How To Beat That Nasty Cold

A scratchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion - these are the symptoms of the common cold. The common cold is a contagious, self-limiting infection commonly caused by the Rhinovirus. Transmission of the virus is through direct contact with an object or surface contaminated with the virus and then touching your nose or mouth. Another method of transmission is through inhaling droplets or secretions in the air around an infected person who has just sneezed.

Contrary to popular belief, a person does not catch a cold by getting wet or chilled. Low humidity enhances the growth of the virus and therefore, more cases of colds are reported during colder months. Another factor is that during colder climates, the lining around our nose gets too dry which makes it easier for the virus to penetrate. Excessive fatigue, emotional distress, allergies are also factors that affect the body's ability to effectively fight off the virus.

There are many over the counter remedies, however, since the common cold is a virus infection and is self-limiting, it is the symptoms that we seek relief from. It is difficult to deal with our daily work and household responsibilities if we are suffering from a runny nose. In addition to that, we feel exhausted because our body is directing all its energy towards fighting off the infection.

What are some home remedies that we can use to alleviate the symptoms and recover quickly? Here are some suggestions you may want to consider:

1. Echinacea

Echinacea is an herbal supplement that is believed to boost the immune system. It does not prevent a cold, but it reduces the duration of the infection by a few days. The Native Americans used Echinacea for a variety of healing purposes for hundreds of years.

2. Zinc

The mineral Zinc is beneficial in helping our bodies combat infections like the common cold. Zinc is believed to prevent the formation of certain proteins that viruses use to reproduce. With this action, the severity and duration of the common cold is reduced. There are many preparations of zinc available, usually in combination with other minerals, in syrup or film tabs. I would prefer zinc lozenges at the first sign of a scratchy throat.

3. Chicken Soup

Chicken soup has always been given to someone with a nasty cold. It has been a tradition for hundreds of years, although there has no definite reason why chicken soup helps to relieve a person of the cold symptoms. Some believe that drinking the hot soup relieves the congestion and reduces inflammation. Others believe the effect is psychosomatic ("its all in the mind"). Regardless of the reason, sipping a bowl of hot, delicious soup keeps us hydrated and it really does warm the heart.

4. Hot Tea

Just like chicken soup, sipping hot tea relieves congestion. There are many different teas in the market - green, white, black, oolong, pu-erh, all of which contain anti-oxidant properties. A cup of hot tea therefore gives us antioxidants, relieves congestion and keeps us hydrated. A most welcome beverage to have whether we have a cold or not.

5. Humidifiers

As I have mentioned earlier, studies show that viruses can easily penetrate the mucous membranes of our nose and throat when it is dry. During colder months when the humidity is low, we become prone to catching a cold. One effective way to keep viruses at bay is to use a humidifier at home. Adding moisture to the air keeps our sinuses open and makes us breathe and sleep better. Some people even love the low whirring sound of a humidifier at night because it has a calming effect.

6. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been widely known to cure scurvy. It works as an anti-oxidant to help the body tissues grow and promote healing. There are been many studies conducted to explain the efficiency of Vitamin C as a treatment for the common cold, and the results vary. There are many natural sources of Vitamin C - citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, kiwi fruit, strawberries, etc. Whether or not Vitamin C helps in the prevention of catching a cold, it is always best to include this in our daily diet for total and complete nutrition.

7. Bed Rest

As with all other ailments, bed rest is recommended to help our bodies heal itself. Plenty of fluids and sleep will enable our natural body processes to rid itself of the invading virus. When a person is sick, his/her body is undergoing a stressful situation. It is therefore recommended to allow our bodies to rest and mobilize vital processes to fight off the infection.

I am currently suffering from a nasty cold. I am about 70% recovered at this time as I write. As much as I would want to stay home until I am 100% well, I have to report back to work tonight. Oh well, I will probably be missing #5 and #7 (the humidifier and bed rest), but I will make sure that I have my supplements, a stash of tea bags, and a can of soup that I can have at work.

Happy Monday, everyone! :)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Working for CSAT, Getting Nothing but DISSAT

Tonight I start work in a new site - same company, different location. I should be excited. Its a new building, a bigger monitor, a new room, new equipment, and the site is only two kilometers away from home. But guess what? I am not excited at all.

I was thrilled to learn of the transfer months back. However, a lot of changes had to happen which created a impact on me that made me lose interest in this move. There were things that I had to give up, things that made me happy at work, things that helped me provide for my family's needs.

