Nuffnang

this is about family and its ups and downs, living, and everything about life from a working mom's perspective.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Fan of Stuart Woods

I started reading Stuart Woods' novels about three years ago. It was my Papa who first bought a copy of his books home. 

Pareng Stuart has series of different characters:

Stone Barrington
Holly Barker
Ed Eagle
Rick Barron
Will Lee

New York DeadOrchid BeachRun Before The WindSanta Fe RulesThe Prince of Beverly...

For readers who like to imagine what would happen to the characters they read about like me, then the series would be perfect for you.

Stuart Woods also has individual stories- meaning, they aren't series.

I haven't read these two yet.

ChiefsUnder the Lake

I also have yet to read his two non-fiction words.

Blue Water, Green...A Romantic's Guide...


To date, I have read 54 out his 58 or so books. (Pictures inset)

So one time, I emailed him to let him know that he has fans in the Philippines. And you know what, he replied!!!

Here's a screenshot of it:



His books are mysteries, sometimes thrillers, involving law and crime, with occasional sexy scenes and never lacking witty comments. 

Check out his books here to get his checklist.
 
Credit: All Photos of book coveres were taken from www.stuartwoods.com

Monday, July 22, 2013

Firmoo's New Arrivals!

Summer Must-have Item- Tinted Rx Sunnies

bloger glasses


Are you wearing glasses? I admit, for people wearing glasses, it would sometimes feel awkward to head out on a sunny day especially in summer. Even I would find it hard to open my eyes wide when the sun's glaring outside. What more for people whose eyes are more sensitive than mine because they wear glasses.  But I recently discovered that a pair of tinted prescription sunglasses could be worn to shield one's eyes, yet stay fashionable at the same time. These glasses have lenses that are colored or darkened or polarizing lenses to protect eyes from the sun's harsh glare. What’s more exciting is that there are a variety colors of tinting for one’s choice. If you have not tried this before, you can try to get your First pair for free of tinted prescription sunglasses at Firmoo.com.
If you are a fashionista and already own a few pairs of eyeglasses, think about a nice pair of prescription Sunglasses that you can use for driving.

New arrivalsPrice includes 1.50 single vision lenses

glasses

Show

glasses


(The above model photos are all derived from Firmoo+.)
New Customers, check more products for your first free pair at Firmoo.com right now! You just need to pay shipping. First come, first served!
 
Firmoo currently partners with 4Sponsor, a safe, easy & efficient platform where it releases cooperation opportunities there. Suitable opportunities await you there. Try it now!
 
About Firmoo
Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store. We have always been committed  to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at 8 dollars- 80%-90% lower compared to that in local store.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

How to Enjoy Each Precious Cup of Coffee

I saw this on Yahoo! and I knew had to share this with all you coffee lovers out there.



Photo Credit: Yahoo! She Philippines

Just a side note, whenever I buy from Starbucks, I always ask if they have coffee grounds to feed my hungry plants.  For those of you who aren't aware, this is actually free.  A barista even told me that I can use the coffee grounds as a body scrub so long as the grounds are a maximum of three days old (counted from the time they were brewed).  Make sure they don't have molds yet before you use them.   These grounds not only help unclog your bathroom drain, but you'll also have glowing skin after using them. (Ah, kaya pala mahal ang kape sa Starbucks. hehehehe- jowk!)

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

New Hobby: Polymer Clay

I'm an "arts and crafts" person. I am impatient and I have short attention span. When I indulge in something, I want to see results, if not immediate, then those which would not make me forget about it because it took THAT long to achieve.
 
I tried cross-stitching.  I tried doing the "My Precious Moments" projects and though they all looked cute, my stitches weren't.  They also took a looooot of time to finish. I then tried to "level up" and I tried a monochromatic (in blue) project, "Twin Hearts of Jesus and Mary", now decades later, with my pattern already torn and full of line, Jesus and Mary still have no heads.  So, goodbye cross-stitching for me.
 
I also tried the scrapbooking thing with paper tole and embossing. Again, each project takes too long a time to continue and I couldn't patiently wait for the results.  So, byebye scrapbooking and embossing too.
 
But I am hooked to accessories making (using beads and other materials) because not only do my creative juices flow freely, but because I see results in  just a few hours. 
 
