Sunday, February 12, 2012

Decrease Your Debt



red purse with credit cards and a measuring tape around it 

 red purse with credit cards and a measuring tape around it
By Mary Hunt

It's the new year, which means it's time to take a deep breath and pay down your credit cards and other debt. Once you get started, you'll be happy you did. Photo by: Jenny Bowers

Prioritize credit card bills

The interest rate is what matters most when you're digging out of credit debt because that's what costs you more money in the long run. Pay off the highest-interest-rate card first, regardless of the balance, while also paying the minimum on your other cards, says Liz Weston, author of The 10 Commandments of Money. Once the highest-rate card is paid off, apply the same amount you'd been paying on it to the next-highest-rate card, and so on.

Give your cards a break

Tempting as it may be to keep charging, don't-not even for inexpensive stuff. "Charges add up faster than you realize, so leave the credit cards at home," says financial planner Harrine Freeman, author of How to Get Out of Debt. "Pay in cash only until you wipe out the debt." But don't cancel your cards, even if you have several. "Closing them lowers your available credit, which could negatively affect your credit score," says Weston.

Refinance your car loan

Don't waste time asking your lender for a better interest rate. Odds are they won't knock it down. Your best bet? Look into refinancing, especially if rates have dropped since you bought the car and your FICO score has gone up. "If your credit standing is better now, it will help you get a much lower rate, perhaps even low single digits," says Greg McBride, CFA, senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com.

Follow the 1/12 rule

Here's how to pay off your mortgage faster: Each month, when you make your regular mortgage payment, add an extra 1/12 of that amount and designate it as "Principal Only." At the end of one year, you'll have made 13 monthly payments. This cuts five years and two months from a $160,000 30-year 5.5% fixed-rate mortgage, saving you $33,102.85 in interest! (First, check that your lender accepts principal prepayments.)

Find a debt buddy

"Each week, check in with a friend who is also trying to get her financial house in order," says financial coach Glinda Bridgforth, author of Girl, Get Your Credit Straight! "It's a great way to get advice and encouragement."

Consolidate!

Save money paying interest on your debt by transferring all your credit card balances to one 0% APR introductory card. But keep in mind that you'll have to pay off the balance in full before the intro period ends, or else you'll be hit with a high interest rate.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

5 Signs You're Burned Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SavvySugar

As savvy, young business women, we're constantly on the go, but sometimes too much hard work can lead to signs of burning out. These telltale signs are your body's way of trying to get you to slow down and pay attention. It's a new month, so do yourself and your workplace a favor by taking heed to avoid a total meltdown. These five solutions will have you back on your feet and feeling back to normal in no time.

  • You Are Always Late: The problem: You worked late last night, so it was difficult to get up when your alarm clock sounded in the morning. Next thing you know, you're scrambling and usually arrive late.
    The solution: Even if your company is in its busy season (with long overtime hours), try to get out of the office at a reasonable hour. Or talk to your boss about creating a rotating schedule, so the company is covered at all times without you having to work a crazy 12-hour-plus day.
  • Your Desk Is a Mess: The problem: You barely have time to get up for a coffee refill, so odd papers and stuff pile up.
    The solution: Before you start any of your work in the morning, give yourself 10 to 15 minutes to clear off your desk. You'll find yourself able to concentrate better when your desk is neat and orderly.
  • You Forget to Eat Lunch: The problem: You're crunching away at your desk, when suddenly you feel woozy and realize it's 3 p.m. and you still haven't eaten.
    The solution: Sometime between noon and 2 pm. force yourself to step away from your desk and take care of your body. Your body and brain need protein to fuel your work efforts. Even 15 minutes away from your desk will do wonders for your mental health.
  • You're Struggling to Complete Assignments: The problem: Computers often can be your worst enemy when trying to complete an assignment. Emails, IMs, and your ever-updating news feed can keep you distracted from the work at hand.
    The solution: Set yourself up with minideadlines to finish assignments. Take a brief look at the header of an email and, unless it requires immediate attention, wait to respond until your assignment at hand is completed.
  • Your Head Feels Foggy: The problem: You've lost your vigor and motivation, and it's hard for you to stay focused.
    The solution: It might be time for you to take a vacation day. Recharging your batteries will help you come back to work more invigorated and ready to take on challenging assignments.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

5 myTh abOuT gArDENiNg~

 Whether you are new to gardening or old-hat, there are plenty of myths out there that need to be squelched. Here are 5 myths about gardening I've found from reputable sources online. Feel free to comment on them or pass them on to other friends and family members who might believe these myths. 




1. More fertilizer is better
Plants can only absorb so much fertilizer at a time. Any excess amount will be washed away and either end up providing nutrition to nearby weeds or leaching into the water table. Gardens located near ponds and streams are often the cause of an abundance of algae, due to the fertilizer used. When it rains, excess fertilizer ends up in ponds and the perfect environment is created for algae to bloom in full force. These algae blooms suffocate the fish and other life within the pond. Use only the directed amount of fertilizer on plants and follow instructions closely when mixing water-soluble fertilizers. 

2. Piling mulch against tree trunks is best for the tree
Mulch should be placed at least a couple of inches away from the tree trunk. Bark is there to protect the tree, but it doesn't do very well when it is constantly moist. When mulch is layered thickly right against the tree bark, moisture is trapped. Create a donut shape around the tree to allow mulch to be beneficial without harming the tree itself. 

3. Bleach is great for sterilizing gardening tools
Bleach is sold in plastic containers for a reason. It is an oxidizing agent, which means it is very corrosive on metal items. If you are looking for a way to disinfect your pruning tools without causing them to rust, use rubbing alcohol, Listerine, or Pine-Sol. Not only will these help disinfect your gardening tools, but they also won't harm you or your plants if traces are left on the tools when it comes time to use them. 


Roses Garden 3


4. Plant tags are always accurate when it states the final size of a tree or shrub
Even dwarf varieties of trees have the potential to surpass what is supposed to be their top height at maturity. Keep this in mind when planting trees or shrubs close to your house. If you are expecting a tree to only grow to a height of 5 feet and it ends up being closer to 10, you might have trouble with the root system damaging the foundation of your home. Assume the final height of a tree or shrub is going to be at least 2 to 3 feet more than what the tag suggests. 

5. Watering the lawn at night is better than watering it in the morning
A popular belief about watering the lawn is that it's best to water it at night so the grass has a longer time to absorb the moisture. In fact, allowing your lawn to remain in this moist, dark environment all night long enables fungal pathogens to thrive. It's best to water the lawn early in the morning so it has all day to dry out. 

Roses Garden 2

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

IsRa'AnD MikRaJ .......................

