Author Archives: Ana

Setting your Financial Priorities

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1. Focus you objectives. Identify your financial goals concisely. This means understand clearly why they are important for you and define which ones come first.

2. Keep your attention on the goals that matter. Place the less urgent expenses last.

3. Be prepared for conflicts that arise from your goals. Keep in mind which will create larger benefits and create less harm to you and those around you.

4. Place time to your advantage. It is extremely important to reach your goals in time. Money invested in intelligent stocks or place in interest-earning savings accounts can contribute to your success. Here’s another great tip: younger people may take greater risks since their investment horizon is longer.

5. Choose wisely. Pick financial goals that will make you feel secure, fulfilled and happy.

6. Always include family members. If you are married or have children, make them part of the goal-setting process. This way, everyone is informed and you can work as a team to accomplish your objectives.

7. Start today. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to achieve your dreams.

Meditation: An easy way to reduce stress

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Meditation can erase the day’s stress, bringing with it peace for the mind. In this blog we will share with you how you can easily practice meditation whenever you need it most.

If you have been feeling tense, anxious or worried, consider trying meditation. It is a tool very helpful to find inner peace. Almost anyone can practice meditation. It can be done practically anywhere and anytime since it doesn’t require any special equipment or talent.

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years. It originated with the purpose of deepening the understanding of the mystical and sacred forces of life. Today, it is carried out by millions of people all over the world who are looking to find relaxation, balance, spirituality or even something as common as stress reduction.

It is also considered in some cases a practice complementary to medicine since it provides tranquility and relaxation which can result in improved emotional and physical well-being.

Additional benefits to meditation are self-awareness, a new perspective on stressful situations, increased focus on the present and reduction of negative emotions.

Releasing your grown child into adulthood

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One of the hardest tasks assigned to mothers and fathers is releasing grown children and launching them into the outside world, adulthood. The unwillingness and inability of parents to release their grown children and allow them to live their own lives is a hard but natural feeling. As a matter of fact, most parents have trouble adapting to this new direction in their children`s growth process mainly because they have been responsible for their lives and choices for a huge chunk of their lives. The best advice we can give you is: let go. No matter how strange, emotional and tough the process is, understand that growing up and moving on is a normal part of life.

Your children will most likely recognize, appreciate and take care of the responsibilities of the out world. Remember you have provided him or her with tools for many years to face all sorts of challenges. Also keep in mind you probably tried your best. In order for the child to continue learning, growing and become a successful and balance adult, he or she needs independence. If you are honest with yourself, you might even realize that the reason why you might be for constant control over the child, dependence or personal insecurities.

Give yourself the opportunity to adapt, understand and live these new changes. At the same time trust your child and good work for many years. When you least expect it you will notice how well both of you are once the rough child releasing process is over.

Boredom: Danger to Energetic Kids and Teenagers

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The best piece of advice any parent can get is that any strong willed child or teenager simply must be kept busy, engaged and entertained. Large quantities of unstructured time tend to result in problems because he will find destructive things to do.

Get your child involved in all sorts of programs. Whether it is into art, sports or a religious group, help him find activities which incentivize creativity, health and psychological growth.

Listen to your instincts. If you feel like your child or teenager is spending too much time in front of the TV, playing computer games or on the phone, find out what outdoor activities he can enjoy. Without making it seem like you are pressuring, suggest options and offer support. Most of the time the solution is a matter of finding the right activity according to the kid`s personality.

If after several attempts to engage your child in other things to do, you do not succeed, do not panic or let him know how frustrated you are. This will only be counterproductive. Do a little bit more research with friends and simply spend more time together. This will help create a healthy relationship where communication will be key in figuring out what sort of activities will motivate his curiosity.

Guidelines for Driving Safely

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Driving is a skill that requires practice and knowledge of road rules. No matter how long you have been doing it, it is always something that must be done with care and attention to avoid tragic accidents.
There are several basic guidelines that must always be taken into consideration when driving. In this blog, we will share them with you. Remember that driving safely is an easy way of showing those riding with how much you care.

  • Drive respectfully and passively giving others the opportunity to transit. This type of behavior encourages order and promotes good driving practices.
  • Always wear your seatbelt when driving and remind others to do the same. In case of a strong collision, this simple yet important element can make a difference between life and death.
  • If driving with children, always place them securely on the back seat and teach them how to behave inside the vehicle.
  • Respect speed limits. Racing or rushing to get to your destination is a dumb way to easily crash or get a speeding ticket.
  • Last but not least, always check your vehicle before hitting the road. Also, give your car the proper maintenance every couple of kilometers or months to keep it in optimal conditions. Technical issues and unfortunate happenings can be avoided with these preventive measures.

How to Improve your Quality of Sleep

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Proper sleep, in a comfortable and profound way is absolutely necessary and possible. It is essential in maintaining good mental and physical balance, as well as providing the right tools we all need to wake up fresh and ready to face the tasks of a new day.

