tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42357697810249770662024-03-14T16:11:56.610+08:00Everyday KimWealth journey, kitchen adventures, mommy moments, craft projects, retail arbitrage, sustainable living, financial wellness and more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-88752977888894660302020-04-08T21:59:00.001+08:002020-04-08T22:01:14.546+08:00COL Financial Newbie<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tCi_sxWT_bM/Xo3YusEwKKI/AAAAAAAASag/eRdvO8tpsUsKDHGzMh0C-y0pl-kJuAxBACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1586354352656792-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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</div><br></div><div>I've been undecided for so long on whether or not to open an online trading account, particularly with COL Financial.</div><div><br></div><div>The idea started during those days when it was still called CITYSEC Online.</div><div><br></div><div>Imagine how many years I've wasted not investing just because of - I guess - fear of the 'unknown'.</div><div><br></div><div>I finally gave it a go when the market dipped below 5000 level. But at that time Metro Manila is already under Extreme Community Quarantine (#ECQ).</div><div><br></div><div>The application was done online since offices are closed. But it took a while (about 2+ weeks) for me to finally get access. Not complaining here, just managing your expectations.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div><br></div><div>If this is something you're toying with in your head, I suggest you just go ahead and take the opportunity now than later. </div><div><br></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-58528043255283162142020-02-23T21:45:00.000+08:002020-02-23T21:45:52.929+08:00Petsa de Peligro: Breaking The Cycle<div>
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<b><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrMmEbC8uQk/XjGQ1QDY66I/AAAAAAAASWM/bH66O2sSHwwkStEKbtO7zIiP03_oKVNJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580306638428072-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yrMmEbC8uQk/XjGQ1QDY66I/AAAAAAAASWM/bH66O2sSHwwkStEKbtO7zIiP03_oKVNJwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580306638428072-0.png" width="400" /> </a> </b></div>
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<b>What is Petsa de Peligro</b></div>
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It's the day(s) when you have to stretch your remaining cash on hand to make it last until the next payday.</div>
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Yes, that salary is just around the corner, but there's this tiny little issue that needs to be addressed. It's called the 'right now'. </div>
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We learn to get creative with our finances in order survive <i>petsa de peligro</i>. Nevertheless, many may still find themselves back in the same cycle after a couple of weeks.</div>
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Here are some tips on how to break free from the Petsa de Peligro routine:</div>
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<b>Plan a budget (and stick to it)</b></div>
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As long as you are in the work force, a paycheck is guaranteed. When you know when and how much money to expect, you can also manage to budget based on your foreseeable expenses.</div>
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The main purpose of budgeting is to eliminate money leakage. The idea is to allocate your money in advance so you don't end up falling short.</div>
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Now, sticking to the budget is just a matter of self-discipline. </div>
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<b>Find other sources of income (side hustle)</b></div>
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A guaranteed monthly cash flow provides security. But, we can always use some more.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repost from Facebook CTTO</td></tr>
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<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0930x-Mkshk/XjEiLkeGoRI/AAAAAAAASV8/1n7DrHT9sVoqnz0kK02h3zbVmZEm9KSMACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580278306677767-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
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Enter the entrepreneur in you. Think of some ways to make an extra buck - by selling goods or rendering services. </div>
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I constantly explore ways to create multiple sources of income - preferably passive income.</div>
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<b>Track credit card spending</b></div>
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Just to be clear, using a credit card when you're short on cash is never a good idea.</div>
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As a rule of thumb: whatever you spend on credit, there should always be the equivalent amount sitting in your bank account to pay it back.</div>
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A problem may arise when you lose track of your spending and fail to make a full payment before your due date. Credit card fees are steep!</div>
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<b>Use existing resources</b></div>
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The worst thing you can do to tide you over this short period is to take out a loan (cash advance, charging your credit card, getting a payday loan).</div>
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Before you look into external resources for a solution, re-evaluate your exisiting ones first. How about checking for loose change or bills in your desk drawers? Or maybe you can ride your bicycle to work for a few days.</div>
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<b>Frugal living (live within your means)</b></div>
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If there's an obvious gap between payables and receivables, then something's got to give.</div>
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A good way to measure your spending habits is by listing them down daily or using a budgeting app. This way, you can see if there's something you need to adjust in your lifestyle choices. Don't let FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) get to your head.</div>
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<b>Make wise choices (price comps)</b></div>
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Maybe it's my OCD, but this is the main reason why I take a long time doing groceries. For starters, lose the brand mentality. Generic goods are usually just as good as unbranded ones.<br />
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Little savings can go a long way. I'm not shy to whip out my cellphone calculator in order to do price-weight comparisons.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd6Qsws2or4/XlKAiR9vtNI/AAAAAAAASYc/CL35QxeFGzEnkazP-PJ1L02FUOJlntVRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20170713_132452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zd6Qsws2or4/XlKAiR9vtNI/AAAAAAAASYc/CL35QxeFGzEnkazP-PJ1L02FUOJlntVRACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20170713_132452.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's a struggle to make it through Petsa de Peligro. Congratulations if you pass it with flying colors! Now, you can move on to the first step in financial freedom: building your emergency savings fund (EF).</div>
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Got more tips to add? Share them by leaving a comment below.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-75148388614349311382020-02-07T09:52:00.001+08:002020-02-07T10:19:10.128+08:00GSave by GCash<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Share ko lang sa inyo. As part of my 2020 #financialgoal, I wanted to create another EF (emergency fund) para mas panatag ako.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XojYmnHUgJw/XjzC7pE8WeI/AAAAAAAASW8/r3rhxEJu5rMnAmRh8GKSIDaTFtTsTdL_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040359462773-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XojYmnHUgJw/XjzC7pE8WeI/AAAAAAAASW8/r3rhxEJu5rMnAmRh8GKSIDaTFtTsTdL_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040359462773-0.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div>Luckily, I recently saw Globe CEO Ernest Cu speak on one of our company events. He mentioned the GSave feature in GCash and proudly announced that their interest rate is 4% per annum.<br />
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</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBkHhFOwex4/XjzC5t5ixmI/AAAAAAAASW4/23b09485AsgQcaRC1izyaqY3Yd8dWsCIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040348932932-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cBkHhFOwex4/XjzC5t5ixmI/AAAAAAAASW4/23b09485AsgQcaRC1izyaqY3Yd8dWsCIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040348932932-1.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Ayun, instead of going to the bank to open a new account, I decided to try GSave. Nilagyan ko muna sya ng P1000.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now it has been a month (actually 21 days lang), true to the print, may interest earned na ang account ko!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtkqDNgjeoU/XjzC3LddmoI/AAAAAAAASW0/tveG3mqQ7JAdH7e3ejsM4EtNQ4FQ4iZSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040342122396-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NtkqDNgjeoU/XjzC3LddmoI/AAAAAAAASW0/tveG3mqQ7JAdH7e3ejsM4EtNQ4FQ4iZSACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040342122396-2.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Ikaw, pag yung P1000 nilagay mo sa alkansya ng 1 month, manganganak ba ng piso yun? It's a small amount, but walang magbibigay ng ganyan sa ibang traditional banks which usually have less than 1% interest per annum only.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I hope you readers are encouraged. I posted my referral QR below. If you still don't have Gcash and wish to download it, you will receive a P50 reward (kesa wala). Pwede rin itong link na ito: https://gcsh.app/r/PEQBfH3</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zf-o21ZKf04/XjzC1dDUjnI/AAAAAAAASWw/Kl4Ad1BHYQk3CwqFbXyiqrbbvy-WsNaqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040336381964-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Zf-o21ZKf04/XjzC1dDUjnI/AAAAAAAASWw/Kl4Ad1BHYQk3CwqFbXyiqrbbvy-WsNaqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1581040336381964-3.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Happy saving!<br />
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*This is not a sponsored post</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-39225704502250704482020-02-06T07:45:00.001+08:002020-02-07T10:16:59.452+08:00February Half-Month Grocery Haul and Shopping Tips<div>This is February's half-month grocery/market haul for the household.</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aULg9jRGVNY/XjtTqavhmNI/AAAAAAAASWg/OuZ9j1-j1-0-GZTVeb5OIGdLl11Qzm-JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580946304812962-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aULg9jRGVNY/XjtTqavhmNI/AAAAAAAASWg/OuZ9j1-j1-0-GZTVeb5OIGdLl11Qzm-JACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580946304812962-0.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Budget P1500</div><div>Total P1479.25</div><div><br />
