Bitz 'n Pieces of My Life

9021 OH!

2012-01-26T21:49:00.000-06:00

Contribution by Prince Raymond

As much as I enjoy the holidays and all the specials, I’m glad to see that most of the shows I watch have begun airing new episodes. I was pleasantly surprised last night while skimming the cable tv guide to see “New, 2012” by the majority of the episode descriptions. The show I am most excited about seeing new episodes of is 90210. Yes, it’s campy and cheesy and completely unrealistic but who cares? It’s escape television at its best as Naomi and company navigate the trials and tribulations of fortune and in some cases fame as well as danger and intrigue. Liam’s new girlfriend? Hit him while he was on his motorcycle. Navid’s family? Bad business. Every time you think the writers have outdone themselves they top it. At least Annie has finally gotten her deserved reward from Marla. I do miss Annie’s parents and wonder if she will transfer to Carnegie now that she has her money. And the Dixon Adrianna story line is full of potential as they attempt to navigate their way on to the pop charts!

Pretty Mommies EB

2012-01-26T15:53:00.002-06:00

Our EB galore!!!

I finally met my ever gorgeous and smart GW. Pinx and I with Andrea and baby Jobs meet up yesterday. We had a great time of none stop chikahan. I look forward to another round up EB with pinx soon.

Mosaic Tiles

2012-01-22T21:50:00.002-06:00

Thinking of renovating your bathroom? If you plan to use a mosaic tile or glass tile on your bathroom floor or wall, then find those that are water resistant and do not absorb moisture and chemicals. There are actually some types that do not react well to certain chemicals that are present in cleaning solutions that are commonly used in the bathroom. Make sure that you choose the right size and design for your bathroom. There are actually wholesale stores that offer huge discounts when you buy their products in bulk. So why not get your tiles from them if you want to save money. You can also add glass tiles to create a classier look for your bathroom.

Cheaper Transaction Rates

2012-01-21T08:16:00.000-06:00

One of the things that you have to consider when starting your own business is how you’ll be able to provide ways on how customers can pay for their purchases more conveniently. Most businesses have merchant accounts because it allows them to process customer payments through the use of credit cards or debit cards. Customers use credit cards not only because of the convenience they offer but also because they are able to buy items on installment. Established businesses and even smaller ones know that merchant accounts provide them a way for their business to become more accessible to customers.

Providers of merchant service solutions offer businesses all the assistance they need especially those who are still unfamiliar with how they can maximize their merchant accounts. There are also those who offer cheaper transaction rates to their clients so that they will be able to provide the best credit card processing experience for their valued customers.

Little Carousel

2012-01-20T13:58:00.000-06:00

Hubby had 10 days of no work since Christmas. We took advantage of it. Almost everyday we went out to do something. We didn't do big things, what we did is just to spend some time together.

On his last day of vacation, we decided to go to the movie theater with a small entertainment area. Andrea rode in the small carousel.

Alternatives and Options from Walgreens

2012-01-11T21:00:00.001-06:00

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

As of January 01, 2012, Walgreens is no longer part of Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider network. This has been the result of a dispute between Walgreens and Express Script, despite Walgreens’ negotiation for a new contract to continue as part of its pharmacy provider network. This is one sad news to all customers who have established connections and business relationships with their pharmacists. The removal of Walgreens in the pharmacy provider network has caused too much inconvenience among the many customers and health care plan members. Customers have to find themselves changing their pharmacists, driving even farther for prescriptions to get filled and threatening the existence of community pharmacies.

Thankfully, Walgreens has listened to the customer’s woes and needs. Walgreens is offering special discounts on their annual membership. Checked out Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. Family membership is only $10 a year and everyone gets covered, including pets, plus discounts to over 8000 brand-name and generic medicines. Bonuses are also given when customers purchase Walgreens brand products and photo finishing services. Walgreens also offers 24-hour and drive-thru pharmacies in the country, thus making prescription filling easy and accessible.

Customers can also get updates by liking Walgreens on Facebook and following Walgreens on Twitter. So stay updated and be healthy with Walgreens.

Walgreens to the Rescue

2012-01-11T20:01:00.001-06:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

The recent end-of-contract between Walgreens and Express Script has created disruptions among its loyal customers and plan holders. Walgreens is no longer part of the Express Scripts’ pharmacy provider. Because of this, many patients find themselves driving farther just to get prescriptions filled at pharmacies and are changing pharmacists. The disruption has caused too much inconvenience among the health plan holders and it threatens the valuable presence of the community pharmacies, which are the first point of entry for many people.

But people don’t have to fret because Walgreens is offering a special discount on annual membership for its Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For just $10 a year, families can get coverage. Individuals can join too for only $5 and members can get discount prices on their prescriptions. With Walgreens, members can save on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications. There are also discounts on flu shots, pet prescriptions, nebulizers and diabetic supplies.

Walgreens is always there for you, and receive updates by liking to the Walgreens on Facebook page and follow Walgreens on Twitter. So even with the current dispute, Walgreens is here to ease the burden. With all these offerings from Walgreens, customers can still enjoy lower health care costs and great savings.

Stuff Toys for My Daughter

2012-01-10T13:52:00.000-06:00

I’ve been collecting stuff toys for my daughter because she just loves these fluffy and huggable toys. I have bought her several large teddy bears that have become her favorites and she hugs them while she she’s on the bed and goes to sleep. There is a space inside her room where all her stuff toys are placed.

I think every little girl wants to have a collection of stuff toys. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to have stuff toys and because there was not enough money to buy, it was a luxury for me. Owning one was a dream come true. But now, I’ve made sure that my little girl gets a stuff toy or two every year.

These toys are just perfect for hugging and cuddling, especially those giant ones. What I like about them is that they come in different sizes, shapes, characters and they are just very cute and can actually offer comfort. These toys can lighten up a little girl’s day or can even teach little children pretend play. Most often than not, stuff toys become a child’s first playmate, they end up sitting in a chair while the child serves tea in toy tea cups and or being served some plastic slices of cake or pizza.

Having stuff toys around my girl will indeed help her learn things through play. It will give her the opportunity to play different roles that will shape her and her future. I am just thankful that I made the right choices for my little princess.

Doggy in the Bag

2012-01-08T14:30:00.002-06:00

This was taken at Walmart parking lot. I find it so cute to see a cute doggy inside a bag. Walmart doesn't allow pets inside so the doggy was just patiently waiting at the parking lot.The bag was at the back of a motorcycle. It was a good thing that the weather was nice yesterday or the dog will freeze!

New Year 2012

2012-01-02T13:50:00.000-06:00

Last New Year's Eve, Andrea and I went to a party. It was a party hosted by our friend Myla. At 11pm we went home because we wanted to ring in the New Year as a family as we always do.

We welcomed the New Year with cheers and kisses.

Then we watched fireworks outside our place. Andrea always enjoys watching fireworks. She kept on screaming happy new year.

We celebrated New Year very simply.

New Year Greeting Card

2011-12-31T13:46:00.000-06:00

I was lazy last holiday season. I usually mail our Christmas card earlier because I am sure that the post office will be busy. For some unknown reason, I just got so lazy that I didn't even order enough number of personalized Christmas cards. Thus, some of our family and friends didn't receive our Christmas card. I decided to send some New Year Greeting cards to the people that are close to us.

I just hope that they got it on time.

Botox for Younger Looking Skin

2011-12-29T02:37:00.000-06:00

As we age, we develop many skin problems such as dark spots, crow’s feet, wrinkles and others. But the most visible of all these signs of aging is wrinkles. These are permanent and will be always be present no matter how much we prevent from getting it. But with scientific advancements and technological developments, many procedures, surgical and non-surgical have been created to keep wrinkles from coming back or to at least totally eliminate it. Many dermatological clinics and shops have also sprouted like mushrooms around the globe and some countries have even started promoting medical tourism.

Perhaps one of the most popular non-surgical procedures to reduce the appearance of wrinkles is botox. Many have undergone this treatment and have been satisfied with the visible results. This treatment is practiced everywhere, if you are in Australia, botox port melbourne is highly recommended. Even in the developing countries you can find botox treatments in most derm clinics. It is but one of the safest procedures to have younger looking skin.

The Orchestra

2011-12-29T02:32:00.002-06:00

When we went to the mall in Riverchase Galleria, Hoover, Alabama, there was an orchestra playing in the food court. We really didn't stay to listen to them as our kids were already antsy and can't wait to do something else. The orchestra always fascinates me.

Settlements as an Option

2011-12-28T03:19:00.000-06:00

There are times when domestic squabbles and violence disrupt and break a family apart. Sometimes petty things end up becoming a big deal or hot issue and eventually tear down bonds and relationships. In cases like these when matters can’t be resolved with mediation and counseling, concerned parties opt for settlement wherein they both agree on terms or arrangement.

There are different forms of settlements, those from insurance, compensation from a personal injury or claims are just some of them. For individuals or companies undergoing through such processes, it may be very daunting and the cash or financial objectives might not be met. But for faster, safer and guaranteed results, one can always seek the help and assistance of professional experts. Like when one is planning to sell structured settlements, one can look into the possibilities of just relaxing and letting the experts do the job and the legwork for you. Many companies offer such services and will help ease the burden off your shoulders.

