Te-Cafe

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How to Clean Silver – Jewelry Cleaning, Home Remedies for Tarnish

While popular, sterling silver jewelry tarnishes, thereby making it unappealing to some individuals. And for jewelry enthusiasts, there are few things worse than digging out a necklace that’s perfect for your outfit, only to find that it’s tarnished!

Fortunately, you don’t need a special silver polish to remove tarnish; it can be done at home in just a few minutes when utilizing a home remedy with ingredients that are found in virtually every bathroom and kitchen.

What Causes Silver Tarnishing?

Wondering why silver tarnishes when other metals seem to stay shiny and clean? In short, tarnishing is caused by hydrogen sulfide, present in the ambient air, foods and other substances. The silver reacts and tarnish is the result.

Notably, humidity, moisture and body oils will exacerbate tarnishing on silver jewelry. Therefore, it’s best to remove sterling silver necklaces, rings, bracelets, earrings and other accessories before exercising, showering, applying lotions and other similar activities.

Silver Jewelry Cleaning and Polishing – Home Remedies to Remove Tarnish

You don’t need silver polish to remove tarnish from jewelry and other silver items; it’s possible to use items that are found around the kitchen or bathroom cabinet.

Longtime jeweler Richard Hague offered several home remedies for polishing silver, including the following:

  1. Cleaning Silver Jewelry With Dish Detergent – Line a bowl with tin foil and place the jewelry atop the foil. Add a dollop of dish detergent and very warm water. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Then, rinse thoroughly and polish with a cloth.
  2. Toothpaste as Silver Polish – Apply (non-gel) toothpaste to the jewelry item using a soft bristle toothbrush or cloth and rub the silver using a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly. This method is ideal for mild to moderate tarnishing.
  3. Cleaning Silver with Baking Soda – Create a paste using water and baking soda and apply to the silver using a soft cloth or toothbrush. Gently scrub and then rinse thoroughly. This method is ideal for mild to moderate tarnishing.
  4. Cleaning Silver Jewelry With Baking Soda, Tin Foil and Salt – Line a cooking pot with aluminum foil and fill with 2 cups of water and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of table salt. Place the jewelry items in the pot and place the pot on the stove using medium heat. Allow the solution to boil for three minutes. Then, pour the jewelry into a sieve and rinse thoroughly. This method is ideal for removing moderate to severe tarnishing.

Notably, these methods for cleaning jewelry at home will not remove scratches; these can be buffed out at home using a Dremel tool and a special jewelry buffing and polishing attachment.

Tips for Cleaning Silver Jewelry at Home

It’s important to note that while rinsing jewelry items, it’s best to do so while the drain is plugged to avoid the accidental loss of stones, stud earrings or other small parts. It’s also important to avoid prolonged contact with salt, as it can be corrosive. When using the third method, remove the jewelry from the cleaning solution and rinse thoroughly right after boiling is complete.

When removing tarnish from silver with engraving or etching, some prefer to use a cloth instead of a toothbrush. This will leave tarnish in the crevices, which makes the engraving or etching more obvious. This method is also ideal for silver jewelry that’s designed to look antique or “shabby chic.”

Notably, these home remedies for cleaning silver can be used on flatware, dishes and other decorative items. In addition, home remedy number one is also great for polishing gemstones and settings. Toothpaste will remove residue, dirt and oils, and the toothbrush bristles can effectively clean the underside of the gemstone and setting.

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The Happily Ever After May-December Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna Wedding

Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna are the hosts of the popular and longest running variety show in the Philippines, Eat Bulaga. They started their May-December love affair in 2011, before being engaged in 2015. Sotto is 35-years older than Luna. While others supported their relationship, there were also bashers who expressed their dislike on the couple’s relationship, especially because of their age gap. However, they surpassed the trials as Vic Sotto and Pauleen Luna’s wedding happened in 2016.

In September 2015, the couple confirmed that they were engaged and that they were planning to tie the knot, although no specific date was announced then.

On January 9, 2016, Luna had her bridal shower as prepared by her close friends both from inside and outside the showbiz industry. This included Camille Prats, Yayo Aguila, and Sherilyn Reyes-Tan.

On January 2016, the then bride to be shared a snap of the wedding invitations. She thanked Oats DIY for the calligraphy on some of their invites.

The couple opted to say their “I Do’s” at St. James The Great Parish in Alabang. This was the parish where Sotto and Luna attended service whenever they could.

Pauleen Luna wore a stunning wedding gown by Francis Libiran. She also looked flawless with the hairstyle made by Jay Wee and make-up by Mikey See.

The groom, Vic Sotto, also wore a creation by the same designer as Pauleen’s wedding dress, Francis Libiran. It was a custom-made navy blue suit.

Miss Universe 2014 and the bride’s best friend Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach served as one of the bridesmaids. Other bridesmaids included Mara Isabel Sotto and Anne Margaret Luna.

Vico Sotto, Vic Sotto’s son with actress Coney Reyes, served as the best man of his dad. Vic’s son with actress Dina Bonevie, Oyo Sotto, served as the cord sponsor, together with his wife Kristine Hermosa.