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<div>These are mostly non-perishable items, like toilet paper, laundry soap and long shelf-life ingredients like cooking oil, powdered milk and oats. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I get fresh fruits and veggies here and there throughout the month because those don't last long if I buy them all in one go.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Yesterday was a small win because I was able to stay within budget. Yay!!!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eaIXjqxTzT0/XjtTfvWhFVI/AAAAAAAASWc/oSQ3qHt5a-4GUCxauyHPNc_p_KbB2wY5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580946277572094-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eaIXjqxTzT0/XjtTfvWhFVI/AAAAAAAASWc/oSQ3qHt5a-4GUCxauyHPNc_p_KbB2wY5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1580946277572094-1.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Let me share some tips on how to keep within budget when grocery shopping:</div><div>✅ Scan your fridge and pantry and note what you have in stock at the moment.</div><div>✅List down items that needs replenishing. This includes items are are running low.</div><div>✅You don't have to replenish everything that's out. For example, you're out of salad dressing. If it's not on your meal plan, then you don't necessarily have to get one now.</div><div>✅ Don't go shopping on an empty stomach! It's more tempting to splurge if you go in hungry.</div><div>✅Bring your list (with estimate price per item) when you go grocery shopping. </div><div>✅Avoid picking up items that are not on the list.</div><div>✅Do price comparisons and look for promo items. </div><div>✅Use your supermarket rewards/loyalty card upon checkout. Sometimes you get an extra discount or a freebie item with it.</div><div><br />
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Here's the grocery haul video I made (still new on YT):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ALhV9nUDUa4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ALhV9nUDUa4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br />
</div><div>Got more tipid tips and shopping hacks? I would love to hear them. Leave a comment below.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-67636102199221080162020-01-19T10:20:00.000+08:002020-02-23T21:47:17.489+08:00Saving Basics - How I Save<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMuOElWcsFM/XiA1UrTGEpI/AAAAAAAASUg/rWovoJNhcu40B40Txy-UmL2JbL-lN1azACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579169089291019-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daruma coin bank for your #lifegoals</td></tr>
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Ants prepare for a rainy day by instinct. We humans, however, need to learn how to save. As a financial advisor, I get to attend talks and trainings to widen my financial know-how. Let me share with you what I've learned so far.<br />
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<b>Saving vs Investing</b></div>
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Putting something away for safe keeping until it is needed is the basic idea of saving. Converting this into an appreciating asset or putting it in an instrument that will make it grow is called investing.</div>
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Not everybody is prepared to lock their money away and forget about it until the time of need. Much less, put it in investments because there are risks involved when investing (more on that next time).</div>
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When it comes to saving money, there's always a common goal in mind - to be <i>liquid</i> in time of need. So, what exactly should we be saving for?</div>
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<b>Saving Goals</b></div>
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When I was a kid, I had a piggy bank. My mom told me to fill it up so I can buy whatever I wanted with what I save. As I grew older, I kept my money in a savings account and I drew from it to shop or travel.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old school savings</td></tr>
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These days, I have multiple bank accounts to park money for different purposes, like home expenses, kid's tuition fee, a new gadget, a house someday and the dreaded 'emergency'.</div>
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We all have different goals in saving. The key is to identify whether it is a need or a want; short-term goal, recurring goal or long-term goal. </div>
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<b>Saving Basics</b></div>
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If you want to go by the book, the proper way to budget your income is this way:</div>
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100% INCOME</div>
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- 50% Bills, Living expenses, Health (needs) </div>
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- 20% Savings </div>
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- 20% Other spending (wants/tithes) </div>
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- 10% Insurance, Investment</div>
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Others divide it into 50-30-20 - whatever works. You don't have to compute everything down to the centavo, just make a mental note of the proportions.</div>
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<b>Emergency Fund</b></div>
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If you're just starting to build savings, the first thing you should tick on your checklist is an Emergency Fund. </div>
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Money experts always talk about this. An emergency fund is basically 3-6 months worth of your income/expected expenses (for irregular income). This fund serves as your buffer in case of income disruption (illness, job loss, natural disaster).</div>
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Once you're all set in this area, you can move on to saving up for other things. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KxUrJxqIJo/XiJf6d52FxI/AAAAAAAASVE/3bYoG5pmBIcydNwaYM0LOA5Tmh9ZyRiNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579311062046672-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our household expense tracker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0KxUrJxqIJo/XiJf6d52FxI/AAAAAAAASVE/3bYoG5pmBIcydNwaYM0LOA5Tmh9ZyRiNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579311062046672-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>My Money Mantra</b></div>
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<div>
My saving strategy is not perfect and clear cut. But I strive to steer things in the right direction.</div>
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<div>
Aside from making frugal choices to curb spending, ingrain this to yourself:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><u>Money: Don't think of ways to spend it; Instead, think of ways to grow it! </u></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In Tagalog, as I always tell my kid upon handing him his weekly allowance (and because local tongue has more impact):</div>
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<div>
<b><u>'Yang pera: Wag mo isipin kung san mo gagastusin; Isipin mo kung paano mo paparamihin!</u></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Does this article help change your attitude towards saving? Leave a comment below.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-74056856587395249352020-01-17T22:01:00.001+08:002020-01-18T11:40:38.268+08:00Online Business: Live Selling Tips<div><br />
</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-02NPEsKxqwk/XiG-SPUvmdI/AAAAAAAASU0/plONGmqfQRku8OnnssSsxb8pGI0QsOiMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579269697289651-0.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selling on Shopee Live</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-02NPEsKxqwk/XiG-SPUvmdI/AAAAAAAASU0/plONGmqfQRku8OnnssSsxb8pGI0QsOiMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579269697289651-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Flashback to when when I did Shopee Live weekly: My table and mannequin is set up, I unpack my wares from storage, assemble the cellphone on a tripod, plug the desk lamp (for better lighting), et voila! Instant studio.</div><div><br />
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<div>Doing live selling greatly helped in increasing my sales. Items that are normally unsearchable can be highlighted during the live gig.</div><div><br />
</div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pI1nmQy0-CA/XiG-P1Kk-fI/AAAAAAAASUw/lHYP4iRphwcjkPCedZlH-0mPYNpGK2UuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579269687113820-1.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shopee Live stats (shown at the end of every live session)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pI1nmQy0-CA/XiG-P1Kk-fI/AAAAAAAASUw/lHYP4iRphwcjkPCedZlH-0mPYNpGK2UuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1579269687113820-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a> </div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div>Today, I'm sharing some quick live selling tips:</div><div>✅Maximize the camera/screen space when positioning items.</div><div>✅Use conversation voice/tone (avoid palengke voice)</div><div>✅Use a tripod</div><div>✅Offer COD, if you can. I'd say 90% of my Shopee sales are COD.</div><div>✅Be presentable</div><div>✅Remove clutter in the background</div><div>✅Stay on-air even if there's only a few viewers. They come and go, but the show must go on.</div><div><br />
</div><div>*This is not a sponsored post</div><div><br />
</div><div>Have you tried live selling? Leave a comment below 👇</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-74817248710935470782020-01-13T15:09:00.001+08:002020-01-18T11:39:51.695+08:00Taal Volcano Eruption<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bsMoOj0EfuQ/XhwXouZITBI/AAAAAAAASUM/B-m5491kKsUC0Z4KWf4LY8l8okqDmK94gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578899330835317-0.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bsMoOj0EfuQ/XhwXouZITBI/AAAAAAAASUM/B-m5491kKsUC0Z4KWf4LY8l8okqDmK94gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578899330835317-0.png" width="400" /> </a> </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Woke up to this ashfall in Marikina.</div><div>It's not alarming, but one can only imagine how much people living near Taal Volcano is experiencing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AnClubQMhO4/XhwVEE0BJPI/AAAAAAAAST8/3wOykQJi44Aq7efLaoRh3HjqfU1lUErYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578898664263469-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AnClubQMhO4/XhwVEE0BJPI/AAAAAAAAST8/3wOykQJi44Aq7efLaoRh3HjqfU1lUErYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578898664263469-1.png" width="400" /> </a> </div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Praying for the safety and well being of the people there.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Now, how to make the most of this situation:</div><div>The ash (more like sand, actually) is supposedly rich in minerals, and would make a good addition in your potting medium. Perfect for watermelon plant daw. You can use as skin scrub, too!</div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZtrMcRALMlI/XhwU5gG7V8I/AAAAAAAAST4/dGTz7odnGA4nIUGT6O3OjaCL21Lk_h1hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578898638473098-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZtrMcRALMlI/XhwU5gG7V8I/AAAAAAAAST4/dGTz7odnGA4nIUGT6O3OjaCL21Lk_h1hgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1578898638473098-2.png" width="400" /> </a> </div><br />
