Food Trip

I was out with a friend the other day and as usual, we had snack after checking the mall for new stuff. We usually had our snack at this famous pasta restaurant whenever we’re together but for a change, we dined in at this pizza parlor that day. With the food that we’ve ordered, I guess people won’t think that it’s only the two of us who would eat it, and if ever we will do that again, we’d both probably need diet pills in due time. Haha. Here’s what we’ve got and judge for yourself.

Garlic Bread and Iced Tea

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Caesar's Salad

Cheese Macaroni

Ham and Cheese Pizza

So what can you say? (",)

Here It Is

Our new truck! I wasn't able to include a picture the last time i've talked about it so now here it is. I took it the other day while Yogi was playing inside. The truck is not something brand-new but it is still as good as new and has been very useful since the first day it arrived here. Hope it won't give us problems, condition wise so everything will be a-ok. (",)

Our New Truck

I came home late in the afternoon the other day and a six-wheeler truck parked in front of the house surprised me. It was last week when I’ve heard Mom and Dad talked about purchasing another unit to be used in the business because it’s really necessary given the kind of business that we have which is construction. But still, the truck’s arrival surprised me. I never thought they will get the truck that day. I was expecting it to arrive sooner.

And what’s next? An auto insurance which is a must. I was told to inquire and I already checked Georgia auto insurance. Mom’s still preparing the documents needed and we’ll have the insurance soon.

Oh well, I’m kind of hungry now so, got to go, and maybe grab some sandwich. See you all around.

Food Galore!

I've mentioned previously about our post Valentine get-together with my girlfriends wherein we dined in at this restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood, etc. The place is famous here in the city for their tasty and mouth-watering food. We were supposed to have the get-together in another restaurant - far from the heart of the city but since some of us haven't sampled what they offer, including me, so we decided to try it there and truly, the food is really yummy! Take a look at what we've had and perhaps drool while doing so. LOL.

Raw tuna chunks with unripe mangoes.

Grilled pork.

Grilled Chicken.

Grilled Tilapia Fish.

Eggplant Salad with Fish Sauce.

Girls' Night Out

I was out with friends last night for our post Valentine get-together because we weren’t able to go out on the day itself. After having a sumptuous dinner at this restaurant that specializes in grilled seafood and the like, we proceeded to this coffee shop to continue the chitchat while having our share of coffee. The one in the picture was my chosen beverage but I totally forgot its name. Blame it on my poor memory. Haha!

Anyway, there were a few individuals in the coffee shop who were busy tinkering their laptops which made me a little envious. Having one is on the top of my wish list and I wonder when I will be able to finally get myself one - on my birthday perhaps? We’ll see. I have been searching for best buy laptops and netbooks for a while now but I still can’t find one that fits my budget best. I think I need to be more resourceful. You think so too?

Share the Joy of Reading

Children come to reading in different ways over different periods of time. Still, there is much parents can do to help their kids develop and enjoy a lifelong passion for reading.

Start with books that appeal to you. Until you discover what your child likes to read, select books that you loved when you were small and new stories that strike your fancy. Your child is more likely to enjoy a book that you get a kick out of yourself. Visit your local library and ask the children's librarian to suggest authors and titles kids love.

Make reading routine. To get your child hooked on reading, set aside a regular time each day to enjoy a book together. Fifteen to 30 minutes is fine - or whatever it takes to read a whole story or chapter. That's enough time to give the young reader a chance to settle down, focus - and enjoy.

Model good reading behavior. Your child watches you when you read. If you don't seem to be enjoying yourself, you're sending a message that reading isn't much fun. No matter how you're sending a message that reading isn't much fun. No matter how tired you are, try not to drone. Put your heart into reading! Let the actor in you emerge! If you sound bored, you can't expect your child to be interested.

Take turns reading. As your children mature as readers, encourage them to read to you - ideally, with lots of expression. "Reading" can also mean asking a very young child to tell you a familiar story as you flip the pages.

Borrow or buy books whenever possible. Get into the habit of taking your children to the library and try to fill bookshelves at home. Give a book for every birthday and holiday. Encourage friends and relatives to do the same. When you go out shopping and your child asks for a treat, buy a book. They're cheaper than toys and a far better investment is your child's future.

