I have been talking a lot about homes and planning ones dream houses for quite some time now, it is actually my mind set for this year. Well not that we are already planning of building our dream house before the year ends, because honestly, we doesn’t have the big savings for that, yet. But what we are thinking now is how we can strive harder to meet our goal the soonest. But for now, aside from reading magazines that features celebrity homes and properties, I also find time to read the latest buzz from the famous Schumacher Homes Reviews, the most favored and well known builders of custom homes all over the US. You see, I heard that it is better to know a lot about house and home before actually getting into action, just like what my father did some eight years ago, before he finally decided to start with the our house building, he reads a lot of books and researches on so many things that has something to do with house building and designing, although he has an architect and an engineer on the side, he still tries to study the lingo that has something to do with the builders. And until our house were finished, he was on hand on every detail, thus making him part of the maker. But when it was the time of his apartment building, he has to do the researches online and read about the latest reviews and features to keep himself updated. And yes, Schumacher Homes were the ones that keeps him going! He got a lot of things from that famous home builders.
That’s my conscience telling me now (actually it has been weeks already, but I just keep on doing the deadma mode because holiday season is so not over and foods are everywhere). But today is another story. I know I need to start doing what is right and that is to DIET. Thanks to Litzie for sharing her diet files - promise to lose weight in 10 days - just follow the no carbs and no sugar diet. And to Joy - please share your book that also promises fast and effective way to lose the flabs and excess pounds! 
Anyways, since we were twittering about effective diet and all, I realized that I still have here some packs of Sky Flakes Fit and some cans of Century Tuna - too bad it’s in oil… I need to stock up the type of flakes in water (?!) So for Thea and Litzie, here is the Wheat made Sky Flakes Fit…
Ok ba toh Litz?!
It’s New Year and I am so into long range planning mode now, you see as an inspiration, I have been reading Yes Magazine for days now that features the houses and other properties of a local celebrity host, you see everything in his many houses are perfect! Almost every detail has something to speak about themselves, quite expensive I must say for even the littlest things like mirrors, furnitures, toilet bowls and even kitchen sinks were ordered online from different sites like www.sinksusa.com and others too from abroad. But what really interests me are the unique theme each house represents, it clearly defines one to the other, you’ll never get tired of looking and scanning the details, for everthing has something different to offer. The architect does a really great job on his houses, the way he executes the intricate designs were really nice, no over doing or whatsoever. I also read that even the richest man in the country loves the house and the designs inside and out too! Imagine that, making those who are famous to their wealthiness awed at one’s place is really something! That is why, starting this year, it’ll be our (me and my husband’s) enabling thoughts, you know, how lovely it is to have a nice well structured dream house of your own in time, that is why we really need to strive hard and work even harder to achieve our dreams and aspirations, just like what the featured celebrity has done to get all of his dreams and wants in time.
It’s 9:10 in the morning and I am craving this… What’s wrong with my taste buds?! oh no, don’t get confuse here, I am so not pregnant alright?! maybe it’s post-holiday food craving whatever I’m going through now, actually yesterday I was craving for gelatin, unfortunately, It’s the first thing that was naubos from the holiday desserts, we still have fruit salad in the fridge though, but I don’t like it because it has buko on it… Shall I make another batch of gelatin or go to the nearest 711 to buy an ice cream?! hay.
We all know that the first world countries now are into out sourcing talents and skills of telemarketers of the third world countries, basically because the great knowledge in speaking and telemarketing skills are really good. We also know that B2B TeleMarketing is one of the most effective and popular way of making business with companies and the other party. Effective, yes it is, because with telemarketing, agents will be able to explain thoroughly the things they need to say to the other party, the other party that is their target to avail whatever product, services or whatever business they offering. Anyways, since this marketing strategy is one of the most favored now, that is why www.leaddogs.com is so popular with this line of business. Famous for thei high quality business to business sales that can lead to great sales of the company that acquire their services. You can just imagine how famous and effective they are with companies like Microsoft, Adobe, Shell and Orbitz outsourced their proficiency when it comes to their telemarketing skills. Since 1994, they are renowned for being credible that is why more and more big companies are getting their services, with great expectation of positive outcome to whatever they do, and without a doubt, the companies mentioned above became very famous in their own field of business.
