Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Treat Yourself! Simple Ways To Save On Shopping

From time to time, we all deserve a treat. Many of us would like to have more disposable income to spend on going out for dinner, a weekend away or a new outfit, and it may not be possible to treat yourself every month. However, with these savvy shopping tips, it is possible to save on shopping. If you like to indulge in some retail therapy now and again or you’re hoping to try and cut the cost of your weekly grocery shop or monthly gift haul, bear these pointers in mind.

Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/pictures-of-money/16678606754
Clothes and accessories
We all need clothes, and if you have an interest in fashion, you probably like to add new pieces to your wardrobe on a regular basis. The cost of updating your closet every season can soon mount up, but there are some crafty ways to save on shopping.

The first thing to do if you love fashion is to embrace online shopping. If you shop online, you often get a much better choice, but you can also take advantage of lower prices and flash sales. If you have stores that you love, go online, visit their website, and join their mailing list. When you’ve done this, register with some discount sites, and sign up for alerts. Every day or week, you’ll receive an email full of the latest sales and promotion codes. Even if you’re only saving 10%, you could still save a significant amount over the course of a few months or a year. If you do find items you like, and you’re thinking of adding them to your basket, always compare prices first. This is particularly beneficial if you’re buying branded items, for example, a pair of trainers. Type the make and style into the search engine, and it will show you prices from different retailers. Sometimes, there’s a huge difference, and spending a couple of minutes doing some research will have saved you all that money. 

Image source: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Shopping-Money-Woman-Online-Credit-Card-Wallet-2125548
If you often find yourself looking in magazines and sites like Pinterest for style inspiration, it’s always a good idea to look for copycat items. If you see a designer coat you’re desperate for, but you can’t afford, have a look around for high street copies. Popular stores are really good at offering cheaper alternatives to the styles and pieces you see on the catwalks, so you spend less and still be on trend. 

Buying secondhand clothing or items that people don’t want is another way of making shopping more affordable. If you don’t already have an account for online auction sites, it’s really easy to set one up. All you need to do is sort out your profile and your payment information, and you can start bidding on items you like. You can tailor your search. If you’re looking for a black coat, for example, you can choose which brands to include and select size and style options. Once you have an account, you can also consider selling. If you have clothes, bags, or shoes that still have the tags on, or are barely worn, you can sell them, and put the money you make towards some new purchases.

Image by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Application_for_online_shoppers.png
Saving on gifts
If you have a large family or you’ve got into the habit of buying your friends and their children gifts, life can get pretty expensive. Before you know it, you’re devoting a significant sum to buying presents every month. It’s always a nice gesture to buy gifts, but if you can’t afford to keep spending like you are, there are ways of reducing costs. Now that you’ve got to grips with Internet shopping, you can use it to save on gifts, as well as clothes. Look out for special offers and online sales, and shop around for the best prices. If you’re buying vouchers or gift cards, it’s worth checking out sites like Cards2Cash and if you’re stocking up on toys, look out for bundles and multi-buy offers. Often, you can save money by buying 2 or 3 items at the same time. If you’re a creative person, you can also reduce spending by doing some DIY gifting. If you can bake or sew, make the most of your talents. You could buy some mason jars and fill them with brownies or homemade cookies or create some bespoke cushion covers, quilts, or t-shirts. 

Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/gifts-wrapping-paper-presents-932349/
Grocery shopping tips
If you added up how much you spend on food each month, you’d probably be amazed. We tend to spend a lot on putting meals on the table, and once you throw in additional items like pet supplies, cleaning products, and toiletries, the costs can soon spiral. If you’re spending too much at the grocery store, these saving tips should come in handy.

Plan ahead
Always go to the supermarket with a list. If you just grab things here and there, you’re likely to miss items you need, and you’ll end up spending more. Work out what you’re going to eat in the week ahead, and write down the ingredients you need. If you’re keen to cut costs and save time in the week, batch cooking is a fantastic idea. If you have a few hours on a Sunday afternoon free, you can cook up meals like casseroles, pasta dishes, and curries, and freeze individual portions. Later in the week, all you have to do is defrost as many servings as you need and then heat them up when you get home. 

Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shopping_list_(2098182380).jpg
Unless you spot offers on products that you usually buy, try and avoid promotions. If you find this hard, shop online. This way, you’ll have a running total to show you how much you’ve spent, and you won’t have neon signs or eye-catching displays trying to lure you away from your list. If you’re buying items like pet food or nappies, which you tend to buy in bulk, go online and compare prices first. If you find a store that has them on offer, you can stock up.

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99.jpg
If you’re spending too much on shopping, but you’d like to be able to afford the odd treat, try adopting these savvy shopping tips. Hopefully, you’ll be able to save more and get more for your money when you do decide to treat yourself. 

Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Preparing For And Dealing With Serious Issues

Life has a funny way of gifting us problems and issues when we least expect it to or when we need issues the least. It’s just like that.

