Using the internet for Christmas gift ideas

Sometimes the closest peoplt are the most difficult people to give gifts to. Not only that, we often buy gifts for other people first before buying for those close to us.

I find it more difficult to think of gifts for my husband and oftentimes I am tempted to just pay for whatever he fancies, within budget of course. But that takes out the surprise factor and admittedly, a large part of the pleasure in receiving a gift comes from being surprised that the giver has thought of such a great gift!

That's why I can totally understand husbands who look up jewelry gifts for wife from RedEnvelope. I sometimes do the same thing, looking up gift ideas for hubby for the internet. Not just for the hubby, but also for other members of my family.Online shopping is also very convenient, especially for men and even women like me who do not want to join the Christmas crowd in malls.

Whatever gift you get for your loved one, though, do remember that it is still the thought that counts. :)

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Christmas parties galore!

The past few days have been a whirlwind of Christmas parties! Needless to say, I was not able to attend all of them. My gosh, just the amount of food would drive me to check out hydroxycut hardcore x! But the main reason why I wasn't able to attend most of them was conflict of schedules. With so many days in December, I do not know why most parties are scheduled on the same day.

Anyway, for people who have different parties to attend and don't know which to choose, these are the points I considered when I chose which parties I went to:

•  The other people who are going -- if I don't know the people who are there, I'd probably pass.  I'm a pretty shy person.
• How important I am in the organization -- it's more likely that I will go if my presence is important.  If it's not, I might just pass.
• The location of the party -- I hate the horrendous traffic, so if it's too far, I'd think twice.
• If they allow me to bring my kids to the party -- if not, I'd have to see if I can find somebody to babysit.

So far, I have only attended 2 Christmas parties this year.  Maybe it would be a different scenario next year.

Furnishing with freebies

Since our condo unit is so small, I was contemplating on buying in a contemporary sofa, preferably a sofa bed, rather than the classic antique type sofas which would more likely take up more space.  We ended up not having to choose any.  It just happened that my brother-in-law was getting rid of his old but still ok sofa and putting in wooden furniture, so we decided to just get their old set. Free is always great, so if you have a chance to get a freebie which would suit you, why not? :)

Now, I wonder where I could get a bed and a dining table...

Gift shopping time!

Tis the season for shopping for gifts! I see it in the crowded malls, the holiday traffic, the mad rush for reasonably priced gifts (because the Christmas list just keeps getting longer and longer and longer every year!)

I like giving gifts that I am sure will be used by the recipient. For example, I just recently gave a pack of diapers as a baptismal present because that's what I am very sure will get used. Since it was a third baby, I'm sure the parents already have all the other stuff. Giving wrestling singlets to a little boy who doesn't care a whit about wrestling just is not a good idea, but give it to a wresting enthusiast who adores Batista and he'll appreciate it a lot! I'm planning to give away some Hello Kitty mosquito wrist bands to little girls since Dengue season is still very much around -- they are cute, inexpensive and very useful!

Of course, you do need to take your budget into consideration.  If you have 100 people on your list and your budget is only 10000 pesos, the average gift should be only 100 pesos.  But if you have the same budget for only 10 people, you may have an average of 1000 per gift, if you're willing to spend that much.

Remember that gifts are that -- gifts!  They should come from the heart and not just because you feel that it is an obligation!

Only P1392 for the Heavenly Sofitel Spiral Buffet with bottomless iced tea!

Tis the season for deep discounts! You'll find great deals all around for fashionable coogi clothing, children's toys, shoes and much much more. Even food! Cashcashpinoy's deal for today is a whopping 1128 pesos off the famous Sofital Spiral Buffet! So if you haven't joined Cashcashpinoy, you can do so (for free!) by clicking on THIS LINK!

Hurry!  Only 17 hours left as of this writing!

Palawan on discount!

I've always wanted to go to Palawan but haven't had the chance to do so. I found Palawan expensive! We've only heard about how romantic it is for a honeymoon, with nature tripping, romantic dinner with romantic outdoor lighting and beautiful beaches...but we opted for something else because our budget did not allow for it.  Now here is a chance for people who have been wanting to go to this beautiful island without making a big dent in your wallet!

Only P2156 for an Overnight Stay for Two at The Legend Palawan (valued at P4900)! A whopping 56% off rack rate!

This is good for 2 adults, overnight stay at Standard Room (Double Occupancy), w/ breakfast buffet. Children under 7 years old sharing room with parents free of charge (max 2 kids per room), for breakfast add P175 per child; paid directly to hotel.

That's the current offer of Ensogo Philippines. So if you haven't joined Ensogo, click here to do so and to avail of this!

Pair this with a  50% off airfare from Cebu Pacific and you've got a tipid vacation in one of the best tourist spots in the Philippines!

Gold as gifts

My Dad used to buy gold coins for us for our birthdays when we outgrew toys.  I think he got it right.  It was so much more practical than some useless novelty gift. 

If and when my kids become old enough to appreciate their value, I'd probably do the same thing.  Gold never gets out of value.  It's easier to carry around.  It's easier to pass around (you can just give it to somebody else as a gift or an informal inheritance with hopefully less of the inheritance tax issues).  It's not difficult to convert to cash, unlike real estate.

And, unlike before when my Dad had to go to Hong Kong to buy the gold coins from the banks that carry them in order to ensure that those were legit coins, it's now much easier to purchase such coins. Now there are online merchants.  Of course, you still have to practice due diligence in researching for the best and most reliable merchant around, but with the easy accessibility of the net, it's not as difficult in doing research.  (Look up the US Gold Bureau, it looks legit.  Tell me what you think.)

While I also believe somehow in cash gifts, cash does have a tendency to immediately get spent.  I would like my kids to somehow "pass the marshmallow test".  After all, gold tends to increase in value over time, so keeping them around is a good idea for some future time that you need money, you'll get more than what you paid for it right now. 

Foodie deals!

With great food deals like these, you'd definitely have to consider taking weight loss pills after the Christmas season!

Both from Cash Cash Pinoy (click here to join-- for FREE),  get either of the two fine dining deals:

1. P455 for P1000 Worth of Food and Drinks at La Maison Café, The Home of the Best Ribs! This is a discount of 55%!
2. P999 for Four-Course Foie Gras Menu Degustation and Two Glasses of Wine from Restaurant Cicou.  A whopping 71% discount!

Do remember that these deals have a time limit.  If you don't avail of these coupons now, you might not get them anymore when the time is up!  (Although there are always new deals coming along all the
Looks like this would be a Merry Foodie Christmas!  I do wish, though, that they would have more deals for the Ortigas Area.  Most of the deals I've seen are in the Makati area.

Great skin (and body) for less!

My skin has never been great especially when I hit my twenties. I had some derma visits before but it was pretty expensive twenty years ago (ugh, showing my age here)and I couldn't maintain the visits, not just because I didn't have the budget but also because it was not easy to find time to go to the derma (ask any med student how his typical day is like and you'll get why).

That's why the offer from ensogo for 80% off a beauty package at Vigen Beauty Care is very enticing to me. While I'm already at the age when acne is less of a problem (hence I didn't really look into md clear reviews anymore for myself but for the teenagers of my family and acquaintance, I'm starting to show fine lines and look much older.  I need some face pampering and I believe some of you may be interested in this too!  Click here to register at Ensogo and get this deal and many other great deals besides!

Study your investment options

We've always been told that it's always prudent to diversify our investments. There are some suggestions nowadays about it being best to buy gold bullion instead of the usual stocks since the latter is very volatile right now. After all, gold does not really change its value over time and is highly regarded in almost all culture.

However, like any other investment, we don't want to plunge into anything without being sure that the investment is at least safe -- meaning that the broker or seller is reputable and is not someone out to scam you. Of course, with any investment, there is always a risk of losing the money you put in, but risk is acceptable only as part of the market volatility and not because of some extraneous people factor. That's why you should look into the seller's background to ensure that this is a legitimate business and not an organization set up to siphon money from investors.

Have a Christmas business

People always associate December (and the weeks leading up to it) as the buy season. That's because Christmas season is here and people buy a lot for Christmas gifts.