First, we were "ordered" to go on a graveyard shift. Fine. I have no issues with that. Its just a matter of tweaking my sleeping schedules and household routines. However, here's the thing - moving to a graveyard shift will cut down my transportation incentive to half. That means, I will be losing two thousand pesos a month. Management said that despite the cut, we would be earning a whole lot more for the night differential pay. Really???!!! The night differential pay is only 15% of the hourly rate and it is taxable income. I guess these people did not do well in grade school mathematics.

Second, we were not informed of their plan to change our work schedules. We were not even asked how such change would affect us. Let me give some clarification. I provide quality assurance support to businesses based in the United States, therefore, I do not have agents taking calls locally. My US counterparts do not have any issue with me working the 2pm-11pm Eastern Standard Time shift. So why the change? We asked management for the reason. The answer we got? "I will be working midshift, 4pm-1am Manila time. I want to see you guys." Lame lame lame. Another response we got - "I can't tell you."  There goes transparency and visibility. Sure, great job! Keep secrets from your front-liners! 

Third, we are not allowed to have anything on our desks other than the computer monitor, the mouse and the keyboard. I have never, as in NEVER, worked in such an environment that we are not allowed to "personalize" our work space. It is hell enough to work nights, but to work in an environment that controls everything is not just right. Show me a person who can stare at a computer monitor for 8 hours straight and I will recommend that person to be given an award for being a seaweed. It is those little bits and pieces of home away from home that takes away the stress. I guess there are just some people (I am not even sure if they are even worth being called that) who find gratification in power-tripping.

Fourth, I loved working in Eastwood City. It is maybe three and a half kilometers from home, still close and accessible. Eastwood City used to be General Textile Mills, Inc. It is where my parents used to work. My dad was the company physician, my mom worked in the Finance Department, and we were a canteen concessionaire in the textile mill. I practically grew up spending after school hours in that place. I could still remember where the company clinic was, where the motor pool and boiler room was located. Working in Eastwood made me feel like I was back in that time, that happy time where my parents were still young and healthy. The only original structure within the General Textiles compound that was not demolished was the church. It was originally called "Holy Family Church," and has now been renamed "St. John Paul II Parish." Spending a few minutes in that church everyday made me remember the masses we attended there as a family. With the transfer to the new site, I would be missing my daily quiet time inside a church. I will be missing watching the sunrise. I will be missing the occasional breakfast breaks with my eldest son who is now working in Eastwood.

Now, I would probably be getting reactions like - "just resign if you don't like to comply with the changes." This is not about an issue with compliance. This is an issue about honesty, about being sensitive to the feelings of others. It is about being a true leader. 

What do I plan to do now? I plan to blog like crazy, to grab every opportunity that comes my way. To "sell myself" to advertisers, to be more active in social media sharing - anything to earn back what I will be losing in my bi-monthly paycheck. I will pray harder. I will do it and I will succeed.

And for those who have impacted me and my workmates in such a negative, deceitful manner, I pray that they won't experience having to deal with a boss just like themselves. If they do, maybe that will be the time that we will be vindicated. 

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Investing In Your Family's Safety

It is alarming that the crime rate has just skyrocketed. When I was growing up, I could just play outside with my friends without my parents worrying about me. We could go to a park and be meters away from our picnic space and still feel safe. 

I feel sorry for the children of this generation. They have missed out on the joys of playing safe and free. It does seem that the only safe place after dark is the home. Although sometimes, being home is not even a guarantee that we will be safe. We would be tucked in bed, asleep and for all we know, robbers have ransacked the house. 

I have heard that there is some kind of spray that robbers use to cause deep sleep for the people inside the house they intend to break into. Whatever it is, I have no idea. How can we then protect ourselves and our children?

There are certain devices out in the market that we can purchase to help us keep our homes safe and our children safer. There are spy cameras that look like a clock radio, security cameras, and motion-activated outdoor lights. For self defense, it would be wise to always carry with us something to deter evil-doers. A small can of pepper spray or a stun gun would ward them them away. Lastly for our own peace of mind, we can make our children wear a child-tracker watch. All these, together with being more aware and street-smart can help us stay away from being victims of crime.

Check out these products below and maybe they would work for you too.

