Incredible Footage Shows A Sleeping Octopus Changing Color While Dreaming

A breathtaking video showing an octopus change color while dreaming has left the internet in awe.

You can see the eight-legged creature changing from light to dark colors while hanging upside down.

Marine biologist David Scheel explained: “If she is dreaming, this is a dramatic moment. You could almost narrate the body changes and narrate the dream.”

“She sees a crab and her color starts to change a little bit, then she turns all dark, octopuses will do that when they leave the bottom.”

“This is a camouflage like she’s just subdued a crab and she’s just going to sit there and eat it, and she doesn’t want anyone to notice her.”

“It’s a very unusual behavior to see the color come and go on her mantle like that, just to be able to see all the different color patterns flashing one after the other, you don’t normally see that when an animal’s sleeping. This really is fascinating.”

 

5 Exercises That Make You Age Slower

The main factor contributing to sagging skin and wrinkles is actually the standard process of aging. In general, maintaining beautiful skin is a lifelong process. However, there are few things that can be done, in order to slow down the aging process.

In this case, many people prefer beauty products to reduce these imperfections. However, there’s a good chance some of these products aren’t worth your money, while others are too expensive.

Luckily, there are few simple tips you can try in order, to slow down the aging process. Such as, learning to stretch and relax your face muscles to relieve facial tension. Therefore, it’s extremely important to learn these simple techniques and make yourself look younger and healthier.

Here are 5 simple exercises that make you age slower:

  1. Turkey neck tightener

Stretching your neck on a daily basis can prevent the skin from sagging, and help you smooth out any folds. To perform the exercise, simply raise your chin and tilt your head back until the skin under your jaw is tightened. Then, push your lower jaw forward while holding your tongue down and sticking out your lower lip. Hold the position for 30 seconds, and repeat the exercise a few times.

  1. Under-eye lifter

This exercise may remind you of the gym, as it creates resistance similar to weight lifting. Relax and look up with your eyes until you feel slight tension. This might make you feel weird but, don’t worry. Do this simple exercise 3 times for 30 seconds.

  1. Collar bone definer

The collar bone is the area that accentuates the base of your face and neck. Start the exercise slowly with your neck turned on the right side then, push your left shoulder forward about two to three inches, or until the posterior triangle of the neck shows. Repeat to each side 3 times

  1. Upper eye lifter

An eyelid lift can really make you look younger. Therefore, with both hands, place your 3 middle fingers at the lower line of your eyebrows. In order to create resistance, make a frowning expression and push your fingers gently upwards. Repeat 3 times, for 20 seconds. This exercise really helps your eyes age slower.

  1. Cheek apple lifter

if you want to age slower and gain a perfect smile at the same time, you definitely need to try this exercise. To perform it, just pinch the corners of your mouth on both sides, and smile as wide as you can. You’ll feel a resistance that will correct your cheeks and increase your smile. Repeat 5 times, for 15 seconds.

8 surprising reasons why your dog should sleep next to you at night

Curling up with your favorite canine pal may feel a bit odd, especially if you’re used to sleeping alone. And while people with allergies may have trouble sleeping with Fido, there are plenty of other good reasons you should consider scooching over and making extra room in the bed.

1. Dogs reduce stress:
Physical touch helps increase the production of oxytocin, (which lowers blood pressure and reduces stress), according to Everyday Health. Studies suggest that the simple acting of touching something can promote happiness and distract us from everyday bothers.

2. Canine friends can ease depression symptoms:
In addition to promoting the production of oxytocin, dogs actually serve as a distraction. The responsibility required to groom, walk, feed and train a dog is a great way to increase the feel-good emotions that help reduce feelings of depression, according to Psych Central.

3. Your dog loves the attention:
There is evidence that dogs enjoy a good cuddle just as much as their human counterparts. They are sensitive to human emotions. That snuggle session at bedtime is a good indication that your furry friend loves you just as much as you love him.

4. Dogs help kids with learning disabilities:
Kids with learning disabilities sometimes have a hard time concentrating and/or verbalizing their needs. A dog’s sensitivity to human emotion can help calm an anxious child and provide a tool for communication, according to The Sleep Judge.