para pembaca yang dikasihi,

Setiap bulan dalam  kalendar Islam mempunyai keistimewaan tersendiri. Umpamanya bulan Ramadan dengan arahan wajib berpuasa dan dikurniakan satu malam yang dinamakan ‘Lailatul Qadar’. Demikian pula bulan Zulhijjah umat islam diseru menunaikan haji  di Mekah. Kemudian terdapat ibadat korban yang besar pahalanya. Rabiul Awal pula mencatat sejarah besar dengan kelahiran junjungan Nabi Muhamad saw.
Bulan Rejab juga sarat dengan peristiwa besar yang menguji keimanan umat Islam. Peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj yang berlaku pada Rasulullah saw sesungguhnya menguji keyakinan umat Islam ketika itu.  Peristiwa yang berlaku ke atas Rasulullah saw itu dianggap  tidak masuk akal oleh golongan kafir dan munafik pada masa itu. Malah ia turut diragui oleh sebilangan umat Islam yang tipis imannya. Peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj memang menakjubkan, yang berlaku pada malam 27 Rejab, tahun ke-11 daripada kerasulan Nabi Muhammad saw. Peristiwa besar ini amat luar biasa yang dialami oleh Nabi saw dan dianggap sebagai satu anugerah daripada Allah swt. Ini sebagai tanda keagungan dan kebesaranNya. Peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj juga sebagai satu anugerah tertinggi yang hanya dikurniakan kepada junjungan Nabi saw – ianya tidak dikurnaiakan kepada makhluk lain sama ada malaikat, jin atau manusia.
Pada bulan Rejab, selepas 11 tahun baginda saw dilantik sebagai Rasul, disifatkan oleh ahli sejarah sebagai ‘Amulhuzn’ (tahun dukacita) bagi Rasulullah. Ini berikutan baginda saw telah ditimpa  dua musibah berturut-turut. Baginda telah kehilangan dua insan tersayang; iaitu kewafatan Siti Khadijah, isteri tercinta. Kemudian Nabi saw menerima musibah dengan kematian bapa saudara baginda, Abu Talib. Kedua-dua insan ini banyak membantu Nabi saw dalam usaha meyebarkan syiar Islam. Sanggup menghadapi ancaman dan cabaran daripada kafir Quraisy. Sanggup bersusah-payah dan menghadapi serba kemungkinan dan fitnah jahat daripada penentang Islam.
Demikianlah Allah swt telah menghiburkan Nabi saw dengan peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj – membasuh kedukaan dan kenestapaan yang bersarang di hati Rasulullah.  Israk bererti perjalanan Nabi saw dari Masjidil Haram di Mekah ke Masjidil Aqsa di Baitul Maqdis di Palestin. Peristiwa ini dirakamkan dalam al-Quran, sepertimana firman Allah yang bermaksud:
            “Maha suci Allah yang telah menperjalankan hamba-Nya (Muhammad) pada malam hari dari Masjidil Haraam (di Mekah) ke Masjidil Aqsa (di Palestin), yang Kami berkati sekelilingnya, untuk memperlihatkan kepadanya tanda-tanda (kekuasaan dan kebesaran) Kami. Sesunguhnya Allah jualah yang Maha Mendengar lagi Maha Mengetahui.” (Q.S. Al-Israa’:1)
Mikraj pula bermaksud perjalanan baginda saw dari Masjidil Aqsa ke Sidratulmuntaha di langit ketujuh, sebagaimana digambarkan dalam al—Quran yang bermaksud:
            “Dan demi sesungguhnya! (Nabi saw) telah melihat (malaikat Jibril dalam bentuk rupanya yang asal) sekali lagi di sisi Sidartulmuntaha; yang di sisinya terletak syurga Jannatul-Makwa. Nabi Muhammad melihat Jibril dalam bentuk rupanya yang asal pada kali ini ialah) semasa Sidratulmuntaha itu diliputi oleh makhluk-makhluk dari alam-alam ghaib, yang tidak terhingga. Penglihatan (Nabi Muhammad) tidak berkisar daripada menyaksikan dengan tepat (akan pemendangan yang indah di situ yang diizinkan melihatnya), dan tidak pula melampaui batas. Demi sesungguhnya ia telah melihat sebahagian dari sebesar-besar tanda-tanda (yang membuktikan luasnya pemerintahan dan kekuasaan) Tuhan-Nya.” (Q.S. An-Najm: 13-18)
Semasa dalam perjalanan israk dan mikraj ini Nabi saw telah diperlihatkan dengan pelbagai peristiwa suka dan duka; menghibur dan menakutkan silih berganti. Nabi saw diiringi oleh Malaikat Jibril  sepanjang peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj ini (kecuali ketika Rasullah saw ke SidratulMuntaha bertemu Allah swt)). Nabi saw ditunjukkan pelbagai bentuk penyeksaan ketika meninjau neraka. Misalnya Nabi saw diperlihatkan kepada satu kaum yang memecahkan sendiri kepala mereka dengan batu besar, pecah dan kemudian bertaut kembali seperti sediakala. Ini  adalah hukuman bagi mereka yang ingkar mengerjakan solat. Nabi juga melihat seksaan terhadap pemakan riba, penzina, pengumpat, pembuat fitnah dan lain-lain. Ini semua memberi peringatan agar kita menjauhinya semasa di dunia ini.
Nabi juga melihat keseronokan dan kesukaan mereka yang berada di dalam syurga. Nabi tercium bau yang semerbak daripada Mashitah, tukang sisir rambut anak Firaun.  Nabi juga melihat sekumpulan orang yang tidak putus-putus menuai hasil (tanaman)- menandakan bahawa  balasan bagi mereka yang suka menderma dan bersedekah semasa hayat mereka. Peristiwa besar dalam Israk dan Mikraj ini ialah apabila Rasulullah saw menerima perintah mengerjakan solat. Berbeza dengan ibadat lain seperi puasa, haji, zakat, ibadat solat diterima secara langsung daripada Allah swt.
Sesungguhnya peristiwa yang berlaku ke atas Nabi saw ini mencetuskan kontroversi di kalangan  masyarakat Arab pada masa itu. Mereka tidak yakin dengan cerita Rasullah diisrak dan dimikrajkan dalam masa semalaman sahaja. Mereka menganggap itu hanyalah khayalan belaka. Bahkan tidak lebih daripada  mainan mimpi. Malah bagi mereka yang sedia memusuhi baginda saw terus melemparkan tohmahan mengatakan: Muhammad sudah gila! Mana mungkin pada akal mereka, perjalanan dari Mekah ke Palestin dengan kenderaan unta mengambil masa selama sebulan, boleh dilakukan oleh Nabi hanya semalaman sahaja.  Begitu juga mereka juga menolak dakwaan Nabi saw naik ke langit juga pada malam yang sama. Mereka memperolok-olokkan baginda saw dengan pelbagai ejekan. Mereka menolak mentah-mentah apa yang Nabi ceritakan.
Bagi orang-orang Arab yang memang menentang Nabi saw, mereka menjaja ke merata tempat peristiwa yang dianggap ganjil ini. Bagi mereka yang mula menunjukkan minat agama yang dibawa Muhammad saw, mula menjauhkan diri. Mereka yang lemah iman pula terus tertewas dan kembali kepada agama asal .Namun bagi mereka yang kuat iman, tetap tidak berganjak dan tetap mengakui kebenaran Muhammad saw. Saidina Abu Bakar sendiri tanpa ragu-ragu mengiakan apa yang Nabi saw alami. Justeru beliau digelar asSidiq (benar).
Sesungguhnya dengan kuasa Allah dan kehendakNya apa sahaja boleh berlaku. Nabi saw menggunakan kenderaan Buraq (sepantas kilat) dalam peristiwa Israk dan Mikraj ini. Sekiranya ia berlaku pada zaman ini, mungkin tidak siapa yang menganggap ia suatu yang mustahil. Dengan menggunakan kenderaan moden serta canggih seperti yang terdapat masa kini, beritahu sahaja ke mana sahaja ceruk rantau kita jelajahi tetap dipercayai, sekiranya kita berkemampuan. Dengan kemahuan dan keupayaan kita  boleh sampai ke bulan atau lain-lain planet, juga menjejak kaki ke mana-mana sahaja yang kita hajati.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

3 Ways to Ace a Job Interview

 

Our experts show you how to make the perfect impression and score your dream job.

1. "The interview starts the moment you enter the building," says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in Manhattan. Don't crack gum in the elevator, and be nice to the assistant, who may speak up if you're not.

2. Don't use an interview to find out about the company's basic products and services, which you should research in advance. Instead, "prepare questions about the company's culture and its most pressing business challenges," says career consultant Nancy Collamer.

3. "Sometimes it's more compelling to show people what you've done," suggests Collamer. If you edited an online newsletter at your former job, print out a copy; if you organized a successful fund-raiser, bring promotional materials or a few photos in a binder.

After you're done: Always send a handwritten thank-you note immediately after an interview, but "don't be canned," cautions Safani.

terimalah aku seadanya..sememangnya aku tiada apa-apa :P

Aku pandang kedalam mata tuamu..Disitu ada resah,ada rindu,ada sayang,juga ada marah..Aku pandang pada kedut diwajahmu..Disitu ada alur airmata duka,juga gembira

Bonda,
Aku ingin jadi yg terbaik tapi selalunya terbalik..Aku ingin jadi yg terhebat ,tapi selalunya aku tak larat..Aku ingin berikan kau senyuman ,tapi selalunya kau terima kedukaan

Bonda,
Berikan aku peluang utk aku buktikan..Aku mampu menggalas segala bebanan..Aku mampu mengharungi setiap cubaan..Aku mampu jadi insan cemerlang,gemilang & terbilang.

