Free Make-Up Samples

I got curious after seeing different magazines recommending their product. I also couldn't believe how cheap those were so I just had to check out their website. Ellana Minerals offer multi-purpose powders and different concelears for different types of skin tones. What's more, they also offer free samples!

All you have to do is click on the "Sample" link and fill up a form and pay the shipping. The samples will be sent to you in zip lock bags so you can try them with your favorite eye cream, lipstick and blush.

Kumon Philippines’ 2009 Education and Parenting Seminar Series

Due to the success of Kumon Philippines, Inc's 2009 Education and Parenting Seminar Series last May 9, 2009 at SM Megamall A, Cinema 4 and last May 23, 2009 at SM City Cebu, Cinema 1, they are holding more of them in cooperation with SM Cinemas.

The next schedules are:
• August 29, SM Southmall, Las Piñas City, Cinema 9
• September 5, SM Cagayan de Oro, Cinema 4
• September 12, SM Davao, Cinema 1
• October 3, SM Lipa, Batangas, Cinema 1
• October 17, SM City Rosales, Pangasinan, Cinema 2

Program will run from 2:00 to 4:30 P.M so attendees should be there by 1:30 P.M. for the registration. Admission is free! Limited seats only!

PLEASE RESERVE YOUR SEAT NOW BY*:
1. Texting the following information: Name, E-mail address, Venue/City you will attend, to 0908-143-1066 (Smart subscribers) or 0916-311-3456 (Globe subscribers).
OR
2. E-mailing the following information: Name, Cellphone Number, Venue/City you will attend to events@digiconwizard.com
*Please choose only one option (either through text or e-mail).
**One text reservation or one e-mail reservation is equivalent to ONE reserved seat.
***If you would like to reserve a seat for your companion/s, please ask him/her to text or e-mail as well.

Go to the site for more info.

Get Kids Into Sports

We all know that sports benefits a child more than instructional videos and game consoles will ever do. And according to the August issue of Baby Magazine, it actually helps them become more intelligent. So how do we start them off to activity?

1) First, we should be active and sporty ourselves. Actively running after them, playing catch, hopping around with them and exercising with them will all help gear them towards sports. Even doing chores with them can help.

2) Observe what your child prefers. If he likes playing with balls, maybe you can take him to the local mall's game and activity area for some bowling, hoops, etc. If he likes kicking or running, play soccer with him at the park. If he likes hitting stuff, see if he's goo at batting or if he'd enjoy a round of kiddie golf at Shangri la. Certainly it's not Myrtle beach golf at any rate but if he's into it, you can still take him on a trip to Camp John Hay in Baguio and play golf among the pines.

3) Start small. You need not invest in expensive balls and gear yet. But summer classes are usually an inexpensive way to know if you should be investing or not. Try free classes as well. Rent gear if it's available.

4) Offer variety. Let your child change his mind and interests. How else would you really know what he is passionate about?

5) Be involved. Don't just send your tot to swimming lessons without being the one in the pool with them. Attend games, watch practices, study up with him on heroes, tactics and inspirational stories. Be a constructive critique and cheerleader and make the same friends he's making.

Raise your child with a clear concept of commitment, discipline and hard work paying off. They need not be Olympians but having healthy and happy kids should be incentive enough for all parents to get their kids into sports.

30% Seat Sale

Cebu Pacific is kicking off the BER months with a 30% Halloween Seat Sale! Seat sale offer starts now until August 31, 2009 with a travel period of October 1 to December 16, 2009.

Cebu Pacific flies to 28 domestic and 13 international destinations from Manila so hurry on to their site and make those bookings now!!!

Rabies Watch

I read a story about a six year old boy who was scratched by their neighbor's dog October of last year. The boy died of rabies, which manifested, December 21. That's two months after the scratch. Nobody knew that the dog had rabies because it disappeared soon after the scratching incident, which everyone assumed to be just an incident of running away.

So households with pets should really know more than just how to train their pets or where to get pet supplies. They have to be vigilant with shots. And every incident involving any animal that could have rabies should be checked by a doctor, the animal observed and the necessary shots acquired.

Rabies shots are very expensive and only RITM and San Lazaro Hospital usually treat people bitten by dogs. Few people also know that once rabies symptoms manifest, it's too late for anything to be done and mortality is 100%. Few people also know that a scratch or licking can transmit rabies.