5. They’re warm:
This may seem a bit nitpicky, but extra body warmth is hardly a bad thing when you’re trying to get cozy at night. Lower the thermostat (and save on the electric bill ka-ching!) and snuggle close with your warm-bodied furry friend instead.

6. You could sleep better:
A study from the Mayo Clinic showed that roughly 41 percent of people who slept with their pets said they slept okay or better when their pets snuggled up with them. The study even recommended that doctors should consider whether companion dogs would be beneficial to patients who had trouble sleeping.

7. Dogs make you feel safer:
Your furry canine friend is a smart pal to have around. Not only are dogs amazing companion pets because of their sense of smell (and ability to detect potential medical problems), they’re can be protective of their owners. Whether it’s the feeling of their presence next to your body or the idea that they offer a bit of extra protection against outside dangers, many people report that they sleep better because they feel safer, according to Today.

8. Dogs provide good companionship:
Dogs are commonly used as therapy pets because they are gentle, loyal and non-judgemental. Everyday Health reported that nursing home residents who were particularly prone to loneliness said they felt less alone after visiting with a canine companion. Sometimes you just need someone to love you for no reason! ​

 

5 Essential Oils That Stop Allergies Forever!

Having a seasonal allergy is always a very uncomfortable and unpleasant situation to be in. Luckily, most people with allergies have only mild discomfort, which causes cold-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchiness, runny nose, and red or swollen eyes. Therefore, instead of using various over-the-counter medications, you should try a few essential oils and stop the allergies forever.

In fact, the following essential oils provide powerful anti-inflammatory properties that boost the immune system, soothe inflammation, and clear blocked sinuses. Apart from providing pleasant smell, these oils can act as decongestants, and provide numerous psychological benefits.

Here are 5 essential oils that stop allergies forever:
Lemon oil
Lemon essential oil supports the lymphatic framework and helps the body easily to fight off respiratory conditions. Plus, it boosts the body’s immune system and fights against harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses.

In fact, adding a few drops of lemon oil in your water, it helps to regulate the pH levels in the body. Yet, if you want to destroy bacteria on the sheets, carpets, curtains, and furniture, simply add the oil to the laundry detergent.

Lavender oil
Lavender oil helps you soothe your symptoms during allergy season. Also, since it poses great anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural antihistamine it has the ability to ease inflammation and reduce the enlargement of mucous cells.

To ease the symptoms just rub a few drops of the oil between your palms and hold them close to the nostrils, breathe deeply.

Peppermint oil
The menthol in peppermint oil has powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can alleviate symptoms of chronic inflammatory disorders. While, the Rosmarinic acid in the menthol acts as a potent expectorant and thus, relieves allergies, colds, sinusitis, and coughs.

In order to reduce inflammation, unclog your sinuses or relieve a sore throat just rub about 5 drops on your neck.

Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil possesses powerful antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. Diffusing tea tree oil in your home instantly kills pathogens in the air, which leads to allergies. Plus, it treats respiratory tract infections, calms your body, and makes breathing easier.

To treat rashes and hives, simply add 2-3 drops to a cotton ball and apply it on your skin.

Basil oil
The basil essential oil also carries strong antibacterial properties. In fact, this herb not only relieves symptoms of allergy, but it’s also a potent anti-anaphylactic and antihistamine. Thus, assists in eliminating the microscopic organisms, yeast, and form that prompt asthma.

You can inhale basil oil for instant relief, or add 1 drop to your meal, in order to treat inflammation.

Runaway dog dodged rescuers for 2 months, 6-year-old girl saves the day

Meghan Topping, 6, is a hero despite her young age.

She managed to rescue a dog that had gone missing for two months and escaped the hands of professional rescuers. The adults tried for two months to save the runaway, scared dog named Daisy, but they had no success. Finally, they asked Meghan to give it a shot.

Meghan lured Daisy in on her first try.

