walk around the issue.

A:  Fear of making someone else mad, disappointing, not saying the right thing, and avoiding confrontation.

Things Guys Wish Women Knew About Men:

  Men would rather feel unloved than inadequate and disrespected.  Husbands need to know that their wives respect them both privately and publicly.

  Men thrive when they know that their wives trust them, admire them and believe in them. Shaunti Feldhahn's research indicated that men would rather sense the loss of loving feelings from their wives than to be disrespected by them.

  A man's anger is often a response to feeling disrespected by his wife.  When a husband becomes angry with his wife, he may not come out and say, "You're disrespecting me!" But, there is a good likelihood that he is feeling stung by something his wife has done which he considers disrespectful and humiliating.

  Men are insecure. Men are afraid that they aren't cutting it in life -- not just at work, but at home, in their role as a husband. They may never vocalize this, but inwardly, they are secretly vulnerable. The antidote? Affirmation. To men, affirmation from their wives is everything! If they don't receive this affirmation from their wives, they'll seek it elsewhere. When they receive regular and genuine affirmation from their wives (not flattery, by the way), they become much more secure and confident in all areas of their lives.

   Men feel the burden of being the provider for their family.  Intellectually, it doesn't matter how much or little a man makes, or whether or not his wife makes more or less money in her career. Men simply bear the emotional burden of providing for their family. It's not a burden they've chosen to bear. Men are simply wired with this burden. As such, it is never far from their minds and can result in the feeling of being trapped. While wives cannot release their husbands from this burden, they can relieve it through a healthy dose of appreciation, encouragement and support.

  Men want more sex. Everyone's natural response to this is probably, "Duh!" But, that response is probably for the wrong reason. We primarily assume that men want more sex with their wives due to their physical wiring (their "needs"). But, surprisingly, Shaunti Feldhahn's research showed that the reason men want more sex is because of their strong need to be desired by their wives. Men simply need to be wanted. Regular, fulfilling sex is critical to a man's sense of feeling loved and desired.

Sex means more than sex.  When men feel their wives desire them sexually, it has a profound effect on the rest of their lives. It gives them an increasing sense of confidence and well-being that carries over into every other area of his life. The flipside of this coin also carries a profoundly negative effect. When a husband feels rejected sexually, he not only feels his wife is rejecting him physically, but that she is somehow rejecting his life as a husband, provider and man. This is why making sex a priority in marriage is so incredibly important!

  Men struggle with visual temptation. This means the vast majority of men respond to visual images when it comes to women. And, this doesn't just mean the guys with wandering eyes. Even the godliest husband cannot avoid noticing a woman who dresses in a way that draws attention to her body. Even if it is just a glance, these visual images are stored away in the male brain as a sort of "visual rolodex"; that will reappear without any warning. Men can choose whether to dwell on these images and memories or dismiss them, but they can't control when these images appear.

  Men enjoy romance, but doubt their skills to be romantic.  True, many men appear to be unromantic clods, but it doesn't mean that they want to be that way! Men want to be romantic, but they just doubt their ability to pull it off. They are plagued by internal hesitations, perceiving the risk of humiliation and failure as too high. Wives can do a great deal to increase their husbands' confidence in their romantic skills through encouragement and redefining what romance looks like. For example, a wife may balk when her husband asks her to go along to the hardware store, but it's likely that he's asking because he sees it as a time they can get away as a couple and hang out together. What's not romantic about that?

  Men care about their wife's appearance. This isn't saying that all men want their wives to look like the latest supermodel. What men really want is to know that their wives are making an effort to take care of themselves (and not letting themselves go) because it matters to them (the husbands!). Husbands appreciate the efforts their wives make to maintain their attractiveness.

Men want their wives to know how much they love them.
This was the number one response of men. Men aren't confident in their ability to express this, but they love their wives dearly. Men want to show how much they love their wives and long for them to understand this fact.

