Never Dainty

• 4 tbsp. syrup
• 3/4 c. milk (some recipes do not include this)
• Carbonated water
• Crushed ice

Labels: drinks, food, good finds, how to, recipes, tips, tips tricks

• Plan your day. It is important to list down the things that need to be done today. If you do not have a list to abide to, it is pretty easy to stray from your path and find yourself doing things that could have been done later. In the end, you may have not done what you were really supposed to do.
• Find your down times. At work, most people have a "noisy" time where they somehow relax a bit or become a bit lazy when it comes to work. Find that time which you somewhat do not feel like doing anything and have your break then.
• Set time limits. Everybody has a lot of things to do. So it is best that you set up certain amounts of time to finish or attend to a certain thing and make sure you try to finish what you set off to do for that allotted time. That way, that will be marked off the list of things to do.
• Keep a journal or a diary of the things you did all through the day. The GiGC gave me a 3-year diary as a Christmas present last year (it's pink!), and it has been quite useful in helping me keep tracks on what I did on this particular day, or what happened on this day. Even my frustrations and thoughts go here.
• Use programs to help track your time. Remember when I talked about RescueTime? Yes, that is it. If RescueTime does not help, then I also have an alternative way of keeping track of things to do, the ever helpful MS Excel.
• Take more breaks. I know it sounds crazy, but the only thing that has kept me from having a burn-out is because in every hour, I take at least a couple of minutes off to cool my aching brain. It actually works. One really cannot help process tons of data in 8 straight hours. Have a break, have a KitKat.
• Start the day right. In every single thing you do, it is best to remember that if you start the day right, you go through the day right. Even if there are numerous undesirable things that are bound to happen, if you start off right, eventually, it will end up right again.

Labels: focus, how to, improvement, learning, lifestyle, productivity, tips

1. Don't check your email every minute. I think most people would agree that your time is wasted hugely on the fact that you respond almost immediately as soon as something new comes in. If you've worked with email clients, such as Outlook or Thunderbird - like I do at home, then make sure the alert is turned off. It is best to check emails in intervals. To be honest, I check my emails hourly or every two hours.
2. Apply filters. Gmail has this feature which allows you to automatically archive emails and put labels in them. Since my email serves as the command center, I have already set filters into my emails. That way, I can set time as to when I deal with emails that come for which ones. That way, I can easily focus my time into one set of emails - like those that are work related, forwarded, from my mother, from online opps.
3. Take care of each email right away. I am not going back on #1, what I mean to say is that you take care of each email as soon as you've read it. Decide what you do with it: delete, archive, forward-archive, forward-delete, reply-archive, reply-delete.
4. Is it important that you have to read it for information? If so, I recommend you Star it then Archive, or file it away to a folder/label called "Readables" then Archive it, as soon as you have dealt with it, remove the label and you're good. Or you could print it out and have it as a reading material when doing something outside cyberspace.
5. Does the email contain things that you need to do in the future? Take note of the things and details and mark them down in your calendar, to-do list, or somewhere else. Archive email after taking notes.
6. One location. In essence, I have just one folder, and it is Archive. The Inbox simply acts like some kind of waiting room where emails wait to be executed. I merely add labels to make me get organized more. If I ever need something, there's always the search option which has not failed me yet.

Labels: email, getting things done, how to, improvement, Monday Hacks, productivity, time management, tips, work, work at home

• People with curly hair do not need to shampoo everyday. However, conditioning is important every time you shower. Choose shampoo and conditioner that leaves you feeling good, not the ones that make you feel like you haven't cleaned it at all.
• Air dry or blow dry your hair. Choosing to completely blow dry your hair can cause frizz and you don't want that. So stop the drying before your hair is completely dry. Alternate it with air drying once or twice in a week.
• Avoid the daily use of these: elastic bands, blow driers, flat irons, and chemicals.
• Do not use a lot of products. Just use a small amount, rub your palms together to warm it up, then use evenly. Using a lot of products can weigh your hair down. You wouldn't want that. Products that contain alcohol should also be avoided as they dry your hair and often increase frizzies.
• Brushes are the usual culprit of frizz. Use combs or better yet, use your fingers.

