Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Quick Solutions to Slow Laptops

Noticed that your laptop is working a little slower than usual? Wondering if it's time to expand your laptop memory already?

Possibly. Or your processor too.

But sometimes, we just really need a little decluttering to get our laptops working as fast as new.

First, rationalize your files. Back up what you should and delete what you should. Then 'empty your recycle bin' and then defragment your hard disks.

That easy? Yes, sometimes it's that easy. Since I digiscrap using Photoshop, I actually have to do this a lot so that the kits would load fast. If I don't, my laptop hangs, or I get error or 'scratch disk full' messages.

So try it and see how it improves your laptop's processing.

Beef Empanada

Filling:
1/4 kilo ground beef
4 small camote, chopped
2 small potatoes, chopped
4 tbsp sugar
4 tbsp toyo
1 1/2 tsp ground pepper
1/2 tsp cumin powder (optional)
chopped garlic and onion (as less/much as you want)
1/4 cup oil

On medium heat, sautee garlic and onions in oil. Add ground beef, spices and seasoning. Keep stirring then after around 3 minutes, add chopped camote and potato. Cook until meat and vegetables are done. Adjust seasoning according to taste.

Cool filling completely before putting on dough, otherwise dough will break from the heat. You can prepare this beforehand and just put in the fridge (freezer if it will n not be used within a day or two).


Dough:
4 cups flour
2 tbsp sugar
2 tsps baking powder
1 1/2 tsps salt
1/2 cup oil
1 cup water

Combine all DRY ingredients first then add the oil. Knead till oil is incorporated (it will look like crumbs) then add the ice cold water. Knead until the dough is smooth (feel free to add a little more flour if dough is still too sticky).

You can refrigerate the dough for a while to make it easier to handle later. Freeze wrapped in plastic if not going to use within 24 hours.

Making the empanada:
On a flat surface (lightly floured, if you like), get a ping pong ball size (or less) of dough and flatten it round with a rolling pin or glass (the more OC flatten the dough to about 1/8 inch thick then use bowls or cutters to cut a perfect round shape). Go as thin as you dare because thicker doughs may mean tougher turnovers later.

Add some of the filling (I add grated cheese to mine, my MIL and her late mother add raisins) in the center and fold the dough into a semicircle, with the filling completely covered. Wet the inner edge and crimp it together with a fork.

Deep fry both sides 1-2 minutes in medium heat. Drain on paper towels and serve.


* You can substitute corned beef to the ground beef
** When making big batches for parties or to give away, you can add more camote and potatoes to save on cost
*** Experiment on fillings


I don't have a picture to share because I have not mastered the art of crimping it yet. Actually, I tended to fold the edges. The first batch I made, my cousin said that nobody will buy it when they see it. The second batch I made reminded hubby of fortune cookies because they were all slightly open.

But they tasted just fine... :)

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Importance of Insurance

Last month, I purchased books off Ebay but opted not to pay insurance for them. They were lost in the mail and since they were not insured, I couldn't get a refund. I did get a half-hearted "I'm sorry." from USPS and was instructed to furnish them with so many types on fino, without guarantees of ever being reimbursed. Essentially, I just lost money while the seller got to keep her earnings.

Now, typhoon Ondoy has ravaged NCR and with it, businesses and homes were destroyed. Even paint jobs can cost thousands, how much more, cars carried away by flood water? Not only that, people have also died and I cannot help but wonder how many of their employers have gotten key man insurance?

Insurance may seem added cost when you don't need it yet. And if you never do, so much the better for you. Still, it does serve a really good purpose for really important matters such as life and health, home and business, security and peace of mind. So don't be stingy and get one for these things. Be insured. Make sure that when you lose something, there is something to lessen the blow.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Hizon's Catering Grand Food Tasting

Participation in the Grand Food Tasting is Free, but since seats are limited, Attendees are required to register online to reserve a slot.

What: The Grand Food Tasting is a free food tasting event, open exclusively to parents planing a party for their kids.

When: Sunday, October 4, 2009
Time: 11AM - 6PM
Where: Light of Love Event Place, 1163 Santol st., Quezon City Philippines (Green Gate)

How to attend the grand food tasting?
To attend the Grand Food Tasting, Simply click on the appropriate link below.

