Stephanie Linus Daily

Author: stephanielinusdaily

  • How To Make Cucumber Juice

    Remember I once told you that I learn a lot from you in the comment section of this blog? Yes, I do!

    Some days ago, when I put up a post on the 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers, a reader mentioned that she makes cucumber juice. Now, this is something I’ve never done before so I did some research and found the recipe.

    Cucumbers are naturally high in vitamin C, vitamin K and potassium. Sometimes, you might have lots of them and won’t want them to get spoilt. One way to use up those extra cucumbers is in homemade cucumber juice, which you can use for mixed drinks or sauces or consume on its own. Many people add cucumber juice to their diets to improve the quality of their skin, nails, and hair, and when consumed regularly, the drink can help treat high blood pressure and kidney stones.

    So, join me and let’s learn how to make some cucumber juice. I got this from Wikihow:

    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    1. Peel your cucumbers. The skin of a cucumber is coated in a protective wax. While you can eat this coating without much problem, the wax will distort the texture of cucumber juice. You can accomplish this task by using either a potato peeler or a sharp knife with a smooth blade.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    2. Slice off the ends of your cucumbers using a sharp knife. The bottom and top stem are hard, inedible parts that you should not attempt to turn into juice.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    3. Chop the cucumbers into large chunks. The pieces can be up to 1 inch (2.54 centimeters) in height, width, and depth. Smaller pieces will also work, but you should avoid using pieces that are much bigger than that.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    4. Place the cucumber chunks into a food processor or blender. You should leave a couple of inches in between the top cucumber pieces and the rim of the machine. Do not fill the food processor to the top.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    5. Blend the cucumber pieces on a medium or high speed. Run the machine for approximately two minutes. The mixture should be pulpy, but it does not need to be smooth.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    6. Place a mesh strainer over a large bowl. The strainer should be small enough to fit inside the mouth of the bowl, but if possible, you should use a strainer with a wide enough rim to rest on top of the brim of the bowl. By resting the strainer on top of the bowl, you free up both hands.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    7. Place cheesecloth inside the strainer. The cloth will allow you to strain out more pulp. You can also line the strainer with coffee filters to create the same effect.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    8. Slowly pour the blended cucumbers through the strainer. Pour as much of the cucumber puree into the strainer as possible without causing the puree to overflow.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    9. Stir the puree with a rubber spatula or metal spoon, occasionally pressing down into the cheesecloth or mesh. By stirring the cucumbers, you encourage the juice to seep out and flow through the strainers, into the bowl. Continue stirring and pressing until no more juice comes out.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.
    10. Pour the cucumber juice into glasses, chill, and serve. You can also store fresh cucumber juice in a sealed container inside the refrigerator for one week.

    Simple, isn’t it? Remember, if you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender. There is also the option of mixing it with honey for a sweetened taste but I tend to prefer this one.

    Would you try this soon?

  • Be Enthusiastic

    Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait, the grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.

    Sometimes, we act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements of life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.

    Be enthusiastic about everything, life itself truly is a miracle.

    When you look at even the most mundane task with enthusiasm, you’ll increase your joy, get through it with ease and have more energy for everything else.

    Joy, happiness and enthusiasm are choices. Would you rather be miserable or would you prefer to live an awesome life?

  • Talk To Steph: My Genotype Dilemma

    I’m in love with this guy. We’ve been dating for a year now. I am 28 and he is 31. He hasn’t proposed yet but he is someone I really wish to spend the rest of my life with and we love each other so much.

    In the 10th month of our relationship, we discovered that we are both of the AS Genotype.

    He was the one who discovered it and we decided to end the relationship but it couldn’t work. We parted ways for some weeks and came back again because we couldn’t do without each other. Right now, I am still in the relationship with him.

    I love this guy so much, what should I do?

