Changing environment, learning new language and new culture,being a wife and a mother, living far away from families and friends, I have come to share my views, thoughts, feelings, ideas on so many things that I cherish.

September 30, 2011

WELCOME TO WEEKEND BLOG HOP


Welcome to Weekend Blog Hop. Thank you for joining us and linking up. We are happy you are here and hope you will always come around. We have had a great week and now it's time for us to increase our followers by Blog Hopping all through the Weekend. Come and make new friends and find some interesting blogs to follow. Happy Hopping.

Please only family friendly blogs only!!!

The rules of the blog hop are:-


1.) Follow clairejustineoxox in number 1 spot on Google friends connect.


2.) Follow Reflexions in number 2 spot the co-host on Google friends connect.


3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow ones you like.


If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....



Have a great weekend...

Thank you for joining in .....

How to Detangle Afro Textured Hair (Fashion and Beauty Friday)


Afro-textured hair is a term used to refer to the typical texture of Black African hair that has not been altered by hot combs, flat irons, or chemicals (by perming, relaxing, or straightening).
Afro textured hair is known for it's super tightly curls. Because of this feature, it's not always easy to be combed or de-tangled and its unique shape also renders it very prone to breakage when combed or brushed. This can be so difficult to handle especially with kids.
There are some simple steps that I've been using which has been quite effective for me and also for my daughter.

1. Wash the hair with non Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Shampoo. One of the cheapest and natural product I use in place of a shampoo is Baking Soda (if you are in Germany, it is called Kaiser Natron, usually found in many drogerie stores eg, Dm, Schlecker, Müller, etc).  
*I will do a post on how to use baking soda.

2. After washing the hair, generously apply some hair conditioner. Using a wide toothed comb (which is very important), take small section of the hair and comb one section at a time starting from the tip. When it's untangled, gently work your way down to the roots. Add more hair conditioner (if necessary) as you comb each section. Make sure to rinse the hair thoroughly after this process.

3. Dry off excess water and add your hair products starting with leave -in -conditioner, hair moisturiser and hair oil.

4. After you must have added the hair products, braid or style as usual.

September 28, 2011

THINGS YOUR MOBILE PHONE COULD DO




I'm  one of the people who do not  know  their mobile phone number off head. Yes, I have a mobile phone but I don't use it as much as my house phone. The thought of getting myself a fancy/smart phone is a far cry because I've lost count of the number of my mobile phones that have been spoilt by my kids. If not for emergencies and the times when I'm outside home, I would have given up my mobile. Apart from having a fancy phone and getting all the nice compliments that come with it, there are many other things your mobile phone can do for you.
Earlier this year, a friend of mine was on out of town (on vacation) and some how locked her  car keys in her car. She ended up having her mom sent her the  spare key through post (which took some couple of days). That was the best thing she knew she could do at the time. But what if she had known more? What if she knew that while having her mobile phone in her pocket, she needn't go through the postal process? Here are some very helpful information about your mobile phone which could save you or someone you know a whole lot.


4 THINGS YOU PROBABLY NEVER KNEW
 YOUR MOBILE PHONE COULD DO
There are a few things that can be
 done in times of grave emergencies.
 Your mobile phone can actually be a
life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
 Check out the things that you can do with it:

FIRST
Emergency
The Emergency Number worldwide for  Mobile   is 112.
 If you find yourself out of the coverage area of
  your mobile; network and there is an emergency,
 dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing
 network to establish the emergency number for you,
 and interestingly this number 112 can be dialled
 even if the keypad is locked. Try it out.

SECOND
 Have you locked your keys in the car?
Does your car have remote keyless entry?
This may come in handy someday.
Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your
 keys in the car and the spare keys are at home,
 call someone at home on their mobile phone
 from your cell phone.
Hold your cell phone about a foot from
 your car door and have the person
 at your home press the unlock button,
 holding it near the mobile phone on their end.
 Your car will unlock.
Saves someone from having to
drive your keys to you.
 Distance is no object.
 You could be hundreds of miles away,
 and if you can reach someone who has
the other 'remote' for your car, you can
 unlock the doors (or the trunk).