How did she do it? When Meghan first approached Daisy, she began to run away. Then she sat down in the grass across from him (as shown in the picture above). “I army crawled on my tummy,” said Meghan. Daisy then ran over to Meghan.

When news reporters from KSBW Action News 8 asked Meghan how she knew what to do, she replied, “It’s just basic. We play with them. Trust. Love.”

But wait — this isn’t just a rescue story. There’s an even sweeter ending. Meghan’s best friend, Ava (pictured to the left), ends up adopting Daisy, so Daisy finally has a forever home.

Be sure to watch the video below for the full story. Don’t forget to SHARE this amazing story!

 

This Turmeric-Lentil Soup Will Protect You From Type 2 Diabetes, Dementia and Cancer

Soup is a great way to get a variety of minerals and vitamins into the body while, staying properly hydrated. Therefore, the following creamy, yellow turmeric-lentil soup is the perfect recipe to improve your health and strengthen your immunity. Plus, there are plenty of new textures, flavors, and ingredients you can play around with, instead of just sticking to the classic.

The 3 main ingredients are turmeric, lentils, and apples, and each of them provides powerful medicinal properties. In fact, turmeric is an incredibly powerful anti-inflammatory food, and since inflammation is actually the causer of many different illnesses, it alleviates numerous health issues including:

Turmeric health effects:

  • Allergies
  • Diabetes
  • Fatigue
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Metabolic diseases
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Depression
  • Psoriasis
  • Cancer
  • Obesity
  • Multiple sclerosis

In addition, apples are an incredibly healthy and versatile fruit, providing a deliciously sweet taste with a low-calorie count. Nowadays, there are many types of research uncovering impressive benefits on how apples alleviate numerous health issues:

Apples relieve:

  • Diabetes
  • Asthma
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Bone issues
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Obesity
  • Cancer

On the other hand, lentils are low in sodium and saturated fat, but high in potassium, fiber, folate, and plant chemicals that have powerful antioxidant activity. Therefore, lentils are effective in alleviating numerous health issues including:

Lentils health effects:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Cholesterol
  • Hypertension
  • Colon cancer
  • Osteoporosis

Here’s the healthy coconut turmeric-lentil soup recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 & 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 apples, cored and grated
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
  • 2 cups red lentils
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 onion, diced finely
  • 2-3 cup hot water
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation:

At first, rinse the red lentils with cold water and leave them to drain. Then, melt the coconut oil in a pot and sauté the onions on medium heat until you see them become soft and golden.

Next, add the turmeric and grated apples in the pot, cook for two minutes while stirring frequently. Now pour the water and the lentils. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.

Afterward, add the coconut milk and the spices, then simmer until you notice the lentils go soft. For a smoother soup, add an extra cup of water and leave it to simmer for 120 minutes. Enjoy and serve warm.

 

Heartbroken mama dog thought she’d never see her babies again. Watch the incredible reunion

When a stray dog becomes pregnant, the outlook is rather bleak. Chances are she won’t be able to feed her puppies or even care for herself. It’s a sad fact that the majority of pregnant dogs are euthanized even before the puppies are born.

This is not such a story. The momma dog in this story had already whelped her litter when she was rescued. Imaging her distress when she was taken and placed in a shelter without her babies!

Her beautiful eyes tell the story. She thought she’d never see her pups again, and she was so grateful when the puppies were found and rescued.

As one puppy crawled up over her paws to get closer, mom snuggled another puppy under her chin. Look closely. Can you see the momma dog’s tears?

A gentle pat on the head tells the mother that all is well. She and her puppies have been saved from probable death on the unfriendly streets.

Not all shelters take in pregnant dogs. Yet there are some that only take in pregnant dogs. And then there are individuals who task themselves with saving and rescuing these hardest-to-adopt members of the canine family.
You can help. If you’re considering getting a dog, opt for a shelter pet instead of buying one. Who knows? You may save the life of more than one by choosing adoption. Share this with your friends, and pass the word around!

6 Week At Home Workout Plan For Busy Mothers With No Time For The Gym

Becoming a mother is the greatest blessing ever, however you are no longer the center of your own universe. In fact, now you need to determine the time between childcare, cooking, cleaning, work or going to the gym.

