Are you heading to D ?

 

Signs your relationship is heading for a divorce

1. Persistent Communication Breakdowns
   Constant misunderstandings, arguments, or a complete lack of meaningful conversation can signal deep-seated issues.
2. Emotional Distance
   Feeling like roommates rather than partners, with a noticeable lack of intimacy or emotional connection.
3. Frequent Criticism and Contempt
   Regularly criticising each other and showing contempt, such as sarcasm, eye-rolling, or mocking, can erode the relationship's foundation.
4. Unresolved Conflicts
   Recurrent arguments about the same issues without any resolution can indicate deeper incompatibilities.
5. Loss of Trust
   Trust is crucial in any relationship. If it's been broken and cannot be rebuilt, it may be a sign that the relationship is in trouble.
   
   
   
6. Different Life Goals
   Significant differences in future aspirations, such as career goals, lifestyle choices, or family planning, can create insurmountable divides.
7. Avoidance
   Preferring to spend time apart rather than together, whether through work, hobbies, or social activities, can indicate a desire to escape the relationship.
8. Lack of Support
   Feeling unsupported, whether emotionally, financially, or practically, can lead to feelings of isolation and resentment.
9. Financial Disagreements
   Constantly arguing about money, spending habits, or financial priorities can strain the relationship.
10. Infidelity
    Whether physical or emotional, infidelity can be a major breach of trust and a sign of deeper issues in the relationship.
11. Changes in Affection
    A noticeable decrease in affection, physical touch, or romantic gestures can indicate a loss of connection.
    
    
    

NEW YORK TIMES' 52 PLACES TO GO IN 2025

 

1.Jane Austen’s England

2.Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

3. New York City Museums

4. Assam, India

5. ‘White Lotus’ Thailand

6. Greenland

7. Aix-en-Provence, France

8. Sun Valley, Idaho

9. Lumbini, Nepal

10. Sydney, Australia

11. Coimbra, Portugal

12. Angola

13. Hamburg, Germany

14. Nicaragua

15. Dolomite Mountains, Italy

16. Asheville, N.C.

17. Magdalena River, Colombia

18. Los Cabos, Mexico

19. Alishan, Taiwan

20. Flow Country, Scotland

21. Kristiansand, Norway

22. Bukhara, Uzbekistan

23. Lexington and Concord, Mass.

24. Canfranc, Spain

25. Benin City, Nigeria

26. Amsterdam

27. New Orleans

28. Raja Ampat, Indonesia

29. Delphi, Greece

30. Toyama, Japan

31. French Basque Country

32. Kilifi, Kenya

33. British Virgin Islands

34. Lofoten Islands, Norway

35. East London

36. Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden

37. Kutaisi, Georgia

38. Osaka, Japan

39. Detroit

40. Trent-Severn Waterway, Ontario

41. Montserrat, Spain

42. Western Australia

43. Washington, D.C.

44. Nangma Valley, Pakistan

45. Sicily Divide Cycle Route

46. Ollantaytambo, Peru

47. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

48. Huangshan, China

49. Milan

50. Bulgaria

51. Rotterdam, the Netherlands

52. Montserrat, the Caribbean

Source: The New York Times 

Retirement Thoughts in Asia

 

When considering a retirement visa in Asia, several countries offer affordable options for British citizens, with varying requirements and living costs. 

Here are some of the more popular and cost-effective choices:

### 1. Thailand

   - Visa Type: Non-Immigrant O-A or O-X Visa.

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older, with proof of financial stability (either a bank deposit of 800,000 THB or a monthly income of 65,000 THB).

   - Cost of Living: Affordable living, especially outside major cities like Bangkok.

### 2. Malaysia

   - Visa Type: Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) Program.

   - Requirements: Must be at least 50 years old with an income of at least 10,000 MYR per month or liquid assets of 500,000 MYR for candidates under 50 years old.