A Hidden Spy Camera Radio Clock

The Jumbl Mini Hidden Spy Camera Radio Clock is great thing to have on your night table as well as in your child's bedroom too. It seemingly looks like a digital clock, but it records video and still images. It can be set to record only when motion is detected. Supports up to 32 GB Micro SD card (sold separately). No need to hook up to your computer because you can view footage in the built-in 2 inch screen.

Security Cameras

To add to our peace of mind, outdoor security cameras can give us just that. Strategically placed, these devices can work well both during the day and night. Just because you'll never know when intruders attack, this VideoSecu cctv camera comes equipped with a mini hidden microphone.

Solar Powered Motion Sensor Lighting Fixtures

Reinforce the efficiency of a cctv by installing a motion sensor LED light. This motion sensor light has a 0.55 watt solar panel that converts sunlight to reusable electricity. Lightweight and easy to install, Sunnytech's Outdoor Lamp does a good job for a very affordable price. 

Personal Protection # 1 - Pepper Spray

My work shift starts at 2am and it causes my family so much worry when I leave for work. Although I live in a relatively safe neighborhood, I can never be sure that there is no one lurking in the darkness. To protect myself, I have a can of pepper spray in my purse. I hold it in my hand while I am walking, ready to use at the slightest provocation. Better safe than sorry. 

Personal Protection # 2 - Stun Gun

A stun gun will be my next purchase. Lately, there have been motorcycle-riding hoodlums who would try to snatch your bag. My mom was once a victim of this kind of robbery. My mom fell to the ground after the rider snatched her purse. Good thing she was not seriously hurt. A device like this would be more effective when walking near a busy street where motorcycles can come so close to a sidewalk. A stun gun like this can fire 500,000 volts into an attacker and make a very clear statement to stay away.

Child-Tracker Watches

Do you have a toddler who loves to run around? Most toddlers do! When my sons were like 4 and 2 years old, they were a handful to watch over when we would go to the grocery store or the mall. During that time, child harnesses were the "in" thing to keep a child in check and within arms' reach. Nowadays, technology has given us an innovative way to give the children some "freedom" and still offer parents peace of mind. A child tracker watch in fun designs, easy to use and with no monthly service fees is a cool device to have on your child. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Top 5 Countries That Consume The World's Most Common Beverages

I just got a light bulb moment while having my morning cup of coffee. I just wanted to know about which country consumes the most of everyday beverages. I collated the information and I had such a fun time so I am sharing it with you. The figures below are usually described as "per capita," meaning "the average consumption of the total population," therefore, it is an average count of the people who consume it and those who don't.

The Top 5 Countries That Consume The Most Coffee

Before I searched for the information, I thought it was hands-down the United States. I thought the Philippines would be second (with all the night shift workers trying to stay awake). I guessed it wrong! The United States is not even in the Top 10, and the Philippines is not even on the list! Based on the per capita consumption of the dry weight of coffee, the top 5 are:

1. Finland - 9.6 kg per capita

2. Norway - 7.2 kg per capita

3. Netherlands - 6.7 kg per capita

4. Slovenia - 6.1 kg per capita

5. Austria - 5.5 kg per capita

The Top 5 Countries That Consume The Most Milk

Again, my top guess was the United States. Wrong again. The United States ranked 16th in a study conducted in 2008. The four of the Top 5 countries that consume the most milk (liquid and dry) are in Northern  Europe, and the country holding the 5th rank is in the Mediterranean. Without much ado, here are the Top 5 milk consuming countries:

1. Finland - 361.19 kg per capita

2. Sweden - 355.86 kg per capita

3. Netherlands - 320.15 kg per capita

4. Switzerland - 315.78 kg per capita

5. Greece - 314.79 kg per capita

The Top 5 Countries That Consume The Most Tea

Now this will be a difficult list. The manner  by which tea is consumed are different in every country in the world. Some may drink tea as part of a ceremony, others may drink tea because of it healing properties. There are still others who have tea as a regular after-meal beverage, while others drink tea as their source of caffeine. Therefore creating a list of the top consumers of tea would vary. Let us make do with a generalized list for tea consumption. So, who do you think landed the top spot? Let me take a guess. The top spot should be some country from Asia. China? Japan? India? Let's find out!

