Try Capital One

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Do you love shopping online? If you're tired of paying the standard 3% transaction fee when you use it for foreign purchases or foreign currency transactions, then its time to take your credit card in a different level. You need international credit cards that do not charge international transaction fees. Applying for one is easy. Just follow the link and apply online. If you're still in doubt, compare the current offerings and look for other credit cards that charges no international fees.

Food Friday: Tibok-tibok

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Mom brought home this local dessert from Pampanga the other day. It's called Tibok-tibok, a milk pudding usually made from coconut milk. It's also popularly known as Maja Blanca but the Capampangans use carabao's milk instead of the usual coconut milk which makes it creamier. Fattening but really yummy.

Thinkpad Update

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So many unexpected expenses have come up the past weeks. All the money I have been saving from my blogging earnings were used to cover up for some of the expenses. The Lenovo Thinkpad will have to wait for a while. It was supposed to be my birthday gift for myself but there were more important things to take care of. Hopefully, next month I'll be able to purchase it.

On Acne Products...

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Acne is most common during adolescence and some say it is hereditary. I am way past that but I still get breakouts once in a while and I'm really glad that we now have a lot of acne products available. When buying acne products, I make sure I choose products that do not contain harsh ingredients that will dry and irritate my skin. I look for the ones that will help clear the breakouts and help prevent new ones from forming.

leather seats

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Are you looking for a leather home theater seating for your newly renovated home theater? Get them at Stargate Cinema. They deliver fast and you can choose from their wide selection of loungers and beautiful theater seats. Most items are on sale and shipping is free. So if you're looking for great deals on home theater seats, follow the link and avail of the wonderful discounts.

Burping A Lot

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Burping is our body's way of releasing gas from the stomach after we eat, and the most likely cause of it is sucking too much air when we eat or drink. It could sometimes be embarrassing especially when you burp too loud.

According to the article I've read, you can side step this by taking in less air. How? Try to eat and drink more slowly, like if you're used to eating your meals for 10 minutes, train yourself to eat for 30 minutes. Skip carbonated drinks and gum. Opt for coffee when you feel you must have caffeine.

Burping is not really a cause for concern and there are only a few cases reported that frequent burping can indicate a problem in the upper digestive tract.

Worry-free Travel

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If you are to travel anywhere, make sure you have a travel insurance. Some of you may actually think that you don't need it but what if you get ill abroad? Did you know that the costs to treat you could be very high? Your travel insurance will not only take care of the cost. It will also help find you appropriate health care facility. Nothing is really certain so begin your trip with a travel insurance and travel without the worries.

Food Friday: Vietnam Rolls

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The Vietnamese spring rolls are great appetizers. They are not the usual all veggie spring rolls we have here in the Philippines. These spring rolls have noodles [vermicelli] inside and are dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce.

Ingredients:

• 300 gms ground chicken
• 2 tbsp crushed garlic
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 of a small carrot, julienned [very thin]
• 1/4 cup tainga ng daga, a tropical mushroom known as Auricularia [soaked in water], other meaty mushroom can be substituted
• 50 gms sotanghon or vermicelli [soaked in water]
• 2 cups mung bean sprouts
• 1 tbsp patis or fish sauce
• 1/4 ground pepper
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• spring onion
  
• spring roll wrappers
• olive oil

Ingredients for Dipping Sauce:

• A cup patis/fish sauce
• 2 tbsp calamansi or lime juice
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp chopped garlic
• 2 pieces chili, sliced

Procedure:

For the dipping sauce, mix all ingredients in a bowl, then set aside. In a pan, saute garlic, onion and carrots. Add the mushroom, ground chicken, noodles and bean sprouts. Season with fish sauce and pepper before adding cilantro and spring onion. Let cool. Place one tablespoon of the mixture in a sheet of spring roll wrapper. Deep fry in oil. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

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Spice of Life

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Since the earliest times, spices and herbs have been used for healing. We may not know it but our spice rack is packed with potent medicines that we can use as natural therapies. Here's a list of some of the most helpful spices.