Big sister's new home

2011-12-27T19:58:00.001-06:00

Thanks for the guest post by Donn Schroeder

My big sister just moved far away from me. It was hard as first because I thought I would not see her much, but it is quite the opposite. I think I actually see her more now than I did. She and her husband bought a beautiful home. To be honest, I am actually a little jealous. I hope my first home looks as wonderful. There is a giant pool in the backyard. I think it is actually larger than some resort pools. She has one of the most advanced Albuquerque security SYSTEMS I have ever seen. Everything is a touch screen and I can even adjust the air in my own room. That is the other great thing about her new home. I have my own room. She even let me pick all the decorations for it. If my school was closer, I would much live with her than our parents. However, I am sure her husband would not be too happy about that. At least I still get to see her a lot.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T18:21:00.001-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Santa was nice to our little girl and she was as excited as she can be. From our family to yours, may all of you have a blessed Christmas!

Home Insurance for Peace of Mind

2011-12-22T17:30:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine living in the United Kingdom is set for a month-long vacation back to her home country together with the entire family. Now she is quite worried as this is her first time to leave their home and their belongings and properties and this will also be their first time to be away for a long time and out-of-the country. So to relieve her of her anxiety, she asked for the assistance of a specialist home insurance. She inquired about the benefits of getting a home insurance and was glad and convinced that acquiring a home insurance will give her the peace of mind while she is away. She will be secured that her properties and assets will still be intact and that should inevitable circumstances happen in their absence, she is insured that she will get compensation.

It will be quite a hefty amount but it is a worthwhile investment. I am sure that she will have all the time of her life while on vacation knowing that she will still have a place to come home to when she gets back.

Home Insurance While We Are Away

2011-12-22T01:27:00.001-06:00

My family will be on vacation for about a month come January next year. We will be going to my home country to attend my parent’s golden wedding anniversary. Since we will be away, we made sure that our house, our belongings and other properties will be intact till the time we get back from the Philippines. So hubby and I decided to get a home insurance, just to make sure that all our assets will still be in place.

Getting a home insurance will surely give us the peace of mind while we are away. Times have changed and many out there are also in need and might think of something that will harm their fellow neighbors or might ransack homes whose owners and dwellers are not around. It is better to be safe than sorry, and even if it caused us some of our hard-earned money, it is a worthwhile investment and will truly be advantageous for my family.

Speaking of home insurance, a good friend of mine who now resides in UK is also a believer of home insurance because of the peace of mind that it gives to her and her family. You too should check on this.

7-UP Snow Ball

2011-12-21T13:58:00.003-06:00

We went to a grocery store when Andrea noticed this. She is fascinated with snow balls. We actually started a snowball collection for her.

When she got near this huge snowball, she was staring at this because she was mesmerized at how those snowball where blown. She even was enthusiastic to have her picture taken.

I Want to Try to Ski

2011-12-21T13:54:00.000-06:00

In some parts of the country, snow has totally covered the surroundings. Here in Alabama, it snows, once in a blue moon and that probably is the reason why I want to book a ski holiday one of these days. I’ve always wanted to try to ski and feel the adrenalin rush and just experience snow itself. It would really be an adventure of a lifetime.

Since I am quite interested in trying and learning to ski, I’ve looked into Fast Track Ski. They offer cheap ski holidays for 2012. They have a ski holiday team that will help and guide you in finding a ski holiday deal. It can be in the Alpine Region, Austria and Italy or at the Pyreness, Andora, which are all great for families and for those who will be skiing for the first time. So this means it’s perfect for me and for my household.

Aside from trying to ski for the first time, I will also have the chance to see Europe! That is just like hitting two birds with one stone. I bet it would mean a great deal of amount as I would be spending in Euros, but I guess when you’re having fun and all, what you’ve spent won’t matter anymore.

Fun Time, Kool-Aid Time

2011-12-21T00:00:00.002-06:00

This post brought to you by Kool Aid. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have a beautiful childhood. I always remember my childhood years with lots of outdoor activities. It was a lot of fun with my siblings and our neighbors/friends. As family, we always make sure that we spend quality time together. Having parents that worked very hard, we are lucky that they never neglected us (time-wise). They always spend time with us. We play ball, skip ropes and other outdoor games. We play hard and every time we get inside our home to cool off, Mom will always have a chilled Kool-Aid for us. She always have canister of Kool-Aid in different flavors. Mom also make sure that we have some snacks to munch on. Most of the time, Mom will make Orange flavor as it was a family's favorite.

Looking back, Kool-Aid has always been our regular drink and it was like part of growing up. Now that I am a mother myself, I can't help but smile whenever my daughter will ask me for Kool-Aid Jammers.

Do you have Kool-Aid memories as a child? When you think about Kool-Aid, what does it reminds you? Is it about play time, family time, sports, recess at school or something else? Share it with us. Also, please check out Kool-Aid's Facebook page and click the "Noches de Pelikoola" tab to download a coupon and to look for Sunday movie nights with downloadable movie specific bingo cards. Each of these bingo cards feature a Kool-Aid recipe .

Kool-Aid Time is always a Fun Time!

Remembering Joy

2011-12-16T13:04:00.002-06:00

(Photo not mine)

Today marks the 2nd death anniversary of my niece Dannielle Joyce. She died at a young age. She was just in her early 20's.

She will be forever missed. She was our first niece. The first grandchild of my parents and the only child of my sister.

Joy, wherever you are, may you find comfort and free from pain. We wish you were still here with us on Earth but I guess God has some other plans for you. Please pray for us and continue to watch over us. We love you.

Life Insurance Coverage: Key Factors to Consider When Assessing How Much Term Life Insurance You Need

2011-12-14T20:53:00.004-06:00

Life insurance salesmen will try to convince you to buy more insurance than you need. The more coverage you buy, the more you will pay in monthly premiums, meaning that your life insurance policy will help line the pockets of the insurance company. You don't want to be caught paying more than you need into your insurance, but you also don't want to buy too little coverage and leave your family without proper financial security. How do you balance the cost of insurance against the payout?

How To Calculate How Much Life Insurance You Need

When determining life insurance needs, you first need to consider exactly what the purpose of your policy is. If you are the primary income in your family, your needs will be different than if your spouse makes the majority of the money. If you have very young children at home, you will need more insurance than a home without children.

When first calculating your policy needs, consider the following items:

· How much money do you make each year?

· What is the total amount of any secured debts you would leave behind?

· What percentage of the household's total income comes from you?

· How many years do you want to provide replacement income to your family?

· Do you want to set money aside for the funeral cost?

· Do you want to set money aside for the possibility of lingering medical expenses?

Once you have some rough figures in mind, you can figure out how much your family needs each year, multiply that by the number of years until they become independent, and then add other one-time costs like funeral expenses. One grey factor will be the medical expenses. If you have good health insurance, you should not worry about this, but jobs change and with that, the insurance. It may be prudent to add in funds to pay for such needs. This will give you an honest answer without anyone trying to sell you additional coverage the way a life insurance salesman might. You can then go online and compare life insurance rates through a quote site.

What Don't You Need Insurance For?

In some cases, insurance isn't the wisest choice. If you want to fund your child's education, pay for a retirement fund for your spouse, or put aside money to move to the Bahamas, you may be better off putting those funds into an interest-bearing investment. That way, the money isn't lost if you survive to the end of your life insurance term. Even if you do pass away, the money in the account will be available to your beneficiaries.

Ideally, the purpose of life insurance is to make sure your family doesn't suffer a financial hardship if you die unexpectedly. It's not meant to make your surviving relatives rich. If you're paying too much for your term life insurance, you're gambling against your own life; instead, buy only as much coverage as you need and invest the rest.

Life insurance needs vary from one person to the next. Because there are so many factors involved in determining the value of a policy, no one answer will fit all customers. Nevertheless, there are ways to determine how much insurance you might need in order to cover your family's needs. By checking in advance, you can rest easy knowing that your family will receive enough coverage in the event of your premature death.

Why Need a Bankruptcy Lawyer?

2011-12-14T15:19:00.002-06:00

Bankruptcy is one legal status that individuals or businesses would definitely don't want to be in. No one would want to be in a situation wherein debts are overwhelming and all the salary just goes to creditors and lenders. No one would also want to have credit card companies chasing them just to be able to pay their debts. But if it is very inevitable, bankruptcy can somehow be prevented. With the help of bankruptcy lawyer new orleans, or any other bankruptcy lawyer in the state, individuals filing for bankruptcy will be aided and educated on the processes and will be guided as to taking the right actions. With their expertise, the financial situation will be analyzed and conclusions drawn from their findings will be used to pursue the right actions to take.

Retaining legal aid or these bankruptcy lawyers will tell your creditors to contact or go through them first. They will explain how bankruptcy works, your rights and your obligations to the court and creditors, and how it will affect you and your future. They will also do the paper works and the filing process for you, thus taking off this burden on your shoulders. So therefore it is a good idea to seek the help of these professionals to help you straighten out your situation.

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This post was sponsored by a company that can help you find an attorney in Louisiana. However, the views and opinions are my own.

The Carousel

2011-12-14T13:49:00.000-06:00

Riding the carousel is my daughter's favorite when we go to the Riverchase Galleria Mall. We usually get something to eat first and then after eating it is the time for her to ride the carousel.

The price of the carousel ride is $2 per child. Parents are free to ride with their kids.

Because it is Christmas season, the carousel is in Christmas theme. The surrounding has Christmas trees and ice, underneath those trees are huge gifts. The carousel has reindeer and santa sleigh.

