Hope This Helps You

Visit Branson

2008-07-03T02:00:00.000+08:00

Branson is the LIVE MUSIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! Why? Because the city offers around 100 Live Music Shows in about forty theaters!!!

bransongetaways.com is one of the more helpful sites on the area, with an intensive listing of what the City has to offer. I was helping a friend look up possible vacation packages for her and her husband and that's how I came upon the site. I especially love that their rates also include coupons/gift cheques to restaurants in the area as well as tickets to the shows. Not only would that save them money, the coupon book can even serve as a guide book or itinerary during their stay there.

I also checked out the site's listing of attractions since am big on those. I was absolutely thrilled (and envious, because it's my friends that are going there) to find out that they have a Titanic museum there (Titatnic is my favorite movie). I'd seriously love a picture of me taken at the grand staircase! My husband, however, is sure to prefer their Antique Toy Museum instead.

Branson sure does offer a lot of outdoor fun and i'd also surely like to try out the Outback Bungee. And its caves and nature parks cannot help but appeal to the mountaineer in me.

It seems there are a lot of things one can really do in Branson. Maybe I should get my friend to have the site customize a package for them for an extended stay since I doubt they'd get to enjoy even half of it on a 3 Days-2 Nights package.

So, anyway, if you're planning an affordable, fun-filled family vacation, consider Branson!

Different Dates

2008-07-03T01:19:00.001+08:00

Thinking of doing something that's not so usual as dinner and a movie with your beloved? Then consider the following:

1) Volunteer Work. It can be as simple as repacking goods for recent tragedy victims (and considering we have lots of typhoons, different NGOs and institutions will need all the help they can get) or reading to kids, or attending to some (like at CRIBS). You can even join some NGO or group who is throwing a party for streetchildren or sick children.

2) Limited Budget Date. Determine a budget (say P200) and make sure you both get to eat by just spending that much. Choosing among fishball stands should be fun enough, if you have the spirit for it.

3) Historical Walks. Either attend one of Carlos Celdran tours or just go visit the National Museum... or even Intramuros. The artifacts would be a good talking point, especially if you know some trivia he doesn't.

4) Go to the Races. Car races. Horse races (you need not get all dolled up in equestrian clothing. Go Kart races. Get carried away with the adrenaline high such races bring.

5) Classes. Attend cooking lessons together. Or baking ones. Make a contest out of it on who makes the prettier cupcakes, or the more delicious entrees.

I'd think of more tips and add to these later on. But really the key here is trying something extraordinary without spending so much.

Delay Ageing

2008-07-03T00:48:00.004+08:00

Our activities and the thinning ozone layer hasten the ageing process. The food we eat, too much sun exposure, the late nights, the frequent trips all take its toll on our bodies. And what usually ages first is our skin.

So what can we do to delay the ageing of our skin?

First, we have to remember that hydration is key. So not only should we moisturize everyday, all the time, but we must also 'water' our skin from within. Eight glasses of water should do it, more if you're doing something really energetic or travelling on a plane (or staying in air-condition rooms that dry up the skin).

And we have to eat the right food. If you want, you can even follow the Best Odds Diet even if you're not pregnant.

And then there's exercise which increases skin elasticity by getting your blood flowing to more parts of your body. And yes, there are facial toning exercises as well.

And then of course, there are the beauty products. You need not spend so much on the best wrinkle cream and moisturizers and lotion and body milk, but you do have to find what your skin responds to best. Shania Twain uses the cream farmers use on cows' udders and look how fantabulous she is!

No-Bake Rocky Road Brownies

2008-07-02T18:12:00.003+08:00

Ingredients:
2 packs Crushed Grahams (Honey)
1 1/2 cup semisweet Hershey's baking chocolate
2 cups milk
100 gms choco chips-nut mix (from Toby's)
100 gms cashews
1 cup miniature marshmallows (or as many as you want)
1/4 block butter

Directions:
Line a pan with plastic wrap or foil. Combine chocolate chips and milk in a heavy saucepan; cook over low heat until chips melt, stirring constantly.

