Credit Card Trouble

With the global recession that is yet quite far in coming to a halt, many individuals continue to suffer credit card mismanagement. I just hope you are not among them. But if you are, you may probably be unaware that the credit card you use accrues more interests than what you expect.  Until your debts become too big for you to handle.  If this happens, it is deemed advisable that you seek credit counseling service.  A  credit counseling company can help the credit card holder like you, find a lower interest rate as a way to help you pay your debt on easier terms.  Most likely, these Credit Counseling Companies would know big creditors that can help you out with your credit card problem. So if you think your credit card debt is out of your control, look for a credit counseling service and you can expect to find yourself in the normal financial state once again.

The Photo Tag

 I was tagged by Shimumsy of Out of the Blue .  Thanks for this one, dear buddy!

 Show your readers the tenth photo you find on your photo file folder.

So here is mine.

>> This is the tenth photo on my file folder.  Actually,  I have too many folders filed but this is the tenth photo on the tenth folder.  I took a photo of this handbag when I first got hold of it.  It was a “pasalubong” from my sweet niece,  Raquel when she visited home from San Diego, Ca. more than a year ago.  Ain’t it pretty?   I so love it and it is my favorite handbag until now. Thanks again, Jay!

Let us see what’s the tenth photo on the file folder of Pinay WAHM, Mira, Beth, Monica, Race,Dhemz,  Xiaopei and all my blogger buddies.  Join in the fun guys!

Learn from Experience

When hubby bought our first car,  he already knew how to drive but since he hasn’t had the chance to practice what he learned, he was initially too nervous to drive by his own.  He had to hire a driver every time we used the car. It was too costly for us then, so he ignored the butterflies in his stomach and dared driving on his own.  Basically, he has been and still is, a good driver.  But it is a common knowledge that once on the road, driving a car involves so much risk.  And he wasn’t able to avoid one.  While speedy driving on his way home from office, a pedestrian suddenly came out from nowhere and darted out the road cutting his way through.  To avoid hitting the pedestrian, he instinctively swerved the stirring wheel that caused him to hit the cemented island.  Thus causing a severe impact on the front portion of the car.  He was lucky enough though, to be unhurt.

The car was repaired alright.  But it turned out that Hubby was cheated when he discovered that many parts aren’t replaced where it should have been and the paint color wasn’t perfect.  If only Houston Auto Body Repair Shops are available around here it would have been completely a different story.  We would have chosen the CSI Collision Specialist which is trusted for quality Houston Auto Body service. Hubby learned from experience and vowed not to go back to that car repair shop again.

One Good Dancer

We loved dancing!  Many years back, hubby and I were hooked on that pastime for a while.  We loved going out with friends and go Ballroom Dancing in some Hotel’s dance halls. Hubby was so interested to improve his dancing skills that he even had to hire his own private Dance Instructor.  Ha ha ha!.. It was because he had tough time correcting his two left feet.  It’s good that his niece didn’t inherit them as she is one good Jazz dancer. She easily learned Jazz Dancing and now, she’s a top dance performer in school. That throws her mom to always be looking for some new Discount Dancewear for her. Looks like she’s in demand in school programs. I only wonder where she got her talent. I’m pretty sure it’s not from her uncle. (Lol)

The King of Pop is Dead

I was blog hopping when I read one blogger buddy’s latest post titled Michael Jackson Dies.  What??? Could this be true?!!

So I turned on the TV to CNN channel to find confirmation.  And there is Larry King, currently talking to Cher about the demise of the latter’s best friend.   So there it is.  The sad truth is confirmed.   Michael Jackson - King of Pop is now gone. He succumed to cardiac arrest at age 50.  Ts, tsk, tsk… so young!

Bye for now, I have yet to listen to CNN’s latest update on MJ’s demise. Thanks to Shimumsy, for her breaking news,

Home Insurance

Do you believe in insurance?  Well, to be honest, I was not a believer of insurance.  I thought of it as just a sure waste of money for nothing.  But I came to realize my big mistake when I worked for an insurance company and many years back, when I learned about the unfortunate experience of a friend.

… It was summer and their family was on an out-of-town vacation to a province in Northern Luzon.  They have just arrived at their place of destination when someone called them up on a cell phone breaking them the news that their house was on fire. Of course, they were shocked! But as my friend would admit, it was just the initial reaction. In time, she remembered feeling so relaxed and worry free knowing that they have it covered for a sufficient sum of Home Insurance.  While their neighbors were all sad giving them moral support as they were looking over the debris of their burned down house, they were unbothered by the seemingly huge misfortune that befell them.  Finally, they’re preparedness for unforeseen events paid-off. They had their house built again. Home Insurances really work. 

If you are in Austin Texas and you need Home Insurance, seek for the best Austin Home Insurance. The Nelson Roberts (Farmers Insurance) has been serving the Austin and surrounding areas and giving their clients the best service. Look for them now and get your home covered before it’s too late.