1. Turkey

2. Morocco

3. Ireland

4. Mauritania

5. United Kingdom

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The Top 5 Countries That Consume The Most Beer 

Now we come to a favorite of mine... Beer! It is always something I look forward to having on the weekends. I love strong beer, Red Horse beer, particularly. Beer is the drink of friendship, of little glories and family time. Bottled beer, homemade beer, dark beer, beer in cans, draft beer, any beer! Which country would you think consumes the most beer? My wild guess was Germany, because of the Oktoberfest. Another guess would be the United States, because of all the sporting events they have, and beer is always part of each and every game. I was amazed to find out who the Top 5 really were.

1. France

2. Austria

3. Estonia

4. Germany

5. Ireland

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I raise my mug, cup, glass, or bottle and greet everyone a Happy First Monday of February!

2015 Is The Year To Shape Up Or Ship Out

A nine hour desk job can wreck havoc on a person's health and well-being. Musculo-skeletal disorders, weight problems, digestive tract ailments and decreased visual acuity are just some symptoms of deteriorating health. Shift workers usually lack sleep which makes these symptoms seem worse for them.

How can we squeeze in a little bit of exercise in our day? It is recommended that we stand and walk around once for a few minutes during our shift. Take the stairs instead of the elevator when going up and down a few floors. Walk a few blocks to the bus stop, or get off two blocks and walk the rest of the way.

We can also do isotonic exercises while sitting by flexing certain muscle groups. Stretch our arms and legs, rotate our shoulders, wrists and ankles. Just keep moving!

Eating healthy, doing exercise, and getting enough sleep can jump start our journey to gain fitness and better health. Thanks to technology, we can now better track the number of calories we burned, the distance we have walked, and the number of hours we have slept. 

Check out these gadgets. It will definitely motivate us to push ourselves to the limit and achieve our goals. 2015 is indeed the year to shape up or ship out!

A Fitness and Sleep Tracker Watch

Start getting credit for your daily activity with the Timex IRONMAN Move x20 Mid-Size fitness tracker. It works seamlessly with your iOS or Android smartphone to provide an incredibly convenient way for you to track your steps, distance and calories. There’s also a workout mode that displays your elapsed time and pace. It holds 30 days of daily data, 30 workout files and 10 days of sleep data. With easy-to-read, illuminated characters, you’ll always be able to check your progress.
Timex - Women's Timex 'Ironman - Move x20' Wireless Fitness & Sleep Tracker Watch (Small) - $99.95, Free shipping - Available at Holabird Sports

A Scale To Keep Track Of Your Progress

What more could be more essential in keeping track of your progress than a scale that not only tells you how much you weigh, but also gives you other health-related metrics? Step on the Vivitar platform and, like other scales or a freelance carnival guesser, it will tell you how much you weigh. But, as its name implies, the scale also determines other key health-related metrics, such as body fat, hydration levels, muscle mass, and bone density. Up to 10 people can put their basic personal information—age, gender, and height—into the system. Next, the scale uses this info and bioelectrical impedance analysis, a technology that sends a low-level electrical signal through the feet, to take its readings.

Replenish From Start To Finish

Replenish your body reserves with a healthy snack. Each 86 gram bar of TigerBillsBest High Protein Energy Bar is gluten and soy free, contains 21 grams of whey protein, and 22 grams of fiber. Its natural sugars provide quick energy while the complex carbs in the snack provide lasting energy. What could be more satisfying than a treat that not only tastes good, it also feels good inside. 

Let's move that body! It is never to late to start. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Changes And The Corporate Slave

Organizational change. Big words. Huge impact.

In business, it is so true that "the only thing constant is change." Changes are being made to improve the business process, to increase the company's financial gain and to be able to serve the customers better. Careful planning must be done to avoid a negative impact on the company's front-liners. These people are the ones working to keep the business afloat, therefore, implementing poorly thought of changes will cause employee unrest - and the business suffers.

What should be done to effect change and yet keep the employees happy? Here are some of the factors that should be taken into consideration:

Financial Impact:

What motivates your employees to go to work everyday? The number one reason is compensation. A rank and file employee knows that as long as they work 40 hours a week,  they will get paid. Should they exceed their targets, they know they will be receiving incentives for exemplary work. They know how much they expect to receive and they have carefully planned out the family budget until the next payday comes.

If the proposed change will affect their finances, think twice before you initiate your plan. If you ignore this, then you will be looking at dissatisfaction at work, increased number of absences, and worst, attrition. Organizational change with salary cuts is not good at all.

"If you pick the right people and give them the opportunity to spread their wings—and put compensation as a carrier behind it—you almost don't have to manage them."