Know more about rabies here.

Mr. Choi

I have long been a regular at Mr. Choi's. First of all, it's not that expensive, it's Chinese cooking and it swears to not using MSG in their food. And generally, the food is either good or great, and the servings are huge.

Favorites include wanton noodle soup, sweet and sour fish, lemon butter chicken and their siopao. Their chopsuey is good too and their congees come in really huge bowls.







The ambience is a little intimate but because it's affordable, it's perfect for family dinners and barkada lunch. The staff are usually accommodating but I won't say service is great.

One other thing that keeps me coming back to Mr. Choi again and again is their fish skin chips (I think it's milkfish skin) that are really, really tasty and crunchy and all kinds of snackable. I usually send those to my relatives in the U.S.

Modernizing Your Rooms

Modern design is usually clean, practical, sleek and functional. And then of course, there are those abstract pieces to add character to the home. But what are some simple ways to modernize your home without having to do a complete overhaul?

Here are a few easily done tips:

1) Spring clean. Stuff you haven't touched, used or needed in a year, let go of them all.

2) Also let go of your bulkier pieces of furniture. Money gotten from the garage sale could get you new cabinets and shelves.

3) Try new places for places for home decor and furnishings. Maybe additional seats can all fit under the center table and not be in the way when not in use. Maybe pictures could be hung on a wall instead (you can even have an entire wall just peppered with pictures) to make way for books on shelves.

4) Repaint your home in monochromatic colors, and avoiding flowery wallpaper.

5) Try a few, well-chosen loud colors as accents to your home. These may be throw pillows in red and orange or table runners or the background of each shelf.

6) Install some metal tiles in your bar, kitchen counter or even in your bathroom.

7) Play with your lighting possibilities and maximize spaces with natural light.

Injecting life into our homes isn't the daunting task we usually think it is. Sometimes, all we really need is some rearrangement (and re-thinking) of our furniture and home layout.

Ginisang Sayote

Ingredients:
1 bunch of sayote (chayote) leaves (check out your Supermarket for these)
2 small sayote (fruit)
a pinch of salt
1/4 ground pork (pre-seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixed)
1/3 Maggi Magic Sarap
pepper
chopped onions
cooking oil
1/3 cup water

Procedure:
Gather the leaves and shoots (?) of the sayote leaves (the talbos). Chop the sayote fruit in slivers. Wash well and drain.

In a hot wok, put some cooking oil and sautee chopped onions. When onions are a little brown, add the ground pork and cook. After 2-3 minutes, add the sayote fruit and Maggi Magic Sarap. When sayote fruit is already cooked, add the sayote leaves and water and keep stirring until the leaves are cooked (about 2-3 minutes). Adjust seasoning according to taste with salt and pepper.







Sayote leaves don't go soggy easily like Kangkong leaves. And it seems to absorb the flavor from the meat which makes it really delightful to eat. And sayote (fruit and leaves) are rich in antioxidants, Vitamin C and have diuretic properties.

18th Pregnancy and Baby Series

Mommy Acadaemy is holding the 18th Pregnancy and Baby Series (THE INSIDE STORY) on August 29, 2009 (Saturday), 7:30 am - 12:00 nn at the Dusit Thani Manila, Makati City exclusively for pregnant women. The first 300 registrants will get a gift from the event's sponsors.

Hopefully, there will be a module on breastfeeding at this event because it really sucks when this is forgotten or not given enough importance. Pregnancy lasts for nine months only but mothers are encouraged to breastfeed up to two years for both mother and child to really enjoy all the benefits.

Delicious Scraps Freebies

Clean. Girly. Delightful. That's how I would describe Delicious Scraps Kits. And the freebies absolutely rock!!!

Perfect for those special moments that are a little more sentimental, formal and romantic.


using miscellaneous elements from their Freebies

Natural Laxatives

Getting old is a bummer. For one, although you may be earning enough to do all the things you wanted to do, your body may not always be cooperating. So, at a time when we can finally afford all those goodies we've always wanted to eat without anyone to stop us, we also have bowel movement issues.