Labels: how to, improvement, lifestyle, preservation, street smarts, tips, tricks, women

• 2 slices crisp bacon
• 3 slices toasted bread
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 leaves lettuce
• 2 slices cold cut ham (can be substituted for any meat you prefer)
• 2 slices tomato

1. Place bacon in a heavy skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain on paper towels.
2. Spread each slice of bread with mayonnaise. On one slice of toast, place the ham and lettuce. Cover with a slice of toast, then the bacon and tomato. Top with last slice of toast.

Labels: bread, cooking, Dagwood sandwich, food, ham, health, healthy living, homegrown, how to, recipes, sandwich

• To take care of straight hair, look for shampoos gentle enough for daily shampooing. If you want to use conditioning products, make sure they are light, such as sprays and NOT creams. And you have to make sure to wash them out well, because conditioners tend to become the ultimate death of fine hairs as they drag it down.
• To create volume, use a mousse or gel on the roots of your hair. For better effect, go against the natural parting of your hair. Better yet, tip your head upside down while for a minute or two.
• To create some bounce and body to straight hair, find thickening shampoos and make them your BFFs. These usually have panthenol, which makes each hair strand thicken.

Labels: female stuff, girl talk, how to, improvement, tips, tricks

Labels: Blogger, blogging, blogs, good finds, how to, improvement, productivity

1. Resentment - This one is something like a small dose of rat poison in your food. It kills your relationship little by little through the small resentments you have. If you do not let the small things go, little by little, it builds and one day it would just blow up without your partner knowing anything about it.
2. Jealousy - Nothing is worse than letting jealousy eat you up inside. Although, admittedly it would be nice if your special someone was jealous once in a while. But do not take it to the next level by being too driven by it. It could definitely ruin a relationship.
3. Unrealistic expectations - People are people. Despite what you think your special someone SHOULD be, do not expect too much. A little surprise never hurt anybody, and if you set your expectations too high from the person, you end up feeling let down, and you do not have anybody else to blame other than yourself.
4. Not making time - This, I believe is one of the usual culprits of broken marriages. In the quest to provide for the family, a spouse, or both, could spend so much time doing other things to the extent that he or she no longer has the strength or time to spend on his or her own family. And to be honest, this is what I fear the most. Spending time with your whole family is different from spending one on one time with your significant other. Omit this one, and *poof!* next thing you know your boats are drifting apart.
5. Lack of communication - Communication is a MUST in ALL forms of relationships. Everybody has misunderstandings and small fights, but if there is lack of communication, there is a lack of clarification or letting out of emotions which in turn could add to the brewing battle of wills.
6. Not showing your gratitude - Even the simplest of things can make or break a relationship. Showing your gratitude by appreciating even the minute things done for you or the blessings that have come can definitely strengthen a relationship. Not showing your gratitude can often make your partner feel like his oer her efforts were nothing, or that you did not even notice the things done for you.
7. Lack of affection - No duh! Lack of affection = lack of anything. While the song "all we need is love.." is not exactly true, a marriage/partnership/relationship MUST have some form of affection. Right? Or else!

Labels: good finds, how to, improvement, marriage, personal matters, relationships, tips

• Have a schedule. Varying times of going to sleep can disrupt your sleep quality. The body pretty much runs on routine, therefore erratic sleeping schedules can confuse your "biological clock."
• Watch what you eat before bedtime. Your stomach should have something inside it, but it should not be full to the seams. One should not sleep until 3 hours after dinner has passed.
• Keep your bedroom dark. Exposure to light when everything is supposed to be dark can also disrupt your internal cycles.
• Have a good mattress. Turn your mattress upside down every couple of months. Replace it after 5-7 years as soon as you feel the springs and other innards.
• Exercise. If your job involves a sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical exertion, this may result a poor quality of sleep.
• Visit your doctor. If you are concerned that you might have some sort of sleeping disorder, it is always best to check with the professionals.

• Wearing appropriate clothing that reflects the weather.
• If you can't fall asleep within an hour or less, get up and do something. Do not stay in bed. Staying in bed for long hours and not going to sleep makes one associate your bed not with sleep.
• Try lavender. It is said to be very soothing and the scent may help calm you down and succumb to sleep.
• Do not nap for 15-20 minutes a day. It drives your sleep cycle crazy making it harder to sleep at night.