Combine crushed grahams, 1/2 marshmallows, 1/2 nuts and choco chips mix in a big bowl. In low heat, melt butter in a pan, add milk and baking chocolate. Stir constantly until all chocolate is dissolved . Mix chocolate mixture into crumb mixture. Press into lined pan. Sprinkle with remaining nuts and marshmallows. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Cut into squares.

* you can reduce the amount of chocolates if you don't want it too sweet
* you can reduce the amount of milk if you want it less soft
* you can use other nuts such as almonds, peanuts and walnuts
* you can also garnish it with M&Ms
* i garnish mine with Kellogg's rice crispies
* crushed wafers may also be used

Jollibee Party at Dasmariñas, Cavite

2008-07-01T18:02:00.003+08:00

I have been to many Jollibee and McDonalds birthday parties and it's really not everyday that I would rave about them, because they've gotten too generic for me.

Which is why something has to be said for the Jollibee branch at Dasmariñas, Cavite where my niece held her first birthday party last Sunday. Her theme was Bratz. I loved that the staff/hosts had an entrance thingie going on, and they had dance numbers. For sure, my cousins paid for the mascots to dance (three dance numbers) but the staff also danced along with them. Plus, they were just really such great hosts. They even had some sort of food parade/entrance going on.

Of course, am sure part of the party's success was due to the very participative guests too. But I greatly recommend this venue for those living near the area and are thinking of throwing a Jollibee party.

Zamboanga Restaurant

2008-06-26T19:50:00.003+08:00

Zamboanga Restaurant is located in Adriatico, Manila and offers seafood and native dishes and cultural performances nightly. If you would also check their website, they also offer competive wedding, baptismal and birthday packages. Theirs even start cheaper than what Ibarra's offers.

For an authentic Zamboangan dining experience, make sure you sample their crab delicacies, especially the Curacha (cockroach-looking crab).

Give the Gift of Unlimited Photo Upload

2008-06-26T01:15:00.000+08:00

I know, there are a lot of sites offering free photo uploads. Multiply, Photobucket, Pbase, Picasa, Flickr, Webshots, etc. You can even use the 1024 mb Blogger gives you per blog account.

But... free accounts sometimes take time to load. Or they require you to resize pictures, which can be a hassle if you don't have a software that will allow you to mass resize at will. But what happens if your hard disk crashes and all your uploaded and salvageable pictures have already been resized and reduced, resolution-wise?

So may I suggest a thoughtful gift then, in the form of a paid account for unlimited uploads. I opted to upload our pics at Smugmug.com. The yearly fees is negligible really and won't cost as much as Festina watches. Plus, if you were referred by a user already, the fees get discounted. So in case you've looked around already and also want to subscribe to Smugmug, allow me to save you $5 by entering my e-mail address (delisyus at gmail dot com) at the 'Referred By' field on the signup form.

Bin There

2008-06-25T23:48:00.000+08:00

If you're like me who owns multiple gadgets, (with chargers to go with them) chances are, your work station is also a mess of wires and cables.

The answer to keeping your work spaces clean (or manageable, at least) is using bins or separate trays. Stackable ones that are properly labeled or see-through ones will go a long way in helping you locate your stuff without having to always disentangle your MP3 players from your cellphone chargers and ID lace.

Bins also do wonders for closets and pantries. Dividers inside them, or smaller trays, will also help some more. Even shoes can be kept in bins and still be accessible for use. And of course, children's toys would do well to have bins all their own, unless you want to keep slipping and stumbling on them.

So head to your nearest Home Depot or Ikea shopping center and choose bins that will not only keep you organized, but will also accessorize your home with color. There are so many designs to choose from and you can even personalize some of them.