— Jack Welch

Transparency:

The best way to reduce the negative impact of organizational change is to be honest. Talk to your employees. Inform them of the changes that management is planning to implement. Changes should NOT be kept secret until the day of implementation. Your front liners are the ones who have put money in your fat bank account. Why should they be left out in the planning? The key point here is to involve them in the decision making process.

"Leaders who make it a practice to draw out the thoughts and ideas of their subordinates and who are receptive even to bad news will be properly informed. Communicate downward to subordinates with at least the same care and attention as you communicate upward to superiors."

— L. B. Belker

Mental Stress and Demotivation:

This is to be expected in any organizational change, especially if an employees' finances are affected and their life-work balance is disrupted. When this happens, the first thing that management will notice is a decrease in productivity. Employees may then start coming in late, taking longer than usual lunch breaks, or even skip work. The "devil may care" attitude hovers over the work place like an ugly dark cloud. Employee morale is a very fragile component of the work environment and this should always be taken into consideration. Managers should put themselves in the shoes of the front-liners. Work to create a win-win situation in every proposed organizational change. 

“If you slave away every day at a job you hate and come home drained and frustrated, what is that teaching your kids?” 

― Alexander Kjerulf, Happy Hour is 9 to 5

Situation in the Home:

Are your frontliners the breadwinners in the family? Do they have to attend to the care of a child, or an aging parent after work hours? Are their working hours beneficial for them to maintain efficiency at work, attend to family responsibilities and still get enough rest? Will the proposed organizational change significantly alter their life outside of work? It is true that there is no single formula that would work for everyone, however, constant communication and feedback from the employees will provide valuable information to arrive at a decision where everyone will be happy.

"A company that pays attention to the family unit is a successful company. We don't isolate the family. We don't make rides that say, 'Hey mom, dad, you go sit on the bench.'"

- Michael Eisner

I am but one of the millions of corporate slaves working in a call center. I have hungered to find contentment in my job. I thirst for acknowledgment of my sacrifice. I do not need certificates, gift checks or what-nots. I need to feel satisfied in what I do, get paid for my efforts, come home happy and stay healthy. I know it is only a dream and a that there is no perfect job that ever existed, and will never exist.

An upcoming change will be rolled out at work. The reasons are unbelievably shallow and has no business impact. I may be wrong, who knows? Everything is kept secret. "This is all I can tell you," is the trending sentence. As much as I voice out my opinions (or protest), I know I will never be heard. If I push my concerns, I would be at risk of losing my job. I could get a memo for insubordination. It is a death trap. Take it or leave it - that's the rule.

What do you think I would do? As always, I'd take everything with a grain of salt.

Why? Because that's just the way it is. I am a corporate slave.

Perfect Wedding Anniversary Gifts

A wedding anniversary is marked red on a woman's calendar. It is such an important date in a woman's life and she deserves a well-thought of gift. Here is a guide on finding the perfect gift for every 5 years of marriage bliss. So whether you are gifting your wife, or your mother, sister, grandmother, these gifts would surely bring a tear of joy to their eyes.

My parents would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary if my father was still alive. Nevertheless, we still celebrated their special day with a small family get-together. 

I am truly happy to see couples who have been together and stayed married for a long time, especially couples in their 80s and 90s who still lovingly look at each other and hold hands. Hats off to them!

Since wedding anniversaries happen everyday, here is a motif guide on finding the perfect gift for every 5 years of marriage bliss. 

First Year Anniversary - Clocks

A first year wedding anniversary is as special as the wedding day itself. What could be more symbolic than a beautiful clock to keep track of the lifetime a couple will have together. 

Bulova - Cranbrook Wall Clock by Bulova

Fifth Year Anniversary - Silverware

Five years married. People would say that couples who have stayed together for five years are still in the honeymoon stage. A fitting gift for a wife who has learned to whip up superb dishes in the kitchen is a silverware set. Perfect for those surprise candlelight dinners.

David Shaw Silverware

Tenth Year Anniversary - Diamonds

Diamonds are a girl's best friend. Ten years into the marriage, raising children, working a full time job and running a household can take a toll on a woman's self-esteem. Show how much you love that woman in your life and surprise her with a simple yet elegant diamond necklace.

Ross-Simons - .10 ct. t.w. Diamond Bar Necklace in Sterling Silver

Fifteenth Year Anniversary - Watches

Watches is the motif for the 15th year wedding anniversary. A couples watch would be a great gift to mark this milestone. 