Because this is a month where people actually buy more, it makes good sense to do business during this time. Almost anything that could be given as gifts make good business. Be it clothes, jewelry, toiletries, perfumes, beddings, towels, computer accessories, tech stuff, decors, maybe even rifle scopes for gun enthusiasts :). As long as there are people who want to give this holiday season, there are a lot of business opportunities to be had.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

I've been posting mostly about sales here in the Philippines. But since Thanksgiving is fast approaching, there are actually Black Friday and Cyber Monday Deals in most stores in the United States!

So try to look for those deals. If you have relatives or friends abroad who are coming home for Christmas, this may be a good time for you to buy the gadgets that you have been wanting for the longest time. I know some cosmetic stores and department stores may also have these deals, but it's the appliances and electronics which are said to offer the most slash in prices!

Happy Shopping!

40% off a corner suite at Boulevard Mansion -- until today only!

While surfing the net for acne scar removal creams that work, I came across this deal. But hurry! I'm a bit late in posting this, and this deal ends in about 15 hours. :o

You also have to join Cashcashpinoy to avail of this offer. (JOIN BY CLICKING HERE)

Here's the deal:
P1685 for One Overnight Stay and Breakfast at a Corner Suite at Boulevard Mansion (Original price: P2808)

Yes, you can book on holidays and weekends! I'm thinking this would be a good place to bond with the family on New Year's Eve, especially if you want to avoid the fireworks and smokey atmostphere.

More details:

Ever had one of those urges to just lock yourself up from the cares of the world without going too far off the comforts of the city? CashCashPinoy is giving you the power to do so with today's exciting deal: 40% off a stay at a Corner Suite Boulevard Mansion! That's a huge chunk off the regular rate of P2808 giving you a classy Corner Suite for only P1685.

That's an incredible value considering all that Boulevard Mansion has to offer! First, you get a fully furnished and air-conditioned apartment suite complete with the following amenities, facilities and services:

• A private kitchenette
• 24 Hour standby generators
• Cable Television
• Business Services:
• 24-Hour IDD/NDD telephone capabilities
• Facsimile services
• Free use of safety deposit box
• Daily Housekeeping Services
• Foreign Currency Exchange
• Hot & Cold shower
• Round the clock security
• Parking space
• Coffeeshop
• Laundry Services

All of this plus a great view of the Manila Bay!

Now if you're not really the type to take some time off for yourself, consider Boulevard Mansion as a great opportunity to conduct a bit of business instead. After all, the place is still business-oriented and is located at the heart of Manila's Ermita section. It is conveniently located near important places like the US Embassay, Luneta Park and even Robinson's Place Ermita.

Whether for pleasure or for business, today's CashCashPinoy offer is really a great deal. So schedule your check in right now!

50% off at Henry's Place!

If you haven't done so, JOIN ENSOGO (click here) to get up to 5 vouchers worth Php400 each for only Php200 for Henry's place! That's 50% off!

You can combine vouchers for group use! (You'll definitely need the best fat burners after this -- bondat alert!)

Hurry! Only 15 hours left to purchase vouchers (as of this writing).

In Detail:

• Voucher is valid from November 20, 2010 to May 20, 2011
• Purchase limited to 5 vouchers per person
• May give vouchers as gifts
• May use 1 voucher per person per visit
• Vouchers may be combined for group use
• Valid for food and beverage (excludes alcohol)
• Valid for dine-in (no take-out or delivery)
• Price is inclusive of VAT and service charge
• No cash back or credit for any unused amount
• Voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any discount card or promotion
• For more convenience of dining, please call one day ahead to reserve; +(632) 403 2203 / +(632) 359-8277
Highlights:

• Unique family and friendly ambiance
• Wide array of classic Chinese dishes from seafood to meat, salads and vegetarian dishes.
• Fantastic choice of food to satisfy your friends and family cravings.
• Open Monday - Sunday from 11am-3pm and 6pm-11pm

Location:
Unit Es Burgos Circle, Forbestown Center Rizal Drive Corner West Crescent Park Bonifacio Global City Taguig


For reservations, please contact
Tel Nos. +632 403 2203 /
+632 359 8277
Fax No. +632 403 2203
E-mail: henrysplacebygoodearth@gmail.com

Map to Henry's Place: (Click to enlarge)

FREE Entrance to EXPO MOM Bazaar

JOIN ENSOGO to get a FREE entrance tickets to Expo Mom!

Click here for more details on Expo Mom.

Click here to join Ensogo and to claim your vouchers.

In Detail:

• Limit of 3 vouchers per person
• 1 day shopping Event at Expo Mom Bazaar on November 20, 2010, Saturday at 10am - 8pm
• Voucher is transferable and may give as gift

Highlights:

• SHOP TILL YOU DROP MOMMIES! This is our last Expo for the year! Get your favorite mommy merchandise, baby bundles, and gifts items for all ages at Expo Mom Bazaar
• Features 50+ of your favorite mom and baby vendors showcasing their best products and gift ideas
• Cash and credit cards are accepted at Expo Mom Bazaar.
• Moms love Mother Earth! Please bring your reusable shopping bags so we can minimize the use of plastic bags
• Support our Mom Share! Toy and book drive, please bring your pre-loved toys and books and fill up our Xmas chest at the entrance!

I.T. products warehouse sale

I got this from one of my mailing lists --

Last IT products warehouse sale for this year:

When: November 17 to 19, 2010
9 am to 7 pm
Where: Tektite, Auditorium
G/F, Phil. Stock Exchange Bldg,
Exchange Road, Ortigas, Pasig City

Cash/ credit cards are accepted.

According to my source, sure brands to be showcased are Apple, HP, Dell, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung/MAG (for LCD tv/monitors), Apacer, Kingston, Cisco, etc.

Naturalizer, Florsheim, Bossini Sale!

Got this from one of my mailing lists:

Brands: Naturalizer, Florsheim, Bossini -- up to 70% off
Date: Nov. 17-20, 2010
Time: 9am to 5pm

Address: RSI Warehouse 2295 Jannov Bldg., Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati
City (if you're coming from the EDSA/Alphaland, Jannov Bldg. is on the
left side of the road, before Unionbank and 7-11, almost across Saachi
house)

Christmas Kidz Craze

Got this from one of my mailing lists while trying to look for cheap auto insurance quotes :

The much awaited Richwell Trading Warehouse Annual Christmas Sale is here!

Up to 80% off on branded toys, apparel and shoes!



Dates: November 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28
December 3, 4, 10, 11, 12, 19 to 22
Time: 9:00am to 6:00pm Saturdays and Sundays
1:00 pm to 6:00pm Weekdays & Fridays

Address:
Creative Trade Center No.6 Industria St., Bagumbayan, Quezon City (for the map, click on the thumbnail.)

Participating brands:
Barbie, Polly Pocket, Dora, Arts & Crafts, Beados, RoseArt, Fruit
Factory, HotWheels, Matchbox, Bakugan, TechDeck, Battle Strikers, Spongebob,
McFarlane,Vtech, Megabloks, Shelcore, Leapfrog, Baby Einstein, Kids
II, K’s Kids, Noddy, Disney, Step2, Pigeon, Safety1st, Chicco, Babisil, Webkinz, Russ, First Act Music, Games, StarKidz, Bikes
Shoes: Barbie, Chicco, HotWheels, Pokemon, Elle & OshKosh

Gingersnaps Warehouse Sale!

So many sales events this time of the year! Here's another one! Got this from one of my mailing lists (Thanks, Jacque!).

Click on the thumbnail below to see the details better:


From their facebook page:

It's that time of the year again! The much awaited Gingersnaps and Just G warehouse sale is on again at Warehouse 19 Armal Compound 2, M. Eusebio Ave., Pasig City. Mondays-Saturdays, except Holidays, Sundays and Extreme Weather Conditions, 8:00am to 4:00pm. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 29, 2010. Lots of great value for your money! Cash basis only. Per DTI-NCR Permit No. 5637/5639 series of 2010.

Here's the map: (click to enlarge)

Big and Small Company Warehouse Sale

Got this from one of my mailing lists:

Big and Small Company Warehouse Sale
(including Orange Juice, Spin and Havin a Baby)
Up to 70% off

November 16-20
9:30 am to 6:30 pm
Nutrition Center, 2332 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City

Credit cards are also accepted during the Warehouse Sale.

Call 889-6956 for more information.

Air Asia Seat Sale!