   - Cost of Living: Generally affordable, with reasonably priced healthcare and housing.

### 3. Indonesia

   - Visa Type: Retirement Visa (B211A visa).

   - Requirements: Must be at least 55 years old, with proof of monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or savings of USD 18,000.

   - Cost of Living: Considered low-cost, especially in areas outside of Bali.

### 4. Philippines

   - Visa Type: Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV).

   - Requirements: Must be 50 years or older with a pension of at least USD 1,000 per month or a deposit of USD 20,000.

   - Cost of Living: Generally low, with many affordable options for accommodation and services.

### 5. Vietnam

   - Visa Type: Temporary Resident Visa (for long-term stays).

   - Requirements: While Vietnam does not have a specific retirement visa, options for long-term visas exist for individuals over 55 willing to meet certain requirements.

   - Cost of Living: Very affordable, especially in the countryside compared to major cities.

### Considerations

- Be sure to check the specific requirements and any changes to visa regulations, as immigration laws can change frequently.

- The overall cost of living in these countries can vary widely depending on lifestyle choices, location, and healthcare needs.

- It is advisable to consult with local embassies or immigration specialists for the most accurate and updated information before proceeding with your plans. 

By weighing the costs and benefits, you can find an option that fits your retirement needs and budget.

Info correct as of December 2024

London Overground

 From today, Monday 25 November, the London Overground lines have got new names.

Each of the six routes now have their own name and colour, helping to make the network easier to navigate and creating an identity that reflects London’s diverse history.



The line running:

• Between Romford and Upminster is the Liberty line and is grey
• From Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford is the Mildmay line and is blue
• Between Watford Junction and Euston is the Lioness line and is yellow
• Between Gospel Oak and Barking Riverside is the Suffragette line and is green
• From Highbury and Islington to Clapham Junction, New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon is the Windrush line and is red
• From Liverpool Street to Chingford, Enfield Town and Cheshunt is the Weaver line and is maroon   

Follow the right line and line colour for your journey. You can change to other lines where necessary, just like on the Tube.

For more information, including the new London Overground map, please visit the London Overground line naming webpage.

How to organise Fridge?

 Top shelf: Cured meats, leftovers, cream cakes

Middle shelf: Milk, eggs, cheese, butter, yoghurt

Bottom shelf: Raw meat, chicken, fish

Drawers: Fruits and vegetables (but not together)

Door rack: Condiments (maple syrup, mayonnaise, pesto, salad cream, tartare sauce)

Top 5 Regrets to avoid

 1. Not living for themselves

The most common regret of all was people wished they had the courage to live the life they wanted; rather than the life others expected of them. 

When people realised that their life was almost over, they were able to look back on it clearly and saw how many dreams went unfulfilled. 

Most people realised they hadn't accomplished even half of their dreams and died regretting the choices they made (or didn't make). 

2. Working too hard

The men in particular often expressed regret that they didn't spend more time with their spouse or children during their lifetime. 

Some women also spoke about this regret; however male patients had typically been breadwinners who spent much of their time at work, rather than with their families.

3. Holding things in

Many people revealed they had suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. 

As a result, they settled for a 'mediocre existence' and never reached their full potential.

4. Losing touch with friends

Many would only truly realise the full benefits of old friendships in their final few weeks, however it was not always possible to track them down at that point. 

People became so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years.

5. Not allowing themselves to be happy

Most people realised at the end that happiness was a choice. 

Fear of change made people to keep pretending to others, and to themselves, that they were content.

 When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.'

When you are dying, what others think of you doesn't even enter your mind. 

Life is a choice. 

It is YOUR life. 

Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

Types of Chair

 

Coffee Tips

 

Kitchen Tips

 

House Tips

 

Coveys Wisdom

In the realm of personal development and effectiveness, few books have made as profound an impact as Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” 

First published in 1989, this groundbreaking work offers a principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. Covey doesn’t just offer quick fixes; he delves deep into character ethics, presenting a holistic, integrated, and principle-centered approach for living a fulfilling life. 