</div><div>Compared to Mt. Pinatubo's ash, Taal has a darker color and the granules are bigger. I'd totally use this as a scrub, if not for my face, then just for legs and feet 😁</div><div><br />
</div><div>Got other ideas?</div><div>Leave a comment below 👇</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-53750191648437566392019-01-11T23:27:00.000+08:002020-01-18T11:39:05.956+08:002019: Of Sparking Joy and Other IdeasWho would've thought that last year's mid-year post would turn out to be the last for 2018? Well, that's that! Let's all bid adieu to the year that has passed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtyKJVtPdio/XDixSiePqHI/AAAAAAAARxk/em1JZ1TRYvMEdKo62tZrslaa87cwmA96ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181224_222952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CtyKJVtPdio/XDixSiePqHI/AAAAAAAARxk/em1JZ1TRYvMEdKo62tZrslaa87cwmA96ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20181224_222952.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Eve in our onesies :D</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cue song: Ariana Grande - Thank You, Next. LOL.<br />
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New year came quietly this year, as if it entered through the back door. The days that surrounded NYE was cloudy-drizzly due to typhoon Usman. Because of damp weather, the release of firecrackers and fireworks were scarce and street karaoke sessions had to be moved indoors (or cancelled altogether).</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeqJmCSsfcM/XDixors9IpI/AAAAAAAARxs/z6yboZ1v1wgy1skx8ceUx1WduzpP5QTIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20181231_233732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VeqJmCSsfcM/XDixors9IpI/AAAAAAAARxs/z6yboZ1v1wgy1skx8ceUx1WduzpP5QTIQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20181231_233732.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wine and Cheese meatless antipasti spread for NYE</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><div>Personally, the transition was emotionally lightening for me. It felt like a metaphorical weight was lifted off my shoulders; weight of some stuff I should've put down many months ago. Anyway, that's a whole other topic altogether.</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Basta</i>, this year - for all of us wanting redemption from last year - it's #letsdothis!!!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Netflix kicked off 2019 with the release of Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on new year's day. Oh. My. Geez. It's barely been two weeks and my social media feed is filling up with decluttering and organizing posts. Yours truly has also embarked on some mini-cleanout sessions. I must say, that soft-spoken crisp-clothed little lady with killer eyelashes can really spark something and it is LIFECHANGING. Such a positive way to start the year, right?</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbm7f3khvfs/XDiy5atAgcI/AAAAAAAARx4/PHo9JgP2lrMowQq4k0P3QTFcWb_G598TgCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_2019-01-11-23-12-54-119_com.google.android.youtube.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sbm7f3khvfs/XDiy5atAgcI/AAAAAAAARx4/PHo9JgP2lrMowQq4k0P3QTFcWb_G598TgCLcBGAs/s400/Screenshot_2019-01-11-23-12-54-119_com.google.android.youtube.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Marie Kondo YouTube</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Speaking of starting things, I've also started an EverydayKim <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/indieescape" target="_blank">YouTube channel</a>. Go ahead and check it out. Watch, like and - since you're already at it - subscribe (TIA!) I would also love to hear your comments and content suggestions.</div><div><div><br />
</div><div>Have you done your goal setting and annual planning yet? Let's do it together! Let's make this year full of successes and answered prayers. (There's a content idea; maybe I'll post a video about it).</div></div><div><br />
</div><div>If I haven't already said so, Happy New Year to all! May everyone be blessed with abundance and happiness!</div><div><br />
</div><div><i>Apir!</i></div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-21400426577642811392018-07-27T00:48:00.000+08:002018-07-27T00:48:51.178+08:002018: Thus FarIt's halfway through 2018, and yet this is my first post for the year. Hooray! (yeah?)<div><br />
</div><div>To make up for the lack of entries these past 6 months, I'll let you in on some of the highlights (feeling celebrity lang) from this year thus far. It's like my own personal version of the SONA.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Let the photodump begin!</div><div><br />
</div><div>January: Prepped for my very first party styling gig - a Moana-themed 7th birthday party. I'll share the full details on a separate blog entry.</div><div><br />
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February: Sun Life Cannonball NBO office blessing. We moved (upgraded!) from Ace building in Makati to Picadilly bldg in BGC.<br />
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After a lonely Valentines, I felt like I needed a breather so I made a quick getaway to La Union just to get away from the city.<br />
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March: My first time in probably 10+ years back in Enchanted Kingdom. It was my son's first theme park experience. Details on a separate blog entry soon.<br />
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Another first: A visit to The Mind Museum in BGC. My son is crazy about space and science stuff so this was a big hit!<br />
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Holy Weekend spent in Zambales. It was a business + pleasure trip for my sister and her friends and I basically fifth wheeled.<br />
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April: Went on a date with my son. Took him to his first live orchestra show - a tribute concert by the DLSU Pops Orchestra alumni.<br />
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Eyebags galore for weeks after booth manning (Sun Life) on a graveyard shift for a couple of BPO locations.<br />
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May: My very first Bible camp - not as a student, but as a volunteer, though. This was in Victory Malate (Christian Church).<br />
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Got some me time to spare - so I went to a rock concert. I used to go to these things pretty often, but now I can only indulge in a show every few months.<br />
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June: Went on a trip abroad - my son's first time abroad - to China. I'll be sharing the details of our trip soon, so stay tuned if you want to know more about traveling with kids.<br />
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</div><div>There you have it! Can you believe the first half of 2018 has been that busy?</div><div><br />
</div><div>PS.</div><div><br />
</div><div>I'm surprised myself at how much stuff has happened so far. I nearly thought I had let the months slip by without much happening. Boy, was I wrong. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Sharing these things to you, dear readers, made me reflect and appreciate these past activities from a different standpoint. It feels therapeutic. I hope you enjoyed it, too!</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-1747198227220293882017-08-23T10:44:00.000+08:002017-08-23T10:44:01.036+08:00Educational Field Trip: Traditional vs. ModernThe single time of the school year when serial latecomers arrive in school before the break of dawn. Yes, it's field trip day! Class field trips or educational tours are conducted annually in my son's school.<br />
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Moms my age would probably agree when I say field trips during our time consisted of a day-long bus ride, with stops to historical landmarks such as Kawit in Cavite, Calamba in Laguna, UPLB and Intramuros in Manila.<br />
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These days - at least in my son's school - the annual activity seems to be more geared towards a team building type of excursion than an homage to textbook destinations. Is you kid's school following the same trend?<br />
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Last year, the school organized a trip to Sitio Antonio Resort complex, with a short stop at Our Lady of the Divine Mercy Shrine in Bulacan.<br />
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We had an assigned bus facilitator who kept the kids busy for the most part on the road. They also led the Divine Mercy Shrine walking tour.<br />
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In Sitio Antonio, in-house facilitators hosted team-building type activities before letting the kids loose in the pools. They have (I think) 4 big pools but only 3 were open that day - the big wave pool, a giant slide pool and the kiddie slide pool.<br />
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Some might say there's <i>nothing educational</i> about the trip. I admit, very little facts were presented to enrich the students' knowledge. But, I dare say this cliche, there is more to learn outside the classroom.<br />
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Kids get bombarded with lessons the entire year, so I think this type of trip is a welcome breather and an opportunity for the kids to develop life and social skills.<br />
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When we, as kids, only remember standing in long queues and craning our necks to listen to the tour guide in Emilio Aguinaldo's house, my kid enjoys a more personal tour of the historical landmarks - away from the field trip crowd. That way, he can learn and appreciate them better.<br />
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Do you agree? Leave a comment below.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-36347337073481864952017-08-16T08:45:00.000+08:002017-08-17T17:54:25.237+08:00Budget Travel Abroad: How I Do It<div>
Travel is usually perceived as a luxury, mainly because of the expense it entails. On my last trip abroad, I am proud to report that I have 100% resisted the temptation of over spending - <i>woot woot! </i>Let me indulge for a second here when I say: I'm feeling like a budget ninja!<br />
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Can you imagine the nightmare of being greeted by fat bills after coming home from a trip? Sure, you probably thought you spent that money wisely whilst fine dining in a place where no one knew your name. But now that the vacay's over, it's not turning out to be the smoothest financial decision. No amount of Instagram likes will bring that money back.<br />
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Let me share with you some things I did to avoid racking up my travel expenses:<br />
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<b><br />
</b> <b>Travel off-season</b> </div>
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In case you didn't get the memo, that's how you score cheap airfare. Plus, off-season means less people in touristy areas, marked down hotel rates, shorter lines in theme parks and sometimes, deeper discounts when shopping.<br />