We all know these countless responsibilities require time, lots of time. However, this does not mean that you have to lose your shape and gain fat. In fact, nothing is impossible to those who are determined to have a healthy and strong body in mind.

The following exercises gain muscle, tone your body, and boost weight loss. Plus, no equipment is required, so mothers can do them anywhere and whenever they can.

Here is the weekly home workout plan for busy mothers with no time for the gym:

Monday

  • 5 Push-Ups
  • 40 Sit-Ups
  • 15 Lunges
  • 30-second Plank
  • 20 Squats
  • 35 Jumping Jacks
  • 25 Crunches
  • 10 Butt Kicks

Tuesday

  • 35- second Plank
  • 5 Jumping Jacks
  • 30 Lunges
  • 10 Push-Ups
  • 40 Squats
  • 15 Butt Kicks
  • 20 Sit-Ups
  • 25 Crunches

Wednesday

  • 40- second Plank
  • 35 Jumping Jacks
  • 25 Crunches
  • 15 Push-Ups
  • 20 Squats
  • 5 Sit-Ups
  • 30 Butt Kicks
  • 10 Lunges

Thursday

  • 10 Push-Ups
  • 40- second Plank
  • 35 Sit-Ups
  • 20 Crunches
  • 15 Butt Kicks
  • 25 Squats
  • 30 Jumping Jacks
  • 5 Lunges

Friday

  • 25 Jumping Jacks
  • 15- second Plank
  • 5 Push-Ups
  • 40 Crunches
  • 20 Butt Kicks
  • 30 Sit-Ups
  • 10 Lunges
  • 35 Squats

Rest during the weekends.

In addition, make sure to drink plenty of water before and after your workout.

The daily exercises are perfect as they don’t require lots of time. In fact, even as a busy mother you can still increase your self-esteem and achieve your personal goals of fitness and a healthy lifestyle.

While exercise can be a stress-reliever it isn’t always. Remember not to put too much pressure on yourself. In fact, you can always skip a day if your child is ill, or you had a very busy day at work. Your goal should be to exercise on a regular basis, but also take care of yourself and listen to your body.

Also, when you are you are feeling tired, but somehow full of energy, think about how great you will feel after your workout. Once you complete your daily home workout plan, the brain releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins throughout the body. Thus, helps you improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and boost mental health.

 

A pet store replaced all its animals with rescued ones for the day. This is what it captured

Many animal rescues struggle with overpopulation and lack of funding, but this issue is widespread in Brazil where overcrowded shelters lead to poor health conditions, stress, depression, and starvation. Some pet owners drop off unwanted pets at shelters believing that they will be cared for and adopted, not understanding the painful reality of what shelters face when they don’t have the funds to care for the animals left at their door.

Often these animals suffer in horrible conditions and meet agonizing deaths because there simply isn’t enough money to give them the care they need and deserve.

Quatro Patinhas, or “Four Paws Association,” an animal advocacy organization in Brazil, tried an experiment with rescue animals to educate the general public about what rescue pets can offer to families looking for a new furry companion.

People pay upwards of thousands of dollars for pets in stores, says Christianne Duarte Garoiu, the president and founder of Quatro Patinhas, “but there are many other pets that would bring so much love with them for all their lives and people don’t need to pay a cent for it.”

The group worked with a local pet store to switch the store pets with pets from a local shelter. They placed hidden cameras around the store to record the reactions and interactions that customers had with the pets and store personnel, including incredulous responses when customers found out the price tag for the shelter pets: free.

 

“I think in the end what really matters is the empathy between a person and the animal. There’s no difference if a pet is purebred or not. What really matters is the love that will arise there between the person in the pet shop and the pet behind the glass,” Duarte Garoiu states with passion.