I am also into baking because not is it enjoyable to see one's creations in a few hours but it is equally satisfying to see the faces of family and friends when I make them taste my finished products (though their faces aren't always THAT delighted when I let them taste my not-so-successful creations).
 
This year, I told myself I will indulge in creating cute items using Polymer Clay.
 
Finally, after searching high and low for a reliable supplier, I got me my first Polymer Clay Kit (P650.00) from Aileen of OhMiKrafts.
 
Here's what she sent me:
 
My First Clay Kit!
8 colors of clay (25 gm each)
5 Free Fimo (Clay Canes)
Cellphone accessory holder
Clay Knife Set
 
Another color for this set is Pink, but I preferred the blue set

And ... freebies!!!
 
Earrings from Aileen


More beads, keychain, jump rings and headpins

 
I can't wait to start with my new hobby this weekend.  I just hope I don't burn anything in the process.
 
Thanks Kid, of Zambo Styles Shoppe, for referring me to this seller.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

New Food Ingredient: Animal Obesity

The husband of a friend of a friend gave us biscuits in the office from KSA.  The box was really pretty and the pictures of the biscuits (er, pastries) looked really enticing.



So while admiring the box, I took a look at the ingredients since the name of the pastry on the box was in Arabic. What I saw made me stop and search my brain for the English equivalent of an ingredient:


Also check the spelling of pistachio
  Animal Obesity??????


Then I looked inside and checked the wrapper of each pastry... and it also contains this ingredient, among others: animal obesity. Hmmm... (Sorry, my camera couldn't zoom on the really tiny print on the wrapper)



The pastry was crumbly with a distinct taste and smell of pistachio and anise. Nice.

Animal obesity = Animal Fat.

So be it.

Thank you (Mr. Giver/Donor), whoever you are, for letting us have a taste of this yummy creation from the Middle East.
 

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Summer Time with Firmoo---Free for New Customers

 

July heralds the rainy season in the Philippines. But who says that the rains should keep us from being fashionable?
 
Firmoo has new arrivals for July that are perfect for your taste and budget.


bloger glasses
Check them out here


When it's not raining, the sun's glares can cause damage to one's eyes. We need sunglasses to see without our eyes watering up, or the brightness causing headaches, or the sun's glare blinding us. Picking up a pair of prescription sunglasses at Firmoo.com is a best way to get a sweet summer look. Although supposed new versions of frames and lenses come out in sunglasses every year, the tinted prescription sunglasses is the latest trend among people pursuing fashion. Moreover, you can find new arrivals in July and excitingly get your First pair for free here as well.
 


glasses
Check them out here:
 
 
glasses
Check them out here:
 
 
These eyewear carry up-to-date styles inspired by top fashion designers that don't come with the high price tag. They also carry fashion colors for summer, pinks, greens, yellows and oranges, to name a few. Whatever season, your sunglasses are an accessory item that everyone notices.
 
The timeless look is the cat-eye eyewear which style is dominating over other styles this season.

 
glasses
Check them out here:
 
 
glasses
Check them out here

Still have no idea about how to style your pairs? Check out a few ladies modeling their favorite Firmoo eyewear.
 


glasses
Check this out here:
 
glasses
Check this out here:
 
glasses
Check this out here:
(The above model photos are all derived from Firmoo+.)

New Customers, check more products for your first free pair at Firmoo right now! You just need to pay shipping. First come, first served!
 
You know what, my problem right now is that I can't choose which among the many glasses available at Firmoo I'll buy because I'd love to get most of them!
Furthermore, Firmoo win-win business cooperation project is on the move. Worldwide fashionistas & influentials are welcomed to join in. Fill in your application form here.

About Firmoo
Firmoo is the World's Most Popular Online Eyeglasses Store. We have always been committed ourselves to offering customers the best quality products at the most affordable prices which start at 8 dollars- 80%-90% lower compared to that in local store.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Mandatory Tip

I'm a Filipino. Though I appreciate and expect good service, I'm not too exravagant when giving tips, perhaps because I don't have a lot to give for tips in the first place. And besides, I always try to get discounted rates  to save more, why give it away for tips (my reasoning: what's wrong with wanting to avail of something at a cheaper rate when the cheaper rate is available, right?)?

So going back to discounts, I'm into the online voucher stuff nowadays where one can get the supposedly best deals available for getaways, products, services and what-have-you's.