MuSiBaH MaTinyA hAtI >>> rEnUNgKaNlAH~

KEHADIRAN bulan Safar al-Khair mengimbau kembali kisah kegeringan Rasulullah SAW sebelum menghembuskan nafasnya yang terakhir pada 12 Rabiulawal. Jika Rasulullah SAW itu adalah kekasih dan keutamaan kita, maka sudah tentu saat-saat yang memilukan itu menarik perhatian dan perasaan kita.
Sesungguhnya kewafatan Rasulullah SAW adalah musibah terbesar bagi umat Islam sehingga terdapat ulama yang menulis buku khusus mengenai musibah kewafatan Rasulullah. Setelah kewafatan Baginda, ada yang masih lemah imannya menjadi murtad, tidak mahu menunaikan zakat dan berpecah belah. Sesungguhnya inilah musibah terbesar yang pernah menimpa sahabat-sahabat Baginda. Hanya kekentalan iman menjadi penyelamat ketika itu.
Hari ini, umat Islam ditimpa musibah yang tidak kurang besarnya iaitu matinya hati. Pelbagai peringatan yang diberikan tetapi bak mencurah air di daun keladi. Inilah penyakit hati yang dikhuatiri oleh Rasulullah akan berlaku ke atas umatnya. Inilah kematian yang paling sukar untuk dipastikan kerana tidak ditandai dengan kain kapan putih ataupun batu nisan.
Apa pun, selaku insan yang sentiasa menginsafi diri, kita masih boleh menghisab diri, apakah musibah ini telah mengenai diri kita atau kita termasuk di kalangan mereka yang terselamat. Terdapat tiga tanda yang digariskan oleh ulama iaitu, tidak merasa sedih apabila tidak berkesempatan melakukan amal ketaatan, tidak menyesal apabila terlanjur melakukan dosa dan suka bersahabat dengan orang-orang yang lalai dan telah mati hatinya. Inilah alamat ringkas yang diletakkan oleh Syeikh Ibnu ‘Atoillah dalam kalam hikmahnya.
Maka dapat difahami bahawa keriangan dan kegembiraan seseorang kerana ketaatan yang dilakukannya dan kesedihan seseorang disebabkan maksiat yang dilakukannya merupakan tanda hidupnya hati seseorang. Rasulullah SAW telah bersabda:
“Sesiapa yang digembirakan oleh kebaikannya dan disedihkan oleh kejahatannya, maka dia adalah orang mukmin.” (riwayat Imam Ahmad, Tirmizi dan al-Hakim)
Namun, ini bukanlah kegembiraan yang bercampur dengan perasaan ‘ujub. Orang yang bersifat ‘ujub hanya memandang kepada daya dan kekuatannya dan lupa tentang anugerah Allah dalam mengurniakan taufik dan hidayah kepadanya. Hendaklah kita menjauhi sifat ‘ujub kerana ia boleh menghapuskan pahala amal-amal yang dilakukan. Begitu juga perasaan riak.
Amal kebaikan merupakan tanda keredaan Allah dan keredaan-Nya membawa kepada kegembiraan. Manakala amal kejahatan merupakan tanda kemurkaan Allah dan kemurkaan-Nya membawa kepada kesedihan. Sesiapa yang diredai oleh Allah, maka Allah mengizinkannya untuk melakukan amal soleh. Sesiapa yang dimurkai oleh Allah, maka Allah meninggalkannya dan membiarkannya berada dalam kelalaian dan kehinaan.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud RA berkata:
“Orang mukmin melihat dosa-dosanya seolah-olah dia sedang berada di kaki gunung; dia takut kalau gunung itu akan menghempapnya. Manakala ahli maksiat melihat dosanya hanya seperti seekor lalat yang hinggap di hidungnya maka mudah untuk menghalaunya.”
Namun demikian, tidak sepatutnya pula seseorang hamba yang apabila telah melakukan dosa, dikalahkan oleh kesalahan yang dilakukannya. Dikalahkan dalam bentuk bersikap pesimis, tidak lagi mengharap keampunan Tuhannya dan berprasangka buruk terhadap Tuhannya. Bagi orang yang benar-benar beriman dan hidup hatinya, rasa khawf dan raja‘ (takut dan harap kepada Allah) mesti ada pada dirinya. Allah telah menyifatkan para nabi dan rasul-Nya serta pengikut mereka dari kalangan kaum mukminin yang solehin dengan kedua-dua sifat ini, sebagaimana firman-Nya dalam surah al-Israa’ ayat 57.
“Orang yang mereka seru itu, masing-masing mencari jalan kepada Tuhannya, siapakah yang lebih dekat serta mereka mengharapkan rahmat-Nya dan gerun takut akan azab-Nya; sesungguhnya azab Tuhanmu itu, adalah ditakuti.”
Syeikh Ibnu ‘Atoillah RA menyatakan dalam Hikamnya: “Janganlah kerana besarnya dosa di sisi kamu, menghalang kamu daripada berprasangka baik dengan Allah kerana orang yang telah kenal Tuhannya, nescaya akan menganggap dosanya kecil di sisi kemurahan Allah yang luas.”


Manakala sebab yang membawa kepada matinya hati ialah :
  1. Cintakan dunia
  2. Lalai daripada mengingati Allah
  3. Menggunakan anggota untuk melakukan maksiat.
Di antara perosak yang terbesar ialah kasih terhadap dunia, berkeinginan kepadanya, sangat tamak terhadapnya, berminat dengannya, kasihkan pangkat dan harta dunia dan tamak terhadap keduanya, kikir dan bakhil dengan harta dunia. Firman Allah dalam surah Hud ayat 15-16.
“Sesiapa yang berkehendakkan kehidupan dunia dan perhiasannya, maka Kami penuhi usaha mereka di dunia, dan mereka tidak dikurangkan daripadanya. Mereka tidak beroleh di akhirat kelak selain daripada neraka, dan gugurlah apa yang mereka lakukan di dunia, dan batallah apa yang mereka telah kerjakan.”
Kecintaan kepada dunia adalah kepala segala kejahatan. Ia akan menghalang seseorang daripada melakukan kebaikan akibat hati yang telah digelapi oleh perkara-perkara keduniaan. Justeru, Syeikh Ibnu ‘Atoillah menyatakan
“Bagaimana hati dapat bercahaya, sedangkan gambaran-gambaran alam maya termeteri di cermin hati?”
Allah SWT menjadikan hati manusia itu seperti cermin yang memaparkan dan memantulkan imej setiap benda yang dihadapkan kepadanya. Cermin itu pula hanya mempunyai satu muka. Apabila Allah SWT hendak memberikan inayah-Nya kepada seseorang hamba, maka Dia menyibukkan fikiran hamba tersebut dengan cahaya-cahaya-Nya dan pelbagai kebaikan dan Dia tidak membelenggu atau menambat hati hamba tersebut dengan suatu perkara dari alam yang gelap dan khayalan yang meragukan. Maka terpaparlah di cermin hatinya cahaya-cahaya iman dan ihsan, dan terpancarlah padanya cahaya tauhid dan makrifah.
Begitulah sebaliknya, jika Allah mahu membiarkan seseorang hamba (mengeluarkannya daripada inayah-Nya) dengan keadilan dan kebijaksanaan-Nya, maka Dia akan menyibukkan pemikiran hamba tersebut dengan kegelapan dunia dan syahwat. Maka kegelapan dunia ini akan terpapar di cermin hatinya. Lalu hatinya akan terhijab daripada sinar makrifah dan cahaya keimanan.
Semakin banyak gambaran dunia bertindih-tindih di cermin hatinya, maka semakin pudar cahayanya dan semakin tebal hijabnya. Maka dia tidak akan dapat melihat melainkan apa yang zahir sahaja dan dia tidak dapat berfikir melainkan perkara lahiriah sahaja.
Ada di antara hijabnya sangat dahsyat hingga menutup seluruh hati dan seluruh cahaya terpadam hingga dia menafikan terus kewujudan cahaya dari asalnya. Semoga dilindungi oleh Allah.
Ada di antaranya pula, hanya sedikit karatnya dan nipis hijabnya, maka dia mengakui kewujudan cahaya tersebut tetapi tidak dapat melihatnya. Ini ialah makam (kedudukan) kaum Muslimin awam.
Dalam hadis Rasulullah SAW bersabda:
“Sesungguhnya hati itu akan berkarat sepertimana karatnya besi, dan sesungguhnya iman itu akan lusuh seperti lusuhnya baju yang baru.”
Namun dalam hadis yang lain, Rasulullah SAW bersabda:
“Setiap sesuatu itu ada penggilapnya dan penggilap hati ialah zikrullah.”
Sabda Rasulullah SAW juga:
“Sesungguhnya seseorang hamba itu apabila melakukan kesalahan, digores di dalam hatinya dengan bintik hitam. Sekiranya dia menanggalkannya dan memohon keampunan, maka ia akan berkilau. Sekiranya dia kembali melakukan kesalahan, ditambah pada hatinya bintik hitam tersebut sehingga menyelubungi hatinya.”
Maka itulah selaput kegelapan yang telah difirmankan oleh Allah dalam surah al-Mutoffifin ayat 14.
“Sekali-kali tidak! Bahkan mata hati mereka telah diselaputi kekotoran (dosa), dengan sebab apa yang mereka kerjakan.”
Cahaya iman dan ihsan
Ketahui bahawa hati itu hanya mempunyai satu wajah, apabila kamu hadapkan cahaya kepadanya maka ia akan bersinar, dan apabila kamu hadapkan kegelapan kepadanya maka ia akan menggelap, kegelapan dan cahaya itu tidak pernah bersatu, maka fahamilah pula kata-kata Syeikh Ibnu ‘Atoillah yang menyebut:
“Bagaimanakah hati itu boleh bersinar dengan cahaya iman dan ihsan, sedangkan gambaran alam dan dunia yang gelap terpapar di cermin hati?”
Sesungguhnya dua perkara yang berlawanan tidak mungkin akan bersatu sebagaimana firman Allah SWT pada surah al Ahzaab ayat 4.
“Allah tidak menjadikan seorang lelaki mempunyai dua hati dalam rongga dadanya…”
Sedarlah wahai insan! Kamu tidak memiliki dua hati tetapi hanya satu. Apabila kamu hadapkan hati kamu itu kepada makhluk dan dunia ini, maka ia akan membelakangkan Allah. Apabila kamu hadapkannya kepada Allah, maka ia akan membelakangkan makhluk dan kamu akan mampu berjalan kepada Allah. Selama kamu tertambat dengan syahwat dan keduniaan kamu di dalam alam ini, maka kamu tidak akan mungkin dapat berjalan kepada Tuhan kamu, tidak juga kepada apa yang diisyaratkan oleh Syeikh Ibnu ‘Atoillah al Sakandari RA.
Selama hati masih tertawan atau terpenjara di dalam penjara kecenderungan atau keinginan kepada sesuatu yang akan binasa, dia masih terikat dengannya. Orang yang mempunyai hati sedemikian, tidak akan dapat berjalan menuju kepada keredaan Allah. Bahkan, tidak akan terpancar ke atasnya cahaya makrifat. Keterikatan hatinya dengan syahwat merupakan penghalang yang akan menegah dan menghalangnya daripada menuju kepada Allah disebabkan kesibukan dan keasyikannya dengan perkara-perkara yang memalingkannya daripada berjalan menuju kepada Allah.
Sekalipun tidak dinafikan dia mungkin dapat berjalan bersama nafsu syahwatnya, nafsunya akan melemahkan dan menghalangnya daripada dapat berjalan dengan cepat kerana kecenderungannya terhadap nafsu syahwatnya. Sekalipun dia mungkin dapat berjalan dengan cepat, dia tetap tidak akan aman daripada perkara-perkara yang akan menggelincirkannya kerana keseronokan dan kesenangannya dengan syahwat tersebut.
Sebab itu, para pembesar Sufi meninggalkan kelazatannya, sehingga berkata sebahagian daripada mereka: “Sengatan tebuan atas badan yang luka itu lebih ringan daripada sengatan syahwat atas hati orang yang sedang bertawajjuh kepada Allah.” (Ibnu ‘Ajibah, Iqaz al-Himam, H: 44)
Justeru, wahai saudaraku! Putuskanlah dan lepaskanlah dirimu dari perkara yang menghalang perjalanan kamu. Berjalan dan berhijrahlah kamu kerana hijrah adalah merupakan sunnah Rasulullah SAW. Semenjak Nabi SAW berhijrah, Baginda SAW tidak pernah menikmati masa untuk berehat melainkan di dalam musafir untuk berjihad sehingga Allah membuka sebuah negara untuknya.
Begitu juga para sahabat, hanya segelintir sahaja daripada mereka yang tinggal tetap di negara mereka sehingga dengan tangan-tangan mereka Allah membuka negara-negara yang lain dan memberikan petunjuk kepada hamba-hamba Allah yang lain. Semoga Allah memanfaatkan kita dengan keberkatan mereka, Amin.
Hidupkanlah hati kita dengan meninggalkan terlebih dahulu perkara-perkara yang boleh menggelapkan dan mematikan hati. Selanjutnya sinarilah ia dengan cahaya-cahaya ketaatan dan keikhlasan. Sesungguhnya hati yang hidup akan sentiasa mendorong pemiliknya melakukan amal dan ketaatan dan meninggalkan dosa dan kejahatan dengan hati yang gembira tanpa rasa penat dan payah. 
Wallahu a’lam.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

