Touched by An Angel

16Nov 2015

Overcoming SADness

Written by Excel Dyquiangco as originally posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles

The emotions and attitude of people sometimes get affected by the weather. When it’s bright and sunny, our spirits are lifted. On the other hand, when it’s dark and gloomy, as it is usually during the rainy season, feelings of sadness and negativity often creep in. This condition is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a depression that is connected with the changing seasons. In some worse cases, SAD, when not treated properly, could even lead to suicidal thoughts and death.

So what to do to overcome loneliness that can lead to SAD and depression?

Try light therapy. When it is dark and cloudy outside and there’s no hint of sunlight, create some light using Light Therapy Boxes. This kind of lighting is brighter than regular light bulbs and produces light in different wave lengths. Staying around the light boxes for thirty minutes can help can suppress your melatonin, a hormone that controls our moods. Change your bulbs to “full spectrum” bulbs” that imitate the full effects of sunlight.

Use a dawn stimulator. Dawn stimulators are regular alarms clocks. But instead of beeping or other noises, they produce a light that slowly increases in intensity, simulating the rays of the sun. There are different varieties of dawn stimulators. Choose one with a full-spectrum light because its lighting effect is close to natural sunlight.

Follow a workout routine. Working out daily even for just 30 minutes releases a “happy” hormone that recharges and makes us upbeat the entire day. The effects of a good workout are long-lasting and will benefit your metabolism and over-all health.

Go out into the sun. When the sun is out, make the most of it and take your early morning walk or run. The warmth of the morning sun can bring our energy back and revitalize your mood.

Have a regular schedule. People with SAD often have trouble sleeping and waking up in the morning. To counteract this effect, follow a regular schedule or routine to regulate your body clock which can help you sleep.

Keep your home bright and cheerful. Put in a few lights and lamps inside your to make it bright and radiant. Having ample indoor lightning can bring them out of the gloomy-weather doldrums, including, depression and SAD.

Treat yourself. There are days when the rains seem endless – and some days when it’s just a drizzle. Whether the rain lasts for hours or days, make sure you still treat yourself. Spend quality time with family and friends. Play board games. Indulge in a movie marathon and watch all your favourite shows.

Relax. Relax by reading a good book or listening to soft music. You can also contemplate and pray. Do everything that would make you calm.

Be sociable. Make sure to connect with your friends. Meet up for coffee or an afternoon of catching up. If you can’t meet them physically, stay in touch with them online through your social media networks.

Visit a doctor. SAD is not to be taken lightly and should be addressed by a health professional if needed. If you feel like you need to see a doctor who can help you deal with your condition, go ahead.

10Nov 2015

Enjoying Recovery

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 10 Comments

I am listening to this seventies music , Friends of Distinction “Great Day”. I turn to my husband and sing the song “Aint it a great day? Could it be better?” I love that 70’s music.

What a journey Butch and I have gone through! For some of you who know the inside story of our journey, it is a miracle that Butch and I have this second wind in marriage. We are enjoying this new life together. It’s been a wonderful journey yet we are constantly working on our recovery. As individuals, we are constantly evolving and changing.

Recovery is universal and applies to any crisis in life.

The road to recovery is often times hard and rocky. Sometimes we climb mountains. Sometimes we slide down the hill. Sometimes we take a breather.

Sometimes we grope our way through the darkness. There are times we get blinded by the sunlight. Often, many may walk the same road with us; sometimes we are alone.

Ever changing, interesting, and leading to someplace good or even better.

What a journey!

I continue to sing to my husband

Whatever we do dear,
There’s one thing that’s for sure
That nothing could be better
Than just being together.

He gives a goofy smile as if embarassed by my serenade. “we need to have a change of scenery.” and makes plans for a trip which might not materialize but it’s the romantic thought that counts right now.

I relax and enjoy this moment. I know I am right where I need to be on my journey.

30Oct 2015

Feeling like a Wonder Woman in this Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman sneaker

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Latest sneaker release: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star DC Comics pack

Converse is such an iconic canvas-rubber shoes’ brand that I associate with my teen years. I love this vintage style with a white canvas based upper and classic white rubber sole.

Even one of my daughters owned a Chuck Taylor All-Stars in the late nineties. There are more fashionable styles these days like The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star DC Comics pack.

The limited-edition collection features Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Justice League characters illustrated by renowned DC Comics artists Jim Lee, Jock (Mark Simpson), Andy Kubertand Kenneth Rocafort. This DC Comics collection marks Converse’s eighth collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, which first launched Fall 2010. Even if you are not a fan of DC Comics, these are a must-have sneakers to your footwear needs.