BASIL. A herb native to India, where it has long been revered as sacred and is known as "Holy Basil." It is an immune stimulant and increases production of disease-fighting antibodies. The herb also kills bacteria on skin and fights acne. You can use it as a skin wash or drink it as tea. For tea - put 2 to 3 tsp dried leaves in a cup of boiling water and steep for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily. For skin wash - put 2 tsp dried basil in a cup of boiling water. Let cool then apply on skin with a cotton ball.

DILL. This aniseed-flavored herb have been long used for healing stomach upsets. It works as a digestive aid by fighting bacteria that attacks the intestinal tract. It also fight E. coli bacteria which causes UTIs. For tea - put 2 tsp bruised seeds in a cup of boiling water. Steep 10 minutes, drink 3 cups daily. For bath - tie 1 tbsp dill seed in a sock and add to water. This can help prevent urinary tract infection.

TARRAGON. This herb is a member of the daisy family and is native to southern Europe. It is traditionally used as an appetite stimulant. It fights disease-causing bacteria and helps prevent infection. For heart disease - the chemical rutin helps prevent artery-narrowing plaque deposits. This herb also has anti-cancer properties. Make a tea by steeping 1 to 2 tsp dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily.

TURMERIC is a golden spice that is a mainstay in Indian curries. Best for arthritis, wounds, liver protection and heart protection. It has an anti-inflammatory action and it helps prevent infection and reduces cholesterol level. The chemical curcumin in turmeric protects liver tissue. For minor wounds, wash wound thoroughly then sprinkle on turmeric powder. As a digestive drink, mix 1 tsp of powder per cup of warm milk.

GINGER is a warming aromatic spice used in cooking and healing. It relieves nausea and dizziness for motion and morning sickness. It eases menstrual cramps and helps fight colds and flu by boosting the immune system. Ginger also reduces cholesterol and helps lower blood pressure. For tea - steep 2 tsp powdered or grated root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups daily.

CLOVE is an aromatic healing spice and an ancient breath freshener. It provides temporary pain relief for toothache and is an effective oral disinfectant. An infection fighter, it destroys intestinal parasites. Dip a cotton swab in clove oil and apply to affected tooth and gum. For tea - dissolve 1 tsp powdered cloves in a cup of boiling water and steep for 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups daily.

There are more spices on the list but I've decided to post them in 2 parts as this has gotten really long. I'll be publishing the second part next week.

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A Walk in the Park

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I've been seeing a lot of these bugaboo strollers lately. Yesterday, we went to visit my in-laws and while at the park we've seen a lot of babies in these colorful strollers. One parent said she likes it very much because her Bugaboo stroller is so versatile and she has more mobility options compared to other brands. We didn't have these kinds of strollers when my kids were still babies. Parents now are luckier because these new ones are innovative and they even have sunshade protection to protect their kids from UV rays and flying insects.

Get the most out of your car insurance

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I'm sure like everyone else, you worry about road accidents every time you leave the house. And to make sure you won’t be in much trouble when this happens, you always make sure to update your car insurance. The cost of your insurance and getting the most out of it is always on top of your list. My advice is this, when you look for a car insurance, the company should be able to give you a better understanding of what and how much you will be covered for.

Food Friday: Chicken Afritada

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This is what we had for dinner, Chicken Afritada is a blend of soy sauce, vinegar and tomato sauce. Goes perfectly with garlic fried rice. Here's the recipe...

Ingredients:

• sliced chicken pieces
  
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 small onion, sliced
• sliced potatoes
  
• sliced carrots
  
• 1 big red bell pepper, juliened
  
• 250ml water
• 125ml white vinegar
• 75ml dark soy sauce
• 1 small can tomato sauce
  
• vegetable oil
• salt to taste
• 2 bay leaves
• oregano
  
• peppercorns

Directions:

1. Saute chicken pieces in garlic and onion.
2. Add the chicken slices.
3. When the chicken slices are slightly brown, add vinegar, soy sauce and tomato sauce.
4. Then add water, potaoes and carrots and simmer for about 20 minutes.
5. When the chicken is done add the bell pepper, bay leaves and oregano.
6. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
7. Serve hot with garlic rice.