If you want to go to Malaysia and do not mind going through the Clark airport instead of the Manila airport, there's an ongoing seat sale ongoing at Air Asia. You might want to check it out!




Click here to book.

P1,100 for Pacquaio-Margarito Match Viewing Party + a Hearty Filipino Breakfast Buffet at Luxurious Sofitel Philippine Plaza

Next Sunday, November 14, 2010, is the day. The people's champ Manny Pacquiao will be facing Mexican Antonio Margarito for the WBC junior middleweight title. This promises to be another exciting bout, much anticipated by the whole Philippine nation.

Of course, most of us won't be able to see the fight in the Dallas arena itself. Airline flights and hotel stays are not cheap, not to mention tickets to the event itself. Cold temperatures requiring the use of electric blankets and heavy coats is not exactly welcome thought for most Pinoys too.

But what if you could watch the fight in real time and at a real amazing huge screen, at a fraction of the cost and without having to fly halfway round the globe?

For only Php1100, get the chance to watch this fight while enjoying a Hearty Filipino Breakfast Buffet at no less than the Luxurious Sofitel Philippine Plaza!!

Get this special deal (and many other special, limited time offer deals) when you join Cash Cash Pinoy!

Credit card perks

I don't know how it is in other parts of the world, but for now, at least here in the Philippines, using your credit card now seems to be a better option than using your cash. Not only do you collect reward points which you can use to collect items, you get a lot of freebies and rebates when you spend a certain amount of money!

HSBC used to offer the very successful free Starbucks for every Php2000 spend. Now that promo is over but there is a new one in place -- get free GCs for spends of at least Php2000 or if you pay via installment (which is also another perk as you can now get big ticket items with long installment terms and with zero interest). They also have 5% rebates when you gas up at Caltex!

BPI has free Goldilocks products for spends of at least Php1500. Eastwestbank on the other hand, offers Red Ribbon products for a minimum Php1000 spend. Metrobank offers free McDonald's food for at least Php2000 spend.

Citibank offers 3 free movie theater tickets for a minimum Php3000 spend at SM and a free Crocs Jelly camera for a minimum Php2000 spend.

Standard Chartered offers Gloria Jean's coffee and cookies for a minimun Php1500 spend.

I'm not sure if BDO still offers pizza from California Pizza Kitchen, but I know they still have some sort of perk too!

I think most cards come with these perks nowadays. We just have to read the fine print AND make sure that we do not spend more than we should and spend more than we can afford to pay off just to be able to avail of the freebies.

These perks come at a great time too! It's that time of the year when people start stocking up on Christmas presents and giveaways.

Happy shopping!

Fastone Image Viewer

Bloggers and website owners often have some trouble trying to keep people from stealing their work -- both the contents of their website and the pictures seem to be fair game when it's posted online. The artwork prints that you painstakingly took pictures of and edited so that it would look better suddenly appears on some other site without your prior knowledge.

A strategy that most bloggers use nowadays for their pictures is putting a watermark on their picture. Most photo editing software would be able to do this. But for people who do not have a lot of time on their hands, a batch editing software is a great tool to use.

I personally prefer fastone. It's not as sophisticated as adobe photoshop, but it does the basic photo editing jobs quickly. I usually resize pictures and put a watermark so that I can put it on my blog. This does the job well, and fast -- as editing can be done in batches.

I also like that it has a portable version. The portable version is the one I'm currently using, since I use other computers too. I appreciate the fact that I can put it in my USB flash drive and work on pictures even if I'm using somebody else's computer, without needing to download it.

More details on Fastone here.

Oh, and the cost? It's FREE!

Nivea Special Beauty Sale

Got this from one of my mailing lists:

Up to 80% off on your favorite NIVEA BODY products

Sale also includes Face Care, Bath, Deodorants and Baby Products

WHEN: November 18-19, 2010

TIME: 10:00 am - 6:00pm

WHERE: NIVEA Building, 86 E. Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Libis, Quezon City beside Red Ribbon and PSBANK Pre-Owned Auto Mart

There are certain Nivea products I've tried and loved. I loved their tinted moisturizer -- too bad I can't find them anywhere. Their deodorants are also good. So are their moisturizers, especially the original one in its blue tin.

There's also My Silhouette Gel Cream, which claims to lead to a reduction of up to 3 cm on targeted body parts such as thighs, hips, waist and belly. Since I've been wanting to know how to get rid of belly fat when one doesn't have the time to exercise :P, I might just try it out!

When medical emergency strikes

Medical emergencies can happen anytime. A lolo suddenly suffering chest pains and difficulty of breathing. A lola who suddenly fell down the stairs. A baby suddenly having seizures. These need emergency medical assistance. However, we do not have a 911 facility like that in the USA.

Lifeline Rescue has a 24/7 emergency hotline. It's 16-911. I believe non-members can avail of their services but prices can get pretty steep. They have a annual membership which costs php1000 (individual) or php3000 (family or household), which is good for Metro Manila and adjacent areas. If there are family members who are prone to such emergencies, having a membership would be something to consider.

These are the services included in the membership, as lifted from their website:

• 24/7 Medical Advisory through Lifeline's dedicated emergency hotline 16-911 or alternative numbers: +63(2) 839-2520 up to 2530.
• Free use of the ambulance during emergencies.
• Free use of lifesaving equipment and supplies during emergencies (excluding cervical collars).
• Full endorsement to the hospital.
• 20% Discount on inter-facility transfers (non-emergency patient transport).
• 20% Discount on air medical evacuation and airlift services.
• 15% Discount on home care services.
• Multi-awarded, world class emergency medical service by way of none (9) fully-equipped ambulances (emergency rooms on wheels), lifesaving equipment (including jaws of life), trunk radio communications and trained personnel.
• Hundreds of doctors on call.
• High quality yet very reasonably priced out-patient medical care through our clinics in Alabang and Makati.
• Partnerships with diagnostic and dental services to provide a full range of procedures.

Check out their website at http://www.lifeline.com.ph for more information.

Starbucks Creme Brulee Macchiato -- Buy One Take One offer

Here's an addiction you can satisfy without any need for oxycontin detox. But you have to hurry since this is only up to tomorrow!

I got this from Starbuck's facebook page:

We have now reached more than 400,000 likes on our page! As a way for us to say thank you, we're treating you all to something yummy! Treat a friend to a Crème Brulee Macchiato (hot or iced) and we'll treat you to a second Crème Brulee Macchiato. All you need to do is say this line to our barista "I am a Starbucks Philippines Facebook Fan". This treat will run from Oct. 26 - 28, 2010. (Note: Crème Brulee Frappuccino™ Blended Coffee is not included in this offer)

Public Speaking and Grammar Course -- only Php500 if you act NOW!

People buy products for skin whitening or tanning products, anti-wrinkle creams, slimming pills, male enhancement products, or undergo cosmetic surgery to boost their appearance and ultimately their confidence.

I think that this is a better confidence booster: A 40 hour Public Speaking and Grammar Course, valued at Php5995, now for only Php500!

Here are the details, as lifted from their facebook invitation --

THIS HAS GOT TO BE ONE OF OUR BEST DEALS EVER!!!

IT'S HALLOWEEN!!! The American Institute will be celebrating it's Halloween Party on Saturday, October 30, 2010. All of our students and their friends are invited to attend. We are expecting almost 100 people!!!

BETTER YET! WE ARE NOW GIVING OUR HALLOWEEN PROMO! This is the BEST Halloween Promo we've ever had!!!
...
PSG Course - Public Speaking and Grammar Course (40 hours)
Improve your speaking skills. Develop your grammar. Build your confidence!

SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday (1 p.m. - 3 p.m.) You can select any day of the week you want until you consume all your 40 hours. You can start any time. Just make sure you consume all your hours by the end of the year.

For more information about the course: http://www.aiepro.org/index.php?page=7

This is a 40-hour course!!! VALUED at Php 5,995.

NOW YOURS FOR ONLY Php 500. Why so low? We are in a festive mood! The Halloween Party is one of our biggest events, and in accordance with that, we would like to give you one of our biggest deals ever!!!

SO HOW DOES IT WORK?

1. Click on the following link: http://www.aiepro.org/index.php?page=7

2. Once you are on that page, you will see a list of our courses. Scroll down till you see the ONLINE ENROLLMENT SECTION. You will see a credit card payment button as well as options to pay via bank deposit (HSBC and Allied).

