Friday, April 30, 2010

Cut Back and Save





In today's spend all you can mentality the word "save" or "savings" sounds medieval. When we look at the television ads, there are ads that are screaming "buy me now", in the internet shopping is in your fingertips. You can shop 24/7 no holidays and no breaks. What's more it's in the comfort of your own home or office. So the temptation to spend is really great, that is why there are a lot of people going broke these days. So, I have come up with some quick simple cut back solutions so you can start a savings account.

First and foremost let me emphasize that the ultimate solution is "discipline". Without self discipline it is easy to spend all you can and all you have on things that you want but do not need. Also let's define what is a need and what is a want. Want means to desire something greatly or wish for, while a need is a condition or situation where something is required or is a necessity. Now while you may want to have a new pair of Havaianas might not necessarily mean that you need it. But you need food and water and shelter in order to live. Therefore I conclude that needs are necessary in order for us to survive and without it we may not survive or we might get sick for the lack of it. On the other hand you not having the latest pair of Havianas would not affect your chances of survival compared to going without food and water.

Secondly, I want to emphasize to change your mindset about money and buying. Most often than not some people tend to spend on things they do not need or spend cash they do not have just to impress others. Others spend simply because it has become an addiction, once they buy they can't stop. That is why there are several people who lives from paycheck to paycheck simply because they have the wrong mindset. My friend Nora has this problem, she can't afford all those beautiful dresses displayed at the malls but she kept on buying every payday, because she wants to look fabulous and wants to be part of the "it" crowd in the office. The result, after 5 days from payday she is broke and keeps on borrowing money from friends.

Here are some quick cut back tips you can follow:

1. Cut back on Starbucks and eating out. It is more economical to eat at home and cook at home than by eating out. Also, consider how often do you order your coffee from Starbucks? How much does it cost? Add all that up in one month, then one year, see how much money you could have saved just by cutting on Starbucks. If yo cannot stop drinking coffee I suggest you buy the sachet pack and make yourself a cup of coffee in the office, it's more economical.

2. Get a flatmate or roommate. If you are living alone in an apartment or have a big room all to yourself but having a hard time paying every month. Why not consider getting yourself a roommate or a flatmate? This way you can save half the amount that you are paying for your room and you can use this to start a bank account.

3. Stay home for the movies. If you go out every weekend for movies and pizza and beer with friends afterwards, how about going to the movies just twice a month? Calculate how much you spend when you watch movies with friends every month. You would be surprised to see that you have been throwing your money away and giving them to the already rich businessmen.

4. Brown bag it. Instead of buying from the cafeteria at work or eating at the nearest fast food, why not bring your lunch to work? Calculate how much you spend on fastfoods and cafeteria and how much you would save if you bring your own lunch. Perhaps you can bring your own lunch 3 times in a week and enjoy eating at the cafeteria twice in a week.

5. Go PUJ/ PUB. Taxis are a convenient way to commute to work but let's face it they are also a huge cash drain especially when you get stuck in a traffic. Comming early to work and riding the public utility jeepneys or buses can save you loads. Taking a cab should be reserved for special occasions or when it is the only safest way to commute.

6. Wash your own clothes. I know this may sound too much but just remember how much you spend for dry cleaning or having your clothes laundered by the laundry shop. Remember that you want to be financially stable and be able to save up for the rainy days. So why not do the small stuff? Perhaps you can just have your bed linens and curtains laundered but your clothes you can certainly wash it yourself.

7. Pay the bills first. You do not have to be a rocket scientist to do this. Just write down the amount of bills that you need to pay for the month this will give you a clear picture and help you prioritize. So first things first and needs over wants. Pay off bills like rent,electricity,water and gas first. Then food and the rest prioritize.

8. Pay your self first. Get 10 percent of your monthly net salary and deposit it to a savings account. When accumulated the balance would earn interest you can use this for emergencies and I mean real emergencies like medicines etc. not for fashion emergencies.

9. Ebay your old stuff. You can place your old stuff ( but not old like junk and can't be used) on ebay and sell it instead of burying them in your closet or store room. The cash you can earn from the sales could help you buy new clothes or pay off a portion of your bills. You can also do a garage sale.

10. Do not use your credit card often. Treat your credit card as a last minute resort not as an everyday money machine. Many people have been broke because of credit card debt. Also remember to pay off your credit card bill in full when you get it so as not to let the interest accumulate, or if it's heavy you can either pay in half or one third, but do not pay it off in 6 months when you can do so in 3 months. Remember the interest rates are ridiculously high so think carefully. Also do not use your credit card to purchase things that you want but do not need. When you want to buy something that is not an actual need, save up for it, it is better to buy in cash becausethere are no interest rates.

Post It Tuesday: Random Thoughts
















Wordless Wednesday: Funny Animal Pictures


Jimmy: Can't talk sis, I'm a sunny side up egg!