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My first day in Shanghai was a Sunday. Nanjing road was an absolute mess and I didn't get to buy anything. The next day, I went out to visit the same stores, and found a few items on better deals.<br />
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<b>Avoid credit</b><br />
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</b> Don't use your credit card -- unless there's an emergency. Okay, a 70% off markdown doesn't count as an emergency. It's pretty easy to overspend with plastic money because you don't see cash exit your wallet until you receive your bill - which, let me add, might be higher than you expected because of your bank's conversion rate.<br />
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For this trip, I feel like I deserve an award for successfully keeping my credit card swipe-free. Well, okay, I did sort of use it - but only to purchase additional check-in baggage.<br />
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There's a tendency to use up all your remaining foreign currency at the airport -- panic-buying overpriced food and useless stuff instead of converting the money back to your home currency. That's how you end up getting short on cash after your trip.<br />
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<b>Eat where the locals eat</b><br />
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I learned this lesson early on during a trip to Hong Kong with my parents. We were so hungry we didn't want to join the dinner crowd, so went out and ate at this empty Thai restaurant near our hotel. To cut to the chase, we couldn't eat the food and our bill was way too much than what we anticipated. We ended up paying twice for dinner (we later ate at a cheap noodle joint - and left satisfied).<br />
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Go and explore local food; even street food. Those will always turn out to be cheaper and is a fun experience in itself. Even the fastfood place you know very well back home might have something unusual on the foreign menu - picture Basmati rice and 3 levels of spicy chicken in KFC Malaysia.<br />
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<b>Skip the souvenirs</b><br />
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It's so easy to be amazed by local crafts and novelty souvenir items but you gotta be practical when buying stuff. Souvenirs are made for tourists and are, of course, offered at touristy prices - if you know what i mean.<br />
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Why not opt for other more meaningful souvenirs like boarding passes (free), ticket stubs, photos and Instax prints. Luckily, I didn't succumb into joining the <i>ref magnet club</i>.<br />
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<b>Skip duty free</b></div>
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Based on experience, I've spent way less buying clearance items than buying stuff from duty free. It's a fact that duty free goods are mostly expensive items to begin with. Besides, some of those items might probably be available in your home country anyway.<br />
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<b>Split and share</b><br />
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This is a common practice for group travelers. That's how they get the best per-head rates on hotels or save on transportation costs. It's how I go to try more dishes from the IKEA canteen.<br />
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If you're traveling alone, it can be more difficult, but not impossible. You just gotta be friendly enough to win short-term companions.<br />
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Always remember, if you're travelling on a budget, make sure your money goes to meaningful experiences - not just for the sake of social media brag. Got more budget travel tips to share? Leave a comment below :)</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-74434358177027710922015-12-14T11:14:00.000+08:002017-08-16T08:48:53.082+08:00DIY Project: Jack-Soap (Jack Daniels Soap Dispenser)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4lk8WIuaI8/VlLjoFWta9I/AAAAAAAAQ_s/gTWrPrgj0Hc/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4lk8WIuaI8/VlLjoFWta9I/AAAAAAAAQ_s/gTWrPrgj0Hc/s640/Ribbet" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jack-Coke is so passe. Here's the latest Jack Daniels concoction, well, for your home *wink wink*. Introducing: Jack-Soap!</div><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><br />
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<a name='more'></a>This is a simple DIY project that would really add spunk to any sink situation.<br />
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Here's what you'll need:<br />
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<ul><li>A bottle of Jack-Cola (because this one's got the screw cap thread)</li>
<li>A tube (I used a bike brake enclosure tube, just because it's black)</li>
<li>A soap pump (you can recycle one from a used dollar store hand soap, shampoo, or lotion - as long as it fits the bottle screw)</li>
<li>hand soap refill (amber-colored is best to make it look like the real JD)</li>
</ul><div>Now to assemble it.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Step 1....</div><div><br />
</div><div>Ok, seriously, I don't think this needs step by step instructions. What you see is what you get. Enjoy your Jack-Soap!</div><div><br />
</div><div>Be sure to check my other DIY projects (with step-by-step instructions, of course).</div><br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-49509405815795460322015-11-13T11:27:00.001+08:002015-11-13T11:29:30.079+08:00November Thrift Haul <script type="text/javascript">
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Here in Everyday Kim, I like to share good bargains and thrifted stuff that are really worth spending dough on.<br />
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October was all about clearance sales - a great marketing tactic to give way to the upcoming holiday collection. I didn't pass up the chance to grab some great deals. Besides, it's the ideal month to finish checking off the Christmas list! Yes, apparently it should've been started since January...</div>
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Some sales go on until November. So here we go:</div>
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Still hungover from my China H&M shopping streak, I got these from the H&M 1st anniversary (#HMPHTurnsOne) SALE:</div>
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<ul>
<li>star pattern fitted sheet P<strike>699</strike> P300</li>
<li>nude flats P<strike>599</strike> P200</li>
<li>boys blue pants (pamasko for the kiddo) <strike>P599</strike> P300</li>
<li>boys onesie <strike>P349</strike> P150</li>
<li>infant outfit set <strike>P599</strike> P200</li>
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Okay, I'm not done. I must've gone back to the store 3 times in a span of one week!<br />
<ul>
<li>kids floral socks <strike>P349</strike> P50</li>
<li>Marvel socks <strike>P499</strike> P150</li>
<li>Boys basic socks <strike>P499</strike> P200</li>
<li>3 x Infant socks <strike>P199</strike> P50</li>
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Now, this may be a little OCD to some of you, but I just loooove seeing money saved this way...</div>
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<li>Total purchases P1700 (Orig price tag: 4789). Saved: 3089. </li>
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If exreme couponing is allowed this part of the world, I'd be up to my neck in stock piles!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangladesh surplus find!</td></tr>
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This next piece is an H&M bandeau top I got from a Bangladesh surplus shop for P100 apiece! Imma keep one of these for the Boracay trip scheduled Feb 2016!<br />
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More Christmas stocking fillers came from the Cotton On sale, <strike>P199</strike> P40 per pair. My fetish for socks is showing, huh?<br />
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Lastly, I got the Chrismas scent hand soap from Watson's on sale at <strike>P149</strike> P129 (buy 1 take 1). Call me weird or cheap, but I actually use this as body wash. Relax, guys, it's made from the same stuff - just labeled differently.</div>
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Anyway, my Chrismas shopping list is not even half-accomplished, so there's still some good buys out there that I can share in the next few...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-40370398043060670132015-10-06T09:40:00.000+08:002015-10-06T09:40:46.920+08:00Embotido - Pinoy Meat Loaf Recipe<script type="text/javascript">
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Embotido <i>(also Embutido)</i> is a pork-based meat loaf dish typically served during special occasions. I cannot remember a Christmas-New Year holiday without it.<br />
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Cooking embotido involves two steps. It's not your usual one-go dish, which is probably why it's not a daily fix in the household menu.<br />
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But all is well because this makes a very good freezer meal. You can go and spend time cooking a big batch to keep in the freezer for months.<br />
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When choosing ground pork, I prefer the regular grind versus the lean grind - just to get more juice/fat in it. As you know, more fat means more <strike>calories</strike> flavor!<br />
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I like the embotido done in logs. A variation of this dish is baked in a loaf pan, and is called the <i>'Hardinera'</i>.<br />
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The loaf is sliced and fried lightly before being served. In some cases, an additional tomato-based or cream-based dressing is drizzled on top.<br />
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Each slice presents a festive treat. A mix of colors - red, yellow, black, white, pink, green - for all the different chopped ingredients added into the recipe.<br />
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There are also two ways to pre-cook the meat loaf - by steaming or by baking (before frying).<br />
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Okay, so here's my version of this dish:<br />
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<div style="border: thin dashed black; padding: 10px;">
<h1 itemprop="name">
Embotido</h1>
Prep time: 4<time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">5 min</time> | Cook time: <time datetime="PT90M" itemprop="cookTime">30-45 min</time> | Total time: 1.5<time datetime="PT120M" itemprop="totalTime"> hours</time><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 kilo ground pork<br />
1 medium onion chopped<br />
2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
carrots, shredded<br />
sweet pepper, chopped<br />
pickled relish/dill, chopped<br />
raisins<br />
1 large egg<br />
1 tsp bread crumbs<br />
flour (optional)<br />
3 tbsp tomato paste<br />
1/2 tsp brown sugar<br />
ground pepper<br />
salt<br />
4 medium eggs, hard-boiled<br />
Aluminum foil<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<div itemprop="instructions">
1. Place the ground pork in a strainer and let the extra juices drain.<br />
2. In a large bowl. mix all chopped ingredients and seasonings.<br />