Eat Out, (Weight) Gain More

2008-06-25T23:23:00.000+08:00

It's a sad fact. Eating out results in eating more, or if not more, certainly more salted or sugared fare.

I realized this yet again after having around two to three chocolate cream chip drink from Starbucks weekly last May. It was really the only deviation from homecooked meals because we seldom really eat or go out. We get the drinks while travelling to and from my in-laws.

So, although I don't need to take Orovo detox pills just yet, I did gain ten pounds in a month just because of all the caramel drizzle and extra whipped cream I stuffed myself with.

Fastfood fare is no better. Remember that video of McDonalds fries not getting any mold even after ten weeks? That's the sodium content talking! Plus, when you eat out, you often get to buying extra side dishes and desserts or getting second helpings. Want to know just how many calories your burger has? Check Burger King, they have this huge poster stating just how many calories their Whopper packs.

Because it's a fundamental law of cooking, the saltier or the fatter it is, the tastier it gets. That's how restaurants keep their patrons coming...

So if you suddenly gained weight, consider how many times you ate out this month. It could be the reason why your pants won't fit you anymore.

Coin-tainers as Giveaways

2008-06-25T22:43:00.006+08:00

At my son's baptism, we gave away mugs with his picture and cheap pens on carabs. In the mugs, I put printed notes explaining the name choice for my son which I also connected with prosperity. So the notes ended with an invitation for all guests receiving the mug to use it as a coin-tainer.

So, whether for your wedding, a birthday or christening... even a company event or school exhibit, consider giving away things that can be used as coin-tainers. Mugs with pictures, sayings or logos will do just fine. Fancy dishes or small trays or cute bowls will also do. These will also hold pens or paper clips or other small things aside from loose change.

And if helping avoid litter isn't what you're aiming for, but actual saving, you can give piggy banks as well. Or, you can give away small clay pots and invite your friends/guests to save their coins in it, as leprechauns are wont to do with their pots of gold at the end of rainbows.

Cute gift idea eh?

Buying Rings?

2008-06-25T03:09:00.003+08:00

Buying rings and don't really want to pay for the brand and the fancy stall? Then head to Binondo instead for the diamond rings your heart is longing for... or that precious gem you want to put on your beloved's finger.

Come prepared though. Do your research first on reputable suppliers. Ask for recommendations. Know your diamond. Don't be swept off by the cheap rates some stalls will offer. And consider the ring prices in terms of the ring quality... how many grams of gold were used? How is the appearance? Can you have it checked in other shops to corroborate quality? What is their policy on returns? What do they do if the customer feels his specifications weren't followed?

And of course, make sure you keep your receipt.

Sales and Wits

2008-06-25T03:00:00.004+08:00

Just recently, I found myself caught between throngs of people and their grocery carts when SM Manila offered a One-Time Sale for their SM Advantage Members.

Members could buy FIVE Buy 1, Take 1 items and TEN Value Bags (with freebies). Naturally, people got swept by the opportunity to buy things at the price of one. So they loaded their carts with the Buy 1, Take 1 items being brought out of storage eventhough these weren't exactly in their grocery list.

It is so easy to lose your wits and immediately think you're getting a good deal because of offers like that. Try to exercise some control and think the items over. Do you really use that particular product? Could you really use the freebie? Will these items expire anytime soon? And are the items even good for you?

Save your money for the necessities and good buys. Keep your wits with you when shopping.

Careful with Ingredients

2008-06-24T10:29:00.000+08:00

Branded morsels, chocolate drops and what-nots can be expensive. So woe to someone who loves a super chunky chocolate chip cookie right?

Baking supplies shops also store generic chocolate chips... but do beware that baking is more like installing a house's foundation. You can't remedy it as easily as when you're just cooking.

And using different brands will yield different results.