Cat: Have mercy please I am just a poor cat! Don't have money!





Dog: Talk to my butt!



Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Not So Wordless Wednesday!












GT: Pig Out Session!


Last week was very hectic for me and I was stressed out so I decided to go to the mall to unwind (window shopping or shopping is a stress buster for me-- I know this is disaster!) and we all know that when we are stressed out it's not good to go to the mall. Yes, my trip to the mall took my physical and emotional stress but it has put on a stress on my pocket! Yikes!

Anyway, since GT is talking about pigging out this week....here is my share. Dimsum day... I love dimsum and it tickles my taste buds just talking about it. So, after I shopped I decided I would eat and that's what I did! Went to M. Lhuiller's Dimsum and pigged out! I ordered pork ribs and chicken feet rice toppings, siomai, black gulaman and beef rice toppings! Now, I am quite ashamed but since we're all sharing our pigging out sessions, I guess I won't feel guilty! Lolz....







If you want to read or share visit Girl Talk.

Monday, April 26, 2010

All About Me Mondays: Jealous Much?








Jealousy is not a pretty emotion.
But I think it's fair to say that we all succumb
to its power every now-and-then.
We're only human, right?

Are you ... jealous much?
What makes you green with envy?
What makes your green-eyed monster break free
and bare its teeth for all to see?
----------------------------------------------------------

I am envious of.....


  • People who are filthy rich like Paris Hilton. They just don't run out of money.
  • Super models and celebrities who are in great shape.
  • People who work at home and earns a fortune like the problogger guy.
  • I envy Beyonce's butt (there I said it)!
  • People who found their soul mates.
Does this mean I'm such a jealous person?

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Dog Secrets: The Cornstarch Experiment

For dog owners out there we all have encountered an issue with our furry friends smelling. I have the same issue with my dog a 5 month old Jack -Spitz. It's not a real bad doggie smell, it's her own distinct personal smell but it bothers me because I just don't like any smell coming from my own beloved pet. I was in such a dilemma until someone advised me to use ta...da... cornstarch!

Yes, just plain old cornstarch that we use in the kitchen! Surprised? Lolz...me too. I've changed the dog shampoo heaven knows how many times, I changed her soap too and bought different brands of deodorizer but her personal smell was still there. Until I found out that cornstarch could solve this problem. What did I do? I bathe the dog and soaped her all over and then rinse her. Then in a small container squirt an ample amount of shampoo and add 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 cups of water, mix it then pour it over your dog's coat and scrub thoroughly and then rinse. Then place an ample amount of conditioner (in my case I experimented with my own conditioner lol) add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch again and 2 cups of water. Pour over your dog's coat and scrub and let it sit for 5 minutes and then rinse.

The finished look? Voila! A clean sweet smelling doggie! The cornstarch really helped get rid of her personal smell and it enhanced the smell of the shampoo and conditioner. Since my dog over all has a white coat except for a light tan patch on the face, her coat became whiter and she looked cleaner. Thanks to cornstarch it worked wonders! Thanks to my friend too for this useful tip. If you have the same dilemma try this I'm sure it will work for you as well. As for me cornstarch will be a staple product in my doggie grooming kit.

I used Cream Silk conditioner instead of doggie conditioner for this experiment.

Doctor's pet shampoo and herbal soap has this great scent I love on my dog that helps eliminate doggie odor.

I also use English Pride Natural Oatmeal Shampoo alternately with Doctor's Pet shampoo. This has a soft fragrant smell that is gentle to the dog's coat and skin.


Friday, April 23, 2010

An Insult To The Filipino People



Geez, I read this racist insults from Adam Corolla in channelapa.com  about his comments on the boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and the Filipino people it was ridiculous and belittling, I would love to see it all but the podcast was already erased from the list. I found this letter to Adam Corolla written by an Ariel Driz, who was enraged by Mr. Corolla's racist comments. I share his sentiments and views and to those who have not yet read about this please read below.