Let me show you these four styles:

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Wonder Woman sneaker features amazing artwork from the Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee. Two different images of Wonder Woman are included on both sides of the sneaker, Wonder woman logo is printed on the tongue and on the laces. It is so pretty. You know, Wonder Woman was a hit TV show during the seventies when I was still in college. Wonderful memories of Wonder Woman , as a well-loved heroine, makes this sneaker so attractive . I tried on a pair and yes, it will look good with my denims and a white top.

Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510 Sizing: 5-8 Ladies

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Batman sneaker

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Batman sneaker showcases the intriguing artwork designed by British comic artist Jock. Featuring two bold illustrations of Batman on either side, the iconic Batman logo is printed on the tongue of the sneaker, along the inner lining and on the laces. The yellow shoe laces are quite striking . Men can wear this with just plain shirt and jeans.

Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510.00 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

Converse Chuck Taylor All Justice League

Featuring illustrations created by Andy Kubert, the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Justice League sneaker illustrates the team of DC Comics Super Heroes on both sides of the sneaker. Compelling imagery is printed on the sneaker with the Justice League logo screened on the tongue and comes with both white and black laces that allow for customization.

Suggested Retail Price:Php 3,510.00 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Superman

The Converse Chuck Taylor All Superman sneaker features artwork by Kenneth Rockfort that highlights two different images of Superman on both sides of the sneakers . The iconic red and yellow S-Shield is printed on the tongue of the sneaker and includes a red lining with an allover printed logo.

Suggested Retail Price: Php 3,510 Sizing : 7-11 Mens

I just love how the design have two different images of Wonder Woman, Batman and Superman while the Justice League sneakers contain a team of DC Comics Super Heroes on both sides. Watch out as these designs will soon become iconic in a couple of years.

26Oct 2015

Moms need a good night’s sleep

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Who doesn’t want a good night’s sleep? Sleep is the key for renewing and rebalancing the body and mind. Sleeping never seemed a problem to me. Even when my son died, I always slept well as soon as my head hit my pillow. Pretty soon the fifties came and I discovered it got harder to fall asleep.This wakeful moment in my life arrived at about the time I moved in to my new home, the year I turned 50 years old. Adjustment in my routine needed to be made through the years.

My bedroom is pretty much a sleep haven. I love my canopy bed There is something soothing with a canopy on the bed. It feels like being protected in a cocoon. My canopy bed is a peaceful retreat from the outside world. I chose to have a canopy on my old antique bed to add a touch of beauty to the four poster bed. I was able to get an artistic bed designer who charged reasonable rates for everything including the pillows. The canopy bed certainly added softness , drama and beauty in my bedroom.

Using the scent of lavender helps. Just before I sleep, I use Lavender linen spray and mist my pillows and blanket. I moisturize my arms and legs with Lavender body butter. I take in the scent of lavender and feel joyful. Lavender is believed to possess a sedative that calms the psyche. It soothes and relaxes my body and mind. A lot of rituals just to make sure I get a sound sleep at night.

But…it is time to change our mattress since it is almost 20 years old . Not only that I feel the spring is already broken in one part of my bed which makes sleeping uncomfortable. It’s great that I got introduced to Dunlopillo brand because it has all the features I need in a mattress. As one of the world’s most beloved bedding brands in over 70 countries worldwide, Dunlopillo understand good sleep. This year, Dunlopillo launches a new line of mattresses for modern moms to get the rest that they deserve, giving them more time for bedroom moments.

The NormaBlock is Dunlopillo’s most superior innerspring system and claims to be the most technologically advanced mattress spring support system in the market. Fully engineered in Europe, it is durable, supportive and at the same time flexible to contour the body’s spinal shape to provide unsurpassed comfort. The great news for moms is that its unique total tempered spring system guarantees proper elasticity, total resilience and high durability.

Yes, this is the spring system I need to provide me the right comfort and greater body support for a good night’s rest.

The NormaBlock comes in three designs the Catleya, Decora and Lucia- differing in height, levels of support and the added technology in each mattress.

Dunlopillo’s latest NormaBlock collection is available at Dunlopillo showrooms at 16 Acropolis Commercial Area, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave., Libis, Quezon City and MC Home Depot Fort branch.

25Oct 2015

Problems are Made to Be Solved

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 10 Comments

Problems are inevitable.

