All Kinds of Me Stuff.

Bad News. New Changes

2012-01-27T08:19:00.002+08:00

We received very sad news a few days ago that an uncle died of a stroke. He was working when the stroke happened, and it led to a burst artery. While it wasn't the main artery, the doctor told my aunt that his chances of survival are slim, and if ever he does survive, he will be a vegetable. My uncle has had high blood pressure ever since and a week before his stroke, it was told his blood pressure levels were always high and not even medicines can control it. It was really sudden and we didn't see it coming.

It made me think about my own health and realized how important it is for me to really take care of myself so I can take care of my children. I have high cholesterol, extremely overweight (obese is actually the term I think) and if I don't start now, I may never get it right. And I am young! I can still change and do this! First in the agenda is buy l-arginine . I have heard a lot of reviews from consumers saying how effective it is to naturally lower high blood pressure, cholesterol and prevent heart attacks and stroke. I would be using this as a supplement!

Not Quite What He Used to Be.

2012-01-27T07:55:00.002+08:00

My husband is an athlete. He is a very active person. He works out, plays basketball and generally hates being idle. So it frustrates him that he cannot perform as much as he wants to these days because, well, age and wear and tear of muscles and bones have caught up with him. He is not that old - don't get me wrong. He is only 33. But coupled with eating habits that is still the same when he was a teenager plus smoking (a very bad habit), it has taken quite a toll on his otherwise healthy frame.

When he was playing basketball last Saturday, he told me the game was a very physical one, resulting in several fouls from both teams and a lot of tempers flaring. He got elbowed in the ribs twice and scraped his knees while diving for the ball and up to now, five days after the game, his body is still sore and he is thinking he needs a massage since there will be another basketball game tomorrow night. I told him maybe we should try the deer antler spray I saw online a few weeks ago. The deer antler spray is an extract derived from deer's antlers. It is said to help in recovery from rigorous training faster. The deer antler velvet extract promotes cell reproduction and regeneration of cells in humans. Ever notice how a deer's antlers grow so fast when it's cut off? That's the basis.

Sweet Treats for Grandpa

2012-01-24T05:13:00.002+08:00

Grandparents' Day maybe months away but the kids are itching to give their grandpa a crate of Mrs. Fields' cookies - he'll love these goodies for sure since he has such a sweet tooth! My kids are close to my dad, and I'm really grateful they grew up with him around. I am praying that my future kids will still get to know him as well. In the meantime, I guess I need to get the crate of cookies to him or else I might finish them off!

Valentine's Gifts

2012-01-18T07:19:00.002+08:00

Giving little treats at school whenever there is an occassion isn't a common practice where we live. Sometimes, I do not know whether I should be grateful for it or not. For example, I have seen the cutest Valentine gifts for girls at Pinterest which are very easy to make. Only I would be wasting my time if Im going to make it since my kids' school might not allow it. (They were pretty cheap too!). Oh well, maybe I can think of something else.

LMS: An Educational Tool

2011-12-30T03:58:00.001+08:00

Our generation today is continuously being exposed to different kinds of technologies. As technology advances, people go with the trend and patronize most the innovations and that is why as time goes by, most people, including the young ages are very much looking forward for more technological developments. Somehow, people are becoming more dependent with technologies because indeed, it is a big help to anyone of us because it makes most of our work simpler and faster.

Considering the technological developments lined up nowadays such as the most powerful Internet, high-end gadgets like gaming laptops, touch screen or android phones, high definition television, DSLR, Xbox, PSP and more, how certain are we that these answers all our needs in life? As what you can observe, most people are using these kinds of gadgets especially the touch screen phones and cameras as well for communication and entertainment, but these two are just normal things in one’s life. Do we ever wonder if technologies are giving importance with our basic needs too? Think of education as the best example.

Actually, we have an existing method that may sound unfamiliar to some but this is in fact used to some countries. Not everyone is aware of this because we are more focused with the newest gadgets sold in the market. This method is indeed proven to be very effective and as I’ve said, technology plays a big role in this newest system.

Learning management system or most commonly known as lms is a software that is perfectly designed to provide learning to an individual, team or company. With the use of Internet, people can enroll themselves with their preferred courses online and they don’t have to worry about going to school anymore because this will be an online teaching method. Though this will be a cyber environment, students will still have the chance to interact or get in touch with their classmates and teachers just like the normal things happening in a normal school or classroom. Likewise, they will also have the chance to share their ideas and knowledge with others and there are various programs where they can join and participate and they also offer proper training to help students develop their self-being and performance as well. With these kinds of treatments, everyone will be at ease and comfortable while studying even though everything is just behind the computer.

Furthermore, as we have said, LMS is a web-based application designed to provide quality service of education for both instructors and students. What it usually does is to track and create reports based on the performance and progress of an individual. It monitors the activities of every student including the assessments and even their day-to-day attendance.

Students need not to worry because they are provided with tools for their online teaching experience such as video call, online chat and forums, as well as their instructors so they can be able to maximize their time and resources. It gives the most up to date information with regard to the courses available, calendar events and other improvements.

Indeed, technology is continuously playing a big role in everyone’s life. It's a good thing that these developments don’t only give focus on fun and entertainment but also for the basic needs of anyone. Truly, education is as important as food and clothing and that’s why leaning management system is a very great idea for those who can’t manage their time to attend classes to their school everyday.

Getting Physical in 2012

2011-12-29T02:21:00.002+08:00

I have been saying this every single year but 2012 NEEDS to be the year I finally get rid of all my extra baggage - literally and figuratively. My yoga mat needs to come out of the closet, our elliptical needs to be oiled up and I need to get rid of all the junk food in our pantry! Hopefully your resolution to be healthy is successful for 2012!

Five's Fifth.

2011-12-29T02:08:00.002+08:00

1. Of the five weekdays, which is the easiest to get through? :: Monday. My work usually starts on Thursday and continues into the weekend. Weekends are busier with both kids at home and me trying to juggle work and entertain them still. Mondays are my rest days!

2. Which of the five little piggies is the most bizarrely characterized? :: Oh my, I am not even familiar with that nursery rhyme anymore (That IS a nursery rhyme right?)

3. Of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood, from which do you draw your power? :: Definitely water. Aquarians represent!

4. Haribo Gummy Bears come in five flavors: pineapple (white), strawberry (green), raspberry (red), lemon (yellow) and orange (orange). Which is your favorite? :: Orange!

5. Which of the five basic tastes (sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and savoriness) best describes your personality? :: Sweet and sour - I am that moody! :D

Savings for 2012

2011-12-18T07:55:00.002+08:00

I told myself I will be saving more in the coming new year , maybe invest on cheap morgan silver dollars and some mutual funds. We are expecting a bit of a windfall in the next coming weeks and we pray that we can put it to good use. I really want to support the husband in his business plans and if all goes well, at least I can afford not to take in too much work all the time. I remember something I read that said, "It not how much you earn but how much you spend (or save)." Can I get an AMEN?!

Long Journeys

2011-12-18T07:48:00.002+08:00

1. What is the longest distance you’ve traveled (in one trip) by foot? :: Probably when we were in Guangzhou, China.

2. What is the longest trip you’ve taken by car? :: 12 hours going home from Baguio to Manila back in 1993. It was the last day of the year and we were stuck in NCLEX for 4 hours - crazy.

3. What is the longest trip you’ve taken by plane? :: US to the Philippines and back - 16 hours!

4. What is the longest trip you’ve taken on some kind of water craft? :: I have never been on a boat!

5. What is the longest trip you’ve taken aboard a bus or train? :: Bus - Manila to Baguio (2002) Train - never been on a train yet except for the MTRs.