kUnCi kEjAyAAn yG berKeKaLaN~

 Dengan nama Allah, Yang Maha Pemurah, lagi Maha Mengasihani.
Selawat dan salam ke atas junjungan mulia Muhammad sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam penghulu anbiya’ dan para rasul.

Ramai manusia yang ketika hidupnya, dia terlupa untuk merasa diri sebagai hamba. Sehinggalah akhirnya kematian datang menjemputnya, ketika itu penyesalan dengan darah mata sekalipun tidak lagi bermakna.
Mereka ini adalah manusia yang mata hatinya telah dihijab oleh Allah untuk nampak kejelasan tanda-tanda-Nya yang cerah. Kerana mereka sendiri sebelumnya telah menjauhkan diri dari landasan kebenaran. Firman Allah,

 “Dan (sebaliknya) sesiapa yang berada di dunia ini (dalam keadaan) buta (mata hatinya) maka dia juga buta di akhirat dan lebih sesat lagi jalannya,”surah Al-Isra’ ayat 27.


REDHA TUHAN = BERJAYA



Kita selalu bertanya kepada diri dan orang lain. Kita tanya:
Minta berikan sedikit motivasi, jalan manakah yang paling dekat dengan kejayaan?

 Maka saya ingin menyebut jawapan sebegini:
Kita hidup adalah untuk mencari redha Allah SWT. Maka, kejayaan kita yang sebenar adalah apabila segala sesuatu yang kita lakukan adalah untuk mendapat redha Allah SWT. Pada saya, di sini letaknya motivasi kejayaan kita yang paling besar sebenarnya. Motivasi yang meletakkan Tuhan sebagai batu asas akan menemui jalan kejayaan yang paling hebat, paling bermakna. Selaklah sirah baginda nabi, lihatlah kepada para sahabat baginda, telitilah kisah hidup ulama-ulama kita yang terdahulu, yang mereka ini luar biasa bagus dan hebat sekali, kita akan dapati motivasi kejayan mereka adalah redha Sang Pencipta.


PESANAN DR. A’LI JUM’AH

Kerana itu, saya suka untuk sampaikan kepada semua satu petua yang disebut oleh Mufti Mesir, Dr. Ali Jum’ah ketika kuliah beliau di Masjid Al-Azhar semalam(Rabu 24 Mac). Kata beliau, setiap pagi ucapkanlah;

Allahu Maksudi, Wa Redha hu Matlubi (Allah tujuanku, dan redha-Nya lah yang kuharapkan).

Baca ini 7 kali setiap pagi, dan kita insyaAllah akan bergerak untuk menjadi manusia yang lebih baik hari itu. Kata beliau lagi, pengulangan sebanyak tujuh kali ini sebagai kita memperkuatkan keinginan kita. Penegasan bahawa kita sememangnya hidup atas tujuan menjadi hamba Allah dan dalam hidup kita, yang kita cari hanyalah redha-Nya. Maka, pasakkan di dalam jiwa, kita adalah hamba-Nya.

“Serta keredaan dari Allah yang lebih besar kemuliaannya; (balasan) yang demikian itulah kejayaan yang besar.” Surah At-Taubah ayat 72.

amin.... 

sAlAM mAuLiDuR RaSUl 1433H.............................................

Sesungguhnya Allah SWT telah mengurniakan kepada Nabi kita Sayyidina Muhammah s.a.w. seluruh sifat-sifat yang indah dan terpuji.Dan segala sifat-sifat yang indah itu adalah bertalian dengan dua hal yang besar ia itu pertama keagungan dari sifat-sifat itu dan kedua pancaran cahaya yang meliputinya.justeru itu keindahan paras rupa baginda adalah bersinar-menyinar yang tidak membawa akibat negatif kepada siapa yang melihatnya.Imam Ali krw. pernah berkata:`Siapa yang melihatnya sepintas lalu pasti akan terpegun kerana kewibawaannya.

Berbanding dengan Nabi Yusof a.s yang dikurniai separuh dari keelokan rupa Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.sudah cukup menyebabkan wanita melihatnya mencencang-hiris tangan sendiri kerana terpukau sambil berkata:

`Maha sempurna Allah,ini bukanlah manusia,ini tidak lain hanya malaikat yang mulia` .(QS:Yusuf:31)

Hingga seorang penyair pernah berkata,Andainya wajahnya[Nabi Yusof]sempat dilihat oleh kawan-kawan Zulaikha jantong hatilah yang akan terpotong sebelum tangan tangan mereka`.

Atas keagongan inilah yang digambarkan oleh Hindun binti Halah terhadap keagongan sifat-sifat Nabi Muhammad s.a.w.Ini lah yang dikatakan sebagai sifat agong dan penuh wibawa seperti yang diriwayatkan oleh Tirmizi.Ibnu Majah meriwayatkan bahawa ada seorang datang menghadap Nabi s.a.w.dengan menggigil ketakutan,maka baginda berkata tidak mengapa,tenanglah hati anda.Para Sahabat Rasullullah s.a.w.mengatakan:Bahawa Rasulullah s.a.w. yang paling tenang,penuh wibawa bila berada di suatu majlis.[HR.Abu Daud].