3. If you are paying online via credit card or paypal, you can click on the yellow "Pay Now" button. Credit card payments are charged in US dollars ($). Please make a payment of $13 instead of Php500 per person.

4 If you are paying at the bank, please make a deposit of Php 500 per person.

5. We are not accepting payment at the office at this time.

VERY IMPORTANT: Once you have made your payment, email (admin@aiepro.org) us the names of the participants with email address and cellphone number. If you have paid via bank deposit, please email us also a scanned copy of your deposit.

YOU'RE STILL PROBABLY THINKING THAT THIS IS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE! THERE MUST BE A CATCH!

Okay...

Here is the catch:

1. You must enroll by October 30, 2010! (6 p.m.)
2. You must enroll with a friend or two...or more! (You cannot enroll alone).
3. You must finish your course (40 hours) by the end of the year!

For Php 500, you can't beat this great deal!

OKAY, OKAY! YOU'RE STILL THINKING THERE MUST BE A CATCH!!! All right! Here it is:

FINAL CATCH: We are supporting CNN Hero of the Year 2010 Efren Penaflorida's volunteer organization called Dynamic Teen Company. We went there this past Saturday. We would like to help some more, and we also need your help. TO HELP, all you need to do is bring canned goods or non-perishable foods (your choice of how much you want to bring), pens, pencils, notebooks, and slippers on your first day of class.

Anything beyond your SUPER-DISCOUNTED enrollment fee will be donated to a great cause. We will collect all these donations and bring them to the underprivileged kids in Cavite on our next volunteer mission.

Here is the link to our last volunteer project: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=236122&id=58195741198

So we are hitting three birds in one stone: 1) Halloween Promo 2) Helping you build confidence and speaking skills and 3) Helping underprivileged kids!!!

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED! SUBJECT TO RULES AND AVAILABILITY.

RCBC's shop online, pay online, win big time! promo

While there are so many sales going on, I actually go to only a handful, and only when I have the time. My schedule is very busy such that it's difficult for me to squeeze in time for malling. Besides, I get stressed with big crowds so I sometimes feel it's better for me to pay more just to avoid crowds.

Now if you're anything like me and you would prefer to do some shopping without having to get stressed and undergo eye wrinkle treatment, online shopping is the way to go!

RCBC's eshop has a promo. If you are an RCBC access one client, you might want to check it out. Lookit the prizes!

1 st Wave
1 st Prize: 3 winners of Canon 1000D
2 nd Prize: 5 winners of Nokia 5230
3 rd Prize: 50 winners of Philips MP3 Players
2 nd Wave
1 st Prize: 6 winners of Canon 500D
2 nd Prize: 12 winners of Nokia E63
3 rd Prize: 100 winners of Philips MP3 Players

Interested? Head on over to http://www.rcbc.com/eshop-mechanics.php for more details.

Get a free pomengranate frozen swirll from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

Got this from parentingcentral.ph:



On October 27, 2010 (Wednesday), visit a participating Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf branch between 7pm and 9pm and yell, "Trick or Pomegranatreat!" to get a Regular Sized Pomegranate Frozen Swirl* on the house!

Participating branches: Greenbelt, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Midtown, Four Seasons, Rockwell, Eastwood, Greenhills Promenade, and Bonifacio High Street.

* Only 1 Pomegranatreat Frozen Swirl per person.

...then just visit www.bestweightlosssupplements.org afterwards to get rid of the extra calories that you gained. :P

Start your own multiply store -- for free!

If you're thinking of opening an online store, you can actually start with a free site like multiply.

I've been on multiply (http://ethanstore.multiply.com) since 2007. I've sold a lot of stuff, from insect repellant, toys, pillow blankets, soaps and diapers. I'm still an active seller. There are so many sellers there-- some sell clothes, others sell baby stuff, weight loss supplements, fashion jewelry, shoes, even food like cakes!

You can start with multiply and test market some of your goods.

I love how multiply now recognizes sellers and even makes things better each day for us. All from something that's free.

It has given new meaning to the "working-at-home". Moms in particular love this because it allows them to have an income even without leaving their homes.

SSI Sale for Citibank holders

This starts in less than 2 hours! I knew I should have started on the best weight loss product before then. Clothes just look better when the wearer is in good shape.

Got this from Manila Life...

SSI Supersale up to 70% off

at the Forum Tent 3, PICC

11 AM - 9 PM

Shop with your Citi Card to get free access, bring your friends with you even if they don't have a CitiCard, they can apply upon entry. Now is the best time to shop!!!

Participating brands: A/X Aramani Exchange, Aerosoles, Alfred Dunhill, American Tourister, Anne Klein, Anne Klein Watches, Bally, Bass, Banana Republic, Beauty Bar, Beka, Boss Black, Boss Green, Boss Woman, Burberry, Calvin Klein Jeans, Calvin Klein Luggage, Calvin Klein Underwear, Charles David, Charriol, Citre Shine, ck Calvin Klein, Denman, Dep, Designer Fragrances, Diesel, DKNY, DKNY Jeans, Ecco, Enzo Angiolini, Ermenegildo Zegna, Franco Sarto, Fruits and Passion, Furla, Gap, Gucci, Hawaiian Tropic, Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, Jessica, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Lacoste, Lacoste Accessories, Liz Claiborne, Lucky Brand Jeans, MakeRoom, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Massimo Dutti, Max Factor, MCS Marlboro Classics, Michael Kors, Natori, Nine West, Okab, Polo Jeans Co., Polo Ralph Lauren, Prada, Princess, Rowenta, Raoul, Salvatore Ferragamo, Samsonite, Sinequanone, Springfield, Steve Madden, Stride Rite, Superga, Tefal, Tod's, Via Spiga, Yves Saint Laurent, Zara.

Big Garments Sale

I got this facebook invite:

The long wait is over!

On October 21-23, 2010, BIG GARMENTS SALE in MEYCAUAYAN will open its gate again at 8AM ‘til 6PM with lots of items on sale!

Available now are GUESS, MANGO, US POLO, ZARA, C7P, GAP, ESPRIT, OLD NAVY, ECKO, BANANA REP., BILLABONG, BERSHKA, TERRANOVA, AMERICAN EAGLE, HOLLISTER, A&F, AEROPOSTALE, FOX, LIMITED TOO, AX, CK, and a lot more!!!!!!!!

Major Credit Cards are also accepted!

Just don’t forget to bring your Membership card and if you’re tagging along new shoppers with you, please ask them to bring valid ID’s.

For more info, please call Sarah at 0908-8742059
Star Trends Apparel Corp.
Blk 4 Lot 3 Acefree Street
Sterling Industrial Park, Meycauayan, Bulacan
TEL - (02) 299 6120 / (02) 299 6061

I wonder if they have intimates too like plus size lingerie? Or children's clothes? I've never been there but I've been told they are frequented by fashionistas in the know and that their sales are much awaited events.

Check SSS

I hope I never get to use SSS disability benefits (similar to Medicare part D plan in the US, I believe), because that would mean that I got horribly injured enough to use a function of my body, but I am so glad that it's there. Because you never know what might happen to you in the future and it's nice to know that you have some sort of backup.

That's what's good about SSS. It has sickness benefits, maternity benefits, disability benefits and retirement benefits. So far, I've used some of my maternity benefits and it has helped.

I just wish that it is not so difficult to get benefits from SSS. I didn't really have a difficult time with my maternity benefit because I knew someone who knew someone inside SSS so I was properly guided throughout the entire process. Otherwise I would have been quite lost.

Anyway, if you are employed or self employed but voluntarily contributing, it would be nice to check on your status once a while, to make sure that you are up to date with your payments and that you are entitled to your benefits. Here's their website: http://sss.gov.ph

An OB treated my acne

When I was in med school, I had a lot of pimples. I tried every home remedy for acne that was recommended to me. I went to the dermatologist. All to no avail. The acne would improve a bit but would recur later.

Later, an OB resident noted my pimple scars. She suggested that I take Diane 35. It's a birth control pill really. And it worked.

Lesson learned: Sometimes things are not what they seem.

Tired and sleepy

I am lacking sleep lately, what with my deadlines to meet. And it's taking a toll on me. I now got cough, colds and sore throat, and I "slimmed down" so much so that people were asking if I were taking any fat burning products. Well, the answer is no, I'm not.