We made the mistake of overloading our choco chip cookie batter with generic choco chips. Sure, we got the sweetness overload we were shooting for but the choco chips also had too much butter/fats in them that resulted in a super soft bath of choco chip cookies. They all melted and got incorporated in the batter, like chocolate swirls in dough. The effect would have been more appreciated in cakes, and certainly not on cookies that are cookie-thin and cake-crumbly.

Using chopped generic chocolate blocks was actually better, albeit time-consuming.

Lesson learned... stick to the recipe. Once confident, experiment with only a portion of the batter where necessary. That way, you don't ruin the whole batch.

Cheaper Diapers?

2008-06-20T19:10:00.002+08:00

One of the expenses parents really feel bad about is disposable diapers. Basically, it's really buying trash, or waste. But of course, not everyone is up to the challenge anymore of using cloth ones.

So, if your baby isn't very sensitive and you want to cut down on costs but still want to stick to your favored brand, what can you do?

Well, you can try the following:

Mom Massage's Dial-a-Diaper

Multiply seller

Seller 1 at Sulit

Seller 2 at Sulit

Ocean Water and Skin

2008-06-19T00:03:00.002+08:00

One thing i've noticed is that salt water seems to be a great acne treatment for me. And I seem to have inherited the more persistent type of acne, one that has stayed even after I was through with adolescence.

I've just really observed that after a trip to the beach, I enjoy a week or two of clearer skin. Which led me wondering on whether I should bottle some of the salt water for use at home.

Weirdly enough, some actually do that!

Googling this however, I've gathered that it could be a combination of sun and sea water actually that is helping my skin to clear. The sea water has some sort of antibacterial properties (which is why, when you have minor wounds, elders encourage you to go swimming as the sea water helps speed up the healing process) but some exposure to the sun also stimulates the healing. And of course, everything in moderation, as ultraviolet rays can also damage our skin.

Still, it's one more reason to love the beach!

Breastfeed to lose Weight

2008-06-18T19:41:00.003+08:00

Weight loss after pregnancy often seems an insurmountable task to achieve. But it is actually very possible. Just the late nights alone after the delivery of the baby (and amniotic fluid, and elimination of lochia) easily result in a ten-to-twenty pound loss.

And then there's breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories per day. Provided you don't binge on really sinful food, breastfeeding should help you lose all the pregnancy weight you put on (and maybe even some more) within two months. If you throw in lots of healthy eating there, lots of water, and some sort of exercise too apart from the late-night dancing to put the baby to sleep, you just might be surprised at how quickly you get back to wearing your old clothes.

Even celebrities attest to how much breastfeeding helped them get back to their pre-pregnancy weight. After the weight was off, all they just had to do was tone. Don't believe me? Google Heidi Klum!

Surely this is a great incentive to give more of that liquid gold to your child?

Go for Cruises

2008-06-18T15:12:00.002+08:00

Say you and your intended are discussing what to do for your honeymoon, or rather, where to go.

You want to shop, he wants to relax on the beach. You want to check out old Churches and flea markets, he wants to try extreme sports. You want to immerse yourself in different cultures, he wants to sample differently-cooked seafood. You want a massage, he wants to party!

Plus, you both have a limited budget. And limited vacation time.

What to do? Hmmm.

You can consider cruises instead. Usually, cruise ships will take you to a different city/port of call everyday so you literally don't run out of things to see and do and will be able to manage trying different things in one go. It can also be one of the cheapest ways to visit many countries in just one vacation.

You even have the option of just getting cheaper accommodations on-board and splurging on shopping and dining in the places you'd visit, or getting a fine room to sleep in to ensure a comfortable night's rest after a busy day of sightseeing.

Work with the cruise line you're going with, however, to ensure that you get there on time for its departure, and that there'd be minimal unwanted surprises. Maybe they can furnish maps for each port of call, or at least a travelogue brochure.

Got Money to Invest?

2008-06-18T14:55:00.002+08:00

My BIL has tipped us that commercial real estate is booming in Pampanga. He works for their late uncle's (now cousin's) company, First Worldwide, which basically maintains golf courses (so yeah, they had Fontana and Mimosa as clients).