Coupons and Promo Codes for Gadget Geeks

2011-12-12T22:10:00.002-06:00

Who doesn't love gadgets? I bet that people shop for computers, iphones, ipads, Androids and more as gifts for this Christmas season. We are now in a high-tech world that everybody wants to get the latest gadgets that the market is selling

The latest gadget that I have is an Ipad. My sister gave it to me. When she bought the Ipad she also bought a Mac computer for her husband. She found some Mac computer deals online that she can't resist thus she ended up buying one for her husband. My sister always checks the apple store online because she thinks that they have the widest selection of products and they also have the newest products. So, when she wants something new she always look at the apple store online. When she wants to go an electronic store, she prefers going to Best Buy. Did you know that there are Best Buy coupons that you can use if you shop at their store or online?

If you are shopping for the newest gadget this holiday season, check out Geek Alerts for store coupons and promo codes. With their coupons you can surely save a couple of dollars!

Travel Options

2011-12-12T21:56:00.002-06:00

This holiday season is a perfect time to get away. The kids will be out of school. Working parents will have few days off. So why not travel and spend quality time with the family? Travel anywhere can be easily booked online. Have you checked the deals that you can find at travel.co.uk? They have amazing deals. Whether you want to book for cruises, family hotels, or all inclusive packages they have it! The choices are limited and you can even compare prices right away.

If you think that holiday season is too soon for you to travel, then why not plan ahead for your Summer 2012 travel? Your travel options at travel.co.uk is unlimited. Check their website right away and send your inquiry. A competent travel expert will get back to you and will find the perfect deal for you too. So book your travel anywhere in the world with less worries as they offer flexibility and a lot of choices!

Happy Birthday Andrea

2011-12-11T00:59:00.002-06:00

This is a late post. I have been very busy preparing for my daughter's birthday party.

The birthday party was fun. Andrea enjoyed it very much. Her friends came over and stayed longer to spend some time with her.

It was a great party. Thanks to all who came.

Happy Birthday my Little "Big" Girl!

My ELLE Purse

2011-12-07T15:48:00.003-06:00

This is the latest purse that I bought for myself. I like it because it is simple and very chic. I bought this one thinking that even if I will end up not liking it, I will not be wasting a lot of money because this was very cheap.

When I got home, I tried this purse in front of the mirror and I really liked it.

This is my first entry for Wednesday Whites.

Great 5 Years....

2011-12-03T14:05:00.003-06:00

5 Years of Great Marriage!

It has been 5 years yet sometimes, I feel like it was just yesterday. At times, I also feel it has been long time ago.

I have no complains. Married life is not a bed of roses all the times. There are ups and downs but I am proud to say that we have less of those. We are content with each other. We are happy. What is most important to us is we are together and we deal everything together. Our love for each other have not faded. We are still like boyfriends and girlfriends. We always find joy in being together and enjoying each other's company.

Happy Anniversary to both of us! I love you babe!

Note:

To be honest, we have forgotten our anniversary. We were too shocked to notice that the day has passed already. Our anniversary was last December 1.

Friday Fill Ins (Dec 2, 2011)

2011-12-02T13:48:00.002-06:00

Oops, I missed a week! Hope all that celebrate it had a Happy Thanksgiving. Now, here we are in December...already??! Anyway...here we go!

1. One of my favorite things about December is my daughter's birthday.

2. I have plenty of ornament(s)!

3. This is what I'm hoping for today/tonight: A romantic evening with wines and roses.

4. What's that noise?

5. Ooh, a busy weekend is what I will have.

6. Please answer your phone as it keeps ringing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to movie and popcorn, tomorrow my plans include watching SEC Championship and Sunday, I want to shop for some gifts!

What's Inside?

2011-11-27T21:23:00.004-06:00

This was the coach shopping bag that I got. I had fun shopping at coach factory. The pictures below are my snags. I didn't pay for the full price of these items. There is no way that I can afford to buy it for myself.

They are all below $100. Not bad, if I say so myself.

By the way, these purses are not for myself!!!

Surprise Shopping Trip

2011-11-24T00:03:00.002-06:00

Hubby is on leave for the Thanksgiving holidays. He is not working starting today. He will be back work on Monday.

We didn't plan anything big but to spend some time together. I was surprised when he told me that he was going to his work for a while. Little did I know that he was just gonna bring me to the mall to shop. Isn't that sweet?

He gave me time to check the stores that I like without having Andrea to tow around. He and Andrea went to kids stores and played in the mall.

I took time to check the specialty stores of my liking. Found great deals but really didn't buy them. I contented myself in looking at them and admiring them. I went to Coach to buy purse for a friend. I found a great deal and was happy about my purchase.

Then I went to Vanity Fair to buy something else for hubby.

I really enjoyed shopping by myself knowing that Andrea is well taken cared of and I don't have to rush as I was given time to (window) shop all I want.

Tuscan Roast Turkey

2011-11-22T00:11:00.002-06:00

Wow, Thanksgiving is around the corner. So, want to spice up your turkey this Thanksgiving? Why not try to cook Tuscan Roast Turkey.

Serving Size: 16

1 16-pound young turkey
Kosher salt, to taste
1 cup Tuscan Herb Paste
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed
2 teaspoons celery salt
3 fennel stalks with fronds, rough chopped
3 onions, large dice
1 stalk celery, small dice
2 1/4 quarts chicken stock
3 ounces all-purpose flour

Remove giblets from turkey’s cavity, rinse cavity and pat dry, set aside. Season turkey inside and out with Kosher salt.

Mix Tuscan Herb Paste with crushed fennel seeds and celery salt. Starting at the neck of the bird, slip your hand between the meat and the skin to loosen.

Rub half the paste mix under skin, and rub remaining paste inside the cavity and over the rest of the turkey.

Season all over with kosher salt.

Place two-thirds of the chopped onion and fennel stalks inside cavity. Truss bird.

Place turkey in a roasting pan. Roast at 400°F for 30 minutes.

Reduce temperature to 325°F and continue cooking the turkey to an internal temperature of 160°F, approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Baste turkey often during cooking with juices from pan. If turkey begins to overbrown, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

As turkey roasts, simmer giblets (neck, heart and gizzard), the other one-third of the fennel stalk, onion mix and diced celery in 1 quart chicken stock until tender, approximately 1 1/2 hours.

When turkey is done, remove from roasting pan and set aside to rest. Degrease roasting pan, reserving 3 ounces of fat to make a roux.

Deglaze pan with a small amount of chicken stock. Transfer stock to a saucepot, and add remaining stock and broth from giblets. Bring to a simmer and degrease.

Make a blond roux with reserved fat and flour. Add roux to the liquid, whisking well to prevent lumps. Simmer 15 minutes. Strain gravy through a fine-meshed strainer. Adjust seasoning.

This recipe was emailed to me and it is for me to share. Please also check CarapelliUSA.com for a $1 off coupon available for download.

Keeping Your Food Fresh

2011-11-20T20:00:00.002-06:00

This post brought to you by PackIt. All opinions are 100% mine.

PackIt lunch boxes are the new revolution in keeping lunches of your family cool. Providing your family fresh food even when they are away from home is a mother's goal.

Being a stay at home wife and mom, I always make sure that I provide my hubby with fresh lunches. At times it was a struggle to make the food I prepared fresh but with the use of pack it lunch boxes I am now able to provide my husband the freshest food I can make. You can see the image of the Packit Lunch boxes below.

Did you know that Packit lunch boxesare also perfect for storing your baby bottles? You can even use it for sports events and travel escapades. It is easy to store in your freezer or to take on the go. Compared to any other lunch bag, Packit stays cold longer.

If you want to own this great product to help keep your food fresh, now is the time to buy it. Visit their website today and purchase this product for $19.95 and you get one free. Amazing deal, huh?

Packit lunch box comes very handy for me having a toddler because I can use it in our travels. I can have a cool drink for my toddler anytime. What about you, what would you use the Packit for? Share your thoughts by commenting on this post.

Comedy Special

2011-11-20T19:00:00.002-06:00

This post brought to you by American Family Insurance. All opinions are 100% mine.

Are you familiar with the Stand Up For Family comedy special? This show is hosted by Bill Bellamy and presented by AmFam. Have you seen the videos? I enjoyed watching the videos and my favorite is the Still Free video. The video makes me remember myself and my siblings being young.

We didn't have much growing up. We didn't even have dolls. We play games and stayed outdoors with kids our age. We play the most indigenous games you can ever imagine. We play rocks, empty cans, sticks. Our yard is our playground. We didn't have expensive toys but we had a lot of fun. We were kids enjoying outdoor games and we enjoyed playing in the rain

Kids nowadays are different during my younger years. Most kids now have battery operated toys. Their toys are technologically advanced. Most of them don't even go outdoors very much. Oh, how things have changed!

Anyway, American Family Insurance made a cool effort in presenting a comedy show that features famous comedians sharing their own perspective about family. It is really cool to watch the videos. If you haven't seen any of them, you should check it out. These videos are not just entertaining but they promote family values.

For the Love of Writing

2011-11-20T15:34:00.003-06:00

I didn't forced my daughter to learn how to write. I just noticed that she was ready to do it on her own. She has a book where she can trace the letters and I was just so surprise that she can do it on her own.

She still has to learn a lot of things but I am glad she is eager to learn. She is into writing these days and she is getting good too.

Share a Laugh

2011-11-19T21:00:00.002-06:00

This post brought to you by American Family Insurance. All opinions are 100% mine.