If you’re worrying about work, it feels like your car is more likely to break down. If you’re out and about without an umbrella, it’s obviously going to pour down with rain. Life just does these things to us.

That’s why it’s so important to prepare for emergencies - things can take us by surprise, but if we can be proactive and work to prevent issues - we can save a lot of time, money and hassles.

For the family, most emergencies are going to center around three things. The home, health, and cars. All three can keep in good condition with maintenance, and these basic tasks need to be performed as it will lower the risk of an emergency.

The home requires constant care and attention, like the other two things listed above, but the difference is that so much money is pumped into our home that we would simply be throwing money away if we allow issues and problems to spring up, these issues and problems can turn into true household emergencies.

(Source)
Thankfully, household issues can be prevented by basic DIY and maintenance.Anything that can develop into a serious problem usually affords the homeowner plenty of warning signs and usually doesn’t develop into a big problem unless there’s neglect. Leaks, plumbing issues, and structural issues are usually slow burning problems that have a simple root cause.

There’s a number of things you can do to make sure that you keep your house in good shape and prevent any emergencies or issues from developing.

Firstly, keep a clean home. A clean home will prevent pests from appearing as the aura of cleaning products will put them off. Plus, if there is no food lying on the floor, you’ll be less likely to develop a pest problem as they will look elsewhere for sustenance. This will also stop dust and grime from building up in your household.

Preventing leaks is key and if you notice any issues stemming from your sinks, toilets, showers or bath - call in a professional who can take a closer look in case it’s not solved by tightening washers. A plumber called in before the leak worsens can save you a lot of money in the long run. It will also highlight a potential emergency as a ceiling can easily collapse under the strain of a long-running leak. Clearing your gutters and removing the debris that piles up in them can work wonders for the health of your home as your roof will be able to remove water.

The family car likely gets used a fair bit, so look after it! Learn how to change the oil, running fluids and tires and keep your car in good condition. If something is wrong with your car, you’ll know because of the sound it makes when it runs. Dirty engines are going to splutter; worn brakes are going to screech. If you notice a drop-off in the basic performance of your car, there is likely an underlying issue that could have been solved or prevented with basic maintenance. Change your oil when it is dirty to keep a clean engine, change your tires when they are worn to keep your car handling safely. This is all pretty basic stuff, and there is a guide on the internet for each and every car issue you could encounter. Of course, you can also purchase the car owner's manual to bring you up to speed.
Simple tasks like that can prevent serious issues and help your family prepare for almost any issue in the home or on the road. Prevention and maintenance does cost money, though, albeit less money than covering the cost of a true emergency! You do have to spend in the short-term to prevent long term issues, and if you’re short of money, it will be worth your while to research payday loans online to cover the cost of any maintenance issues or serious problems. Money is a big issue and saving it should become a priority. Having cash on hand can fix a lot of problems, so make sure to spend less than you earn to develop an excess of cash that can be saved just in case a serious issue crops up. Keeping money on hand for times of trouble is a really good idea.

Issues will happen, just don’t let them turn into major problems via neglect!

Thursday, February 23, 2017


Image Source: Wikimedia
If you have a small outdoor area and aren’t sure how to utilize the space well, there are many ways to enhance it, without breaking the bank. It’s all about being creative and working with what you’ve got. 

Don’t forget About Your Balcony

If you live in an apartment and haven’t got access to a garden, don’t overlook your balcony space. Just like you would a garden, think of it as a place to unwind, and add your own unique and personal touch. There are a number of ways to use a balcony, from relaxing with a book to entertaining guests. It’s an extension of your home that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked.

Inject Some Greenery

There’s no reason why you can’t incorporate certain aspects of a garden when transforming your balcony space. Potted plants and flowers add vibrancy and color, helping to break up the monotony of concrete walls. Evergreens are the most practical type of plant, as they provide color all year round and are easy to look after. Japanese elms and Madagascar dragon trees are ideal for balconies. It’s worth investing in a decorative sturdy pot to enhance the overall look.

Create a Chill Out Zone

Without some form of outdoor furniture, your sanctuary will be lacking a much needed relaxation zone. For balconies, a long bench with padded cushions works well against the wall. Beanie bags are also fun for affordable vibrant seating. Prioritize furniture that’s light, and easy to move around or fold.  It’s important to durability into account too. For backyards with limited space, foldable chairs are a good idea, or use cushions on mats and moroccan pouffes. Foldout tables are perfect for entertaining in confined spaces.

Image by Flicker
Add a Splash of Color

Contrast against boring brick tones and concrete with vibrant decor. Ethnic style plastic floor mats are great for balconies, and allow you to sunbathe in privacy on hot summer days. For small patios and decking, accessorize with colourful textured cushions and throws. This creates a more intimate setting and utilizes your space better. They’re also super easy to rearrange.

Tame your Lawn

An overgrown lawn is going to overwhelm a small garden space. Your most convenient option is to purchase a quality lawn mower, or for small patches of grass, garden shears will do. For small patches of grass, make sure there’s no plants or trees creating shade and depriving your green patch of nutrients.

