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RSS Feed (xml)Thanks to Amor of http://amorsjourney.com/ for this tag.
These are just some of the things I love about my dh:
-my husband is cool, calm and collected. My perfect kind of guy! Hindi madaling magalit unlike me. :p
-he is a good provider for our family. One long running joke between us is that he knows I didn't marry him for money, because he didn't have any back then. But now he earns enough for me to be able to stay home and raise our kids.
-he respects my relationship with my immediate family. I never heard him say anything bad about them. Whenever I need to give money for my brother back in the Philippines, he never questions me about it.
-he is a hands-on father. He was the one who woke up most nights for nightfeeding after my kids were weaned from breast milk. He changed his share of diapers. :)
-he is very loyal and trustworthy.
-he does not have any vices, he doesn't smoke nor drink. Good thing he got the drinking part out of his system while he was still in college. :)
-he is your typical 'family man' and that is more than enough for me.
-he loves me unconditionally, he wouldn't trade me in for a younger and newer model. LOL
I'm passing this tag to Mareng Lan.
4.30.2008
What Do You Love Most About Your Husband or Partner?
Sun Protection for the Whole Family
This year will be Amber's 3rd year going to Summer camp. Every year, we go shopping for clothes that she can wear during these days. It's a two-week outdoor day camp. What we like about this particular camp is that it focuses more on outdoor activities and since the camp is beside a natural preserve, the kids get a chance to study nature.
I always shop for sun protective swimwear. This will protect her from the harsh UVB and UVA rays. Since she will be spending a lot of time outdoors, wearing the right type of clothing will protect her from the harsh sun rays. This website www.sunsationalstyle.com has a lot of choices for all members of the family, including toddlers and babies. This range from stylish swimsuits, sunsuits, sun protection clothing, hats, sunshades and sunglasses. They also offer SunGuard SPF-30 laundry detergent that you can use on your favorite swimsuit. There are a lot of information on sun protection and skin cancer resources in this website and they also sell books about it.
How To Get Rid of Gum in Fabric
I had a dilema the other day. Amber was chewing gum and somehow, some of it got onto her uniform. Don't ask me how, I have no idea. You can just imagine how upset I was. It's not just one glob, it's tiny stringlike stains all over. I went to my online resource, what else, Google. I found this and surprisingly, it works:
Things You’ll Need:
1 beaten egg white
toothbrush
wet sponge
1. Using a toothbrush, apply 1 beaten egg white to the stain,then let sit for 15 minutes. Whipping the the egg activates a foaming agent that dissolves the synthetic adhesives that bind gum to fabric.
2. Swipe with a wet sponge and clothing will be spot free.
If you have a big blob of gum, let item sit in freezer for a couple of hours then the gum should just pop off.
Mayweather vs. De La Hoya
My cousins in the San Francisco Bay Area are all boxing fans. It's not surprising at all since they're all boys. I remember visiting their house in Quezon City and they'd be all playing against each other. Now that they all have their own families, they still have not changed. They still like to watch boxing matches on Pay Per View, I know that they watched the fight of Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.
This coming September, there is a rematch between two great boxing names. Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather are having a rematch. The dates they are considering is either September 13th or the 20th. If you are looking forward to watching these two live in Las Vegas you can visit www.teamonetickets.com
They have Mayweather vs De La Hoya tickets available for purchase.
A Despicable Act
Have you ever seen the face of evil? Click here if you haven't. This is the face of the Austrian man who imprisoned his own daughter in the basement for 24 years. All the while, he raped her repeatedly and fathered seven children with her. She disappeared when she was 18 years old and her father made up a story that she joined a cult and does not want to be contacted. She was holed up in the basement that is secured with a security keypad. The wife said that she has not gone down to the basement because her husband forbid it. Four of the children were raised by the grandparents, the husband told the wife that he found the baby by the door with the letter from their daughter. Meanwhile, the other three children stayed with their mother in the basement.
This is so cruel and appalling. Their neighbors are questioning themselves if there was anything they missed that should've raised a red flag about what's happening in that house. Do you think if this happened in the Philippines it would've gone unoticed? Probably not, there is usually that nosy neighbor who makes everybody else's business hers.
People's Health Insurance
A couple of years ago, my dad retired from his job as a Disability Analyst for the State of California. After retiring, they were faced with a big decision on what kind of insurance they need and where to get it. They are eligible for Medicare but we all know that sometimes that is just not enough. They were able to acquire insurance that fits them very well. Having health insurance is very important considering the costs of medical procedures nowadays. If you or anyone you know is looking for a health insurance, go to www.peopleshealthinsurance.com
People's Health Insurance is more than just a referral company. They are a licensed insurance agency and all their agents are licensed as well. They will guide you in all aspects of choosing the right kind on health insurance for your needs. You can depend on them to answer your questions about the application process, policy benefits, plan pricing, and health provider networks. If you live in the Midwest, they also offer Illinois dental insurance. You can get a rate quote immediately from different health insurance carriers. For more information, go to http://www.peopleshealthinsurance.com/
Wow, Are You Sure Google?
Last night, my friend Carlota left a comment at this post I made about getting and looking for oooppps in p.b. She informed me that my page has a page rank of 2. Whoa, that was unexpected. I did not know because I stopped checking my pr. It is something that I don't have the control over so I don't stress out about it. Well now, the algorithm gods at Google decided to grant my page a pr of 2. Well, thanks a lot Google! I hope you will not be fickle and take it away.
-----Read Full Post-----4.29.2008
Visit and Meet the Kiwis
My hubby have always wanted to visit New Zealand after seeing the backdrop of the movie Lord of the Rings. The scenery in that country is simply amazing. They have a lot of activities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. One travel website that has a lot of information about this is www.travelstoreusa.com
They offer a New Zealand tour that you can personalize to fit your travel needs. This website has travel professionals that will help you achieve the perfect vacation, from your transportation, accomodations and tours of New Zealand. If you are looking to book a luxury tour of New Zealand, go to www.travelstoreusa.com
Six Symptoms You Should Never Ignore
Ovarian cancer has been known as the "silent killer" because by the time it's detected, it is often too late: In advanced cases, the survival rate is less than 30 percent.
But researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine now say that there are six specific symptoms that can signal trouble:
1. Bloating
2. Increased abdominal size
3. Abdominal pain
4, Pelvic pain
5. Feeling full quickly
6. Difficulty eating (you can't finish a regular-size meal)
Of course, many of us experience problems like these from time to time, and they're usually not serious. "But see your doctor if the symptom is new, occurs every day or almost every day, and doesn't seem to be going away after a couple of weeks," says lead researcher Barbara Goff, M.D. If ovarian cancer is detected early, as many as 90 percent of cases can be cured.
Bad Credit Offers
Honeymoon in Jail?
A newlywed couple spent the night in separate jail cells — she in her wedding gown — after police said they brawled with each other, then members of another wedding party, at a suburban Pittsburgh hotel.
The fight started Saturday night after a reception when he knocked her to the floor with a karate kick in the seventh-floor hallway of a Holiday Inn, according to police. It escalated when she attacked two guests from another wedding party who came to her aid, police said.
The melee moved to an elevator and then to the lobby, where the couple threw metal planters at the two guests of the other party, causing minor injuries, police charged.
Isn't this the craziest thing? I think they need major counseling if not divorce. Could it be that they're both drunk? Whatever it is, they both have major issues. What should be the happiest day of their lives turned out to be the opposite.
Look of The Year
If you are young, beautiful and tall, you can be a model. I'm sure a lot of people complimented you on your looks and told you that you should be a model. If you ever aspire to be a model, you should go to this website: http://www.bloggerwave.com/blog_ClickTrack.php?OpportunityId=56&BlogId=10703&LinkId=0
Look of The Year are looking for young people from all over the world to join their search for a beautiful model. This is a beauty contest. The contestants need to send in their best pictures and who knows, they can be the next model who will be working in fashion capitals such as Paris, New York or Milan. If you want to be a model and work with beautiful people all over the world, you should join Look of The Year today.
Did You Go Fishing Lately?
I haven't gone fishing lately, there's a lot of things to do around the house. Too many chores and too little time. The weather has been great and I'm sure it is a perfect day to go fishing.
For those whose hobby is fishing, are you searching for more information on saltwater fishing? Then take a look on the net and discover what your searching for. Whether your searching for information about bass fishing or for simple answers on a fishing boat, you're certain to find what your searching for.
Our upcoming vacation is also taking up most of my time, I'm still reading up on different options we can do while on vacation. I've been spending a lot of time on travel forums and the like. So between that and bloghopping, I barely have time to look for jobs.
4.28.2008
Sorry, I Don't Do Windows
How I wish it were true. Sadly enough, I have to do windows since no one else will. In the Philippines, I learned from my mom to use old newspaper to clean the glass door. I thought she was kidding but it really works. You save money by using old newspaper but the downside is you'll end up with gunk on your hands after you're done with it.
Cleaning windows is not my favorite thing to do. I have 16 windows to clean in the house plus a sliding door. One good thing is we have the kind of window that tilt it so it's easier to clean the outside part. When it comes to glass cleaners, I've tried using store brand but they leave some residue and streaks. So I went back to the tried and tested Windex. Do you have a window cleaner you like to use? Do share, I might just try it.
QUICK WINDOW CLEANING TIPS:
Fastest Fixes
• Give dirt the brush-off. We know — going at the glass with the cleaner is the most satisfying part. But before you squeeze that trigger, pull back the blinds or curtains, open the window, and inspect its sill, frame, and tracks for obvious crud and cobwebs. Sweep out debris using the small-handled brush that comes with your dustpan. (Skip this step, and you risk a mess later, since the loose dirt can stick to your wiping towel and smear the glass.) Also handy: a cloth-wrapped screwdriver for flicking out dead bugs or hard-to-reach gunk.
• De-grime the screens. If you leave yours in year-round, give them a once-over now — otherwise, all that dried-on dirt may blow into your house the first time you open the windows for ventilation. The good news: You don’t need to take down the screens and hose them off. Just run your vacuum with its dusting-brush attachment over the side that faces in. (Side to side, top to bottom is the speediest method.)
• Make the glass gleam. For windows that tilt in, washing both sides is a cinch. Spray your cleaner on the inside of the glass until it’s heavily misted but not drippy. Then, with a clean lint-free cloth, wipe horizontally until dry. Tilt the window the other way; repeat on the outer panes, but this time wipe vertically (cleaning in opposite directions makes streaks obvious and easier to zap). For double-hung windows that don’t fold in, slide the bottom pane up about eight inches — so you can reach out and up. Clean what you can; then slide down the top panel to get it from above. Windows crank out or don’t open at all? Clean the insides, then rinse the outsides with a hose.
Make It Easier Next Time
• Pick a cloudy day. Direct sun makes the cleaner dry too quickly, leaving streaks behind.
Source: Good Housekeeping
4.26.2008
Travel Tip #1: Wear a Money Belt
In Rick Steves' website, he also has a page with helpful tips about the different scams that target tourists, tips from travellers on how to avoid being ripped-off and more. When riding public transportation, always put your purse in front of you. If you see a commotion, be alert. Thieves usually set this up to distract people. Always be on the lookout for these.
4.24.2008
Ahhh Choo! Bless You!
Well, it is official. My own 'allergy season' started this morning. You know, the usual symptoms: sneezing and itchy nose and coughing. I don't have the itchy eyes yet, it'll come sooner or later I'm sure of it. We need to stock up on Claritin-D, both dh and I have Spring allergies although we have different kinds. Only downside to this medicine is it makes you very thirsty. I find myself waking up in the middle of the night to drink some water. I don't mind though, it's better than having a restless night not being able to breathe.
