Everybody needs a break now and then, and what better way to enjoy one than by playing a few rounds on a classic leather chess and checkers set? Zontik specializes in luxurious, high-quality gaming sets and tables from top-notch designers. This set is crafted from soft and supple Nabuk leather and includes 32 double-sided leather checkers with embossed chess figures with a leather carrying tube and bags; $720, ZontikGames.com.
Emotional Cue
It’s like a mood ring on steroids. Meet the Q Sensor from Affectiva. If you’re feeling out of touch with your emotions, this wearable, wireless biosensor will help clue you in. The Q Sensor detects electrodermal activity to help figure out when you’re feeling stressed. Identify your stress reactions to help determine what events are causing your emotions the most wear-and-tear; Affectiva.com.
Sex Talk
One of the biggest complaints couples face is having problems with intimacy. Meeting with each spouse separately in a session, a partner will often disclose how being overweight is an issue in their relationship. Sometimes a partner may feel overweight and embarrassed of their body image. This may often affect the frequency or quality of their intimacy. However, many couples are deciding to take back control of their health and marriages by making the joint decision to learn to increase communication as well as get fit together. These are some benefits:
• Opening communication of thoughts and feelings
• Establishing mutual support and encouragement
• Exercising together for more quality time
• Creating a common goal
• Sharing a common interest
• Having more energy helps increase sex drive
• Reducing stress levels
Once you spend more time together doing something both of you enjoy, it opens up the channels of communication. Your time together will be more enjoyable, enticing and may even be creative. So, if you are tired of being overweight and you find it is affecting your relationship, resolve to do something about it today. Talk about your plan as a couple. Both of you can help each other. The intimacy you want is possible, it just takes commitment to make it happen. Have fun!
Lisette Beraja is a Psychotherapist, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and Founder of Beraja Counseling Center. For more than 10 years, she’s provided guidance and counseling to individuals and families. She’s also a Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator & 11th Judicial Court approved Parenting Coordinator; 305.858.7763; BerajaCounseling.com.
Strange World
Think El Niño is odd? The world abounds with strange and fascinating natural phenomena, from never-ending storms to goats that can climb trees. Here are some of our favorites.
Perfect Storm
At the mouth of the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, bizarre cloud lightning can be seen with startling frequency on up to 160 nights of the year. It’s thought to be the world’s greatest ozone generator.
Stubborn Goats
The goats of Morocco don’t let gravity get between them and a good bite. These clever critters have been known to climb to the top branches of argan trees to nibble on their favorite fruits.
Sharp Wonder
Though we don’t see much of it in Miami, we all know snow is supposed to lay like a big, soft blanket. Except, it seems, in the Dry Andes, where it has been known to form blade-like shapes up to 6 ft. tall.
