Month: March 2017

Chamomile: benefits and uses

On: By: linda

Chamomile is an herb that people use everyday and it can be found everywhere in the summertime.
So you can harvest it especially in this season and it is quite simple to recognize but there are many similar flowers (for instance the daisies).
Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to a few details: the shape of petals, the dimensions and the smell.

Since ancient times, it has been considered one of the perfect natural solution to little problems of health.
Let’s discover its main benefits:

 

  • It helps to sleep.
  • It can calm stomach cramps
  • It helps your skin, reducing the sense of swelling
  • It helps your hair, making them more brilliant and blonde
  • It fights bacteria
  • It cures inflammations of every type
  • It can calm menstrual cramps
  • It fights some allergies
  • It alleviates dark circles and wrinkles

How to use it?
You can use chamomile through infusions, compresses, creams or lotions (f.i. the essential oils).

 

Finally, you can also cultivate it. The best time of the year to plant chamomile is the late winter because it grows well thanks to dry and warm temperatures. If their flowers disappear after summer do not worry: their seeds will survive for the following springtime.

 

Is there a way to correctly face everyday conflict?

Is there a way to correctly face everyday conflict
On: By: emanuele

Let’s face it: conflict is part of our life. Everyday we’re challenged with many shades and levels of discord: with family, friends, colleagues, teachers or complete strangers.

Many dictionaries define conflict as a struggle between two or more parties who have opposite needs and goals and who try to prevail over one another to achieve said goals and needs. The word “struggle” is essential in our description since it really gives the idea of how conflict is perceived and considered in nowaday society.

Noone likes to struggle, to spend a lot of energy and get stressed to achieve something. But conflict, arguments, quarrels and debates are tiring and most of the times, if they do not lead to any kind of solution, they distance people from each other and sadly risk ending relationships and friendships. 

This is exactly the reason why nowadays we avoid conflict. Everyone seems to be spending as much energy as possibile avoiding every possible direct confrontation or difficul situation that might put them in a spot they don’t want to be in. Conflict is becoming a dreaded word, something to run from or to hide away. Is this a good way to cope with conflict? 

If you avoid direct confrontation about delicate subjects with friends and family you might be able to avoid embarassing situation and you may even evade a tiring argument that would last hours and probably end up with months of silence and deathly stares. But is this a real “solution“? 

Thinking about it, you may notice that this way of acting, even if it can be considered “safe“, will probably never bring to a concrete solution to your problem. The tension between you and the other person will still be lurking underneath and will, be sure of that, come out someday in the near future. 

Now, of course, there is an enormous spectrum of different situations with specific elements and features that make it impossible to generalize, so this article is only trying to give you some basic hints that you can apply in your everyday life according to your specific circumstances and context. So, let’s start with a simple list of interesting pinpoints that you should always remember to change your perspective about conflict:

  • Conflict is not a bad thing. It means that there is a problem, a halt in that specific relationship between you and the other person. However, this perilous crisis, if correctly worked out, could lead to a positive development.
  • When people get angry it is, most of the times, because they care about you and what they share with you. Don’t be scared to argue with others or to listen to them, if they really hated you they wouldn’t really care!
  • Sometimes people just want to be heard. Try to put yourself and your pride on the side for a second and put some effort in actually listening to what others have to say to you.
  • “Listen with your heart and not with your ears”. When in conflict with someone, make sure to really get what they’re saying, as direct and rude as it may be; every word may have a hidden meaning.
  • Make sure you have understood what they are trying to express by simply asking them. Calmly asking somone who’s very angry if you correctly understood their words will ease the tension and make them lucid again.
  • Express what you feel but try to “neutralize” your and their anger and feelings to certain extents. This, as hard as it can seem, will make the conversation more productive and you might reach a profitable agreement sooner than expected.
  • Do not hurry for a solution. You don’t need to set things right immediately all the time. If you can make a point or even a simple agreement on something very easy, it could be a good start even for the worst enemies.
  • Know when to walk away. Forcing things will not help. If you cannot solve the situation now, because there can be no immediate understanding or mutual cohoperation, leave it. Maybe you both need some time to think about your actions. 

There are various techniques that can be used during a verbale confrontation to redirect the conversation towards a mutual agreement or a settlment. One of them, according to scientists and psychologists, is certainly “looping“. By looping, we allude to the action of repeating the other person’s phrases, deprived of their anger and slightly changed, to make sure we got the meaning right. While doing that, you have to make sure you’re not saying that you accept them, nor give away your view on things, you just want to ensure that you know exactly what they mean and how they feel. This specific technique may seem easy, but it is actually very difficult to use and is being studied by several mediators and negotiators in order to correctly apply it during legal mediation sessions. 