This is what we had for our Media Noche (New Year’s Eve feast)… Actually, everything was a mini version from my parent’s dinner table 
since we are always spending the special occasion at their place, my mom just always pack a little of everything that we can place in our dining table. Well, I did the gelatin and the macaroni salad (our share :D)
So there, let me show you are super duper small dining table with all the supposedly lucky foods for a blessed new year
Pansit Malabon - noodles - for long life; Biko - for togetherness of the family; Chocolates - sweets- whole year sweetness of everyone in the family; 13 round fruits - for prosperity; grilled fish - for prosperity; lechon piece, gelatin, tacos, bb-q, hotdogs, kilawin, menudo, fruit and macaroni salad (inside the fridge-we forgot to place it on the table kasi) we also prepared 12 garlic heads, water, rice, sugar,cotton balls (as part of the ritual).
living in this timezone is such an expensive experience for everyone. even those who are having and earning more can sometimes see themselves empty pocket. what more for the majority who are just earning enough? sometimes i wonder how they’ll be able to make ends meet. it really surprises me.
One of the advantages of having a stable job is the monthly regular income you are getting, meaning even after the frequent swipes of your plastic cards at the end of the day you’ll find yourself at peace because you know at this certain time you will be able to settle your bills.
But what if an emergency comes out of nowhere and find yourself empty pocketed and worst no one can help you at this time? what will you do? good thing there is a way to Apply for Payday Loan. This www.apexpaydayloans.com site is dedicated for those people who got themselves in an emergency situation and immediately needing of cash. It is also called as Pay Day Loans this is short term, small and unsecured loans for people who needs cash at a given time.
I have a friend who is about to leave us to be with her future half who is based in another country. They were like dating online for almost two years now and met through one of those Dating Directory online! Well, actually, is quite lucky to find her soul mate online, although they also had some mishaps and glitches in their relationship before they finally decided to get together and tie the knot in June. Well, I guess there is still legit singles who can be found online via legit and famous datingdirectoryonline.net site. Who knows, you too can find your better half there!
This is so timely as my dear daughter’s 2nd birthday is coming up! But no, we don’t have any grand plan for her special day this year since we had a big one on her 1st birthday already. But instead, we might just get her a Dora cake and prep up some balloons here in our place on her day and a dinner out with our immediate family since it’ll also be my mom’s birthday the day after Olin’s so a double celebration it is! so what gift shall we give the little princess? we are still thinking of what to buy actually, well, she’s eying one expensive item at Toy Kingdom, hmmm, I dunno, we’ll see if we can get that for her ;) how about getting her a doll house with huge industrial knobs?? joke!
Anyways, let me just share with you this nice online find that I got to help parents save money for the kids party from babycenter.
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Stay close to home
If you can swing it, have parties in your own home or backyard — it makes it much easier to organize activities, and you won’t have to lug food and supplies around. If your living space is simply too small to accommodate a gaggle of friends and family, consider borrowing a relative’s house — but make it clear that you’ll do all the setting up and cleaning up.
Or, if weather permits, host everyone at a local park. It’s much less expensive to drape some streamers around a picnic table than it is to rent just about any venue. Be sure to find out whether your park allows you to reserve a table (or a shelter) or it’s first come first served.
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Shave your guest list
Limit yourself to a set number of guests, and resist the temptation to add on at the last minute. When planning a party, it’s natural to feel like you have to invite all your friends and family and reciprocate all recent invitations. But the bigger the gathering, the more hectic and pricey it will be. (Hint: Pretend it’s a catered party and you’re being charged at least $10 a head.)
For a children’s party, the general guideline for number of guests is your child’s age plus one. If you’re including adults, invite only those people you know will enjoy a few hours focused on kids.
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Stick to simple foods
Food is often a centerpiece of a good party (ever notice how guests tend to congregate in the kitchen?), but that doesn’t mean you have to serve a full meal. There’s nothing wrong with a light brunch, a dessert party, or a cocktail reception of hors d’oeuvres and simple drinks.
If you want to serve a meal, think vegetarian, Italian, or both. A huge pan of spinach lasagna or baked ziti is easy to make and costs only cents per serving. Round it off with a tossed salad, a loaf of bread, and a big bottle of inexpensive chianti, and your friends will be saying grazie for weeks. If you’re cowed by the idea of cooking for a crowd, ask guests to pitch in with a potluck dish.
If food is really your thing and you consider preparing it half the fun, keep your guest list extremely small, perhaps just another family or two. Choose fellow foodies, and you can take turns hosting dinner parties.
When it comes to children’s birthday parties, however, food is fairly expendable, says Mary Toohey, the coauthor with her husband Bill of The Average Family’s Guide to Financial Freedom. Just pick a midmorning or afternoon time slot and “your expenses are cake, juice, and favors — that’s it,” says Toohey. She cut costs even more by baking and decorating the cake herself, though she acknowledges that not everyone has the time or talent to do that.
You can also save by buying a cake, juice, and chips and other snacks at a warehouse store. When children get together, they’re more interested playing than in eating, so elaborate snacks are usually a waste of time and money.