 

The store’s motto is “Better than buying a life is saving one.” Quatro Patinhas has done just that by giving many shelter pets loving homes and getting the word out there about the plight of Brazilian animal shelters.
Watch the video below to see the results of Quatro Patinhas’ efforts, and the beginnings of many beautiful friendships between new owners and rescued pets. Help spread the news about Quatro Patinhas and rescue animals by sharing this article with your family and friends on Facebook.

Magical Recipe for Varicose Veins and Thrombosis with Only 2 Simple Ingredients

Nowadays, many people are suffering from widespread veins, especially over the age of 50. The varicose veins and thrombosis are really uncomfortable health conditions. In fact, women are more prone to encounter them, but they can also appear in men.

Usually, varicose veins appear as a result of damaged valves and veins. Thus, prevent the blood flow towards the heart, resulting in pooling of blood within the veins. This blood gathering mostly appears in ankles and legs.

Since varicose veins may be very noticeable, people dealing with it, regularly feel uncomfortable, and wear longer clothing. This is an extra reason why you should treat this health issue as soon as possible. The condition comes as a result of excess weight, lack of exercise, injuries, pregnancy, blood clots, and spending too much time standing or sitting.

Varicose veins can also cause disorders in the deeper veins, and this type of blockage is known as a deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately, is not anything serious and can be cured with simple natural remedies, and proper habits of sitting and standing.

This magical recipe against varicose veins and thrombosis has been used by many generations, due to its amazing healing properties. The results will simply amaze you.

Here is the magical 2- ingredient recipe for varicose veins and thrombosis:

Ingredients:

  • 1 baby soap
  • 1 glass of sheep milk

Use & preparation:

At first, grind the baby soap and add it into the milk. Then, store the mixture into a plastic container, and apply it to the affected area 3 times a day. If you are preparing a larger amount of the remedy, you should keep it in the fridge.

Thrombosis prevention can also be performed through regular physical exercise, healthy eating, and good hydration. Thus, remarkably improves the blood circulation, decreases inflammatory processes, and prevents fat plaques from accumulating in blood vessels.

 

Dying woman holds 19-year-old service dog close. In this moment, dog knows just what to do

“In the arms of the angel, fly away from here …” Music floods the room. Gentle hands touch the people in San Diego Hospice, where those who come soon leave in the arms of an angel. To this place of final days comes one who gives his all: Baxter.

Baxter — who is 19 years and 6 months old — is a certified therapy dog that comes to the hospice to comfort the dying. Yet he himself will soon leave the earth. It’s a perfect connection — who else other than Baxter and those who are in hospice could understand the thoughts and cares of those whose lives are coming to an end?

Melissa Joseph, Baxter’s owner and best friend, takes him to see the people at San Diego Hospice to offer comfort and the kind of love only a dog’s heart can give. Baxter is so old he can no longer walk. So Melissa carefully places him in a wagon and takes him down the long corridors.
Though he can hardly lift his head, Baxter brings a sense of compassion for the dying to the loved ones who attend their aging family and friends. Everyone who meets him is glad to get his attention.
Weighing just 37 1/2 pounds, Melissa lifts him up to the beds of the patients and — at their request — lays him down beside them. His soft fur and gentle licks are delightful to their aging hands.
Those who thought they would never again enjoy snuggling with a dog have another chance when Baxter visits.
San Diego Hospice Chaplain Lisa McCollough comments that she has seen him lick the face of a patient for as much as half an hour, giving and receiving sweet kisses. Time is running out, but his love is strong.
When he lies next to a dying person, he seems to have a special way of letting them know that he truly understands. “It’s okay,” he seems to say. “I’ll be with you.”
Shortly after this video was made, Baxter quietly slipped into eternity at home. No longer will he greet the dying in hospice. Instead, he’ll romp with them in pastures of green in the great beyond. Watch this video. You’ll never be the same!

7 Herbs That Treat Internal Parasites Fast

Parasites have far surpassed epidemic levels in the United States. In fact, more than 85% of Americans have an internal parasite infection. These tough organisms live inside the body while, feeding off from food and blood, at the risk of the host.

There are parasitic infections that go away on their own and don’t require medical treatments. However, many parasites can attack your body and develop serious health issues.