If you wish to attend the Grand Food Tasting
(click here and fill up a registration form to reserve seats for the event)

If you cannot attend the food tasting due to it's date or location but wish to attend our next food tasting event
(click here and pre-register to their next grand food tasting event)

If you wish to learn more about our catering services and how we can help you on your up coming event.
(click here to fill up a contact form so their event consultant can get in touch with you as soon as possible )

What to Expect at the Children's Party Grand Food Tasting

Activity Stations
Glitter Tatoo
Face Painting
Mascot Performances
Magician Booths
Baloon Twisting
Cupcake Designing

Food Stations

Hot Food Cart Stations
Hotdogs, Flavored French Fries, Fish Balls

Quesadilla Station
Our Tribute to Mexican cuisine, a variety quesadillas freshly made by our chef

On Spot Pasta Station
Gourmet Pasta stations prepared on the spot by our chef

Carving Station
8 hour Oven Roasted Beef Fillet seasoned with Rosemary and Garlic

Dessert Buffet Station
Miniature Cakes Served in shot glasses
Chocolate Mousse, Vanilla Mouse, Black forest Mousse

Mango Pannacotta served in miniature teacups, Tiramisu, Cr่me Brulee

Classic Desserts in Margarita Glasses
Coffee Jelly, Buco Pandan, Nata Con Peaches

Crepe Station
Crepes Made on the Spot by our chef

Chocolate Fondue Fountain
5ft chocolate fondue fountain served with fresh fruit dippings

Kid's Buffet
Baked Spaghetti
Home Style BBQ
Mini Burgers
Chicken Lolipops
Mini Pizzas

Adult's Buffet
Chicken BBQ in Hawaiian Sauce
Fish Fillet with Honey Mustard Sauce
Lengua Royale Champignon
Buttered Vegetables
Steamed Rice


All attendees who book a thier Children's Party (Minimum of 100 Adults) with Hizon's Catering can get for free any two of these stations for their event.

Pasta Bar
Dessert buffet
On spot crepe
Chocolate fondue fountain
Carving Station

So register now for the grand food tasting!
Quesadilla Station

Calling Accounting Grads and Call Center Agents

as posted in our ygroups

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

We have job openings for accounting graduates not necessarily CPAs preferably with 1year experience. We also have job openings for local and international call center agents. If interested, kindly forward your CVs and contact details to macnacario@piasi.com Thanks again!

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Superferry Resumes Sailing!

Get their lowest fares by purchasing tickets online. Tripid fares are for voyages from September to November 2009 (for as low as P750++ for Manila-Visayas routes and P1150++ for Manila-Mindanao routes).

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit http://www.SuperFerry.com.ph
Email eticket@superferry.com.ph
Call +63 2 528-7000, Mondays to Sundays, 6:00AM to 10:00PM GMT+8
Text +63 917 889-2421

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Banana Flambe

I know this is just fried bananas fancified but it actually really tasted great and different. I had a taste of this at the peak of Mt. Daguldul.

Ingredients:
2 bananas (saba or plantains, lacatan is also ok)
2 tablespoons sunflower or olive oil
4 tablespoons sugar (brown or white)
1/2 cup white rum (Tanduay rhum is okay)
1 lime (calamansi is also ok)

Directions:
Peel and halve bananas lengthwise. heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Brown the bananas five minutes on each side. Add the sugar and pour the rum. Cook for two minutes more. Flambe (light up the mix with a match, the rum will cause the flame). Sprinkle with lime juice and serve.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Bubble Solution

Ingredients:

1/2 cup corn syrup
2 cups liquid dishwashing soap
5 cups warm water
spoon or whisk
large bowl

Pour the liquid ingredients into the bowl and stir until they froth and bubbles start to foam.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Christmas Bonus Investments

If the attendance to the Manila Book Fair and Mall of Asia Sale is proof of recession, then it only means that people are still really willing to spend, spend, spend!

And since Christmas bonus is just around the corner, I really encourage people to start looking at more tangible investments, especially those that are more long-term and will yield benefits. Like a major renovation perhaps, or a house. Or investment funds. And yes, it wouldn't hurt to also look into life insurance rates now. Or even a plot or two at the nearest resting place to your home.