Although I'm loving the fact that I seem to be losing excess weight and inches, but I truly feel that what's so yucky about being puyat is that you tend to neglect yourself and your health.

Don't do so. :)

They actually helped

Are you aware that the MMDA, despite its oftentimes unsavory reputation on the road, can actually be helpful? If your car breaks down, they can actually offer a roadside assistance plan. I only learned about it when my car overheated and stalled. Click here for the full story.

A traffic aide actually came over to assist me. He and 2 other companions helped push my car to an area which causes less obstruction. It was truly something that somehow renewed my confidence in our public officials. I hope that this is not the exception but more of the rule.

New cellphone?

My husband is convincing me that it's ok for me to upgrade my cellphone to one with a great internet surfing capability since I blog. But the practical (miser) side of me, while drooling over the selections of cellular phones that are available, is hesitant to fork over a few grand to replace a cellphone that is, for all intents and purposes, still working fine. I do have a tendency to use my electronic gadgets until they die out on me, or until they are obsolete, whichever comes first. But, boy, am I tempted. That's why I'm looking at abt electronics coupons to see if it's possible for me to get the cellphone that I want at the price that I won't balk at shelling out.

To take or not to take prenatal vitamins

Some women do not really believe in taking prenatal multivitamins for their pregnancy. They reason out that women used to not need them anyway, and rely on food for their nutritional management. They further question the fact that some, if not most of these supplements are manufactured in the laboratory, hence unnatural.

I did take my multivitamins when I was pregnant because I know that I might not eat healthy all the time. It became a sort of nutritional "insurance" for me so that my baby gets all the nutrition that he/she needs.

What is YOUR personal opinion on this?

Lazy eye

When a child goes near the TV, the general adult reaction is to ask the child to step away from the TV so that "he won't damage his eyes". The child would then get scolded if he goes near again. Or maybe the child has a weird head position. Again the adults would scold the child for that.

What many people do not realize in this case is that sometimes the child already has some problem in his vision to begin with. It may be an error of refraction (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) or some other problem.

We cannot afford to be in denial about a child's visual problem because any problem with a child's vision may lead to amblyopia (or lazy eye, in which the eye does not develop to its full visual potential). Any problem with a child's vision should be addressed immediately so that amblyopia could be prevented and he could have normal, binocular vision eventually.

Unfortunately, the window for correction of children's visual problems is quite narrow. Pediatric ophthalmologists would put the window at about 6 years of age. That means that these visual problem should be addressed before the window for visual development closes, after which it would be very difficult, if not impossible to address the problem. I've seen cases of adults with lazy eye wherein nothing more can be done to improve their vision since they came in too late. We don't want that for our kids.

Any problems with the kids' eyes, better see an ophthalmologist. It does not pay to delay intervention when the kids' whole life is at stake.

Acne and life

I've noticed that many teenagers' skins are now a lot better than my skin was when I was in my twenties (yes, I got my acne late, probably a result of medical school related stress). I guess that's because there are more effective acne products nowadays, many of which are available readily, unlike during my time when the only way you can find a good way to get rid of pimples was to go to the dermatologist for a prescription. I guess I was also quite un-vain about my appearance AND I was kinda hoping that things will get better over time -- which they actually did, although they did leave marks and scars. That is probably one of my greatest regrets -- that I didn't take better care of my skin.

Lesson learned: If there's a problem, try to get rid of them as soon as you can. Consequences may extend long term. I guess that extends to life in general, and not just to acne.

Lean boy

My son is on the lean side, and my mom is forever complaining that his bones are sticking out. Our last few visits to the pediatrician, however, showed that he is at the 50th percentile of his weight, which should be just right. His height, which used to be at 75th percentile, is now only at the 50th percentile though. Which made me worry a bit. But then, my husband and I are not really tall persons, so I shouldn't expect his height to be too tall. No hgh supplements for him.

I really shouldn't worry, since he's generally healthy and according to the charts, within normal.

Slim and healthy?

I think it's ironic. Centuries ago, in ancient China, people prefer a more rotund body as they believe that it's a sign of wealth. Because only wealthy people can afford expensive and plentiful food and also to lounge around. People who are poor can only afford ordinary foods. Not only that, they have to work for their keep -- that usually means hard physical labor.

Nowadays, people prefer the lean body type. This is seen as sexier and more healthy looking. But so many people still shun hard physical labor (or are too busy with their work) and would rather look out for the diet pill that works for them, making it easier to have the body that Hollywood and the catwalks set as the ideals.

Standards of beauty will always change. What's important is that we maintain our health. And while a slimmer body really is a healthier one, it is equally important to find a technique to achieve it that is safe and effective. Exercise and diet is the logical first step. Then maybe a doctor-guided program of supplements and/or surgery, if it is truly warranted.

Do we need it?

While science and medicine generally come up with better things to improve our lives and life expectancy, sometimes we do need to rethink if we really need certain things.

For example, while breast augmentation procedures are now very common and generally safe, I would not really want to go under the knife for that. While I'm sure the procedure would make me more attractive under the laws of men, I do not think I need it. Same goes for supplements. People are now talking about the wonderful anti-aging effect and performance enhancement functions of human growth hormone supplements. I used to think that these were used only for children with problems with their height, and only as a rather extreme measure. But apparently they found other uses for it. Would their benefits be acceptable for you? You are the sole judge of what is best for you.

Take it easy

Stress is keeping me from eating and gaining weight hence I do not need any fat burning supplements!

That does not mean that stress is good though. We know that many diseases of modern society are actually stress related. Our immune systems also go haywire when we're stressed, that makes us more vulnerable to infections and makes them more difficult to go away.

So, while it's good that we aim for better careers, more income and a better life, do remember to pace yourself. Stop and smell the roses, enjoy the life that you worked hard for. Sometimes we need to take it easy.

Pause

I am a very laid back person with very limited taste in adventure. So, no atv racing, no triathlon, no diving (unless hubby could convince me) for me. Give me a book, a comfortable chair and time and I'd be happily reading away.

Is this good?

I guess for me it is. I do not have a lot of "luhos" (wants) that are expensive. This benefits both me and and my family because I do not really spend a lot beyond my needs. And if I feel that I want something, I pause a bit, sleep on it, and if I find that the desire passes, then I do not go and buy it. I do NOT need this, I can live without it, and since I do not have the extra money, I do not go out and buy it.

Got an A/C

We just bought a room air conditioner, a window type, 1 horsepower machine that would hopefully be enough to cool our small 20 square meter condo unit which we are planning to rent out furnished.

We are quite happy with our purchase. We didn't get the more famous brands but we believe it was a good buy considering the specs. It's a Gree brand aircon but its compressor is made by Matsushita, which is pretty reliable. Good EER and cooling capacity. Not too heavy on the pocket too. Definitely what I would consider a Best Buy. I do hope that it will perform well.

Due diligence before buying

I am not a good judge of what is real and what is fake, so for items that are really expensive, I would go to reputable sources.

Like gold bars, for example. I know people invest in them. I'd rather get certified gold coins from reputable companies rather than risk my money on coins or bars that may have the same weight but which I'm not sure of. I mean, I'm no expert in such things. How would I know if I'm getting the real thing?

I'd buy such things from a reputable company to protect my money. If I'm not sure about the company's reputation, I'd do some research until I'm sure that it didn't scam people before. I'm currently reviewing the US Gold Bureau and so far they seem to be legitimate and reputable enough.

Vacation?

I don't know about you, but I find it quite difficult to go on vacation nowadays, with a full time job and 2 growing children. Sometimes it does feel like my vacations are still busy days!

Nevertheless, I do enjoy being with my kids. When they're both old enough, I'd take them on vacations, time and budget permitting. It's great that we don't really have to go far for vacations and that airfare is becoming cheaper. Still, I'd like them to experience Disney World, which is much much bigger than, say, Hong Kong Disneyland, so I am looking at Orlando vacation packages even if we probably can't go anytime soon.

Now, we have to content ourselves to city destinations like Technopark and maybe La Mesa Eco park. Come to think of it, my kids are happy even if we just go to the playground here within the village. Ah, the simple pleasures and joys...

You better watch out.