I'm allergic to tree pollen while he is allergic to grass. I started having hay fever allergies while in CA, I've been living there for 3 years when my allergies started. I thought I had the flu or cold so I went to my primary care doctor and he said that it is just hay fever. Funny, but I haven't had any allergies growing up. I read somewhere that when a person moves to a new location, something triggers your allergies. We go through a lot of facial tissues during this time. If you suffer from hay fever like we do, I suggest using facial tissue with lotion like Puffs-Plus. It definitely is better than regular tissues. It is softer and will not dry out your skin. I hope this year my allergies won't be as bad as the past few years. :(
Do you have allergies?
Turkey Hotels
Turkey is a country full of history and traditions. If you plan to visit and are looking for accomodations then you should visit www.nativeworld.us They have recommended hotels in Turkey. Visit Hotels Turkey for more information. There are interesting tourist sites to visit in Turkey. One of them is the Hagia Sofia, a beautiful structure that used to be a church, then a mosque and is now a museum with wonderful artifacts.
-----Read Full Post-----4.20.2008
Best Blog Hopper Award Goes To...
We all know that traffic to our blogs is very important. We visit our blogger friends and hope that they visit your blog too. There are three bloggers that are consistent in that regard. I made this award to show these bloggers that I appreciate their effort to visit my blog and leave a comment when they can. 
To Mareng Amy of http://www.kalidadis.com/ , Amor of http://amorsjourney.com/ and Liza of http://mlizcochico.com/, a big THANK YOU for always visiting my blogs. I appreciate it very much.
4.18.2008
Professional Answering Service For Your Business
Whether you have a small business or a large one, you need a reliable answering service to handle all your calls. This website www.mapcommunications.com offers professional call center and Answering Service to handle all your needs. They can customize their answering service solutions for your business' needs. They offer all sizes of call center and answering service, from a small and basic answering service to a large call center environment.
What makes Map Communications different from other call center and answering services is that your customer will NEVER be put on hold. A live operator is always standing by to answer all calls. You will have a toll-free 800 number for your customers to use. They also offer multiple messaging options. You can receive text messages in your pager, cellphone, email or by fax. With their services you also get a free online management where you can view all calls and activity live and online any time of day.
Map Communications is offering a 7-day free trial for customers. This will give you time to try out their service and see for yourself that they have what you need in an answering and call center service for you and your business.
A Sure Sign Of Spring
For the first time this year I used the grill to cook our steak dinner. Spring is definitely here, our weather is warm enough for me to use it. Although freezing weather does not necessarily prevent me from cooking outdoors. I've been known to cook danggit on an electric pan on the deck in freezing weather. :) The kids had been playing outdoors after school for the past couple of days now. It's been warm enough for them not to wear jackets. Time to put away all our winter clothes and launder the warm weather clothes. It is a pain to do this every year. :(
-----Read Full Post-----SL Lifts Industrial Series
If your company is looking into purchasing an Industrial Lift, then look no further. http://www.shuttlelift.com/ has what you are looking for. Their industrial lifts are made to lift from fifteen hundred to five hundred tons. It uses a four hoist design for quicker hoisting time and improve cycle lifting time. There are also custom accessories you can add to the cranes to enhance its overall lifting capabilities.
-----Read Full Post-----4.17.2008
Free Cell Phones
The website http://www.bestincellphones.com/ have a very good deal for customers. They offer free cell phones, yes you read that right, it is free. They give you a choice of different providers like Sprint, ATT, TMobile and Verizon if you want to stay with a your service provider.
They have a lot of different cellphone you can choose from, they also have Blackberrys and Palm Pilots. As an added bonus, they offer free FEDEX shipping on all orders. You can search their website by the kind of cellphone or by carriers. Cell phone accessories are also offered in this website.
If you have a business and you are searching for a website to help you with teleconferencing, stop your search now. Whether you are looking for personalized solutions for a teleconference, or you want to see how you can get a free conference call, the net can be a great source of more information.
4.16.2008
Online Phone Cards
Eversince I migrated to the US eighteen years ago, I have spent thousands of dollars for long distance calls. Phone cards were not popular back then. When you make a long distance call, you have no choice but to use the local long distance company that your phone company uses. For that reason, I try to save money by not making too many phone calls and believe it or not, write letters.
Gone are the days where I use my local long distance company when I make a phone call to my friends in the Philippines and in Europe. The phone company I used before charges too much for a long distance call. Add to that the tax surcharge, federal tax, etc. Having a high long distance phone bill does not make me a happy camper and because of this, I am always on the look-out for a good phone card.
I have tried a lot of phone cards over the years. I get these phone cards from different sources. There are phone cards that are issued by the phone companies themselves but I find them expensive. You can also get other phone cards in any Ethnic stores. Usually, the problem with some of these cards is that you do not get much minutes for the card amount you paid for. You need to find out all the hidden charges that the phone card company adds on to every call. A $20 phone card may only be a $10 phone card after all those charges. So you have to be very careful.
I found a website called phonecardsavenue.com where they sell cheap online phone cards. Phone Cards Avenue will also save you almost 80% over traditional long distance companies like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. There are a lot of different phone cards to meet your calling needs in phonecardsavenue.com
Great Weather...
Finally, we are having a beautiful Spring day! I hope this continues throughout the weekend. We are having a party at a friend's house. She had a baby last month and we were not able to give her a baby shower. The ultrasound tech and the doctor made a mistake in calculating her delivery date. They were off by three weeks! So before we know it, the baby already made an appearance. :)
She had a baby girl they named Keira. After two boys, she and her husband feels so blessed to have a girl the third time around.
4.15.2008
My Kind of Coffee - A Different Flavor Each Day
I love the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. I'm very much into flavored coffee and sanmarcocoffee.com have a lot of selections of coffee that you can choose from. What's different about this website is that the coffee is roasted and flavored to order. As a coffee drinker, I know that these makes a ton of difference on the flavor. Other coffee purveyors already have their coffee flavored and roasted in advance and who knows how long the coffee has been sitting in their warehouse. They offer a lot flavors, 274 in all. Right now, Bavarian Chocolate coffee in the morning sounds good to me.