Labels: cure, exercise, health, healthy living, how to, improvement, remedies, sleep, tips, tricks

Over the short course of three years, I have managed to give birth to two beautiful (if I may say so myself) babies. At a relatively young age of 23, I am already a mother of a 2-year old girl and a 1-year old baby boy. And I am very much happy with both of them. Thank you very much!

However, in as much as I do love my babies, I really do not want a third bouncing baby. I mean, it is just too much for me to handle, I guess. I would like another baby.. but just not right now. You get my drift?

Honestly? I am not a whiz at determining if I am pregnant or not. Up until a couple of months ago. :) My paranoia at getting pregnant has taught me a lot to watch out for symptoms and signs that I think I might be getting good at it. Hahahaha..

Recent events got me researching all over the Internet and asking around as to how to tell if one is pregnant. What happened? Oh nothing really... Just a bunch of people asking me if I'm pregnant or not. Some say I must be pregnant because I lost weight, while some ask if I am because I gained weight. Some asked because I seem to be blooming, and some, well, some people just ask because it seems I keep spawning. LoL

I would like to share them with you, just in case. Here are ways to determine if you've got a bun in your oven. Not all of them may apply, but you are welcome to try ALL of them. It never hurts to try, you know.

• hCG test - Nothing like a good test to get rid of all anxiety and get to the bottom of things. Although there are some versions of this test that just do not work. So it does not exactly work 100%, but then again, what does? I did not know I had my second baby because I took 3 hCG tests and 2 came out negative and 1 positive. I believed the Negative. Wahaha.. Yeah, I believe what I want to believe.
• Frequent Urination - One sign that was a dead giveaway for me was the frequent urination. Especially in the middle of the night. Even at work, I wondered why I had to urinate every hour or so. Then again, that happened to me recently, too. But I realized I just drink a LOT of water these days. :D
• Drowsiness - This one, for me, hits the mark. When I had my first baby, all I could think about was sleep. I just wanted to sleep, sleep, and sleep. And sleep I did! If there is no reason why you should be sleepy all the time then, CONGRATULATIONS!
• Increased appetite and cravings - For some women, the increase of appetite simply means menstruation is just around the bend. However, I believe it is when the would-be-pregnant woman would crave for something that is often illogical to crave for, THAT is it! For example, when I was pregnant with my second baby, I would ask my husband to buy me banana cue at 12 a.m. :D OR like my aunt who would ask her husband to go to events and stuff and make sure he brought home the private part of a girl lechon for her to eat. If he couldn't bring it, then he better not come home at all. See!
• Increase of weight / bloating - Well, there are many explanations for an increase of a woman's weight. Sometimes this is due to the menstruation, still. But if she continues to gain weight, then what else could it be?
• Missed period - Of course! If you miss it, then there must be wrong. This should be warning enough for you, right? Then again, I've had times where I missed it for a couple of months, then it just comes back...! *whew!*
• Quickening - This is defined as the movement of the baby inside the womb. This actually almost made me faint. When I felt my baby move, I was then pretty sure I had something. Worms wouldnt make much movement, right? What else could it be? Hyperacidity just does not kick that much.
• Heartbeat in the womb - If there is a separate heartbeat inside of you, I believe you should have yourself checked. Because if that is not a baby, then you really should be worried.
• Moodiness - Women tend to have PMS (Pre-menstrual Syndrome). However, in this case, the if the moodiness does not go away after a while, then, "Houston, we have a bun in the oven."
• Unusually big midsection - Sometimes it comes out as a beer belly (yes, some women have beer bellies), and sometimes it is actually a baby. There are some cases, though, for some lucky women where the midsection does not grow as big as it is supposed to. These are the cases when one does not really know for sure.
• Glowing - I am not saying that the woman glows like a glow-worm. All I'm saying is that a pregnant woman has this GLOW around her. I really can't explain it much. It just is.
• Breast tenderness - The breast area often becomes tender and somewhat swollen when the woman is pregnant. I believe it is the hormones. A friend of mine asked me once about this, and I think that there is this fine line between the tenderness when the woman is about to have her monthly visitor, or the woman would not be in contact with that visitor for another 9 months or so.

I think I have listed a couple of signs already. I will try to update this as I go around and pick up more clues.