At-Tirmizi meriwayatkan dari Ibnu Abi Halah,bahawa apabila Nabi s.a.w. tengah berbicara,maka semua sahabat yang berada disekelilingnya tenang,sambil menundukkan kepala seolah-olah kepala mereka sedang dihinggapi burung.Tatkala Amer bin Ash menghadap Nabi untuk pertama kalinya ia berkata: Tak sanggup aku menatap wajahnya,kalau sekiranya orang bertanya kepadaku,tentang sifat-sifat baginda,rasanya tak sanggup aku menceritakannya,kerana mataku tak sepenuhnya dapat melihatnya.[HR.Muslim].

Para sahabat Nabi memang tidak dapat memandang wajah baginda dengan tajam[tepat],kerana keagungan sifat dan wibawanya.Hanya yang dapat menceritakan dan menggambarkan sifat dan rupa baginda adalah mereka yang masih kecil atau yang berada dibawah asuhan baginda sebelum masa kenabiannya iaitu seperti Hindun binti Abi Halah dan Sayyidina Ali bin Abi Thalib.krw.Lantaran keagungan dan kewibawaan itulah maka sesiapapun yang duduk mendampingi baginda akan rasa berdebar hati,terpengaruh oleh kewibawaannya yang memancar dari peribadi agung itu.Oleh sebab itulah maka baginda selalu bersifat ramah tamah dan bersikap lemah lembut,sekadar untuk menenangkan dan mententeramkan hati-hati mereka.

Abi Mas`ud Albadriy mengesahkan apa yang dialaminya,ia berkata:tetakala aku sedang mengajar [menghukum]seorang hamba ku tiba tiba ku dengar suara dari arah belakang,mulanya aku tidak mempedulikannya,kerana amarahku sedang meluap,kiranya itulah Rasulullah s.a.w,demi ku lihatnya,maka cemeti yang ku pegang jatuh ke tanah dan beliau berkata kepadaku:Demi Allah,Tuhan dapat berbuat kepada dirimu lebih dari apa yang engkau lakukan sekarang,maka dengan suara tersekat sekat aku berkata:Ya Rasulullah demin Allah aku tidak akan mengajar lagi hambaku sesudah ini`.Tersangat banyak lagi contoh -contoh keagungan sifat dan wibawa Rasulullah s.a.w.jika hendak di tulis seterusnya.

KEAGUNGAN PANCARAN NURANI

Kedua:Pancaran Nurani yang menghias keindahan dan keagungan Nabi s.a.w. sebagai yang tersebut pada sifat sifat dan gambaran wajah baginda.Ada pun cahaya baginda ada lah pertama dijadikan oleh Allah,seperti yang diriwayatkan oleh hadith Jabir yang menurut Azzarqani hadith itu juga di riwayatkan oleh Al-Naihagiy dan tidak bertentangan pula dengan hadith At-Tirmizi,bahawa makhluk pertama yang dijadikan Allah SWT adalah`Al-Qalam` sebab antara keduanya dapat disesuaikan penegertiannya.Hadith Jabir meriwayatkan,bahawa Nur Muhammadlah yang pertama dijadikan oleh Allah SWT,ini berarti bahawa Allah yang menjadikan segala jenis cahaya,dan mencipta Nur Muhammad,sebelum cahaya-cahaya yang lainnya.Dan yang dapat memperkuatkan tentang Nur Muhammad ini ialah Hadith yang diriwayatkan oleh Ali bin Husain{r.a)dari ayahandanya Ali bin Abi Thalib(r.a) bahawa nabi s.a.w. bersabda:`Dulu aku ini cahaya di hadapan Tuhanku`.Hadis ini diriwayatkan oleh Ibnul Qathaan,seorang ahli dalam ilmu hadith yang terkenal sangat cermat dalam meneliti riwayat dalam sanad hadith.Dan Allah SWT,. berfirman:

`Sesungguhnya telah datang kepada ku cahaya dari Allah dan kitab yang menerangkan`[QS. Alma `idah:15].

Sebahagian ulama menafsirkan CAHAYA dalam ayat ini,ialah MUHAMMAD saw.demikian tafsir Athabariy,Ibnu Abi Hatim dan Al-Qurtubiy yang mengutip tafsiran Qatadah.Mengikut faham sufisme bahawa maksud cahaya disini ada dua.Pertama: Nur Muhammad-Yang zohir sebagai Nabi Muhammad s.a.w. Kedua ialah Nur Muhammad yang batinnya iaitu yang mesra pada sekelian alam-Cosmos.[perlu pengajian yang lebih terperinci untuk memahami dan membahas kan pernyataan ini-jangan cepat menyalahkan.wallahu `alam-p].

KITAB BERZANJI 1

Dalam pengkisahan ketiga kitab Berzanji sheikh Ja`far Al-Barzanji[Walamm Arraa-dallahu Taala] bersyair mengatakan:

`Tatkala Allah SWt sudah bermaksud menzahirkan hakikat Nabi Muhammad SAW dan menzahirkabnya kedunia ini yang berbentuk jisim dan roh dengan rupanya sifat maknawinya,maka Allah SWT memindahkan NUR MUHAMMAD ke dalam rahim Aminah Al-Zuhriah.Allah SWT yang Maha dekat dan memperkenankan doa hamba-Nya telah menentukan Aminah sebagi bonda Nabi pilihan-Nya.Telah diumumkan kepada penduduk langit dan bumi bahawa cahaya kenabian telah berada dalam kandungannya.

Setiap orang yang merasakan keadaan itu selalu merindukan lahirnya Nabi yang mengembirakan.Bumi yang telah lama gersang telah tersenyum dengan tumbuh-tumbuhan yang subur bagaikan hamparan kain sutera.Buah-buahan menjadi masak dan pohon itu mendekati bagi orang yang akan memetiknya.

Segala binatang peliharaan kaum Quraisy sibuk meperkatakan kehamilan(Aminah) dengan bahasa Arab yang fasih(kiasan).Berhala berhala dan istana raja jatuh tersungkur yang menyebabkan muka dan mulutnya hancur.Binatang-binatang dari Masyriq sampai ke Maghrib merasa gembira,termasuk binatang laut.

Tegasnya seluruh alam merasa gembira.Makhluk jin telah diberi khabar gembira akan dekatnya masa kelahiran Nabi Muhammad itu.Tukang-tukang tenung telah berantakan dan pendeta sudah ketakutan.Orang-oarang bijak pandai sibuk membicarakan kelahirannya dan tentang sifat kebaikannya mereka sangat kagum.

Ibunya yang sedang tidur didatangi (malaikat)lalu dikatakan kepadanya:Engkau telah mengandung penghulu sekelian alam dan sebaik-baik makhluk.(Kata yang datang itu lagi):`Jika engkau telah melahirkannya nanti,berilah namanya Muhammad kerana ia akan dipuji orang.`



CAHAYA MUHAMMAD

Memang ada pendapat setengah orang memahami arti Nur Muhammad bahawa Nabi Muhammad adalah CAHAYA,sehingga dibayangkannya,seolah-olah baginda itu seperti pelita yang memancarkan cahaya,padahal Nabi s.a.w.lebih mulia dan agung dari anggapan yang demikian.Adakalanya memang cahaya dalam erti hakiki nampak terlihat daripada baginda,seperti cahaya yang memancar daripada benda benda bersinar yang lain,namun itu tidak selalu berlaku,hanya dalam bentuk mu1jizat-mu`jizat baginda s.a.w. bahkan hal itu pernah terjadi pada diri-diri para sahabat Nabi s.a.w.

Sayyidina Anas pernah berkata:`Bahawa Usaid bun khudair dan Abbad bin Bisyir,keduanya berada di majlis Nabi s.a.w.pada malam hari,setelah keduanya,kembali pulang,maka tongkat salah seorang dari keduanya,memancarkan sinar dalam kegelapan malam itu,dan keduanya dibawah suluhannya,dan ketika keduanya disimpang jalan berpisah,maka tongkat masing-masing bersinar menerangi jalan.[HR.Al-Bukhari].