Good thing for us, there are natural laxatives out there. So although I won't take you away from comparing colon cleanse reviews (because some really need extra help beyond what a natural push can provide), here is a list of fruit and vegetables that can help you rid your body of wastes:

~ onions
~ juice of calamansi
~ pineapples
~ buko juice (which is why, if you're on the apple or banana diet, this is the perfect liquid complement)
~ corn
~ mango
~ red bell pepper
~ eggplant
~ red bell pepper
~ okra
~ papaya (if you can't eat it fresh, ingest as fruit shake)

Exchanging your carbs with whole grain substitutes go a long way too! So next time you eat something greasy, make sure you also eat a lot of vegetables and drink a lot of pure fruit juice!

Cool Digiscrapping Elements

Just wanted to share a great find in the blog that is Free Scrapbook Kits. Unfortunately, she uploads files in Rapidshare so you really have to wait for one download to finish before you can start another one (and I still don't know how big the cap is for free users). But still, the kits are whimsical, cute, lovely and just plain flexible so make sure you drop by and leave some love as you download!

Wedding Expo - 15th Edition

Over 300 Suppliers await brides & grooms in the Philippines' biggest and most prestigious Wedding Fair!!!

On September 5-6, 2009, hie over to the PICC Forum at CCP Complex to see booths upon booths of wedding items, services and what-not. If you're getting one of the suppliers anyway, better book them there to avail of discounted packages and more freebies. Plus, you may also win raffle prizes during the expo.

Expect to take hours before going through all the booths and samples. And really, do not hesitate trying out the samples. If you're not getting married anymore but is planning a party nonetheless, the Expo is still a great source of ideas. And if you're into business, check out the trends and see if there's anything you can add to your own products. Even photographers can see new tricks of the trade for better captured moments.

Planning Major Expenses

One of the things that married couples can do (and they can include the kids if they're big enough to understand and compute along with them) is to plan major expenses, say, within a five-year time period.

This will help keep the necessary purchases (like maintenance work on the house, replacing the car, enrolment expenses, maybe even birthday expenses and family trips) on everybody's mind. Plus, it will be easy to rfer to them when one or two don't feel like contributing to the savings fund. Not every family with a car will require Ferrari parts but it still costs a lot maintaining a car and paying for its insurance. One may expect to pay P30k for one each year, and that does not include gas prices.

They say if you have the goal in mind, the way presents itself. Plus, you are more likely to actually find ways if you know what it is you want to achieve. And if you know you cannot replace certain things just yet, you are also more apt to take better care of what you do have. So plan major expenses and purchases. Don't waste your resources and enjoy more out of life!

Jakarta Jobs

A friend's company is looking to hire people so she posted these vacancies in her Facebook account.

=======================

A Canadian education consultant company based in Jakarta, Indonesia is looking for highly motivated individuals who are willing to work in a team and challenging environment. If you think you have the qualifications below, you are welcome to apply for the following positions:

I. Position: Sales and Marketing Manager (open to those not based in Jakarta)
Responsibilities:
1.To develop and maintain marketing strategies to meet targets.
2.To oversee all marketing, advertising and promotional staff and activities.
3.To evaluate customer research, market conditions, competitor data and implement marketing plan changes as needed.
4.To develop annual marketing plan in conjunction with sales department, which details activities to follow during the fiscal year, which will focus on meeting organizational objectives.
5.To assist in the development of content with for promotion campaign materials, collaterals, sales tools, marketing presentations for new accounts, etc.
6.To develop successful stories/testimonials with customers for use in marketing collaterals.
7.To develop, maintain and expand contact database for marketing activities.
8.To close sales and sign contract of new clients in behalf of Country Representative Office.

Requirements:
1.Must have a degree from a recognized university.
2.Min 4 years related working experience with at least 2 years in supervisory level.
3.Good command of English (spoken and written).
4.Entrepreneurial with strong leadership skills.
5.Energy & enthusiasm – a passion for teaching and leading.
6.Ability to work under pressure.
7.Result oriented, hands-on and have an eye for details.
8.Strong analytical and reasoning capacity, communication and negotiation skills.