Ref: RD

Dad's Priceless Possessions

Dad has been into different hobbies but it is golf and practical shooting that he really put so much of his effort and time. He spent his weekends either playing golf or having a fun shoot with his co-practical shooters in preparation for tournaments. He had already joined several tournaments for both sports and modesty aside, he brought home the bacon almost all the time winning either the First Runner-Up or the much coveted title which is the Champion. These trophies here are the prizes that he got which Mom proudly displays in our living room divider. I wonder what will be Dad’s next hobby. Softball perhaps and most probably he would also bring home softball trophies. That would be nice.

Let Your Children Appreciate What They Have

As a mom of a 5-year-old boy, i see to it that he gets what he needs but i don't give him anything that he wants. Kids could be adamant and demanding when it comes to things that they ask but with my son, i already taught him the value of money this early. And what's good with it is, he already understands the art of bargaining. If he wants a toy and i'd tell him that it's expensive, he would not push me to buy it unlike other kids. I want him to value every single thing that i bought for him and i always tell him that earning money isn't at all simple.

How about you? If you want to ensure that your kids understand the value of all that they have, read this:

Just say no. It's important to explain to them why you can't afford expensive gifts. Today's media and advertising seem to be calling on children to demand everything, so it helps to discuss what's really possible and what's not.

Provide alternatives. Show them that not all gifts come from a shop. For instance, next holiday they could bake treats for all your relatives and decorate the boxes themselves.

Volunteer. Give older children opportunities to serve in soup kitchens and shelters. Tell them about people who have nothing; on cold, wet nights talks about those sleeping rough. Tell them about parts of the world where food is a luxury.

Donate to charity. Encourage them to give a portion of their pocket money to charity. Give away unwanted clothing and toys to organizations such as women's shelters. Get children involved: they can weed through the clothing and toys and go along when you drop the items off.

Take stock. Set aside time and have them write down things they are thankful for. Then they are aware of all they have. And teach them to say thank you for any gift they receive.

Be a model. If you donate time and money to the less fortunate, you are sending a message to your children that this is important. Ref: RD

Trendy Eyeglasses That Is Within Your Budget

I still have a 20/20 vision at present but I know I will need prescription eyeglasses in the future. And if it’s already time to get myself one, I would choose something that is fashionable yet affordable – like those prescription eyeglasses for only $8 which only Zenni Optical offers. Their wide selection of affordable and trendy eyeglasses made headlines and the most recent one was Zenni Optical in the New York Times?! That is simply amazing, huh?! If you’ve read something like, seeing straight without breaking bank, that’s already Zenni, no less! Check them out today!

Happy Heart's Day!

When my late husband was still my boyfriend, aside from the flowers that he never missed to give me on Valentine's Day, he would also buy me a heart-shaped cake from our favorite bakeshop. But it's not only the two of us who eats it. We share it with my whole family. The other day, I was thinking of buying a heart-shaped cake for today but thought otherwise. My mind suddenly changed this morning for reasons i can't really tell.

Anyways, i thought of browsing the web instead and stare at those heart-shaped cakes like this one in the picture and drool while doing so. LOL. Isn't it nice? I think the rose is edible too and it must be super yummy. Now, how i wished i bought a cake earlier. Too late! Hehe. Oh well, i can still buy one tomorrow but it won't be heart-shaped anymore. No problem as long as it is still a cake.

Happy Heart's Day Everyone!

The Emotional Bank Account

As much as we wanted to always have a peaceful and quiet home, there are really times that people are vulnerable and unpredictable which could somehow trigger to a much heated tension if not being taken care of patiently and with open-mindedness. I was sorting my books in the bedroom earlier when I saw this RD magazine. I flipped through the pages and came across this article about The Emotional Bank Account with its withdrawals and deposits though I don't think we will need a cash drawer for this. Hehe. Seriously, It is indeed true and it is really enlightening. You might as well read it below.

1) Withdrawal:
- Speaking disrespectfully, putting people down or acting in rude and discourteous ways.

Deposit:
- Being Kind

2) Withdrawal:
- Never saying "I'm sorry," or saying it insincerely.

Deposit:
- Apologizing

3) Withdrawal:
- Criticizing, complaining and talking negatively about others when they're not around.