-----Read Full Post-----What's For Dinner?
Have you ever had a day where you do not want to cook dinner? I am having one of those days today.
I enjoy cooking for my family and most of the time, the cooking time is longer than the actual time for us to consume it. Let's say I spent an hour preparing and cooking dinner. Everyone sits at the table, say Grace and start eating. Before you know it, everyone is finished eating their dinner. Uh, what happened to all the food? LOL Well, in our family, we rarely have seconds. I usually cook food just enough for the four of us. We have it this way so that dh and the kids can have dessert afterwards.
Today though, cooking dinner is not in my schedule. Probably after spending half the day baking an apple pie and banana loaf, I do not want to spend one more minute in the kitchen. So it is time for me to get my menu folder and choose which restaurant kitchen will do the work for me. :)
Custom Photo Cards
While browsing online, I came across this website where you can make your own custom Photo Cards. They have a lot of card designs for holidays, anniversaries and birthdays among others. Businesses can also make their custom card to give to clients and employees.
This gave me an idea to make one for an upcoming birthday party. My son will be turning four years old this summer. We always have a birthday party for him with our friends and family. These past couple of years, I have always used boxed invitations that I purchased from local stores. This year though, I am planning to have a custom photo invitation made for his birthday party.
I plan to make a collage of his photos taken this past year and put the caption "Tyler from 3 to 4!". I will use that photo collage for the front of the photo invitation. With the custom photo cards you can print anything you like on the front or the inside of the card. For my custom photo invitation, I will put all the party information like the occasion, date and time of the party, our home address and phone number on the inside of the card. This birthday invitation is sure to catch everyone's eye.
4.14.2008
I'm A Sucker For Love Stories
Yes, I admit it. I am a sucker for good, sometimes corny, most of the times 'feel good' love story. I found myself rooting for Molly Ringwald in 'Pretty in Pink' and had a crush on the cute guy. :) I love Sandra Bullock in 'While You Were Sleeping' Meg Ryan in 'Sleepless in Seattle'. I fell in-love with John Cusack in 'Say Anything' and 'Serendipity'; Hugh Jackman and Greg Kinnear in 'Someone Like You', etc.
I love most of the movie soundtracks from these movies that I buy the CDs (Someone Like You, Pretty in Pink, My Best Friend's Wedding among countless others). So you get the picture, I love Love stories. :)
This afternoon, another movie was added to my list: The Lake House with Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves. Have you seen this movie? It has a weird story, the premise of the movie is they both live in the same lake house at the same time but in different years. Anyway, they end up exchanging letters through this mailbox and fell in love. At the end, I really thought that they wouldn't be together. As with most of my favorite romance movies, they did end up together. Have you seen it?
I get teary-eyed at most of the endings, especially if they end up together after going through some bad times. They are what you call 'happy tears'. LOL Heck, I even got teary eyed at the ending of 'Dear Heart'. hahaha If you are the same age as I am, you know what I am referring to. :)
What are your favorite romance movies?
Military Supply Source
If you know someone in Law Enforcement, the military or anyone who is into gun collecting, you might want to tell them about http://www.lapolicegear.com/ I have two friends who are married to police officers and my dad who is a former officer in the Army is into collecting firearms and hunting. They will find safariland holster and other military supplies at this website. The LApolicegear website is your online source for military and law enforcement supplies.
-----Read Full Post-----4.13.2008
Ways To Save On Your Grocery Bill
With the prices of goods skyrocketing, we always find ways to save on everything from clothing to groceries. I always check the weeky grocery ads and make notes of the items I use that are on sale. I try to use coupons whenever I can and also signed up for the grocery loyalty card to get discounts. My favorite sales are the 'Buy One Get One Free' deals, of course I also check the price. There are stores that will try to trick you into thinking that you get one free but what you do not know is that they jacked-up the price. Thankfully, the grocery I go to has not done that (not that I know of anyway).
I sometimes buy store brand too but there are things wherein the brand name is still better. If that's the case, I stick with the brand name. But for things like broth, sugar, flour, etc. you can get away with using the store brand. I also prefer to go to a store with efficient scanners and cash registers, it makes shopping faster and more efficient. If you work in a retail business, then you understand how important things such as a cashdrawer and even a touchscreen monitor truly are to a retail store. Buying a barcode scanner online can save you a bundle of money as well as provide you with more choices of products to pick from.
Here are some tips I stumbled upon on Yahoo. It's worth a read. :)
Stockpile
Most items are discounted just once during a 10-to-12-week sales cycle. Seasonal items (think barbecue sauce in summer, soup in winter) show up every one to two weeks, while highly-competitive categories (cereal, soft drinks) cycle in every three to four. While it's not necessary to buy, say, eight jars of peanut butter, it's better to buy one jar while your favorite brand is on sale now than one at full price after you run out in two weeks.
Explore the store
Saving at the supermarket requires more effort than a quick dash and grab. Some of the best deals aren't obvious unless you take the time to price compare. Cheese, for example, can be purchased from the cheese counter, the deli and the dairy case. But the price may be cheaper in one section than in another.
Keep an eye out, too, for sales. There are twice as many unadvertised sale items in the store as there are in the weekly circular. But be cautious. The longer you spend in stores, the more susceptible you are to sneaky supermarket tricks that entice you to spend more. Make a list, and stick to it.
Try store brands
It's unlikely you'll notice a quality difference between ShopRite's frozen chopped broccoli and Birds Eye's. In fact, most store labels are produced by the same manufacturers that make the brands you know and love. (The maker of Birds' Eye frozen vegetables, for example, also makes store-label frozen veggies.) But there's a big difference in price. A 14-ounce package of the store-brand broccoli is 44% cheaper than the brand name. Of course, some store-label products make better deals than others.