Make the most of Wall Space

For small gardens with no much room for planting, grow upward plants like vines or wall creepers. For balcony spaces, wind chimes are a great option for creating a peaceful ambience. Mosaic mirrors are also great for creating the illusion of more space. Walls are also an opportunity for lighting. Lanterns and LED sensors are just a few options you could choose from.

However you decide to transform your outdoor space, make sure it’s a reflection of your true individuality. It’s always fun to experiment with DIY projects and find new ways to get inventive. So don’t be afraid to get stuck in!

Monday, February 13, 2017

Turn Your Workspace Into A Working Hub

Where you do your work has such an impact on how you work. A messy office can make it so much harder to concentrate, as well as causing you to lose valuable time during your working day hunting for lost items. It’s also been shown that a tidy office can increase productivity by as much as 20%. The first step is to get things in order, but you then have to make sure they are kept that way. Here is some useful advice when it comes to making your office a more productive environment and improving your worklife.

Photo credit
Your Table and Chair

If you work in an office or from home, you will spend a big proportion of your day sat at your desk. First start by making sure you have a comfortable chair that is easily adjustable so you don’t cause yourself any back problems. Make sure the top of your computer monitor is at eye level and try to keep it at least 17 inches away from yourself. Keep your feet resting on the floor and remember to take regular breaks to keep your blood circulation going.

Declutter

The number one enemy to productivity is clutter. Make sure only active work remains on your desk, while everything else can be filed away for reference. Keep all your stationery together in one place which is in easy access. Position your phone and anything else you use on a regular basis on your most dominant side. 

Personal Items

It’s a nice idea to keep some personal items around to keep your mind positively focused. Whether these are pictures of your family or some personal trinkets to remind you of a happier time, these can provide a welcome distraction from work. If you are looking for a unique novelty item for your desk, you can get some personalized bobbleheads of you and your family made up. Other novelty items you could look at include mini pool tables, mouse mats, pen pots or mugs.    

Colour, Sound and Air

The colour of a room can have a major impact on us. It’s been shown that the colour blue can help encourage productivity, so try repainting your office to see what impact this has on you. If you don’t like it, changing your mind is pretty straightforward.

Some people prefer quiet when they are working, while others like to have some music in the background. If you work in a naturally noisy environment, try some noise cancelling headphones to block out what is going on around you. Many people find it tricky to work if there is complete silence, so take some time to experiment with what works best for you.

Too much recirculated air can have a major effect on our ability to concentrate. Try to open the windows at least a couple of times a day and open the door to get the through draught going. Even if it is the middle of winter, there’s nothing like some bracing cold air to perk you up!

Saturday, February 4, 2017

Open Field Concerts Made Fantastic With Korg Synthesizers

Everyone, young and old, appreciate music. Whatever your choice of genre, listening to music gives you all sorts of emotions - happy, nostalgic, relaxed, etc. Going to a concert provides you with a different kind of high.

I am a proud Thomasian. My Alma Mater, the University of Santo Tomas provides its students and alumni a yearly Christmas party called "Paskuhan." There are many activities that students and alumni can participate in, however, the most awaited is the concert and fireworks display.




Students, alumni and artists from the music industry provide performances like no other and it seems to get better and better year after year. You may be wondering how can it be that they can provide such quality performances with clear, crisp sound that even the person in the farthest area of the football field can enjoy. These artists must have the best musical tools available, and one of them is undeniably the musicians friend kaossilator pro in stock. This device that looks like something from the control panel of an aircraft allows anyone to easily create melodies and phrases, even among those without any performing experience! With its intuitive touch pad, simply rub, stroke, or tap it to instantly create complex phrases with a single finger. Horizontal motions control the pitch, while the vertical axis can control tone parameters such as cutoff, feedback, or modulation depth. This makes it easy for anyone to create entirely original sounds and musical phrases. 

So next time you are at a concert and you happen to get close to the stage, you are bound to notice this little wonder of wonders. Isn't it amazing how technology has given us things to improve our craft? I can't wait for the next gadget or tool to be introduced in the market!

Friday, January 27, 2017

It’s Never Too Early to Organise Christmas

Image Source

Christmas may have just come to an end, but if you want to ensure that Christmas 2017 is bigger, better and more stress-free than last year’s festivities, it might not be a bad idea to start thinking about the most wonderful time of the year, and your plans for it, now.

“But it’s too early!” I hear you cry. The fact is, it’s never too early to organise Christmas, especially when you’re a busy single mum with a lot on your plate. Here’s why:

Keep Control of Christmas

Christmas might be the most wonderful time of the year, but can also be one of the most stressful if you let it slip out of your control. The beauty of starting early is that you can set firm plans that no one will be able to break once they know how long they’ve been in the pipeline. No more will you be brow-beaten into attending events you’re just not interested in. No longer will you have to visit your annoying distant cousin – you can do things your way!