Deposit
- Being loyal to those not present

4) Withdrawal:
- Never making commitments to anyone, or making commitments but rarely following through

Deposit:
- Making and keeping promises

5) Withdrawal:
- Being quick to take offense, holding grudges, throwing people's past mistakes up to them and nurturing grievances.

Deposit:
- Forgiving

Blood Pressure Monitor: A Must Have

At their age of 62 and 58 respectively, my dad and mom are both hypertensive. They were diagnosed with high blood pressure in their early 50’s and they were on maintenance medication since then. One time, we were awakened in the middle of the night because my dad was chilling and we found out later that his blood pressure rose up to about 210/140. He was stressed out during the day because of his very hectic schedule and forgot to take his medicines on time which eventually leads him to the said incident. That incident prompted us to purchase a blood pressure monitor then.

A lot of factors contribute to a person’s high blood pressure. Some of which includes, being overweight, having a family history of high blood pressure, having an inactive lifestyle, drinking too much alcohol, etc. And having a high blood pressure increases the risk for heart attack, stroke, and kidney damage that is why having a blood pressure monitor is really a must, so we could check or monitor our blood pressure regularly, and prevent it before it will take its toll. But as the famous cliché goes, prevention is better than cure. That being said, I believe living a healthy lifestyle would be the best thing to do.

Kitchen Notes

I am a member of this food club and they send me magazines or recipes regularly. I'm not a good cook but i always do my best in trying some of their recipes. One thing that i also check first and foremost whenever i get hold of their magazine are those kitchen tips that i really find useful and helpful because i can save time and energy with it. Here, let me share with you some of those kitchen tips.

* Steamed fish can be tastier and less fishy if marinated in pineapple juice before cooking.

* Put a layer of plastic or cling wrap under a tablecloth to prevent spills from damaging your tabletop.

There you go. Hope these tips will be useful to you as well.

Article Submission In A Directory: Try It Out!

Internet is perhaps the greatest source of information with just about anything, I believe so. Almost all of us prefer to search for facts and information on the internet because doing so is the most convenient after all. Browsing is one of my favorite things to do and there were times that I came across articles that are very informative and helpful in my day to day living. And those articles happened to be under an Article directory. I didn’t know it until after thorough reading. Those articles were submitted by individuals who wanted to share what they know.

I do admire those who do well in writing good articles that can be useful to many. I must admit, I don’t belong to their group and I still have a lot to learn. How about you? If you think you are good in it and if you have a lot to share to everyone then try submitting your articles to an article directory. You never know, your article could be of great help or a learning tool to a lot of individuals. Submitting an article is for free so go ahead, Submit your articles today.

Chocolate Marble with Marshmallows

How i wish i can have another bite of this yummy cake. We had it on New Year's eve and while i was browsing my folder, i saw this picture which i took myself. I so love sweets and i'm drooling now actually. Have you tasted this one? It's really yummy, you know. We bought this in this cake shop that is famous for their yummy cakes and pastries here in the city.

It's 3 o'clock now and it could have been the best time for this cake to munch on. But since we don't have the cake, i think i'll just have to imagine eating it while biting an American bread. It's what we only have now so i have no choice but to settle on it. (",)

I'm Super Dooper Sleepy!

It’s only 10 o’clock in the morning yet I’m already very sleepy. How I wish I could hit my sleep number bed right at this moment but I simply can’t because I still have some things to do that Dad asked me to finish today. Paper works are actually filed in front of me and I don’t know which one to do first. Maybe I’ll start with the easiest. That would be the best idea, definitely!

Sporty Snacks

When you're working to get fit, don't forget to keep your body fueled up. Munch on these when you're planning to sweat it out.

Bananas. They're packed with potassium, which aids in maintaining proper nerve and muscle function. Our body doesn't store this nutrient for long periods, so an intense workout is enough to make your potassium level drop.

Chocolate. The bioactive compounds tyramine and phenylethylamine found in chocolate can give you an energy boost for an intense workout. Your best bet is dark chocolate, as it contains fewer calories and more antioxidants.