Berry, Berry Good

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I am sure you know by now that cranberries/cranberry juice works well in preventing UTIs. But here's more good news about the yummy berries, a new study has added stomach ulcers, cavities and heart disease to the list of problems cranberries help stop. based on their study, the fruit contains compounds that coat tooth enamel and the skin cells in our gums and the gastric cells in our tummies, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the surfaces. The antioxidants in cranberries also reduce harmful plaque in arteries. So there.. cranberry is another super food that we must add in our grocery list.

No More PMS

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It usually hurts so much whenever my daughter's monthly period comes. She can't move freely and she would rather stay at home during her heavy days. Even with the help of over the counter pills, she still feels uncomfortable. Then my sister sent her a bottle of progesterone cream to relieve her of PMS. She said it is the safest and most effective method of progesterone application. With this, she felt no pain and it worked really fast. Now I have to ask my sister to send her more.

Time To Get Serious on My Diet

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Are you struggling to lose weight like me? I used to cheat when it comes to dieting and have tried taking diet pills instead of exercise. I would lose a few pounds in the beginning but everything comes right back once I stop taking them. I think exercise and good choice of foods is still the best so I'm thinking of buying an elliptical. I know that walking is good for the heart but I can't bear the heat outside so an elliptical machine would be perfect. I'll give you an update on my diet once I start with the machine.

Why not a pair of Dansko?

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My daughter always had a thing for clogs. Even when she was younger she would ask me to buy her a pair whenever we shop for her shoes. Maybe it's because of the comfort and support these clogs give her feet. One time I asked her why she loves to wear clogs and she answered "They make me feel taller." Her birthday is coming up so I'm thinking... maybe I should order a pair of Dansko for her.

More Home Remedies

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If you have been following my posts and have kept a copy of my home and kitchen remedy lists, here are more do-it-yourself treatments I found that you can add to the list.

HEAT RASH. Mix cornstarch or oatmeal with water to make a thick paste. If you are using oatmeal use the regular oatmeal and not the instant. Both oatmeal and cornstarch help reduce irritation and swelling and they provide relief for itch. Apply the paste to affected area, let it dry, and leave on until it flakes off on its own. Re-apply only if it starts to itch again.

ATHLETE'S FOOT. Drop a few freshly minced cloves of garlic into a cotton sock and wear it overnight. Make sure you wash your feet with something that has a more pleasant smell in the morning. Do the treatment nightly until the fungus disappears, usually within 7 to 10 days. This treatment works because garlic kills all sorts of fungi.

SORE MUSCLE. Apple cider vinegar is a muscle reliever, it helps to draw the acid that causes soreness out of your muscles after exercise. Saturate a clean cloth with apple cider vinegar and wrap it around the muscle for 20 minutes, the pain should disappear within a few hours. For continued relief reapply every 3 to 4 hours until the pain is gone for good.

BLISTER. Apply lavender oil, just enough to fully cover blister. Do not deflate it. The oil will help deflate the blister and dry out faster. Reapply every few hours for 3 to 5 days or until the blister heals completely. Lavender is a proven anti-inflammatory that speeds up healing of skin irritations. Plus, the scent of lavender is incredibly soothing.

DOG BITE TREATMENT. I used to hear from my grandmother that garlic works well for dog bites. Applying a slice of garlic to the wound will kill germs, do it as a first aid before going to a doctor. A bite or scratch from a dog that breaks the skin poses the skin for infection.