I do believe that children/babies are blessings from God. God would not give you something that He knows you cannot handle. That's why I keep my head up. I keep pushing and pushing because I know that I can do this. It is a shame to bring a child into this world, only to let it suffer. Be smart! ;) I know I'm trying. Hehehe..

Labels: female stuff, how to, opinion, pregnancy, tips, tricks, women

• 2 kilos potato
• 2 tetra packs Mayo
• 1 can pineapple chunks
• 1 chicken breast
• 2 apples (preferably Fuji apples)
• pepper
• sugar
• salt
• pickled relish
• mustard
• white onion (finely chopped)
• chicken cubes

• Wash the chicken breast and put to boil. When boiling, but garlic, onion, chicken cubes, salt, vetsin (optional), and a dash of pepper.
• Check if chicken breast is already soft or cooked.
• Take the chicken out of the soup to cool. DO NOT THROW AWAY CHICKEN STOCK/BROTH.
• Once chicken is cooled, shed chicken into small strips.

• Peel the potatoes
• Depending on the size of the potatoes, chop until 1/4 of the size of a small potato.
• Cook the potatoes in the chicken broth. [To test if potatoes are already cooked, push a toothpick into one. If it goes right in, then it is ready.]
• Use a colander when removing the potatoes from the broth.

• Mix the chicken strips and potatoes, pineapple chunks [drained], and chopped apples [same size as the potatoes].
• Season to taste using salt, pepper, mustard, pickle relish, mayo, etc.

Labels: cooking, homegrown, how to, potato, recipes, salad, tips, tricks

In this day and age, there is a need to refine the ancient art of street smarts. It is not because we have developed a sudden case of paranoia or some other psychotic trait. But merely a step towards precaution.

For the past few days, there has been an increase of instances where more and more people get robbed on their way to work. These robberies most likely happen to those who work in call centers and other jobs which require job shifts to start at such unholy hours. Since there is nothing that can be done to address the work schedules, it is a must to apply some precautions to help us from suffering the worst in robberies in these situations.

I have come up with some ideas that could make the most out of robberies and when travelling alone. Although these things may not suit you, but at least it would give you some ideas as to which best suits you.

1. Wear comfortable footwear. When commuting, it is always best to wear comfortable shoes. This comes in handy when somebody has snatched your bag or purse. If you think you can do it, you can pursue the culprit better if you can run better. And you can also run for help easier, too! And if you managed to have a firm grip on your bag, the weight of your work-shoes should provide the additional *umph!* if you choose to hit him/her with it.
2. Do not carry a lot of cash. When commuting, or simply going around town, I believe it is best to carry a small amount of cash. At least when somebody tries to grab your bag and gets away with it, you could always call people immediately and just cancel your cards.
3. Hide your cash in your person. After an incident early this week of somebody getting robbed close to my house, my husband suggested that I do not put my money inside my bag. That way, when somebody robs you and asks for your bag, you can hand it over and still have your money safe. I dont know about you, but I have resorted to putting my bills in a small pouch and tucked inside my bra - just when I travel to work at 6 a.m.
4. Leave your cards at home. Leaving your cards at home is a good thing, too. Not only does it help you save money from robbers, but it also helps you save money from your spending! Just bring enough money for your expenses and a little extra for emergencies. Nothing more, nothing less.
5. Have somebody accompany you. There have been many instances of robberies right after payday. Some people have availed of salary loans and when this happens, the credit company keeps the ATM card and they withdraw all your funds for you. When you have your salary in hand, go home directly. Either that, or run straight to the bank and deposit it. Do not go around down with your moolah. Some robbers dont exactly care if you're a millionaire or if you just have a couple of hundreds. If they want it, they want it.
6. Dress normal. Most of the time, anything that glitters catches a robber's attention. If you are not a bodyguard toting socialite, then perhaps you should try to be a fashionista without the UBER bling bling that yells "I'm bloody rich!!" because if you do, I bet you a hundred dollars that you will be eyed on and as quickly as you can say "Snap!" you're either at gun point, knife point, or simply dumbstruck that your earrings are gone without you noticing it.

These are only a couple of my ideas but I would be happy to hear any tricks up your sleeve. :)

Labels: how to, personal safety, street smarts, tips, tricks