    I received the email above from a reader named Tayo. Through her words, I can see she is in a very difficult situation and must make a decision urgently. It is also a very delicate situation. Things could turn out good by God’s grace, or could turn out really, really ugly. Raising a child with Sickle Cell Anemia is one of the most challenging situations any family can go through. It gets really tough and the loss of a child is not something any parent should have to face.

    These are important things you must think about dear, and I pray God gives you the grace and strength to make the right decision.

    From the bottom of my heart, I wish you the very best.

    SL Fabz, kindly give her some advice in dealing with this situation. Do you know of any couple with AS Genotype who knowingly got married? How did it turn out for them?

    *Remember, if you have a challenge in your relationship that you need advice for, please send an email to info@stephaniedaily.com with the subject ‘Talk To Steph’

  • Why Team Strength Is Important For Good Results

    The difference between success and failure is a great team.

    No man is an island and that’s a fact. Every successful person, everyone who has achieved any goal in life whether big or small has done so with the support of others.

    This is especially true for business owners and professionals in high organisational levels. The best way to build a company with great success and scale is to build a great team.

    Of course, I’m not saying there are certain things you can’t do alone. But there are a lot more things you can do better with your team. And when I say team, I don’t mean just your professional team or your sub-ordinates at work. Your team members could comprise of your loyal driver who always comes to work on time, your dependable wife/husband who is always there with great advice, your domestic staff who relieves you of the household chores or your mother who is always there to help out with the kids. It could also be your friend who lets you borrow her car whenever you are in need, your sales girl at your shop who takes care of business in your absence….

    For those who try to tough it out alone, it can be a difficult battle. Everyone needs someone to help out with tasks you cannot do for yourself. Delegating work to others or giving someone else a responsibility does not mean you are not capable enough to handle it, but means you have reached a point where you have to focus your attention on other bigger things.

    Many times I have tried to start projects but I’m limited because I don’t have a team for that particular project. Other times, I have had the zeal to go forward with new projects because I have competent people on my team who help in bringing them to reality.

    Team work is a give or take situation. Sometimes, you could be the one on other people’s team, helping them achieve their dreams and at other times, you could be the one bringing them together for your ideas. Whatever side you are on, carry out your responsibilities with zeal.

    My wish for you today is that you find competent people who will make your dreams come true just like you help others bring their dreams to life?

    Appreciate someone today. Who is that important person who helps you out at home or at work in making your life balanced? Remember, no one’s input is too little.

  • 5 Helpful Tips For A Successful First Day At Work

    I know someone who will be resuming a new job today and when I called to wish him good luck, he asked me for some tips on getting through this day.

    I shared a few tips with him and thought it would be nice to bring them here too.

    The first day at a new job comes with its own kind of nervousness, no matter how qualified you are for the post. But most importantly, it is an important day for making the right impression.

    1. Arrive Early & Leave Late
    Being on time to work is expected. Arriving a bit earlier than your co-workers is recommended if you want to make a strong impression. To help get you to work on time, know your route and how long it will take you to get to the office. Also be sure to be one of the last people to leave on that first day. You’ll be able to get a better feel for the office culture.

    2. Have A Positive Attitude
    In all situations, nothing works better than having and expressing a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organization show to everyone you interact with. And always leave non-work problems at home.

    3. Dress The Part
    This might be just a case of checking what the dress code is, if there is one. You certainly want to be well presented as it’ll give you a confidence boost and help you impress all the new colleagues you’re going to be meeting. You’re representing yourself, your team and your new company, so be smart about it.

    4. Ask for help
    It’s tempting to want to prove your competence the first days on the job. But no matter how skilled and knowledgeable you are, you won’t have all the answers. Rather than complete a job incorrectly, ask your co-workers and colleagues for help when you need it. No one expects you to know everything, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

    5. Set Long Term Goals
    If you suddenly find yourself without work on that first day, don’t start updating your Facebook page. Actively seek out something helpful to do, either for your boss or your co-workers. You might even get a lunch invitation or make new friends out of it.