Buy "must go" foods
Ask the staff at your supermarket what time they mark items down. Stores routinely discount dairy, baked goods, produce and meat by 50% or more as these items approach their sell-by date or become less attractive (think bruised apples or crushed bread). Make no mistake: These items are perfectly safe to eat, even several days after purchase. You're not buying old food. There's a big difference between the sell-by date — which is what the stores are required to go by — and the expiration date.
Shop on Sundays
It's the best day to buy groceries. Armed with the fresh batch of coupons from your Sunday newspaper and the weekly sales circular, you can maximize your savings. Consumers who combined the two reported saving an average $678 annually, according to a recent Consumer Reports survey.
Think outside the supermarket.
Supermarkets aren't the only place to go for groceries.
Here's where to look:
Drugstores and pharmacies for milk, over-the-counter medications and personal-care items. At supermarkets, there's no coupons for milk, and there are rarely sales. Drugstores are hoping you'll grab some milk, and on your way to the register, some higher-priced stuff, too. At CVS in San Francisco, a gallon of skim milk is $3.99; at Safeway, it's $4.59.
Superstores for snacks, cereals and cleaning supplies. The added bonus: Target, Wal-Mart and Kmart are likely to accept competitor's coupons and match sale prices.
Online Amazon.com is gaining traction as a grocer, thanks to its free shipping policy and discount prices on bulk quantities. At the Hy-Vee grocery chain, a box of 100-calorie Oreo packs is $2.89. At Amazon.com, a bulk pack of six is $16.25 — a 6% discount.
Warehouse clubs for alcohol, prescription medications and pantry staples. You can easily recoup the annual membership fee.
Discount grocers for anything. Aldi and Save-A-Lot primarily sell products bearing their own label, instead of brand names. There's less selection but prices are usually at least 20% lower than at the supermarket.
Surplus stores for dry goods. Chains like Amelia's, SharpShopper and Grocery Outlet cut prices by up to 70% on damaged, near-expired and expired food obtained directly from the manufacturer. The deals are excellent, but you'll have to be extremely cautious. Check for quality before you buy.
Check unit prices. Buying the bigger size isn't always the best deal. The Federal Trade Commission found that bigger sizes of tuna fish, peanut butter, ketchup, coffee and frozen orange juice were often pricier per unit than smaller counterparts. Crunch the numbers before you buy.
Become a coupon connoisseur. Take your Sunday morning coupon clipping one step further. Join your supermarket's loyalty club because many offer bonus sales. Grocery chain Fry's, for example, automatically doubles the value of its members' manufacturers' coupons. Also check online coupon sites — because technology limits you to one print-out coupon per computer (as opposed to buying five weekend papers) manufacturers are often more generous with the coupon amounts. Try The Grocery Game, Coupons.com and Red Plum.
Source: Yahoo
4.12.2008
Oh! No TV
The cable box is out in our bedroom while the other cable boxes in the house are all working. I called Comcast and they tried to fix it over the phone by sending a signal to the cable box to reset it. Too bad it did not work. They said that they will send a technician on Monday to fix the box. I opted to exchange the cable box at our local Comcast office since it is near Amber's school.
Right now I am awaiting the results of the bidding at Ebay. 10 minutes to go, I hope I win! :)
One good thing about this cable box fiasco is I discovered that one of my favorite station in the San Francisco Bay Area has online streaming. I can now listen to KBLX (light rock). My other favorite SF Bay Area station is KKSF (contemporary jazz). I miss California, I have lived there for 11 years. Lots of memories, mainly good ones and just a couple of sad memories. All my family and relatives live in CA, I am the only one here in the East coast. *sigh*
Three minutes left on the bidding, am still the highest bidder...fingers crossed!
Grrrr, somebody outbid me on the last minute!
Just checked my email and found out that I was offered a second chance by another seller. I had bid on his item but was outbid earlier. I'll take him up on his offer. It worked out well since I will end up paying less $ than if I won the item earlier. All's well that ends well. :)
Have a good night!
Online Job Search
My friend who just immigrated here from the Philippines is currently looking for a job. If you are like her, then you should Jump Start Your Day & Career with itzbig. When you register with Itzbig, you get a $5.00 gourmet coffee gift card. All you need to do is create a profile with an email address and add your skills and experience.
It is very easy to search for a job in their database. You enter your desired location and position and you will be able to view the available jobs that matches your search criteria.
4.11.2008
20 Ways To Say "No"
We know that sometimes it is hard to say 'No' when we are asked for a favor. It is even harder when the person who is asking is someone we care about. I know of some people who ended up being 'used' by their so-called 'friends', and it is because they cannot or would not say 'No'.
Just keep in mind that no one can take advantage of you without your permission.
20 WAYS TO SAY NO
I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF SEVERAL PROJECTS
-let people know when you have accepted other responsibilities
-no need to make excuses if you don't have any free time
-no one will fault you for having already filled your plate
I AM NOT COMFORTABLE WITH THAT
-you might be uncomfortable with any of a number of issues
-the people involved, the type of work, the morale implications, etc.
-this is a very respectful way to avoid a sticky situation
I AM NOT TAKING ON ANY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
-you aren't saying that you will never help out again
-just that you feel your schedule is as full as you would like now
-understanding your limits is a talent to be expected
I AM NOT THE MOST QUALIFIED PERSON FOR THE JOB
-if you don't feel that you have adequate skills, that's okay
-it's better to admit your limitations up front
-the best way to avoid feeling overwhelmed down the road
I DO NOT ENJOY THAT KIND OF WORK
-life isn't about drudgery -- if you don't enjoy it, why do it?