Dream Bathroom

I have mentioned so many times before that we plan to have a house renovation.  That includes adding one or two bedrooms and an additional bathroom.  It is my dream to have a big bathroom, you know!.  One which has an organized shelves that holds expensive toiletries and other expensive bath stuff.  One where I can dip and relax in a soul soothing Jacuzzi after a whole day’s hard work. For me, nothing is more calming than being submerged in warm forceful water of a Jacuzzi. 

Sometimes, I regret not to have pushed through the plan we had before, the plan of adding a second floor to have additional bedrooms and bathrooms.  Perhaps we could have saved a lot coz the prices of the construction materials then were a lot cheaper.  Now I wonder if we could still afford to go with that plan. With the present worldwide financial crunch, I wonder if it is still logical to think of such huge housing expense.. 

Betterbathroom.com has a massive stock clearance. Hundreds of stocks are tremendously reduced.  So maybe, that dream bathroom is not so remote yet if we would take advantage of the stock clearance sale now going on in Betterbathroom.com. I just have to get Hubby’s nod of approval.

Driving Lesson

Here again is our shih tzu dog, Potpot, so concentrated in his driving lesson. Ha ha ha!

Here seeking approval if he’s doing the right thing…(wink!)

"Mother Job" Well Done

After almost two years of being a widow, Sister-in-law decided to accept a nursing job offer in the USA.   That’s after she has seen all the six children graduated from college and each are capable to stand on their own.  Having some businesses that would be left behind, she confidently left the management of the fish farm to the eldest son and the rice mill to the eldest daughter. I couldn’t help but be impressed by the assiduousness and diligence these kids throw to the responsibility bestowed on them. Even the truck being used to service the business are well taken cared of. They are even planning to get another one but this time, they want to have the necessary accessories such as Tonnneau Truck Cover. Really smart entrepreneurs, for they know this is to give protection to the commodities they frequently transport.  Hubby and I are just too proud for them and has much respect for Sis for her “mother” job well done!

Rugs

“Rug is a thick cloth that is used to cover a floor.  Sometimes a rug is called carpet.  Rugs can be made from fur or plant material”.   This is a part of the definition of rug taken from wikipedia.  It also mentioned that lately, oil is being used to make rugs from man made materials.

For many interior designers, rugs shouldn’t be overlooked when giving designs. It dresses up the plain flooring while complementing the furniture and appliances inside the house. Actually, it doesn’t only beautify but it also gives warmth and comfort to those who step on it.  I remember, having bought carpets for our living room many years ago.  I so love it coz it also serves as cushion for my still little kids then.  It’s been so useful until it had been tattered and damaged for its years of service and ultimately, it it was thrown out to the garbage. Presently, I don’t have carpets in the house. But I  still contemplate on getting a piece or two. Perhaps, I won’t choose those thick, wool carpets anymore.  I prefer to have the ones that are made of cooler materials such as bamboo.  I saw it in one website where they supply bespoke rugs prepared from the finest natural materials custom made from England.  Looks awesome!  I plan to order one soon.

Porterhouse Steak

Porterhouse Steak - My fave cut of steak! 

I love steaks!  Normally, I could only have them when we happen to pass by the House of Mini’s in Libis, Q.C.   Sometimes, on special occasions, we get to have them in Outback Steakhouse in Glorietta, Makati.  A bit pricey but it’s not just the food that is being paid for, I supposed.  The ambience cost is greater than the food itself. (Lol!).  Anyway, so when I saw the Autralian Beef in SM hypermart, I quickly got few pieces and tried to copy the ones in those Steakhouses. The first try didn’t get a good rating from the judges but the second one did.  I should admit, I’m not a chef from those steakhouses. I have yet to know their secrets!

House Renovation Plan

What do you think would a twenty four year old house look like?  Well, what else but a partly dilapidated one!  The paints are faded and chipped-off and part of the roofing would have had leaks if not for the help of roof sealants.  You can also see some broken gutters. All things considered, the structure needs renovation.  

Yes, I should know because we are dwelling in that kind of house for as long as it was built. And plans are up for the needed renovation plus some additions. Hopefully with our fingers crossed, we will realize the plan. Although we already have dealt with some contractors many years before, we deem it necessary to look for the right General Contractor this time around.  If it’s only possible for us to deal with a Miami General Contractor we would have done so, especially the Atem Construction Inc.  Theirs is the company that has years of experience and expertise of which I think is essential in providing good workmanship.  I saw their website and I’m convinced that they are among the best.  And maybe, well, just maybe, I could find one like them too.  One that would take charge of everything, from the building permits to the finishing touches and still delivers the project in finer superiority. If this is done, I’d be the happiest.

Trendy College Girl

College days are truly exciting especially if you are a freshman setting your foot first time in your very first college class..  One amongst the new faces in totally new surroundings she was quite scared yet excited.  That’s how my niece describes the latest development in her school life.  She’s sixteen and just getting to be a full grown lady.  But young as she maybe, she already is a true blue fashionista.  Like any other young girls her age, she’s so trendy with every pieces of attire she wears from head to foot including her prescription eyeglasses. That makes her mom complain for losing some of her personal accessories to this fashionista daughter of hers. But I know, she’s secretly happy for the taste her daughter has, coz she knows exactly how to match her clothes with accessories. Good thing is, she carries herself well as what a college girl should.

