Nestle All Purpose Cream - Strawberry Flavor

Maybe in anticipation of the Christmas Season, Nestle is now selling limited edition Strawberry and Buko Pandan flavored all purpose cream.

We've only tried the Strawberry flavored one. It's a thicker cream than the usual and already tastes sweet. I used it for my Cathedral Windows recipe and my strawberry-loving loved ones loved it. However, you might want to lessen the condensed milk in the recipe as the cream already tastes sweet.

Digiscrapping with Digital Candy

Wonderful downloads await registered members at Digital Candy. I am talking of major freebies here, with entire mega kits and quick pages alike to choose from. What's more, the kits are usually broken down into smaller downloads (some even label them thoughtfully so you can only download elements or frames if you only want them).

There are already so many Christmas kits and pages to choose from for those who are already digiscrapping tags and storybook gifts for loved ones and friends.

Have fun downloading and always leave some love!

Wanted: Sales/Marketing Assistants and Product & Layout Designer

got this in my e-mail

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Sales & Marketing Assistant

Job Description
• Develop calling and selling strategies - Develop selling strategies via telephone & personal sales calls
• Prospecting - aggressively gain new customers via telemarketing & personal presentations.
• Expand and generate growth in existing and new users of products
• Set up appointments within assigned sales territory to introduce new clients to products offered.
• Develop the existing corporate account base by continuously strategizing with clients and penetrating other departments.
• Develop and maintain a sustained relationship with each client by providing excellent customer service.
• Work closely with marketing to develop appropriate selling and presentation materials
• Ensure effective execution of sales and projects through merchandise research and extensive account follow-up.
• Ensure a high degree of satisfaction with the company's products and services
• Provide quotation to clients

Job Qualifications
· Graduate of any Business Course, preferably Marketing
· With Good Communication and Public Relation Skills
· Excellent in Oral and Written English
· Willing to work in Makati
· Preferably with Driver’s License
Ability to:

· Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
· Enter data or information into a computer terminal or other keyboard device
· Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in a one-to-one or group setting



Product & Lay-out Designer

Job Description
· Design new products according to the client’s needs.
· Request quotation of newly designed products from suppliers
· Provide layout or artwork to be sandblasted on the crystal pieces
· Request approval of artwork from clients
· Develop miscellaneous promotional materials
· Develop miscellaneous name badges and business cards
· Design special displays for tradeshows and outlet stores

Job Qualifications
· Ability to operate various computer applications such as Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Auto cad
· Ability to comprehend instructions well
· Keen eye for detail
· Graduate of Design, Fine Arts or other related courses


APPLICANTS MAY PERSONALLY AT 80 SEN. GIL PUYAT AVE. BRGY, SAN ISIDRO MAKATI CITY OR SEND THEIR RESUME VIA EMAIL AT nori@crystal-catx.com

Appliance Shopping

When shopping for appliances, especially in this grand merry season of Christmas, always make sure you get your money's worth. Do not be fooled by freebies. Make sure you've compared prices beforehand to make sure those freebies weren't actually included in the selling price. On the other hand, make sure to inquire abut freebies too.

See, most manufacturers have actually included the cost of certain things with their products. For example, most TV sets come with free tv stands now. PLasma TVs come with free mounting services.

And make sure you inquire about warranties and compare wattages. Go green when you can. And stick to trusted brands if you know you'll be using that certain appliance a lot.

Moving and Merging

One of the things soon-to-weds forget to anticipate is the moving and living together thing after the wedding. So, understandably enough, few get to research on moving services available to them until they're only a few weeks away from the wedding, and already superbly stressed with the wedding.

So make sure you include packing and moving costs in your wedding budget. The things that you know in your heart of hearts that you'll never use again, sell them in garage sales or on Ebay. Do not leave them in your family's home to continue occupying space (plus, if you leave to your parents the sifting through, they might end up throwing things that ARE precious to you). This way, you earn some extra bucks to buy something else for your new home.

In the Filipino culture, where most kids only leave home when they get married (sometimes, not even then), there may be few furniture and appliances you'll be bringing with you so you may not need a moving truck. But if you had your own place before and you and your spouse-to-be are living in a new place after the wedding, make sure you get professionals to help you.

Yema Balls

Ingredients:
I can condensed milk/creamer
12 egg yolks
2 tbsp. calamansi juice
2 cups sugar

Directions:
1. Combine first three ingredients in a pan. Cook in low heat, stirring constantly until mixture leaes the sides of the pan.