Years ago, a friend of mine introduced to a multilevel business involving gold coins. This business scheme was later exposed to be a pyramiding scheme. The coins were overpriced, and members earn by recruiting other people to invest in gold coins. Needless to say, only the early joiners really profited from this arrangement. The people who joined late found it difficult to recruit new members who would pay for overpriced gold coins.

I would prefer buying gold coins from more trustworthy sources. My father used to buy gold coins from the banks in Hong Kong. I do not know if there are other sources here in the Philippines, but I've found a site which seems to be legitimate -- the US Gold Bureau. Of course, I am still exercising due diligence and investigating the company before I actually plunk down my hard earned money.

Which brings me back to my point. Before investing in any business, make sure that you investigate the company first and check if the business looks plausible. Remember that if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

12 Quick Fixes For Your Household Things

Our long weekend is almost over and I'm like...what weekend? :) Even if I do have other people to do chores for me, my husband and I still feel that there's always something cropping up that need attention. There are also family obligations that need to be met. I'm not really complaining. I just wish there were more hours in a day, because when you have kids, the things that you have to do just doesn't seem to run out. Here is an article that just might help you make things easier:

http://lifestyle.msn.com/your-home/cleaning-organizing/staticslideshowrs.aspx?cp-documentid=20910073

Still living with mom

As with most young families, we dream of having our own home. But with the present property values, we kinda feel that it's sometimes a dream that is difficult to pursue. Of course, I do not want to be living forever in my mother's house, but for the meantime it does seem like the most practical thing to do. Until we get our own Outer Banks homes, that is (Now that is what I call wishful thinking!)

The pros of living with mom:

• Shared cost of living.
  
• No rent. Nuff said.
  
• Babysitting. We trust mom more than anyone else in the world. Most especially with our kids. No nanny could compete with that. Very essential to have peace of mind on who to leave the kids with.
  

The cons:

• Difficulty in making our own decisions
• Less freedom.
  
• It's embarassing. Really.

Other pros for us:

• Kids get to spend time with grandma.
• My mom's house is very convenient. Near our work, our son's school, hospitals, grocery store, etc.

When are we going to move out? Frankly, I do not know. I guess when the time comes, we'll know.

Buy and sell gold

While gold is a generally good investment, the reason why I think certified gold coins are better than random jewelry is the "sellability".

It's easier to authenticate such coins. They are backed by a certifying body and they contain a specific weight. I don't know about you, but I for one am no expert when it comes to "looking" at precious metals and trying to determine if they are genuine.

Also, companies who sell such coins also buy coins. Like US Gold Bureau. It's like this, you buy at the current rate (at the time that you are buying). If you want to sell, they also buy it at the current rate (at the time you are selling). So if you are savvy enough, you can monitor prices of gold and make a good profit.

Or you can just simply keep them for such a time in the future that you need to liquidate them. Or give them as a gift or legacy to your children.

Home based businesses

My husband and I are looking for a profitable home based business that we could do in addition to our profession.
Why do we prefer home based? These are the reasons that come to mind:

• Less fees involved with setup.
• No or less travel involved. Hence less effort, time and money wasted.
• More time with the family.
• Easier to control.
• Some of things used for business can be "borrowed" for family use. Examples would be the telephone connection, internet, fax, computers etc.

Of course there are also cons to these. Like difficulty to delineate between workplace and home. People asking you to do things since you're "home" anyway "without a job". And hiring employees. I don't know about you, but I'm kinda wary of letting strangers into my personal abode.

But then, I think this setup is something that we would like to aim for. We do need an additional source of income as we spend more and more for essentials.

Golden investment

With all the ups and downs our economy is experiencing, it may be wiser to invest in something whose value is not as fickle.

While most investors would generally favor traditional instruments like stocks, bonds, treasury bills and the likes and mutual funds are generally based on these, it is undeniable that it's pretty to difficult the value of these instruments at any given time. In addition to investing in these instruments, it may be wise to also buy gold coins, jewelry or other non-traditional forms of investment. Some invest in art but I am personally wary of doing so because it is not something I am familiar with, hence I will not know if the money I am going to sink in will be worth it and will earn in the long run.

I say gold because it is universally accepted as precious, generally easy to understand (unlike art or stocks or mutual funds) and coins because they are easy to keep, easy to dispose, easy to pass on to your children. Unlike stocks and bonds, there is generally no risk of losing the value over time or when a company goes belly up.

Gold has been around for centuries and will remain to do so. There are sellers (even online) like the United States Gold Bureau who seem reliable and who make such investments so much easier.

Cordless phone

My family has gone through a lot of cordless phones through the years. Our frustration with this kind of phone is that the unit eventually breaks down. There were times when we simply just want to do away with cordless phones, but we eventually buy another one. The reason? It was simply more convenient than one with an attached cord. Sure, it may break down, it may not sound as nice as your wired landline, but it's so easy if you have to stay in a room that does not have a phone. Well, thanks to the internet, now we can check out cordless phone reviews to see what the best is out there. So that this will guide us in searching for the best model for our needs.

Why does my family have such an attachment to cordless phones?

• Convenient to bring around.
• No need to put an extension.
• Easier to pass on to someone else (you know, when someone calls for mom, you have to shout for her to come to the phone. You just hand the phone to her.)
• No rushing to answer the ringing phone.

What we don't like:

• It's not as durable as conventional phones.
• Won't work without charging.
• Sometimes gets lost.

Obviously, my family still thinks they're worth it. :)

One week left!

There's still over a week left for the all out Sale at Robinson's malls. I need a new wardrobe badly so it's perfect timing for me. So far I've bought a couple of pants for less than 400 pesos each. I'll be going back for more. I still need more pants. I also want to look for tops. I'm also looking for men's running shorts, pants and leather shoes for my husband. I'm hoping to find them during the sale.

I like this sale! It's not the hurried midnight sale or even the 3 day sale that I'm veering away from because of the chaos. I prefer this month-long sale because the customers are spread out throughout the month, so not much chaos. And more chances for me to find time in my busy schedule to go!

Keep car in good condition

Last week, I had the awful feeling of being so unprepared if and when my car stalls. I have a basic idea of how to cool an overheated engine, but that's just it: a basic idea. Even if I have all the tools, Mechanix gloves, water, I would still need someone to help me. I do not even dare go out of my car because of too many horror stories about crimes being done to females who drive alone. So much for the independent female.

That's why we have to make sure that our car is in tiptop condition whenever we have to go out, especially on long trips and especially to places which we are not very familiar with. That's to minimize having to deal with problems with the car. I should be doing more frequent maintenance checks so that my car won't be having so many problems in the future.

Keep necessary meds on hand

It's always best to keep some medical stuff -- meds and equipment -- on hand for all those times of sudden need.

Medications that should be kept on hand:
- allergy medications -- diphenhydramine, cetirizine
- pain medications -- paracetamol/acetaminophen, mefenamic acid, ibuprofen
- oral rehydration solutions -- for diarrhea episodes
- antacids
- emergency heart and blood pressure lowering medications for people with heart ailments -- consult your doctor for this
- iodine based wound cleaning solution

Equipment and supplies: You should also learn how to use these --
- first aid kit with gauze, scissors, tape
- ice pack
- thermometer - to check for fever
- blood glucose tester - especially for diabetics
- oxygen tank
- nebulizer - especially for those asthma
- pulse oximeter -- optional but helpful for those who have problems with oxygen saturation
- blood pressure monitor

Of course, the needs would vary from family to family. Do check what your family needs and keep the necessary meds and equipment ready anytime problems would arise.

The birds and the bees

There are talks on incorporating sex ed in school. A lot of parents are protesting about this. For me, it's really no big deal. After all, much of the experimentation with sexuality comes about because of curiosity. More knowledge = less curiosity = less experimentation = less unwanted pregnancies and diseases.

It's a wonder that in today's world where it's considered to be more liberal and less constricting, we still hesitate when we have to talk about what is really a normal physical activity. It's difficult to talk about birth control, medications and supplements like maxoderm and even relationships without tackling the topic itself. And when the conversation veers toward sex, there would be embarrassment and whispers. I have to admit that I'm still not comfortable talking about this in a conversational tone, but I could talk about it when I'm being medical. Like how to use certain birth control techniques.

Sex ed? I say yes, but do tailor it to the age of the students.