Things she wishes you knew:

Fine is never an appropriate response when I ask you how I look

I expect you to call me

Most of the time when I fantasize it’s about you

I will leave you if you cheat or lie

I love it when you come up behind me and whisper in my ear

I am very impressed when you ask for advice

I am more forgiving of you than I should be

Oral sex is your get of jail free card.  Manolo Blahniks do the trick as well

Shoes determine whether you’re fashionable or not

You did something bad I seem cool with it, I’m not

I am unimpressed when you don’t take the lead

When in doubt go with the shirt that matches your eye color

I am in heaven when you hold my hand

I want to be the best thing that ever happened to you

I love surprises

Discussions of ex girlfriends should be avoided at all times

I love it when you tell me what you’re thinking even if you don’t know yourself

I love it when you’re sweaty

It’s best to consult your gal pals for gift ideas

A lady should always be greeted with a kiss

I remember everything about our relationship

You should know all this and more without my telling you

     Men and women keep secrets to.  If you ask us to communicate, we think it's a trap. Women say they want men to be honest, but when men let it rip, women don't like the answers.  There are things men tell their buddies that they do not tell their girlfriends or wives. The shoe can also be on the other foot. As a woman, sometimes it is hard to get a man to open up and there are things women tell their girlfriends that they don’t tell their husbands.

Secrets Men Keep from Women:

  Yes, it's about sex. Men like sex, men like variety. Men like women that enjoy sex, enjoy variety, and are active partners in sex. 

  A man is less likely to feel romantic if a woman is making his life miserable. If you want to cuddle, don’t start a fight over leaving the toilet seat up or not taking out the garbage, Buzz kill.

  Men are passionate about the things women hate. In general, when men tell you they don't like cartoons, stoner movies, action movies, motorcycles, South Park, sports, firearms, the Simpsons, and ESPN, etc. they are lying so that they can have sex with you. 

  Men don't like women's entertainment. I'd rather eat glass than watch Bridget Jones, but I've watched it for sex.

  There's only 24 hours in a day. Eight hours of sleep, ten hours at work, two hours commute, 90 minutes at the gym, and 90 minutes cooking, eating, and washing up leaves only one hour each day for "us" or "me" time. Keep your expectations reasonable and share. 

  Women have cold hands, feet, butts, and other body parts. Men are not your personal heaters. Warm them or keep them to yourself.

   A man's willingness to put up with a women's B.S. is directly proportional to how hot they are. Yes, men will kiss a beautiful women's ass for sex, that doesn't mean you're going to get the same treatment.

  When women say they want to sit down and talk, men hear "I'm pissed." You never want to talk about things we like, like sports, so telling us you want to talk sends us the signal that you want to bring up something that's bothering you. You might fool us once in a while by actually wanting to talk about something the other sex is interested in. Men have to, it's called dating.

  Men hate dating because we have to lie. Lying isn't fun. We can't wait to be married so we can really tell you how we feel about Bridget Jones. Unless he's a jerk, a man's happiest day is when he no longer has to lie to have sex.

  Working out doesn't count unless you sweat. We don't want to hear about how tough your  yoga class was if all the girls in class are wearing makeup.

Secrets Women Keep from Men:

  Yes it is about money! We can’t afford the dress and shoes and will try to bribe you to get them for us

  A woman is less likely to feel romantic if a man is just lying on the couch, farting and all sweaty. If you want sex get up and go take a shower.

Women are passionate about the things men like.

Women don't really like Sunday afternoon and Monday night football.

  There is only 24 hours in a day and we women are not your personal maids. We don't get paid for cooking and cleaning up after you. So do your part and help without us having to ask you to. We will love you more for it.

  We will take cold feet, hands, butts and everything over sweaty, stinky feet, hands and butt any day!

  Women hate dating because we have to dress to impress you guys and act like a prima donna at dinner, when all we want to do is be ourselves. We also do not know if you will ask us to split the tab or say you forget your wallet at home.

  You can work out all you want. While women like a man with a buff body...it doesn't count if your body is buff but your attitude is nasty.

  Women wish their men knew that they are struggling with low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy. The wise man will constantly seek to bolster a woman’s confidence with compliments about her looks, how she runs her life, manages her home and her job.

  Women wish their men knew that successfully coping with the chores of a home, raising and caring for the kids – especially while employed outside the home – is often frustrating and stressful. The smartest thing a man can do is show his awareness of how much a woman actually does.

