Papple at the shops

Last week while shopping, I came across the "Papple" fruit - which I've never seen or heard of prior to this time. I was so curious about it, and with my family being into anything quirky - I took and sent them a photo of this.

Papple at the shops

It was a pricey fruit - so I didn't think of buying it. But after a few days, I was just itching to get them. So I did! I did a bit of research too - apparently this hybrid fruit was first grown in New Zealand in 2012. I guess, now they have it locally in Australia! It's a cross of Nashi Pear and an Apple (my fruit lady said Pink Lady was used-hmmm)

I am waiting a few more days because I like my fruits on the more ripe side. But here are the photos I took of it at home. Looks and feels like an apple, but with the freckles of pear. They say it tastes juicier, more apple-y but softer like pear. 

The Papple

Looks like a freckled apple to me

One of those thoughts again

For the longest time I have been writing and thinking about pregnancy. This time hubby and I are talking seriously (finally). I guess when one gets to the age of 30, one can hear that biological clock ticking! I was talking to a friend the other week and she was sharing her concerns about having a child at the age of sixteen. She said it was difficult then, but she is now enjoying motherhood as her son is old enough to understand their situation.

Anyway, since hubby and I are talking about having a child anytime now, I am into researching about the best ways to be healthy prior to conceiving. I have also been trying to eat healthy food. One of my friends in Canada is pregnant now and advised me to start taking pre-natal vitamins! I wish it was that easy but I never liked taking tablets.

Healthy change

I have never been the best at trying to live a healthy life. Well, until recently when I turned thirty. I decided it was time for a change. Now, I am more conscious about the salt that I put in our meals, I am trying to serve more vegetables in the table, and even trying to have at least two or three fruits a day! My work mate was even trying to convince me about the benefits of taking up a lemon diet. She said to have warm water with freshly squeezed lemon in the morning is good for one's health. Well, I told her it's quite difficult since I am not an early riser and my mornings are usually in a rush but I said I would try. At least the good thing is I am more knowledgeable about the good and bad food which I should and should not eat. Likewise, I know that there are good food supplements such as Beta Glucan which are out there to assist with having a healthy body.

Working towards healthy living

In the recent months, I have been really trying to see my luck in caring for plants at home. I started out with an African violet pot, which is still alive after three months by the way. I have also since tried to care for flowers and blooms on a weekly basis. I wish I had known how to make use of the products from the website I found, but I am curently on a green thumb hiatus.

What I would really like to try though, is to keep a vegetable garden. Although this is not possible at the moment given the fact that we have limited space at home. I am sure when hubby and I get our own house eventually we would have a garden, and I am able to see for myself the benefits of organic gardening. This would be something I would like to be able to do, as well as be able to impart to my future children on living a healthy life.

At the moment, in our household we try to eat a lot of greens and fruits at each meal. Trying to maintain a healthy diet is something I neglected growing up, since I rarely got sick when I was young I did not feel the need to watch what I ate. I guess it comes with age, that one becomes watchful of the ingredients in our meals. Really, eating organic food is beneficial and awareness about this is something the modern world is learning about increasingly.

How to save up for that Trip and Live Healthy

Especially during this trying time. One can only try to think up of ways to save. And be healthy!

Cut down on junk food and soft drinks.
Not only would one get to save a about thirty dollars a month, but also lose a bit of tummy bulge to be able to get ready for that beach holiday.
Approximate saving per month: $30.

Walk at least thirty minutes a day.
If one lived within an easy walk to work, it is smart and healthy to get exercise. Walk either to work, or from work at least three times a week, or more if one is not pressed with time. A good way to cut transportation cost, save on petrol, and get that lazy bum to walk.
Approximate saving per month: $40.

Drop your gym membership.
One can easily save big bucks by getting into shape the economical way. One need not be a member of Fitness First, or Gold’s Gym or whatever. We’d only need to stick to our daily regimen of walking, jogging and we’d be keeping fit and losing weight in no time. Truly being healthy does not have to be expensive. It is better to use hard earned moolah towards a much deserved holiday.
Approximate saving per month: $70.

Give your plastics a break.
I know some people enjoy retail therapy so much, but revert to being stressed again once the credit card bill comes in. Really, one does not need a new pair of jeans, shirt, underwear, shoes every week. Perhaps indulge every other month or two, maybe. But not on a weekly basis.
Approximate saving per month: $100.

Cook at home. Bring lunch to work.
I don’t know anyone who does not appreciate home cooked meals. They are a lot cheaper to prepare, way healthier (without too much salt, or MSG, or other unhealthy ingredients that restaurants or fast food put into your meal). Aside from hubby appreciating your time spent cooking that delicious and healthy food, you get to save.
Approximate saving per month: $250.

At the end of the month, if you’ve been good, imagine having an extra $500 to spend towards that dream holiday. I know not everyone may appreciate that weekend away over something material (eg, hotel and spa pampering versus new camera). However, if you are a travel buff like myself, you would think up ways to save up for that goal: holiday! Come to think of it, spending wisely leads to a healthy lifestyle as well. Now, it is just a matter of putting to action all these nice things!