Some problems can be anticipated. Some are surprises. The idea that problems occur now and then need not be a surprise.

If there is one thing different between my husband and myself, it’s the way we look at our problems. Most of us rant now and then.

“Why is this happening to me?”

“Why is God not listening to me?”

“How come this had to happen?”

I guess he needs more time reacting to the fact that there is a problem than solving the problem.

Maybe it’s his coping process and I am there to balance it. Whenever he is in that frustrated state, my mind starts ticking about possible solutions.

The good news is that for every problem, there is a solution. Sometimes,

1. The solution is immediate;
2. It takes a while to discover;
3. The solution involves letting go.
4. The problem is ours to solve,sometimes it isn’t;
5. There is something we can clearly do to solve the problem yet other times we need to struggle, stumble, do our part , then trust God for help.
6. The problem is just part of life.
7. The problem is important because we are learning something through the problem and the solution.
8. The problem end up working out for good in our life.

Sometimes, problems just are; sometimes they are a warning sign that we could be on the wrong track.

I have learned to accept problems as inevitable part of my life. I’ve learned to find trust my ability to solve problems. I’ve also identified problems that try to lead us in a new direction and which simply ask for solving. I learned to trust solutions rather than be victimized by problems.

We can actually learn to focus on the solution rather than on the problem and maintain a positive attitude towards life and the inevitable flow of problems and solutions.

And guess what? After my husband is done with his litany of rants, his next question is always:

“What do we do now?”

My answer: Let’s come up with solutions.

19Oct 2015

It’s been 40 years since my mom died of breast cancer

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ 28 Comments

It was a warm Sunday afternoon in 1972 as mom and I were taking a siesta by the porch. I still remember that fateful day when mom anxiously took my hand so I could feel the lump in her left breast. I felt the soft mass but I had no inkling that it was cancer then. Cancer does not happen to us. It’s an illness we just hear from other families like my next door neighbor who survived it anyway. I quickly erased the negative thoughts from my mind. Mom got operated that same week and it wasn’t good news. Her left breast had to be removed including part of her armpits where cancer cells invaded her lymph nodes.

Physical Therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, hair loss, a dozen wigs, remission, a relapse, a trip to New York to visit Betty Ford’s doctor, a visit to Lourdes, France for miracle water, black chickens for sacrifice, aphasia ensued for the next 3 years. Despite all the measures, mom died on July 25, 1976 at the age of 45 years old. I was on my third year of college in UP Diliman and together with my siblings, Lorna and Oscar, we took the plane to Cebu. I peered down the runway as the raindrops splashed the glass window as if in unison with the tears that fell down my cheeks. I was sad that my mom was probably dying and even sadder at the thought that my dad would suffer the pain of losing a wife. I wasn’t particularly close to my mother. Years of verbal and even physical abuse brought that awkward distance between us. Yes, it’s sad I didn’t feel maternal love from her. And vice-versa.

During the wake, we were told by the family doctor never to take birth control pills as it could trigger breast cancer cells. I forgot the reason behind this now.

Years later, I became a mother myself. A friend was dying of breast cancer. A worried Butch implored that I take a breast exam to rule out any breast cancer which could be in our genes. I was only 39 years old and I thought maybe I should take that mammogram before I hit 40 years old at about the time mom discovered the lump.

I took that painful mammogram test where the machine squashes your breast as it takes an x-ray. The results were not good. I quickly called David, my brother who was then a neurology resident at some medical school in the Philippines (the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) ).
There was some hazy mass showing up on my left breast which was not palpable. It’s the same spot where mom had the lump. David strongly advised me to have immediate surgery to have it checked if it was benign or not. My brother said that breast cancer cells can be so aggressive and can quickly replicate in a few weeks. Shocked at two doctors’ medical opinion, I told myself that I cannot die now. Not when my kids are still so young. Lauren was only 10. M was 9 and Luijoe was 3 years old.

No, I cannot die yet.

I cried in bed and my thoughts went to my mom during the days she suffered from the ravages of her breast cancer. I imagined her in the same situation , livid with fear of leaving my young kids and husband. Then I prayed and asked for forgiveness and understanding for all those years that we drifted apart. Bearing a grudge or deep resentment on someone is like cancer cells eating up your heart and mind. With the release of negative emotions of the past, I was ready for my surgery but first I took the day off before surgery to be with my kids at the play center in the mall. Thinking I might die on the operating table, I held on to these precious moments by having a fun photo shoot with my kids. I thought with a heavy heart .