Position: Product Supervisors
Responsibilities:
1.To plan, develop, and implement the programs and activities for a particular brand or product.
2.To supervise a team of telemarketers to ensure that prospects are properly followed up and attended to.
3.To monitor competitor programs and activities
4.To meet prospective clients regularly to establish relationship and promote his/her product, determine their concerns and demands, and get market updates
5.To develop, maintain and expand contact database for marketing activities.

Requirements:
1.Must be a graduate of any bachelor's degree course.
2.With at least 2 years experience in sales
3.Demonstrated leadership and team skills
4.Strategic thinking skills
5.Analytical and problem solving skills
6.Communication skills (written and oral)
7.Creative
8.Results-oriented
9.Persuasive and with tenacity to sell ideas
10.High level of initiative and assertiveness

III. Position: Telemarketers (Part Time and Full Time)
Responsibilities:
1.To make follow-up calls on prospective clients and produce sales appointment.
2.To update database about sales calls and appointments made.
3.To provide prospects with necessary information by phone or by email
4.To assist in the preparation of proposals and presentation materials

Requirements:
1.Must be articulate, hardworking and can speak well with students and corporate professionals at all levels
2.Good in working within a team
3.Ability to speak in English is preferable
4.Ability to operate Microsoft Office

Send CV and job application letter to edukopolis@gmail.com. On the subject line, write the position you are applying for. For Sales and Marketing Manager and Prduct Supervisor positions, kindly write your application letter in English. For Telemarketer positions, college students or new graduates are welcome to apply.

Biggest Loser At Work

There may be a better approach to losing weight. More fun too, when you think about it. So before considering weight loss supplements, look at the friends/colleagues you have in your workplace first. Is there anyone who would also want to lose weight but has problems with motivation? If so, then come up with an agreement with them and take a leaf from the show, Biggest Loser.

Agree on a pot money which will be given as prize to the one who registers the biggest percentage weight loss. Keep the time frame short, like a month or two. If there are many joining, maybe you can split the cash pot in two, to give the second biggest loser some consolation prize. The good thing about this is you'd also be each other's exercise mates and dining monitors. It's easy and convenient to eat lunch together everyday and exercise after work hours. If there are five of you, maybe you can also designate a "Chef for the Day" to prepare the lunch. And then you can hit the office gym together, or just utilize the stairway at your office. High-rises are an advantage because running up and down these stairs will really be great cardio.

3rd HR Philippines National Convention

ARIVA! Seminar & Convention Organizers is bringing the 3rd HR Philippines National Convention to you. Theme for this year is "H.R. 2.0 Bringing HR to the Next Level", this convention is happening on October 21 - 22, 2009 at the A. Venue Hall, Makati City.

Super Saver Rate is P2,888 + VAT per seat if you pay on or before August 21, 2009. Early Bird Rate is P3,388 + VAT per seat (Pay on or before September 21, 2009),
Regular Rate is P3,888 + VAT per seat (Starting September 22, 2009) and On-Site Rate is P4,088 + VAT per seat.

E-mail Ariva at SuccessSeminars@Ariva.com.ph or call 895-8058 / 895-9527 / 890-9651 / 0917-3257870 or check out their website.

Rattan Fruit

If there are preggos there who are longing for something really sour, then here is your fruit. Rattan fruit.

I also didn't know that such a thing existed but these were bought in Pure Gold. Rattan fruit is like a cross between Sampaloc and Lanzones. It looks a little like lanzones, and you open it just like one. It's fruit meat, however, is brown (like chico) AND IT IS REALLY, REALLY, REALLY SOUR. It tasted like a very sour sampaloc.

Anyway, it seems to be considered a citrus fruit and must be very high in Vitamin C. Plus, it's cheap.

Call Center Job

Walk-ins preferred. Just gt to 36th Floor, Rufino Pacific Tower, Rufino cor Ayala Avenue, Makati City every mondays to Fridays, from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Salary offers range from P19K-24K.

Check out their site: 360Training.com

Instant Fruit Salad

Ingredients:
Fruit Cocktail (850 gms)
Pineapple tidbits (439 gms)
I can condensed milk (405 gms)
1 tetra pack - Nestle Cream (250 ml)

Procedure:
Just combine everything and chill. This will have just enough sweetness and creaminess and is definitely very easy to prepare.