Other Eat Bulaga hosts were also present during the big day, including Jose Manalo, Maine Mendoza, Wally Bayola, Alden Richards, and Pia Guanio. Ruby Rodriguez was the matron of honor.

Vic and Pauleen recently announced in Eat Bulaga that they are expecting their child together. This is Pauleen’s first baby and the fifth for Vic who had four kids from previous relationships.

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Rick Ross’ Weight Loss Saved His Life and Changed Him Forever

Back then, Rick Ross was really huge. He is great as a rapper, but he is also known for his body size. He also didn’t seem to care about his appearance. However, when he started suffering from insomnia and seizures, he decided to change his lifestyle. Rick Ross’ weight loss saved his life and he remained committed in this new path. He has inspired a lot of people with his story.

Rick Ross made a stunning appearance where he has drastically changed as he lost 75 pounds. In a way, he seems unrecognizable if not for the thick beard.

Although he seems to have been always confident of his body size, he revealed that he has somehow struggled. Hence, he decided to change his lifestyle.

It was in 2011 when he decided to start losing weight. He remained committed to his fitness goals since then.

He worked with a personal chef so that he could keep losing weight without sacrificing the food he loves to eat. He incorporates healthy dishes in his usual diet.

He also spends more time in the gym now. He couldn’t bring himself to the gym back then, but he has decided that something must change for him to stay healthy and live longer.

Back when he was still overweight, Rick would only sleep for about 4 hours each night. He really struggled when it comes to the number of hours spent for sleeping.

He also revealed that he had seizures in 2011. He even had more than one in a very short interval. His decision to lose weight somehow saved his life.

Rick has been diagnosed with stomach cancer after his drastic weight loss. He revealed that each day is a major struggle for him.

Regardless of his body size, Rick remains a jolly person. He also continued working and became an inspiration to a lot of people.

Rick said that he is happier now. There are still struggles, but he remains committed in this new journey to fitness.

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Interesting Facts about Guatemala – What makes the place worth visiting?

Guatemala currently shares borders with El Salvador and Mexico. This was directed southeast, and northwest respectively. Officially, Guatemala is considered a Central American Country. It is also referred to as Republic of Guatemala. It garnered a lot of attention because of its captivating beauty. This is the right haven for individuals who want to relax and unwind over the holidays or the weekends. There is a tenfold of interesting facts about Guatemala that tourists owe to know. It is not just a sight to see. It is also coupled with luscious cuisine. It is the reflection of the Mayan civilization.

The country will always be ideal for nature lovers and adventurers. This is for sure. Guatemala is really beyond what it offers. It connotes various meanings. Basically, its name refers to Land of the Trees. This is how it is perceived in the Maya-Toltec language. There are individuals who like to believe that its name is obtained from Guhatezmalh. This also points to mountain that throws up water. Others find this bit really funny.

The national bird of Guatemala is Quetzal. This is also its currency. This specie has always been rare and fragile. The feather on the talk of the bird was the one utilized for the Maya Empire currency. The inhabitants of the said country. This started way back in the 18000 B.C.

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It is surprising to know that even if the place is really small in size, a great number of volcanoes is present. To be specific, there are 20 of them in the place.

The main religion in Guatemala is Catholic. This is not surprising because there is an evident influence of Spanish in the country. Do not get this wrong though because occasionally, there are also the Mayan religion prevalent. It does exist in some places.

As comparing to the whole world, Guatemala is considered to be 107th of the largest. Before it, Cuba was listed. Iceland on the other hand landed behind it.

Aside from the aforementioned, there is a 76% of literacy rate among adults. There is a lesser number for females, as compared to that of males. The population of it, 60% for that matter, is illiterate. Meaning, it does not know how to write and read. This is one of the reasons why it has been cited as an interesting fact on the country. Learning more about it appeals to a lot of people.

What is in store for most travelers?

The longest river found in Guatemala is called the Motagua River. This measures around 486 kilometers in length. In the northern highlands of the place, Atitlan is located. This means at the water. This is considered to be the deepest lake that is situated in the Central America. This is even dubbed as the most beautiful lake all over the world. There were many explorers who landed their feet on the place. Take Alduous Huxley. Guatemala is also highly visited because of this natural resource.

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Facts about Edgar Allan Poe – What you didn’t know about him

Every literature student must have heard about Edgar Allan Poe. The author is inevitable in literature. There are common facts about Edgar Allan Poe that may be seen around the web. For instance, his mother’s name was Elizabeth Arnold. Edgar was only three years old when his mother passed away. On the other hand, his father was an identified alcoholic. This was the reason why he just abandoned Edgar and even two of his siblings. This was just right after the passing of his mother. It was surprising to know that his father was gone only after two days.

There were people who took care of Edgar. These were Frances and Joan Allan. However, he was not legally adopted. Despite this though, they were able to give Allan the education that he needed for the two were of a well-to-do family. Basically, Allan was only being sent money. There was no exact amount of this whatsoever. With this, he risked what he had in University of Virginia. In the long run, he was kicked out though. He was estranged after. This was the simple tidbits about his education.