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Make homespun fun
Sure, you’d love to hire a DJ and dance the night away. But it can be just as much fun to giggle through a game of Pictionary in front of the fire.
Young kids are just as happy running around in a spirited game of Duck, Duck, Goose as they are sitting down to watch an award-winning magic show. Classics like Musical Chairs, Simon Says, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey (personalize it by drawing a picture of your child’s favorite animal on a piece of cardboard) never go out of style . You can create a carnival atmosphere with a beanbag toss (use Beanie Babies and old Easter baskets) and a sack race. Treasure hunts are always a big hit, too. Keep it simple: Decorate a shoebox with some tin foil and construction paper, and you have a treasure chest. Fill it with play money, sparkly trinkets, and other party favors, then hide it in a sandbox or under a blanket. Give the kids a treasure map, complete with age-appropriate clues, and they’ll have a blast pretending they’re pirates hunting for buried gold.
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Hire undiscovered talent
Maybe you want an entertainer to brighten up your child’s big day, but you shy away from the limelight. Then network. Do you know anyone who juggles or has a steady hand with face paint? Post a notice on the bulletin board at your local college or recreation center — theater students often make a few bucks on the side donning a fairy princess outfit or doing magic tricks. You might also catch that local guitarist at the farmer’s market and ask how much he’d charge for a half-hour sing-a-long.
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Send electronic invitations
Paper invitations can cost a bundle, and postage adds up fast (not to mention the time it takes to gather all the right mailing addresses). Instead, put technology to work for you and invite people via e-mail or online invitations
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Be creative about supplies
Chances are you’ll be hosting parties for a long time to come, so why not buy in bulk? Instead of those expensive themed supplies, buy paper plates, napkins, cups, and plastic silverware in festive, mix-and-match colors at your local warehouse store. When it comes to kids’ stuff, don’t pick anything too age- or gender-specific, and you’ll be able to use it for years.
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Consider offbeat favors
One of the biggest party money-wasters is overpriced plastic favors that get lost or tossed in no time. Try something different: Buy large packages of kid-friendly art supplies such as glitter pens, stickers, and stamps, then break up the sets and give each child one of each. Or use a Polaroid camera (or a digital camera if you can easily print pictures on the spot) to snap fun photos of each child. Then let the kids decorate the borders and take them home as a keepsake.
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Line up help — cheap
If you have limited time or space, you can still throw a great party, even when you’re on a budget. Search for local venues that will cater inexpensively — for example, some restaurants will cater for less if you hold your party during off-hours, such as during the afternoon.
Scout out local meeting places such as VFW halls, community centers, and multipurpose rooms at houses of worship. These are often much less expensive than other reception locations. Or hire help in your own home. Paying a high school or college student for a few hours of cooking and serving costs much less than professional catering and buys you plenty of peace of mind.
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Hook up with another partying family
Host a group party with one or two other friends whose kids share a birthday week or month with your child. This works especially well for children under age 4. They won’t care if the party isn’t just for them, and you’ll save big by splitting the expenses. Sing the birthday song for each guest of honor over cupcakes instead of separate cakes.
got this thing from here.
more entries here
Happy 2009!
From our family to yours… may we all have a happy and blessed new year!
stay safe and let’s dig in to our calories filled pasta, fatty lechon, and sugar loaded leche flan, fruit salad and gelatin! ;p
I have always been fascinated with Copper Kitchen Sinks and any other Copper Sinks inside one’s house, whenever I’m new to a house, I always try to see what sinks does the house has. I really don’t know but I envy those who have a classic taste when it comes to that. It actually started when I saw celebrities houses being featured in a local magazine, and it made me realized that there are in fact available supplies locally for those who are wanting inspired look or theme of their houses, and most of the time, they have Copper Sink to get away with the different themes and effect they want to transpire. Also, in hotels and restaurants, this cool and sassy sinks can also be found. It can make a room so nice because it can compliment with almost all neutral colors that hotels and high end restaurants has, and it can make a person feel so homey and at the same time appreciate arts and all that connects to that. Anyways, maybe you are interested with this kind of stuff too, check out www.coppersinksonline.com and see wide range of artisan copper sinks that you might also want for your home.