Editor's Note: It works fine! We tried it out and
it unlocked our car over a mobile phone!'

THIRD
Hidden  Battery   Power
Imagine your mobile battery is very low.
 To activate, press the keys *3370#
 Your mobile will restart with this reserve and the
 instrument will show a 50% increase in battery.
This reserve will get charged when 
 you charge your mobile next time.

FOURTH
How to disable a
STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone's serial number,
 key in the following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 #
A 15 digit code will appear on the screen.
This number is unique to your handset.
 Write it down and keep it somewhere safe.
 When your phone get stolen, you can phone
your service provider and give them this code.
 They will then be able to block your handset
 so even if the thief changes the SIM card,
 your phone will be totally useless.
 You probably won't get your phone back,
 but at least you know that whoever stole it
 can't use/sell it either.
If everybody does this, there would be
no point in people stealing mobile phones.
ATM - PIN Number Reversal - Good to Know
If you should ever be forced by a robber to
withdraw money from an ATM machine, you can
 notify the police by entering your PIN # in reverse.
 For example, if your pin number is 1234,
then you would put in 4321.
The ATM system recognizes that your PIN number is
backwards from the ATM card you placed in the machine.
 The machine will still give you the money you requested,
 but unknown to the robber, the police will be
 immediately dispatched to the location.
This information was recently broadcast on CTV by Crime Stoppers
 however it is seldom used because people just don't know about it.
 Please pass this along to everyone.
 
This is the kind of information people don't mind receiving, so pass it on to your family and friends

September 26, 2011

Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop


Welcome to  Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I'm very happy to have you here. A special welcome to all my first visitors. If you are already a part of this hop, I'm thanking you so much for your help in building Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and making it a success. Come and Get Connected and stay Connected. With this hop, you will increase your strength, followers, readers and connect to other bloggers in which ever way you like.
This blog hop is for family friendly websites only.

This week, I'm featuring Ashleigh of "Living off love...and Coffee"





Congrats Ashleigh

Feel free to grab the button if you want.
Each week, I'll be featuring a new guest host. If you want to be featured, grab the button and send me a message and you might be my next pick.

Grab our Button:

                          Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!






Here are the rules:

1.) Follow Reflexions  the host on Google friends connect.

2.) Follow the guest host - Ashleigh

3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow the ones you like.
*  It would be nice if you follow at least the two blogs that are linked up before you, that way, everybody will get followed. Thanks.

If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....



Thanks for linking up and have a great week...

September 24, 2011

Bietigheim Farmers on Tractors

I like buying fruits and vegetables around my region and I like all the dedicated local farmers around us who make sure we have sufficient and assorted fruits and vegetables to buy. Bietigheim Weekend Market is an age long local market where only fresh food crops are sold by the nearby local farmers. It feels good to know where some of the things I buy are coming from ( it's like eating things that come from my own garden). I also like how one can communicate with these people as opposed to grocery stores. They usually have some tips on how to use or preserve foods and even some traditional mouth watering recipes. 
At the last Horse Market, our local farmers participated at the closing parade where they proudly drove their tractors. I couldn't help but capture some of their  pictures:








September 22, 2011

Loving Reflections To My Mom


 My dearest mother, how my brothers tell me how much I've come to look so much like her. I can't really say that myself but I know that in so many ways, I see myself doing many things like her. Lately, I do or say things that she used to say (not intentionally) but they just keeping coming out. Though we are very far apart from each other, I still hear her gentle and tender voice. That voice comes up when I want to take certain actions or make some decisions. To a great extent, it (her lovely voice) has helped me. I can't stop asking myself what my mom would have done if she found herself in the same situation. She is great a woman and has been the wings beneath my wings. I love her so much and I often tell her how much I do.
As a young mother myself, I hope that I'd influence my own children positively that even when they are grown, they will always have sweet memories of me.