You should also be careful about the words you say. Even the most common and apparently innocent ones could appear negative or angry. You never know how someone else will react to your phrases, so you should train yourself to avoid using certain words or turns of phrase. Here is quite a useful list that could help:

  • “Why…?“. Starting a phrase with this adverb will make the other person feel attacked and they will react accordingly. Try to ask questions in a different, more relaxed way.
  • “I….I“. Try not to talk too much about your perspective, you want to make sure that both parties are equally taken into account.
  • “I think that you../ I know what you mean“. These kinds of phrase can easily nullify all the apparent comprehension you so hardly tried to build during the conversation. Remember: you cannot speak for the other person, you just want to understand!
  • “You’re wrong“. Yes, yes, sometimes people are wrong, well, most of the times, but so are you! Even when you think others are not getting things right, remember: you persective is not the only one around.

To sum up, conflict is part of our life, it cannot and should not be avoid all the time. Peace is nothing without conflict and if you use these tips you might make your life a lot easier.

 

 

The world of magic: Disneyland Paris!

On: By: linda

Have you ever been in Disneyland Paris?

This place is the heaven of children but it is also loved by adults.
Why?

 

In Paris (Marne la Vallée), the magical world of Disneyland is divided into two large parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios.
The first one is divided into four areas: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Discoveryland and Frontierland. This area is full of rides and entertainments for everyone.

The air that you breathe here is unique: there are streets created according to the American style and there is also music of the Disney cartoon motions. However, you also have to opportunity to meet different Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse (which is the main protagonist), Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck and many others.

 

While, the second park relates to the cinema: it is a full immersion in the world of Hollywood. Thanks to several entertainments, you will discover some special effects and unique backgrounds behind the scenes of films.

In addition, near the two parks, there is an area named Disney Village: here there are several souvenir shops, restaurants and bars.

So, if you want to spend an alternative weekend made up of fun with your family or your friends, Disneyland is the perfect choice!

Lucid dreaming: the science of controlling your dreams

Lucid dreaming the science of controlling your dreams
On: By: emanuele

If your dreams are always strange and confusing, uncontrollable or scary, read carefully, because there might be a way to control them!

We’re talking about lucid dreaming, one of the most controversial science studies of the last centrury.

 

If we had to give an easy definition of lucid dreaming, we could describe it as the experience or instance in which a dreamer is actually aware of dreaming and can, in some cases and with obvious limitations, control the dream as he wishes.

Lucid dreaming is becoming more and more popular nowadays but only few people know enough about this experience. This “deep awareness of self” was first named and studied by the dutch writer and psychiatrist Frederik van Eeden and the subject is still being analyzed by the Stanford lucidity reasearch office lead by Stephen Laberge.

Lucid dreaming, as well as all other dreaming activity, can take place only during the REM phase, but it is actually very hard to induce and control it.

The web is full of techniques and sites about this matter, but the main question still remains: is it fair to “control” your subconsious even during sleep?

Lucid dreaming sure seems interesting and worth trying, but nothing’s better than a good old full night of “boring” sleep!

The importance of tulips in the Netherlands

On: By: linda

Every single year, the country of the Netherlands produces billions of flower bulbs of tulips.
Even if they have Turkish and Persians origins, in the Netherlands tulips saw their “birth” in the 17th century, thanks to Carolus Clusius, a botanist who studied this type of flower. Today there are about 3500 varieties of tulips in terms of color, shape and size.

 

The most well-known type of tulip is the “standard tulip“. You can see it not only in the Netherlands but also in many other countries. In the course of history, their production has really increased for reasons of marketing: this made the Netherlands the official exporter of tulip plants. Generally, they appear during the springtime because of good temperature. Consequently, during this season, tourists come to Netherlands from all over the world, just to see and photograph this true spectacle of nature.
What they represent?
They are generally associated to romanticism and simplicity. Their meaning changes according to color:

  • Red Tulips: True Love
  • White Tulips: Elegance and purity
  • Orange Tulips: Happiness
  • Purple Tulips: Royalty
  • Yellow Tulips: Sunshine
  • Variegated Tulips: Craziness or beautiful eyes

Tulips are one of the world’s most beloved flowers and they can be a perfect love gift.

Visit Rome without stress with Car Executive Transfer!

Transfer from rome to fiumicino airport
On: By: VictoriaMoretti

Are you planning to visit Rome and its surroundings, but the idea of having to waste the precious time of your vacation stuck in traffic, makes you the chills?

 

Here the solution for you: Car Executive!

 

Car Executive  uses only luxury cars with included the driver, who were chosen to fulfill this task thanks to their professionalism and their discretion.

Transfer from rome to fiumicino airport

Transfer from rome to fiumicino airport

 

Car Executive is the perfect choice for you if you are looking for a comfortable means of transport that can accompany you to the capital in any case: if you are traveling and want to enjoy the holiday without wasting time, whether if you are in Rome for business and must therefore to match the different appointments, and, certainly, you do not want to wait for potential customers because of the traffic.

 

Car Executive is also specialized in transfers from the Rome airports to the city.

 

For example, if you need to go from the airport of Fiumicino in Rome, you can use the service: transfer from rome to Fiumicino airport.

 

Executive Car offers its services to those who seek a car with a driver for weddings, special events and ceremonies.