    To anyone starting a new job today or anytime soon, I wish you the very best!

    SL Fabz, do you have any tips to add to this?

  • This Song Gave Me Goosebumps

    I just discovered another lovely Acapella group!

    Their name is Bassless and their cover of this popular classic song – Have I Told You Lately That I Love You just gave me goosebumps.

    Their harmonies are amazing and their voices blend perfectly.

    It’s a beautiful Sunday and I promise you, your day will be even more beautiful after watching this video. Check it out:

  • These Three Things…

    And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. – 1 Corinthians 13:13

    This is one favourite Bible verse among a lot of Christians, containing three important things we need to live by.

    Faith, by which we apprehend spiritual blessings, and walk with God. Hope, by which we view and expect eternal blessedness, and pass through things temporal so as not to lose those which are eternal. Love, by which we show forth the virtues of the grace which we receive by faith in living a life of obedience to God, and of good will and usefulness to man.

    The greatest of these remains love. Love to our fellow man, love to our family, even love to those who least expect it. Sadly, love is also misunderstood in our world. It has been distorted, redefined, and perverted so that all manner of vices are described as love.

    What is your definition of love?

  • Happy Mother’s Day

    When you feel you are alone in the crowd,
    When you think no one can understand you,
    When your love is rejected by others,
    & when you hate your Life,
    Just close your eyes, & see, her face who loves you
    more than any one else,
    who cares for you in loneliness,
    & dies when you cry.
    She is number one, your sweet loving mother.
    A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking,
    It never fails nor falters, even though the heart is breaking
    No matter how old you get, a mother’s love is still a real comfort.
    Happy Mother’s Day!

    What does your mother mean to you?

  • Help Me Pick A Dress

    It’s a bright sunny day and I’m in the mood for wearing something floral and breezy.

    I have this white pair of sandals and I’m fond of wearing them often with leggings. But I’d like to change thing up a bit and pair it with a dress.

    So, do you think this Carrie printed boat neck dress will do:

    printed dress 1

    Or the Mahaut sleeveless striped tank top & Eleta striped asymmetric maxi skirt

    Dress 2

    I love both dresses but I can’t seem to pick one. Which should I go for?

    Photo Credit: Bergdorfgoodman.com

  • 5 Healthy Reasons Why You Should Eat Cucumbers

    Whether you add cucumber slices to your salad, toss them in your smoothie or take them as a snack, cucumbers help keep you full without ruining your diet.

    But not only are they satisfying, they are also great for your body. Here are some impressive health benefits of cucumbers:

    Cucumber Rehydrates The Body
    If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water loss.

    Freshen Your Breath
    Placing a cucumber slice on the roof of your mouth may help to rid your mouth of odor-causing bacteria. According to the principles of Ayurveda, eating cucumbers may also help to release excess heat in your stomach, which is said to be a primary cause of bad breath

    Fight Cancers
    Cucumber are known to contain lariciresinol, pinoresinol, and secoisolariciresinol. These three lignans have a strong history of research in connection with reduced risk of several cancer types, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer and prostate cancer.

    Packed with Vitamins
    Cucumbers are rich in most essential vitamins that the body needs. They contain vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and gives the body more energy and a youthful glow.

    Good For Diabetics
    Patients of diabetes can enjoy cucumber while also reaping its health benefits. Cucumber contains a hormone needed by the cells of the pancreas for producing insulin.

    Protect Your Brain
    Cucumbers contain an anti-inflammatory flavonol called fisetin that appears to play an important role in brain health. In addition to improving your memory and protecting your nerve cells from age-related decline, fisetin has been found to prevent progressive memory and learning impairments in mice with Alzheimer’s disease.

    Good For Weight Watchers
    Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them ideal for those who want to lose a few pounds. They are also high in fiber that aids digestion and can be a cure for constipation.

    Do you know of any other health benefits of eating cucumber? Do you eat cucumber often?