I grew up in a very close knitted family. We are a typical Filipino family - very close to each other, religious and poor. Yes, we grew up in poverty to the point of not being able to eat good meals some times. But my parents worked hard in order to provide us the necessities. I know how much they sacrificed for us to grow up well and be educated.

Despite the hardships that we encountered, we always find something to laugh at. We shared laughter at home. My mom and dad taught us to behave and be respectful to everyone. They instilled in our mind how to behave in other places. When I saw the video of Momma Talk presented by American Family Insurance it made me laugh as I remember how my mom does the same things to us. Watching the video made me think of my younger years with mom lecturing us of all the do's and dont's.

I enjoyed watching the videos of Stand Up For Family. The Stand up for Family is a comedy special sponsored by AmFam . This show is hosted by Bill Bellamy. This show is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. It features famous comedians sharing family stories. A very funny show that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Tatay's Bday Celebration

2011-11-18T18:42:00.002-06:00

During Tatay's birthday I make sure that we send a little amount. This year, I told them to buy a cake for him and give him cash too. Tatay always appreciates these little things.

As it turned out, Tatay had a good party. They bought a cake and few balloons and they roast a pig.

The kids enjoyed the party because of the cake and the balloons. It was a party that we wish we were there to celebrate.

Friday Fill-Ins (Nov 18, 2011)

2011-11-18T06:56:00.000-06:00

And...here we go!

1. As you can see holidays is getting near.

2. I can't wait to come home to Philippines very soon!

3. I love to buy a new digital camera.

4. I am starting to buy Christmas gift(s).

5. What's up with you?.

6. Online shopping is always in our fingertips.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to an early rest, tomorrow my plans include going to Mom's and Sunday, I want to do some cleaning!

Ultimate Showdown: Babies vs Puppies

2011-11-17T20:01:00.005-06:00

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you ever heard of the online version of Puppies vs. Babies? Yes, right now there is an ongoing Puppies vs. Babies online contest and your vote is needed to decided which is cuter. Who do you think is cuter? Is it a baby or a puppy. At stake in this said contest is a $5,000 cash. Whoever wins whether the puppy or the baby will receive the whopping $5,000! Let your vote matters. Visit the website today and start voting. The voting process will last until November 23.

For me, I thought that voting for who is cuter is very simple. I love puppies yet I love babies more. So I will definitely vote for the babies. After I have seen all the videos and photos, I have to admit that there are cute puppies there too. But of course, I voted for the cutest baby that I think deserves to win.

You and I may not have the same choice of who is cuter so you better visit their website today and browse the pictures and vote for who you think is cuter. You can also share with me who your choice is. This contest is really fun so have fun watching the videos and photos and let's get ready to rumble!

You Decide, Who is Cuter?

2011-11-17T20:01:00.004-06:00

This post brought to you by Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

It is all over the internet now. Pictures and videos of cute and cuddly babies and puppies. Videos of funny and hilarious puppies and babies. The question still remains unanswered, who is cuter? Check the Puppies vs. Babies by Animal Planet. Browse and enjoy the entries of Puppies vs. Babies online contest and let your vote decides who is cuter.

I am a mother myself. I became a Mom before year 2007 ended. I felt blessed and privileged to be a mom. I can proudly say that I have the most wonderful daughter that any parents wish to have. At the age of 3, she does things that amazes me. Sometimes, I even wonder where she learned those stuffs.

With regards to the question who is cuter whether a baby or a puppy, I guess you would know what my answer is since I am a mom to a very adorable toddler. It is true that puppies can be cute when the do adorable things but my vote goes to a baby. What about you? Who you vote for?

If you haven't casted your vote yet, visit the link above and let your vote decide. Cast your vote now. Voting is only until November 23.

iPAD

2011-11-14T14:52:00.003-06:00

During my birthday this year, my sister asked me what I want for a gift. I said... iPAD but I want the iPAD later this year which will be in time for our trip to Philippines early 2012. She decided to buy me and iPad2 last few weeks ago. She used it for a week to make sure that she likes it because she might want to buy one for herself too.

Our first Ipad Pic

My daughter was so excited about the iPad. At first she told me that we share with it but after a day, she decided that the iPad is hers.

She can only use the iPad after washing and drying her hands. She has to stay in the couch when she uses it. She is good at it though although she erased all the pictures stored in it... I asked her "Andrea what did you do with the pictures in the iPad?" She answered " Mommy, I press the top and it is all gone".... Oh well, the delete button of the pictures is on the top so that's why the pictures are all gone.

Anyway, Thank to my sister and her hubby for the iPad which will be my birthday gift this year and all the coming years hehe

Tips in Choosing a Good Shaving Cream

2011-11-10T12:51:00.003-06:00

Why do we need to shave, anyway? First of all, shaving off unwanted hair in our bodies depends on the person’s preference. Some like to shave it all off, while some don’t really mind having them. For women in general, shaving off hairs in legs is necessary for the beach days. There is nothing like showing off those hair free legs on a hot summer day while on their swimsuits!

So for those who do shave, shaving cream is a necessity. Why? Shaving creams lubricate the skin. Without it, you could possibly have cuts from the blade which is not at all a pleasant experience. It also eliminates those “razor burns” or red bumps on your skin after shaving.

So what are some tips in choosing a good shaving cream?

First of all, determine your skin type and be careful in choosing a product that suits you best. For example, men who have oily skin type could choose a shaving cream that contains a little bit of astringent. That way, you are already doing your skin a favor while removing the facial hair you want to get rid of. At the same time, if you have dry skin, you could use a shaving cream with a little moisturizer. If you want to make sure about your skin type and what type of shaving cream would best suit you, it would be best that you ask medical advice from a dermatologist.
Warm water applied before shaving is always best, regardless of your skin type. It helps soften your hair and would make the shaving process a lot easier and much more convenient.
Should you want a shaving cream with scent, is entirely your personal preference. Some men don’t really mind having a no-scent shaving cream since they would be using an after shave cologne, anyway.

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I am participating in a blog campaign from Bucks2Blog about shaving cream and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.
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Firing up the Grill

2011-11-07T13:46:00.004-06:00

It has been a while since we last grilled but last weekend we fired up our grill.

Last weekend was a big one for us since we were anticipating the college football game of the century. We were getting ready for LSU-Alabama game. We are big fans of LSU so it was a big day for us.

Dave offered to grill and gave me a break from cooking. He grilled T-bone steaks, asparagus and mushroom & onion.

Grilled food and a winning team. It was a fun Saturday for us!

Quality Service

2011-11-07T12:43:00.000-06:00

If you have to look at law firm sites, you would be impressed at the quality of services that they promise their clients. Of course, these lawyers have gone through so much experience not to mention the degree that they have finished is no easy-peasy. But mind you, do not be impressed right away with someone’s qualifications. Choosing a lawyer, especially an estate lawyer goes beyond excellent university grades and impressive track record. A good advertisement of a law firm in local papers and even in televisions are not guarantee that a lawyer would do good in handling cases.

It is always important that you choose someone you can trust. If it means that you have to choose a good friend, do so. Hiring a lawyer is always on a trust basis. You will be disclosing important information, many of which are confidential, even. You will be discussing about properties, value of your assets, and things that you don’t normally discuss with just anyone. The more you trust your lawyer, the better, the easier and the simpler the transaction would be done.

Estate lawyer barrie offers quality services, assuring you that you get the quality service you deserve, and that tackling issues concerning estate tax, tax matters, complex issues and delicate matters of properties would be handled with much expertise and ease. A quality service you can indeed trust.

Filipino Women and Shoes

2011-11-05T18:45:00.000-05:00

Filipino women are known for their love of shoes. They always take pride of the many pairs of womens shoes that they own. I guess, everybody will agree that I am indeed a Filipino when it comes to shoes collection. I have plenty of shoes and boots alike. I take care of them like my prize possession. Although I am not very particular of what brand of shoes I wore as long as they are comfortable to wear. I admit though, if there is something that I splurge on it will be shoes and purse.

Of my shoe collection, one of my favorites is my minnetonka shoes. I like it because it is made from the finest leather. It is very comfortable to wear and the quality is superb. My sister is also a shoe lover. In fact, she has more shoes than I have and she has couple of blowfish shoes that she has worn once only. She asked me if I want a pair or two. Of course, I said sure! I am lucky that we have the same shoe size as I can also ask for shoes if I want to.

Tatay, Happy Birthday

2011-11-03T15:56:00.004-05:00

Today my ever dearest TATAY is celebrating his special day. They will have a family party which we wished we can attend.

I told my sister to make sure that she will take a lot of picture so that we will have an idea of how they celebrated Tatay's birthday.

Happy Birthday 'Tay. I hope you enjoyed your day. Few more months and we will be seeing each other again. We can't wait and we are all getting excited about it.

We love you.

Happy Birthday!!!

Tips to Avoid Bankruptcy

2011-11-02T19:09:00.003-05:00

There was a time when bankruptcy was a last resort when every other options are already exhausted. But, despite the drawbacks, more people seem to think that filing for bankruptcy is their first option rather than their last alternative.

Declaring bankruptcy will affect your financial freedom in the future. You will have difficulty in getting any type of credit or you won't be able to get a decent financing rate. When you file for bankruptcy you will have to start from scratch in building your credit rating again.

These are some tips to avoid bankruptcy:

Cut Your Spendings
Put a budget on how much you can afford to spend every month. Pay in cash for all your purchases. Poor spending habits can put you in uncomfortable financial situation.