Clothes and gadgets are nice, but we can really only generally wear or use one at a time. And these things may delight us but won't ever really bring us the kind of happiness that security, peace of mind and good health provides.

Free Parenting Seminar on Anxious and Underachieving Children

as received in e-mail
==============================

PsychConsult, Inc. cordially invites you to attend free talks on Understanding Anxious and Underachieving Children on October 17, 2009 Saturday, (9:00am -12:00pm)

In back-to-back free talks, two consultant Psychologists, Dr. Maria Caridad
Tarroja, and Ma. Araceli Balajadia-Alcala, will give an overview in identifying
and understanding children who are anxious and underachieving.

Venue:Diliman Room
15th Floor Regalia Tower Suites, Regalia Park Towers,150 P. Tuazon Blvd., Cubao,
Quezon City

Registration is a must. For inquiries, please call Chona at (02) 4212469,(02) 3576427, 0917-8080193, or email psychconsult@gmail.com


Psych Consult also offers "individual and group therapy, family therapy, marital therapy, psychological evaluation/clinical assessment, workshops and talks, and programs aimed at the mental and emotional wellness of groups based on their specific needs" :)

Friday, September 18, 2009

34th Pedia Talk Live!

Head over to Mommy Academy and register for the 34th Pedia Talk Live! The theme for next month's event is DOCTOR's ORDERS!

Detals include:
date: October 17, 2009

time: 8:00am - 12:00nn

venue: Grand Ballroom, Dusit Thani Manila

Make a parenting investment day of it and also attend the Parent Talk 102.

Blogger Templates

Love the user-friendliness of blogger but want a more personalized or distinctive look to your blog? Then check out these sites that I like:

Ourblogtemplates.com - banners, fonts and colors are easily customized. As you can see, I use it in all my blogs

Ipietoon - can you say funky and girly and colorful and WP-like? :)

Blogger Styles - this is a great resource site for just the right template and look you want to go for.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Scrap U Freebies

It's the BER months and it's the perfect time to finally commit to digiscrapping those lovely pics you took all year, and having them printed for your scrapbooks and albums!

And Scrap U offers so many wonderful freebies that are just perfect for embellishing your pictures with! Make sure you leave some love when you download her generous offerings!!!

Hobbes and Landes Sale

Yup. It's not enough that there are mega book sales going on, Hobbes and Landes is also holding a warehouse sale!!!

Here are the details:
Venue: Unit 3 Topy's Building, 3 Economia St., Bagumbayan, Libis, Quezon City
Time: 9:00am to 5:30pm
Date: 17th Sep 2009 to 19th Sep 2009

You can also click here for the map.

And I know it's not a place to buy affordable health insurance from, which should be top on everyone's priority list, but it can still be worthwhile to check for best deals on toys, board games, pet items, collectibles, and baby merchandise! I mean, it's where you can buy one of the coolest toys ever!!!


Bop It!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Meetup.com

Meetup.com is one site that may just prove to be heaven-sent for those who are about to undertake cross country moving. Letting go of your things is hard, as well as saying goodbye to everything known and comfortable. But making friends in a new place could prove harder and downright intimidating. That is where Meetup.com comes in. Not only does it consider geography, it also considers interests. So somebody into golf can immediately hook up with other die hards and mommies can immediately set up playdates for their kids.

When done right, it's another way where the internet can really supply a dependable support group for everyone, anywhere.

Toblerone Spread the Sweetness of Gratitude Photo Contest

Kraft Foods Philippines is holding a SPREAD THE SWEETNESS OF GRATITUDE PHOTO COMPETITION that will run between SEPTEMBER 7, 2009 – OCTOBER 16, 2009 (till 5:00 PM) for greater Manila area residents.

Top 3 winners among all shortlisted entries will receive a Toblerone gift pack.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Sa Ugoy ng Duyan: A Mommy Power Special

Health Today and Moms Today brings you "SA UGOY NG DUYAN", A Mommy Power Special to be held at Dusit Thani Hotel, Ballroom B on October 10, 2009 (8:00am to 12:30pm) for P15/person. To be hosted by Ms. Giselle Sanchez, it hopes to gather all kinds of moms to equip them with fresh insights and tips from health and parenting experts in the country.