I also got a comment last time asking about home remedy for lice. Back here I hear people use kerosene to get rid of lice. They say it's really effective but I will never recommend it and I wouldn't try that if I were you. That is not only harmful to the hair and scalp but is very dangerous, it's absurd. Medicated shampoos are still the best and the safest, but if you know of something, please let us know through the comment section. Thanks.

source: Health Magazine, article by Bethany Lye

Bee Pollen Power

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You probably know by now that bee pollen is often referred to as nature's super food. Since the old times, people regarded it as the most complete food, you can find that even in the bible. But first let me discuss what bee pollen is. It is the male reproductive part of a flower that the bees collect, the worker bees, I mean. They pack the bee pollen into granules by adding nectar/honey from their honey sacs and take it back to their hive. Once in the hive, they add an enzyme to prevent germination and metabolize it for food.

What does it do to us? According to research, it rejuvenates our body, stimulates organs and glands, enhances vitality, brings about a longer life span and acts very effectively as a natural energizer for the body. Bee pollen contains all of the nutrients one needs to live. It has high concentrations of vitamin B complex, and also contains, vitamin A, C, D and E. Among all the benefits that we get from bee pollen, the only side effect is for those who are allergic to bees.

Now that I have talked to you about how it was made and discussed the benefits, it's time you go over and check Joe's story and see for yourself how bee pollen made wonders to his health. And if you're not yet convinced, you may take advantage of the special trial offer so you can discover for yourself the benefits of bee pollen.

New Products from J&J

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For more than 5 decades, the name J&J has been a popular household name. I still remember when I was very young, my mom never ran out of J&J baby powder, J&J baby oil, J&J baby lotion, soap, body wash, name it and the list will go on. All these great products, she used to all of us, her three kids. We all grew up with J&J, and this is probably the reason why i chose the same products for my kids. It was only when my son had skin asthma breakouts that I stopped using the baby lotion because it was specified by the derma that he uses oatmeal lotion. Recently, J&J introduced innovative health products, and one of them is the vanilla oatmeal baby wash and baby lotion. It is specially formulated to combine oatmeal with an essence of vanilla, perfect for his skin. So, to J&J, thank you. I am definitely going back.

Food Friday: Chicken Arroz Caldo

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Arroz Caldo is a popular Filipino Congee and is a total comfort food for someone with a cold. A perfect food during the rainy season.

Join us at Food Friday. Happy weekend everyone!

Going Home

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It's confirmed! My sister is going home from the US next month. She called me last night to confirm her date of arrival. But before flying straight to Manila, she'll be passing by Nevada and book at reno hotels to visit a friend. She's going home to have the family dentist apply veneers on her teeth. Having it done in the US would cost her a fortune. I already talked to our dentist and he's getting everything prepared. I miss her so much and I'm really looking forward to seeing her again.

Crab Cakes Anyone?

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It was my birthday last Friday and look what mom whipped up for me. It's her best ever, great tasting crab cakes. What's best about her crab cakes? She makes it with Alaskan king crab legs. Traditional crab cakes are made from the meat taken from any species of crab. The meat from the legs of Alaskan king crabs are moist and sweet which make her cakes more yummy. They're the best!

Now, if you want your crab cakes to really taste good, I'll share her recipe using Alaskan king crabs. Crab cakes are usually served with tartar sauce, but when you're using crab legs, you wouldn't be needing the sauce anymore because the cake on its own is exquisite.

Crab Cakes

1 lb. Alaskan king crab leg meat
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup Saltines, crushed
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon paprika or Old Bay seasoning
cayenne pepper or Morton's Hot Salt
onion powder for sprinkling
butter or olive oil for frying

Remove any shell from crab. In a medium bowl, toss together crushed Saltine cracker crumbs, egg, parsley and mayonnaise until moistened, but do not over mix. Add salt and pepper.

Form into five or six cakes, 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick. Place in refrigerator on cookie sheet for at least one hour so they will set up. Sprinkle lightly with cayenne or Morton's Hot Salt and onion powder.