Whether you’re navigating the complexities of the workplace, enhancing your personal relationships, or searching for a deeper sense of purpose, Covey’s seven habits provide a robust framework that encourages not just success, but also integrity and a balanced approach to life.

Summary of the 7 Habits:

Be Proactive: 

Embrace your responsibility to shape your own life. Recognize your freedom to choose your response to circumstances and take initiative to make positive changes.

Begin with the End in Mind: 

Define clear values and life goals. Envision what you aim to achieve in various roles of your life to ensure that your everyday actions align with your deeper values and long-term objectives.

Put First Things First: 

Prioritize tasks based on importance rather than urgency, focusing on what will make the most significant contribution to your goals and values.

Think Win-Win: 

Cultivate a mindset of mutual benefit in all interactions. By seeking agreements and solutions that are advantageous for all parties, you foster effective and enduring relationships.

Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood: 

Develop empathic listening to genuinely understand others before seeking to convey your own messages. This builds trust and opens the door for more meaningful and effective communication.

Synergize: 

Recognize and value the strengths and contributions of others, combining their strengths with your own to create outcomes that would not be possible individually.

 

Sharpen the Saw: 

Regularly renew yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually to maintain and enhance your effectiveness over the long term.

Stephen Covey’s “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” isn’t just a book; it’s a guide to a way of living that fosters personal integrity, effectiveness, and adaptive responsiveness to change. These habits are more than just a set of rules; they are a compass for a fulfilling and successful life, both personally and professionally. 

As we integrate these habits into our daily lives, we transform not only our own existence but also influence those around us, contributing to a more effective and empathetic world. 

Whether you’re a seasoned leader, a budding entrepreneur, or someone just embarking on your career journey, Covey’s timeless wisdom provides the tools to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.

Pack your Suitcase

 

How to pick perfect watermelon?

 

Falafel

 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (excluding soaking time)

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: Makes approximately 20 falafels

 

Ingredients:

 

1 cup dried chickpeas (soaked overnight, avoid canned chickpeas)

½ cup roughly chopped onion

1 cup roughly chopped parsley (about one large bunch)

1 cup roughly chopped cilantro (about one large bunch)

1 small green chile pepper (serrano or jalapeno)

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cardamom

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons chickpea flour (or other flour)

½ teaspoon baking soda

Oil for frying

 

Instructions:

 

• Soak Chickpeas: Place dried chickpeas in a bowl and cover with water. Allow them to soak overnight. Drain before using.
• Chop onion, parsley, cilantro, green chile pepper, and garlic cloves. In a food processor, combine soaked chickpeas, chopped onion, parsley, cilantro, green chile pepper, and garlic cloves. Pulse until finely minced.
• Add cumin, salt, cardamom, black pepper, chickpea flour, and baking soda to the mixture. Blend until well combined. Shape the mixture into small patties, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
• In a pan, heat oil for frying over medium heat. Carefully place falafel patties into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. Once fried, place falafel on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
• Serve falafel hot with your favourite sauce or in pita bread with veggies.

 

Pro Tips:

 

• Ensure chickpeas are thoroughly soaked for a smoother texture.
• Adjust spice levels by adding green chile pepper.
• Use a cookie scoop for uniform falafel patties.
• Test oil temperature by dropping a small piece of mixture; it should sizzle and float.
• Enjoy your homemade falafel! 

 

Cookies

 

Shortbread Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) vegan butter, softened
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, cream together softened vegan or butter of your choice and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Sift in the all-purpose flour and add a pinch of salt. Mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Roll each portion into a log shape, about 1.5 inches (4 cm) in diameter. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours until firm.
5. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
6. Slice the chilled dough into rounds, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) thick, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
8. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Optional: Dust the cooled cookies with powdered sugar for extra sweetness.