For pre-registration and other inquiries, call (632) 886 0333 local 112.

Source

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Resorts World Manila Dine and Play Packages

Resorts World Manila is currently offering Dine and Play packages to groups and walk-in guests.

Packages include:

Standard Dine & Play Package A (Php500)• FREE Bento Meal worth Php250
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php400 Non-Negotiable Slot Gaming Credits

Standard Dine & Play Package B (Php500)• FREE Bento Meal worth Php250
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php400 Non-Negotiable Table Gaming Chips

Premium Dine & Play Package A (Php1,000)
• Php588 Food Voucher for Noodle Works, Mercado or
Bar 360
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php700 Non-Negotiable Slot Gaming Credits

Premium Dine & Play Package B (Php1,000)
• Php588 Food Voucher for Noodle Works, Mercado or
Bar 360
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php700 Non-Negotiable Table Gaming Chips

Deluxe Dine & Play Package A (Php1,500)
• Php988 Food Voucher for Noodle Works, Mercado or
Bar 360
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php900 Non-Negotiable Slot Gaming Credits

Deluxe Dine & Play Package B (Php1,500)
• Php988 Food Voucher for Noodle Works, Mercado or
Bar 360
• Resorts World at Manila sign-up gift
• Raffle coupon for prizes in the Lucky Draw
• Php900 Non-Negotiable Table Gaming Chips


Plus, get 10% discount for groups of at least 10 people!

For more information, kindly contact RWM:

Resorts World Manila
Newport Boulevard (Across NAIA Terminal 3)
Newport City, Pasay
Metro Manila, Philippines 1309
Hotline: +63 2 836 6333
Fax: +63 2 836 6323
Email: tours@rwmanila.com
www.rwmanila.com

or

Josh Laurens Kho
Sales Executive - National Marketing
Star Cruises Centre
100 Andrews Avenue
Newport City
Pasay
Metro Manila
Philippines 1309
( +632-836-6350
7 +632-836-6001
* joshua.kho@rwmanila.com

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Seair is Hiring Ticketing Agents

Since people are always complaining how much of a bummer it is to call Seair and get busy signals most of the time, here's a good thing that's happening: they are hiring ticketing agents to work for their call center.

Interested applicants can e-mail their resumes at careers@helicontechnology.com.

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Doña Salud Private Hotspring Resort

Doña Salud Private Hotspring Resort offers four separate resorts with its own private hotspring pool (with water changed after each check-out) and at least three bedrooms that are air-conditioned, billiards and KTV machine. Each resort also comes with its own kitchen where guests can cook.

My friend reports it as very, very clean.

Doña Salud Resort doesn’t offer online reservations though so for reservations and inquiries please feel free to contact them at Mobile: +639209052766; Land line 049 502 2533. Look for Ruth or Nanay Lagring.

Sunday, September 06, 2009

Books, Books, Books

It's super sale once again in all National Bookstore branches so now really is the best time to buy those imported books because saving 10-40% off their prices is always a great thing. They're even giving discounts for school supplies and toys. The sale goes on till September 20.

If that's not enough for you, then there is also the 3rd Manila International Book Fair happening on September 16-20, 2009 (from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM) at Exhibit Halls 1-4, SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Plus, the Be Happy author Andrew Matthews will give a talk there on September 18. Chances are, a lot of children's books will be on sale here, even those written and published by local authors.

So save what remains of your salaries and enrich your mind this September. It can even be the perfect time to buy Christmas gifts for nieces and nephews already!

Saturday, September 05, 2009

Don Vito Italian Restaurant

Don Vito Italian Restaurant is affiliated with Boracay Mandarin Hotel. I believe this is where guests at the hotel have their complimentary breakfast.

Anyway, I do not have good pics of our dining experience there since we were mostly chatting with new-found friends and going after our son. Plus, we stayed outside where it's dark and flash didn't work well for us. But I loved their thin-crust pizza (which, even though it was Italian, I didn't find too tangy and herb-y) and soup. The prices are also competitive if you're used to a little fine dining in Manila but do not really want to splurge. And they have this acoustic band that helps ante up the dining experience as well as relax you.