"A daughter carries
her mother's wisdom like a
pocket sized, ever-handy sewing kit.
She's grateful to be
able to pull it out for
emergency repairs as well as for
leisurely embroidery".

What are the positive things you learnt from your mom which you still carry along? Share with us.

September 19, 2011

Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop


Welcome to  Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I'm very happy to have you here. A special welcome to all my first visitors. If you are already a part of this hop, I'm thanking you so much for your help in building Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and making it a success. Come and Get Connected and stay Connected. With this hop, you will increase your strength, followers, readers and connect to other bloggers in which ever way you like.
This blog hop is for family friendly websites only.

This week, I'm featuring Lisa of  "Life Full of Laughter"



Congrats Lisa

Feel free to grab the button if you want.
Each week, I'll be featuring a new guest host. If you want to be featured, grab the button and send me a message and you might be my next pick.

Grab our Button:

                          Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!









Here are the rules:

1.) Follow Reflexions  the host on Google friends connect.

2.) Follow the guest host - Lisa

3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow the ones you like.
*  It would be nice if you follow at least the two blogs that are linked up before you, that way, everybody will get followed. Thanks.

If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....


Thanks for linking up and have a great week...

I Love You In 120 Languages Pendant by NanoStyle (BLOGORAMA BONANZA '11)

These gems have life in them: their colors speak, say what words fail of. ~George Eliot
I love Jewellery and I have tons of them in good qualities. Sometimes I like having my outfits or accessories define my personality, mood, beliefs and expressions. I have found a jewellery line that fits exactly to what I've been looking for and that is NanoStyle's onyx and cubic zirconia jewellery . Have you ever imagined when a piece of your pendant can speak to you (saying words that are so calming to your soul) as it sits gracefully and boldly on your chest/bosom? You will become so attached to it because those words will be engraved in your heart. This is exactly what happened to me when I received my most precious pendant from NanoStyle - THE DOVE PEACE PENDANT.
The Dove of Peace is beautifully imprinted in pure gold against a background of words
Peace translated in 120 languages. Represent the ultimate gesture for humankind with this elegant onyx pendant (15x21 oval shaped) connecting all nations towards a single vision, universal peace.
The packaging was breath taking, and will make a very big emotional statement when used as a gift to your loved ones or even to yourself.
NanoStyle pendants are made using a unique imprint technology with outstanding visual impact coupled with the flawless CZ stone to bring everlasting beauty to your expression of faith, belief or ideas.Desirable stones for adornment have been sought after for centuries. Modern technology now makes the availability of these stones more accessible. The man-made stone,cubic zirconia, found in CZ jewelry collections today possess the qualities of the diamond yet surpass the diamond in its dazzle and fire. Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend but a girl is happiest among her many girlfriends.


NanoStyle is still not done because they are always releasing new collections and by signing up to their news letter, you will always stay informed.By uniting innovative technology and design NanoStyle creates fine jewelry with enhanced quality, flawless precision and everlasting beauty in its range of nano jewelry.
NanoStyle also presents Zodiac pendants and a Love pendant range which includes it’s best selling item, the
If you can’t say it enough then say it in 120 languages!


BUY IT:
NanoStyle’s contemporary jewelry collections present an exquisite range of onyx and cubic zirconia jewelry collections interconnecting faiths and beliefs through the power of adornment. Check out their Website for a wide variety of your choice of Jewelry.


WIN IT:
For this On-going event (BLOGORAMA BONANZA 2011), NanoStyle is sponsoring us (Reflexions) and they are giving out one of their best selling items - I LOVE YOU IN 120 LANGUAGES, to one of my lucky readers.


How to Enter:
It's  Win Win all the way, click the link below and enter this giveaway using Rafflecopter. Many other great giveaways awaits you when you check out what other blogs have to offer.

