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Meditation is suitable for anybody who is prepared to practise. The School of Meditation’s book Being Oneself caters for those who are interested in taking up the practice. It also answers newcomers’ frequently asked questions. But then, it is only through experiencing and practising meditation that real answers come. Here we look at three common questions posed to the school. How much discipline is required? Is it possible to lose one’s drive if one meditates regularly? Can meditation change one’s life? (more…)

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A quick cup of tea is the easiest thing to make today. Just pop a teabag into a cup and pour boiling water over it. A really good cup of tea requires more effort, though, as you’ll need a teapot and teacup, besides the right quality and quantity of tea. The water you use should be filtered and slightly mineralised. Read on for some tips on how to make a good cuppa and to find out why sipping on a cup of tea is good for you. (more…)

Photo: KellyB. / Flickr

Do you feel like you’re watching a movie of your life, where you’re simply playing a character? In other words, everything seems somewhat unreal. According to Anthony David, author of Overcoming Depersonalization and Feelings of Unreality, a study revealed that over 70 per cent of people experience feelings of remoteness at some point. Theses feelings mostly disappear on their own without any permanent damage. To reconnect with your emotions, it may help to find an interest or activity that you can fully engage in. (more…)

Photo: bricolage.108 / Flickr

Millet, quinoa and amaranth are all nutritious ancient grains. They can be used as alternatives to rice and can be eaten as porridge or used in salads. Millet is one of the oldest cereals. This grain is high in iron, vitamin A, vitamin B and magnesium. It is gluten-free and it has an earthy flavour. Quinoa is also gluten-free and has a nutty flavour. Amaranth was seen as a sacred seed by the Aztecs. It also has high levels of protein. (more…)

Photo: Loozrboy / Flickr

Rolling sushi to make sushi rolls or maki may look easy, but it takes some skill. The rice has to be just right (sticky but firm), you have to be sure there’s not too much seaweed or nori along the edges, and fillings need to be dead centre. All one needs though is a little practice and patience. From there, you’ll be experimenting with all kinds of fillings like tuna, crab, omelette or avocado pear. Read on to find out how to make maki. (more…)

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Blueberry muffins can be enjoyed as they are or in the American style, in which case you could serve them with butter and tea for breakfast. This recipe allows for six muffins and requires egg, butter, caster sugar, sour cream, flour, salt, baking powder and frozen blueberries. Preparation time is a quarter of an hour and baking time is 25 minutes. You will need a muffin tin which should be well buttered or greased so that the muffins don’t stick. (more…)

Photo: Ben Dodson / Flickr

Some risks are unique to an individual whereas others are applicable to everybody, like inflation and loss of income. When planning your budget, consider the risks that are most applicable to you and the extent of these risks. These risks may change over time with your circumstances, whether they are based on income or capital needs. Income needs exist over your lifetime and include disability, disease and unemployment. Capital needs are associated with death and include the cost of winding up your estate. (more…)

Photo: mroach / Flickr

You may have saved years for those two weeks overseas or your annual holiday may be something you look forward to all year – why throw it all away by not taking out travel insurance? If you get injured or something goes wrong during your holiday you could be paying for it for a long time if you are not properly covered. No matter how well planned your vacation, there are always things that are out of your control and travel insurance becomes your best friend when you find yourself with no baggage, delayed flights or in hospital. (more…)

Photo: Katie@! / Flickr

Wolves are often kept as exotic pets or as working animals in colder countries. The subject of keeping wolves as pets is a tricky one as the rules are blurry because of the large number of hybrid wolf/dog breeds out there. Are wolves still a beautiful predator or are they becoming a wilder version of man’s best friend? What does UK law say about keeping wolves as pets and why would you want one as a pet in any case? (more…)

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Cats make wonderful companions and they’re easy to keep, whether you live in a small apartment or a mansion. Besides being a friend for life, a cat is also good for you because it helps you to relax and can even have an effect on your blood pressure. Cats are also always full of surprises and very adaptable to new situations. What they need in return is a good diet, clean water and shelter, as well as plenty of play time. (more…)