Reorganise Your Gift Giving Policies

If you have long thought that gift-giving should be relegated to children and the most special people in your lives, don’t leave it too long to tell your wider circle that you want to give up gifting between you and them because they may already have purchased your gifts! Instead, get in early, renegotiate your combined gifting policies and streamline your Christmas Budget.

Spread the Cost

If you start buying your Christmas gifts now, not only will you not be hit with a huge credit card bill come the January after Christmas, but you will not be in a mad dash to find the last of the hottest toys for Christmas, come Christmas Eve.

Buying one gift once a week, or month, in the run-up to Christmas, depending on how many you have to buy, is more than enough to ensure that you are ready and organised come the holidays.

Make Your Own Gifts

If you want to save money this Christmas or you simply want to give more personal presents this year, there is never a better time to start than now. The best handmade gifts are the ones that were planned and executed well in advance, so it is never too early to start making gifts,

From pickles to sweaters, there are so many things that you can handmade for the holidays, and in most cases, you can get the kids involved, so a handmade Christmas is a great way to bond too!

Have a Great Time
Of course, the most important reason to consider organising your Christmas sooner rather than later is that you will be the only one who is not running around like a headless chicken come the festive season. While everyone else is busy frantically shopping on Christmas Eve, cooking and negotiating Christmas plans with their families, you can sit back and relax with an eggnog and have a fantastic time with your family completely stress-free.



Thursday, January 19, 2017

5 Ideas to Improve Your Home and Bedroom

If you're looking to spruce up of the look of your home and make your bedroom especially inviting, there are several simple steps you can take that will make a big difference. These tips can help you look forward to spending time in your bedroom and relaxing in your home overall.

Buy Organic Bedding

Organic bedding is not only great for the environment, it can also help you get a better night's sleep. Sheets and bedding made from bamboo is smooth and comfortable, and doesn't contain harsh chemicals, which is beneficial if you have sensitive skin. Organic cottons and silks can also make your bed especially inviting and there are several bedding colors to choose from, so you can find bedding that goes with your decor scheme. Once you find the bedding you like, select a few over-sized pillows or an organic vegan throw pillow to add texture to the bed and make it even more comfortable.

organic bedding

Don't Overclutter

We suggest following the "melon" rule when it comes to decorating your bedroom. If the decorations in your room are smaller than a melon, it can make the space look too cluttered. Select a few large vases and sculptures to adorn the bedroom, and take out the smaller items. You can also follow this decorating rule of thumb for the other areas of your home to reduce clutter.

Paint the Walls

You can paint your walls a soft shade of blue to improve the look of your bedroom and promote a good night's sleep. Blue has a calming effect on the mind, and can also lower your blood pressure and heart rate, as opposed to purple, which stimulates the nervous system and can reduce your sleep time by up to two hours!

Add Art

bedroom art

According to Apartment Therapy, a piece of artwork in your bedroom can really make the space especially lively and add more texture to the bedroom. You can even take a piece of art from another room and put it in the bedroom so you won't have to spend money on new bedroom decor. Using this idea when it comes to lighting can make your bedroom more attractive as well. For instance, if you have a lamp in the hallway that will go well with your decor, move it to the bedroom. Often times, we place the most beautiful furniture in our homes in places where guests will see. However, it's important that we take just as much care to decorate our bedrooms, since it is the most intimate place in our homes and should be beautiful.

Add Curtains and Rugs

Depending on how large your bedroom is, you may want to add an area rug or two to the space. A rug by your bed will keep your feet warm when you get out of bed in the mornings and can compliment the color of your bed or nightstands. A larger area rug in the center of your room gives the bedroom a more polished look. If most of the decor in your room is simple, a patterned rug can serve as a focal piece. Curtains are a great way to spruce up the bedroom as well. Not only will they shield the sun and keep the room from being extremely bright in the mornings, curtains can serve as another way to bring color and pattern into your bedroom decor.

Use Wallpaper

Adding some wallpaper to a few unconventional places in your bedroom can also make the space come alive. You can use patterned wallpaper for the center of your door to make the bedroom especially appealing. Or, you can use wallpaper to line the sides of your drawers for more visual appeal each time you put your clothes away. There are also wallpaper borders that you can apply to the tops of your walls if you don't want the entire wall to be patterned. Wallpaper is also a little easier to change than paint, so you can use this design trick every few months when you want to give your room a different look. These are just some of the innovative and cost-effective ways that you can make your bedroom look its best. Of course, using a combination of these tips can make your bedroom one of the most appealing rooms in your home.

With The Right Gadgets, Fun Times Are Anytime!

The 21st Century is bringing an over-reliance on gadgets. That can be a good thing, or a bad thing.

Earlier we wrote about some of the reasons our kids are not getting enough sleep, the first reason? There’s too much going on! Take a look:

Source
"It’s so easy to fill your kid’s rooms with items. After all, you feel they need items like a TV and a computer to keep them entertained. But if there are lots of things in your kid’s room, you are going to find they will struggle to get to sleep at night. After all, they are going to want to get up and play with their items. And it can make their brain alert if there are lots of things in the room. Therefore, keep the number of items in the room to a minimum to ensure your child gets enough sleep at night. Devices should stay downstairs to ensure your child isn’t tempted to play with them during the night!"