2. Cool then shape into 1/2 inch diameter balls. Let stand for 10 minutes.

3. Caramelize sugar. Using a toothpick, dip yema balls in the caramel, making sure the entire ball is covered.

4. Arrange in greased tray and cool. Wrap in cellophane.

Yield: About 24 balls.

Watch How Much of What You Eat

This Holiday season, watch how much you eat of what, otherwise, you might have to also watch what you pop in your mouth as a consequence. Or quick fix-it.

It's the season for sweets and pastries and everything creamy and spiced with alcohol. It's the season for cured meats and pies and roasted game. Everywhere you go, you're sure to be following parties. From here onwards, every weekend will be occupied by some get-together or yearend reunion with friends over food and drinks. How else can one be merry if not dining and drinking with loved ones?

It's no myth. We gain weight during this time of the year. And sure, Orovo pills and the like may help in the end but a better attitude would be making sure we wouldn't have to depend on weight loss pills. So if you must indulge, do it in moderation. And make sure you already pay the price now for it by increasing your physical activities (like dancing at same party, instead of just sitting down; taking the stairs up and down; making love more; jogging; longer gym time; doing more housework; etc.)

We should also remember that all those calories don't only result in weight gain, they may also result in heart attacks or high blood pressure. So be mindful of your body as your spirit enjoys the season.

Nestle Ice Cream Party Package

Got the flyer from my Good Living subsciption.

Nestle now offers their deliciously popular iced treats (pinipig, twin popsies, pops, chuckie, etc) for birthdays and other celebrations. Order now and bring out the child in you and your guests!

Package 1
Minimum P950
50-99 pieces assorted frozen novelties in a non-refrigerated icebox for 3 hours

Package 2
Minimum P1,500
100 pieces and up of assorted frozen novelties in a carrito (with vendor) for 3 hours

For inquiries, call:
~ greater Manila area: Doreen (722-3000 or 722-3218)
Edwin Vcerra (0917-6653198)
~ central Luzon: Francis Fernandez (0920-9537756)
~ north Luzon: Rowell Ramel (0917-5270923)
~ south luzon: Jiv Cinco (0917-3299708)
~ visayas: Francis Tuquib (0916-3631286)
~ mindanao: Joenard Gamao (0920-9533175)

Oceanarium Kiddie Party: Upgraded Package

Package Price: P80,000 for50 persons
In excess: P600/person

Menu A
Chicken Lollipopps
Mini Burgers
Pork Barbecue
Spaghetti with Hotdogs and Meatballs
Fruit Juice

Menu B
Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Flavored Fries (cheese or barbecue)
Mini Rolls (Pork Asado and Ham)
Buffalo Chip Cookie Bars
Fruit Juice

Package Inclusions:
~ choice of Menu A or B
~ buffet set-up for the menu of choice
~ complete catering equipment and utensils
~ assistance of well-trained waiters and catering personnel
~ use of Batis Function area for 4 hours with basic sound system c/o Manila Ocean Park
~ complimentary Oceanarium tour for 50 kids.(Additional park entrance rates shall be charged P350/head in excess)

Party Amenities:
~ 25 theme party invitations
~ 25 theme party name tags
~ 25 theme loot bags with goodies
~ 25 balloon sticks
~ 8 kiddie table setup with balloon arrangements
~ 2 balloon pillars
~ choice of 2 confetti poppers or 25 party poppers
~ 1 balloon burst with candies or pabitin/pinata with toys
~ 1 theme cake 10x14 (cake flavors: orange or mocha)
~ entertainment party host with balloon show
~ choice of face painting or kiddie salon
~ choice of popcorn or cotton candy food cart
~ free use of tarpaulin backdrop
~ entrance signage/welcome banner
~ bubble machine
~ mascot standee
~ package is VAT exclusive


* exclusive catering by Manila Catering Services
** important note: at the mock setup we saw, they dressed the tables with fake pearls and beads to further channel the theme, but these could pose a choking hazard to your kiddos.