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A Closer Look at the Life of Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar did not have a smooth relationship with his biological guardians who were enlisted in the army.

The moment he started writing, he utilized the name Edgar Allan Poe. This goes to show that he had to assume both surnames that he had. His obsession for cats was also taken note. As a matter of fact, he was known for writing with a cat near him, most of the time, on his shoulder.

Narrative of Author Gordon Pym of Nantucket, one of his works, talks about a capsizing of a boat, and as well as its members who drew straws to know who then would be devoured. Once they were done, they then ate Richard Parker. The bombing of the book was noted. This transpired because way back, the book of Poe was fictitious. It was not true, in any account and sense. A lot of critics wouldn’t like to believe whatever he was saying. Five years after the incident though, there was the same destruction that occurred with the same person, Richard Parker. However, there was no cannibalism involved in the scenario. It was in the year 1884 when a new case of shipwreck was accounted. That time though, the involvement of cannibalism was confirmed. It was verified that a person named Richard Parker was eaten.

Aside from the aforementioned, Poe was also popular for letting the public be exposed with detectives as literary characters. This was witnessed in The Murders in the Rue Morgue. There was a character here, the lead, which turned out to be an archetype of literary personalities today. Despite this though, there were still debates. A lot would like to claim that the idea “detective” was nonexistent in the year 1841. However, there were proofs pointing out that the said story was indeed printed in 1840.

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Ovarian Cancer: Causes, Treatments, Prognosis and Prevention – Cancer of the Ovary

Ovarian cancer is cancer of the ovaries. The ovaries are part of our reproductive system and produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. When a woman is ovulating they release an egg into the fallopian tube every month. If it is not fertilized it is shed with the lining of the womb during menstruation.

During ovulation the ovary opens to let the egg out. This causes tiny tears on the lining, which our cells try to repair each month. Cancer can develop if this repair activity occurs too quickly – a growth of cells cluster, forming tumours on the ovary. The cells are behaving erratically and working against our DNA. This can be a result of genetics or linked to other factors such as lifestyle and environment.

Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are two main types:

  • Epithelial is the most common, affecting the lining of the ovaries.
  • Non-epithelial cancer starts in the cells of the ovaries.

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Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer

In 2014 the Department of Health, cancer charities and doctors defined the key symptoms of ovarian cancer: –

  • Persistent pelvic or stomach pains.
  • Continual bloating and weight gain on the stomach.
  • Problems eating and getting full quickly.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms on a daily basis and you’ve noticed other changes such as tiredness, painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding or changes to your bowel habits, consult your GP.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer

Research is ongoing as to exact causes; however, certain factors increase the risk:

  • In around 5% of cases it is hereditary.
  • Endometriosis – in around 1/3 of cases.
  • Early menstruation and late menopause – this is linked to damage to the ovary wall during ovulation. The more periods a woman has, the greater the risk of cell mutation.
  • Ethnicity – research indicates women of Polish, Jewish, Icelandic or Pakistani descent are more at risk due to a faulty gene.
  • Research is ongoing as to potential links with fertility treatment and HRT. One study found that long-term HRT users are 1.2 times more likely to develop ovarian cancer.
  • Mutations in genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 have been linked to ovarian and breast cancer.
  • It is most common in post-menopausal women.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer is staged and graded according to the aggression of the tumour and how far it has spread. Treatment is a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. If it is caught early on (Stage 1: in the ovary only) surgery will be minimal and the prognosis for remission is excellent. If is has spread to other organs (stage 4) a hysterectomy or oophrectomy may be required to ‘debulk’ as much of the cancer as possible. Gene therapy and hormone therapy are currently in development.

Preventative Measures

Unlike cervical cancer, there is no national screening programme in place. A screening trial is currently underway and the results will be published in 2018. It is possible to be screened if you have a family history of ovarian cancer.

Pregnancy, breast feeding and taking the contraceptive pill can all reduce the risk. A 2015 study indicated a woman’s chances of developing ovarian cancer are significantly reduced if she takes the pill, with the effects lasting for up to 30 years after she stops taking it.

Cancer rates are higher in the west because obesity is more common and we eat a diet high in animal fats. Eat a low fat diet, which is rich in fruit and vegetables, maintain a healthy BMI and exercise regularly.

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Bring your Cup of Coffee

There are probably hundreds if not thousand other coffee lovers sites out there. This site is just one of them. My strong attachment to coffee, like the others stirred the creation of this site. I love mocha latte. Have tried the black coffee but my sweet tooth always brings me back to mocha. You and I have different coffee preference, I honestly think none of us have the same taste for it.

This site is comparable to it, yes we will feature articles about a variety of coffee but also we will be featuring the colorful stories that usually come out of 2 cups of coffee. I think that what makes coffee special. Coffee it is just a product shared by many. It is how we use coffee that makes it important, indispensable and relevant in our everyday lives.

Friendship, bonding, trust are just some of what comes out of brewing coffee. each post will be like our online coffee session together.

When you return, make sure to bring your cup of coffee.