On her coming birthday she wished to be gifted with a Stylish Prescription Sunglasses.  She wanted this one coz there won’t be a need for her to wear her contact lenses.  She would then be freed from the time consuming utilization of such lenses.  And I’ve heard, her mom is about to get her one. She’s already in college anyway and she deserves to have one.

Garden Salad

A favorite of the family, the Vegatable Salad.  A delicious appetizer but  very simple to prepare.  Consists only of lettuce, tomatoes, carrot, cheese and caezar’s dressing, which is only mayo mixed with catsup and little vinegar, salt and black pepper.  That simple!

Break Time

Trinoma is one of our fave destinations for shopping.  Few weeks ago, a girlfriend of mine and I decided to once again take a break from our daily household routine.  Well, it’s not actually a whole day of break but at least we had some time all for ourselves.  Gf snatched the car key from her hubby and off we went to Trinoma.  Foodies that we are,  our first stop was nothing else but a nice eating place.  That time, we chose the Subway coz we both love baked macaroni and pizzas.  Subway always gives me superb food satisfaction.  We ate as if we were preparing for war. Lol!  Little did we know that we would need those carbo intakes for tiresome shopping walks we made around the said Mall.  I picked some shirts for Hubby and son and few pieces of blouses and pants for me.  One elegant leather handbag caught my fancy but had a second thought on buying when I took a look at its price.   The price?  It’s P5,900.00.  For me, it’s not worth spending that much.  I’d better get a nice piece of jewelry.  Maybe I have to add some more bucks for one good piece of bracelet but that would be a much better investment than just a fashionable quality handbag. Gf was prodding me to get it and use my credit card, but no way! 

Very unlike me, Gf was quite a spendthrift. I just saw her having tough time carrying her loot.  ‘Twas dark when we reached home. Tired but happy!

Girl’s Knick-Knacks

I was busy the past week while my lappy was resting.  Since my “angel” (helper) is still on vacation for two months now, the house was nearly in shambles.   Having much of my lappy free time, I did some general cleaning in the house. I had earlier disposed off some old clothing from our own wardrobe cabinets and then lately, I moved to daughter’s room and did some clearing too. Although daughter is quite organized, there are times when she would leave her room in total chaos when she’s getting late for work. I don’t usually mind her room or anything of her stuff, but my mood for cleaning was unstoppable.  Since she is still out at work, I began picking up bits and pieces of clutters on her dresser and bed.  She’s fond of knick-knacks and I noticed some cute cell phone covers on a corner of her dresser. I learned that those were accessories of her other cell phone she lost in her office. She can not use them now with her new one. I think she has heard of webkinz cell phone accessories so I won’t be surprised if one day I’d see her new cell phone dressed-up in cute cuddly functional cover again. Girls are typically trendy I suppose, but also typically disorganized at times. It’s just fine as long as they know what is right and what is not.

Happy Father’s Day

To all the Fathers in the world, including the most wonderful Dad we know of.  … the Papa of Luigi and Janina! Happy Father’s Day to you! We always luv yah!

Finding the Best CD Rate

The present global financial crunch is not getting any better.  Bank rates continue to decline and sometimes become erratic.  It is but wise to look for the best place to stash our hard earned money. Federal Reserve raises the interest rates whenever the economic situation improves. In this case, CD rates although lower at the nation average rates, can be found higher in Banks.  You can find which bank gives higher rates.  Just log on to MonitorBankRates.com and you’ll find which bank offers the best rate.

One Historic Place

Pardon me for this post, but I can’t help giving this one a space on my blog.

As we drove around Manila one sunny day last month, we happened to pass by this very familiar place.  This is the Mercantile Insurance Building, located at the back of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.  The same office building where Hubby and I used to work and the exact place where hubby and I first met in 1979. (Hey, stop computing my age now.)  I don’t want to sound like a corny bug but I couldn’t help being nostalgic as I caught glimpse of all the old familiar places around the historic (national and personal) Intramuros.  As it has been part of one interesting and beautiful stage of my life, my youthful years.

Disposing Old Jeans

My Laptop broke down the past few days. It had to wait for days before it can be brought to a technician. I took advantage of my laptop-free time, and began giving attention once again on our wardrobe cabinets.  Hubby had previously pulled out lots of his clothing pieces he had not worn for a long time and those were just left slumped on the floor of our bedroom. Well, as usual, I know I was again expected to do the clearing.  But before I did so, I checked for some of my untouched pants and jeans in my side of cabinet and noticed a lot are already out of fashion. I pulled them all out and just left the few slim jeans I always wear along with some formal pants I occasionally use.

I place them all in plastic bags together with Hubby’s clothing he had slumped on the floor.   I called up my niece if she could do me a favor of disposing all the used clothing.  She favorably agreed and just this morning, all those bags of  “ukay-ukays” (used clothing) were sent to my niece for disposal.  What a joy it was for me to see a more organized cabinet with extra space to keep.