September 18, 2011

Blogorama Bonanza 2011 - Win Free Blog Design ($50 Worth)


WIN A FREE BLOG DESIGN FROM "THE WORLD AS I SEE IT"


Classic Medium Package $50.00
• 2 or 3 column design
• Custom background
• Custom header
• Matching font color
• 6 sidebar titles
• Custom signature
• Custom post divider
• Blog Button
• Social network icons
• Installation

MANDATORY ENTRIES
* Follow The world as I See It via GFC
* Follow REFLEXIONS via GFC

EXTRA ENTRIES:

* Like Reflexions on Face Book  -  1 point
* Like The World As I See It on Face Book  - 1 point
* Follow Reflexions on Twitter  -  1 point
* Grab Reflexions Button  -  3 points
* Subscribe to Reflexions via post  -  2 points
* Tweet this giveaway  -  1 point

*Please comment separately and don't forget to leave your e-mail address.*

*Rules*
This giveaway is open World Wide. The giveaway will end on September, 22nd at 11:59 pm. The winner will be picked through random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she will have 48 hrs to respond to the email or a new winner will be selected.
Please comment separately on each entry you make.
Good luck!!!

 THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED
 
True Random Number Generator 75 49 Powered by RANDOM.ORG

And the LUCKY WINNER IS: Mary (number 49 on the comment list).
Congratulations Mary, I will contact you via email and you must  respond within 48hrs or a new winner will be selected.


 

September 16, 2011

WELCOME TO WEEKEND BLOG HOP


Welcome to Weekend Blog Hop. Thank you for joining us and linking up. We are happy you are here and hope you will always come around. We have had a great week and now it's time for us to increase our followers by Blog Hopping all through the Weekend. Come and make new friends and find some interesting blogs to follow. Happy Hopping.

Please only family friendly blogs only!!!

The rules of the blog hop are:-


1.) Follow clairejustineoxox in number 1 spot on Google friends connect.


2.) Follow Reflexions in number 2 spot the co-host on Google friends connect.


3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow ones you like.


If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....

Have a great weekend...

Thank you for joining in .....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU

Happy Birthday To You Me!!!

Myspace Puppies Graphics Dogs Clipart



Yeah, it's my Birthday and I'm very excited. I kept late night answering calls from my families and friends scattered all over the world. It feels so good to know that many people are thinking about me on this special day. Thank you guys. Thank you for making this day a memorable one. I love you all.

September 14, 2011

Go Red For Women ™ presents: 'Just a Little Heart Attack'

Are you a "Super Mom"? If so, what kind of super mom are you? As mothers, we try to do a lot for our family, which is quite good but most of the time, we forget about ourselves.
Take a couple of minutes to watch this video, it could be any of us:



Thanks for watching. Now, how do you make out time for yourself and what tips do you have for other women?
Hit the comment box and share with us.

September 12, 2011

Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop


Welcome to  Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop. I'm very happy to have you here. A special welcome to all my first visitors. If you are already a part of this hop, I'm thanking you so much for your help in building Get Connected Tuesday Blog Hop and making it a success. Come and Get Connected and stay Connected. With this hop, you will increase your strength, followers, readers and connect to other bloggers in which ever way you like.
This blog hop is for family friendly websites only.

This week, I'm featuring May of One moment in time




Congrats May

Feel free to grab the button if you want.
Each week, I'll be featuring a new guest host. If you want to be featured, grab the button and send me a message and you might be my next pick.

Grab our Button:

                          Get Connected and Stay Connected!!!







Here are the rules:

1.) Follow Reflexions  the host on Google friends connect.

2.) Follow the guest host - May

3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow the ones you like.
*  It would be nice if you follow at least the two blogs that are linked up before you, that way, everybody will get followed. Thanks.

If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....

Thanks for linking up and have a great week...


September 09, 2011

WELCOME TO WEEKEND BLOG HOP


Welcome to Weekend Blog Hop. Thank you for joining us and linking up. We are happy you are here and hope you will always come around. We have had a great week and now it's time for us to increase our followers by Blog Hopping all through the Weekend. Come and make new friends and find some interesting blogs to follow. Happy Hopping.

Please only family friendly blogs only!!!

The rules of the blog hop are:-


1.) Follow clairejustineoxox in number 1 spot on Google friends connect.