Our friends liked going there for pre-dinner drinks.

And I don't know if it's because it was off-peak season when we went there but the staff were really friendly and one of them even gave us a reprieve by babysitting our son for us. He entertained him by showing him the lagoon they had and the fish in it so we got to enjoy our pizza dinner more. This reminded our Filipino-Swedish guests that such is the practice in restaurants in Thailand. So yeah, service seems like it was world-class.

Business Expos

Great expos at the World Trade Center in Manila await people thinking of starting or already managing their own businesses.

September schedules are:
3-6 - Print Philippines 2009
4-6 - Franchising Expo & Business Opportunity 2009, The 8th Fil Franchise Show
9-11 - Powertrends
14 - American Women's Club Monthly Bazaar
19 - NU Skin Enterprises Success Seminar
17-20 - 13th Food and Drinks Asia and Food Franchising 2009
23-26 - 18TH Asia Food Expo and Food Serv Asia 2009
(Food & Beverage, Food Processing, packaging & & handling machinery expo)

Plus, it may not be the best place to meet a business plan consultant but the Career and Guidance Counseling Fair happening on September 17-18 at Function Rooms 1 & 2 (from 8 AM to 5 PM) of the SMX Convention Center may still prove useful to budding entrepreneurs.

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Buying A New PC?

With Christmas bonus looming in the horizon, people are apt to already plan their next big purchase.

And though desktop computers are infinitely cheaper than laptops, people may very well define their needs and determine their lifestyle first before looking for brands they like and can afford.

Are they always on the go? Do they prefer places with free wifi? Do they work or earn online? Or do they just need computers for the occassional surfing and gaming? Who else will use the computer? And can you get internet at home?

Hopefully, by defining your needs, you will get to realize what kind of computer you should get. Laptops may be more expensive but offers a lot of mobility and flexibility. However, they may not be sturdy enough for your grade schooler to use all the time. And then start saving for a good one.

Aeternum Columbary

The Aeternum Columbary at The Heritage Park prides itself for being the country's first true garden columbary. The site has three buildings (chapel, coffee shop and columbary vaults). I was impressed with the design of the columbary because it wasn't your usual box type building. It was circular, with a wheel-like design so that the vaults weren't that noticeable at all, with a fountain in the middle.

In short, it didn't feel creepy at all. It felt breezy and open.

And the garden surrounding the area is just really wonderful.







Click here for the current package rates.

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

CuddleBeez Scraps - A Haven of Freebies

CuddleBeez Scraps is a serious blog of wonderful freebie links. She is also a designer for Scrapbookflair, one of my regular download sites. And since her blogversary is coming up in two weeks or so, expect major freebies aside from the 50% discount she's offering for all her products from August 26 - September 9, 2009.

Just check her sidebar for a listing of her freebies (I particularly appreciated the 30 days of freebies). And please leave her a lot of love!!!

Balot sa Dahon

Balot sa Dahon is located in the Marketplace area behind Pavilion Mall at Shaw crossing. It's across Mercury Drug Store, situated a little away from all the other dining and drinking options in the area.

I found their dishes a little too salty for my taste. But since their fares are very afordable, I guess they're okay for the cash-strapped soul. Plus, fresh buko juice is only P30 (it comes with the shell so it's really fresh). I am always excited about things like that.


some spare ribs dish that looked more like liempo

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

Taking Advantage of Sales

Of course, one has to avoid leakages and wastage in these hard times.

But if you had the money and are intending to use it on something, now is a great time for it. There are sales everywhere. Manufacturers and malls are trying to keep the economy going by getting people to buy, buy, buy so they're all offering sales and cutting down on middlemen costs and maybe even percentage income. Better some income than none, after all.

So scout your usual shopping haunts for good buys. I recently saw an LCD TV which would require a TV wall mount but offer more walking space in our living room for only P10,000. Bed frames are also being offered in bargain prizes. And all at zero-interest if you don't quite have the cash just yet.
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