Energy Candies. People who are seriously working out need to have enough electrolytes in their system - or else they'll suffer from muscle cramps. It's important for the balance of electrolytes in your body to be maintained, so you don't get dehydrated. Aside from sports drinks, you can get your much-needed electrolyte fix from specially-formulated candies like Jelly Belly Sports Beans.

Source: Cosmo

Wish I Can Help Her

I was reading a magazine yesterday when I received a text from my bestfriend. She’s having problems and needs someone to listen. I am always there for a friend whenever they need my support, just as they’re always there for me whenever I need them. So, since we’re going to have a meeting at the company where we’re both connected, I told her that we’ll have the talk after.

We did talk and I’m sad to know that money is her problem. I don’t have any to lend her so I can’t help her with it. To lighten up her load I told her to join my perfume business for an extra income and encouraged her to search for small business opportunities online that interests her like what I always do. We never know, her success lies in business. She just smile when i told her about it. Maybe because her mind is still wandering and was focused on the money that she badly needs. I really wish i can help her. Don't worry my dear friend. I know your problem will be over soon. Just be optimistic and you'll get through it.

The Food

As i've mentioned in my previous post, i had a date with a friend on this chinese resto on Chinese New Year. We didn't have the date because of the occasion. It just so happen that she's not that busy and managed to squeeze in a lunch date with me. We didn't have that much time still so we make used of the time - talking while munching. I've included photos which i forgot to include earlier. As you can see, there's almost no food left. It's because i forgot to take pictures before we started eating out of hunger. LOL. Here's what we had...

Breaded Porkchop. I've eaten at this resto several times already and i really like this dish - the meat is very tender and yummy. So it's what i ordered again.

Chopsuey. This is yummy too - veggies are not overcooked. Perfect!

Avocado Shake. My choice of beverage almost all of the time. I'm just so glad that they had avocado that time 'cause they always ran out of it. Had it been, i could have ordered Mango shake instead.

Tropical Fruit. Our chosen dessert. This is my fave dessert in the resto.

Lunch Date With A Friend On Chinese New Year

Despite of her busy schedule, this friend of mine always make it a point to keep in touch. She’s been my friend since college but as much as we wanted to see each other often, we simply can’t because time won’t allow her. She’s connected with this insurance firm and more often than not, she’s out of town to attend meetings, seminars, etc.

But on Chinese New Year’s Day, she called me and asked for a lunch date. It was such a nice surprise. We ate in this Chinese Restaurant located just beside their office and talked about anything that comes to mind. But of course, her work included. She told me about their newly improved website, excellent insurance promos and insisted that I have to check their online term life insurance. I actually did the following day and just as she told me, they do have offers that are considerable enough. I’ll think about it.

We parted ways after about an hour because she still has some things to attend to. It really feels good being with her again. I'll see you again soon, Dear!

Craving For Lasagna Today

Every after meal, more often than not, i always look for anything sweet. We have no fruits here today so i didn't have any thing to satisfy my palate. And while i was sitting in front of the pc, i suddenly thought of lasagna. Right! It's what i wanted to eat badly at the moment. More so, when i saw this picture online. Grrr! But i'm lazy to go out to the mall and buy myself a piece. So i think i just have to imagine having one right now. Perhaps, i will just satisfy my cravings as soon as i get to the mall. And i'd probably won't have just one slice but two. LOL.

The Truth About Holodomor

Current events or articles concerning any country’s facts or information regarding certain events that made it to the headlines in the past never fail to catch my attention. I find those things or topics interesting for many reasons. But I think I am not the only one who finds those topics interesting because we know for a fact that we learned a lot from it and we can also share what we’ve learned to those individuals who are seeking for information regarding those.

Like the holodomor truth that I’ve read just recently. I wasn’t aware of this event until I read it. Its strange name caught my attention while I was browsing which made me stopped and got hooked reading. Holodomor originally was called golodomor which was being referred to the “mass hunger” or “great hunger” that caused million of victims in the Soviet Union in 1932-1933. The Soviet famine affected vast agricultural areas of the county most especially those areas that produce grain. The term golodomor was then changed to holodomor to make it sound like “Holocaust.”

Want to read more about it? Feel free to visit Holodomor-Truth.org and read. And perhaps share it with your family and friends so they would know how lucky they can be for not being able to experience something like that.