  Women wish men knew how lonely, bored and isolated they feel when men give too much attention to their careers or leisure pursuits and not enough to them.

  Women wish their men knew that what makes a man sexy is not so much his looks as his actions. A man can help his mate get into a sexy mood through acts and words that demonstrate his love such as tenderness and affection

  Women wish men knew that their moods and feelings can be affected by things like monthly cycles, pregnancy and menopause. A man should educate himself about the changes his wife experiences in her body during these times. There are plenty of websites on the subject.

  Women wish their men knew they want to be in first place when conflicts develop between wife and mother-in-law. When a man sees a conversation between his wife and his mother heading for a dispute, he should diplomatically resolve it in his wife’s favor – or at least change the subject.

  Women wish their men knew that as they get into their 50s, 60s and 70s, they still think and feel as they did when they were younger and need to receive the same amount of love, affection and respect from their men as they did in their earlier years. Men should know that a kiss, flowers, a tender look across the room can do wonders for a woman’s mood and self-esteem

Let me know what you think?  Did you find this helpful and/or truthful?  Would you add anything to these lists? 

Introducing Maxwell Drew

At just 1 month old, Jessica Simpson’s daughter, Maxwell Drew Johnson, has already landed her first magazine cover. People bought the rights to her first baby photos for $800,000 and the issue will be on newsstands tomorrow. 

Maxwell was born May 1 weighing in at 9lbs 13oz, and 21 ¾ inches long. The day she was born the happy parents, Simpson and her fiancé, former NFL player Eric Johnson, tweeted “we are grateful for all the love, support, and prayers we have received.  This has been the greatest experience of our lives.” In the new issue of people Jessica says she is “so in love with baby Maxwell. I want to cry every time I look at her. 

Motherhood is by far the best thing I have ever experienced.”   It was hard not to notice Jessica gained a bit of weight during her pregnancy, 65-75 lbs to be exact.  She told people that she wanted to enjoy her pregnancy and she did.  However, she is now ready to get her body back in shape.  This time she wants a lifestyle change instead of a diet.  She is tired of Yo-Yo-dieting which is what she has been doing on and off for years.  Jessica may have just found the perfect way to lose weight after agreeing to become a part of weight watchers as their newest endorser following Jennifer Hudson.  She had planned to do the program before she found out she was pregnant but then stopped counting points soon after.  She has not yet been cleared to work out and she has not stepped on a scale, but she is excited to get back into shape, and doing a program all of her friends do will be great support.  She is reportedly bagging 4 million dollars to be the spokes model for weight watchers.  Maxwell has officially been introduced to the world and her proud parents couldn’t be happier.

I Love My Husband

Every day I wake up in the morning I feel blessed to be by my husbands side. There are times I can get mad, but they are few and fleeting and then there are the times like today and most days that I remember why I married him (Paul) and adore him so much.

I love how he supplies me with health and life insurance, cable TV, and endless laughter.
I love how he keeps me safe by filling my bike tires with air every night so I have a safe ride to work in the morning.
I love the way he loves me just the way I am.
I love how he constantly tells me he loves me.
I love how gently he holds me in his strong arms.
I love how he watches over me.
I love the way he loves to spoon and cuddle.
I love his sense of humor.  He always makes me laugh and never takes life too seriously.
I love his ability to fix things.  He can fix anything from an AC car to virus on the computer.
I love how silly he is.  I will never truly grow up and I need a man who can be just as silly about life as I can.
I love how he thinks I am beautiful.  Even when I am feeling my worst he makes me feel my best.
I love how sexy and handsome he is.  In a room full of men he will always be the best looking in my eyes.
I love how passionate he is not just with me but about everything he loves in life.
It is for these reasons and so many more why he is my prince on a white horse and my dearly loved husband.

Wellness Wednesday: Natural Enhancements

  If you are anything like me, many of you aren't blessed with the perfect rack.   A lot of women will get surgically enhanced when dealt with this situation.  307,150 breast augmentations happened last year alone.  This number is up from 2000 by 45%.  I have always been self conscious of this, but I have learned ways to deal with my size and make the most of what I have. There’s not much you can do to change the structure of your breasts without augmentation but there are tricks to make them appear bigger and higher. Below is a list of natural enhancements to send you on your way to bigger looking breasts without surgery.