Computers, iPods, tablets and phones are scattered around the modern household - not to mention the presence of music and media. It’s always going on.

That being said, there are plenty of benefits to these gadgets and now that we have looked a negative side of them, we can focus on the positive. As with anything in the world, moderation is key! Gadgets offer a great way to entertain kids at any time!

If your children love gaming, there are so many options on the market! A new Nintendo console is coming out in the Spring, so you may want to bide your time - but right now you can get the Playstation 4, an Xbox One, the PS Vita or Nintendo 3DS. It depends on what is right for your children - if they are always out and about, a Vita or 3DS might be the best option. If they enjoy staying in, the PS4 or Xbox One could be the answer. Kids really are spoilt for choice when it comes to gaming.

Tablet computers can offer a world of entertainment to our kids - so be sure to take advantage of what they can offer! They can be a great way of listening to music, watching movies, or enjoying a book! If you want to listen to music - turn to Spotify or Deezer for curated playlists and any song you can think of! If you enjoy movies, ShowBox offers a fantastic range of movies for you and the family to enjoy at any time, so visit GetShowBoxApp.com to make the most of it. If you want to read, there are plenty of interactive books you can share with your children to inspire and educate. The options are endless!

Of course, you’re going to be using a lot of energy having so much fun with the family, so make sure the devices are charged up and ready to go at all times! Gadgets these days run out of battery faster than ever, so keep the cables close and the batteries full to ensure all these new gadgets are giving your family the fun times, all the time! Remember that moderation is important here - keep the gadgets on, but only when needed.

Smart Organizing With TrackR atlas

Everyone of us dreams of keeping out homes and belongings organized. We work at installing wall hooks to hang our keys on; we invest in safe storage boxes; we purchase file folders for our documents. However, there are times when we just simply forget where we placed our things.

It is frustrating to lose precious time looking for something that you need immediately. Stuff like your cellphone, car keys, house keys, your card holder, or important documents like passports, check books and bank books. I have to look for my cellphone almost everyday! We all go through this ordeal at some point in time, don't we?




Well, here's a bit of good news. Today, we no longer have to go through the hassle of finding the stuff we need when we need it. Thanks to a new technology called TrackR atlas.



This works by simply plugging a TrackR atlas device into a wall socket in each room in the house, and attaching a Bluetooth tracking device to each your favorite items. Using your cellphone, download the TrackR app. When you need to find something, use the app and say, "Where is my ________?" The app will tell you exactly where to find it. Cool! No more hassle! No more stress!

The TrackR atlas will detect any belonging that has a Bluetooth tracker attached to it. It can also monitor and send alerts to your cellphone when your things move around the house or even leave the house. Now, we can even track where our dog or cat is!



Go ahead and make your life a little easier. Let TrackR atlas help you create a smart home. Above anything else, it is the peace of mind and security that is the best benefit we can get from this amazing device. 

Tuesday, January 17, 2017

What Does Thailand Have to Offer First-Time Visitors?

Thailand is an incredible country, and the wealth of things on offer for visitors can overwhelm you. If you’re heading there for the first time, you’ll have to accept that you’re not going to see everything. There is simply too much. But you can see some of the best things the country has to offer. Then, if you enjoy your time in Thailand, you can come back again and see some other sides to the country. Here’s an overview of some of the most interesting things you can do there.

Explore the Floating Markets

The floating markets are famous in Thailand, and the name explains it all. The markets sell all kinds of food items. You can eat things that are being cooked or buy ingredients to take with you and make something with later. But the real attraction here is the water-based nature of the market. They are all on boats, and to get around and buy from these markets, you have to use a boat too. It’s a shopping experience like no other, and one that you probably won’t have experienced ever before. It’s something that you should definitely do when you have a spare afternoon.

Do Some Volunteer Work

If you’re a conscientious traveler and you want to give something back to the country, why not do a bit of volunteering while you’re in Thailand? There are many ways to do this. There are nature and wildlife reserves you can lend a hand to. Or you could volunteer with the charities that offer help to children who live on the streets. Many people from the West teach English to Thai children when they’re in the country. If you find that you love the country and want to help out, volunteer in Thailand and make a real difference to the lives of the country’s people.

See the Elephant Population

The elephant is one of the national symbols of Thailand. They hold a very special place in the hearts of Thai people, and that’s why so much work is done to look after the local elephant population. Many of them have been rescued and are now kept in sanctuaries where they are safe. The benefit of this is that you can go and visit them when you go to Thailand. There are all chances to ride elephants if you want to get even closer. Whatever you do, you can’t really go to Thailand without seeing the elephants that mean so much to the country.