Seoarang lagi sahabat At-Thufail Addausi memperoleh gelaran`Zinnur` atau yang memiliki cahaya ini kerana ketika datang kepada Rasulullah s.a.w.ia meminta agar diizinkan berdakwah di tengah tengah suku kabilahnya yang masih kafir dan meminta pula agar kepadanya diberikan sekadar tanda dan bukti akan kebenaran ajaran yang akan disampaikannya,Rasulullah s.a.w. lalu mendoakanya dengan kata baginda:`Ya Allah berikanlah kepadanya sinar cahaya` maka bersianarlah cahaya di antara kedua matanya,dan ia nampak kurang senang hati lalu berkata,Ya Rasulullah saya merasa khuatir kalau-kalau mereka akan berkata,itu hanya penyakit semata,maka cahaya itu pun pindah ke hujung tongkatnya.menjadi pelita penerang baginya dalam kegelapan malam.

BERZANJI 11

Keagungan Cahaya yang lahir[Nabi Muhammad s.a.w] ini telah digambarkan oleh sheikh Ja`far Al-Barzanji dalam kitab bacaan Barzanjinya pada kisah yang ke enam:`Wa Zhahara `Inda Wilaa Datihi`Terjemahannya begini:

Yakni :`Pada Hari Kelahiranya`bermunculan lah kejadian-kejadian yang luar biasa dan keanehan keanehan yang menakjubkan.Sebagai bukti kenabiannya dan pemberitahuan bahawa beliau adalah pilihan Allah SWT.Maka bertambah ketatlah penjagaan di langit dan dihalau syaitan-syaitan serta segala yang berjiwa syaitan.

Dan bintang-bintang yang bercahaya bergerak melempari setiap syaitan yang terkutuk pada waktu berusaha menerobos ke langit.Dan bintang-bintang yang gemerlapan itu turun menghormati kepada Nabi Muhammad saw.

CAHAYANYA menyinari lembah dan bukit Tanah Haram.dan keluarlah bersamaan dengan kelahiran Nabi Saw.CAHAYA TERANG yang menyinari istana di Syam yang menjadi milik raja kaisar.Maka tampaklah CAHAYA itu bagi orang yang berada di lereng tanah Makkah dan rumahnya dan tempat tinggalnya.Dan hancurlah gedung gedung tinggi yang berada di kota-kota kerajaan Kisro Parsi.Bangunan yang dibina dan ditinggikan oleh Anu Syarwan.Dan jatuhlah empat belas menaranya yang tinggi.kerajaan Kisro menjadi hancur kerana kehebatan suasana atau berita yang sampai kepadanya.

Maka padamlah api yang disembah diseluruh kerajaan Parsi.Kerana terbitnya SINAR yang cukup terang dan kegemerlapan wajahnya.Dan surutlah air telaga kota Sawah yang menjadi perbatasan antara kota Hamazan dan kota Qum dan wilayah negeri Ajam.Dan kekeringan itu kerana terhentinya aliran mata air yang menjadi sumbernya.Dan meluaplah lembah Samawah,dan itu menjadi keberuntungan terhadap tanah dan padang pasir.Padahal sebelumnya tidak ada air di tempat itu,untuk minum orang-orang haus kerongkongannya.

Kelahiran Nabi s.a.w. adalah di tempat yang dikenal dengan Irash di Mekkah.Satu negeri yang tidak boleh dipotong pohon-pohonnya dan tidak dopotong rumputnya.Dan dipertikaikan tentang tahun kelahirannya,bulannya dan harinya,menurut ulam yang meriwayatkannya.Menurut pendapat yang lebih kuat adalah sebelum fajar pada hari Isnin 12 Rabiulawal,tahun gajah,yakni rombongan [tentera]penunggang gajah yang dihalau[dan dibinasakan-p] oleh Allah daripada Tanah haram kerana melindunginya.

Athrillaa -humma qabrahul-karimm bi`arfin-syaziyying min-solaa ting-watasliim.Allahumma solli wasallim wabaarik `alaiih.

Ya Allah,harumkanlah kuburnya[Nabi muhammad]yang mulia dengan haruman yang semerbak daripada rahmat dan kedejahteraan.Ya Allah aku bermohon solawat dan salam serta keberakatan Mu keatasnya.

Sempena artikel mengenai kelahiran Nabi mulia dan agung dan penutup Nabi-Nabi dan Rasul-Rasul ini marilah sama sama kita renungi sedalam manakah kasih kita kepada Rasulullahs.a.w.Dan apakah bukti dan juga perkara yang telah kita laksanakan akan segala suruhan beliau atau pun apakah keingkaran keingkaran kita selama ini.Sebanyak manakah yang telah kita ikuti sunnah baginda? Marilah bersama kita contohi sifat utama baginda yaitu Siddiq,Amanah,Tabligh,Fatanah.Semoga dengan amal bakti yang mengikuti jejak Rasulullah s.a.w.kita semua [pembaca]mendapat sufaatnya yang besar pada hari menghadapi perhitungan Tuhan kita Allah Jallajalaaluh di hari Mahsyar nanti.Wassalam.

Wallahu a`lam.


wassalam.......

sLEePiNG bEaUty iN the mOrNInG.........................peace no war :)

Time Inc. Digital Studio 


1. Get an Early Start

Make a habit of washing your face a few hours before bed. If you wait until you're tired, you're more likely to blow it off -- allowing "toxins and dirt to stay on there all night," says dermatologist Laurie Polis of N.Y.C. Another consequence? You miss the best time to treat your skin. "At night there's more blood flow to the skin's surface, and there's nothing else on your face to interfere with absorption," Polis says.



2. Sleep on Your Back

Note to Audrey Hepburn fans: Lying on your stomach is bad for "beauty sleep." The average head weighs 7 to 8 pounds -- a lot of pressure to be putting on your face every night. In fact, many dermatologists say they can tell what side of the face people sleep on by the number of wrinkles there.

3. Get a Lift

Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows, or put the headrest area of your bed on 2- to 4-inch pieces of wood. Gravity helps lymph and blood flow so fluid won't accumulate, Polis says.

4. Save Money, Not Wrinkles

At night you don't need to worry about eye treatments smearing your makeup, so slather on the richest formula you can. Polis swears by Aquaphor: "It conditions lashes and hydrates the delicate eye skin really well."



5. Sneak a Glow

Mix a drop of self-tanner into your night cream or use a cream that contains a bit of tan-producing DHA.



6. Avoid Carb Face

To wake with defined cheekbones, eat a high-protein, low-sugar dinner (try salmon and asparagus, a natural diuretic). Skip the rice, pasta and potatoes. "When our diet's high in glycemic carbohydrates, our features take on a soft, doughy appearance," says Connecticut dermatologist Nicholas Perricone.

7. Wrap It Up

To minimize A.M. frizz, sleep on a satin pillowcase or put your hair in a silk scarf. "Those fabrics are much softer than cotton, so there's less friction," says Harry Josh, a John Frieda stylist.

8. Find Your Inner Ballerina

Pile hair into a twist on the top of your head (use a scrunchie to avoid crimping). "In the morning you'll have major volume and beautiful waves," Josh says.

9. Turn on the Hair Conditioning

Sleep with a moisturizing treatment in damp hair overnight. We like Philip B. Katira Hair Masque, but any rich conditioner will do. Rinse in the morning.



10. Pop a Rooster Pill

Trust us, we were skeptical. But after swallowing two Wake Up on Time pills at 11 P.M., we found it much easier to get out of bed seven hours later. Created by a sleep-deprived single mother, the pills contain an energizing blend of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins B6 and B12 and guarana-seed extract. It's formulated with a coating that releases ingredients into your bloodstream toward the end of your last sleep cycle, so you wake up feeling clear-headed, not fuzzy.

Valentine’s: The Anti-Holiday?

Is Valentine's Day Totally Overdone?

It's that time of year again. Storefronts decorated with red and pink hearts, every color roses, obnoxious mylar balloons, and half-ransacked greeting card aisles. Like New Year's Eve, we feel like we can't be alone on February 14th and yet all our non-single friends will be unavailable.

Valentine's Day may not have been invented by Hallmark, but the trumping up of this holiday's importance is definitely the result of clever advertising. In the U.S. we send about 1 billion valentine cards and eat over 1 billion pounds of chocolate. Doesn't sound all that sexy. In fact, the roots of the holiday itself will make you wonder what love has to do with it at all.



Originally in ancient Rome February 14th was the day young couples would be paired up by lottery for the duration of the Pagan pastoral festival Lupercalia, which began on the 15th. The festival celebrated the she-wolf Lupa responsible for suckling the infant babes Romulus and Remus, who would later be the founding fathers of Rome. Lupercalia was a purification and fertility rite to bring a plentiful harvest in the spring. It included the sacrifice of animals, blood rituals, flagellation of festival-goers, drinking, and widespread revelry. At the end of the 5th Century the Pope Galesius designated the Eve of Lupercalia as the feast of Saint Valentine and banned the pairing of young couples for being unchristian. Virtually nothing is known about the saint, so we're left to speculate. Why is that day such a big deal? Why do we rearrange our schedule around it, spend lots of money, or insist we have a date? It's definitely not for worry of a skimpy harvest.