1)  Practice good posture:  Hold your head up high, shoulders rolled back and down, chest forwards and spine straight. 

2)  Exercise: Especially if you know you are going to be wearing a strapless the next day. Chest exercises’ make you look bigger and perkier for hours.  The increase of blood circulation causes muscles to get larger. 

Start with the following exercises:

Shoulder Rolls:  sit upright, shoulders relaxed, arms at sides.  Lift shoulders up to ears, squeezing shoulder and neck muscles.  Hold 3 to 5 counts.  Then roll shoulders up, back, and down.

Chest Stretch:  sit on the edge of a chair and clasp hands behind your lower back, keeping your abs tight.  Inhale and exhale as you squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your hands.  Lower your hands and repeat a few times.

Wall Push-Ups:  stand facing a wall feet shoulder width apart.  Lean forward with your arms extended in front of you.  Place hands against the wall shoulder width apart, keeping elbows close to your torso and fingers pointing up.  Move your feet back so your body is a 45 degree angle.  Inhale while bending your elbows to bring chest to wall, keeping your torso in a straight line.  Exhale as you press yourself away from the wall.  Repeat 20 times. 

Sit-Ups and Core Work:  Slimming your core (the muscles around your waist and ribs) will make your breasts appear larger by comparison, without actually adding any breast tissue. Try yoga and Pilates exercises that can help you build lean, long muscles without bulking up.

3)  Get Measured:  Many women wear the wrong size bra because they've never been appropriately measured. The right bra should sit snugly beneath your breasts and cup all of the tissue closely, as well as making it easier for you to stand up straight. Measure your bra size yourself, or go in for a free professional fitting at a department store. (Don't feel shy about being professionally fitted - usually the ladies who do fittings are chosen for their warm and accepting demeanors. Remember, she's probably seen it all.)    Once you've been properly sized, make sure that you're putting on your bra in a way that will achieve maximum lift and comfort. Slip the straps over your arms, facing forward, so that the unhooked clasps are at your back. Bend over so that all of your breast tissue falls forward, and maneuver the bra over your breasts. Still bent over, reach back and clasp the bra. Adjust the band and straps as necessary.

4)  Wear Chest Enhancing Bras:  There are many options available, so the best way to work out what gives you your desired effect is to go and try lots of different types on.  If you have smaller breasts then I would suggest the following bras:

Push up bra:  They are designed to push your breasts up (as the name implies), and move the breasts closer together, creating more cleavage. They push the boobs up using padding usually made of foam. The best known brand for making push-up bras is Wonder bra. However, most lingerie stores supply them.

Padded bra: like push-up bras, they contain foam padding in the cups. They are designed to give fuller-looking breasts to small-cheasted women, but don't lift them or create extra cleavage.

Gel, air or water padded bra: They are the same as padded bras but are designed to look and move more naturally, and to give a more noticeable enhancement. The only down side to these is that they often cost more money. Also, air padded bras often need the padding replaced as the air leaks out.

5)  Clothing Choice:  Wear clothes with a detailed neckline. Lace, ruffles and jewels, gathered material, pleats, ruching and twists are some examples of what to look for on the neckline of clothes. This provides a visual boost and makes the breasts appear larger. When wearing ruffles, be careful that they are not too big that they overpower the size of your boobs; else they might make them look smaller rather than larger.  Use patterns and colors to your advantage. They can help to change the way the proportions of your body look. Generally light colors make something look larger, and dark colors make something look slimmer.  If you're wearing patterns or bright or light colors, then wear them on your torso not your bottom half. You should have duller colors on your bottom half to help make your figure look more in proportion.  Wear dark trousers and a top with horizontal stripes to make your hips appear narrower, and your breasts appear larger in comparison. The top should be in light colors.