Downsize
Move to a smaller house as it means smaller bills. Drive a less-expensive car. Sell your boat or recreation vehicle. Skip going on vacation. Stop some luxuries like spa, gym memberships, magazine subscriptions, dining out and more.

Work More
Work extra hours in your current job or find a second job. Find ways for your spouse to earn money if spouse is not currently working. Two paychecks are better than one.

Getting yourself out of debt and back on sound financial footing is not easy nor fun. But if you are in financial trouble, you have to do something about it right away. When you are in trouble, turn to experts for help. You can turn to a las vegas bankruptcy lawyer for help. Bankruptcy laws differ by geographic location so better consult a lawyer right there and then.

Once you've got yourself back on solid ground, make a permanent change, build up an emergency fund to make sure you never get in trouble again. Get out of debt and stay out of it.

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I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog for a Las Vegas Bankruptcy Lawyer and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

All Saints and Souls Day Tradition

2011-11-01T19:00:00.001-05:00

November 1 and 2 are dates that I looked forward to growing up. These are two days full of traditions.

I grew up with the tradition of going to the cemetery during this time of the year. We have two public cemeteries in our town. One in the hill and one in the plains. Every November first we go to the cemetery in the hills. We bring flowers and candles to be placed at my great grand parents grave. We attend mass there. We do the same thing on the second day only it will be in the cemetery in the plains. We also make sure that we have mass intentions for the repose of the souls of our loved ones.

On both days, almost every household in our town will make local delicacies like sticky rice in wrapped in banana, steamed rice cake and more which are supposed to be served after going to the cemetery.

After all these years, I still haven't forgotten the tradition of visiting the graves of our loved ones during All Saints Day and All Souls Day. Now that I can no longer celebrate it in Philippines, I make sure to send a little amount of money for the mass intentions, flowers and candles. I always make sure to visit the graves of my loved ones whenever we go home on vacation.

Going for the neighborhood's craziest dog costume

2011-10-31T14:51:00.001-05:00

Guest post written by Eva Stone

I don't think that there's a single dog on our street that doesn't have a Halloween costume every year. We kind of have a block party the Saturday before Halloween every year and it's like an unofficial contest to see who has the best pet costume. There have been a few years when I think that my dog Lucky won that unofficial contest and this year I wanted it to be a for sure thing.

I started looking online with our clear 4g internet pretty early to see what kinds of dog costumes I should consider this year for him to wear. I think that he actually enjoys the costumes and is even more playful when he's wearing them. I think that it's because over the years he's figured out that he gets even more attention when he's wearing a costume.

I did find this one really crazy pet costume that makes it look like the dog's being eaten by an alligator. I think that he may have really won this unofficial contest this year, although it was a little tougher to get him around the block party.

Different Pumpkins

2011-10-28T13:53:00.001-05:00

Pumpkins are in different shapes and color. I had so much fun looking at the different pumpkins. I was also amazed at the same time to see white pumpkins.

Net10's Unlimited Plan

2011-10-25T13:02:00.003-05:00

This post brought to you by Net10. All opinions are 100% mine.

How much do you pay for your cellphone's monthly service? With a high monthly bill, don't you wish you can do something about it?

I used to have a high cellphone bill. I opted to use my former cellphone service provider because I thought that with high monthly payment, I can get greater services. I was wrong! When I switched I still got the same quality of service but my bill was almost one half lower. It was a smart move for my part.

Real NET10 customer can tell you how much they have saved. With a low monthly payment, you can get nationwide coverage, unlimited talk, text and data all in one. Net 10's Unlimited Plan is just $50 a month. This is a great deal for heavy phone users that love to use their smart phone at all times. With unlimited plan you don't have to worry about overspending. Your minutes and data package is safe. Affordable monthly plans are not only the reason why you should switch to Net10. They also offer international long distance service for as long as 15c per minute. They also have wide selection of phones from simple needs to phones with great apps capabilities. The choice is yours and all their phones are from trusted manufacturers.

Watch What Rob has to say about Net10 as he describes the phone and its awesome deals. You can also watch the video below:

Happy Birthday Kuya Giles

2011-10-21T16:50:00.000-05:00

He was born year 1996. He was my first baby. The first baby that I ever took care of. I used to bring him to the health center for his immunizations. I was the one that taught him how to walk. At 9 months he had his first step. I tell you, I vomited countless of times whenever I changed him when he poops. I vomited every time he would vomit at me. He was a learning experience for me. It was him that made me realized that I will never have a baby of my own until I am ready.

A decade and half has passed. I can't believe how Giles had grown up. He is now a grown up teenager, experiencing major adjustments living in a foreign land, New Zealand. This is the first time that he is celebrating his birthday in NZ.

Kuya, I am proud of you for being a responsible Kuya to your younger siblings. Continue to be good, study hard and help your family. We love you Kuya... Happy Birthday!

Cooking-Free Weekend

2011-10-17T02:47:00.002-05:00

Cooking-free weekend!

Hubby brought us to Schlotzsky's Saturday. We love their original sandwich there. Their delectable sandwich composed of a unique combination of premium meats, cheeses, and marinated black olives served on hot Schlotzsky's sourdough bread is to die for! I guess it is a good thing that the location of Scholotzsky's is far from us or we will be there to eat everyday.

Scholotzsky's also offer fresh baked bread, delicious hot sandwiches and panini, specialty pizzas, toasted wraps, freshly tossed salads, gourmet soups, and more!

Sunday, hubby offered to cook dinner. We had grilled burgers. It was really good.

I enjoyed my cooking-free weekend! Thanks to hubby!

Business School

2011-10-12T14:34:00.003-05:00

I have a bachelors degree that I earned in the Philippines. I also have a diploma in another field. This means that I have finished 6 years of college. Sadly, all of these is worth nothing where I am now.

I plan on going back to school. I want to earn a degree here in the United States. By having a degree here, I have a better chances of landing a good job. I need to have a stable job for our future. We can never tell what will happen but I want to be prepared in case something happens to my husband. I want to be able to fend for myself and my daughter in case something happens.

I know it will be hard to find a good job without the proper credentials that is why we are striving to push our plans for me to go back to school. We will just do things one step at a time. After our Philippines vacation early next year, we will concentrate on our other goal - my schooling. I am still undecided which course to take. But I am down to two choices, either a medical field or a business field. Should I decide to take business course, I have already gathered lots of information about different business schools. I have even researched about the best colorado business school. I was also encouraged to learn more about business school because this is something that hubby can do. He might want to take some graduate courses which will be helpful for his career advancement.

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I am participating in a blogger campaign by Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

UAB Hospital

2011-10-09T21:28:00.003-05:00

We were visiting a friend at the UAB (University of Alabama-Birmingham) Hospital. While looking at the window, this is what I saw.

On the other side is this building. A new hospital building. They are still working on it. Pretty isn't it?

Easy Dinner from T.G.I Friday's

2011-10-08T03:02:00.003-05:00

This post brought to you by T.G.I. FRiDAY'S. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love cooking for my family. But there are times that I don't have the energy to cook from scratch. I am thankful that there are other options when I don't feel like cooking. In order to be prepared in times when I don't want to mess around my kitchen, I make sure that my freezer has a stock of ready to bake pizza, a couple of tv dinners and some T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” .

I guess I am lucky that hubby never complains when I served him with ready to eat foods. One of his favorites is the Sesame Orange Chicken. He learned to love this dish because I love it too. The Sesame Orange Chicken from T.G.I. Friday's is his favorite. He said that the taste is something he can compare to a real Chinese food. He can never tell that it is one of the frozen foods.

Anyway, did you know that T.G.I. Friday's has ongoing Fun Freezer contest? To cast in your votes, you have to visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysFreezer. You can vote from October 7 until October 20.

Join the fun with T.G.I Friday's. Don't forget to try their new varieties of Entrees for One. They have launched new flavors, Hubby and I have tried them and they are all excellent.

Am I a Good Teacher?

2011-10-05T12:46:00.003-05:00

I am by no means a teacher, professionally. But being a mother makes me a teacher of sort. I have a little girl who I think is as smart as she can be.

Most people will say that, she is what she is because of me. I wanted to disagree. Yes, I stayed home to take care of her needs and do all the things but actually she learns things on her own too. I may have taught her unconsciously but most of the things she learned, she just learned all of a sudden without much effort on my part. I am lucky that my daughter is smart. She learns things quickly.

I am not a good teacher. I still have a lot to learn myself. One thing is for sure, I will always be there for my daughter.

Happy Teacher's day to all Moms out there!

Father-Daughter Bonding

2011-09-29T18:34:00.003-05:00

I am forever grateful that despite the stress at work and the inconvenient schedule of hubby's work, he always make sure that he spends time with our daughter. He always make sure that they play and read books together before and after work.

During weekends, they always spend time together too. Pictures below were taken last weekend

RAVE Movie Theater

2011-09-26T18:40:00.004-05:00

This movie theater has a special place in my heart. This was where hubby and I first watched a movie together.

Yesterday, we came back to this place. It was the first time that we brought our daughter to this movie theater. We watched LION KING.

We really enjoyed the movie. Andrea enjoyed and watched the whole movie. The few times that we brought her to watch a movie, she always fell asleep after half of the movie. This time around, she watched all of it.