Oceanarium Kiddie Party: Basic Package

Package Price: P68,000 for50 persons
In excess: P500/person

Menu A
Chicken Lollipopps
Mini Burgers
Spaghetti with Hotdogs and Meatballs
Fruit Juice

Menu B
Nachos with Cheese Sauce
Mini Rolls (Pork Asado and Ham)
Buffalo Chip Cookie Bars
Fruit Juice

Package Inclusions:
~ choice of Menu A or B
~ buffet set-up for the menu of choice
~ complete catering equipment and utensils
~ assistance of well-trained waiters and catering personnel
~ use of Batis Function area for 4 hours
~ complimentary Oceanarium tour for 50 kids.(Additional park entrance rates shall be charged P350/head in excess)

Party Amenities:
~ 25 theme party invitations
~ 25 theme party name tags
~ 25 theme loot bags with goodies
~ 25 balloon sticks
~ 25 party poppers
~ 8 kiddie table setup with balloon arrangements
~ 1 balloon burst with candies or pabitin with toys
~ 1 theme cake 10x14 (cake flavors: orange or mocha)
~ free use of tarpaulin backdrop
~ entrance signage/welcome banner
~ bubble machine
~ package is VAT exclusive


* exclusive catering by Manila Catering Services
** important note: at the mock setup we saw, they dressed the tables with fake pearls and beads to further channel the theme, but these could pose a choking hazard to your kiddos.

Beware of Overspending on Supposed Cheap Buys

I'm sorry but I can't help it, I have to at least say something about it.

What with Christmas season coming up, and around 90% of the population are feeling pressured to shop for gifts, one really cannot fault someone for wanting to capitalize on people's generosity or lack of time to shop.

I just saw someone advertise cheap toys for her friend in our ygroups... and most of the toys were things I saw being sold in Anding's Toy Shop in Divisoria. I even bought some of the same items (the flashcards, I got for P25 only, but they're selling it for P60).

I mean, I know going to Divisoria is a hassle... but it's also a hassle to meet up to get the items right? So why not brace yourself for a one-time big hassle and just shop in Divi?

Plus, although I understand the trouble it takes to scour Divi for good buys (after all, I spent my Wednesday afternoon there), surely a self-respecting reseller wouldn't double the price of something?

Toshiba Satellite: One Cool Computing Companion

Christmas shopping for a gadget? Consider getting yourself (or your beloved) a Toshiba Satellite laptop PC. It's the perfect techie gift to cover all the important bases when it comes to a laptop. Toshiba offers a selection of processors with generous storage and memory options.

It's really affordable too. The bestseller L300 costs around Php30,000 ($580) and offers a 15.4" widescreen.

Truly, Toshiba doesn't lie when it touts its Satellite line as the AFFORDABLE PORTABLES.

Shibari Photo Exhibit

Shibari is a Japanese word that literally means "to tie" or "to bind". It is used in Japan to describe the artful use of twine to tie objects or packages. The word Shibari came in to common use in the west at some point in the 1990s to describe the bondage art Kinbaku. Kinbaku - is the word for "bondage" or Kinbaku-bi which means "beautiful bondage".

Shibari is the Japanese style of binding which involves tying up a captive (usually during wartime) using simple yet visually intricate patterns several pieces of thin rope (generally 6mm or 8mm).

Tori-Nawa-Jutsu (Photo Exhibit of Traditional Japanese Binding)
Venue: Penguin Gallery Cafe' - 604 Remedios Street Malate Manila very near the Remedios Circle - tel number 710 8056
Date: November 21, 2008
Time: 9pm onwards

There will be a live demonstration of the rope craft by Rope Artist - John "Bo" Roxas

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got the above from an e-mail. Am sure this one will be a very interesting date, even for married couples.

Pastillas de Leche

Ingredients:
1 can Carnation Condensed Sweetened Creamer
2 1/4 cups full cream powdered milk or powdered cow's milk if you can get them
2 tbsps. butter
1 tsp. grated dayap (rind)
1/4 cup sugar

Procedure:
Combine first four ingredients, mixing well until mixture can be handled. Put mixture between two wax papers and flatten with a rolling pin to about 1 cm. thick. Cut into strips and roll on sugar. Wrap individually in colored cellophane.

Makes about two dozen.

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* you can use Nido full cream powdered milk, or, for a creamier pastillas, use Birch Tree

Indulge...Not Overindulge

Sometimes, the prefix "over" can spell the difference between needing diet pills after the Holidays and not.

Let us be kind to ourselves. Let us feel free to indulge. The Holidays is the season for baked goodies anyway, so might as well help ourselves to a cookie or two. Plus, Christmas Ham doesn't really taste as delicious if eaten when it isn't Christmas.

Let us indulge.

But let us not overindulge. The Holidays, like pregnancy and a break-up, shouldn't become a scapegoat for our gluttony. Eating a little of everything may be fine, eating a lot of all that passes in front of you is not. Eating a slice of cake is fine, eating the whole cake is not. And eating a slice of cake after every meal is also not swell.

Moderation is the key. You'll find that when you know you can enjoy some of the party food, you're also less likely to feel such a tremendous need to eat a lot of it. We have such issues with forbidden fruits, so help yourself to a glazed apple. One a week won't kill you, anyway.