6)  Massage:  Get a breast massage. Massaging your breasts is good for stimulating the nerves and for increasing blood flow to them. This causes the breasts to get bigger over time. Also, increasing blood flow to them may help to stop them from sagging as it delivers more nutrients to your breasts for repair as well as growth. You can give yourself a relaxing breast massage by setting aside some private time with yourself and then slowly undress. Lie down on your bed or sit over. Take your hands and cup your breasts from underneath. Move them in gentle circles. Then, starting from the nipple out, smooth your hands over your breasts in strokes.

7)  Makeup: It can create the impression of larger boobs. Put a darker shade of foundation than your usual shade where you want shading to go to give the impression of cleavage. However this is not recommended for everyday use since it could smudge and look silly. But, for photos or a special occasion it may be worth giving a go. Don't rush it, you'll feel stupid if somebody realizes that you've painted your cleavage on

Most women not only want bigger breasts, they want healthy breasts so remember these tips as well:

1)  Rinse off right after a workout:  Cleavage collects sweat which can cause heat rash breakouts even infections.  If you don’t have time for a shower then try using a cleansing towellette instead.

2)  Sunscreen: Always remember your chest when applying sunscreen.  Sun can lead to brown spots, wrinkles, and skin cancer.  If you already have spots there are OTC creams that can help lighten these areas.  Lasers work as well if you are willing to take a trip to the dermatologist.

3)  Take your vitamins:  Be sure to have an efficient amount of Vitamin E, A, and C which aid in overall skin tone. 

Bottom Line:  Breast Health is important and by making a few daily choices you can keep your breasts happy and healthy and possibly bigger in size as well.

Miss Maynard Makes Out

   

   Last night's show opened with Emily having breakfast in bed while talking to her mom, with her daughter near by.  16 men are left and Chris gets the first date card.  The date is in her hometown of Charlotte, NC. Chris and Emily are walking hand in hand down the street when they come to a tall building, surprise Chris has to climb the wall to show Emily he is willing to take a leap of faith  for her.  The two start scaling the side of the building and they are about halfway up thunder and lightening bolts flash in the distance and then closer to them.  Emily gets really scared, but is cheered on by her fans below and calmed down by Chris.  They make it to the top where they have a rooftop dinner planned.  During dinner Chris assures Emily that his young age is not a detriment and he is ready to be a husband and father.  Emily smiles and they finish dinner and walk to their next destination a Luke Bryant concert.Chris asks Emily if he can kiss her.  Emily replies "Why don't you try," and he does.  Well done Chris for scoring the first kiss of the season.

Emily and Chris

     Next up is a group date with Charlie, Alejandro, Alessandro, Sean, John, Michael, Doug, Jef, Tony, and Travis.  Emily has a surprise for the men as she brings her girlfriends in to grill them about being the right one for Emily.  Most of the men passed the test.  The ladies liked Sean and Doug the best.  Next up the guys got to hang out at the park with a bunch of kids.  Most of the men did well on this challenge too.  However, Ryan told Emily if she ever got fat he would still love her, but not "Love on her." What a #%$^.  That night she takes the men to a lounge.  Emily pulls aside Sean and tells him how well he did with her girlfriends.  Next she talks to Doug.  Tears commence as Doug tells her his dad had epilepsy and married a woman who ended up leaving him and both Doug and his sister eventually ended up in foster care.  Meanwhile Tony can't handle being away from his son.  Emily finds him teary eyed and they talk about the situation.  She tells him to go home to be with his son.  At the end of the night Emily gives the rose to Sean. 
     Next up, Arie gets the second one-on-one.  The date takes place in Tennessee at Dollywood.  On the date they go on a roller coaster and are also asked to write a love song together.  While they are sitting on a stage writing a love song together, out comes Dolly Parton, Emily's childhood idol.  She sings a song written especially for them.  Emily is flabbergasted as Dolly pulls her aside to give her a little advice on love and let her know that she believes true love will find her.  Dolly sings one more song to the two of them, a song written by Dolly about her husband.  Later they are at dinner and Arie tells her he is ready for the next step.  Emily gives him a rose and they make out on the carousal.  Sorry Arie but Chris beat you to it.