-don't be afraid to let someone know you just don't want to
-someone else is bound to enjoy the work you don't
I DO NOT HAVE ANY MORE ROOM IN MY CALENDAR
-be honest if your schedule is filled
-"filled" doesn't have to mean really filled
-know when you are scheduled as much as you are willing and stop
I HATE TO SPLIT MY ATTENTION AMONG PROJECTS
-let people know that you want to do a good job for them
-but you can't when your focus is too divided or splintered
-you will be more effective if you focus on one project at a time
I HAVE ANOTHER COMMITMENT
-it doesn't matter what the commitment is
-it can even simply be time to yourself or with friends or family
-you don't have to justify -- you simply aren't available
I HAVE NO EXPERIENCE WITH THAT
-volunteering shouldn't mean learning an entirely new set of skills
-suggest that they find someone who has experience in that area
-offer to help out with something that you already know how to do
I KNOW YOU WILL DO A WONDERFUL JOB YOURSELF
-people often ask for help because they doubt their own abilities
-let them know that you have confidence they will succeed
-you are actually doing them a favor in the long run
I NEED TO FOCUS MORE ON MY PERSONAL LIFE
-don't be ashamed of wanting to spend time with your family
-having a strong family is an important priority in and of itself
-be willing to put your personal needs first
I NEED TO FOCUS ON MY CAREER RIGHT NOW
-often, you have to focus your energies on a work-related task
-you may have to give up some civic or community duties
-if you don't do it, someone else will take on the task
I NEED TO LEAVE SOME FREE TIME FOR MYSELF
-it's okay to be selfish -- in a good way!
-treat your personal time like any other appointment
-block off time in your calendar and guard it with your life
I WOULD RATHER DECLINE THAN DO A MEDIOCRE JOB
-know when you aren't going to be able to deliver a quality product
-the reason doesn't matter -- not enough time, wrong skills, etc.
-whatever the reason is enough for turning a request down
I WOULD RATHER HELP OUT WITH ANOTHER TASK
-saying no doesn't mean that you can't help at all
-if someone asks you to do something you really despise, refuse
-then offer to help with something you find more enjoyable
LET ME HOOK YOU UP WITH SOMEONE WHO CAN DO IT
-if you aren't available to help out, offer another qualified resource
-helping to connect people is a valuable service to offer
-make sure the person you refer will represent you well
NO
-sometimes it's okay to just say no!
-just say it in a way that expresses respect and courtesy
-leave the door open for good relations
NOT RIGHT NOW, BUT I CAN DO IT LATER
-if you really want to help but don't have time, say so
-offer to help at a later time or date
-if they can't wait for you, they'll find someone else
SOME THINGS HAVE COME UP THAT NEED MY ATTENTION
-unexpected things happen that throw your schedule off
-accept that you may need to make a few adjustments
-it is temporary and you will have more time when life stabilizes
THIS REALLY IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT
-it's okay to admit your limitations
-knowing what you can handle and what you can't is a skill
-your time will be more efficiently spent on something you do well
Source: http://www.OnlineOrganizing.com
Dependable Cisco Cables
If you are a small business that is in the process of upgrading your network, you should consider getting Cisco cable. Cisco cables are of good quality and comes from the leading maker of network and communications technology and services. You can get the Cisco cables from Diablo Cables. They offer free shipping, lifetime limited warranty and low prices for their products.
-----Read Full Post-----Allergy Tips
Here are some tips to help you prevent and alleviate your allergies:
-Do a thorough spring cleaning - windows, book shelves and air conditioning vents collect dust and mold throughout the winter that can provoke allergy symptoms.
-Minimize outdoor activity when pollen counts are high. Peak pollen times are usually between 10 am and 4 pm. Get up-to-date pollen information for your area from the National Allergy Bureau at www.aaaai.org/nab
-Take medications at least 30 minutes prior to outdoor activity. Consult with an allergist/immunologist to ensure medications are helping you and notify an allergist/immunologist when reactions to medications occur.
-Shut windows in your house on days pollen counts are high. Avoid using windows or fans that may draw pollen inside.
-Wash bedding weekly in hot water.
-Dry laundry indoors. Sheets hanging on an outside line are an easy target for blowing pollen.
-Shower and wash your hair before bed - pollen can collect on your hair and skin.
-Keep pets off of furniture and out of the bedroom. Pollen can cling to the dog or cat after being outside.
-Keep car windows closed during peak season. Use air conditioning and point vents away from face.
-When mowing lawn or doing gardening, wear a filter mask.
All-Natural Oasis Nasal Spray
Spring is one of my favorite season, the other one being Fall. Spring also means 'Allergy season' for me. Yes, I have 'Hay Fever' and boy, does it hit me good. Dh also has Hay Fever so you can imagine our household during these times, sneezing all the time. A couple of years ago, we used a lot of over-the-counter nasal sprays. These are ok but as with any medication, long-term use is not recommended. Then, we tried the Neti Pot. It works but it is not very convenient at all. First, you need to measure the salt, then mix it with water then put everything in the 'Neti' pot. That's not even the hard part, you need to learn how to irrigate your passages which is not easy at all.
Looking for other alternatives, I found Oasis Nasal Spray . This is not your average saline nasal spray because the salt that they use comes from the Dead Sea. All their products use Dead Sea salts which has a lot of minerals and is all-natural. This Oasis Nasal Spray characteristic is very important for allergy sufferers like me. Unlike traditional nasal spray which can damage nasal passages if used regularly, Oasis Nasal Spray in not inflammatory. Allergy sufferers like me can now breathe easily.
April 10, 2008 -- Oasis Nasal Spray and Wash is available for children and adults, providing a natural alternative to over-the-counter congestion medicine, prescription allergy medication, and allergy shots. Oasis products are made from Dead Sea salts, rather than the usual saline. Most commonly used, hypertonic saline is known to cause cilia damage in the nasal passages, which lowers your ability to fight off infection. Oasis helps in the maintenance and prevention of symptoms such as post-nasal drip, runny and stuffy nose, and sinus discomfort. Oasis has recently entered the consumer allergy fighting product line, providing consumers the benefit of relief without annoying side-affects. And unlike many over-the-counter and prescription nasal products, Oasis doesn't cause dependency, so it's safe for all ages.