Urgent Job Opening: Call Center Agents

My cousin in law is currently looking (and very URGENTLY, I might add) to fill 30 slots of Call Center Agents-Technical Support. Successful candidates will be assigned at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City with a starting rate of P20,000.00. This is for permanent/regular/Full-Time position.

Key responsibilities for the post include, but are not limited to:
~ Providing first level support
~ Assisting in documenting solutions to resolve customer issue.
~ Ensuring incidents are properly resolved and / or escalated to second level support
~ Informing management of incidents that have a significant business impact
~ Submitting suggestions for process and procedure improvements
~ Ensuring a high degree of customer satisfaction

Required Skills:
~ Preferred Bachelor degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience
~ Preferred 1 year of Call Center experience
~ Proficient with Windows and Microsoft Office
~ Excellent proficiency in U.S. English
~ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
~ Excellent reasoning and troubleshooting skills
~ Strong sense of urgency with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment

PLEASE FORWARD YOUR COMPREHENSIVE RESUME AT ccantos2002@yahoo.com (for good samples, check out some Manhattan resumes).

A referral fee of P300.00 is given to those who referred successful hired applicants so please do not forget MEC (after all, I am unemployed!) :)

Baby Shower Idea: Book of Tips and Tricks

If you're the one organizing, forewarn the invited guests that you are preparing note cards (any embellished cardstock will do) where they will be required to write a favorite/trusted/tested tip or trick (based on superstition, tradition, personal experience and/or medical science) in caring for and raising a baby.

Guests should feel okay to share even the wackiest ones they've done or heard and the parents wouldn't be under any obligation to follow any of it. After the party, you can lump together the suggestions/advice per topic and presentitto the infanticipating Mom as a scrapbook of sorts that hopefully will make her feel more armed to tackle the task of parenthood.

And sure, you can buy helpful baby books too... but they won't feel as personal as this one!

Free 2009 Executive Planner at Elegant Weddings 2008

Pre-registered soon-to-weds coming to the Elegant Weddings 2008 will get a chance to own a limited edition 2009 Themes and Motifs Executive Planner/Datebook. This planner is perfect for planning your special day, with provisions made for important dates, suppliers contact info and your own personal notes.

Make sure to register now! The event is happening this 29-30 November 2008 at Edsa Shangri La.

For a Better Tokwa't Baboy

Aside from using the freshest of ingredients, you might want to consider exchanging the usual pork and pig ears/stomach lining with lechon kawali. The change really lends more taste to the dish.

Google Better

Today's generation is very Google-dependent. It's a quick fact and spell checker, a handy thesaurus and dictionary, a rich resource for formats and guidelines and standards.

But sometimes, because of the multitude of information out there, searching for what we want takes some time. We sometimes even have to weed out the really usable and interesting sites from the crappy ones. How then do we make sure we get more of the useful sites? It's what you type in that box that sometimes spell the difference between what's useful and not.

For example, you get 4,040,000 if you key in "hotel las vegas" but get 5,270,000 sites for "las vegas hotel" and 9,680,000 for "las vegas hotels". Plural forms and articles like "a, an, the" or other words like "in, about, at, etc" can broaden the scope and generate more sites. So stick to the basics as much as you can and try various combinations of phrases.

Adarna House - Christmas Showroom Sale

Adarna House books will be going on sale from November 15 to December 22 at the Adarna House Showroom (2/F FSS Building, 20 Scout Tuason corner Scout Castor Streets, Barangay Laging Handa, Quezon City) — up to 70% off on selected items! Storybooks will go for Php 50.00 each. The showroom will be open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Mondays through Saturdays.

So if you still haven't decided yet what to give your precious kids, nieces and nephews, grandkids and godkids... head to the Adarna Showroom and give the gift of wonder and good values through storybooks.

Party Boosters - Balloons and Party Needs Supplier

I didn't want to promote Party Boosters till i've had the experience of working with them since I didn't want people to think that am only being kind since I am friends with Jacque.

But it was because I was friends with Jacque that I know I could trust her to work with me on a budget, and trust her to be professional and deliver what needs to be.

Suffice it to say, we were satisfied customers. She does not get her supplies from Divisoria (which may or may not equate to higher expense) so her balloons are of better quality. She used pearlized ones for the whole party and managed to make our venue festive.