Popcorn and drinks in the movie theater are priced high but Andrea wanted to eat popcorn, because she always think that if you watch a movie, you should eat popcorn. So, I bought a small bag of popcorn and a small drink.

Andrea had enjoyed the movie because she keeps on talking about it. She relays whatever the scenes in the movie. We will be back to watch another movie again sometime.

Android Phone

2011-09-24T09:01:00.005-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I always say that it is not practical for me to own a smart phone because I spend most of my time in my laptop. I also know that having a smart phone means bigger bill from my phone provider. But now that there is Android on Straight Talk, I think this is my chance to own an Android phone. I found out that through Straight Talk, I can use an Android without breaking my wallet. This is some kind of Hook, line and sinker deal. Can you imagine using an Android and yet you will only spend $45 a month? Yes, that is possible through Straight Talk's Unlimited Monthly Service. With this plan, you can have unlimited calls, text, picture messaging, and web. Isn't that amazing? On top of that, you will love their great nationwide coverage and excellent connectivity and you will not be bind to any sort of contract. You can always Call a friend and be assured that you will have clear connection anytime, anywhere.

When it comes to phone selection, Straight Talk has plenty of phones to select from. They only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung. They also have reconditioned phones that are perfect for young users. Of course, when it comes to smart phones, they also have unlimited choices.

Android Craze

2011-09-24T09:01:00.004-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Some of my friends are now proud Android users. A few of them have switched from iPhone to Android. They all say that Android is better. I can't say anything about it because I haven't used an iPhone nor an Android

My good friend just got a new Android, she specifically got a new phone and a new phone provider. She switched because she had a sky rocket bill from her former phone provider because she overused the plan that she was on. She switched and was convinced when she saw the Hook, line and sinker commercial. She saw it as her solution to her high monthly phone bill. She is now using Straight Talk's Unlimited Monthly Service. She can't believe that she is only paying $45 a month for everything. She don't have to worry about minutes used when she will Call a friend , or when she surfs the web and sends text messages. She is also more than happy that Android on Straight Talk is available because she is crazy about this phone.

Now, she wants to convince her husband to switch to Straight Talk too because it will be a big savings for them if they will both use this service. She told me that she showed the video below to her husband to prove that there are many satisfied users of this phone service.

If the video above won't convince anyone to switch, I don't know what will.

Sepia-Colored Sky

2011-09-22T18:53:00.002-05:00

I just took this picture a few minutes ago. The sky is beautiful. I didn't make any adjustment on my point-and -shoot camera.

Hubby called me to look at the sky because it is beautiful. So I went outside armed with my camera and I got this shot.

Pretty amazing, huh?

Japanese Translations and Translators

2011-09-20T21:05:00.001-05:00

We all know that Japan is the world’s second largest economy. It generates most of its income from heavy industries like car manufacturing, ship building, heavy equipment, electronics and robotics. Aside from that, they also provide spare parts for all their products. It is very evident that wherever you go or even inside your own house, you can see Japanese brands of equipment. Most of the world’s companies are importing these products directly from Japan. But as we know, Japanese people are very nationalistic that they even use their language instead of using English in their translations. Therefore there is a need for Japanese translation for orders made by foreign companies for their desired products to their Japanese counterparts. A Japanese translation company can provide Japanese translators who can translate documents from other languages into Japanese language. This will ensure that all orders will be understood correctly by their Japanese partners and will make them sure to deliver them the right product according to their specifications.

This is the reason why good communications is very important in transacting and doing business especially when there is language barrier between parties. A good translator can help them overcome their problem and do business successfully and progressively.

Divine Justice

2011-09-20T13:50:00.002-05:00

This is the book I just finished reading. I used to read a lot. I started reading when I was in High School. I enjoyed reading so much.

When I moved here in the USA, I didn't know how my love for reading faded. I should have read more since there are plenty of books available here.

Anyway, hubby told me to read this book because he knows I would love it. I read it for 3 days. I can no longer read for hours because I have other things to do on top of taking care of my little toddler who wants to help me read the book. She loves to look for the chapters and identify what chapter it is.

Divine Justice is a story about John Carr known by his alias, “Oliver Stone,” . He is the most wanted man in America. With two pulls of the trigger, the men who destroyed Stone’s life and kept him in the shadows were finally silenced. But his freedom comes at a steep price: The assassinations he carried out prompts the highest levels of the U. S. government to unleash a massive manhunt. Behind the scenes, master spy Macklin Hayes is playing a very personal game of cat and mouse. He, more than anyone else, wants Stone dead.

I enjoyed reading the books as it has a lot of twists and turns. It is very fast-paced and it keeps you guessing what will come next.

Fun with T.G.I. FRiDAY'S

2011-09-19T18:00:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of T.G.I. FRiDAY'S for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I was doing my regular grocery shopping when I saw the new line of T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” . I hurriedly checked them especially when I saw that they had chicken fajitas. Since I started to love Mexican food, chicken faifajitas is one of my favorite. I grabbed one of the T.G.I. FRiDAY’S “Entrées for One” because it looks so tasty.

I was not disappointed at their new line of products because they are of superb quality. I will stock up on these because these are great meals when I don't feel like cooking.

T.G.I. FRiDAY'S is having a Fun Freezer contest where anyone can join. All you need to do is to decorate your freezer uniquely and upload the picture to their facebook account. Cool prizes awaits the winner which includes a home theater makeover. So, what are you waiting for? Visit the T.G.I. FRiDAY’S Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/TGIFridaysFreezer and join the contest today.

Leads

2011-09-12T15:57:00.001-05:00

Are you familiar with leads? According to SearchITChannel.com, a lead, in a marketing context, is a potential sales contact: an individual or organization that expresses an interest in your goods or services. Leads are typically obtained through the referral of an existing customer, or through a direct response to advertising or publicity. A company's marketing department is typically responsible for lead generation.

Even if a company has a dedicated marketing department, generating leads can still be pretty hard. Some leads could be bogus and some can be outdated. Good thing an online resource of high-quality, accurate and up-to-date leads now exists as equileads. They have over 8 years of experience where it allows them to guarantee genuine, fresh leads. They boast about their cherry-pick system, fresh Internet sales leads that are accurate, up-to-date, and backed by 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. If you are not satisfied of the quality of their leads, they will replace that lead with refund or credit for a new lead. They offer leads for car insurance, various kinds of mortgages, loans and credit card processing services to name a few.

Did I mention already that they also have an excellent affiliate program? Go check them out today!

Honoring 911 Victims

2011-09-11T13:10:00.002-05:00

Early on the morning of September 11, 2001 the world was stunned. It was a tragedy. So many lives were lost.

The 9/11 attacks had immediate and overwhelming effects upon the American people. It was 10 years ago yet, the memory is still fresh.

Let us all take a moment and remember those innocent lives that were gone. Lets pray for them and their families.

Friends' Visit

2011-09-08T19:09:00.000-05:00

My weekday went by so fast. I haven't done much except to visit my ob/gyn yesterday. Everything is just like a breeze.

Earlier today my friends dropped by and we enjoyed my homecooking. It is always nice for friends to visit for no apparent reason but to spend some time to share a laugh over good food.

I made them Mixed Vegetables and Shrimp in Coconut Milk and I also fried some fish. I have plenty of fish supply in my freezer courtesy of my hubby's fishing trips.

We had a great time and we are so full! By the way, this is what I served my friends:

Yummy!

A rainy weekend

2011-09-05T09:52:00.000-05:00

We have been wishing that it will rain because we badly needed it. It has been so dry and dusty thus allergies are very common.

Finally, last Friday night it rained. And since then it kept on raining. The rain will ebb for few minutes then it will blow again. It rained so much that the creeks were overflowing and some roads are closed already.

We didn't do much because of the rain but we are thankful for the rain.

From Norway with Love

2011-09-01T01:08:00.002-05:00

These are the postcards I got from a good friend Anne. She is obviously in Norway. I was so excited when I got her postcards.

Actually, I got the first one first and the second one was a week later. I informed Anne that I got the postcards and she was surprised I didn't get it at the same time since she mailed it together.

This heart-shaped postcard is really something. This is the first time that I have seen a heart-shape postcard. Postcards are usually rectangle in shape.
Thanks Anne! Love them!

Emergency Preparedness

2011-09-01T00:45:00.001-05:00

I have designed an emergency preparedness plan for my family. Natural and manmade disasters can wreak havoc on your life and if you are not ready for them, it can be dangerous. I went throughout the house with a checklist to make sure we were stocked with supplies. My kids thought it was a game so it was a fun activity for them. Hopefully it was also teaching them how they should be ready when and if disaster strikes. I made sure that none of the circuits were overloaded with a lot of devices. I checked the kitchen to make sure there was not any greasy buildup that could lead to a fire. I checked the smoke detectors to make sure the batteries were working. I also made sure that my daughters knew how to call for help in the event of an emergency in case we were unable to. I even went online at ATLANTAHOMEsecurity.comto see if there was anything special I needed to do with our alarm system. We feel that we are ready for anything that may come our way.

Contributed by Milford Woods

Ice Candy Ladies

2011-08-29T04:11:00.000-05:00

We went to a party last Saturday. We were able to see some friends whom we haven't seen in months. We had a lot of fun. We had a lot of catching up to do so we stayed there long.

After eating the sumptuous food that were served, we were given a Filipino treat! We had melon ice candy! Everybody was so excited to have one. Too bad not all of I us were able to get one as the number of ice candies made were very limited.

