Do You Want To Quit Smoking For Good This Time?

I have been off cigarettes for two months now and it has been so easy.  I had tried so many times in the past using different methods and nothing worked until now.

There are various reasons that people want to quit smoking but the most popular ones I have come across are:

1. They are too expensive
2. They can cause cancer and other health problems
3. They make your teeth yellow
4. They make you and your house/car smell bad
5. They give you wrinkles
6. They make it harder to stay fit and exercise

With that in mind, kicking the habit has been something I have been trying to do for the last few years.  I always said that I would give them up when I reached 25.  With my 28th birthday nearly in sight I was beginning to loose all hope that I would ever be able to achieve this.  Then I found out about the Smokestik two weeks ago when my friend sent me this clip:

I had heard of electronic cigarettes before but I never really knew how they worked. Once I saw this video I thought the product was definitely worth a try.  Here is how the company describes the product :

A SmokeStik Electronic Cigarette is a revolutionary device that resembles a traditional cigarette and fully recreates the smoking experience, including "a smoke like vapor", without tobacco, tar, and over 400+ chemicals that are found to cause cancer in a traditional cigarette. SmokeStik Electronic Cigarettes are one alternative to traditional cigarette smoking, that for the first time, allows the smoker to go through all the motions. SmokeStiks do not have carbon monoxide, tar, or any other known cancer-causing chemicals found in traditional cigarettes, cigars, or smoke. A SmokeStik Electronic Cigarette is essentially litter-less in that it is free of ashes and stubs. Unlike traditional cigarettes, the SmokeStik has no open flame, and is cool to the touch, greatly reducing potential bodily injury, and property damage. What you are "smoking" is a mist or vapor. This vapor is created as liquid nicotine, propylene glycol, and food grade flavorings, are vaporized by a tiny component called the atomizer.

The mouthpiece contains a replaceable cartridge/cartomizer filled with liquid. The main substances contained in the liquid are nicotine, propylene glycol, and optional flavors. When you take a drag on the SmokeStik, the air flow is detected by a tiny sensor. A microprocessor then activates the atomizer which injects tiny droplets of the liquid into the flowing air and vaporizes the nicotine. This vapor also provides a flavor and physical sensation, similar to that of inhaled tobacco smoke, while no tobacco or real smoke is actually involved in its operation. The tip of the SmokeStik glows ( red, white, purple ), when inhaled, depending on the kit you choose. A high-density Lithium Ion battery powers the device and will last all day on a normal charge. Your starter kit will include two batteries so that you may use one while your second battery is recharging. 

Now there are several brands of electronic cigarettes that I could have chosen but after some research I decided to try the Smokestik for the following reasons:

1. It is the only brand manufactured in the USA  - meaning the quality control is better than other companies.
2. After going through a number of product reviews it seems that Smokestik has the most water vapor smoke so it is the closest to smoking a real cigarette.
3. The price was very competitive compared to some of the brands being sold in my local pharmacies.
4. A lot of celebrities in America are using it including Mr. Dicaprio which is usually a good sign of the products quality.

I was so happy when it finally arrived that Thursday.  It took me a while to get used to it as it is a lot heavier to hold then a normal cigarette and it tastes different.  You also need to take a real good drag off it in order to get a good amount of smoke. After using it for a couple of hours I had no urge whatsoever to smoke a real cigarette.  In fact the smell of them was making me feel ill all of a sudden.  I cant explain how wonderful it felt to know that I did not want to smoke cigarettes any more.  Even on a nights out there was no urge to smoke a real cigarette unless my battery died!  Note To Self: Never go out unless fully charged, ha!

The reasons I love my Smokestik are:

1. I can confidently say I have had my last cigarette because I don't even want them anymore!
2. I dont have to carry around a lighter.
3. I can smoke anywhere I want so I don't have to go outside anymore.
4. No more dirty ash trays and cigarette butts.
5. Less threat of any potential fire hazards from smoking.
6. I will save money because one cartomiser is so much cheaper than a pack of cigarettes (more than half price depending on how you order them).
7. I dont smell like a smoker anymore.
8. My teeth wont get yellow from smoking.  
9. My health will improve
10. I can still enjoy the experience of smoking with my friends when I am out without feeling guilty.