Why You Need to Look for Reliable Maids

2011-12-10T15:22:00.000+08:00

A clean house does not only makes a house look good but more importantly it makes a house liveable and promotes a healthy living environment for the family. Regular cleaning schedules must be kept to maintain a clean house. There are instances though that scheduling a thorough house cleaning becomes hard especially if both parents have full time jobs. They may be able to do simple tasks now and then but a thorough house cleaning may be hard to do. It is for this reason that some hire the services of individuals or companies to perform house cleaning tasks. There are those who opt to hire a stay-in house helper to do daily household tasks such as cleaning the house, doing the laundry, taking care of the children and other similar tasks. Some though hire Maid Service Fairfax VA providers to do scheduled house cleaning.

In looking for cleaning service providers, you need to make sure that you only avail of the services of trusted individuals or companies. Reliable cleaning service providers must have the proper equipments and trained personnel to ensure that your house and your properties will not incur any damages. Your house and everything inside it are the things that you have worked hard for to acquire which is why it is only natural for you to make sure that they will be properly taken care of. Hiring a reliable cleaning services provider can give you the peace of mind you need when you allow them access inside your house.

Goal: Car

2011-12-01T13:21:00.000+08:00

We are getting closer to our goal this year. We have been meaning to replace our very old car this year but we needed to prioritize some things and buying a new car had to take a backseat for a while. Fortunately, a big project fell into our laps and if we ever finish it by the end of the year, the amount we will receive can finally fill our budget gap for a car.

We are really praying that we will be able to buy a car before Christmas, as we would need the vehicle for our annual visits to relatives. But, if I am to be realistic, I think it won’t happen until January of the next year. We would need to scout for cheap deals because our budget isn’t that big to begin with.

We have gone back and forth (and forth and back) whether we would get a used car, or use the budget we have as a down payment for a new one. I have always been for getting a used one, since I cannot promise I can deliver paying monthly car mortgages for five years. Though car deals these days are so tempting (thanks to the holiday season), we need to stick to the plan since we are saving up on a house too.

We also need a big car (an SUV honestly) since we are a big family and we usually take our extended family with us whenever we go to the city. So I am really praying that we get lucky on our car quest. Please pray for us!

I am currently looking at car sites. I know there are car web sites that sell or buy used cars or compro auto usate as you would read on the site. This auto usate Milano site provides excellent cars for sale. You can always find great deals on cars for sale or as the Italians would say it, vendita auto usate.

Best Gifts?

2011-11-29T14:11:00.000+08:00

With less than a month away from Christmas, we still have no signs of Christmas in our house - our tree isn't up, I haven't shopped a thing for gifts and I am currently sick (for the nth time) so everything is just harder to do. I have been looking at top gifts to give to kids these days but I have to be honest and say that giving money might be my tried and tested way of giving gifts during the holiday season.

Employee Engagement Surveys

2011-11-25T13:30:00.000+08:00

When I was still working, at the start of each year, my employer would conduct employee surveys to assess the level of employee engagement. My boss is one of those people who believe that for a business to increase its competitiveness and profit, it should start focusing on its employees first. He believes that employees are the best selling point of his business, as happy and satisfied employees do better work and represent the company better, effectively selling the business in the end. And I could not agree with him better!

So aside from doing quarterly customer satisfaction survey programs, he reaches out to us via surveys too.

How can an employer conduct an employee survey? Here are some questions I have answered and entertained. I find this particularly useful as an employee to convey my thoughts, criticisms and suggestions to my employer.

1. Ask them about what it is like to work for your company and what can be done to help them do their jobs more effectively and to do a better job of taking care of customers. Include questions about the effectiveness of internal communications, business processes, teamwork and how employees feel about your company's direction.

2. Make sure your employee surveys / employee engagement surveys also include questions about effectiveness of supervisors and managers, empowerment, ability of employees to make suggestions, effectiveness of rewards and recognition, fairness of compensation, adequacy of employee benefits, treatment of diverse groups and fear in the workplace. Include questions about quality, customer service and ways to increase productivity. Ask questions about anything that may be positively or negatively impacting employees' and customers.

Vanity.

2011-11-20T23:57:00.002+08:00

Thanks to groupon sites, many women can avail of beauty services like eyelash growth, diamond peel, facials, laser hair removal and other beauty-enhancing services at a fraction of their costs. It sometimes looks too good to be true, so one must need to do their research before buying vouchers. But sometimes, it really pays to invest on vouchers like that - you get more than what you paid for!

Born for TV!

2011-11-05T15:02:00.002+08:00

I a nephew and niece who are so cute they should be on TV! Many modelling agents have actually approached them when they are in the mall asking them if they were interested in infant modeling. But their parents, my cousins, preferred to wait until they are toddlers since they feel that it would be stressful for the children when they were babies. Now they are 2 and 4 and ready to face the cameras!!

Holiday Season Just Started!

2011-11-02T21:40:00.002+08:00

You know the holiday season has officially started by the number of holiday invitations to parties and get togethers you receive on the first day of November. I currently have two invitations for two parties, both for my children. I am organizing a get-together for two batches of my highschool and college friends. It's going to be one busy month full of eating and merry-making. I am sure this will be a busy month!

Maintaining Multiple Cars

2011-11-02T21:28:00.002+08:00

My father-in-law recently bought another SUV and now he has to maintain two cars plus a couple of motorcycles. It will take a lot of money to maintain plus acquiring a tire chain. It's going to be all good though - they would need more cars to take some of the grand kids to school and to be able to attend to my sister-in-law's needs. Plus they need a delivery car for their office too. They definitely need to have all those cars!

Ensure Positive ROI from IT Investments through IT Cost Management

2011-10-26T19:41:00.002+08:00

When you are talking to the higher management, I think the magic words would be –Return of Investment or ROI. They would usually ask:

- What are the benefits that our company would get from a certain IT investment?

- What good will these IT solutions bring to the company?

- Why would I need an IT solution if my company is already running without this IT solution?

- Why is it too expensive?

- What? I’ll get savings out of an IT Cost Management solution?

If you are not prepared with all the figures, your managers will definitely disapprove the project that you are proposing. Since these days an IT Financial Management solution is an investment, you need to provide the right data to convince your managers that investing in IT solutions is the right way to go. This is especially true if you look at the long term benefits. So, provide the best data that you can give and use an ITIL Financial Management solution. You can assure your managers by providing real time data, project costs and expenses. With this solution, you can provide them a better understanding of the costs of provisioning services to business units through IT Service and product costing, budgeting, forecasting and even “What if” Analysis.

A Case for L(e)X(ie)3

2011-10-17T15:18:00.002+08:00

I haven;t been taking that much pictures lately. I almost always just use my iPhone when taking photos. It is definitely more convenient, but I miss having beautiful pictures that I can scrap with.I need a more compact and lighter case for my LX3 so I have been looking at alternative camera cases so I can bring her more often. Hopefully, I can take more pictures too!

Hooked with Grey's Anatomy

2011-10-17T15:13:00.001+08:00

I stopped watching Grey's Anatomy on their third season. I just got busier and I wasn't into the whole medical lovestory drama of Meredith Grey and McDreamy. But I watched season 6 last weekend and I remembered how I got hooked in the first place - exciting cases, strong doctors, medical air evacuation and emergency drama. It's also a good thing Grey and Shepherd finally settled down so we can move on with the puppy love drama!