Connecting with Family and Friends

2011-08-28T03:02:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Isn't it always nice to connect with your family and friends whom you haven't seen in a while? I always enjoy talking to any of my siblings and friends. Thankfully, I don't have to worry with my phone bill nor my phone connection as I have one of the best. I have great national coverage and cheap long distance call rate.

Being close to my family and friends is very important to me. My mom always reminds me to keep my feet on the ground and always remember where I cam from. Of course, I know mom is right because mom knows best. So, when was the last time you call your family and friends? Try to a family member or a call a friend today and I am sure you will have a smile in your face.

If your phone plan or phone service is your excuse for not calling your family and friends, it is time to switch to Straight Talk. Straight Talk has great nationwide coverage and excellent connectivity. They have Unlimited Plan that will allow you to call, text, surf the web and more without worrying of your minutes and data allowance. They have different plans that have everything you need for a phone service. With Straight Talk, you don't worry about contract, connection fees and termination fees. So, begin saving today and get connected with Straight Talk.

A Mom's Choice

2011-08-28T03:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you believe that mom knows best? I am a mom, so definitely!

Being a mom myself, I know the feeling of being a mother. I know how a mother misses her children when she can't see them often. I know how my mom have felt having her children miles away from her. If my mother can afford to call me, I am sure she will call me anytime she wants. But because it is impossible for her to call me, I make sure that I call her whenever there is a chance for me to call her.

Having a family who are living internationally, I make sure that my phone has a great coverage and very clear connectivity. I am also glad that I have an International Long Distance feature on my plan that lets me call internationally for a cheap rate.

Did you know that keeping in touch with your family here and abroad is easy with Straight Talk? Straight Talk has an "All You Need Plan" that will fit your lifestyle. My favorite among their plans is the Unlimited Monthly Service. This plan have everything you need - from calls to text to web surfing. I can call a friend or a family anytime I want without worrying of my minutes. Straight Talk is also free from activation, reactivation, and termination fees. You will not get any surprise bills and no hidden fees!

I am a Mom and when I say Straight Talk is a great choice, believe me because you should know that Mom knows best!

Healthy Mobility for your Pets

2011-08-26T17:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hills Pet Nutrition for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Both my MIL and my step daughter are dog lovers. They have pups which they both rescued. They are so amazing at how much they love those pups and I know that both of them will do everything for their pets. Mom's basset hounds are from the rescue center. These dogs have been physically abused. Her dogs have joint problems and they are taking medicines now.

I told my mom about the Healthy Mobility Dog Food of Hill's Science Diet. I explained to her that Hill's Pet Nutrition focuses on dogs that are facing quality-of-life changes due to mobility problems. Their dog food has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids for enhanced active mobility and will improved joint flexibility. I told her that this is something that can surely help her dog's situation. I also told her to check Hill's Pet Nutrition on Facebook and learn more about their products.

Anyway, do you have a pet dog that is experiencing mobility problems? You can help your dog live an active life by feeding him with Science Diet Healthy Mobility dog food and take the healthy mobility challenge. By registering to Hill's Healthy Mobility Challenge, you will get Hill's Healthy Mobility Coupon worth $30. And by doing so, you will also get an automatic entry in the Healthy Mobility Challenge sweepstakes where 30 winners will receive FREE PET FOOD for a year!

Give your dog the nutrition he needs. Learn more about Hill’s Science Diet dog food by visiting www.hillspet.com!

Time to Switch

2011-08-26T14:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine

Have you seen the real TracFone customers video like the one below? If you haven't, take time to play the video below as it will explain how useful and reliable are the services provided by TracFone. After watching the video it made me realize that in this time of depression, using a prepaid phone service like TracFone is a wise decision.

For people with simple needs they offer simple phones with calling and texting capabilities for under $10. For those who wants so many features from their phone, for $29.99 they can offer great phones packed with features like camera/video recorder, web access, app capabilities, mp3 player, and full QWERTY keyboard. With this irresistible price, real TracFone customers are very satisfied not just with the phone but the plans too. They have monthly plans for as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes. They also offer international calling to over 60 international destination. TracFone pride themselves of being the only wireless service where you can call internationally, for the same price as any other call. Now, if you have family abroad, isn't this a sweet deal?

TracFone is really a big help in lowering your bills. Using this service will cost very little yet you will be able to keep in touch. Now is the time to Switch and start saving.

Friday Fill-Ins (August 26, 2011)

2011-08-26T11:55:00.002-05:00

And...here we go!

1. How in the world did I become so big?.

2. I didn't notice that it is already in front of me.

3. Life's all about choices.

4. Adobo is always perfect for picnic lunch.

5. That was where we got engaged.

6. Miravilla Restaurant, I think of as "our place".

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a movie night, tomorrow my plans include attending Alex's bday party and Sunday, I want to just relax!

NO Drop Calls

2011-08-26T09:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TracFone for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
------------------

I have seen quite a few number of videos from the real TracFone customers on how satisfied they are with TracFone. One of the videos that I have seen is the one below.

I am glad that there is a phone service that have so many features and is very affordable. TracFone has a plan that can be as low as $9.99 for 50 minutes. This phone service is great for your kids especially if they are away and you want to get in touch with them. Because this is a prepaid phone, you are not bind with contracts. There is no credit checks, no activation charges or cancelation fees. You can pay as you go easily. You can either buy your credits online or with cards available at thousands of retail stores all over the country.

Did you know that you can give your friends and family in Canada and Mexico a local phone number to reach you at your TracFone in the U.S.? You can also call over 60 international destinations at no extra cost! TracFone is the only wireless service where you can call internationally, for the same price as any other call.

Despite the affordable rate of theTracFone, they didn't sacrifice their service. You will sure to get great national coverage and no drop calls using this service. Many real TracFone customers can attest to this.

Learning to Use the New Phone

2011-08-22T22:57:00.003-05:00

I have been due for a phone upgrade since April but I didn't avail because I was fine with my LG Touch. Then for few days my phone is not charging correctly so last weekend we decided to get the long over due upgrade.

I can get the Droid or the iphone 4 if I wanted to for a minimal fee. But, I am being practical. I don't need a smart phone because I don't need its internet connection as I am always in front of my laptop. It is not practical for me to pay additional monthly bill so I settle for this LG Phone. I just need the basic use of a cellphone. I got this phone for FREE. I still can get my emails on this phone which is the only thing I need.

Now, since I have a new phone, time for the little missy to familiarize herself on how to use the phone. At first she was upset why it is no longer a touch screen phone but after few minutes she already learned how to use it.

Friday Fill-Ins (August 19, 2011)

2011-08-19T13:44:00.002-05:00

And...here we go!

1. It's fun to see my daughter having fun with her sister.

2. Chicken and Dumplings is easy to make.

3. I like to be remembered as the best daughter, a great wife and a wonderful mom.

4. There are some things that I will never know!

5. Something I'm very much excited about and I can't wait is our Philippine vacation Feb next year.

6. Deciding to have a child and be a family was well worth it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to party with friends, tomorrow my plans include a good rest and Sunday, I want to eat out with Mischa and Ben!

Versatile Blogger

2011-08-18T13:43:00.000-05:00

I seldom post awards here, not because I am being ungrateful but I am just full of excuses not posting it.

Anyhow, Mami Kat passed this along to me so I am posting it here.

Thanks Mami Kat!

From Florida with Love

2011-08-15T02:56:00.003-05:00

Goodies from Florida!!! Thanks to a good friend Mami Dhemz!

These are just part of the package I got from her. There were other things inside the package and I am very thankful to Mami Dhemz. My little girl loves these. These things are no longer mine from the moment my daughter saw them!

Friday Fill-Ins (August 12, 2011)

2011-08-12T15:52:00.002-05:00

And...here we go!

1. The only question is when will my cough be better.

2. I wish to finish all my online tasks in one day.

3. Three things on my desk: cellphone, camera, mug.

4. Going to the doctor is the one thing I HAVE to do today!

5. I love playing with my daughter.

6. Overstimulation overwhelms the senses.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to have uninterrupted sleep (hopefully), tomorrow my plans include more rest and Sunday, I want to feel better. I hate being sick!

College Friends, Our Story

2011-08-10T21:38:00.003-05:00

(Susan, Aisa, Gloria, Lulu)

There were 4 of us. We went to the same school in an Agricultural College. It was not until our second year that we became a very close. We were in the same section on our 2nd year of college that is why we became very close. (We had block sectioning then).

I was the youngest of all of us and needless to say, I was the most spoiled. I help them with academics and in return they help me with everything else. They do a lot of hard labor for me and I was really thankful.

After our 2nd years in college we graduated with a Diploma in Agricultural Technology. They proceeded to earn their Bachelor's degree and I didn't. I pursued another degree because I know that Agriculture was not for me.

To make the story short, we lost in touch. Gloria and I kept in touch as I became very close to her parents too. For so many years, I often visited Gloria and her family once a year. I also visited Aisa once in a while. With Susan we never heard from her. We totally lost contact with her.

I lost in touch with Aisa since middle of 2006 until she found me in Facebook August 2010 (You can read the story here.) Few days ago, I woke up with another surprise. Susan found me in Facebook. Can you imagine 14 years!!! I was really speechless when I saw who added me in Facebook.

Now, we are all communicating again. We are all in different countries. Susan is in HK, Aisa is in Singapore, Gloria in Philippines and I am in USA. Wow, we look back 15 years ago and we can't help but giggle at our escapades and our college life.