Visit the Smaller Islands

There are many small islands that are off the coast of the Thai mainland. You should do some island hopping if you want to explore these. They all offer something different to what you will find in the rural and city locations of the mainland. The coasts are often stunning and tranquil. You can get a guided tour of some of the islands if you want to get the most out of your trip. It offers you the chance to see a less known side of the country.

Photo Source

Friday, January 13, 2017

It’s so important that your child gets enough sleep at night. For one thing, it is so vital for their health. After all, without enough sleep, your child is more at risk of catching a bug. And not only this but they will lose concentration easier at school. Without proper rest, they might end up making silly errors too. And that’s without the mood swings that can occur if your child is feeling tired. Therefore, you need to try and ensure they get enough sleep at night. If you find your child can’t drift off, here are some common reasons why your kid isn’t getting enough sleep and what to do about it.

There is too much going on in the room

It’s so easy to fill your kid’s rooms with items. After all, you feel they need items like a TV and a computer to keep them entertained. But if there are lots of things in your kid’s room, you are going to find they will struggle to get to sleep at night. After all, they are going to want to get up and play with their items. And it can make their brain alert if there are lots of things in the room. Therefore, keep the number of items in the room to a minimum to ensure your child gets enough sleep at night. Devices should stay downstairs to ensure your child isn’t tempted to play with them during the night!

Image Source
They aren’t in a comfortable bed 

Your child might also not be getting much sleep as they aren’t comfortable in bed. It could be causing them to move around in the night. Therefore, work out what about the bed is causing them to feel uncomfortable. It might be that the mattress needs to be replaced. After all, if it’s not supporting your child properly, they could end up waking up in the night. Or it might be the actual bed frame which is not providing them much comfort when they are trying to sleep. If you need to get them a new bed, you can find kids beds from Cuckooland and other brands online that might be suitable. And remember to check their duvet and pillows to ensure they are providing them with comfort in the night. That way, you can ensure their bed doesn’t cause them to have a lack of sleep!

Image Source
There is too much light in the room

You might not realize that the light in the room can make our brain think it’s morning. And then we struggle to get back to sleep once our brain is alert. Therefore, to stop this happening to your kid, you need to make sure the bedroom is dark enough at night. Invest in good curtains which will stop light getting into your child’s room. And if they can’t sleep without any light, you should just get a night light which you can put in the corner of the room. Therefore, it will give your child some reassurance without there being too much light in the room.

And remember to make sure your little one isn’t eating and drinking much before going to bed. Otherwise, your child will struggle to get any shut eye, and you will have a grumpy kid the next day!

Pixabay





Wednesday, January 11, 2017

My Word For The Year: BE



This is the first time I have tried having a Word for the Year. I have seen a lot of people doing it and after spending several days pondering on the most appropriate word for me, I found the perfect word.

BE.

A word of only two letters. It is a verb, an action word, defined in many ways, such as, "exist," "occur," "to have a state, quality, identity, nature or role."

Powerful, raw, intriguing.

This is how my year will start and end.

I will BE.

Thursday, January 5, 2017

Here's another great device for sound engineers and musicians who are thinking of staying on top of their game - the akai eie pro at Guitar Center.

This electronic interface expander is designed for plug and play convenience. It has 4 audio outputs and 4 audio inputs plus 3 USB ports allowing the user to record at 24 bit audio resolution into any recording or performance software.

Guaranteed to deliver all features as promised and comes with a good price. Definitely worth the investment.

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Do the "S.S.S." This Holiday Season with Groupon

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% mine.

The holidays are fast approaching and I am sure most of you have started shopping for gifts. As we all know, it is difficult to keep within budget, and even more difficult to find deals on the items you wish to purchase. Thankfully, Groupon Coupons provides us amazing deals for most of our needs, and from well known retailers. 

There is always someone in the family who will be thrilled to get a smartphone or a tablet, or maybe you need a new one yourself. Did you know that Groupon Coupons can help you to cover that need? Check out their deals on Verizon Wireless for deals on new devices. You will be amazed at how much you can save! 
If getting a new device is not exactly in your shopping list this year, that's okay. You can still avail of great discounts on their service plans. Calling friends and relatives on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year's can rack up your minutes, right? This is an offer that would be hard to refuse!

Not a Verizon Wireless customer? No problem. Check out Groupon Coupons' Exclusive deals for new customers! 

Some of us may be doing a lot of traveling over the holidays. Air fare and hotel accommodations are heavy on the budget, and we all know that. OneTravel can help us find best rates for flights, hotels, transfers and vacation destinations. In addition to OneTravel's very competitive offers, you may also apply Groupon Coupons for additional discounts! Traveling and going on vacation need not burn a hole in your pocket! So go ahead, book that flight, and reserve that hotel room. Everyone deserves a vacation and that includes you! 
Make things a little different this holiday season. 
Do the "S.S.S." - Search, Shop, Save. 
It is that easy with Groupon! 