Going back to the workforce.

2011-10-02T05:37:00.001+08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately. I was thinking if now is the time for me to go back to the workforce. I am giving myself until the end of the year to decide since I plan to enjoy the holidays without a work schedule to tie me down. Psychiatric Technician Jobs are in my line of work but I very much prefer to be a nurse or a medical technologist.

Using a Cell Booster to Improve Cell Phone Signal

2011-10-01T23:22:00.000+08:00

Have you ever been in a situation where you have to make an important phone call but you couldn’t do so because of low cell phone signal? You may think that since you have chosen the most expensive cell phone package from a leading network provider, you won’t be having any issues with poor signal. But time and time again, you are proven wrong. There are a lot of factors that contribute to having low or virtually no signal on your mobile phone. You might be at a location that attenuates the strength of your cell phone signal. There are certain building materials that may cause that. For instance, the lead in roofing materials used in churches blocks cell phone signals. Concrete and steel can also cause the signal to weaken. Another cause for poor signal is the poor cell tower coverage of your carrier.

If you have been having problems with the signal of your cell phone especially at your residence where you make use of your phone often, you might want to consider using a cell booster. A cell phone signal booster has the ability to pick up a weak signal from a carrier site and boosts that signal thereby increasing the signal reception of your cell phone. Use a cell phone booster that is specifically designed for residential use and be sure to follow proper installation to maximize its use. These cell boosters can be purchased in kits which may include antennas and cables depending on what you may need.

Getting a Netbook

2011-09-15T03:53:00.001+08:00

I have been thinking of getting a netbook for me soon. It really isnt a necessity since I am at home most of the time, but it will be very convenient for me whenever we travel since I need to be on call most of the time since I work from home. I am browsing some cheap netbooks I can buy - I primarily need one that can let me access the web, write articles and reports.

Preparing for Halloween

2011-09-15T03:23:00.003+08:00

It's mid September and it's going to be October soon. Before you know, it is time to prepare for Halloween. I do not have any concrete plans for the kids this year but it is likely we will join a Trick or Treat party as it has been a tradition already. We wont be going to adult Halloween parties though so I would not need to buy sexy bunny outfits -- as if they would even fit me :) That is only wishful thinking on my part - heehee.

What to Expect When Visiting a Battery Store

2011-09-05T22:52:00.000+08:00

We are family who is into gadgets. We have around four remote controls for our home entertainment system – all battery-operated. I have a wireless mouse and keyboard for my iMac, which runs on rechargeable batteries. Add the usual battery-driven devices around the house – laptops, clocks, cellphones and huge machineries like a car and a motorcycle – and you have got a variety of batteries in our household.

This is why we are always on the lookout for discount batteries. There are usually great deals at a battery store. A battery store should be as diverse as any mega store. It's always wise to have high quality back up batteries for your devices no matter what it is. Whatever device -- a phone, laptop, or even a camera – a battery store has the battery for one’s every need.

Here are some things to look out for when choosing a battery store to order from:

Name Brand-Always look for a company that sells name brand batteries. This is a good sign that they are selling brands that have been tested and true in the market.

Variety-Those selling a variety of equipment are known to have high quality. It also helps your chances of finding the battery that you need for your device.

Warranty-It doesn't matter whether it's a name brand product, you should have a warranty that ensures your product will work.

Ordering-Your ordering should be safe and secure. You should also be able to order your batteries online, over the phone, or you can fax your order.

Pricing Guarantee- Ensure that your product will have the lowest price guaranteed.

Stressed with the IT Budget? Get an IT Financial Management Solution!

2011-09-05T19:24:00.001+08:00

I don’t know with your company but in our company, the most common issue that we get to tackle every year is the budget. You see, the last priority that they give budget is the IT department since they needed to focus on their core products, which usually goes to the Sales Department. It is understandable since the company has been “working” for years now and they started without the IT department. Most of the people from the higher management are still traditional, so they don’t believe in automation. They believe that upgrading from manual work to totally depending on the technology is a bad idea.

Thus, the IT department needs to work around the budget that the management offers which is usually small. Good thing there is an IT Financial Management solution that we can rely on. In using these IT Cost Management solutions, we get to efficiently convert our traditional functional budgets to product cost pools. This would allow us to maximize the budgets and give us deep insights into the cost drivers associated with delivering our services. We can even look into ITIL Financial Management too. So just in case a budget for this year is really not doable, we can raise it to the higher management and maybe will just look into working on it next year.

Cashless Shopping

2011-08-26T08:54:00.002+08:00

Ever since we got new credit cards we have been very careful with how we spend it. It has helped tremendously especially with our situation wherein we do not have a fixed monthly salary date. So what we do instead of doing cash advances we use the card for groceries and pay it in full within the billing cycle. Because of this, the husband has been auto approved for other cards and he has received many calls with offers. We are sticking with two and will just let our credit history stay good!

Bed Weather!

2011-08-26T08:47:00.001+08:00

I read in the news that there is a developing typhoon in a part of our country. That explains why our outdoor thermometer read very nice low temperatures the past few days. We havent experienced rain, just cloudy skies and very nice weather. In fact, I have a feeling that this is the start of the holiday season because the cool weather reminds me of December. Speaking of the holidays, can you believe next week is September already?! Time flies!

TGIF!

2011-08-26T08:42:00.001+08:00

It's a start of a long weekend for us here as there are no work and classes on Monday and Tuesday next week. We haven't made any plans, just to stay at home and visit my parents who are only a few blocks away. It seems it is going to be a gloomy and rainy weekend too, as there is a typhoon in our country. I just hope it's not that bad as Ondoy or Milenyo. Otherwise, engine driven pumps are needed to suck out flooded roads and houses again.

Usual Travel Nursing Jobs Available

2011-08-15T05:26:00.000+08:00

Earning a nursing degree opens doors to a wide world of nursing employments and great income opportunities. There are endless job prospects for nurses even when you are a new nurse with limited experience under your belt, moreso when you are a nurse specialist already. One of the opportunities you need to take advantage of are travel nursing jobs. Travel nurses make a lot more money than traditional nursing jobs. It has grown into a large industry that has many different types of nursing disciplines. This continues to be a growing field and these types of nurses continue to grow in demand. There are so many travel nursing companies that can help you land great travel rn jobs!

Here are some of the specialties that are in demand:

Traveling is a type of nursing practice that encourages a highly mobile nurse professional that offers tremendous flexibility.

1. Scrub nurses in the OR

2. Ambulance/ER nurses

3. Dialysis unit nurses

4. ICU nurses

These are just a few of the common posts that travel nurses get in their assignments and as a common denominator, experience and exposure to these specific areas is vital for any traveling nurse that expects to get paid at a higher rate.

Teeth Check

2011-08-13T04:10:00.002+08:00

I am so thankful that the health insurance coverage we bought a few months back comes with dental insurance. My husband needs to have a tooth filling replaced and I need to have my teeth checked too. At least we would not have to shell out as much money. The only problem right now is finding time to actually book an appointment and go there!

The Lemon Juice Diet

2011-08-10T09:57:00.000+08:00

If you want to lose weight and cleanse yourself in the process, it is highly recommended that you do the lemon juice diet. Among the many diets for women, the lemon juice or maple syrup diet is highly recommended because they have abundant minerals and vitamins needed by the human body to work completely. Juices are significant fuel needed by the body and they help in taking away wastes from the body.