They will look back to these memories and remember that their mom loved them so much.

I surrounded my hospital room at the Philippine General Hospital with these photos. Just before I left for the surgery, I gazed lovingly at the photo of my three beautiful children.

I can’t leave you yet. God, don’t let me die.

I needed a needle localization of my “breast mass” because it was not palpable and my surgeon need to know the exact location of this mass. With the long needle stabbed on to my left breast, my brother wheeled me over to the surgery room. There waiting for me was an outstanding surgeon, Dr. Rodney Dofitas, my brother-in-law. I gave instructions for him to remove my breast if found to be malignant. With everything in order I counted to ten as I fought back the anesthesia to kick in

Much later, I woke up to my brother-in-law who cheerfully announced that the breast mass was benign. He excised the mass for extra precaution, hence my left breast is a smaller than my right one. I don’t mind the disfigurement at all.

My heart just leaped with joy. I couldn’t help but cry and thank God for giving me this second chance. My friend died a year after my surgery. When I reached my 46th birthday, I thanked God for each additional year in my life that my mom didn’t enjoy. I celebrate each year with joy and gratitude that my kids still had a mother in their growing up years. Every additional year is a bonus.

It’s been 40 years since my mom died of breast cancer and technology for early breast cancer detection is in place. Even the medications increase chances of survival. There is even breast reconstruction surgery. Talk to your doctor soon.

Go Pink in Support of Breast Cancer Awareness. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection.

Photo above was taken a few months before mom discovered her breast cancer in 1972

28Sep 2015

The ALDUB : the kilig factor and timeout experience

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

Two factors strike me on why ALDUB, this “Kilig Pa More” KalyeSerye is a hit : the kilig factor, of course and the timeout experience. If you read Our love story: 30 years married. 37 years with my college sweetheart, I wrote about how my husband and I nearly separated . There is no “happily ever after” . My husband and I tried to make it work and we did. In my blog post, I added that “the secret in the renewal of our marriage was actually reliving that first time we fell madly in love with each other.”

And that is how I believe the “kilig factor” helped jumpstart our marriage. The thing going for me is I wrote a diary that detailed those early years with my ex-boyfriend…I wrote about the giddiness and romantic moments and why we fell in love, in the first place. I remember those early days. No wonder ALDUB is such a hit for the young and young at heart .

Image via gmanetwork.com. Some rights reserved.

It is not only the kilig factor that couples can benefit. A priest even said that couples in trouble can learn perseverance and sacrifice from the Aldub segment.

“When [husbands and wives] encounter the hardships of married life, their tendency is to turn their backs or separate,” added Mamaril, parish priest of St. Joseph the Worker Parish in Calendola Village, San Pedro City for the past two years.

Watch the first time Alden Richards and Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza met each other. You can see Yaya Dub’s eyes light up as she spotted Alden on the split screen.

While this is a fictional love team, Yaya Dub did have a crush on Alden. Direk Mike Tuviera said that “it was born from the moment that the staff found out that in real life, Yaya Dub had a crush on Alden. No one knew that.”

There are so many reason why many Filipinos love #AlDub but the one that strikes me as the number one reason is the “kilig” factor . Lyza R. Sabornido explains:

It has kilig factor. Every time Alden and Yaya Dub exchange dubsmash, pabebe wave, and pinky promise, the crowd goes wild with kilig. Same also happens when Alden flashes those cute smiles showing his dimples. Another kilig factor in this “Kilig Pa More” KalyeSerye is that Alden is doing all sorts of challenges that Lola Nidora had been throwing at him just to see Yaya Dub.

Next to the kilig factor is the timeout experience. I am sure each one of us have our own guilty pleasure. I turn to coloring books to destress. Others play online games or watch a movie marathon. Then, ALDUB came to the lives of the Filipino viewers and netizens. I never paid attention to the ALDUB phenomena until the day before their first date. That Friday evening, I watched the first and current series with my husband. We had a good laugh about it. I told my husband “kilig eh”. Not only kilig , but it was my moment to zone out at the end of a long day.

ALDUB is a timeout experience..to just be and relax, and laugh.

What is a timeout experience?

Image via Medill on Media Engagement; Abe Peck and Edward C. Malthouse; Hampton Press November 2010

It’s a quiet time.

It’s my reward for doing other things.

It’s an escape.

It’s takes my mind off other things that are going on.

I feel less stress…

I like going to this site when I am eating or taking a break.