Make an effort and follow these tips which will help you fall asleep easier and sleep well all night:

  • Do not sleep during the day. Taking naps will cause you to loose valuable sleep when you are ready to rest at the end of the day.
  • Exercise daily during the morning. Do not practice strong physical routines before bedtime since this can accelerate the time and make it difficult to go to sleep.
  • Avoid drinking caffeine. If you choose to do so, only do it in the morning (before noon) and in limited quantities.
  • When you can, take a walk during the daylight hours. This will keep you stay energized and happy in order to later relax and rest.
  • Avoid heavy meals at night and never go to bed hungry. A small, healthy snack will do the trick if very hungry.
  • Try getting up and going to bed at the same time every day. Forming a habit will help you sleep better.
  • Quit smoking and stop drinking.
  • Keep your room under optimal conditions, i.e. without noise, at a confortable temperature and block annoying lights.
  • Generate a routine before bedtime such as brushing teeth and taking a bath right before lying in bed. A hot bath will help you relax and get in the mood to go to sleep.

Reasons why you should eat organic products

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Research has shown that eating foods free of harmful chemicals can reduce the chances of getting future illnesses such as cancer.

Crops with agronomic industry toxic soil erode at an accelerating rate (7 times faster) compared to natural soil.

Chemical residues alter the quality of the water we drink regularly. Protect it!

Those who harvested organic products tend to save energy because in most cases it is produced locally. Others use much more fuel to produce and distribute non-organic products.

You’ll avoid health problems from exposure to the workers who grow and are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals.

Organic agriculture reduces global warming by using carbon return techniques.

Thousands of animal species die from sprayed agrochemicals on the vegetation they eat.

Every time we buy or consume a product, we are supporting the type of power or society we want for the future. Make the right choice.

An organic product undoubtedly has better taste, is nutritionally more balance and has more nutrients.

The Nogbe-Bugle or Ngäbe-Bugle Territory in Panama

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Ngäbe-Bugle is the name of a region of the Republic of Panama. It was created in 1997 from land in the provinces of Bocas del Toro, Chiriqui and Veraguas. Its capital is Tugrí Llano (Buabidi). The region is inhabited by the ethnic group Ngäbe and Bugle in an area of 6,968 km2 in western Panama. It is also crossed from west to east along the Central Cordillera, which divides into two main regions: the Atlantic or Caribbean region.

The Ngobe-Bugle is divided into the following Districts:

Kankintú, Kusapín, Besiko, Mironó, Nole Duima, Munaand Nurun.

This territory is subdivided into the following three regions: No Kribo, (bordering Bocas del Toro); Nidrini (bordering Chiriqui) and Kadriri, (bordering Veraguas). Its structure is headed by the General Congress which is headed by a General Chief and Regional Chiefs.

Its inhabitants live scattered in small communities located mainly in the Calovebora River and its surroundings.

This part of the country is believed to have the most populous indigenous group in Panama. Their families are based on a polygamous marriage, where the man may have various wives living together. Women wear dresses which resemble a large plain colored gown with geometric shapes in the chest area, sleeves and waist and the bottom area.

El Valle de Anton

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El Valle is a picturesque mountain town located only two hours from Panama City. It is the perfect spot to escape from the noise, fast speed and heat of the city. Officially known as El Valle de Anton, this place has a geologically unique setting. It is a valley nestled in the second largest volcano crater in the world. El Valle is surrounded by pointy mountain peaks and rich volcanic soil, ideal for rich fauna and flora which develops in a near perfect year round fresh climate.

There are first-rate roads from Panama City to El Valle (take the inter-American highway and turn left about one and a half hours away from the city. Once in El Valle you will be able to move around by taxis that constantly cruise the main road and will take you around town for a reasonable fare.

El Valle has all sorts of lodging options for every budget from hostels to small boutique hotels.

We recommend that you visit El Valle Gourmet and Coffee Shop for some coffee with dessert in charming garden setting or a quick easy to go sandwich.

El Valle is the perfect weekend getaway or day trip from Panama City. Some of its principal attractions are panoramic mountain views, a varied colorful open market, extreme sports, forest nature tours, horseback riding, a tropical zoo, bird watching and hot springs.

This market at El Valle is one of the top in the country featuring a variety of handicrafts including decorated trays carved from local hardwoods and baskets. Right next to the artisan area are the stands selling local fruits, vegetables, and all sorts of plants for very good prices.

Lentil and Vegetable Vegetarian “Meatballs”

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Being a vegetarian does not have to symbolize limited food choices. In fact, in most supermarkets today there are all kinds of food fit for this lifestyle. Through tools like the Internet or cookbooks, any vegetarian can eat healthily and enjoy a delicious variety of dishes.

In this blog we will share one of our favorite recipes on how to prepare delicious vegetable-based “meatballs” using lentils, a very common used ingredient in Panama.

If you are unsure whether you will like it or not, give it a try anyways. You might be pleasantly surprised by its original yet delightful taste.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (2 ¼ cups) of lentils, put to soak overnight
• 1 green plantain
• 2 medium sized chopped tomatoes
• 2 medium sized chopped onions
• thyme
• 1 medium chopped red bell pepper
• 2 crushed garlics
• 1 celery stem, chopped
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Small pieces of dry bread

Preparation

a) Cook the lentils in 4 cups water until tender for about 30 to 40 minutes.

b) Cook plantain in boiling water until soft, then crush (for this you can use a fork).

c) Mix all the ingredients in large bowl until the dough has a modable consistency. If mixture is too wet, add dry bread crumbs.

d) Shape the dough into what meatballs usually look like.

e) Finally fry in a little oil.

f) Enjoy!