Thursday, November 10, 2016



With the extensive application of mobile technologies, every parent’s mind is overwhelmed with the question: Whether to snoop or not to snoop their kids’ online activities. While countries like UK have advisors like who are urging parents to monitor their children’s emails, U.S. on the other hand is yet to get over the Edward Snowden crisis. It’s unfortunate that there isn’t much that we see government doing about kids’ online safety, and that’s why parents have to ask themselves whether it’s all right to monitor their kids’ online world.

The breach of trust, which is a possibility with spying on our kids, is in fact contingent upon how we define ‘spying in the first place”.

People have dramatically varying views about what’s the appropriate behavior for monitoring kids’ online behavior. Monitoring kids’ mobile-phone-related activities is pertinent nowadays to keep them safe against online predators, harassers, bullies, and unsolicited access to pornographic content. And sadly, the risks are uncountable, but the solutions are very limited. 


Natasha Furijanic, who has an eight-year-old son, says that monitoring may sound like intruding with our kids’ privacy, but it’s actually equivalent of saving their lives.On the contrary, mothers like Angelica, who is an educational psychologist believes that she would never spy on her daughter, because “that’s a violation of trust and an invasion of privacy”.

There are both easy and hard ways to find what’s there on your children’s computers, cell phones and tablets, but most parents who do spy on their kids’ online activity use tools like email spying software, because it’s an easy and convenient way of doing that. 

“I use xnspy email spying software to monitor my kids’ emails from his cell phone. The app is really convenient and easy to use, because all I had to do was to download it onto my son’s smartphone to start monitoring”, says Monica, mother of three. 


Day, who is the author of “Her Next Chapter” believes that spying on kids is an easy way of sabotaging the parent-child relationship. Her book talks about the mother-daughter bonding and reflects on the beliefs of openness and trust that parents and kids should have with each other.


While there are numerous ways to monitor our kids’ emails and online activity, the most convenient way for parents is to use an email spying software. These apps can be easily installed onto a cell phone; all parents have to do is to download the app onto the device they wish to monitor.


“It’s usually presumed that kids would retaliate to the idea of being monitored, but what really bugs them is the intrusion and constant questioning. I am using an app to monitor my kids and they are perfectly fine with it; they like the idea that I can check on their GPS location, contacts or multimedia without having to ask them for their device or calling them. It’s simple if you know how to bargain with your kids. They need to know that why digital safety matters, and when parents are able to do that, using a monitoring app on their phones is not a big deal then”, added Monica. 

But not every child thinks like that of Monica’s; there are parents who do think that monitoring kids’ email or smartphone is a breach of their privacy, and if there is something they should be doing, it’s to ask them about it. 

“I think parents should rather just focus on providing their kids the digital education they need. I don’t want an app to snoop into my phone; I want my privacy. There are things that aren’t risky but embarrassing and that’s why parents don’t need to know them. If we know the risks, we could be careful”, says Joe, a high school student. 

Apps like https://xnspy.com/ have been in the limelight for their pros and cons. Where kids find it intrusive, parents find this IM chat spying app highly convenient to keep check on the digital safety of their kids. 

What do you think about the use of mobile spying software on your kids’ electronic devices? Let me know in the comments.

Sunday, November 6, 2016

In the commemoration of the 3rd anniversary of Typhoon Haiyan, Hack the Climate will stage its first ever Clean Technology Hackathon and Training happening in Palo, Leyte and Tacloban City. It is part of the 8th NICP ICT Summit 2016, in partnership with the National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), DOST Region 8, Philippine Science High School – Eastern Visayas Campus, Seed4com, Move.ph, Millenia Suites, ThinkLab and Unionbank of the Philippines. 


Hack the Climate is a climate change themed Hackathon that is formed out of the desire of a two Princeton University College Students, named Michael Lanchanski and Jacob Scheer to help the Philippines in their battle for climate change through Technology and Innovation.  With the help of their Filipino counterparts, Elaine Cedillo, Diego Jose Ramos and Rizzel Jill Dy, Hack the Climate was born in June 2013.


“Hack the Climate in Leyte is our 5th since we started and we hope that we can bring this project across the country” said Elaine Cedillo, the lead project coordinator for this leg.  “Hack the Climate is more than just a hackathon, it is our advocacy. Educating the students and young professionals about the adverse effects of climate change while challenging the developers to create a solution for climate change adaptation or mitigation, and through that, the participants are empowered to do something to help our environment,” she added 

THE CLEAN TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS AND THE HACKATHON 

This year’s Hackathon is dubbed as “Hack the Climate Cleantech-Loban” and it will be a three-part event. They will be launching their first solar e-Learning facility for Alternative Learning System and a Solar Night Lamp assembly livelihood training program for the out-of-the school youth and partner NGO’s, plus a conference – hackathon about Climate Change Mitigation and CleanTech.


Philippine Toy Library located at Palo District 1, Barugo, Leyte with more than 100 learners and at Pambujan, Samar with more than 90 learners will be the beneficiaries of an e-Learning set-up consisting of laptops from Huawei Philippines powered by solar panels which will be donated by Unionbank of the Philippines through their Go Beyond CSR.  The Solar Night Lamp that will be produced during the training will be donated to a fishing community in and around Tacloban. 