While browsing, I saw this "deal" for a Php 3999 package for a 3 Days/2 Nights Hong Kong & Shenzhen Getaway with the following fine print:

Voucher validity: July 10, 2013 until September 30, 2013
  • Price is inclusive of taxes
  • No refund or rebooking once booked and confirmed
  • No extra surcharge on weekends or peak days
  • Rate is per person for Filipino national only (surcharge applies for foreign passport holders)
  • 1 voucher per person, 2 persons required for booking
  • Room is subject to availability
  • Tours are compulsory and must be followed in order to avail the promo
  • Four (4) travel date options required in order to be eligible for refund
  • Compulsory tip of HKD50 to be collected by the guide after HK City Tour and Shenzhen Tour
  • For inquiries, please call Indochina Strings at 462 6000 (trunkline)
  • Return flight to Philippines should be evening flight (9 pm onwards)
  • For reservations & inquiries, please go to www.indochinastrings.com/care, fill out the required fields and attach: MetroDeal voucher codes and security codes, travel dates, traveller/s full name and government issued valid ID
Here's another fine print for a 3-day and 2-night Vacation in Hong Kong and Shenzhen with a Disneyland Ride-All-You-Can pass with transfers For only Php 4625:

Voucher validity: July 10, 2013 until September 30, 2013
  • Not valid during public holidays, fairs and convention
  • One voucher is good for 1 person with a minimum 3 vouchers per room per reservation
  • Subject to availability, please call or email for inquiries
  • Free airport transfer is for arrival between 09:30-23:00 hours only
  • Requires 3 adult Philippine passport holders to avail of this tour for Shenzhen group visa
  • Return flight to Philippines should be the evening flight from 9pm onwards
  • Surcharge of US$40 per person for foreign passport holder
  • Excluding compulsory tipping for guide and driver of US$7 in Hong Kong and US$7 in Shenzhen
  • Voucher is transferable and can be given as gift to family and friends
  • Buy as many vouchers as you want
  • Price is inclusive of taxes
In case you didn't notice, here's what I'd like to point out:

Compulsory tip of HKD50 to be collected by the guide after HK City Tour and Shenzhen Tour

Excluding compulsory tipping for guide and driver of US$7 in Hong Kong and US$7 in Shenzhen

If a tip is compulsory, then it should just be included in the price, because, from what I understand, a tip is gratuitous. The giving of a tip, while customarily observed, should be left to the giver and the amount and whether is should be given at all, should depend on the level of satisfaction of the customer with the service provided and/or rendered.

I remember my first (and only) international travel to Hongkong and while the tour was being conducted, the tour guide kept on reminding us that it's okay if we didn't give him a tip. 


Photo credit: http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com
I was also aghast when we were told that we can get to ride the old (native) boats in whatever river that was. Thinking that it was part of the tour, because we were told to get out of the bus and ride the boats, we did so and when we have traversed a river (or was it a sea?), the boatwoman wouldn't want to bring us back to the shore without us paying her first $50HK for the boat trip. What the...!!!!  We were never told that we had to pay for the boat ride and it was our choice whether to try it or not. Holdap!

We were also brought by the guide to Victoria Peak and there, we were told that we can have our pictures taken with the amazing view of Hongkong behind us by a budding photographer and our pic will be laminated on a plate as a souvenir. We were told that if we didn't want to get it (for $150HK) it would be alright.

We didn't want to get the plates because it was expensive, but dear Uncle paid for it, so we had no choice, (thanks Uncle!).  Our co-tourists weren't lucky. They didn't want to get the plates, so they told the guide and the photographer. But in the evening, the guys knocked on their doors to force them to pay for the plate.

When we had a tour in Shenzhen China, another guide took care of us, but again, like our guide the previous day, he kept on reminding us that we need not give him a tip.  He said it literally dozens of times, which made his spiel irritating. 

Because of this, I lost all my interest in going abroad.  If tipping is going to be required (with a fixed amount at that) in the tours (whether or not you were satisifed with the service), I'd rather get lost in the place than get a tour guide.  (Even if I so badly want to go to Disneyland.)

I'd rather spend my hard-earned pesos here in the Philippines and tip my "kapwa" than enrich the pockets of others.  Anyways, Filipinos are still more hospitable and while there are abusive Filipino guides out there, majority still have the decency to wait if they are deserving of a tip or not.


A tip left at a cafe.
Photo credit: http://www.wisegeek.com