I can keep going here but I think you get the point. I am not saying this will work for everyone, I can only speak from my own experience.  However if you are desperate to quit smoking for any of the reasons I listed above then I think it is definitely worth a try.  It may take some getting used to but in the end I think this could really work for most people.  The beauty of this product is that you still get to have the hand to mouth action and inhale and exhale a smoking sensation.  

If you do decide to buy one I suggest you also order a starter pack like I did. The pack included two batteries (with both charged you could smoke away on them for a whole weekend), three cartomisers of different nicotine strenghths and flavours, a USB charger, a home charger and a cute little case.  There are a variety of different styles to choose from but I picked the Royale because I thought it was pretty!  

Here is the website where you can order one:  http://www.smokestik.com/  use the voucher code class10 to avail of your 10% discount and get the starter kit for 89.95 plus shipping and handling.

Its been two months and I have not bought one pack of cigarettes so I have saved myself 136 euros so it has more than payed for itself!  There is also a 30 day money back guarantee and a life time warranty on these products.  The customer service team is also very helpful.

Vitamix - The Best Health & Wellness Product I have Ever Seen!

I have to say I am pretty blown away with the Vita-Mix blender since I stumbled across it a few days ago. It is on the top of my list of things I want to buy. As soon as I have it, I will write a full informative product review for others who are considering whether or not to buy it. I am so excited about it though that I wanted to share it with you now!

So what is so great about the Vitamix?

Research shows that phytonutrients and antioxidants in whole foods can significantly reduce damage to the cells by free radicals. The hard part is getting these essential chemicals into a digestible form as they’re locked inside skin, pulp and seeds. The Vitamix® machine ruptures the cell walls of fresh, whole foods to deliver the full benefit of nutrients. A recent study by the Health Research and Studies Centre showed that tomatoes processed in the Vitamix® machine delivered over three times more lycopene (a powerful antioxidant) than tomatoes prepared in a juicer or eaten whole. This can help prevent people from wasting up to 70% of their food. People on a liquid diet can get this product re-imbursed by their health insurance as it is seen as a medical device. Cancer centres all over the world use this because it gives people 98 percent of the nutritional value and antioxidants of raw fruits and vegetables compared to the average 25% you get from chewing with your teeth.

Well I love anything that can help me lead a healthier lifestyle and reduce the amount of money I spend on food and health supplements so when I saw this I was very intrigued. I think this will cut down on my food bills, as I will waste less food and spend less on processed things that are ready made. I can also make ‘must go’ soups – a great way to use up everything that ‘must go’ in my fridge. Even last night’s leftovers! I also think it will help me to eat healthier by getting more antioxidants from the raw food into my diet, especially the soups. I also like it because I can make a lot of my own recipes for low fat alternatives that I cant find in the shop or that are very expensive.

There are over 65 uses for the Vita-Mix but I have listed below my favourites:

1 & 2 The Most Nutritious Juice & Smoothies - Unlike a juicer or a regular blender - which can get rid of as much as 70% of the nutritional benefit (and money spent) - there is almost no waste from a Vitamix® machine. For example, an apple’s seeds and skin provide a high percentage of the fruit’s nutritional benefit. So does the green stems of strawberries, white part of an orange, middle of a pineapple, seeds of a grape etc...The Vitamix® machine is the only kitchen appliance that breaks down the cell walls to provide the full benefit of nutrients in a whole food juice. If you add Flaxseeds or Cacao nibs it will also turn these into digestible powders.

3. Hot Soup From Raw Vegetables - leaving you with all the nutritional and antioxidant value of raw veggies in minutes.

4. All Natural Ice Cream With No Preservatives - You can even make tasty green ice cream with spinach in it that tastes great but still gives you great nutritional value. You can also make regular full fat types of delicious chocolate, vanilla, banana etc...when you want to indulge. Freeze left overs in the fridge for later. Vegans can also make dairy free ice cream easily.

5. Gorgeous All Natural Sorbets Made From Your Favourite Fruits.

6. Scrambled Eggs - simply made in 1 minute, nice and fluffy, no burning, easy to clean up.

7. Blend Your Coffee Beans Into Powder

8. Hot Fondue Sauces - Cheese & chocolate

9. Ground Beef or Turkey From Whole Pieces of Meat So You Know What You Are Eating

10, 11, 12. Restaurant Quality Frozen Cocktails, Frappucinos and Snow Cones.