Maybe you're spending the 14th single this year, and no history lesson is going to make you feel less lonely. Maybe you don't even care about cards, candy, a fancy dinner, or gifts. You just don't want to be on your own. Try to spend it with friends or family. Not only do you already have healthy relationships with them, they will definitely appreciate the company. You could also use the 14th to do something you always wanted to do. If skydiving seems like a bit much, take yourself out to see that movie nobody else wanted to see.

When you feel yourself getting bummed out that you're single, remember you're not in violation of some romantic statute. And get real if you think having a partner would make the holiday perfect. How many Valentine's dates crash and burn? How many people can't even be with their partner on the 14th?

Treat yourself well. Make Valentine's about pampering yourself. Buy some new lavender bath salts and take a warm dip in candlelight. Sure, you wish your partner had drawn that bath and was rubbing your feet at the other end of the tub, but you're on your own for a reason. Were your ex's really that good to you anyway? Who could treat you better than yourself? Being single could potentially be the best Valentine's Day you ever had.

10 Simple Things Women Want In A rELaTIOnShIp :)

 


What do you want in your relationship?

Besides the meaning of life and the ingredients of hot dogs, many a man has questioned "what exactly do women want?" We're not playing coy here, we know we're complex creatures. And, true, we operate on a different wavelength than men. The best example of our gender difference comes from an article we read last year about why men cheat. The most compelling testimony was from a transgender man who'd undergone hormone therapy during his transition. Thanks to testosterone, the man noticed less of an emotional attachment to sex and more of a physical urge to engage, regardless of consequences. Fascinating.

So, we're different. But, women aren't exactly the great mystery that men often make us out to be. The proof? We polled the YourTango Staff and compiled a list of 10 simple things women want. Note: you won't find diamond rings or other fancy things anywhere on this list. While many women really do want luxury goods from men, when you break it down they are just physical representations of some of the points on this list. We promise.

Respect. Show us through your actions that you respect our opinions, careers, interests, friends, bodies and minds. You don't have to agree with all that we say or do, but try to honor our opinions as valuable contributions. Follow the golden rule and treat us as you would like to be treated: Be honest, fair, kind, and considerate.


Sex. Yes, we love sex. But, remember that there are four bases to cover in the bedroom, not just one. Try stopping at each base instead of being so focused on the home run-believe us, we'll thank you for it! Likewise, remember small physical touches like massages. One can never, ever, have too many shoulder rubs. And scratching our heads is pretty great, too.

Romance. It's another night on the couch with take-out and TiVo? Just because we're staying in doesn't mean the evening can't be romantic. Light a few candles and see where the night leads. Treat us like your girlfriend, even after we become your wife. Date nights, making out in the car, kissing like when we first started dating-all of the things that made us fall in love with you don't have to stop just because now there are bills to pay, a house to be cleaned, and kids that need to get bathed. Bring home flowers for no reason. We're not talking $100 bouquets of roses here. Even the $10 bouquets from the supermarket are enough to make us smile.

Time. We understand relationships can't be all wine and roses; simply making the time to be with us and treating us like your top priority says "love" more than all the fancy gifts and lovely letters ever could. This includes helping around the house. The realities of a 21st-century relationship are that both partners probably work. If you happen to get home before we do, why not take vacuum the living room or throw in a load of laundry? If you take the garbage out without being asked, chances are you'll be getting a big ole smooch when you come back.

Dinner. Of the homemade variety. You may not be good at cooking and you may not know how to boil water. But greeting us at the door after a long day with fish sticks (or whatever you can wrastle up) makes us swoon, because it shows that you've been thinking about us and our hectic day.

Communication. Women are vocal creatures. We know you love us, but it's nice to hear you say it, too. We can also be insecure. We wish we weren't, but the reality is that we often notice our wobbly thighs and forget about our gorgeous eyes. So let us know when you think we're hot. Tell us we're beautiful. It helps us feel good. Plus, when we feel sexy we're more likely to act sexy. Words of appreciation aren't half-bad either. Tell us you love the lasagna we made. Thank us for driving the kids to school. Notice that we cleaned the bathtub. It doesn't have to be over the top, just let us know that you see the effort we put in, and you're grateful.

Consistency. This doesn't mean be boring and predictable. It means that we know you will (usually, no one is perfect!) give us the love and support we need. Knowing that you're coming at this with the same desires and energy as we are goes a long way to making us feel secure.
Engagement. Of the mental kind, not the "I'm getting married in the morning" kind. You don't have to like everything we like (we might be a little concerned if you do), but showing interest in our passions, be it career-related, a sport or a hobby, goes a long way. Listen when we talk to you. We're not speaking just so we can hear our own voice; we want to connect with you and this is one valuable way we do this. This also means paying attention to the little things. Whether it's the name of your best friend's husband or the fact that you hate Nicolas Cage movies, it's the little things you remember about us that's so endearing.

Humor and Humility. These two tend to go hand in hand. This doesn't mean that you have to crack jokes or entertain us, but just being able to laugh at yourself is enough. Guys who take themselves too seriously bring everyone down.

Challenge. Not the kind that makes a relationship constant work, but the good kind that surprises and motivates us to do, be or achieve what we desire. Studies show that partners who prod each other to meet goals-in other words, don't support lazy or bad habits-are ultimately happier than those who don't hold each other accountable.

How Tea (Any Kind!) Keeps You Healthy......................................

Chris Gallo/Fitness Magazine 
Chris Gallo/Fitness MagazineThe inside scoop from researchers: Tea contains powerful antioxidants called flavonoids that might make a huge difference in your health. "A cup of tea contains the same amount of flavonoids -- or more -- as a serving of many fruits and vegetables," says Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, professor of nutrition at Tufts University, in Boston. White, green, and black tea come from the same plant, but the leaves are processed differently. The result is three distinct colors and tastes that offer a host of health benefits. Find the brew that's right for you. 


White Tea

What it tastes like: Sweet, light
The health benefits: It fights bacteria and viruses.
The science behind it: White tea is so potent that it can kill bacteria, including strep and pneumonia, and destroy 80 percent of bacterial viruses in 10 minutes, according to research at Pace University in New York City. Study author Milton Schiffenbauer, PhD, a professor of microbiology, speculates that polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) in the tea may be responsible. His advice: "Drink at least two cups a day for optimum health." 
 
 
Black Tea

What it tastes like: Strong, earthy, astringent
The health benefits: It helps prevent heart disease and ovarian cancer.
The science behind it: Drinking three or more cups of black tea a day can reduce your risk of heart attack by 11 percent, British researchers recently reported after reviewing 14 years' worth of studies.
Black and green tea also protect against one of the deadliest cancers for women. Sipping just one cup every day will lower your risk of ovarian cancer by 24 percent; having a second cup will lower your risk by 46 percent, according to a Swedish study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. That's because the polyphenols in the tea may inhibit the growth of or even help destroy ovarian cancer cells, says study author Susanna Larsson, PhD. 

 
Green Tea

What it tastes like: Mild, grassy
The health benefits: It may protect against breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease, and it can speed metabolism.
The science behind it: A recent study at Tufts University found that green tea may help prevent breast cancer.
The brew contains a polyphenol called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which "may block subtle molecular changes that lead to the disease as well as suppress its progression," says Amy Yee, PhD, study coauthor and professor of biochemistry at Tufts University School of Medicine. Green tea can also boost brainpower. In research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition last year, doctors found that the amount of EGCG in one cup may reduce by 37 percent your chance of the mental decline that can accompany aging; and two cups slash your risk by 50 percent.

Green tea may help you lose weight. Groundbreaking research published several years ago showed that people who had the equivalent of three cups of green tea a day burned 4 percent more calories than people who didn't. Since then, many other studies have backed this finding. The miracle ingredient is likely -- what else? -- EGCG, which speeds up the body's metabolism, experts suggest. 
 
 
If you find green tea tough to swallow (some people are turned off by the taste), mix it into a stir-fry with this tip from Joanna Pruess, coauthor of Tea Cuisine: Steep 1 tablespoon or 2 bags of green tea in 1/2 cup boiling water for 3 minutes. Press the leaves to extract as much liquid as possible, then discard. Add the liquid to your stir-fry and reduce it over high heat.

Friday, February 3, 2012

KnOwIng yOuR FeeLiNg BY RoSEs cOLoR ♥ peace.......

For years roses have been a popular way of telling someone you care about them. Almost everyone enjoys roses for their smell, appearance, and meaning. Receiving roses always makes a person feel loved. But how exactly do you know what color rose is appropriate? Not everyone is aware of it, but all the different roses have symbolism and the specific colors actually mean something. Any type of rose will be appreciated, but the next time you give someone a rose, it may be a good idea to first learn more about the meaning behind the different colors of roses.