2.) Follow Reflexions in number 2 spot the co-host on Google friends connect.


3.) Visit and read some great blogs and follow ones you like.


If you are a new follower please leave a comment so we can follow you back....

Have a great weekend...

Thank you for joining in .....

SHAMPOO (Fashion and Beauty Friday)


Some years back, I got to know about the Dangers of Shampoo from a hair expert Marquetta Breslin. It is unbelievable the kind of chemical we wash our hairs with in the name of shampoo.


Marquetta advised that the next time you make a trip to your local drug store to stock up on bargain shampoo, that you should think twice! Using a poor-quality shampoo can be devastating to your hair's shine and beauty.

Do you know that many "cheap" shampoos contain ammonium laurel sulfate, which is harsh on your hair. It causes dryness,
breakage, and split ends.

Believe it or not, sodium laurel sulphate is a synthetic detergent
generally used in the production of cleansers and dish-washing
liquids. Shampoo manufacturers choose it for its lathering effect,
but in truth it is very harsh and can cause excessive dryness.
Think about it - would you put dish-washing detergent in your hair?
Of course not!

Shampoos containing decyl glucose are gentler and milder in nature
and are a good alternative. I even prefer using a mixture of baking soda and water to wash my hair (which washes the hair and cleanses the scalp stripping off the natural oils.

Ideally, your hair care products should contain essential oils,
herbs and vegetable oils that help to strengthen hair. Rosemary,
ylang-ylang and West Indian bay have essential oils that stimulate
hair growth.

The bottom line is this: Don't skimp on your shampoo and other
hair-care products - go for quality instead. Your hair is worth
the extra cost!

September 08, 2011

Bietigheim Horse Market (Bietigheimer Pferde Markt)



There are so many reasons why I'm loving it in Germany. Bietigheim Horse Market is one of them. Mostly referred as the "Fifth Season of the Year"  by the locals because they see the festival as a season and not as an event.
The Bietigheim Horse Market is a well-known  festival in Bietigheim-Bissingen. It attracts several hundred thousand visitors every year. Despite this large crowd of visitors, however, the festival has retained the charm of a local festival.  Besides the traditional horse market on Monday, a riding and horse-jumping tournament held from Friday until Sunday, other riding demonstrations and a procession and subsequent concours d'elegance on the Monday, there are also an entertainment park with marquees, a large market and fireworks after nightfall on the Sunday. It is full of cultural shows.

September 06, 2011

Blogorama Bonanza 2011 - Introducing My Sponsors


In few days from now, the big event - Blogorama Bonanza 2011  (12.09.2011) will be taking place. More than 100 bloggers have already signed  up to participate in this event. I'm all excited about it and I want to up-date my readers about who will be sponsoring me (Reflexions).
I'm bringing to my readers (through my sponsors) over $150 gift packages.
 *The first Giveaway is coming from NanoStyle  (makers of exquisite range of onyx and cubic zirconia jewellery).
 *The second Giveaway is a free Blog Design package from  "The World As I see It".
So, get ready to win several giveaway packages of your choice as you hop through this event. 

Blogorama Bonanza  Starts - 12th Sept. 2011 and ends 22nd Sept. 2011.







September 05, 2011

Seal - Kiss from a rose LIVE 2004 (Musical Monday)

It's a new season, it's a new month and a new week, it's Musical Monday!!!
Today, I'm keeping it Classic with this Ever-Green Music from Seal - KISS FROM A ROSE.

Enjoy:
Live Performance:



Seal - Kiss From A Rose - "Batman Forever" Soundtrack

September 02, 2011

Different Ways to Wear a Scarf (Fashion Friday)

Fall is here!!! In fall, I like emphasizing on accessories. One accessory that is a must have for every woman (Stylish or not) in Fall is a Scarf. Everybody has got it, but what makes a difference is the way you wear your scarf. You might not need to have a load of them but you can do a whole lot with just having a couple of scarves. It gives you more defined and classier look.
Here are two great videos on how to wear your scarf. These videos are must watch, each of them is different and I know that every body must find something new and exciting after watching them:

7 Ways to Wear a Scarf




25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!