Each one of us has a timeout experience. Most homemakers relate to this and turn to noontime shows to take a break. What is important is to put a balance in our lives: time to zone out and a time to work. What I really hope is that the love of the #ALDUB kalyeserye, overflows to rekindling of relationships. Yes, even love of country by using that feel-good hashtag for social change. I read an ALDUB fan tweet both #juanvote and #ALDUB hashtag.

The Millenials will play a very big role COME 2016. We should educate them. This is for their future. #juanvote #ALDUB

— Dottie Libiran (@dlibiran) September 27, 2015

I have hope.

Yes, enjoy the show and laugh out loud.

26Sep 2015

Seasons, Manila Pavilion Hotel’s new menu offerings

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

As students in the late seventies, my ex-boyfriend and I went as far as Luneta Park because we were broke. All we did was gaze at the sunset or walk by the romantic Manila bay. Old Manila and its splendor reminds me of those good old days. Now that my ex-boyfriend is my husband and earning a living, we revisit Manila for those rare dates. Next on my list is Seasons, Manila Pavilion Hotel’s premier lifestyle restaurant especially since I sampled a few of their new menu offerings.

While waiting for the press launch to start , I toured some of the rooms in the hotel including the Romulo Suite. This was where I took a snapshot of the beautiful sunset. And how I love the color theme in each corner of the suite.

Italian culinary master Giovanni Sias is Manila Pavilion Hotel new executive chef who prepared the new menu offering. I am glad that these were just samplers that I could savor and enjoy. The new festive selection of international ala carte dishes starts at Php280 nett. The ala carte dishes are better for me because I don’t want to eat too much. There are buffet breakfast selections for those that want to eat more, and are priced at Php600 nett.

Chef Giovanni adds that “Meat lovers and seafood fanatics can please their palates with a variety of feisty treats from parma ham, tuna, salmon, prawns, red snapper, beef tender or rack of lamb, and have it cooked just the way they want it.”

Prosciutto (Parma Ham) rolled with goat cheese mousse, truffle scent apple mustard marmalade

If you are like me, I want it light on the stomach but heavy on flavor. That is what the salad and appetizer selections is all about. Seasons also cater to the vegetarians and vegans. The all-time favorites like tuna carpaccio, eggplant napoleon, and prosciutto, or the freshest greens complemented with scrumptious hors d’ oeuvres and antipasti are part of their healthy fare.

Home made potato gnocchi in cheese sauce and fried proscuitto

Tuna Carpaccio with Zuccini salad, lemon and olive oil

Must-try signature dishes to whet diners’ palates are the Waterfront Caesar Salad, Waterfront beef burger, sautéed red snapper and prosciutto rolled with goat cheese mousse among others.

Sauteed Red Snapper with tomatoes and capers over buttered spaghetti

The dessert menu features panna cotta, tiramisu, fresh fruit platter, chocolate cake with vanilla chantilly, pistachio mousse berries campote and other traditional Filipino sweets and delicacies . The Panna Cotta with strawberry consomme was delightful with just the right amount of sweetness.

Panna Cotta with strawberry consomme

My favorite ala carte dishes are the Home made potato gnocchi in cheese sauce and fried proscuitto and the Prosciutto (Parma Ham) rolled with goat cheese mousse, truffle scent apple mustard marmalade. Can you tell that we love cheese? My husband and I will order these separately on our next date.

Seasons is located at the lobby of the Manila Pavilion Hotel and is open from 6:00 am to 10:30 am for breakfast, 11:30 am to 3:00 pm for lunch and serves dinner from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm daily.

For inquiries and reservations, please call Manila Pavilion Hotel at (02) 526 1212 extension 2345 or log on to www.waterfronthotels.com.ph and follow us through social media @WaterfrontMNL.

22Sep 2015

A weekend getaway : Lotus Pod at Bay, Laguna

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

I am taking time out from attending events because of the traffic in Metro Manila. But how can I refuse a visit to Lotus Pod even if it will take one and a half hours to get there? You know , I would rather get stuck driving through the countryside than the concrete jungle.

Lotus Pod is breath of fresh air. I went there expecting to be surrounded by greenery, Lotus flowers , chilling with media friends and just being there for the moment. And I was not disappointed with my picture-perfect day. Before my visit, I just saw photos of Lotus Pod but did not read up on the website . I wanted to be surprised. Lotus Pod is an organic farm in Bay, Laguna that grows fruits, vegetables and herbs. Their farmers grow veggies with care, making sure not to use any artificial fertilizer – making every Lotus Pod bite, a taste of nature.