Korean-owned companies have been investing a lot in Pampanga. Even call centers are sprouting like crazy over there. Villages and townhouses are also selling like hotcakes. Add to this the opening of the third major highway going to Baguio expected to be operational by 2009, and you really have a bustling economy separate from Manila.

So if you have some money you can use to invest, look to Pampanga for possibilities. I imagine properties there appreciating much in the next five years just from all the foreign investments.

Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino

2008-06-18T14:51:00.000+08:00

Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino is a popular destination for out-of-towners wanting to unwind and get away from the buzz and hassle of the city. It's located inside Clark, Pampanga, some two-three hours away from Manila.

People stay in villas (one-, two-, three-bedroom ones) with a driver's room and separate CR/shower, a living room, a dining area, a kitchen equipped with a ref and a stove. All faucets offer hot water and there is some patio furniture at the back to extend the living area. Air-conditioning is centralized.

When I was still working, I'd find myself at Fontana at least once a year as it was a favorite venue for our Conferences. Mainly because a lot of the managers we support are members, plus, they love golf. The conference rooms are adequate and carpeted rooms. I never liked the food they serve though. Back then, everything tasted like buttered vegetables. But their breakfast buffet was okay. And do note that they could have improved where this is concerned.

I have only recently enjoyed their pool though. Entrance is P100 if you're a guest (I think it's P300 if you're not). Apart from not being allowed to bring in your own food, and in terms of water fun, i'd say their water park is a blast! They have a wave generator but it only generates waves at specific times of the day, and only for some thirty minutes.

The slides are superbly fun!

So if you're not really up for a beach trip, Fontana sure can entertain!

Oh, and they also made the resort Korean-friendly by simplifying the street names and putting up signs and stuff with Korean translations.

Baking Supplies

2008-06-18T13:09:00.000+08:00

Wondering where to get baking supplies to start your own business or just spice up the desserts you're making? Consider these four:

Chocolate Lover
Main: 45 P. Tuazon St. cor. C. Benitez St., Cubao, QC
Tel. No: (632) 411-7474; 724-5752

Branch: #2 Kitanlad St., Quezon Avenue (just near the Rotonda)
Tel No: (632) 732-8576

For US and Canadian residents, see www.beyond-chocolates.com

*~*

Chefs’ Nook
220 Pilar St., Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.
(02) 724-5812
Open Monday-Saturday, 9am-5:30pm.

(source : Dessert Comes First)

*~*

Sweet Craft Baking and Confectionery Supplies
Visit us at 373 Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City
(In front of Rizal Technological University, a minute's ride from Boni MRT Station and EDSA!)
Telephone: (+632)5321595 Telefax: (+632)5326289

*~*

Ingrid's Sweet Haven
#363 Dr. Sixto Antonio Avenue cor.
Liwayway Street, Barangay Caniogan, Pasig City 1606
TELEFAX: (632) 641-2561

I believe these shops also sell contaiers for your goodies, but cardboard boxes for your cakes and cookies are all still cheaper if you buy those in bulk in Divisoria. My MIL stocks up on these for her apple pies and bow tarts, and now, for cookies as well.

Travel on a Budget

2008-06-18T12:35:00.003+08:00

The key to travelling on a budget is planning ahead.

First, decide on a destination or activity. Then do your research. Which place is nearer? Which would require more travelling time? Which offers more amenities? Which offers more activities for everyone going on the trip with you? Which offers complimentary breakfasts or tickets to local parks/shows? Are there guided tours you can join?

Come up with your itinerary months ahead. You get the cheapest fares and best cruise deals when you book ahead of time, mainly because that's already assured income for the airline or cruise line. Consider travelling during the non-peak season too (say, Boracay is absolutely filled to bursting with people during the summer, so go on the leaner months. It's also quieter then and you can have more of the white sand to enjoy).