There are kits in the market that will allow you to have prepared sachets for doing the diet. One of them is the Neera Natural two-week kit. The Neera Natural 2-week kit includes everything needed to do the diet for 10-14 days except for the lemon juice. Fresh squeezed lemon (or lime) juice is an important part of the diet so we ask that you buy lemons at your local market and squeeze them daily.

Here are some more tips when doing the diet:

1. Begin your daily routine by squeezing the lemon to produce fresh juice in a container with lukewarm water. Cold water is not suitable for the body. 2. Prepare for yourself fresh fruit and vegetable juice for your consumption during lunchtime. Combine together your preferred vegetables with a little ice and put in lemon juice to have acidic taste and some flaxseed for additional fibers. 3. Drink a glass of fruit juice for your snacks and a glass of partially heated water. 4. Eat a warm, pureed vegetable soup for dinner. You may try celery or pumpkin and carrot broth with additional sesame oil for savor.

Horse Fencing Solutions – Wood vs. Steel

2011-08-10T09:31:00.001+08:00

When you think of horses, you seem to imagine them, galloping freely in spacious rolling pasturelands confined with a beautiful black fence, just like what we usually see in the movies.

Black fencing is actually considered the traditional horse fence and most people would immediately assume that they are made of wood. When looking into a strong, affordable and durable horse fencing solution, consider investing on steel board horse fencing.

Here are some of the reasons:

1. Made of steel, which is stronger than wood. The rails will not break that easily (horses can chew on wood).

2. When horses test their boundaries and try to break out of horse fences, steel boards don’t hurt horses but they don’t give out (break) either. They “give” when a horse pushes or runs into the fence. It springs back to a perfect straight line which do not break nor fall out.

3. It is galvanized which makes it resistant to rust and the black textured powder coat finish has superior paint adhesion and UV protection. This means the finish will not rust, fade, chip or peel.

4. Virtually maintenance-free.

5. Longer life span because it is weather resistant.

Throwing a Bachelorette Party (Adult Toys Party)

2011-08-01T02:47:00.001+08:00

My cousin recently got married to her boyfriend of thirteen years. It was a long two-year engagement but the wedding was worth the wait. Most of the guests commented that it was the nicest and most touching wedding ceremony they have attended so far – beautiful and radiant bride, dashing groom and awesome party (lovely details and free-flowing booze!).

She actually had three bachelorette parties thrown in her honor. The first party was hosted by her sister, the matron of honor and her mother, and was a gorgeous sit-down dinner with a bridal shower party after with the theme lingerie party. There was a surprise at the end – a stripper that was old enough to be everyone’s father! It was hilarious and pretty comical at the same time.

The second was hosted by co-workers and it had the theme of “fun and kinky”. She was showered adult toys like gels and body paint. Somebody even gave her a rabbit vibrator as a joke. She was shocked to see one actually!

The third and last one was a trip to Miami with her very close friends. It was the trip of a lifetime, according to her. They went bar hopping and enjoying the strip, taking full advantage of her last days as a single woman.

After their wedding, they didn’t even have time to breathe and relax as they went straight to their honeymoon destination – Costa Rica! We are no waiting for baby announcements – right on the dot!

Baby Boom!

2011-07-31T21:32:00.002+08:00

Seven of my friends are on the way and two just gave birth recently - you can definitely say it's a baby boom year! A friend has asked for my help making her baby shower invitations and baby announcements and of course I could not say no. It would be an honor to be the one to make it for her! We have been swapping ideas back and forth and I am actually excited to see her little bean already!!

Technology in Autos

2011-07-25T10:22:00.002+08:00

My uncle have been looking for a good auto repair shop software that has been out in countries abroad for quite a while now. Most repair shops now employ a calibrated computer to realign cars and do auto problem diagnosis through it too. Think about what you see in movies - it is really happening and can happen! It is actually all so impressive!

Hello Thursday!

2011-07-14T14:25:00.002+08:00

While everyone has plans to watch the last installment of the movie Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I am stuck at home finishing work so I can enjoy a longer weekend. The kids have no school tomorrow so we plan on watching the movie then. I just need to take down notes about a MegaMeeting video conferencing software I need to learn. I hope you enjoy your Harry Potter weekend!

GPS

2011-07-10T11:21:00.001+08:00

My father-in-law loves to drive. In fact, when he was young his only dream was to be able to own a vehicle and drive it for a living. His family was only from a simple farming family and his father naturally wanted him to be a farmer like him. He actually got his dream and more. The other day he was driving around town but unfortunately got lost. I really hope that trucking gps would work in this country already. Imagine how helpful it would be for motorists if GPS trackers actually work!

For my Mom

2011-07-10T11:17:00.001+08:00

I never really appreciated my mother when I was young. It was only when I became a mother myself that I am able to understand everything she has done for me. And I love her more now than ever. I was wondering what I can give her to show my appreciation and love when I came across this web site, makemymothersring.com. It gave me an idea to give her a ring for next Mother's Day. It is true - we give promise rings to special someones, engagement rings to our fiancees, wedding rings to our better half, but we have never given a ring, which is a symbol of undying love, to the person who bore us!

Trailer Truck/Pick-Up

2011-07-04T04:35:00.001+08:00

There is a blue pick-up truck in our neighborhood that is absolutely beautiful. Everytime we would encounter it along the road, the husband and I would not let it go by without commenting how lucky the owner is to have such a vintage find. It's the type of curt trailer hitches that you usually would see on 50s-70s movies, that big and that cool. The husband even went as far as to say that he would not even think twice of buying a truck like that if money was not a problem. I usually prefer SUVs to pick-up trucks, but that blue vintage prize is an exception!

Using Adult Toys To Enhance a Marriage

2011-07-01T08:52:00.000+08:00

In a conservative society like ours, the use of adult toys in a marriage or any relationship is met with raised eyebrows or frowned upon censoriously.

The truth is the use of adult toys can add spice in a relationship and positively enhance the sexual aspect in married life, which is as important as emotional love in any relationship.

We also would need to broaden our perspective on such toys. Since these toys are generally seen as aids, these can be anything from visual books, movies, aromatherapy and simulating objects like feathers.

Of course, there are toys like the rabbit vibrator that are the ones met with shock and censorship more often than not.

Although some couples may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable using adult toys to help stimulate their love life, in reality experimenting with toys like these can actually create can openness between you and your partner. Using adult toys can help you experience new areas of arousal and pleasure together, and help you better understand how to please your partner. The main reason couples feel uncomfortable using sex toys together is because they have never used them before and feel that they are going to be seen as “too wild” by their partner by admitting they are willing to try one or are curious about it. If you and your partner are ready to embark on a new, romantic, passionate adventure together these toys may be just what you need to get started.

It is a choice between two partners and should be dealt with privately.

Cuddle Weather

2011-06-23T23:54:00.001+08:00

It has been raining since Sunday and we have had almost non-stop rain for five days. Though we are safe here in the mountains, I cannot help but get worried about most of the urban cities because of flooding. We have not been going out at all because of the rains and we are seriously getting cabin fever. We are watching a lot of movies and catching up on TV series to relieve our boredom and the husband has been surfing about basketball jerseys, spotting scopes, and playing Mafia Wars from time time. I hate to say this - but I miss the sun!

Batteries

2011-06-14T23:42:00.001+08:00

My husband is a very forgetful person. Sometimes he would look for his glasses when it is perched on top of his head. He always would forget to bring his cellphone with him and it is a constant source of argument between us. What if something happened to him and there would be an emergency that he needed to call me?

Sometimes he would forget to charge his phone. So what I did was to buy extra lg phone batteries

so he can still use his phone even without charging his, that is, if he doesn't forget to bring his phone with him!