I know, the holiday is still on me, big time. That is why I’m not being able to blog our Christmas and other busy days happenings.. but, I am picking up the pieces slowly now… one at a time, and soon, before we all knew it, I will blogging like hell again :D Actually, I have been lurking and visiting your sites from time to time but because of the things that keeps me so busy I had to log out and leave agad. Anyways,let me just share with you guys our Pre-Christmas family picture before we attend the 8th Misa de Gallo. Will post more photos and holiday stories in a while, but if you like to see more of our snaps, you can visit my flickr site here
So there, I hope you had a great Christmas too! but for now, let me just finish some few online tasks thrown by the good sheriff and read about POS systems too
And so the last quarter of the year is about to bid goodbye, and it only means one thing, payment time for the quarterly set dues! oh my, that means we had to pay for our Philhealth as soon as possible, lucky for those who are working since they wouldn’t have to worry on going to billing stations to settle their accounts but for a stay at home mother like me, I need to schedule a date where I would pay for my dues. And now I think again of the Insurance Quotes that I have receive when I was still working, I should have kept it all for reference because as of now, I have no insurance, sometimes I regret some of the things that I lost when I decided to resigned from work… Oh, don’t mind me, I’m just thinking out aloud, while finding ways to cope up with all the monthly dues that I need to meet… argh.
If we will be given a chance, my husband and i would love to migrate to another country such as Canada or Australia. with the weak economy the country has, everyone is actually seeking for jobs in every corners of the world (just like those Travel Nursing Jobs that is being offered by www.50statesstaffing.com, famous for their capabilities to find and place those who are looking for medical related jobs in different countries and places), just to earn a little more for the family. my husband actually prefers looking for a work in Australia, with all the good things he heard about the said country, he thinks he is ready to set foot there. sometimes when we talks about this stuff, he sometimes wish he can land a job in one of the zoo’s like the one owned by the late Steve Irwin –he is into animals and wild life you know. anyways, that is why you often see him in online sites like Jobs.com.au seeking and passing his resumes and credentials with high hopes that he can get accepted, maybe he can bring us there also, start from scratch and pick up from there, with the hopes of having a greener pasture for the future.
It’s just two more days before Christmas and I am still here, blogging. Duh. I know, that is why I am cramming some more posts now, and its 3:06am on the dot. So many things to do in the real life and online but with so little time. Would you believe that we need to rush to the mall tomorrow to buy some more items for the Noche Buena feast and I’m thinking of buying the husband his gift too.. yes, I still haven’t got him a gift yet. I wish I can buy him a hi-def camcorder, but no,unfortunately my budget woulnd’t fit. So I guess, a nice card will do for this year!
Anyways, so as not to forget, here are my agenda for tomorrow:
- Finalize gifts and label everything (morning)
- appointment with the manicurist
- go to my former company and bring gifts for my godchildrens
- go to the mall and buy noche buena stuff… i might also buy a new pants or whatever for myself
- withdraw funds
- wrap gifts for my mom and dad
- wait for the parcel from Aggie
It has always been my dream to have one of those fab and sleek shower kits because I truly love taking time in the shower while enjoying my favorite book and the scent of the bubbled water… with times like this, when everything is in a rush mode, it is really nice to relax once in a while, and experiencing a relaxing time for yourself wouldn’t have to mean that you’ll have to go out and pay a huge amount of money for using a spas steam showers and their other stuffs. Anyways, since I love house designs and interiors I frequently visits sites that sells out and offers nice home and bath fixtures like Unlimitedshowers.com, famous for their expensive and inexpensive line of bathroom fixtures such as shower enclosures, tubs and the likes. Actually, they are the one who carries the most favored brands of bathroom fixtures in the US because of their high quality and elegantly made products. Super nice to look at and buy from if you are thinking of renovating or gearing up your own bathrooms!
One of the greatest thing a very in debt person could have is have his or her debts be studied and analyze of a government debt help. by that, the person whose in great debt could have a chance in taking his or her life back financially speaking. there are many groups that provides services such as medical bill debt and lower your bills solution , because at times admitted or not people tend to neglect the financial responsibilities that he has to face at the end of each months, by neglecting once or twice means getting yourself into a deep trouble with the companies you owe. with this institution a person can get help by them providing lectures and giving ways on how to bounce back from credit and debt issues you are into. specially in this time of the year, where most are so thrilled and tempted to use plastic cards on every shopping purchases in the malls and every shops that accepts credit cards. something that is so unavoidable specially when you see an item that you can’t leave the store without. in fact, i am one of this people who tends to forget to stick on my list for the Christmas shopping, I just hope things will never get out of hand.
… debt free is one of my greatest achievement for this year. Well, I may not be happily successful with some other things, at least, I was able to settle my debt responsibilities before the year ends. Thank good ness for my dad’s kindness and unselfish help he rendered Actually, before I decided to grab the amnesty amount that my credit card offered me, I was dead set on getting more infor to help lower my bills and was practically browsing a lot of sites that offers and features money saving tips to help one recover from all the hassle of being buried alive from debt and other payables.