13. Salsa, Guacomole, Hummus & Other Dips

14. Homemade Tomato Sauce With 3 Times More Nutritional Value

15 & 16. Dressings for Salads & Fruit Syrups for Ice cream and Pancakes

17. Whip up Fresh Cream For Deserts

18. Turn Sugar into Powder

19. Make Fresh Pesto Sauce & Mayonaise (low fat options)

20, 21, 22. Breadcrumbs, Coleslaw, Batter for Cakes, Brownies, Pancakes etc.

23. It Crushes Ice

24. Chops Vegetables Like a Food Processor

25. Peanut Butter

One of my favourite parts about this product is that you can turn it on self clean with a little fairy liquid. Compared to most blenders this is a dream come true. With a seperate attachment you can also make dough for cakes and bread.

There are a range of models that all have similar functions at a range of price points all available on Amazon.  They are expensive but I think this product will pay for itself after a couple of months when you feel healthier and you waste a lot less food.

All of the reviews I have read on this are great. I think this is the best video I have seen on it but the quality isnt great! 

Preventing Kidney Infections Forever!

Two years ago I suffered from kidney infections at least once a month.  I spent so much money on the doctor and antibiotics but they just kept coming back.  Then I went to my local food store and asked them was there any herbal remedies for this ailment.  The lady asked me if I had tried cranberry tablets. I said yes they never really did me any good.  She explained that the majority of the pills on the market are really ineffective.  What you have to look out for is the strength or the Mg.  The best pills to buy are 10,000mg +.  Anything below that is really a waste of time and money.

She recommended the Kordel's High Strength brand.  30 capsules cost me around €8.50 and lasted me nearly six months.  Any time I felt like I might be getting a kidney infection (you know the signs girls!) I would just take 2-3 of these pills and low and behold the infection never came.  Two years on and I haven't had a kidney infection since.

So if you suffer from these, as most women do unfortunately, then give these a try.  I promise you won't be disappointed.

10 Steps Towards Getting Clear Pap Smear Results Again

A lot of people have asked me to post this piece as there is not a lot of information out there like it.  So if you want to take your health into your own hands and get clear smear test results again then follow these steps:

1. Go To a Nutritionist - Change your diet and take the right vitamins and supplements. Dont try to do this on your own trust me the nutritionist was the best money I ever spent! Basically you need to start getting as much Vitamin C, E, Zinc, Beto-carotene, DIM and Folic acid into your body as possible!  Contact me for a complete list of what supplements and foods you should eat.

2. Get off The Pill - I did this straight away! My Dr. told me this was not necessary but after my own research this is a definite thing to do. Your body cant fight off the HPV as well while the pill is messing with your hormones so get off it!

3. Get Fit - join a gym, go for walks, do a workout video whatever you can do to strengthen up and get in shape!

4. Stop Smoking - When you are smoking you are creating more free radicals in your body which are doing damage. At least cut down if you can't give up altogether.

5. Drink Less Alcohol

6. Swap Regular Tea for Green Tea - Get as many antioxidant rich substances into you as possible. Acai Berry and Dark Chocolate are also great. The best fruits you can eat are strawberries and blueberries. Look out for the ORAC value on foods this will tell you how many antioxidants are in different foods!

7.Go for Acupuncture and Get Chinese Herbs - This will help build up your immunity.

8. Use Less Tampons and Wear 100% Cotton Underwear

9. Start Doing Yoga and Meditation -  This will not only improve your physical health it will begin to relieve the stress you are going through

10. Start Thinking of This Whole Thing as a Physical Fight with HPV. While it is important to get your physical strength up as much as possible by following the first 9 steps the most important step is to mentally prepare for this fight. Start looking up the law of universal attraction on the internet and become familiar with the fact that your thoughts create your reality. Keep visualizing the results you want on your next visit to the Dr. and they will happen.

Please recommend this article to anyone else you know who is struggling with abnormal smear results.  Unfortunately, most Doctors don't tell people how to fight this on this on their own.  As a result most women just wait for the problem to go away, feeling totally stressed and depressed in the meantime.  Once they realize that they can do things to get healthy again the whole thing seems a lot less scary and a lot more manageable. Take control of your health and create your own destiny!

I really hope this helps others as much as it has helped me.