Now, did you find something that suits your style?

September 01, 2011

Contigo Autoseal - Madison Water Bottle Review and Giveaway

 CONTIGO® AUTOSEAL® HYDRATION BOTTLE


With No-Spill Technology

"It's now Contigo or no water bottles around my house" (This is my recent house-hold rule). I got this wonderful AUTOSEAL® Madison Water Bottle from Contigo and I'm really amazed. As a busy mom who has to work most times from home, I can no longer handle spills around my desk, computer, important documents, couch/sofas, in the car, even in my children's room, etc. In as much as I want to be careful, it takes just a second for liquids to spill. Having toddlers around (who always play around) makes the situation even worse.
AUTOSEAL® Madison Water Bottle is spill and leak proof, easy to carry, easy to drink from. Just call it CONVENIENCE. It is highly recommend for active use.
There are so many other BPA Free Bottles from Contigo® which you can find in there website. Their products are so affordable and that's why "I'm going Contigo." Since their products are reusable, it's also another good way of going green.

Here are some information you might need to know about this product:

·         The Contigo® AUTOSEAL® Hydration Bottle is a reusable, portable beverage bottle featuring patented technology which prevents spills and leaks.
·         First hydration product on the market with AUTOSEAL self-sealing lid technology, offering press-to-sip drinking.
·         There are no lids to remove and no spouts to open—allowing for one-handed use, for active consumers.
·         Made from FDA-approved BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for high-impact resistance and overall durability.
·         Translucent material features measurement markings to gauge water intake.
·         Includes a handle with an integrated carabiner for easy transport.
·         Features large bottleneck opening for filling with ice cubes or powdered beverage drinks.
·         Top-rack dishwasher safe.
·         Available in a variety of colors in both 24 fl. oz. and 32 fl. Oz.
·         Sold at retailers nationwide and at www.gocontigo.com.
·         Suggested retail price: $9.99 (24 fl. oz.) and $12.99 (32 fl. oz.). 
Buy it :
You can buy Madison Water Bottle or any other Contigo Autoseal product of your choice at their WEBSITE

Win it:
One lucky reader will win this wonderful product - Contigo Autoseal Madison Water Bottle

How to Enter:

Mandatory  Entries:
* Follow my blog  (via Google friend's connect)


*Extra Entries*
* Follow me on Twitter - 1 point.
* Follow Contigo on Twitter - point.
* Tweet this post - 1 point.
* Like us on Facebook - I point
* Follow by email  - 2 points.
* Subscribe by post - 2 point.
* Grab my button  - 3 points (only if you are a blogger or you have a  website).
* Share about this giveaway on your Facebook Fan-page - 2 points
* Share about this giveaway on Contigo Fan-page on Facebook, linking back to this post- 2 points.


*Rules*
This giveaway is open to USA only. The giveaway will end on September, 14th at 11:59 pm. The winner will be picked through random.org. I will notify the winner via email and he/she will have 48 hrs to respond to the email or a new winner will be selected.
Please comment separately on each entry you make.
Good luck!!!

CLOSED
True Random Number Generator      51        7 Powered by RANDOM.ORG
 
And the LUCKY WINNER IS: VICKY (number 7 on the comment list).
Congratulations dfraley3 , I will contact you via email and you must  respond within 48hrs or a new winner will be selected.
 
Disclosure - I received the  product discussed for review purposes.  Everything written here are my 100% opinion. One winner will win the prize stated above, as fulfilled by the giveaway sponsor.

About Contigo AUTOSEAL Products
Contigo® travel mugs and bottles feature the revolutionary new AUTOSEAL® patented technology that automatically seals between sips. The products – to-go coffee mugs, hydration bottles and kids mugs – are 100 percent leak-proof and spill-proof with superior insulation properties and are FDA approved and BPA free. Contigo is a brand of Ignite, a company with a passion for great products. For more information, visit www.gocontigo.com.
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