If you're after the experience and not really the accommodations, consider just getting a day tour of a resort instead of actually staying there. Plus, staying in transient homes may just give you a better feel of the local flavor.

Lastly, consider using the rewards points or miles collected in your credit card or Flyer card. It might just land you on Business class seats you normally wouldn't be able to afford.

looking for a photo studio?

2008-06-16T15:11:00.003+08:00

check this out:

Photo Studio For Rent (Calamba City Area)
Price: P400/hr

My studio is now open for those of you in need to shoot models or product shots.

Its just a small space, big enough for small portrait/product sessions. It has a restroom, pantry and dressing space with lifesize mirror, and is air conditioned.

You can use the following lighting equipment:

3 units Jinbei Delicacy 180/ws
1 (unit) Falcon Eyes MF45 Studio Strobe (45w)
4 light stands
1 octagonal softbox
1 rectangular softbox
1 honeycomb grid
2 silver umbrellas
1 large circular 5-in-1 reflector
1 medium circular 5-in-1 reflector
Portrait backgrounds:muslin blue, muslin brown, plain royal blue, plain white, plain white
Desktop backgrounds (for product shots): Savage Background sheets (24x31") - black, gray, white, blue, green
Table for product shots
Free use of PC with internet connection for uploading and burning purposes.

Rental fee is only P400/hour - with free 30 minutes for ingress and egress. Bookings and reservations should be done at least 2 weeks prior to desired schedule.

You can also visit my studio first for an occular inspection, download the MAP

For more info my contact details are below.

Regards,

Nix Taytay

--
Nikko Taytay Photography
140 National Road, Mayapa, Calamba City, Laguna
Studio Tel. No. 049.8341295
Mobile No. 0928.3682678
E-mail: info@nikkotaytay.tk, mywedding@nikkotaytay.tk
Website: www.nikkotaytay.tk

This is absolutely great for those with DSLRs wanting to take pictures of their tots but don't really want to shell out, or be limited, by shops like The Picture Company.

Save The Boxes

2008-06-15T00:54:00.003+08:00

Nope. This isn't about being green and recycling.

I'm referring to the boxes your cellphone units come with. Save them. Including everything inside them, especially if you aren't using them.

Why?

See, in cases when you want to trade in your older unit for a new one, units that have boxes fetch a slightly higher price.

And yes, the older your phone is, the lower it's trade-in and resale value becomes, so saving those boxes will count for something.

Kung Fu Panda

2008-06-13T10:11:00.000+08:00

Spoiler Alert?

The movie was very entertaining, with some really choice parts that will get you laughing like a hyena. I mostly laughed at Po eating the peaches from the Sacred Tree and washing his armpits from the Sacred Lake (sorry, am not bothering to google what they were really called).

But... it didn't really offer anything new. I'd prefer Nacho Libre over it anytime. Or Shrek. Or Finding Nemo. Or Ice Age. Or Monsters, Inc.

I'd also even prefer those movies from a decade ago of little Shaolin kids, with the fat boy mistaken to be the next Dalai Lama just because he went after the Dalai's beads (which he thought were food).

So yeah, I liked it but I wouldn't have missed anything if I didn't watch it.

The Problem with Some Resorts...

2008-06-13T01:35:00.000+08:00

... like Fontana, in Pampanga, for example, is that there are some things they prohibit you from bringing in. Like extra beddings for the others sharing the villa with you. Or food (snacks and drinks) in their pool. You need not leave your beer pong tables behind, but you also cannot bring in your own beer. I guess you can sit on them to go down the water slide instead... or as a raft of sorts in the resort's 'river'.

You cannot even use resort-issued towels at their pool area, you'd have to deposit it at the Entrance if you can't leave it in your car or villa.

To think that they're already charging you some P200-300 I think (P100 for members or those endorsed by members) just to go in the pool area!

I can rant further but I won't. But do consider yourself warned.