Shoulder Brace for Injuries

2011-06-14T23:30:00.001+08:00

My husband is a sports buff. He is an active basketball player and as such I am familiar with injuries while playing. It is somehow inevitable. Like for example, if you know a football player chances are he might need football shoulder brace when he dislocates a shoulder or clavicle. It is the most common injury among football players. No matter how safe you try to be, accidents do happen. That’s how it is when it comes to sports.

Time to Work Out Again

2011-05-24T20:21:00.002+08:00

The husband has been out of shape lately that he fell sick pretty bad. He needed to be hospitalized. The doctor said his immunity was low. He was advised to take lots of rest, load up on vitamins and exercise more. I guess we both need to work out again. He would not need protein supplements from http://www.creatinepowder.org yet but we should have some physical activity soon. We are so out of shape!

Apple Bottom Jeans

2011-05-15T13:14:00.002+08:00

I have been clueless on how apple bottom jeans really are! True, I have heard them mentioned in a popular R&B song but I really didn't make anything out of it until I saw a cute outfit dressed in a mannequin at the mall. I was pleasantly surprised that they were apple bottom jeans! It goes without saying that I bought it for my little daughter!

For the House

2011-05-08T11:43:00.001+08:00

We are slowly completing things for the house. We just need some things for the dining area and kitchen and we are all set for our project house :) We dont have those samsung 3d tvs but we have what we need in our little house. We just need to save more money for our own home in the near future. We just need to keep praying for it!

Motivate Me

2011-05-02T01:49:00.002+08:00

I have found another reason to stay motivated and lose weight. My cousin is having her wedding on December this year and we just found out that all our relatives abroad are coming home! It will be our grand reunion at Christmas time. I am sure we will be having our family portraits there so I need to look good - those pictures will last forever. Should I start looking for diet pills that work? It's already May - I roughly have six months left, bring it on!

Hello Bloat...

2011-05-02T01:39:00.002+08:00

Why don't you give me a break and take a vacation and never come back? I have been dealing with a whole lot of bloated-ness for the past few months. I don't know what part of my daily eating habit needs to be changed so I can get rid of the bloat or it's just my "gluttonous" eating habits that really need to go. Should I consider using apidextra pills? I think not. I will do this the hard way, no matter how long it takes!

Gift Ideas

2011-04-26T23:22:00.002+08:00

Thanks to discount coupon sites proliferating around the web these days, I was able to get some vouchers from restaurants for our anniversaries and birthdays at such an awesome price. I plan to take the husband and my parents out on Mother's Day for a treat and then I already have a voucher for our wedding anniversary ready. Of course, it would be up to the husband what else we would be doing (and what gift he is giving) but at least I already have done my share :). He might appreciate Black and Mild cigars but I am trying to get him off smoking so that would not work. I am excited to dine at these restaurants!!

Just In Case..

2011-04-12T08:07:00.001+08:00

We use our car a lot everyday. The place where we live isn't exactly conducive to transportation because it's a long ride to ANYwhere so having a car and knowing how to drive are a must. We need to allocate a monthly budget for gas alone plus maintenance fees like oil, brakes and tires. Just recently, I told my husband we should consider getting a roadside assistance plan just in case we might need it. We never know when we would need help especially when we go to the city.

Supplements

2011-03-30T06:02:00.001+08:00

I need to drink vitamin supplements already even if I am big and look as I am healthy. I get tired easily and feel like a fever is about to break everytime. I actually suspected I have diabetes but test results have shown otherwise. I also have trouble losing weight even if I take hgh supplements. My dad said I would need to have my thyroid glands checked just in case. I need to do this soon.

Hair Loss

2011-03-30T06:00:00.001+08:00

A friend's husband has been feeling insecure lately. He has been experiencing more hair fall than usual and he is quite convinced that he has a bald spot already. Actually, it really isn't a bald spot yet, but thinning hair and a receding hairline. Now he has been searching for the best hair loss treatment for men as he is willing to shell out money just to prevent him from going bald. It runs in their family so he is quite paranoid it will happen to him early.

Loyal Subscribers

2011-03-30T05:56:00.002+08:00

We have been pretty loyal subscribers to our mobile and internet provider for three years now. It is not because we absolutely love them but because we have no choice :) They are the only ones who have a strong signal in our area. Other providers do not have a signal in our home that we would need to buy a cell booster antenna just to be able to send and receive calls. Imagine needing to go outside of the house to make a call - what if it's late at night? This is why we have stuck with our mobile and internet provider until now :)

Need More Information

2011-03-01T09:56:00.002+08:00

I have finally met with an insurance agent after exchanging e-mails with her for the past weeks. She offered me so many plans and packages that I need to more about the types of life insurance available so I can decide which one is perfect and best for our growing family. I want one that can serve as savings and an investment at the same time. And I am not really for the type that can only be claimed when I die. I want one that can serve as our retirement fund, in a way. I also want to get educational plans for the kids but ones that are flexible for cash out once they reach high school. All these might seem to be a pretty tall order for life insurance!

Illness

2011-02-23T03:52:00.001+08:00

More Friday5!

1. When you’re sick in bed, do you prefer to be left alone or to be taken care of?
:: Left alone. But I want everything I want to be given to me.

2. How difficult or cooperative are you as a patient?
:: Difficult. I am as stubborn as a mule, unfortunately.

3. It’s just a really bad cold so all you can do is ride it out. What are your strategies?
:: Double dose on Vit.C, drink more water, sleep. REST.

4. How ill do you have to feel in order to shut it down for the day?
::Not unless I have chills, I still work a little even if I am sick.

5. Waves of nausea are washing over you and through you. Do you fight them off, or do you just throw up to get it over with?
:: Fight it off.

Cleanliness Standards

2011-02-20T16:05:00.002+08:00

The school where my children are going to recently installed hand dryers in their restrooms and have a handwashing area with a hand dryer at their canteen. Parents are very happy with this addition since more and more kids are missing classes because the flu is easy to pass around in classes. We hope it eliminates viral flu!

Saving

2011-02-20T04:04:00.000+08:00

More Friday5!

1. When dining out, do you usually save room for dessert?
:: Oh yes, I love sweets. I feel I haven’t eaten a complete meal without it.

2. How do you feel about saving places in line or saving seats in theaters?
:: Saving seats are OK. Saving places in line are OK too except in theme parks

3. What’s one thing you did to save money this past year?
:: I didn’t shop every month!

4. Besides money, what’s something you’re saving for later?
:: I am saving my energy to be able to go out later.

5. In what way did you recently save the best for last?
:: Living in the suburbs. Even if work opportunities here are scarce, this is the best thing we have ever done for our family.

Getting Rid of Toxins

2011-02-20T00:46:00.002+08:00

I read an interesting post from a blog today. The post was all about a woman who was diagnosed with endometriosis for years and was recommended to have a hysterectomy. She wanted to have children of her own so after being disappointed with failed IVF treatments, she went organic with her food, even switched using paper plates, cups and towels instead of the usual plastic and artificial brands. She got pregnant shortly afterwards! Finding colon cleanse that works helped too. It helped me realize the going natural and lessening my intake of too much artificial and junk foods would help me become healthier!

Expiration

2011-02-20T00:45:00.000+08:00

More Friday5!

1. What was the most recent thing to go past its expiration date in your pantry?
:: My wheat bread.

2. When does your excitement about the new year usually expire?
:: It usually peaks in March – the thought that I haven't done anything and the first quarter of the new year is already over!