In a heavy skillet, fry crab cakes in butter (or olive oil), turning once until both sides are nicely browned (about 10 minutes).

i hate these chores meme

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Tagged by Karen.

~~~START COPY~~~This meme is pretty simple.Here are the rules:1.) List down the household chores you hate and why. Do you think you can survive without helpers and nannies?2.) Copy the image.3.) Tag as many girlfriends you want, the daddies and hubbies can also join.4.) Add your blog’s link in the domesticated divas linky love. You can add all your blogs.5.) Leave ME a comment and I’ll add you up in the masterlist.

DOMESTICATED DIVAS: Living the Healthy Life / Sripe&Yellow / Vanity Kit / Mind Bubbles / Something Purple / Em’s Detour / Me,Myself+2 / Kidd Designs / FunFierceFabulous / Ozzy’s Mom / Insights from the Grocery Cart / Living A’ La Mode / God’s Best Gift / MommyAllehs Up-Close And Personal / My Precious Niche / Just Me.. Eds / Eds Mommy Life / Mommy Talks Aggie Shoots. Aggie Scraps All Kinds of Me Stuff The Salad Caper Winding Creek Circle InkBabyStudios My Happy Place Iam Dzoi Suburban Sass To the Moon and Back Raising Sandy All Things Me Because Life Is Fun Feels Like Home , Growing up with Bea, My life... my own piece of heaven, Mommy's Little Corner, YOUR BLOG HERE~~~END COPY~~~

My most hated chore: ironing clothes - my husband's grandmother used to tell me i'm good at it because she taught me to iron clothes. but i just don't like this chore i think it's because of the heat. you can ask me to wash clothes with my hands and i won't complain, i can clean this and clean that, but please don't ask me to iron! :)

Tagging: Imelda, Juliana and Ria

A Treasured Heirloom

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Thinking of a kitchen make-over? Then, you better check this out. I found a cool web site selling enclume pot racks that would definitely add a touch of style to any kitchen. For so long, I have thought of a hanging pot rack for my copper pots. Those pots are from my mom and she had those since I was a child. I know copper pots and pans are very expensive and boy, I was really glad when she handed them down to me.

And now that it's my turn to take care of these pots, I just knew there is no better way to keep them than with an enclume pot rack. These copper cookwares require a bit of maintenance to keep them shiny so I have to be a little extra careful when handling and storing the pots and pans after using. Plus, enclume pot racks not only add elegance and class to my kitchen, it is so convenient and the pots are on an easy to reach location.

When the time comes that I have to pass the copper pots to my daughter, she won't only get the pots, but the pot rack as well cause an enclume is meant to last for years.

Treating Acne

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I used to hear from other people that they treat acne with toothpaste, it's a popular belief, they say. Treating it with toothpaste is not a smart move because the flouride in toothpaste can cause more breakouts. Plus, the bleaching and whitening agents can burn skin. For stubborn pimples and acne, it would be best to look for an acne product that contains natural ingredients not only designed to soothe skin and exfoliate acne fast but kill bacteria and unclog pores.

Halloween Costumes

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August just came in, and already, the kids are thinking of Halloween. Don't you think it is too early? My daughter said, it isn't because we have to prepare for the kids halloween costumes. She reminded me of what happened last year, we were too busy then and did not have time to prepare for their costumes. Until only a few days before Halloween, but all the great costumes were already sold out. We went hunting for their costumes and tried going from one mall to another but we had no luck finding what they like. They were both disappointed so I had to think of something, good thing Halloween makeup saved me.

This year, they are more excited because of the new addition in the family, our cute little shih-tzu, Lokii. They want to take him trick or treating and my youngest thought of wearing a soldier camouflage costume this year. And since he is going to be a soldier, he thought of getting Lokii a prisoner costume. It was my son who stumbled upon Anytime Costumes telling me that he found the perfect costumes for him and Lokii. I told him I have to check the site first and read on the CPSC Halloween safety page. He doesn't have the faintest idea that I already did, I'm just waiting for my orders. I'm sure he'll be surprised. ;)

EC Credits and Link Love

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Perfect attendance! Thank you so much my top droppers :) Starting today, I have decided to reward my top droppers with not just linky loves but entrecredits too.