Recently the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Wisconsin did a study with 52 patients having a history of sinus related problems and compared them to 24 matched control subjects. They found that, "The group using nasal irrigation exhibited improved quality of life, less frequent symptoms, and used antibiotics and nasal sprays less often. They were compliant with nasal irrigation, liked using it, and suffered few side effects." This nasal washing has become a trend among all age groups, and Oasis is filling the need with their all natural nasal products.
Oasis nasal products are currently available in ten states across America; soon expanding even more. Oasis' unique formula consisting of all-natural Dead Sea salts has become a household name in many homes across the country; its healing properties proving to reduce inflammation, causing healthier nasal passages and cavities. With an abundance of over-the-counter and prescription nasal sprays on the market, Oasis values the opportunity as the industry's exclusive provider of natural nasal products, to help consumers find a safer, more reliable way to treating their allergy and sinus problems.
Get in on the trend by using the newest and most popular nasal products. Help restore your health with Oasis nasal spray and wash.
About Oasis
Oasis Nasal Spray & Nasal Wash - A New Approach to Healthy Nasal Care
Oasis Nasal Spray is formulated with purified Dead Sea salt. The Dead Sea is the world's lowest and most saline lake. Its 30% salt composition has proportionately more calcium, magnesium, bromine, and potassium and less sodium, sulfate, and carbonate than any ocean.
The Dead Sea salt solution is safer and better than saline spray in the treatment for allergies and sinus disorders because of its anti-inflammatory effect.
For more information, go to:
http://www.oasisnasalspray.com.
Youtube Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yMKdmUZzR4
4.09.2008
Annual Mammograms
I read somewhere that you should schedule the test for a time when your breasts are least likely to be tender. They're often least tender during the week after your menstrual period. Your breasts are most likely to be tender the week before and the week during your period.
Along with the annual mammograms, women should also do a self-breast exam regularly. I'm ashamed to admit that I'm very bad at doing this. I know that I need and should do it but it just doesn't happen. Do you regularly check your breasts for lumps?
How To Prepare For A Mammogram:
*Don't apply deodorants, antiperspirants, powders, lotions, creams or perfumes
under your arms or on your breasts. Metallic particles in powders and deodorants
could be visible on your mammogram and cause confusion.
*Taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as aspirin, acetaminophen
(Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), about an hour before your
mammogram might ease the discomfort of the test.
What can you expect during mammography?
At the testing facility, you're given a gown and asked to remove neck jewelry
and clothing from the waist up. It's a good idea to wear a two-piece outfit that day.
For the procedure itself, you stand in front of an X-ray machine specially designed for mammography. The technician places one of your breasts on a platform that holds the
X-ray film and raises or lowers the platform to match your height. The technician helps
you position your head, arms and torso to allow an unobstructed view of your breast.
Your breast is gradually pressed against the platform by a clear plastic plate. Pressure
is applied for a few seconds to spread out the breast tissue. The pressure isn't harmful,
but you may find it uncomfortable or even painful. If you have too much discomfort,
inform the technician.
Your breast must be compressed to even out its thickness and permit the X-rays to
penetrate the breast tissue. The pressure also holds your breast still to decrease
blurring from movement and minimizes the dose of radiation needed. During the
brief X-ray exposure, you'll be asked to stand still and hold your breath.
After images are made of both your breasts, you may be asked to wait while the
technician checks the quality of the images. If the views are inadequate for technical
reasons, you may have to repeat part of the test. The entire procedure usually takes
less than 30 minutes. Afterward, you may dress and resume normal activity.
Source: Mayo Clinic -----Read Full Post-----
Register with DirMania - A Free Business Directory
Since getting my own domain, I have been trying to find ways to bring traffic into my site. We all know that getting a lot of traffic does wonders for the Alexa ratings, Technorati rankings and sometimes the Goggle PR rating. One way is to visit other websites and blogs to promote your own site. You can also post in different forums and hope that people will click on your link to visit your site. These take a lot of work and time which for most of us is very limited.
Another and easy way is to register with a web directory. You can register with DirMania which is a free business web directory. Their web directory is organized by categories (15) and sub-categories under that. Whatever kind of website you have, they have the right category in which you can have your site listed under. All you need to do is submit your website and give them your title and write a short description of your site. It is very easy to get listed, you only wait a maximum of 24 hours and will be listed as long as you meet the requirements.
One other good thing about DirMania is that the link you will get is a 'direct link' and this will help you improve your page ranking. DirMania currently has a Google Page Ranking of 3 so getting a link with them will be good for your PR. This web directory is search engine friendly too so you are assured that your site has even a better chance of gaining popularity.
4.08.2008
All Set For The Vatican - Summer Vacation Update3
Well Pope Benedict XVI, ready or not, here we come! :) Kidding aside, I booked a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica with Presto Tours which came highly recommended in the Frommers and TripAdvisor forums.(http://www.prestotours.com/vaticantour.html)
I've also asked for tickets for the Wednesday Papal Blessing at St. Peter's Square from the American Catholic Church in Rome. These tickets are free and will assure you seats during the event. They do not mail tickets since they only get them the day before so it needs to be picked up on Tuesday evening. You can also just show up there on a Wednesday but you'd have to stand with the others who don't have tickets. It's going to be crowded but it is something I really want to go to.
Being a Catholic, visiting the Vatican is one of my lifetime dreams. So you can imagine how excited I am to be able to finally do this. I am looking forward to seeing the Sistine Chapel, Michaelangelo's Pieta and Raphael's paintings among others. Sharing this experience with my husband and kids will make it extra special. Amber is also excited to go to the Vatican. She's learned about it in school during their religion class. We hope to catch a glimpse of Pope Benedict XVI and get his blessing. Two more months and I will finally see the Vaticano with my own eyes. When that time comes, I am sure I will be awestruck.