3. What valued possession seems to be on the verge of expiration?
:: I only value people. No material possession except my iMac which gives me money because I work from there!

4. When does your current driver’s license expire?
:: I do not drive.

5. What subscription, membership, permit, policy, or other dated document are you most likely to allow to expire next without renewal?
:: Hmmm, nothing. I need my domains and I love my Flickr account.

Moving and Moving

2011-02-19T22:01:00.001+08:00

I was told that the only way for me to really lose weight is to be able to spend more calories than I consume in a day. And do you know that it takes 3,500 calories to lose one pound? It would surely make me think twice about eating that chocolate bar again, that's for sure. Maybe I should take fat burner supplements as well?

Unrelated

2011-02-19T12:53:00.000+08:00

More Friday5!

1. What’s your favorite kind of cracker?
:: Nissin Chocolate Wafer and Coconut Biscuits.

2. What part of your residence gets the best natural lighting?
:: The kids’ bedroom

3. What song have you frequently listened to lately?
:: Lady Antebellum’s Need You Now. Britney Spears’ Hold It Against Me and Lady Gaga’s Born This Way

4. What could you use a little break from?
:: Health problems. I want to be illness-free!

5. What’s going on in your town this weekend?
:: More climate changes, extremes in hotness and coldness.

Support

2011-02-19T00:54:00.001+08:00

I am grateful that my husband and my mom are in full support of my weight loss journey. They know how hard it is for me to give up something I have been used to for all my life (eating sweets and soda) so they have been giving me all sorts of drinks and alternative food to help me. My mom, for one, has given me shakes, teas, pills like Lipofuze and fruits almost everyday. I want to succeed in this nth attempt of mine. I am not getting younger!

Super!

2011-02-19T00:53:00.000+08:00

1. There are superheroes named Superman, Superfly, and Supergirl. Based on your performance this past week in whatever you do, what would have been your Super_____ name?
:: Super Hormonal and Sleepy!

2. This week, what has been superterrific and what has been superlame?
:: Superterrific: Being with family all the time. Superlame: health concerns

3. Which of Superman’s abilities would have been the most useful this week?
:: Superhuman strength and his flying. That way we could have avoided the traffic!

4. What do you most expect will be super this weekend?
:: Money coming in!

5. What are your thoughts this week about the coming Super Bowl?
:: It’s over (Im late!)

Weight Loss Journey

2011-02-19T00:52:00.001+08:00

I looked back at my journal and found out that it has been two weeks since I made the decision to alter my eating habits. I have been mildly successful since I have not sipped soda in two weeks! I also have gone without rice for a week. Of course, due to special events like my birthday and my sister's birthday plus Valentine's Day two days from each other, my diet has been inconsistent for week 2. Maybe I should try taking xenadrine ultra already. I am that desperate!

Late Nights

2011-02-19T00:51:00.000+08:00

More Friday5!

1. What’s the best thing about being awake when the rest of the world seems to be sleeping?
:: Being able to have the house to myself. I can do anything I want and have peace and quiet – no distractions

2. Where can you go when you get a case of the late-night munchies?
:: Unfortunately, we live in the middle of nowhere. So I just raid our refrigerator.

3. What open-all-night establishment has saved you from catastrophe, and what were the circumstances?
:: Mini-stop, Mercury and 7-11. Our need for soda, medicine or junk food!

4. What’s the worst thing about being awake when the rest of the world seems to be sleeping?
:: Everybody is up when you need to sleep.

5. When you are up all night at home for whatever reason, what’s most likely to be on the television to keep you company?
:: YouTube videos and FB.

Anti-Aging Creams

2011-02-19T00:38:00.002+08:00

I recently just hit a new decade and I know that it's time that I invest on anti-aging creams. My mom said that I would not need wrinkle creams as I do not have that much lines on my face yet. I just need to make sure I always put on sunblock when we go out. The sun's rays these days are horrible! Sun exposure is the number one cause of aging skin (besides actually growing old of course!) One thing I don't even think about when spending is spending for my skin! It's my asset so I better take care of it!

Signal Problems

2011-02-11T21:25:00.002+08:00

We were not able to last long with a mobile company because their signal is so weak we cant even get a decent signal to send an SMS message and would need cell signal boosters all the time. It is not worth the plan we have that we preterminated everything and switched to a new provider. Now we are able to send messages and call contacts all the time. We need a strong signal for the house since we do not have a landline.

Answering Questions About Christian Intimacy

2011-02-11T05:20:00.000+08:00

There have always been grey areas when it comes to what is acceptable or not about Christian Intimacy, specifically on a married couples Christian marriage sex life.

For example, the use of Christian sexual aids has conflicting views. CovenantSpice.com is a store that offers aids like and claims to be dedicated to strengthening marriages and increasing playfulness and intimacy in your sex life.

Quoting from their web site: “We believe that according to the scriptures it is acceptable for a husband and wife to explore what ever options bring them pleasure as a married couple that do not cause harm, do not violate a scriptural command, and do not cause either spouse to be uncomfortable. We are aware that many things on this site may come as a surprise to someone from a traditional or more formal Christian background. We would encourage you to pray together as a couple and seek the Lord's wisdom. Only purchase items that you would both feel comfortable with and enjoy. Be willing however to try new experiences if you spouse displays an interest in them.”

Personally, I feel that it will ultimately be up to the couple to decide how to keep things exciting in their married sex life. If it will help and would not harm one’s partner and has consent, it would ultimately be beneficial for a marriage.

Boys will be Boys

2011-02-05T17:43:00.000+08:00

It seems that boys will always be boys! My nephews always somehow turn every play into a friendly wrestling match, and their father are avid fans of UFC. Go figure! I really don't get what is so cool about seeing sweat and grime mixed in with potential blood but I am sure they don't get why us girls go gaga over a bag - it's just a bag to them, while we know them by name, size, color and even price as soon as it comes out!

Elder Care New Jersey Provider

2011-02-03T07:04:00.002+08:00

A cousin of mine called me up yesterday. She was depressed and stressed. Her mom, my aunt, has been increasingly senile already, and her doctor finally diagnosed her with Alzheimer's disease. It broke our hearts but she has lived a full life, all she needs now is our love and care. The problem is that the daughter she is staying with needs to juggle two jobs at the same time to be able to send her four kids to school. She is a single mother and she really has no choice. When her mother was better, she didn't have to think of babysitting services as her mother would be the one to look after the kids. Now, she worries about her kids and mother. It breaks her heart to see that she might need to have an elder care new jersey provider to come in and take care of her mom now. She feels that she should be the one doing it, as gratitude for everything her mom has done for her. I told her to stop feeling guilty. The fact that she still chose to have elder care nj provider for her mom instead of putting her in a nursing home facility is a tough choice born out of love. She ultimately wanted to have her mom at home and the in home care new jersey set up was the solution for her. She would be making ends meet as her siblings will be chipping in their mother's expenses.

A Little Bit Here and There

2011-02-01T18:07:00.002+08:00

I have been doing some organizing at home lately - just a little, bit by bit. I keep on throwing so many stuff that I have to wonder how much money I wasted buying those things. I also have begun listing down things we need, like new quoizel fixtures, a vanity dresser for me, a mirror for the kids' room, study table/shelf for the kids, computer table for the husband, altar - the list is endless. This means there will be some belt tightening for us in the coming months.