The hackathon, a coding marathon, happening on November 9-10, 2016 at Philippine Science High School in Palo, Leyte, involves a specific theme where participants will be creating web or mobile applications, or hardware solutions.The conference happening simultaneously with the hackathon features speakers to educate and enlighten the audience to what is happening with our environment and how it affects each and every one of us, and different technologies which can be used to help in creating solutions.


Clean Techloban is supported by the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, Inc. and the OML Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc. and organized by Redwizard Events Management. 

For more information you may log on to :  
or like their Facebook page : 

Thursday, November 3, 2016

I have always considered myself a strong woman, ready to take on any challenge. However, when it comes to using make up, I have to admit that I still have a lot to learn, especially when it comes to choosing the right kind of brush to apply make up. I thought all brushes were one and the same. This mindset was proven wrong when I was given the chance to try Real Techniques make up brushes from Sephora.  

Sephora is a company focused on making women worldwide feel and look beautiful. Operating 1,900 physical stores in 29 countries and currently expanding their reach in the Asia Pacific Region with 200 stores spread across Australia, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia & India, and is now serving customers from the Philippines through their online store!

I ordered a set of Real Techniques brushes from Sephora. Before I go on to discuss my experience with the product, I would like to mention the ease of transaction online. Their website is user friendly and easy to use. I was able to choose the products I needed and within a few minutes, I was checking out and finalizing my order. However, it does not end there. Their post sale service was great! An email confirming my order was in my inbox almost immediately after I placed my order. A link to track my order was included in the email too. Their customer service hotline was easy to reach, with little to no wait time. The representative that attended to my query was courteous and very efficient. Customer service at its best!

Now, to proceed with my review. I am terrible with applying foundation and eye shadow. It is either I look too polished or "cake-y" or like I never applied anything at all. For this reason, I ordered the Real Techniques Duo Fiber Collection Set, Concealer brush, and the Foundation brush. I chose these products because its bristles are made from Taklon, a synthetic fiber free from any protein component and allergens. Therefore, it is 100% hypoallergenic, and animal cruelty free. In addition to that, since the bristles are made of synthetic fiber, it is easy to clean. 

I can be a klutz when applying make up so to make sure I do not make a mess out of myself, I asked my son's girlfriend, Marga, to do a demo for me for the photoshoot.


1. Real Techniques Foundation Brush

I am amazed at how well this brush helped in applying foundation. The brush design is great because the bristles are tapered and set at an angle making it easier to apply foundation evenly especially around the area of the bridge and sides of the nose. This brush allowed to build coverage on my foundation based on my liking without creating any streaking.


2. Real Techniques Concealer Brush

I never thought using a brush to apply concealer would be possible. I always thought a beauty sponge was the best way to do that. However, the Real Techniques Concealer Brush gave me a different experience. The brush had just the right density which provided an even coverage for those nasty dark under-eye circles. I love that the bristles were soft enough to use for this sensitive area of my face. 


3. Real Techniques Duo-Fiber Collection

This brush set consists of three different brushes, namely, the Duo-Fiber Face Brush, Duo-Fiber Contour Brush, and the Duo-Fiber Eye Brush.  These brushes helps create soft layers and texture because it is less dense than the other brushes. The Duo-Fiber Contour Brush can be used for defining the shape of your face. It can also be used to apply blush and highlights.  The Duo-Fiber Eye Brush was another "first." I always thought you needed those little applicators that comes with the palette when applying eye shadow. This brush helped me to achieve a smokey effect without having to look overly made-up. It made me itch at bit, but I guess that just comes with the fact that this was the first time I used a brush to apply eye shadow. Lastly, the Duo-Fiber Face Brush was the perfect brush to finish off the look. Perfect for applying loose powder and for a quick retouch. I love the "no-make up" make up look and these brushes will make anyone achieve a professional finish.


The other great features I discovered using Real Techniques brushes are:
  • Grip of brush is good
  • Brushes have a flat base to allow it stand upright (except the duo fiber brushes)
  • Affordable quality brushes which can compare to name brands
  • Bristles are super soft
  • Base brushes are dense so application is very easy, make up build is easy too
  • Brushes are multi purpose


In conclusion, I would recommend Real Techniques brushes. They are really worth the price. Furthermore, since you can only get these from Sephora, you can be sure that you are getting the authentic item!

Now that Sephora is available online for its customers in the Philippines, you can get all your beauty and luxury products from the industry leader. Free shipping is offered for orders Php 1,300.00 and up. Head on over to Sephora.ph now!

I am a satisfied customer! I am planning to get lip brushes next time. So happy that Sephora is finally here! I guess Marga is happy too. :)


Disclosure: Product/s mentioned above were sent to me by Sephora for evaluation purposes. No monetary compensation was received to write the review. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own. However, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.