If you and your family are planning your vacation any time of the year, there are a lot of choices to consider. Pretty much anyone can enjoy some fun Hawaii vacation packages. There are tons of adventurous vacation trips to book with family and friends like cheap ski vacations or even Hawaii vacations. Its nice to be able to take a trip in the sun or enjoy other things on a vacation and get away from everyday life. So go ahead, start planning that vacation and truly enjoy time with your family. -----Read Full Post-----
4.07.2008
Walk For Your Health
We've heard it all before, if you just walk more each day, you will help your heart stay healthy. But the question is, do we actually follow it? I know how hard it is to take that time away from our busy schedule but we just have to do it for ourselves. Moms are so busy taking care of their families that they forget to take care of themselves. We are always thinking of our kids and husbands that we put ourselves last. We should start thinking of taking care of our body if we want to stay healthy. Spring is upon us so we have no excuse not to go outdoors and take a walk each day. It will be good for our body and gives us time to relax.
It is also important to remember to take extra pre-cautions if you are out an about everyday. Always put on some sunblock or sunscreen to protect yourself from harmful UVB and UVA rays. Do you think you have mesothelioma? If so, you may want to read some information regarding mesothelioma lung cancer. By contacting mesothelioma attorneys you'll be well prepared with the knowledge you need to get the compensation you deserve.
Benefits of walking
Walking for fitness can help you achieve a number of important health benefits. For example, you can:
Reduce your risk of a heart attack. Walking keeps your heart healthy by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol) and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol). A regular walking program also reduces your risk of developing high blood pressure, a factor that also contributes to heart disease.
Manage your blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure, walking may reduce it.
Reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Regular exercise reduces your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. If you're a woman, overweight and at a high risk of diabetes, walking can improve your body's ability to process sugar (glucose tolerance).
Manage your diabetes. If you already have type 2 diabetes, taking part in a regular walking program can improve your body's ability to process sugar, lower your blood sugar, reduce your risk of heart disease and help you live longer.
Manage your weight. Walking burns calories, which can help you manage your weight. For example, middle-aged women who walk more than 10,000 steps a day have lower levels of body fat than do women who are less active.
Manage stress and boost your spirits. Going for a brisk walk is a great way to reduce stress. Regular walking also can reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
Stay strong and active. As you get older, walking for physical fitness can prevent falls, help you stay mobile and maintain your independence.
Source: Mayo Clinic
4.05.2008
Be Careful When Using Your Cards
We received an email from RedBox today about some 'card skimmer's they found on their vending machines in Arizona. Some crook installed a device that reads the credit card information. It is sometimes hard to notice unless you are looking for it. I heard it happens in ATM machines too. The ones in ATM machines are barely noticeable. They said that when you insert your ATM card, you'd think that the machine is not working after you punch in your password/number. But what you don't know is that all the information has already been encrypted in the skimmer device and there is a camera that recorded your password.
If you find out that your credit card has been compromised, it is a good idea to close that account and open a new credit card. To get more information about rewardcredit cards, the internet can be a useful source. When searching for a gas cards or even instant approval credit cards, the web can give you many different view points.
So next time you use any ATM machine, check the card reader first. Make sure that there are no foreign objects in or on it. Cover the keypad when you are entering your password. It is better to be safe than sorry.
For more info:
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/atm/atmcamera.asp
http://www.redbox.com/creditcardsecurity/#How_do_I_know
4.04.2008
A Sign Of The Times
I went to Walmart today even though it was pouring rain. We ran out of foot cream and it is the only store in the area that carries it. As usual, every time I go there, I end up buying other things too. Is it just me or does it happen to everyone? ;)
While at Walmart, I was also going to get some Barilla pasta since we ran out of Spaghetti Rigate and Farfalle. Imagine my surprise when I saw that the price for a box is now $1.29. It used to be $0.98, that's an increase of 24%! Wow, that is huge! I put the box back on the shelf. I'll just have to wait for a SALE at Stop and Shop, when it goes down to $0.99 each. I guess I will not cook Tuna Casserole for dinner tonite. :(
All consumer product prices just keep on going up. Since last year, the trend is just upwards, it has not slowed down a bit. Gas prices here in MA are now $3.11 per gallon. I try to save gas by doing my errands all together since my car isn't really a gas saver. :( Dh meanwhile, has a Honda Civic Hybrid so his gas consumption is half of what he would've had if he was driving a regular car.
I find myself cutting corners where ever I can but of course there are other things where that is just not an option. What about you, do you find yourself doing things differently because of high prices?
4.02.2008
3rd Graders Planned What?
WAYCROSS, Ga. - A group of third-graders plotted to attack their teacher, bringing a broken steak knife, handcuffs, duct tape and other items for the job and assigning children tasks including covering the windows and cleaning up afterward, police said Tuesday.
The plot by as many as nine boys and girls at Center Elementary School in south Georgia was a serious threat, Waycross Police Chief Tony Tanner said. The scheme involved a division of roles, Tanner said. One child's job was to cover windows so no one could see outside, he said. Another was supposed to clean up after the attack.
The purported target is a veteran educator who teaches third-grade students with learning disabilities including attention deficit disorder, delayed development and hyperactivity, friends and parents said.
These kids are the same age as my daughter! I cannot even imagine her having thoughts that are remotely close to what these kids are thinking. They said that the children were upset and hatched a plan to hurt the teacher after one child was scolded for standing on a chair. This child was told to sit at the back of the class as a punishment. The state of Georgia does not have any kind of law that will punish these children so that means they will not go to Juvenile Hall (prison for teens).
What were they thinking? These are 8 and 9 year old kids, they shouldn't be even thinking of violent thoughts like these. I do not have an idea on what kind of neighborhood they are living in or from what kind of families they are from. Could it be that they live in an area where violence is so common that they thought it is the only solution to their current problem?
This is really scary, isn't it? I've been reading about violence in schools and it seems the ages are getting younger each time. I do hope that these kids will get the help that they desperately need. Educators and parents need to work together to confront these problems.
I think that these kids should face some sort of punishment. They need to learn that their actions have consequences and they need to pay for it. They shouldn't get a slap on the hand and go on living their lives.
What do you think, should they be punished and what kind of punishment should they get?