Planning Vacations

2011-02-01T18:03:00.002+08:00

Can you believe that it is the second month of the year already? I cannot believe it, January just flew by. I haven't even recovered from the holidays to be honest. There was Christmas, then our family trip, then my husband's birthday, and then I need to look at various options where to have our summer trip when classes are out for the school year. I wish we can afford to go on a Royal Caribbean cruise line vacation but funds are tight. I am not too keen on travelling by boat too given how crazy our weather has been lately.

Resolutions

2011-01-16T21:07:00.001+08:00

When a new year kicks in, most people have one resolution: to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. Most of them fall off the wagon within months, some try new weight loss supplements, and a few are really successful with their resolutions. I am always one of those who have failed, time and again. I am wishing this year will be different!

Bloat. Bloat. Bloat!

2011-01-16T21:04:00.001+08:00

I have been eating non-stop since we arrived from our trip last Thursday that I’d surely need a weight loss supplement to help me burn all the fats I have stored in my body. We have been staying at my parents’ place since Thursday because there are repairs being done at our house. It is also one of the reasons why I am having a hard time trying to get back into the swing of the things.

New Sofa?

2011-01-16T21:01:00.001+08:00

I have been yearning to buy a new couch or sofa for our home but decided against it as our current one is still sturdy. I guess we just need to change its fabric so it will look new again. Now I am looking at various upholstery fabric samples so I can order it and have it worked on before February begins.

New Flooring

2011-01-14T23:39:00.001+08:00

Having marble tiles as your flooring isn't a great idea when you are in the middle of the coldest season of the year. I wish we have the great pergo accolade wood flooring finishing instead. It is one of our goals to move houses this year, we will still be renting but we would definitely be buying a lot for our future home. It's the year of saving and accomplishing our goals from last year!

Smart Phones

2011-01-14T23:35:00.001+08:00

I cannot be any happier with my iPhone - unless somebody gives me the iPhone4 :) I currently have the iPhone 3Gs. You can say I am a Mac convert - I have never been a fan until I got my iPhone and iMac. Now I want to save and buy a Macbook Pro (maybe by the end of the year!). But my friends tell me that the htc desire hd smartphone is good too. I do not have any plans of getting a new phone but I will check it out to satisfy my curiosity.

Elements for a Greater Level of Christian Intimacy with Your Spouse

2011-01-14T05:00:00.000+08:00

Christian intimacy is not the same as having a great Christian marriage sex life. They are both important but intimacy is something deeper – it ties the physical (sex life) aspect with the emotional and spiritual aspects of one’s relationship with his spouse.

However, one should note that sexuality and intimacy go hand in hand in a Christian marriage. These three key elements are vital pieces of the sexual puzzle for married Christian couples.

1. Spontaneity – This is a great catalyst for sex! One tip for the ladies, it is not wrong to initiate intimacy especially when you are married already. You need to go after his heart too! It isn't wrong to get creative and use your imagination because you both know that the games are just to add spice to a marriage that is already strong in love and trust.

2. Imagination – It is perfectly OK, and in fact even encourages, to have some bit of fantasy role-playing between the two of you. Christian Sexual aids can even help!

3. Communication - Get to know each other in all ways, not just in the bedroom. Know each other's fears, likes, dislikes, dreams and hopes. Know each other’s fantasies and secret desires. Talk, talk, talk. This is an investment in your relationship that happens to pay great dividends in the bedroom.

Premier Wine

2011-01-12T06:47:00.001+08:00

A friend has been perusing the extensive collection of fine wines being offered at Sokolin.com. She was referred to the site by a wine connoisseur she happened to talk to when she was trying out wines at a wine store to serve at her birthday party. Apparently, when you are in the lookout for a rare wine bottle or a premier wine bottle, you will most likely find them at Sokolin.com.

Sokolin was founded in 1934 when original owner David Sokolin received one of the first liquor licenses issued by New York State after Prohibition was repealed. Today, Sokolin is run by Dave Sokolin, grandson of David, and is an internationally renowned luxury retailer specializing in fine wines from long-established wine-producing regions, as well as emerging viticultural areas.

Too Much Food

2010-12-29T02:06:00.001+08:00

I am one of those people who have no control over holiday eating this season. I better start reading the apidexin review I bookmarked earlier so that I would be able to get an effective weight loss pill to help me lose weight. Health will be my priority for 2011 and saving. And for me to be able to take care of my health, I better not spend needlessly so that I can save and not work too much.

No More Shopping

2010-12-29T02:00:00.001+08:00

I have decided that 2011 will be a frugal year for our family. We will be seriously be saving for our children and some investments we want to make before 2011 ends. I hope we wont need to get some payday advance loans to be able to get through the year. I am looking forward to another fruitful year for work!

Christmas is Over

2010-12-26T08:54:00.001+08:00

And in a blink of an eye, the day we have prepared for for months is over. Have you gotten your gifts? My dad got a cigar from our exchange gift, it was a joke because he hasnt had a smoke in 15 years! I am so stuffed with all the food I ate in all the houses we visited I need to detoxify and drink lots of tea for me to get rid of the queasiness in my stomach!

Payables

2010-12-23T18:14:00.002+08:00

December is usually the most expensive month of the year. Not only do we buy gifts for our loved ones, it is also the time we need to pay insurance premiums. A friends has been poring over various car insurance quotes for a week now since they need to do a bit of cost-cutting because they just bought a new house and the mortgage is pretty expensive. I hope they get what they need soon.

Goal.

2010-12-11T05:13:00.000+08:00

I am not happy with the way I am feeling lately, health-wise. There is too many aches and pains in my body and I know I am not in the greatest shape and health. Maybe I really should take running seriously. Not that I need to buy a new pair of running shorts, but I need to exercise.

Christmas decorating

2010-12-05T12:04:00.001+08:00

We have had our Christmas tree up and out little Christmas village as early as October but we still need to decorate the outside of our house with Christmas lights. I was thinking we can skip that and just invest on buying Kichler outdoor lighting so we can use it all year-round. That way, our house will look better and safer with lights outside.

Holiday Spirit

2010-12-05T12:02:00.001+08:00

The husband's officemates are busy exchanging office decorating ideas for their company's annual Christmas decorating contest. Each team will have an area to decorate for the holidays and the one judged the best will take home some monetary gifts plus GCs. This year they want to win so they can go to a nice beach for their summer team outing trip.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Bedding

2010-11-28T10:52:00.000+08:00

Having a clean bed to sleep on will not only help you sleep better, it will keep you safe from health problems that can be caused by unsanitary and unhygienic maintenance of beddings. Whether you have the most affordable bedding or luxury bedding, you should know how to clean and care for them. Below are some tips to help you out.

Clean your bedsheets often. They should be washed before they become heavily soiled.
Use a pre-wash product for spots and stains.
Check for colorfastness before washing your linen.
It is better to use a large commercial washer and dryer for big bedspreads because regular washing machines might get overloaded with them.
Regularly vacuum your blankets to remove dust and dirt.
Treat any loose stitching before washing.
Always check the label before doing anything to your bedding.
For down comforters, dry cleaning is necessary.
Use a washable duvet cover on top of your blankets or bedspreads to lessen the need to wash frequently.
Electric blankets should always be washed and not dry-cleaned.
Follow the cleaning method for the most delicate fabric in the quilt.
You may soak big blankets and comforters in the bath tub before washing them in the machine.

Switching Internet Providers

2010-11-28T10:18:00.001+08:00

I’m not sure if it’s because of the number of connections that we have, or perhaps the number of torrents we’re downloading, or if there’s been an anomalous nationwide regression of internet speed, but our internet connection has become a lot slower than usual. In fact, I’ve been seriously considering switching internet providers lately because of the poor service we’re receiving from our current ISP.