 

Car Executive means excellence, for this reason uses only luxury car designed by the most prestigious brands such as Mercedes or BMW, all cars are available for any occasion and trip: in Italy, in Europe, and especially in Rome; on request you can also have sedans, minivans, minibus and coaches.

 

If it is the price that scares you do not worry, all the rates are very competitive and fixed, are also calculated on the basis of  the area which divide Rome and its surroundings, if could  happen to find road closed or traffic jams, do not worry, you will not to pay any extra, only the estimated time before departure; If you are still not convinced, you must know that, if you choose Car Executive you will  always arrive on time, and above all you will not have to divide the means of transport with anyone.

 

Car Expert also provides the ability to keep an eye on your flights and also  the ability to keep your children safe at all times thanks to the child seats available for all children.
Do you know the best part?

 

The best part is that the service is always available, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in order that you can use the services at your arrival, during your stay and for you departure.

But book it is complicated?

 

Absolutely not, it is in fact used an SSL technology: simple, fast and safe that encrypts all data before sending it to their server; in two moves it’s done!

 

Car Expert can be summed up in three words: Comfortable, punctual and accessible, for this has been chosen by many people!

 

In addition to the Airport routes, Car Expert also offers the opportunity to discover the Eternal City thanks to a tour customed for you: the sights, museums, shopping streets and the best restaurants; but if you love good wine and good Italian food, there is also the possibility to do a culinary tour; or, just outside Rome, opting for the tour Tivoli & Castel Gandolfo, where you can visit Tivoli and its beautiful villas: Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana and Castelli Romani in Castel Gandolfo, but not just limit yourself to this wonderful city, discover all Italy with Car Executive, will not disappoint!

 

For further information: http://www.car-executive.com

Victory of the Maori!

On: By: VictoriaMoretti

Finally, after nearly 150 years of legal battles the river of Whanganui Maori managed to get the same legal rights of a human, this is the first case of its kind in the world; This river located in New Zealand, is the third largest river in the country, and is located in the island of the North. The population of Whananui Iwi has always considered the river, but also the sea and the mountains, as their ancestors, their existence is based on the “originates from the river and lives on it”, as well as stated the representative of the tribe A . Rurawe, explaining that the welfare of its people is closely linked to the river, where people live.

It is considered a living being guarantees to Whanganui to be represented in court by two responsables, one chosen by the tribe Whanganui Iwi and one by the New Zealand Parliament, in order to defend their rights. This decision was made so that nobody can exploit economically or deface the river, in any case, now it will be a crime against the tribe did not respect the river of water rich of culture, history and traditions.
It can be said finally closed the longest litigation in the entire history of New Zealand.

When we do the strangest dreams?

On: By: VictoriaMoretti

At least once in your life, is happened to you to make very strange dreams: monsters, aliens, super powers, or really particular situations … what you do not know is that these dreams have made  after a few hours of sleep, by which time the REM phase (phase of the deeper sleep), it began, at least, this is what  have discovered  recent British studies, who reported their findings in the renowned magazine ‘Time’.
The cognitive psychology class of the University of Bedfordshire, UK, would in fact, monitored the sleep of 20 people for two nights, which, when their sleep was more agitated, were awakened to tell the students what they had dreamed ; they were woken up to 5 times a night, and than, the  next day, they completed a questionnaire about the content of their dreams; from their answers it showed that the most peculiar dreams intensified hour after hour, preciselly in the middle of the night.

There are superheroes gay?

On: By: VictoriaMoretti

The answer is ‘certain yes’ why they should not ? As in real life, even in the comic book superheroes exist with homosexual  orientation: Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, the important thing is that there is love! Although we’ll never noticed until now, these loves, but also weddings, date back to 2012, when Alex Alonso, editor of Marvel (the publisher of superheroes), has decided that, having been legalized in that year gay marriages in the state of New York, even the characters wholive in the  parallel cartoon universe, also live in this city, would have to adapt to the times. Here then in 2012 Northstar (one of the x-men) married, after he had made coming out (he had revealed his sexual orientation) in 1992; Another coming out was always done by an X-men, in 2015 in fact, the iceman revealed his sexual orientation; these are just two of the many heroes who are not heterosexual, discover you the others!

How big is a year in the life of a dog?

On: By: VictoriaMoretti

If you ask that question to your friends or relatives, you will probably answer ‘seven’, but in reality it is not like this, especially because, like us, dogs are all different, so this count depends on the breed and the tonnage of the dog in question.
First, a dog of one year has the same mental faculties of a child of 7, and therefore it is not yet mentally mature, even sexually, although its size has reached that of an adult.
The first 12 months are therefore the most important for a dog, that’s why during this period it is necessary to stimulate their cognitive development, making new experiences, bringing it outdoors to learn about the world, so that I can learn as soon as things work .
It is important, however, that the experiences in 1-5 months, will then must repeated in 6-8 months, because the puppy will be more mature and able to notice the differences, it is in this period that develops the first fears, maybe , in fact, in the early months he had not.