Giorgio Armani - Emporio Armani Couple's Collection watch #AR9020

Twentieth Year Anniversary - Platinum

Staying together for 20 years is true love. At this time, couples have grown children and have established stability in their lives. To celebrate the big 20, a pair of platinum earrings would be a perfect gift.

Blue Nile - Hoop Earrings in Platinum (9/16") 

Twenty-Fifth Year Anniversary - Silver

Silver is the motif for the 25th wedding anniversary. I remember my dad giving my mom silver jewelry during their 25th anniversary. We celebrated it in style, my dad had an exclusive party for family and special guests at a function room in a high end steak house.

Blue Nile - Infinity Love Knot Pendant Sterling Silver 

Fiftieth Year Anniversary - Gold

Fifty solid years of marriage! These couples have been together through thick and thin and are enjoying their lives in the company of their children and grandchildren. Gold is the motif of the 50th wedding anniversary, which truly describes this event. Simply precious and blessed. 

Daniel's Jewelers - 14K Gold over Silver 24-inch Miami Cuban Link Chain

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.

Brave The Shave! Fresh New Scents To Make Your Man Enjoy Shaving

In a few weeks, it will be Valentine's Day once more. The malls will be full of shoppers wanting to find a perfect Valentine's Day gift for their loved ones. Honestly speaking, I am what others might call "the practical gifter." I go for things that a person can actually use. I always think it is better to find a gift that would be useful other than one that can only be stashed away in a closet.

Okay ladies, I have a gift suggestion for you. You might want to check out the special after-shave splash by floid. This well known product  is made in Spain and has been around since 1932. It is a sought after choice by master barbers and is known for its distinctive, masculine scents. 

To compliment this special after shave splash, you might as well get their shaving gel too. It is a non-foaming transparent gel so shaving would be easier. I know these would not appeal to the younger generation as gifts for their boyfriend, but I am absolutely sure your husband, father, uncle and grandfather would thank you immensely for these products. I know my hubby will!

Another Blog Idea? Join #BlogWithNuffnang!

A few months ago, I joined Nuffnang and I have been loving it since. Nuffnang is not only a great platform to promote products we commonly use; it is also a "go-to" site for learning valuable tips from established bloggers.

I love their contests because it appeals to the Filipino lifestyle, giving us bloggers a chance to collaborate, network and grow in our chosen fields. Nuffnang also ensures that they have equal opportunities for every niche under the sun. From kiddie activities, to food, to fashion, to gadgets, events and services. It is indeed rare that we find a blog advertising community that can do all of these. All we do is to make our creative juices flow and Nuffnang does the rest!

Since November last year, I have been contemplating on starting another blog. I have narrowed down my choices to the following niches - raising kids, call centers, or travel. Of these three choices, I opted for a travel blog. What in heaven's name am I thinking? I have never traveled more than 100 kilometers from home for the past eight years and I am going to do a travel blog? That was my motivation - to travel as much as I can - only in my mind. 

I have been limited by the responsibilities of handling a full time night job, of being a mom and going through the financial stress of sending two children to college.  There are days that would look at pictures of beautiful places I wish I could visit, read a lot about them and then sit back and dream. I thought, if I cannot go out and see the world, I will have to make do with experiencing the world come to me through writing. I know I share this sentiment with a lot of busy mothers out there, so I am going to be bringing them the world through a well-organized travel blog. I have named my new blog - "Wondering Where To Wander," currently hosted by blogger. As of the moment, I only have one entry. Soon there will be more. I have a lot of drafts lined up, categorized into the following - The Great Outdoors, Modern Marvels, Culture, Persons of Interest and Traveling Safe. I am so excited!

Now, in order to turn this dream into reality, I am keeping my fingers crossed that I would be given the blessing of being one of three (3) lucky Nufffnang bloggers to be chosen to be awarded a domain and one year of hosting free! That would be the best gift to start the year and to propel my travel blog to a higher level! You too can join! If you are a registered Nuffnang blogger from the Philippines, log in to your account to learn more about the contest. Not a blogger yet? Don't worry! You too can join. Nuffnang recognizes the potential in each and every one of us. That's what they're here for - to help us connect with brands and eventually help us reach our dreams.

I joined this contest because I really want to make 2015 my year of change. Only Nuffnang can help me turn my dreams into reality! Visit www.blog.nuffnang.com.ph for details!