Red
Most of us know the story of Beauty and the Beast and how the red rose played a major role. The only way to keep the rose alive was through true love. The most popular rose is the red rose, which is commonly given as a gesture of romantic love. This rose is associated with Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and weddings. When you walk down the aisles of the grocery store on Valentine’s day, chances are there will be an aisle filled with red. You’ll find teddy bears, heart shaped  boxes of chocolates and sentimental cards. Often all these items are decorated with red roses. Red is thought of as the color of love and desire. This color should be given to someone you know on a personal level and feel a deep connection with. It’s great for wives, husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends. It’s the perfect flower for a date, and a dozen roses is the go-to gift for husbands to give their wives on their anniversary. The red rose has come to represent all the feelings associated with romantic love.

White
White roses are similar to red roses in their symbolism. White is more innocent and generally represents new love. White dresses and roses can be found in many weddings. They symbolize a new beginning and a growing romantic connection.

Purple
Another color not as popular as red or white roses, is the purple rose. Purple roses are very beautiful but their meaning is somewhat mysterious. Purple roses represent a magical kind of love. They should be given to someone you felt an instant attraction to even before getting to really know them. Not everyone believes in love at first sight, but the purple rose definitely does. It’s about chemistry and connection between two people who feel they are soul mates and made for one another. The purple rose is another valentine color and may be mixed with red or white roses in a beautiful bouquet that conveys several different kinds of love.

Orange
Orange is a playful, spunky color and the meaning behind an orange rose is as well.This color is not quite as typical as the other colors of roses, but it can still be found quite easily. An orange flower is what you might give on a first date, or to someone you would like to date. It tells them that you’re interested in them and would like to take it further. It can also represent the excitement of new love when there is a definite attraction, but not a romance quite as serious as red rose romances. Orange is also a very happy color, so by giving someone an orange rose, you’re saying they make you happy.

A yellow rose is a flower that represents friendship. On Valentines Day, it’s important to remember your significant other, but don’t forget your friends. A yellow rose is the perfect gesture to let a friend know you are thinking about them. Yellow is also an upbeat, happy color, so it tells someone they make you feel good and they make you a happier person. If you have a friend in the hospital, yellow roses make a great bouquet to decorate their room. It brightens up a drab hospital and puts your friend in a good mood. Yellow roses are also great to give to mothers, siblings, and anyone who you consider to be a close friend. We cannot live without friends, so make sure you remember to thank them once in awhile for their companionship. A yellow rose is the perfect way to do this.

Pink
Pink roses have more diverse meanings than some of the other colors. Like white and red roses, they can represent love. Depending on their shade they can also take on other meanings. For example, dark pink roses make the perfect thank you gift because they tell someone you appreciate them. Light pink symbolizes love, but not necessarily romantic love. It tells someone you look up to them and admire their character. This rose would be great for a parent, grandparent, or mentor. The color pink can often be found around Valentine’s Day as well because it can show true love, though it is a different kind of love than what a red rose represents. Sometimes people like to mix and match rose colors to convey a variety of different feelings for someone they feel is extra special. Alternatively, both yellow and pink roses are used to show sympathy when someone dies or for someone who is going through a difficult time.

Black
Black roses are perhaps the least popular of all the roses and a flower many people find to be ugly and depressing. Black roses usually are not really black, but a very dark red. Despite the depressing feelings associated with black roses, they can also have more positive meanings. Even if they are found at funerals, they also represent someone moving on from this world and starting over again in a new world.
Rose symbolism is very important to some people. However, you don’t necessarily have to go by all the rules. If you feel a multitude of emotions for someone, you can mix and match. If they have a favorite color, you may choose to get the flowers in that particular color. No matter how you choose to say I love you, all roses represent love in some way. Roses are the ultimate gift for Valentine’s day, birthdays, or just because you have intense feelings for someone you can’t seem to put into words. All roses possess a beauty about them, but to show someone exactly how you feel, remember the meanings of all the different colors to help you pick the perfect rose for your significant other, friend or loved one.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

ThE UsEs oF ThE RoSeS ♥

Roses are best known as ornamental plants grown for their flowers in the garden and sometimes indoors. They have been also used for commercial perfumery and commercial cut flower crops. Some are used as landscape plants, for hedging and for other utilitarian purposes such as game cover and slope stabilization. They also have minor medicinal uses.

Ornamental plant

The majority of ornamental roses are hybrids that were bred for their flowers. A few, mostly species roses are grown for attractive or scented foliage (such as Rosa glauca and Rosa rubiginosa), ornamental thorns (such as Rosa sericea) or for their showy fruit (such as Rosa moyesii).

Ornamental roses have been cultivated for millennia, with the earliest known cultivation known to date from at least 500 BC in Mediterranean countries, Persia, and China.Many thousands of rose hybrids and cultivars have been bred and selected for garden use as flowering plants. Most are double-flowered with many or all of the stamens having mutated into additional petals.
In the early 19th century the Empress Josephine of France patronized the development of rose breeding at her gardens at Malmaison. As long ago as 1840 a collection numbering over one thousand different cultivars, varieties and species was possible when a rosarium was planted by Loddiges nursery for Abney Park Cemetery, an early Victorian garden cemetery and arboretum in England.
A few species and hybrids are grown for non-floral ornamental use. Among these are those grown for prominent hips, such as the flagon shaped hips of Rosa moyesii. Sometimes even the thorns can be treated as an attraction or curiosity, such as with Rosa sericea.

Cut flowers


Roses are a popular crop for both domestic and commercial cut flowers. Generally they are harvested and cut when in bud, and held in refrigerated conditions until ready for display at their point of sale.
In temperate climates, cut roses are often grown in glasshouses, and in warmer countries they may also be grown under cover in order to ensure that the flowers are not damaged by weather and that pests and disease control can be carried out effectively. Significant quantities are grown in some tropical countries, and these are shipped by air to markets across the world.

Perfume

Rose perfumes are made from attar of roses or rose oil, which is a mixture of volatile essential oils obtained by steam distilling the crushed petals of roses. An associated product is rose water which is used for cooking, cosmetics, medicine and in religious practices. The production technique originated in Persia then spread through Arabia and India, and more recently into eastern Europe. In Bulgaria, Iran and Germany, damask roses (Rosa damascena 'Trigintipetala') are used. In other parts of the world Rosa centifolia is commonly used. The oil is transparent pale yellow or yellow-grey in colour. 'Rose Absolute' is solvent-extracted with hexane and produces a darker oil, dark yellow to orange in colour. The weight of oil extracted is about one three-thousandth to one six-thousandth of the weight of the flowers; for example, about two thousand flowers are required to produce one gram of oil.
The main constituents of attar of roses are the fragrant alcohols geraniol and l-citronellol; and rose camphor, an odourless paraffin. β-Damascenone is also a significant contributor to the scent.
Rose water, made as a byproduct of rose oil production, is widely used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. In France there is much use of rose syrup, most commonly made from an extract of rose petals. In the United States, this French rose syrup is used to make rose scones and marshmallows.

Rose hips

The rose hip, the fruit of some species, is used as a minor source of Vitamin C.


Rose hips are occasionally made into jam, jelly, and marmalade, or are brewed for tea, primarily for their high vitamin C content. They are also pressed and filtered to make rose hip syrup. Rose hips are also used to produce Rose hip seed oil, which is used in skin products and some makeup products.

Medicine

The fruits of many species have significant levels of vitamins and have been used as a food supplement (see previous section). Many roses have been used in herbal and folk medicines. Rosa chinensis has long been used in Chinese traditional medicine. This and other species have been used for stomach problems, and are being investigated for controlling cancer growth.

Culture

Art

Roses are a favored subject in art and therefore used in various artistic disciplines. They appear in portraits, illustrations, on stamps, as ornaments or as architectural elements. The Luxembourg born Belgian artist and botanist Pierre-Joseph Redouté is known for his detailed watercolours of flowers, particularly roses.

Henri Fantin-Latour was also a prolific painter of still life, particularly flowers including roses. The Rose 'Fantin-Latour' was named after the artist.


Other impressionists including Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne and Pierre-Auguste Renoir have paintings of roses among their works.

Symbolism 

The long cultural history of the rose has led to it being used often as a symbol.

Pests and diseases

Wild roses are host plants for a number of pests and diseases. Many of these are also shared with other plants, including especially other genera of the Rosaceae.
Cultivated roses are often subject to severe damage from insect, arachnid and fungal pests and diseases. In many cases they cannot be usefully grown without regular treatment to control these problems.