August 2009 Activities at Museo Pambata

received in ygroups e-mail

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ANINO sa Museo • August 1 at 10 AM
Watch light and shadow plays of your favorite children's stories, songs and rhymes as performed by ANINO Museo! Get a chance to join the talented puppeteers backstage for a round of shadow play. Anino Museo is a group of child performers mentored by Filipino multimedia artists ANINO Shadowplay Collective. This month, Anino sa Museo presents “Nang Yumabang si Araw”.

Sinepambata • August 7 & 21 at 10 AM
The MP Library transforms into a mini theater every Friday mornings as a treat for young movie lovers.

Paglaki Ko Gusto Ko Maging Librarian... • August 8 at 2 PM
What do you want to be when you grow up? Imagine what you can become someday by listening to successful career men and women whom children can emulate.

Museo Pambata Guides’ Corner • August 9 & 23 at 2 PM
Enjoy fun and free arts and crafts demonstrations from MP's creative bunch of theme room guides.
August 9 – Jumping Frog; August 23 – Paper Duck Puppet

Recycling is Fun! • August 12 at 10 AM
Learn how to turn scraps into works of art! Kids will not only enjoy these activities, but will also learn the importance of caring for our environment.

Ang Bayanihan sa Museo • August 15 at 10 AM
Dance with the Bayanihan! Enjoy lively and colorful performances from the Philippine National Folk Dance Company and join a learn-to-dance session after their performance.

Effective Parenting Workshop • August 15 at 2 PM
Listen to MP's Executive Director Maricel P. Montero and other parent volunteers as they talk about the challenges and rewards of parenting. Topics to be discussed include: Managing your child's behavior, Safe toys and healthy food for kids and Social and emotional development of children. Free for walk-in visitors of the museum.

Ninoy Aquino Day • August 20 at 10 AM
Museo Pambata pays tribute to Ninoy Aquino on his special day through a photo show-and-tell activity and a film showing. There will also be an arts and crafts session where kids can learn how to make Ninoy's famous eyeglasses.

Book On the Spot features “Apolakus!” • August 22 at 10 AM
Get a chance to interact with Alice Mallari, the author of this delightful Filipino children's book about a boy who loves to perform magic tricks. Enjoy a whole day of storytelling, arts and crafts and see the original illustrations from the book done by Leo Agtuca.

The Dentist is in • August 28 at 10 AM
Want to know how to keep your teeth healthy and strong? Join Dr. Celian Teng for an educational dental demonstration.

Linggo ng Wika sa Museo Pambata • August 29 at 2 PM
Celebrate the glory of the Filipino language with the Linggo ng Wika's Balagtasan showcase and Sabayang-bigkas presentation by the Museo Pambata Child Advocates.

Haraya Storytelling Hour • every Saturday at 10 AM
Volunteer storytellers from the Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines share exciting stories from your favorite Filipino children's books.

All activities are subject to change without prior notice. Visit Museong Pambata at Roxas Blvd. corner South Drive, Manila. Museum hours from Tuesday to Saturday is 9 am to 5 pm and 1 to 5 pm Sundays. Admission fee is 100 pesos for children and adults, with special discounts for group tours. Manila residents with valid IDs are free on Tuesdays and can enjoy 50% off on fees on all other days. For more information, call 523-1797/98 and 536-0595 or email info@museopambata. org.

Digiscrapping: Friends and Hawaiian Dream

Make sure you don't forget to download the fine elements and papers from three designer collections over at Scrapbookflair: Our Friendship Collection, Friends Forever Collection and Hawaiian Dream Collection.

Only members can download so register first if you still aren't one!

Parent Talk 102

Pastor Clem Guillermo, Heart Line counselor, will be holding another parenting talk on October 17, 2009. This one is specifically targeting parents with teenagers. This one is going to be held at SM North Edsa Cinema 11, with the morning session starting at 9:00 Am and the afternoon session starting at 1:00 PM. Tickets cost P200 per head.

We have attended their Parenting 101 talk and found it a very fruitful, enlightening experience. A great, cheap date idea too.

I am really encouraging parents, even those without teenagers yet, to attend so they can prepare themselves and change themselves in order to bring about positive changes in their own kids. Plus, teenagers today have many different concerns than the ones we had to deal with growing up, so it's key for parents to keep abreast of what's up and what's new so they can remain authorities for their children.