Option: you may also place everything (except hard-boiled eggs) in a food processor unchopped, and let the machine do the work.<br />
3. Combine ground meat and chopped ingredients. Add egg and the rest of the ingredients.<br />
4. Cut a piece of aluminum foul about 15 inches long.<br />
5. Place a flat layer of the meat mixture on to the foil.<br />
6. Slice hardboiled eggs in quarters and arrange onto the flattened meat.<br />
7. Roll the meat into a log, making sure the eggs stay in the middle portion.<br />
8. Seal the aluminum foil wrap on the sides. It should look like a takeout burrito.<br />
9. Next, steam or bake the logs for 30-45 minutes.<br />
10. Let cool. Once cooled, you may place the logs in the freezer for storage.<br />
11. To serve: peel off aluminum wrap and lightly fry.</div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-6976376147941647142015-03-19T15:35:00.000+08:002015-03-19T15:35:04.980+08:00The Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur SagaLet me tell you about this product I can't live without. It comes in different names - hair serum, hair repair, detangler - basically, it's like leave-on hair conditioner.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">credit: http://content.asos-media.com/~/media/200614022044en-GB/Images/uk/2014/06/20-friday/fantasy-v-reality/fantasy-reality-miranda-kerr-monica-friends-humidity-warnerbros-youtube.jpg</td></tr>
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My hair happens to be the type that forms too much body due to humidity. It's the very reason I keep the pony as my everyday hairstyle - until I was introduced to Schwarzkopf Gliss Kur.</div>
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Using ordinary conditioner in the shower is not my thing. Don't you hate the greasy feeling specially when the product drips down your back while you rinse it? So, when my friend first introduced this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8P0X24/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00I8P0X24&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=7M5MMQ63R4T2AEIR" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Schwarzkopf spray</a> thing she got from Germany and told me it made her hair feel smooth, I was excited to give it a try.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdwlYCQ2cU/VQpOzwM6AQI/AAAAAAAAP28/vj9_uvm3_wg/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdwlYCQ2cU/VQpOzwM6AQI/AAAAAAAAP28/vj9_uvm3_wg/s1600/Ribbet" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
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It was uh-mah-zing! My hair felt like it was blow-dried and it was silky smooth as I ran my fingers through it. Plus, it smelled great - as if I'd just walked out of a salon! I never left home without it -- until it ran out (gasp)!<br />
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After searching everywhere (even online), I had to accept that Gliss Kur was nowhere to be bought in the country. I had It's time to look for other options.</div>
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The first alternative I found was a Garnier Fructis detangler, bought at a PX beauty store. It was ok in de-tangling the hair but it was a little heavy on the head and I wasn't too fond of the fruity smell - but used it up anyway.</div>
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Then, Sunsilk came out with their new co-creations line. They made home treatment serums and hair butters. I tried out their spray-on product which looked similar to Schwarzkopf's, which had a clear liquid layer and a foamy oil layer you shake to incorporate.</div>
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The verdict? It was blah... It didn't do a great job and I hated the smell! You had to spray on a ton to make the hair soft and by that time you'd be concerned about the buildup it could cause on your scalp. Ew.</div>
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Thankfully, I discovered where to get my refill of Gliss Kur - I now have them shipped from China (through my sister who works there). Problem solved!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-87070162329314966942015-02-12T22:32:00.002+08:002015-02-12T22:32:52.225+08:00Butterscotch - Almond Bars Recipe<script type="text/javascript">
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How's your 2015 so far? Mine has been pretty much a money drain. I haven't been clocking-in as much in my moneymaking rackets. But on the other hand, some plans in the drawing board are slowly taking off, so that's a good thing!</div>
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A friend recently flew in from Iloilo and brought us boxes of Biscocho (sweet bread toast). Another popular pasalubong from Iloilo (Bacolod) is their butterscotch bars. I kind of missed those soft, caramel-y and slightly sticky bites, so I decided to try my hand at making some.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>I scoured the Google for recipes and came up with this simple, consolidated recipe. Here's the step-by-step progress in pictures:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Chop the nuts. I used lightly toasted almonds.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It can be a lot of work if you do it manually.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Melt butter and brown sugar</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Add eggs. That's a nice caramel-color</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4. Whisk in dry ingredients.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5. Add vanilla. Bubbly but lump-free.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transfer the sticky glue-ish mixture onto your baking pan</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bake 80'C for 20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.</td></tr>
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Now, for the printable recipe:<br />
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<div style="border: dashed thin black; padding: 10px;">
<h1 itemprop="name">
Butterscotch-Almond Bars</h1>
Prep time: <time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">10 min</time> | Cook time: <time datetime="PT8M" itemprop="cookTime">8 min</time> | Total time: <time datetime="PT18M" itemprop="totalTime">18 min</time><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<span itemprop="ingredient" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://data-vocabulary.org/RecipeIngredient">1/2 cup butter, softened at room temperature</span><br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
1 tbsp muscovado (raw) sugar<br />
2 large eggs<br />
1 cup all-purpose flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
2/3 cup chopped almond nuts<br />
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<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<div itemprop="instructions">
1. Mix all the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and pre-heat oven.<br />
2. Melt butter on low heat.<br />
3. Add the sugars and mix until melted.<br />
4. Turn off the heat.<br />
5. Add eggs and mix until mixture is fully incorporated.<br />
6. Add the dry ingredients and mix until lump free.<br />
7. Transfer the mixture on a lightly greased baking pan.<br />
8. Top with your choice of nuts (here, I used chopped almonds)<br />
9. Bake at 80'C for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out dry,<br />
10. Cool before cutting into small bars.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-87505324811594071682014-12-30T08:48:00.002+08:002014-12-30T08:48:33.856+08:00Instant Lasagna Recipe<script type="text/javascript">
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Lasagna is a tedious thing to cook from scratch. It starts with the pasta, then preparing the two sauces (red and white), and then baking. Really, all that effort equates to cooking 4 separate dishes!<br />
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Imagine my relief when, one day, this oven-ready, no pre-cooking needed lasagna sheets showed itself to me in the supermarket. This one is by San Remo.<br />
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I immediately grabbed one to test and see how the texture would turn out. The last time I tried my hand at cooking lasagna, the pasta sheets got ripped in places and the lasagna looked more like a baked flat-mac. Admittedly.it was a disaster in presentation, but the taste was delish.<br />
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According to the package instructions, the sheets must be well-immersed in sauce to provide the right moisture to the dry pasta. Sounds just right, right?<br />
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So, now that the boiling step is out of the way, the red sauce becomes first order of business. Then comes the white (cheese) sauce, assembly and baking. It's still a 4-step process, but hey, it's a labor of love, baby!<br />
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<br />
Now, for the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="border: dashed thin black; padding: 10px;">
<h1 itemprop="name">
Instant Lasagna</h1>
Prep time: <time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">15 min</time> | Cook time: <time datetime="PT45M" itemprop="cookTime">45 mins</time> | Total time: <time datetime="PT60M" itemprop="totalTime">1 hour</time><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b>RED sauce</b><br />
1/4 kilo ground beef<br />
1 medium onion chopped<br />
4 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
1 medium carrot, grated<br />
3 tomatoes, chopped<br />
1 small sweet pepper, chopped (pimiento)<br />
Italian seasoning (thyme, oregano, basil)<br />
1 pack tomato sauce<br />
1 tbsp tomato paste<br />
3 tbsp olive oil<br />
ground pepper<br />
salt<br />
<br />
<b>WHITE sauce</b><br />
2 tbsp butter<br />
1 tbsp flour<br />
1 cup milk<br />
1 cup grated cheese (Quickmelt/cheddar/mozarella -any cheese combination of your preference)<br />
<br />
<b>TOPPING</b><br />
Parmesan cheese<br />
Quickmelt cheese (or other cheese of your choice)<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<b>RED sauce</b><br />
<div itemprop="instructions">
1. Saute garlic, onions and tomato in olive oil.<br />
2. Add ground beef and carrots. Cook until done.<br />
3. Add sweet pepper, tomato sauce and tomato paste.<br />
4. Season with herbs, salt and pepper.<br />
5. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<b>WHITE sauce</b><br />
1. On low heat, melt butter.<br />
2. Add flour and cook until well incorporated, and slightly golden.<br />
3. Add milk slowly (make sure the thickened mixture is free from lumps).<br />
4. Pour in cheese.<br />
5. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<b>Assembly</b><br />
1. Assemble the lasagna in an oven-safe dish: red sauce, lasagna sheet, red sauce, white sauce, lasagna sheet, and so on.<br />
2. On the last (top) layer, add white sauce topped with parmesan cheese.<br />
3. Bake on 80 degrees for about 15 minutes or until pasta is soft with the toothpick test.<br />
4. Cool before serving.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-42848141236108903112014-12-16T10:44:00.000+08:002014-12-16T10:44:01.453+08:00Basic Beef Stew<script type="text/javascript">
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Beef Stew is one of the less popular comfort food choices. There are many ways to cook it - each homecook has his/her own way to spruce it up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJMoF23MfzM/VI8A2FF_EvI/AAAAAAAAPJc/4mwW_sAgOqA/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJMoF23MfzM/VI8A2FF_EvI/AAAAAAAAPJc/4mwW_sAgOqA/s1600/Ribbet" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