Google Docs

Using a netbook with just a 4gig memory is something that I have to get used to. My laptop died on me and we haven't had the chance to have it serviced. I am rather getting used to this small netbook, even with its small screen and the keyboard which is smaller than usual, although it still does not function as well as a regular sized laptop, especially with its limited memory.

I have, however, gotten quite used to this, especially as I have rediscovered Google Docs. It's a great *free* resource, which I can actually use for most what I do on the computer like typing, making spreadsheets and presentations. I also get to store it online so that I can access it anywhere. So I can now make my homeworks, articles, alli reviews, presentation slides, budget spreadsheets, from virtually any computer with an internet connection, even if I didn't bring my flash drive with me.

Take inspiration from other people who went through the same thing

While sheer determination will get you somewhere, seeing other people who have decided on the same things and succeeded will also help, big time!

When I got determined to breastfeed my kids, that was because I was inspired by mothers in my mailing list who were successful, despite any difficulties they encounter. People who want to lose weight should take heart from those who had successful weight loss stories. I guess that goes for everything in life, from being an entrepreneur or a successful professional, to battling health crises. Hearing about other people beating the odds makes one optimistic about doing the same thing.

Nutrition insurance in pregnancy

My sister-in-law is in her first trimester of pregnancy. The problem with her right now is that she does not have an appetite and is having some bouts of vomiting. Thus instead of gaining weight, she is actually losing weight. I've experienced the same weight loss problem when I was pregnant with my eldest. I continued to take my prenatal vitamins so that I'm sure that my baby and I are at least ingesting enough nutrients.

With my second baby, I didn't lose weight during my first trimester. That was probably because I drank milk whenever I couldn't eat. Not just any milk but milk designed for pregnant women. (I took Anmum.) I have told my brother that this might work for his wife while she has trouble with her intake and with keeping what she eats down. And while this problem is troublesome, it is only temporary. For me, it's basically a nutritional insurance.

For your children

We've just heard of the passing away of comedian Redford White. He was 54. Some say that he was still young. But, as they say, the only sure things in life are death (and taxes). We have to accept that our time in life is limited. We just don't know when and how the end is. That's why if people depend on you, like your minor children for example, you should look at life insurance quotes that could at least tide them over in case something happens to you. Of course, you should also make arrangements about guardianship.

It's a pretty morbid topic, but part of being responsible parents is making sure that your children will be well provided for, even if you are gone.

How to gain weight?

My son doesn't need diet pill reviews. What he needs are tips to (1) increase his appetite (2) gain some weight. He's pretty slender and I've heard more than enough comments about his (lack of) weight, so much so that I cannot help but be concerned, even when the height and weight chart at the Pedia's office shows that he's just right. Or maybe other kids his age are higher up on the chart that makes him skinnier looking?

I've been trying to give him Avocadoes, more snacks in a day, milk. And he still doesn't gain enough weight to hold off the comments from other parents. Or maybe that's just the way he is and I should worry less? He's pretty healthy, otherwise.

What do you think?

It's easier to study when single

I would suggest that you take all the courses that you want while you're still young and while you don't have the responsibility of raising a family, especially when you want to take up further studies, say, in medicine or in law.

Even with review classes for nmat and lsat preps, it's still difficult to prepare oneself for entrance exams when you have other responsibilities already. Even if your parents give you the full financial and emotional support that you need, you still need time to study, not just for the entrance exams, but also your chosen course.

I've found that I was a more effective student when I was still single. Now that I'm married with two kids as well as a career, studying seems to be more difficult as I have to find time to cram in my homework and review in between the demands of parenthood and career. I'm glad I'm done with all my medical training before I settled down, because, once you have a family, your priorities change.

Note that I said that it's difficult...but not impossible. If you really are determined, you'd still find a way to do it.

They fit!

Just yesterday, I tried my old jeans which I bought 6 years ago, before I got pregnant with my firstborn. Voila! It fits comfortably. I'm very happy that although I did check out some apidexin reviews, I didn't really get to use any of them. I didn't do any exercise (which may explain my love handles and the fact that I still look pregnant) either. So basically it was breastfeeding and trying to eat just the right amount of food (I didn't really go on a diet either).

But I would probably have to thank genetics for this. My dad never got overweight. I'm lucky. But he was more conscientious than I was. :)

Should you take a vitamin supplement?

Many people, including health care personnel, are divided when it comes to the issue of nutrition. Some insist that it's best to take in a well-balanced diet and not take in any supplements, while others would swear by certain vitamins and other supplements for their well-being.

It actually depends on you. Unless you have an obvious deficiency, a well-balanced diet should be okay. But it's not that easy to balance out a diet, so many people take in a supplement as a nutritional insurance. That's especially true for children, and there's nothing wrong there too.

Just remember to take in the right amounts. Too little is not good, but neither is too much, especially for the fat soluble vitamins (ADEK).

Different medications for different individuals

While a lot of people, babies and adults alike, may suffer from skin problems, not all of these are created alike. That's why eczema treatment is not the same for everybody. Some get better with simple lotions or emollients, while others require a visit to the dermatologist and prescription medications.

While it's ok to use lotions and emollients and other over-the-counter remedies, stronger medications are best used under a doctor's advise. That's why you should not just rely on a friend or relative's advise re medications. It's still best to consult the experts so that you will be given the right treatment for your problem.

Slow down

The problem with most people today is that we all want things fast. That's why we oftentimes take shortcuts. That's why we have fast foods and instant noodles for people who just can't stop to eat a meal the way we do at home. There are also liposuction and apidexin for people who want to slim down fast.

Is is "need for speed" good or bad? Well, it's not really bad I suppose, but sometimes when we're always in a hurry, we tend to fail to enjoy things as they are supposed to. Like food eaten leisurely. Or a jazz exercise session.

I guess we should remember that sometimes it is good to slow down a bit.

Want a place of our own

We've always wanted a place of our own but we couldn't figure yet how we can afford it, what with the rising costs of living and especially with two kids. Before Ondoy, we were contemplating on maybe using one of my mother-in-law's lots and build a small house just enough for us, even one of those prefabricated steel buildings. However, the floods caused by Ondoy made us rethink our plans.

Now, we're back to square one. My mom has given me a loan, enough for me to buy a small studio unit. But it's rather small for our purposes, so for the moment we have decided to derive income from it by renting it out. Which I think is a good idea, since it would be a good investment if we use it that way. Our long term plan now includes saving up for our home, even a small one that would fit us. Renting is an option, but we'd rather buy if we can afford the mortgage.

The test

I am so glad that we've taken a comprehensive car insurance for the car that I am driving. Even if you take care of your vehicle, there maybe times when accidents do happen. Insurance will take care of that. Early next week, we shall know if the company we got is really good, or if we have to research on a better insurance company. I found insurancespecialists.com and while it's mostly US based, it does give us an idea of what the costs are and what we should expect.

Back to basics

There are now a lot of supplements being promoted on TV, which promise to take of your eyes, your kidneys, your heart, your lungs, your joints, your liver -- you name it, they probably have it or will have it in the future.

But are they really the answer to a healthier you?

People nowadays want something easy -- pop a capsule to protect the liver and indulge in that weekly alcohol spree or inuman.

But we tend to forget the basic -- why not drink in moderation or forego the alcohol altogether? It cannot be done. Cannot? Or is the person unwilling?

Think about it. We know the basics -- eat healthy, sleep enough, don't smoke, drink in moderation, observe hygiene. Then how come we don't follow them?

Maintain a heathy weight

Being in the medical field has exposed me to the fact that we have far too many overweight individuals, even obese ones. It has also showed me that this does take a toll on health. The best known diseases that are associated with obesity are cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes, but did you know that even arthritis and hip fractures may also be worsened by obesity?

That's why it's best that we maintain a health weight. While diet and exercise are the basic ways to reduce weight, sometimes some people need a lot more help. This is where medical assistance might help. I really do not recommend taking diet pills without medical supervision, even if Clinicallix reviews say that they are often safe enough. A medical examination with an expert in weight loss management will be helpful in pinpointing the problems and addressing them the right way, whether it's plain diet and exercise (and which diet & exercise you need), supplements, surgery or what not.

Height is might?

A few months back, somebody in my yahoogroups asked about the possibility of giving her kids hgh supplements since she felt that her kids are on the short side and she wanted them to have the advantage of being taller.