To: Adam Carolla, CBS Radio
Dear Mr. Carolla,
On behalf of the Filipino and Filipino American community, we are writing with disappointment and disdain in your choice to verbally slander Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines, and the Filipino American community. Your words were unnecessary, hurtful, and erroneous. When you insinuate that Filipinos “pray to chicken bones” or that the Philippines only has “Manny Pacquiao and sex stores,” you fail to recognize the millions of Filipinos and Filipino Americans who have contributed significantly to the United States and to the entire world. We do not pray to chicken bones. We are Catholic, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist, and other religious and non-religious people who are civilized, educated, and successful. We are not sex workers. We are doctors, nurses, teachers, professors, artists, community organizers, writers, politicians, journalists, engineers, activists, fashion designers, accountants, entrepreneurs, researchers, social workers, public health advocates, athletes, chefs, and post office workers. We have taken care of you in the hospital. We have taken care of your children. We have taken care of your elderly. We have worked hard to achieve our American Dream, and you have no right to denigrate us like this, merely to get attention.
This is not the first time you have gotten into trouble for your racist remarks. You’ve called Native Hawaiians “the world’s dumbest people,” “retarded,” and “in-bred.” You’ve later insulted a Korean American actor by mouthing “ching-chong, ching-chong.” And now you apparently are trying to gain attention by insulting Filipinos and the Filipino American community. You apologized to the Asian American community before, but it seems that you have not yet learned your lesson.
It seems that time and time again, “celebrities” and “comedians” feel that it is acceptable to degrade Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in public forums. You would never have said such things about African Americans, as you recognize that your career would plummet, as exemplified by the falls of Michael Richards and Don Imus. What you need to recognize is that racial hate and ignorance about any group is wrong and unjust. And what you also need to recognize is that your hate towards Asian Americans, the fastest growing racial minority group in the United States, can also lead to your career’s demise too.
You say that the Philippines has “nothing better going on for it” because of their support for Manny Pacquiao. What you fail to recognize is that the Filipino American community has strength in our unity and our ability to mobilize, particularly when we are blatantly mistreated or belittled by people in the public eye. There are an estimated 3 million Filipino Americans in the United States, with millions of other Filipinos across the diaspora. We are projected to become the largest Asian American population in the United States, and we have allegiances with many communities of color. We will boycott your show and all of your parent companies unless you offer a public apology to Manny Pacquiao, the people of the Philippines, and the Filipino American community.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned

PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE

I read this in one of my emails and it's  a great reminder for me to stay in the Lord's presence when everything is chaotic at the workplace. I am posting it here to share with you all.



PSALM 23 FOR THE WORKPLACE

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without
murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in all that I do.
Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system
crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping
co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body
that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop—
for He is with me!
His presence, His peace, and His power
will see me through.
He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens
to let me go. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus
check.
His retirement plan beats every 401k there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot
longer and for that,
I bless His name.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Beat The Heat!

It's summer time in my part of the globe and living in the tropics during summer season is not a joke. With the El NiƱo hitting my country and electric supply is not just enough, man it's really hot in here! While electricity bills are going up we try to keep our usage down that means not using much of the air conditioner and well trying to be content with a fan which is not doing me any good at all. So, me and my family find ways to beat the heat by making our favorite coolers!

Halo-halo


 
Halo-Halo is an all time Filipino favorite dessert and snack. Halo in Filipino means "mix", the named was coined because all of the ingredients are mixed. It is topped with crushed ice and you have to mix everything in order to eat it. This is mostly in demand during the summer season and this is one ultimate heat beater!

Mais Con Hielo

Mais Con Hielo is one of the famous Filipino desserts. It is also known as Milky Corn Surprise or Sweet Corn with Ice. This iced dessert will not only cool you down but will tickle your taste buds as well. Mais Con Hielo is made of either fresh cooked corn or canned corn with evaporated milk,sugar,crushed ice, and scoops of vanilla ice cream. Yummy....geez my mouth is starting to water.

Sago at Gulaman


Sago at Gulaman is a popular Pinoy refreshment served all over the country from cafeterias to five star restaurants. Made from caramelized sugar,sago and gelatin from agar-agar,mixed with shaved ice or cold water and served in a tall glass. This is one unique refreshment that is served as a snack or as a dessert after meals.Most Pinoys would eat this anytime of the day either as a snack or as a dessert.

Black Gulaman

Black Gulaman is one of the well loved Filipino refreshment. It is otherwise known as Sweet Grass Jelly Drink. It is made of grass jelly,brown sugar,vanilla extract and topped with ice.People from all walks of life, from the poor to the rich loves this flavorful drink especially during hot weather.
 
Fruit Shakes

Fruit shakes are well in demand all year round but most especially during the summer season. The Philippines is blessed with different variety of tropical fruits that are not only delicious but flavorful. The best loved fruit shakes are mango, apple,avocado, melon and papaya.

Beat the heat now and fix yourself one of these coolers as you sit back and relax. The recipe is fun, quick and easy. You don't need to be a kitchen whiz to do this because even children can do any of these.These coolers are great during picnics, parties and family get together during this summer and even the whole year round.




Getting Started


I'm getting started today with this new blog and hopefully everything will go smooth. Well, that's just me being hopeful but we all know it ain't that easy! I'm excited to start this new blog since it's a personal blog and I need not worry about sticking to a particular niche, I'd be able to talk about the different things that I am interested in. Man that's a relief!


I'd like to say hi to all of you who are dropping by right now. Thanks for visiting my blog even if there was basically nothing in it yet lol. I do appreciate all of you who were checking this out. I promise there will be a lot of interesting topics in here from this moment forward. Hopefully, you will subscribe and keep coming back.

Happy Reading!

The Cupcake Fairy