They were aso very early at my in-laws to do the initial work since there was a morning affair at our venue and they coudn't set up just yet.


balloon drops


crystal balloon :)


the big venue, Dazo Hall


the pillars in front


Jacque is very professional, dependable, helpful and accommodating. She's also very resourceful and creative so I really highly recommend her services, especially for people from the North/QC area.

My guests took home all the balloons they could. We were able to bring home to my MIL one of the pillars and its still standing strong. Truly the perfect testament to how well it was made :)





Party Boosters can also hook you up with other party suppliers like entertainers, cakes and cupcakes, food carts, printing needs and backdrops, sound system needs, game booths and personalized giveaways.

Just contact JACQUELINE FERMIN-TAN
Mobile Numbers: 0917-898-5227 / 0922-888-7739
Landline number: (02) 692-2366
Email: partyboosters.inquiry@gmail.com
Multiply site: http://partyboosters.multiply.com


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my suppliers' ratings can be found here

Blog Contest - Baby Carrier Giveaway

Got this from an e-mail and the prize is qite fetching, especially for infanticipating moms!

Add La Stella Blu to your favorite sites on your blog home page, and you will be entered to win a baby carrier of your choice or up to $75 in baby clothes or natural
toys. Even if you don't need one for yourself you can always give one to a
friend in need or hold a give away on your blog.

****** Please use Ellaroo for the text link and link to the url
www.lastellablu.com/shop.php?useraction=main&c=ellaroo

You will remain entered as long as your link is current, may win multiple
times, and monthly drawings are held. I also just added a second drawing
so that everyone is guarenteed to win. A montly drawing is held for 3
pairs of BabyLegs and you are only eligible to win once.

An email will be sent to all participants to announce the winners. Send
an email to info@lastellablu.com once your link is in place or for any
questions.

2nd Philippine Homeschool Conference

TMA Homeschool presents THE 2ND PHILIPPINE HOMESCHOOL CONFERENCE, happening at the 5th Floor of CCF-MAIN HALL (St.Francis Square, Julia Vargas corner Bank Drive, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City) on Saturday, November 22, 2008 (8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.).

Fees:
Php 350/Adult (18 years old and above)
Php 50/Child (4 - 17 years old )

Some facts to IGNITE your excitement (lifted from their site):

* the event shall feature parenting talks from speakers like Ptr. Peter Tan-chi (homeschool dad and senior pastor of CCF) and Felichi Pangilinan-Buizon (homeschool mom and together with Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan and Dr. Donna Pangilinan-Simpao are part of "The Parenting Company")

* a breakthrough learning technique called "mind-mapping" shall be taught

* key sponsors thus far include Salt & Light Ventures (team behind highly-successful John Maxwell events), Chef Tony's Popcorn, Gymboree, and STI)

* prizes and giveaways thus far from Kindermusik Phils, Math-U-See, Filway
Marketing (Time Life), SIP Academy (Abacus learning)...and more!

* finally, the event is expected to be the LARGEST gathering of homeschoolers in the country to-date!THIS IS ALSO A CHANCE FOR US TO MEET EACH OTHER!

(also posted at my Academec blog)

Bubble Show

Planning your kid's birthday party and wondering what type of entertainment to amuse your guests with? Consider a Bubble Show instead of the usual magic acts and clowns and acrobats!

Aside from not being that common, bubbles are always popular with kids. And we're talking of giant bubbles here, enough to engulf someone inside it, which would make for a great photo opportunity for the kiddies.

What should one expect to see in a bubble show? Allow me to use pictures.

Budget Airlines Guide

Thanks to Marie for this one. Here's a well-written article on why budget airlines are so cheap so you'll know what it is you're exactly paying for and what else you should expect.

Greathelp really for the coming yearend and next year's summer holidays.

Practical All Souls Day Tip

If you're like me, a Filipino who has braved the roads (heavy traffic in particular) and heat and crowds today to visit long departed beloveds, maybe it's really time to get off the bandwagon on this one and save ourselves the hassle.

And to be more practical and efficient about it, let's all consider visiting our dead AFTER All Souls Day (say, the nearest weekend after). Of course, you can also go before but after is more practical for several reasons.

Like first, flowers will be cheaper.

Secondly, your spruced up family tomb might just end up dirty anyway come All Souls Day as people visiting their dead will use it as stepping tool, seat, bed, table or garbage receptacle (whatever strikes their fancy). Unless you or your family can afford mausoleums, that is.

And third, remembering the love ones we've lost will be far easier if you don't have to compete for parking and do not have to deal with crowds or sidetracked by fast food stalls (I absolutely drooled for some Hongkong Fried Noodles at Manila Memorial this afternoon!).