This question has opened up a can of worms, so to speak, there were a lot of reactions, both violent and non-violent, for and against her idea. It seems that she and her husband were not that tall, after all, which means that genetically, her children were really destined to be about their size, unless they do something else about it while they still can.

While it's really their decision to make, I would rather accept my kids for whatever nature blessed them with in terms of their height. Neither my husband and I are tall, but even without supplementation, my son seems to be tall for his age. I hope so, because height does afford advantages, but if they do end up on the short end of the scale, that' s ok too. :)

Don't start with the habit of smoking

Doctors would always tell people to avoid smoking as it leads to all sorts of diseases from cancers to emphysema and even eye problems like macular degeneration, but it's pretty difficult to actually convince people who are already deep in the habit of smoking to stop. While there are now nicotine patches and medications which aim to help wean a person off tobacco, it's not a guarantee. That's why it's best not to start with the habit of smoking. Cigarettes contain nicotine, which is addictive, as well as huge numbers of other substances that contribute to destroying your health. I am not sure if electronic cigarettes is a substitute that would help in cutting down. One thing I know for sure is that don't start with the habit if you don't have it yet. That goes especially for young people who may feel invincible about doing "adult" things like smoking and drinking. It simply is not worth it.

Make things happen

Our homeowner's association distributed free trash bins to each household. I thought that they would give stainless steel drums but they gave the big rubbermaid type bins.

It's part of the association's drive to promote cleanliness in the village. They also promoted lectures on garbage segregation. There are also garbage trucks which pick up the garbage at regular intervals. This is a good thing because if we wait for the city government to move, it will probably cause the garbage to build up because they can't come to our village at more frequent intervals.

I guess it just means that if you have a smaller group of concerned people, like the village officers, you can make more things happen in your own locality and not just depend on the bigger government unit to come and take care of you.

Couple decision

A few years back, hubby and I were looking for a new laptop computer. What I wanted was a basic version, albeit the latest but without too much bells and whistles that I do not need. This would have cost us less than forty thousand pesos. My husband, however, wanted the bells the whistles. He argued that while we had to shell out much more (it cost us nearly seventy thousand pesos), we would be getting a better value product. And since we'll be paying for it on installment basis, we would not really feel the difference of a thousand pesos or so per month.

He was right -- to a certain extent. I was also right. He eventually got his way and I grudgingly agreed to his choice. Four years later, we still haven't used a lot of the bells and whistles. And our hard drive had already broken down.

Now, his philosophy is very much nearer to mine than it was 4 years ago.

I guess he wouldn't insist yet on an HDTV since our old model is still working fine and although he watches TV more than I do, we do not really get to watch all that often nowadays.

I'm glad. There are things we don't really mind splurging on -- our children's education is one thing, health is another -- but we do have to balance everything since our income is limited and we have to think of what our children need too, and not just what we want.

They do say that one of the biggest causes of argument between couple is money. I'm glad we don't have a lot of arguments on how we should spend it.

Should we?

I just passed the 40 year old mark. The hubby and I are thinking that the decision to have or not to have baby number three is something that we have to make very soon. Unlike couples in their twenties or even in their thirties who can afford to wait, we can't. If we decide not to have another baby, it's not a decision that's considered final. Five or ten years down the line, we can't just say, hey, we want another baby and just decide to try. It's definitely now or never.

There are certainly pros and cons to having another kid. Children are such joy. We'd love to have more of them, but we do not know if we can afford to raise another one in the manner that we want to. We'd love to them to have a great education (which comes at a hefty price tag over here) and family vacations (we haven't done any out of the country trips since our honeymoon, much less a Branson vacation), and of course, we'd want them to have as few health issues as possible. We'd also like them to have both parents around for the time that they still need us.

Extra bags

With the cost cutting measures implemented by a lot of companies, we are now mostly given simple promotional tote bags in light material, instead of the heavier materials of yesteryears. It's not a bad thing, actually. These make great "extra bags".

We like bringing around 1 or 2 of these for those just-in-case moments when we need more bags to carry stuff. After all, we do just have 2 hands. These can be folded flat and placed in my handbag or my kids' bags for those times when we just have to bring home more stuff.

Our condo is almost ready

Our condo unit is almost ready for turnover. We are thinking of spending a bit so that we can have it rented out as a ready-to-move-in furnished unit. So far the unit is already fitted with lights, a standard kitchen setup (not Moen kitchen faucets though, unless we decide to spend a bit to upgrade it), toilet tiles and basic bathroom and shower fixtures, and vinyl tiles. It has been painted too.

We are planning add a bed, cabinets, living and dining room setup and some appliances like an a/c, TV, refrigerator and maybe a microwave oven. Let's see what we can fit in. After all, it's not that big -- only around 20 square meters.

I think our first tenant will be lucky as he/she will be getting everything brand new -- the unit, the appliances and the furnitures!

Entourage gifts

When I was planning my wedding a few years ago, I was very clueless. I didn't know that we had to give our bridesmaids and groomsmen gifts. (Later I found that it was not really a requirement but a show of appreciation).

I like what Chinese tradition dictated though. Instead of giving gifts, we gave ang paos to each member of the junior wedding party. It was so much more practical, in my opinion. Saves me the trouble, too, of looking for the perfect gift that everybody would appreciate and would keep with the theme.

Keep it off

I know this this is no longer new advise for losing weight, but some people still do not follow it.

Instead of simply going for a quick weight loss diet only, we should be modifying our lifestyle so that we don't eat as much and have more physical activity. This would make us maintain our ideal weight for a much longer period of time, preferably for our lifetime already.

The problem is that we eat so much processed foods with a lot of sugar and fat and then we plop down in front of the television. Too much calorie intake + not enough physical activity = weight gain.

Familiar, right? But so difficult to follow.

Be critical with online sources

This is the age of the world wide web and never has sharing of information been as easy as now. You can practically find all sorts of information, from biographies, to medical information, to diet pill reviews, to ways to earn money...all online.

Information is all out there with the click of the mouse. It's so easy and so simple. But do remember that sometimes it's so easy to get swayed with wrong information too, since it's just as simple to spread misinformation. We still need a discerning mind to be able to sift through the multitude of information to get the gems and to get rid of the garbage, so to speak.

So, don't believe everything you see on one website. It's best if you could do your research on other websites for corroboration and confirmation of a certain information.

What's the cause?

Years and years ago, I tried all sort of medications for my very severe acne, every home remedy I knew and every known medication available at the time, from benzoyl peroxide to sulfur ointment to azelaic acid ointment, you name it, I've probably tried it. I would have tried pronexin if it were available at the time. In the end, an OB resident suggested that I try an OCP. She thought that I may be having hormonal imbalance. True enough, my pimples disappeared, never to appear again that way. My menses also became more regular.

I wish I'd gone to the root of the problem earlier. Which is what we should always do. Find the cause and manage it, rather than just zero on the symptoms. Not just with pimples, but with any disease that strikes us.

Enjoy your baby

Just gave birth and disappointed that you still look pregnant? That's what I felt the first time I gave birth. I had the unreasonable expectation of fitting right back into my old clothes after the baby is out. When I gave birth to my second baby I knew better. I didn't stress too much about how I look at first and wondering "does lipozene work? and is it okay for a breastfeeding mom?"

As the months rolled by I progressively slimmed down, even when I was eating a lot. I guess this is due to breastfeeding AND also the stress of not having as much sleep as before.

Of course, the pictures of me at around that time shows a bloated lady with dark undereye smudges. Not a pretty picture. Probably that contributes to the so called baby blues. You feel that you look fat and ugly, and while you're still recovering, you are already called upon to take care of a totally dependent bundle.

I say just focus on the baby. For me, the baby made me happy. I love her scent, her soft skin, her smallness, the fact that she's my baby. And now that she's almost one, I try to savor every moment of her babyhood.

Tuition time

It's June once again, and parents here in the Philippines are scratching their heads figuring out where to get the money for their kids' tuition and other school needs.

My son just got admitted at a well-known school here (yey!). The downside of this is the very high tuition fee.

Since we'll have to expect this spending every year, I've made a plan for next years' tuition: Divide up the amount of tuition into 12, then put that money away every month in a separate account. That way, we'll have enough money (or close to it) before enrollment time comes up again next year. It will save us the worry (and the need for anti wrinkle face cream) when we get to that time of the year.