But we all have to start from the basic recipe, which contains beef shoulder, herbs, carrots and potatoes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I got half a kilo of beef cubes from the supermarket and cut it up into smaller 0.5 inch cubes. They'll cook faster that way, and easier to distribute into small servings.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hoqlfUcNqk/VI8A2hH_MbI/AAAAAAAAPJs/ic-6b1dSamI/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6hoqlfUcNqk/VI8A2hH_MbI/AAAAAAAAPJs/ic-6b1dSamI/s1600/Ribbet" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This dish was intended to be frozen - part of my <a href="http://everydaykim.blogspot.com/2014/12/entering-new-realm-freezer-cooking.html" target="_blank">Freezer Cooking</a> revolution, so I made sure the meat is tender for a quick microwave re-heat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I also added extra water to keep the dish from drying up, in case I heat it up on a stove. By then, you can add your 'spruce up' ingredients like tomato paste, thickeners (flour/cornstarch) and additional vegetables. So here's the recipe:<br />
<br />
<div style="border: dashed thin black; padding: 10px;">
<h1 itemprop="name">
Basic Beef Stew</h1>
Prep time: <time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime">15 min</time> | Cook time: <time datetime="PT90M" itemprop="cookTime">1.5 hours</time> or less, with a pressure cooker | Total time: <time datetime="PT120M" itemprop="totalTime">2 hours</time><br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1/2 kilo beef shoulder cubes<br />
1 medium onion chopped<br />
2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />
carrots<br />
potatoes<br />
green peas<br />
thyme<br />
rosemary<br />
1 tsp butter<br />
flour (optional)<br />
4 cups soup stock (or water)<br />
2 tbsp cooking oil<br />
ground pepper<br />
salt<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<div itemprop="instructions">
1. Coat the beef in flour (or not; this step is optional).<br />
2. In a deep pan, heat the oil and brown the beef on all sides.<br />
3. Set aside browned beef.<br />
4. In the same pan, without changing the oils, add butter and saute garlic and onion.<br />
5. Pour in soup stock.<br />
6. Throw in herbs and seasonings.<br />
7. Reduce to a simmer and boil with lid on until the beef is easily separated by a fork (about 1.5 hours, or less with a pressure cooker).<br />
8. Add the vegetables and boil until soft.<br />
9. Before freezing: Place in a freezer-safe container and let cool before keeping in the cold storage.</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-47435196586442952342014-12-02T14:04:00.000+08:002014-12-02T14:04:15.769+08:00Entering a New Realm: Freezer Cooking<script type="text/javascript">
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Say what? Freezer Cooking or Freezer Food/Freezer Meals. Basically, the idea is to cook food in bulk, chuck it in the cold storage and just re-heat things come meal time. It saves time, effort and money. Yipee!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnnBA1ekvSU/VGRe1bvud6I/AAAAAAAAOsg/3MnF6E1jHrI/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnnBA1ekvSU/VGRe1bvud6I/AAAAAAAAOsg/3MnF6E1jHrI/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lumpiang shanghai, ready for deep freeze</td></tr>
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Most work at home moms (WAHMs) have busy days, much like any corporate slave out there. There are times when we just can't whip up a nice meal that doesn't come from a can.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
In some countries, there are freezer foodie groups that meet periodically to exchange frozen home-cooked food that range from soups, main course meals, slow-cooked specialties and even desserts!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiCgtBxyclw/VHrUmtEaXjI/AAAAAAAAO08/AXWZjqNVj2M/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uiCgtBxyclw/VHrUmtEaXjI/AAAAAAAAO08/AXWZjqNVj2M/s1600/Ribbet" height="430" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our decade-old G.E. refrigerator!</td></tr>
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In the 10 or so years of coexistence with our General Electric fridge, the top freezer only reaches its full capacity on 3 occassions:<br />
<ul>
<li>after a supermarket trip </li>
<li>a day before hosting a party</li>
<li>during the holidays. </li>
</ul>
I read somewhere that it's important to maximize the capacity of a freezer by keeping it full - even with just ice - to save on electricity and keep its motor running in top shape.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC9_ze_NMlM/VHrUSKhdaWI/AAAAAAAAO1M/cA28RpENP4A/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MC9_ze_NMlM/VHrUSKhdaWI/AAAAAAAAO1M/cA28RpENP4A/s1600/Ribbet" height="484" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frozen pancakes - just pop 'em in the toaster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
I've had some experience in freezer prepping - I would come home from a grocery trip and marinate things before storing, like <a href="http://everydaykim.blogspot.com/2013/07/home-made-chicken-nuggets.html" target="_blank">homemade chicken nuggets</a>, barbecue pork, lemongrass chicken and beef tapa. Doing so still requires a bit of work before meal time - thawing, cooking, garnishing, and such.<br />
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In freezer cooking, there's only little work left to do - mostly just heating up the food. I'm all set to take on this new challenge! I intend to plan week-long meals and snacks - starting with frozen pancakes! They're still nice and moist after popping them in the toaster. </div>
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Are you already into freezer cooking? Don't be shy to share your tips by leaving a comment below.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-28061006347209941602014-11-20T18:54:00.000+08:002014-11-20T18:54:01.978+08:00Party Planning: DIY Birthday Party Food Menu<script type="text/javascript">
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Last month, I completely DIY-ed my son's 5th birthday party food. I really wanted to win that Super Mommy of the Year Award! Kidding...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-WEI-72M_k/VGRe5Y8mefI/AAAAAAAAOsw/SFJ2pp0XJoY/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-WEI-72M_k/VGRe5Y8mefI/AAAAAAAAOsw/SFJ2pp0XJoY/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="522" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On-the-day prep: couldn't have survived without that food chopper!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Planning to host a party this holiday? Read the rest of my entry to gain useful tips!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
Okay, if I haven't said so before - I'm am cheapskate. I originally shopped around for a cheap caterer. I checked olx, fb and looked around for Groupon type deals. But I soon remembered how low-budget catering food taste like. Also, they can't stick around for the booze afterparty (for the titos and titas).<br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnnBA1ekvSU/VGRe1bvud6I/AAAAAAAAOsg/3MnF6E1jHrI/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PnnBA1ekvSU/VGRe1bvud6I/AAAAAAAAOsg/3MnF6E1jHrI/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="572" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">wrapped and frozen 2 days before the event</td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div>
After ruling out catering services, I decided I would order half of the buffet spread from bulk food takeouts like Amber's. I was thinking lumpiang shanghai, chicken lollipops and pansit malabon. Then, I crunched the numbers - well, you can guess what happened after that. That's when I just dropped the idea and committed to cooking all the food.</div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLrNf18DfOQ/VGRe1f64RmI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/UpdMpKHO5B4/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WLrNf18DfOQ/VGRe1f64RmI/AAAAAAAAOsQ/UpdMpKHO5B4/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Embutido steamed and on stand-by for frying 3 days ahead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mom taught me well when it comes to DIY partying. The best way to pull it off on-the-day is to have most of the food pre-cooked or pre-prepared, so the day itself wouldn't be too stressful.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdw0xzmUxrM/VGRe57_apxI/AAAAAAAAOtA/8X1QwNCAKPg/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xdw0xzmUxrM/VGRe57_apxI/AAAAAAAAOtA/8X1QwNCAKPg/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="520" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken pastel - easy one-pot party food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
As a hands-on mom with no help/yaya, I took that to heart when I planned the meals. I staggered the preparation days ahead of the actual event.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here was my menu:</div>
<div>
Buffet</div>
<div>
1. Embutido - pre-cooked (steamed) 3 days before the event</div>
<div>
2. Lumpiang shanghai - wrapped and frozen 2 days in advance</div>
<div>
3. Chicken-macaroni salad - prepared the day before the party</div>
<div>
4. Fried chicken - pre-marinated the day before</div>
<div>
5. Baked butter-garlic marble potato wedges</div>
<div>
6. Sweet-style spaghetti</div>
<div>
7. Chicken pastel</div>
<div>
8. Rice</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Kiddie packed meal</div>
<div>
1. Chicken nuggets - store bought</div>
<div>
2. Sweet-style spaghetti (from same batch as above)</div>
<div>
3. Hotdogs</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Dessert/drinks</div>
<div>
1. Iced Tea (powdered)</div>
<div>
2. Zest-O juice for the kids</div>
<div>
3. Waffle Bar (details on another post)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Additional food:</div>
<div>
1. Birthday cake - (store-bought)</div>
<div>
2. Lechon-Cebu - (from Cebu! yum...)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66yLSwKHcZU/VGRe6FGqULI/AAAAAAAAOtQ/-nYoDrlUcFE/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-66yLSwKHcZU/VGRe6FGqULI/AAAAAAAAOtQ/-nYoDrlUcFE/s1600/Ribbet" height="640" width="570" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">birthday boy inspecting the kiddie packed meals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
I prepared for approximately 80 guests. There was plenty of food for everyone! Total cost for all the party food (including drinks) was approximately P12,000. Not bad, eh?</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-37358725031517207302014-11-13T13:56:00.002+08:002014-11-13T13:56:42.389+08:00Where To Buy Cheap Mason Jars<script type="text/javascript">
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The Mason Jar craze has not passed. Actually, I think it's here to stay, as long as the creatives from Pinterest keep on churning out new and inspiring ways to use it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yivB9OZps5Q/VBeuCbvUnfI/AAAAAAAANtA/izswOidNwco/s1600/IMG_20140318_124826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yivB9OZps5Q/VBeuCbvUnfI/AAAAAAAANtA/izswOidNwco/s640/IMG_20140318_124826.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ball mason jars in bulk at Handyman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