There are certain parasites that stay alive by eating red blood cells and small bits of intestinal tissue. One of the most common reasons that people experience iron deficiency or anemia. Entirely as a result of this iron loss.

On the other hand, some parasite infections lay eggs that can cause itching, irritability, and even insomnia. While others consume your food, leaving you hungry, and unable to gain weight.

The most common factors for getting intestinal parasites:

Weak immune system
Poor hygiene
International travel
Living or visiting an area known to have parasites
Poor sanitation
The most common symptoms:

Stomach pain and tenderness
Abdominal pain
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Fatigue
Bloating and gas
Passing a worm in your stool
Luckily, you can boost your body to fight off the harmful parasites in a completely natural and safe way. Simply with the help of these powerful herbs you can finally get rid of the health-robbing critters. These herbs also provide various health benefits, such as supporting your immune system, improving blood flow, and reducing inflammation.

Here are the 7 herbs that treat internal parasites fast:
Thyme
Thyme is one of the best herbs you can use to prevent the growth of parasites. Additionally, thyme awakes the natural defensive system and protects your body from flu, colds, bronchitis, and sinusitis.

Black Walnuts
This type of nut have the ability to cleanse the blood and the intestines. You should simply juice the black walnut hulls juice and use the liquid on the skin to kill off internal parasites.

Garlic
Garlic can do wonders for internal parasites. It kills harmful microorganisms and promotes the removal of heavy metals from the body. Additionally, it repels fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.

Diatomaceous Earth
Effectively kills intestinal parasites, detoxifies the body, and regulates the intestinal flora. You should simply take 1 tablespoon of Diatomaceous earth, once a day for seven days, to easily kill these harmfull parasites.

Curcumin
Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric. Its extract has been traditionally used against various diseases, mainly for treating parasitic infections.

Clove
Clove is the only herb that can completely destroy nematode parasites while they are still in egg form. When combined with wormwood and black walnuts, it is even more effective.

Oregano Oil
Oregano oil is abundant in antioxidants that prevent damage from free radicals. Additionally, it has potent antibacterial, anti fungal, anti parasitic, and antiviral properties.

 

Big Jake, Belgian gelding draft horse, is named ‘world’s tallest’

Horses are majestic creatures and the subject of many stories, both fanciful and realistic. Something about a horse just appeals to mankind, and Big Jake is no different, though he tends to generate greater awe and excitement than most horses. Holding the Guinness World Record for the tallest horse in both 2010 and 2013, Big Jake stands 6 feet 10.75 inches tall. People tend to be speechless when they catch their first glance of the mighty Belgian.

A native of Nebraska, Big Jake was bought and moved to Poynette, Wis., where he currently lives on Smokey Hollow Farm with his owner Jerry Gilbert. Big Jake is a Belgian draft horse. According to PetBreeds, the Belgian draft horse was bred in the country of Belgium to do heavy work. Being the strongest breed of draft horse, the Belgian is ideal for work in forestry and logging as well as agriculture. Some people even use the Belgians for riding since these massive horses can carry a heavier load.

Of course, sustaining the massive size of a draft horse isn’t cheap. In his YouTube interview, Gilbert says that Big Jake eats 1.5 bales of hay a day and 32 quarts of oats. That’s a lot of food!

Besides being a big horse with a big appetite, Big Jake has a big heart. According to his website, Big Jake is also a supporter of the Madison, Wis., Ronald McDonald House. What an amazing horse! He truly takes your breath away!

 

Carrot Cake Muffins Recipe With Cheesecake Fillings

These days, lockdown measures are urging people to stay at home as much as possible. So, it’s more likely you’ll end up with more free time than you usually do. Also, being at home a lot means being hungry most of the time.

Accordingly cooking at your home is a pretty good form of therapy versus the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, cooking is one of the best ways to release stress during difficult times like these.