Emily and Dolly

Emily and Arie in Dollywood

     Cocktail time!  Lots of going on's last night at the house.  Emily smashes shelly after Travis told her it was time for the egg to go.  Emily talks to Kalon who does not like to be interrupted, and when Emily does just that he replies "I love hearing you talk, but can I finish first?" Emily is beyond upset.  Next, Emily sits down with Alessandro who tells her that he feels parenting and marriage are a compromise to lifestyle.  Emily is so thrown off and upset she sends him packing.  I am so glad he is gone as I could not stand to look at his hair cut another second longer.  Emily is visibly upset and Arie comforts her by having another make out session right out in the open at the house. 

This goes out to all the men who have hurt Emily

     The rose ceremony is next.  Emily gives a rose to Jef, Charlie, Doug, Michael, Travis, Alejandro, Ryan, John, Kalon, and the final rose goes to Nate leaving DJ Stevie heartbroken and heading home.  Kalon has a smirk through the whole rose ceremony, what a douchebag. 
   Tune in next Tuesday when I recap episode 4: The group head to Bermuda and the High Seas.

Organic Vs Non Organic

When buying some products, it may be worth the extra money to buy organic for health benefits.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are all around us, but most of them come with a few extras (pesticides). Organic fruits and vegetables are grown  without pesticides, irradiation and/or bioengineering.

While buying organic may be healthier than non-organic, not everyone can afford the organic food prices. How do you draw that line?

 List of Foods that are safe to buy non-organic:

Avocado:  They have thick skins which protect the fruit from pesticide build up.

Bananas:  The peel isn't eaten and that is where the pesticides stay.

Pineapple:  It has a rough and spiny skin that protect it from pests and pesticide residue.

Kiwi:  It's fuzzy skin acts as a barrier to pesticides.  

Mango:  Another fruit that has thick skin that protects it from pesticides, but you still want to rinse before use. 

Papaya:  Pesticide residue stays on the papaya skin

Asparagus: This veggie faces fewer threats from pests so less pesticide is needed.

Broccoli:  Just like asparagus this veggie faces fewer threats and needs less pesticide.

Cabbage:  Just like broccoli and asparagus this veggie uses less pesticide.

Onions:  As many others listed they don't see as many pest threats needing less pesticide.

Things to buy Organic:

Highest to lowest containing pesticide fruits:

Peaches, Apples, Nectarines, Strawberries, Cherries, Grapes, Pears, Raspberries, Plums, Oranges, Tangerine, Cantaloupe, Lemon, Honeydew, Grapefruit, Watermelon, Blueberries

Highest to lowest containing pesticide vegetables:

Sweet Bell Peppers, Celery, Lettuce, Spinach, Potatoes, Carrots, Green Beans, Hot Peppers, Cucumbers, Cauliflower, Mushrooms, Winter Squash, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes 

Meat:

Organic meat is free of antibiotics, added hormones, and human growth hormones (GMO). These animals are raised more ethically and humanely, meaning they are allowed to range freely and not confined to pens. In addition, the land that they eat from and live on uses no or less chemicals as well.

Dairy:

Non organic milk can contain small traces of pesticides. Since milk is a staple food for children, this is cause for concern. Organic milk is more pure. Organic dairies give their cows feed made from grain grown without chemical fertilizers or pesticides. Growth hormone isn't allowed. Dairy animals are not given antibiotics, which could get into the milk.

Eggs:

Small amounts of pesticides may pass from chickens to eggs, and from there, on to the many foods prepared with them. Organic eggs com­e from birds that eat organic feed and are not pumped up with growth hormone or dosed with an­tibiotics.

Bottom Line:

Harmful chemicals are all around us -- in our bodies, in our environment and in our food. Maybe you can tolerate a little bit of pesticide, but, like anything else, you can overdo it. Experts say anything you eat in abundance should be organic in order to avoid overexposure to certain chemicals. While a little bit of pesticide residue in your favorite tortilla chips may be OK, if you eat a bag of them a day, you may be flirting with toxic buildup (not to mention obesity). Same with peanut butter, rib eye steaks, corn and so on. It's especially important to remember this rule for babies and children because their small body size means toxins can accumulate quickly.