The hunt is on to get the cheapest Mason Jar in town. <a href="http://everydaykim.blogspot.com/2014/09/ball-mason-jar-supplier-in-manila.html" target="_blank">Here</a> is my previous post about it. But 'Ball' is not the only available kind in the market.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
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</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8riwDsbDyWo/VGQ8UVCWo8I/AAAAAAAAOqk/beUA01HZ6l8/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8riwDsbDyWo/VGQ8UVCWo8I/AAAAAAAAOqk/beUA01HZ6l8/s640/Ribbet" width="582" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My prized blue-green bicentennial Ball Mason Jars (IDEAL) displayed in a bathroom shelf. Just showiing off here ;p</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="goog_720985204"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span id="goog_720985205"></span></div>
<div>
Have you heard of other types like Kerr, Golden Harvest and the dollar store kind, Frutta del Prato?</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65mIWS5zVbA/VGQ8SyfndSI/AAAAAAAAOqE/JCVhZvChaUI/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-65mIWS5zVbA/VGQ8SyfndSI/AAAAAAAAOqE/JCVhZvChaUI/s640/Ribbet" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerr, Ball and Golden Harvest (with water stain)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Kerr mason jars have been around for a while, too (just like Ball), but they are less popular in the Philippines. I have a couple of Kerrs and Golden Harvest in possession, which I bought years ago (before the mason jar popularity boom) from HMR.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frutta del Prato 'Ice Cold Drink' handled jar bought very recently in Uni-Top for P78 apiece</td></tr>
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The Frutta del Prato jars, I've only heard from cheap DIY blogs, and they're supposed to be available in friendly neighborhood Dollar Stores in the US. They're like a lower-end version of the real thing. Imitation? I don't think so. Maybe, there was just a need for a cheaper kind. Besides, they didn't imitate the brand. I actually found where one can get a hold of them. So, I'm sharing these with you.<br />
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</span> <span style="text-align: center;">1. Preserving jars - Robinson's department store (home section). They have the jars in different sizes.</span></div>
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2. Handled jars with lid - Uni-Top department store (kitchen section). Unitop is like NUVO/NOVO - a Divisoria style department store (<i>pang-masa</i>).<br />
3. If I remember correctly, UB (P66 Peso Store), that sister shop of Japan Home Store also sells some.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzLxDf3lQvE/VBerm1jRxbI/AAAAAAAANss/afoKtK6V47Q/s1600/ball%2Bmason%2Bjar%2Bcrafts%2Bgalore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzLxDf3lQvE/VBerm1jRxbI/AAAAAAAANss/afoKtK6V47Q/s640/ball%2Bmason%2Bjar%2Bcrafts%2Bgalore.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I also saw some generic handled jars with silver lid in Uni-Top. That's the ones with no brand and no design at all, which makes for a great canvas - imagine: wedding souvenirs, Christmas giveaways, or monogrammed for home use.<br />
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Cool, right? Did you find other similar jars elsewhere? Share them by commenting below!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-21409994827538030872014-11-07T10:15:00.001+08:002014-11-07T10:28:09.363+08:0010 Kitchen Tools This Mom Can't Live Without<script type="text/javascript">
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My love for cooking started as a curiosity. I'd spend idle mornings watching our house cook do her thing as a kid. Later on, that interest grew into cooking shows. Now, I can't say that I'm an expert chef or even a seasoned cook, but I've had my fair share of winner dishes!<br />
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Having spent a lot of time in the kitchen, I know for a fact that <b>kitchen tools</b> can make or break the day of any homemaker. The daily tasks that revolve around food-preparation is overwhelming, so handy helpers really make things a whole lot easier.<br />
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Honestly, there are some tools I can't live without. You remember (now-defunct mini-show) Quickfire's Chef Rosebud's electric pepper grinder and her garlic chopper? Well, here are my top 10 essential tools in the kitchen (in no particular order):<br />
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1. <b>Heat resistant spatula</b> - I wasn't a fan of spatula during its rubber days. I found them icky after a single use. But then the silicone types came along and I got hooked. They work great with pancake batter, pasta sauce (making sure nothing is left wasted in the pan) and mayonnaise. I prefer the flat ones with a tapered edge over the scoop types, but this set below that I found on Amazon looks like it can be my Christmas present!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LW5RP50/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00LW5RP50&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=CGBJPZWAMTE25KZB"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00LW5RP50&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="320" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00LW5RP50" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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2. <b>Non-stick pan</b> - Okay, cheating a little bit here. It's not a 'tool' per-se, but non-stick frying pans really make a big difference not only while cooking, but also during cleanup. It deserves to be in this list! I haven't tried the ceramic types yet, like this one below, which can even be popped in the oven up to 350F!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IWSQRGS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00IWSQRGS&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=23MLAUGMVGUWDJ7Z"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00IWSQRGS&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="240" width="400" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00IWSQRGS" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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3. <b>Peeler</b> - Some home cooks are ninjas when it comes to peeling vegetables with just a knife. I'm not one of them. I need my peeler!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000DAQ5E/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0000DAQ5E&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=XABNKJQCOFAELFSF"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0000DAQ5E&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0000DAQ5E" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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4. <b>Kitchen scissors</b> - Scissors, shears - whatever you call it - I use them to cut everything. And I mean everything. I cut whole chickens with it, make strips out of a wide cut of beef, cut celery, scallions, cut seasoning packets, herbs, foils, cartons, what-have-you. I've tried scissors with plastic handles and they're no good. It's a good idea to invest in all-steel scissors, or at least make sure the steel extends all the way to the end of the handle grips. Otherwise, the plastic handle will break and you are left with a stainless parrot beak puppet.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BMFWZA/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000BMFWZA&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=XODDMNX4EFIFUE3M"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000BMFWZA&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BMFWZA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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5. <b>Wooden spoon</b> - It's probably just the nature-lover in me that prefers wooden spoons over plastic or steel ones. I use wooden spoons mostly for stir-frying and mixing stews. Just the plain old ones made from lightweight wood (found at your friendly neighborhood Dollar Store) or the bamboo types. No slotted spoons, please - food can get stuck in there and they're difficult to clean.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008H2JLP8/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B008H2JLP8&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=J53T7KVVRMJAX7DK"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008H2JLP8&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008H2JLP8" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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6. <b>Rice paddle</b> - A true testament of my ethnicity. Asians can't live without rice. Hence, the rice paddle. Again, time has made me test different designs of this thing, and the prevailing design is the one with a dimpled surface (like a golf ball).<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AJJPME/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B001AJJPME&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=VIGFNNDITBROQU3U"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B001AJJPME&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001AJJPME" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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7. <b>Silicone brush</b> - It's the third time I'm going to mention the 'cleanup' aspect of my choice. Standard brushes with natural-like fibers, well, I have no idea how to clean them up. These silicone ones, though, can just be soaked in some warm water with dish soap. Simplicity sold.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YDPST6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000YDPST6&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=FPYS7QGH5UJ62UE3"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B000YDPST6&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="243" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000YDPST6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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8. <b>Chef's knife</b> - Behind every great chef is a sleek and sharp culinary sword. There are a lot of knives out there, but every home cook only has one favorite. Mine is the chef's knife that looks kind of like this(below). The holes are no good when cutting cheese or hard-boiled eggs because some of the food gets stuck in them, but I love it nonetheless!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081TTY90/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0081TTY90&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=GYT2F6XKUIFWJQ3U"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B0081TTY90&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="256" width="320" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0081TTY90" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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9. Grater - When cooking for kids, there's always the additional challenge of including nutritional value to every meal. I'm sure other moms would back me up on this - adding grated carrots on spaghetti sauce or covering up green leafies with cheese. I prefer a simple fine grater in my kitchen. I've had the stand-up type, and even the interchangeable one, but I always go back to the simplest kind.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009WE3Y/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00009WE3Y&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=4YZD3QL7LBY5CQNO"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00009WE3Y&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="320" width="84" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=indie0b9-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009WE3Y" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div>