Therefore, here is a delicious & healthy carrot cake muffins recipe you can try:

Ingredients for carrot cake muffins:

  • 2 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup grated carrots (about 2–3 medium carrots)
  • 1 & 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt1 & 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup water

Ingredients for the cream cheese filling:

  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 10-ounce cream cheese-softened
  • 1/4 cup +1 tablespoon sugar

Ingredients for the streusel topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter-melted
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Ingredients for the glaze:

  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon milk

Preparation:

At first, preheat the oven to 400°F, then line a standard cupcake pan with paper liners and set aside.

For the streusel topping: Take a medium bowl and mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 2/3 cup granulated sugar. Then, add 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter and stir it with a fork until the mixture becomes crumbly, set aside.

For the cream cheese filling: Take another bowl and beat together the cream cheese, vanilla and sugar until smooth, set aside.

For the muffins: Take a larger bowl and mix together all of the dry ingredients listed in the making of muffins. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and oil. Then, pour in the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Lastly, fold in the grated carrots and stir the mixture thoroughly.

Now, into each cup of the pan drop a bit of batter and spread it around to cover the bottom. Then, place 1 heaping tablespoon of filling in each and cover with more batter to fill the cups 3/4 full. Lastly, add the streusel topping on top, and bake for about 20 minutes.

After they are done, remove the muffins from the oven, let them cool and transfer them to a cooling rack. To make a glaze, mix 1 tablespoon milk with 1/4 cup powdered sugar, and drizzle over the muffins. Enjoy!

Woman plays an unforgettable game of catch with zoo elephants

People know that dogs enjoy playing fetch, but most never think about elephants enjoying the same game. A tourist was caught on a video, which was posted to YouTube in 2013, tossing a rock into an elephant’s pen. The elephant proceeds to retrieve the rock and toss it back to her. This goes on for two minutes before the elephant finally walks away.

Fetch may be a new form of entertainment on the elephant’s list. According to Pets on Mom.me, elephants enjoy playing, or “wrestling,” in water and rolling around in mud. Part of their love for water comes from a need to cool themselves down, but some appears to come from messing around with one another. If elephants are given large balls to play with, they enjoy playing “elephant soccer” with the ball and their trunks.

Besides enjoying fun and games, elephants also appear to have great affection for one another. Happy Elephant shares how elephants appear to give one another hugs with their trunks in greeting. Pets on Mom.me shares how they will caress one another with their trunks.

Playing a game of fetch with a stranger, then, does not seem quite so unusual. The rock may have been a little small for batting around with its trunk, but tossing the rock back afforded the elephant a new friend and some fun.

 

This Easy Exercise Burns More Fat Than 1,000 Ab Crunches

When it comes to losing weight, your abdomen is probably one of the most problematic areas. In fact, excess fats in our lower abdomen are extremely stubborn and do not get removed easily. However, a toned and flat tummy is a goal that many people strive to achieve, therefore it’s worth making some efforts.

Getting rid of abdominal fat is not only for aesthetic reasons but, it also leads to many health benefits. This certain exercise will further prevent diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, and high blood pressure.

The incredible exercise is called “the plank” and studies claim it’s more effective than 1,000 ab crunches. Therefore, you won’t need to exercise to exhaustion or spend hours in the gym doing various exercises.

In addition, this static exercise does not only help you get a flat belly. In fact, while performing planks you will alleviate back pain, improve your posture, relieve back pain, build up your glutes, and develop a strong core.

Also, plank exercises help you engage your muscles in arms, legs and back, and as a result you will burn more calories than any other stomach exercises. In order to perceive the best results, you need to this challenging exercise properly.

Here’s the exercise that burns more fat than 1,000 ab crunches:
Follow this specific instructions:

At first, place your hands firmly on the floor, right below your shoulders. Then, position your neck and head in a straight line with your back. The position should be similar to the push-up method.
Place your heels in a position where you will rely entirely on your toes. Keep in mind that your legs should be working as well, although the main focus is on the abdominal area.
Activate the muscles in your abdomen and squeeze the butt muscles while maintaining the plank position. Your body needs to be flat, therefore, you shouldn’t raise your butt up in the air, just hold a flat pose.
Breathe evenly and smoothly since, it’s easier for you to remain longer in this position.