I’m thinking of trying out those 4G broadband providers often showcased in feather flags and custom flags along the highway. Because even though they seem to be more expensive, they promise faster spends and even additional speed on demand to give you a boost in your surfing requirements. The only problem is whether they’re available in our area.

You see, I depend on the internet for living. I have several blogs to maintain, tons of research to do, and numerous articles to publish online. A reliable internet connection is not a luxury for me. It’s already become a necessity, so much so, in fact, that I’ll lose several bucks for every day I don’t connect.

So unless our current ISP shapes up and gives us the speed that they promised to deliver, I’m moving on to a different provider.

Top Celebrity Poker Players

2010-11-28T09:53:00.000+08:00

It is every poker player’s dream to play with some celebrity poker players. Many simply want the experience of playing with a celebrity and consider winning a bonus. The online poker website Hollywood Poker uses this to encourage people to play because celebrities are said to play in the same website as well. This website also offers poker rakeback although they currently do not accept players from the United States. Still, many are very interested in knowing more about celebrity poker players so below are some of them.

Gabe Kaplan. This Welcome Back Kotter star has earned over 1.5 million dollars in tournament winnings.
Jennifer Tilly. Who says only boys can be good poker players? Having professional poker player Phil Laak for her boyfriend definitely puts more light into her poker life.
Shannon Elizabeth. She learned poker from when she was a child back when rakeback is almost unheard of.
Ben Affleck. This 2004 California State Poker Championship Winner does not need to rake back. He has earned around half a million in tournament winnings.
Tobey Maguire. Best known for his role as Spiderman, he regularly hosts poker games at his home.
Lou Diamond Phillips. A regular among Las Vegas casinos and L.A. card rooms, he has a laid-back attitude when it comes to poker.

The new phones versus my old phone

2010-11-27T12:15:00.000+08:00

I’ve been looking at the latest mobile phone units online and I’ve just realized several things new models have that my current phone doesn’t.

Touch screen

The newest models sported by leading phone manufactures like Apple, Nokia, LG, Samsung, and Sony mostly feature a touch screen interface. In fact, a lot of the new phones coming out nowadays are either fully touchscreen equipped or with a sliding qwerty keyboard. I wish we had this as a standard back then. But then again, I wouldn’t be able to master speed texting.

Applications

Nobody cared about applications before. What you basically get per phone is a finite set of games, features, and limited accessories. Now, application development is a primary concern for an iPhone developer and an Android developer. Whatever your phone lacks, you can download for free or purchase online as applications. Convenient right?

Wifi

Now wifi connectivity is something that I really wish we had back then, or during the time when wireless internet connection came to. I am an avid blogger so a small wifi typing phone could have saved me a lot of trouble from carrying my then bulky laptop. However, I’m not so sure how surfing would have been before when wireless internet was just starting. I guess there’s no way to know now.

The phones nowadays have evolved to incorporate the busy and techie lifestyles of people. I wish I had a smart phone now.

Clear Skin

2010-11-26T16:07:00.001+08:00

I am really thankful for my parent's good genes as I have not had any major skin problems and haven't needed any acne treatment even if my hormones have been acting crazy lately. I just need to take care of it well, so that it stays hydrated and glowing. Lack of sleep, too much coffee and poor food choices all contribute to dullness of skin so I need to try avoiding them.

Getting Into Web Directories

2010-11-26T16:04:00.000+08:00

As a blogger who maintains many blogs, I am always on the lookout for directories I can submit my sites to so I can generate more traffic. It is a good thing I stumbled upon www.freewebdirectories.org to submit my sites. I also need to learn more about SEO ranking and link placements because it will help me find more jobs in the future. But as it is, my plate is so full already that I virtually have no more time to add more to my list of work. Maybe next year.

Acne, Be Gone!

2010-11-26T15:54:00.003+08:00

A friend is desperate to get rid of her acne which is getting worse day by day that she has been asking for more information about acsonix reviews. It claims to be very effective in getting rid of acne, quickly. I hope it really works for her, because her confidence is getting affected already.

Online Search for Austin Real Estate Properties

2010-11-25T05:08:00.001+08:00

Nowadays, many people do a lot of stuff online and searching for Austin homes for sale is among them. The internet has made searching for a house so much more convenient because you can narrow down your search and simply visit one or two that you are really interested in.

If you are interested in buying an Austin real estate, then Goldwasser Real Estate has what you need. Their website has a very comprehensive Property Search feature that will let you view each and every property in their listing. Each property listing contains complete details and pictures. This lets you save a lot of time that is often spent inquiring and viewing different properties.

Aside from this, they have the best and most reliable Austin realtors to help you find the property that is perfect for you. Their focus is customer service and you are assured that each of their agents have the highest standards and are trustworthy. They can help you buy the perfect home for you with the least hassle and the best deals. Their dedication to customer service was recognized at the 2009 Greater Austin Business Awards because they were a finalist in the customer service category. They were also the named the number one Austin real estate sales team in the Austin Business Journal for 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Acai Scam

2010-11-20T01:32:00.001+08:00

I have never heard of the acai scam until now when a friend explained to me what was going on.With all the media coverage, you probably already know that the acai berry has become one of the most popular and controversial health supplements in the world. Acai berries are high in antioxidants which should make you feel better and make you more active. This will burn more calories and could lead to weight loss. They are also high in fiber which can help regulate your body and also lead to weight loss. There are even reports that it acts like an appetite suppressant so you may eat less. With that said, there is absolutely nothing documented that will substantiate any weight loss, let alone extreme weight loss.

Appetite

2010-11-20T01:29:00.001+08:00

I have always been vocal about my hearty appetite. I have always loved to eat and have come to associate with various things and emotions. I really do not need a diet pill that will be an upper to give me more energy to exercise. What I need is a pill that can effectively suppress appetite! I can condition my body to exercise everyday but I cannot control the portions of food I eat!

For the Garage

2010-11-19T06:45:00.002+08:00

I have been looking for garage door openers to give to members of the household as Christmas gifts. We arrive at different times during the day and night and it isnt always a guarantee that someone can open the garage door for them. Automatic remote controls would be very much appreciated especially now that winter is here and getting out of the car to open the garage door would be such an inconvenience.

In Times of Disability

2010-11-19T06:31:00.002+08:00

For people whose jobs are risky and prone to accidents, like construction workers, seamen and on-site laborers, disability insurance is a must. It must always be a benefit of one's employer and if it isn't, it is better to check with the government agency involved.Allsup is a leading nationwide provider of financial and healthcare related services to people with disabilities. Allsup does not provide health insurance. They assist people that need disability insurance in getting it. Disability insurance is not purchased, it has been paid for through your FICA taxes. Since 1984, Allsup has helped more than 130,000 people receive their entitled Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

Nursing Scrubs

2010-11-12T03:04:00.002+08:00

Gone are the days when medical health care workers wear white uniforms, white stockings, white shoes and a white cap to work. These days, most nurses go to work in nursing scrubs, a set of comfortable shirt and pants that were originally used by the medical teams in hospitals for surgery and delivery of babies. These days, hospital administration bosses have acknowledged the need for the nurse uniform to be flexible. Studies have shown that patients, especially kids, react positively and heal faster if their caregivers wear attractive colors and lively prints. This maybe because so much intimidation and fear have been associated to people (doctors) wearing white.

If you are looking for a store where to buy cheap scrubs, try going online! BlueSkyScrubs.com is a great online store to buy quality but affordable nursing scrub uniforms.