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10. <b>Tongs</b> - Possibly the most over-used tool in my kitchen, aside from the knife. I use tongs for frying, for dipping stuff, as a server, etc. I prefer the ones without a hinge, mainly because hinges also come with springs and I think they take a little bit of getting used to to control.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003W7AEOK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B003W7AEOK&linkCode=as2&tag=indie0b9-20&linkId=4JLI4CMZSZNQB5EH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B003W7AEOK&Format=_SL250_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=indie0b9-20" height="250" width="320" /></a></div>
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There you have it! This mom's top 10 kitchen tools. What tools do you absolutely can't live without? Share it by leaving a comment below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Disclosure: Affiliate links embedded.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-45789458266551678822014-10-21T16:26:00.000+08:002014-11-11T19:29:57.783+08:001780 by SariSari Launch<script type="text/javascript">
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Last Wednesday, Rockwell Tent was dressed up in <i>haute native</i> as it played the venue for the launch of SariSariStore.com's 1780 storefront.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sarisaristore.com/1780" target="_blank"><b>1780</b></a> is a sub-directory store under the SariSariStore platform (by Erneil DyLim of Simplesoft). It showcases locally-sourced premium products from all around the country (17 regions - 80 provinces). Items range from food delicacies, fashion accessories to handwoven tapestries.<br />
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The merchants featured on the site are micro-entrepreneurs who are known to craft quality products in their hometowns. Thanks to this new selling platform, these businesses now have to opportunity to reach more customers.<br />
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Actual samples of brands being sold from the online store were displayed in the event hall. Some food items were also available for tasting, including CT South Tropic's fruit wines.<br />
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1780's corporate secretary Atty Edmund Abesamis uncorked the event with a short introduction and a video presentation of what the new storefront is all about.<br />
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The people behind 1780 has made it their mission to help promote promising homegrown products, which otherwise may not have had the chance to enter such a wide market. This, in turn, contributes to the economic growth of the community and fosters the preservation of tradition and heritage.<br />
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Brand architect Amor Maclang (of GeiserMaclang) stressed the importance of buying local without haggling too much, but "making local the new premium" instead. Some handcrafted works can take months to finish, and it's important to factor in that value on the price tag.<br />
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Some industry influencers also made an appearance that night, including travel blogger Ivan Henares, Amina Aranaz of Aranaz brand (via video) and Patti Grandidge of Sweet Patti Cakes.<br />
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Planning to shop in 1780 this holiday? Check out the shopping walk-through by Junatobuy.com <a href="http://juantobuy.com/1780-by-sarisari.html" target="_blank">here</a>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-23482135581974382592014-10-16T12:11:00.001+08:002014-10-21T16:25:28.367+08:00Beyond Experience: Yoga/Antigravity/Fitness Rockwell<script type="text/javascript">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Instagram-sized photobooth</td></tr>
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</div>Before yesterday, the extent of my Yoga knowledge was just between me and a Wii console. So, after hearing news about a new studio - <a href="http://www.igobeyondyoga.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Beyond</a> - opening its doors in Makati's Rockwell, I took the opportunity to try it out.<br />
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</div><div>Free classes were held on their opening day yesterday. I secured a slot for a Vinyasa class ahead of time, feeling excited to finally experience having an actual Yogi/Yogini supervise my movements.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBJ7lb2-kVE/VD86lqi2zeI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/DzUrio2VB1U/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oBJ7lb2-kVE/VD86lqi2zeI/AAAAAAAAN8Q/DzUrio2VB1U/s1600/Ribbet" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Receiving area as a little cramped</td></tr>
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</div><div>But traffic happened. And a little bit of runaround looking for their address - <u>#38 Rockwell Drive</u> (FYI, it's beside Ateneo Graduate School brick building). When I got there, the session was being wrapped up.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peaceful view</td></tr>
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</div><div>Instead of turning back, sweating it out on the next class - a zumba/dance sesh - seemed like a good idea. As a fitness class virgin, I felt a little insecure about how my moves would fare to the seemingly experienced crowd around me.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoga mats provided</td></tr>
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</div><div>The instructor was quick to boost our confidence from the very start, though. She told us not to be shy, just have fun and reminded us that "There are no wrong moves, just unexpected solos".</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE7_-BAkNY4/VD86zmFErcI/AAAAAAAAN9U/NSwIUGrAYAo/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cE7_-BAkNY4/VD86zmFErcI/AAAAAAAAN9U/NSwIUGrAYAo/s1600/Ribbet" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Zumba class</td></tr>
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</div><div>An hour of latino-inspired footwork and booty-shaking later, my heart rate was up and my underwear was damp. That was a lot of fun! I reckon that I could do that sort of thing regularly. </div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrTJOjRe234/VD868C45nYI/AAAAAAAAN9k/ZjTuLy8sX4A/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lrTJOjRe234/VD868C45nYI/AAAAAAAAN9k/ZjTuLy8sX4A/s1600/Ribbet" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fitness for all ages</td></tr>
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</div><div>Beyond Yoga's opening promo includes a 50% discount on select packages. I'll definitely sign up for the 1 month unlimited P2300 (regular price P4600). This rate is available until November 15, 2014.</div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-e42IA6NnY/VD86-nMJn7I/AAAAAAAAN90/_6hMHdEj3Go/s1600/Ribbet" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R-e42IA6NnY/VD86-nMJn7I/AAAAAAAAN90/_6hMHdEj3Go/s1600/Ribbet" height="400" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beyond Rockwell's opening discount: 50% off!</td></tr>
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</div><div>I may not have experienced what I came there for (yoga class), but that goal is just one easy step away. </div><div><br />
</div><div>*This is not a sponsored post.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4235769781024977066.post-1952683026087750662014-09-16T11:32:00.000+08:002014-10-21T16:27:48.675+08:00Ball Mason Jar Supplier in Manila<script type="text/javascript">
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The growing trend of organic living and, not to mention, of posting one's involvement to it on Instagram has spurred the popularity of Ball Mason Jars as of late. They're very photogenic, I must say! A quick trip to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/indieescape/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> should get you itching to buy some for yourself.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, the many possibilities!</td></tr>
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Mason jars are American preserving jars used in the turn of the century, and has now sealed its place as an all-around DIY-wife must-have. There has been an increased visibility of these glass jars in online shops, selling for as much as P200 (~$3.50) apiece.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oKMpAJRXj0/VBesIzhTfUI/AAAAAAAANsw/Ey4Hwnn2hWY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2oKMpAJRXj0/VBesIzhTfUI/AAAAAAAANsw/Ey4Hwnn2hWY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124537.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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So, where to get them at a more reasonable price? I read somewhere that you can find Ball Mason Jars in Divisoria but I've been there numerous times and I didn't find any.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmSgTpXL1gk/VBeuKfjyMZI/AAAAAAAANtE/NK9gL1YZReY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qmSgTpXL1gk/VBeuKfjyMZI/AAAAAAAANtE/NK9gL1YZReY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124529.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anyway, if a China version is available, I still won't recommend it. Because, as a preserving jar, legit Ball Mason Jars are able to withstand high temperatures. I bet a fake one - if it exists, I have yet to discover (although <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi2upBfvoLs" target="_blank">iPhone and Samsung clones</a> are out there, so who knows?) - as I was saying, I bet a fake one would shatter in the microwave the minute you try to sterilize it.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yivB9OZps5Q/VBeuCbvUnfI/AAAAAAAANs8/dmjnvTGxLGI/s1600/IMG_20140318_124826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yivB9OZps5Q/VBeuCbvUnfI/AAAAAAAANs8/dmjnvTGxLGI/s1600/IMG_20140318_124826.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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There really is no secret here. If you've been out there, you'd know that Ball Mason Jars can be bought at your friendly neighborhood Ace Hardware or Handyman stores. You'd have to get them in bulk, though - a box of 12. The price per piece calculates to about P80 ($2) each.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wo1Mdz4JW4/VBeuOCYQVpI/AAAAAAAANtM/7uBD0ucx6qY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wo1Mdz4JW4/VBeuOCYQVpI/AAAAAAAANtM/7uBD0ucx6qY/s1600/IMG_20140318_124544.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
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I've seen Robinson's Department Store sell them by piece lately, and the price is as good as getting them from the bulk.<br />
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So, there you go! No more weeping over over-priced glass jars. Heck, if you go to your local junk shop, you can get odd-shaped deco bottles there, too for a much, much cheaper price ;) I'm just saying. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4