I really hope that one day we will see each other again!

......
Oh, Susan is celebrating her birthday tomorrow! Happy birthday my very good friend! May all your desires come true. I love you!

Why I hate Summer?

2011-08-09T11:57:00.002-05:00

Summer in Alabama is very humid. The scorching hot temperature is almost intolerable. I can't stand the hot summer. Almost all days, I want to stay in the comfort of my airconditioned place. Even though we have the car when we go out, it is still too hot for me. Yes, I am spoiled in this sense but hey I always get sick when it is too hot.

The heat index for the last two weeks is around or more than 100F... I know too hot! Because of the high temperature my electricity bill has sky rocketed! This is the first time ever that my bill is close to $200.

Right now, I am nursing a bad cough.... I told you, I always get sick when I am exposed to hot temperature for a prolong period of time.... Geez, I should move to North Pole!

Now, tell me, can you blame me IF I don't like summer at all?

Friday Fill-Ins (Aug 5, 2011)

2011-08-05T19:38:00.003-05:00

And...here we go!

1. How can I find fares to Philippines that is just less than 1k?.

2. That flower looks like weed to me.

3. My hair is shorter now and it is colored medium brown.

4. I can't wait for our family reunion early next year.

5. My favorite summer fruits are watermelon and pineapple.

6. I saw you grinning from ear to ear...what was that?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to see some friends, tomorrow my plans include more shopping and Sunday, I want to do some laundry!

Sweet Temptation

2011-08-03T17:04:00.002-05:00

There are times especially when hubby and I stays up for our movie nights that we just crave for something to munch on.

Few nights ago, we were in the mood for a sweet temptation. We opted to make an apple cinnamon crumble pie. It was awesome.

We had enough leftover that we ate 2 days later. The good thing with making this kind of pie is you can store the leftover in your fridge for up to 5 days.

Dig in everyone! This is yummy!

Net10 Unlimited Plan

2011-08-03T16:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Net10 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Each of us has different lifestyle and our phone usage depends on our lifestyle. Some people like me has family abroad, so we spend many minutes making international calls. Some people like to connect with friends through mobile chat or sms. Some like to do everything in their mobile such as surfing the net, social networking, watching movies and more.

Heavy phone users can benefit from Net10 Unlimited plan. This is a great deal because you can get nationwide coverage and unlimited talk, text, and data, for $50 a month. Net10 is a prepaid wireless service offering all local, long distance and roaming calls. They offer great nationwide coverage and excellent connectivity. They also offer flexible plans which you can switch every month without penalties. You can chose from the following plans:
1. Easy Minutes Plus plan. Plan starts at $15.00 for 200 minutes.
2. Pay-As-You-Go Plans, your minutes carry over with active service.
3. Unlimited Minutes, Text and Web for $50.00/month.

It may be hard to switch from your current phone service but to help you decide which is best for you, you have to watch the see the Light video, a Net10 Consultation video. You can also watch real NET10 customer video where they talk about how good Net10 is.

Net10 does not only offer great deals on their monthly plans but they also offer phones with calling and texting capabilities for under $15.00. For less then $40, you can get phones with essential features, such as camera, video recorder, blue tooth capability, mobile web and more. All their phones are from trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.

Are you ready for a change? Learn more about Net10 by visiting their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NET10Wireless) or their Twitter page (http://twitter.com/#!/Net10_Wireless).

Support a School

2011-08-02T09:02:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of My Coke Rewards for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Do you drink Coca-Cola products? If you do, then you can support a school. There are codes in any coke products that you can enter for My coke rewards. I have been doing it for the past couple of years and I have enjoyed its benefits already. I have exchanged my points for different items and I have also donated some of it.

There is a My Coke rewards for schools where you can donate your points to your school and the school uses the points to get rewards like athletic equipment, classroom supplies and more. So, parents, teachers and everybody in the community, please check out and register at mycokerewards.com/schools. Start entering the codes and donate points to your school of choice and help them get the rewards they want to enhance activities and play for the kids at school. Parents and teachers if you haven't register your school for My Coke Rewards for School, do it now and make great things happen for the students.

There are many exciting things happening in My Coke Rewards. From July 13 through September 30, Sprite is giving away 25 playgrounds, worth $25,000, to schools. All those who enter a code from Sprite/Sprite Zero will gain an entry to the sweepstakes to help their school win. Support a school now, purchase your favorite participating Coca-Cola product and enter codes at mycokerewards.com/schools to get points.

Dining @ Joe's Crab Shack

2011-08-01T19:09:00.004-05:00

Dining at Joe's is one of the best.
We started with Fried Calamari for our appetizer.

For our main course, we ordered crabs with corn in a cob and some french fries. The corn was so sweet and the crabs were so tasty.

Of course, a meal won't be complete without a dessert for the little girl!

No Contact, No Hassle

2011-08-01T19:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Is your phone service locked up for 2 years contract or more? Mine used to be like that and I was really frustrated every time that my service fails me. It irks me every time that I can't rely on my phone service for a clear connection especially if I call my family or call a friend in the Philippines. I have learned my lesson and said goodbye to my phone service provider.

Anyway, while I was watching the hook, line and sinker commercial, it made me realize to check more about Straight Talk. I have found out that Straight Talk has great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Best of all, they have low rates for their international long distance calls. These features are really important to me because I make a lot of international calls.

If you are tired of your unreliable phone service, then take advantage of the no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks of Straight Talk. You can get their unlimited monthly service for only $45 that includes calls, text, picture messaging, and web. You can get everything you need with their service at a very low cost.

People have been talking about Straight Talk and how good they are. You can watch one of the customer's testimonial below:

Donuts Anyone?

2011-08-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

Freshly made donuts! I love the Apple Cinnamon and the Raspberry. Andrea loves the one with chocolate on the top.

I love my donuts paired with hot coffee!

Cheaper Cellphone Plans

2011-07-29T00:01:00.002-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I have seen the video of hook, line and sinker from Team Straight Talk - Fantasy Fishing. It was pretty intriguing. It made me research about Straight Talk because they are the team's sponsor.

I have found out that Straight Talk is a new phone provider with great reception and connectivity. Its International Long Distance Service is a flexible and the rates are very affordable. They have "All You Need Plan” which gives the user 1,000 minutes, 1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. With Straight Talk, you can have everything you need from calls to text to web surfing. If you are a heavy phone user and you like using the phone without the worries you might exceed your plan usage, you can opt to get their Unlimited Monthly service for only $45. With unlimited service, you can call a friend anytime you want.

Straight Talk has the features I want for a phone provider. They have a great phone selection and one can choose to buy reconditioned phones for as low as $10. The best part of this is, there are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks when you get their service. Many customers have been satisfied with their service and you can see one of the testimonials below:

So, are you ready for a cheaper cellphone plans?

Hilton Head Island

2011-07-27T14:39:00.001-05:00

Next month, kids will be back to school. End of summer vacation for them. Some of the kids are ready for the school to start as they are bored with summer. Some are wishing that summer vacation will be extended because they can't get enough of it. Before the summer ends and before the kids will start another school year, wouldn't it be nice to bring the family for an island getaway? I am sure that the kids can't resist the fun of going to the beach.

One of the best places to go to the beach is at Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island is located in South Carolina. The place offers beautiful beaches, world class golf courses, unique shopping centers and unique restaurants.

There is something for everyone at Hilton Head Island. I am sure that if you visit the place you will be stunned with its beauty. First time visitors of the island need not worry because there are plenty of rental accommodations that you can choose from. The place has vacation homes, condo rentals, and even villa rentals.

If you need a peaceful getaway in a charming and historic setting, plan your vacation at Hilton Head Island!

I am a Sucker!

2011-07-25T14:49:00.002-05:00

When it comes to clearance items, I am a sucker! This is one of my latest finds and steals. A DKNY long sleeve shirt for hubby. Isn't this chic?

Guess, Guess, Guess

2011-07-23T14:26:00.000-05:00

I went to shop at Guess the other day. I bought some Guess goodies for a friend. I am glad that there is a Guess factory outlet near me because I can buy some good stuff for a lesser price. My friend is excited to get her Guess goodies. I am excited too because I love the stuffs that I got for her!

Misplaced Camera Charger

2011-07-20T22:44:00.000-05:00

After taking plenty of pictures, the battery of my camera got exhausted. I was ready to recharge it. I looked for my charger at its usual place but I can't find it. I look for all the possible places but I still can't find it. Am I getting old or what?

I was already frustrated not being able to find my camera charger. I can't be without my camera because how can I blog if I don't have a camera? I was almost ready to buy a new camera. In fact, I already found a 14MP 5x optical zoom camera for a price that I am very much willing to pay. I was actually getting excited to buy a new camera.

Then out of the blue, I thought of a possible scenario. Perhaps I put the camera charger on my laptop case when we went to Mobile, Alabama. I hurriedly checked it and there it was!

Finding my camera charger means not buying a new camera. Oh ... too bad! I wanted a new camera! hahaha

Sofia's Baptism

2011-07-18T18:55:00.002-05:00

My new niece was baptized few days ago. They had to have her baptism early because my brother is scheduled to work abroad soon.

This picture was taken at the church where all my siblings were baptized too. This is the church I went to when I was still in the Philippines. This is our parish church.

In the picture is my mom, my brother , my niece and my sister in law. Mom looks chic wearing black tops. She doesn't look like over 70 years old.