Screencap from lotuspodph.com

Cheche Lazaro (the owner of the Lotus Pod) told us that they never had any concrete plans for Lotus Pod. It took seven years to develop the farm. Lotus Pod farm grows “vegetables like ampalaya, calamansi, lime, eggplant, green papaya, leeks, malunggay, okra, red and green lettuce, arugula, swiss chard, patola, saging na saba, tomato, kangkong, and talbos ng kamote and lemongrass. They also also grow “herbs like basil, mint, oregano, tarragon, coriander, sawtooth and ashitaba. The farm also produces its own fresh oyster mushrooms as well as chemical-free vinegar from our coconut trees. Add to that list, our own fresh juices from the veggies we grow.”

Lotus Pod does not have overnight facilities at the moment. There is a lovely room near the pond that gives this peaceful view of the Lotus flowers.

It felt good to be able to chat with my idol, Cheche Lazaro. She had interviewed me twice (one on my grief recovery and the other on social media engagement with the President) . Never in my wildest dream did I ever imagine talking about social media with her.

Photo via Jane Uymatiao

Aside from the open green spaces, lush greenery, one can also hold events like weddings. Imagine the Banahaw mountain range as backdrop and the cool, fresh air only a provincial destination can provide. Check out the events : camping (coming soon), meetings and seminars; farm to table workshop; catering services, detox getaway package. The Lotus Pod also offers gift packages, and agritours.

Screencap from lotuspodph.com

Contact details:

Lotus Pod at Bay, Laguna

For the address, please call or text 0917 878 9103

https://www.facebook.com/lotuspodph

http://www.lotuspodph.com/

02Sep 2015

Coloring makes the world go round

by Noemi Lardizabal-Dado ⋅ Leave a Comment

What gift do I buy for my husband? It was Butch’s birthday last Saturday and I was wracking my brains on gift ideas. He likes practical gifts for the house but I have all the small appliances and gadgets. Then, I spotted Kankan Ramos Facebook post on her second coloring book. A lightbulb moment. Adult coloring books are all the rage right now, whether it’s for stress relief or simply just to satisfy our inner child. Good thing there is an order page to purchase these coloring books. They are so beautiful and all are hand-drawn by Kankan . I am not saying this just because she is a friend. They are so pretty.

19 pages that you can color, tear the pages off and frame them as you please.

Majestic, flights of imagination: A hand-drawn coloring book for all ages
20 works of art inspired by the wondrous riches that live beneath our waves

I wasn’t sure Butch would love the coloring books but I took a chance . If he did not like it, I could easily use it myself. Surprise! He loved it. In fact, he knew what coloring books were about because he read about it from the New York Times. I was not able to buy coloring pencils because I was out of town a few days before his birthday. He was so excited to use the coloring book that he bought all the coloring materials : oil pastel, Faber castel highlight pens, water color and crayons.

My husband wasted no time and started a page that will show bursts of colors. He must have enjoyed watching colors bursting with life from his work and felt so rewarded from the activity . He kept showing it off to me and saying how relaxing it is . This seemingly ordinary activity promotes mindfulness and relief from stress.

So why is it such a relaxing activity? “You’re giving your brain some space and something to focus on that’s meditative, that’s containing,” says art therapist Saba Harouni. Because grown-ups tend to rush through life from one deadline to the next, filling in the lines on a page with colors can help them focus, meditate, and slow down. “When coloring, we activate different areas of our two cerebral hemispheres. The action involves both logic, by which we color forms, and creativity, when mixing and matching colors. This incorporates the areas of the cerebral cortex involved in vision and fine motor skills,” psychologist Gloria Martínez Ayala says. “The relaxation that it provides lowers the activity of the amygdala, a basic part of our brain involved in controlling emotion that is affected by stress. It brings out our imagination and takes us back to our childhood, a period in which we most certainly had a lot less stress.”

My husband loves the bright, vivid colors he chose for this page.

You should try it when you need to de-stress. Psychologist Antoni Martínez agrees . “I recommend it as a relaxation technique. We can use it to enter into a more creative, freer state. I myself have practiced that. I recommend it in a quiet environment, even with chill music. Let the color and the lines flow.”

I am so glad that I found a gift for my husband that will make him stop worrying for a few minutes and to—just keep coloring.

Beginnings and Majestic coloring books are available at Fully Booked and online. For the Beginnings coloring book, order here and order the Majestic coloring book here.

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