I love doing things that constantly keeps my skin young and supple. Nothing beats doing that than a good facial scrub and what better to use than one that is made right out of the kitchen. So here is a simple recipe for beauty that you and your family can make.
Ingredients
* 1 Tbsp. orange peel (grounded into a pulp) * 1 Tbsp. oatmeal * 1 Tbsp. plain yogurt * a few drops of honey
Directions Mix ingredients together. Apply to face, and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly.
Here is a video of another home made facial scrub that you can try:
I have often wondered and marveled at the miracle of modern science and one of the things that fascinated me was that of the emergence of touch screen phones and laptops. So I did a little research into the topic and below is a summary of what I have found out.
Think of the screen as a multilayer sandwich. On top is a thin plastic or glass sheet with a resistive coating on its bottom. The plastic or glass floats on a thin layer of nonconductive oil, which rests on a layer of glass coated with a similar resistive finish. Thin bars of silver ink line the horizontal and vertical edges of the glass. Direct current is applied alternately to each pair of bars, creating a voltage field between them.
When you touch the stylus to the screen, the plastic pushes down through the gel to meet the glass (called a 'touchdown'). This causes a change in the voltage field, which is recorded by the touch screen's driver software. By sending current first through the vertical bars and then the horizontal ones, the touch screen obtains the X and Y coordinates of the touchdown point. The driver scans the touch screen thousands of times each second and sends this data to any application that needs it. In this way, a Phone or Laptop knows when you're tapping an on-screen icon to launch a program or gliding it across the screen to enter data.
Here is a video about how the IPhone touch screen technology works:
I still can't believe what had just happened to Metro Manila and many are still wondering what to expect next as a new typhoon looms over the Philippines' area of responsibility and is expected to hit the country in the next 72 hours. For now all we can do is pray and hope that somehow we will be spared the agony of having to deal with another storm such as Ondoy.
Here is a news documentary from ABS CBN about the tragedy of Typhoon Ondoy:
Today am featuring a classic song from Janet Jackson for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Many have been separated from their families and worse lost them for good. I pray for all of them and that someday somehow we will be reunited with the people that mean so much to us.
Here is Janet Jackson's single - Together Again:
Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.
PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!
Metro Manila has just experienced a calamity that is beyond words. I was lucky that my apartment - elevated as it is - only got about a foot of flood water. But, many of the others out there were less fortunate. There are so many victims to name and the after effects is still being felt.
Right now all I can ask of my readers is to please send a prayer for all of us. That is all we can do as we fight to recover what was lost and eventually start to rebuild. I also ask for prayers for those that have passed away all throughout this ordeal.
If you wish to help out here are the drop off points for donations: DROP OFF POINT
Here is a news coverage of Typhoon Ondoy. I have to apologize though as the news footage is in tagalog but the scenes should be more than enough to show you how much this Typhoon has affected our people:
Since am on a very strict diet as I am trying to loose weight, I have been cutting down on carbs and one way is to prepare delicious Tuna Sandwiches. Not only is this recipe very healthy for the heart, but it is also a piece of cake to make :)
Here is how:
Ingredients
* 1 (6 ounce) can of tuna fish (if packed in water, drain it, and add a teaspoon of good quality olive oil) * 1/3 cup of cottage cheese * 2 Tablespoons of mayonaise * 1/4 purple onion, chopped finely * 1 celery stalk, chopped finely * 1 Tablespoon of capers * Juice of half of a lemon * Pinch or two of dill * 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley * 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard * (optional - lettuce and sliced tomatoes) * Slices of French bread, lightly toasted
Procedure:
Mix all of the ingredients.
Serve on toast, either open faced, or in a regular sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes.
For a low carb option, serve on sliced lettuce.
Here is a cool video variation on how to make this delightfully healthy and tasty treat:
I have written a couple of articles about some of the popular cities in Japan, but I haven't really taken the time to talk about Japan. For one thing, Japan is very close to my heart just as much as the Philippines is, as many of my relatives come from Japan. My mom herself was once a singer in Japan along with her sister who is now married to a Japanese Businessman.
Japan as a culture is mixture between both traditional and modern technological thematic. It has gone a long way through history of both war and peace. A culture so rich and defined that one has to simply admire the beauty of perfection inspired by the masters of old. See that is one thing that always gets to me about that country, they never forget their roots. Always looking forward to the next technological advancement that their minds could come up with but still within the confines of their homes, the peaceful serenity and zenistic simplicity rules.
The people themselves are quite amazing, serious when needed but when it is time to relax they relax with style and grace. The respect for family is unequaled anywhere else. Though I have to admit sometimes their idea of honor does go a little bit over board at times but admirable nonetheless. Honest and hardworking are the first two things that come into my mind when I think of the Japanese People.
The food in Japan is both exotic and divine. One would only have to look around the corner to see delicious meals that can be both for a simple sit down to something you would eat on the run and am not talking about hotdogs on a bun, think takuyaki balls and unless you have tried them I am telling you now you are missing out on life. Sushi and sashimi are the most commonly eaten Japanese food and don't forget the Maki to top it all off. And of course the gyoza and the mouth watering soba cooked in several ways that would make you crave for more. The taste is one thing but the art put into every meal presented makes one cringe to think of eating it without taking a picture of it before it fades into the bottomless pits of our stomach.
Japan is definitely such a wonderful place to visit and undoubtedly one that you would never forget. Here is a video presentation of Japan as they welcome you to their homes:
I admit that I was one of those people that loved to party and get drunk and wake up feeling under the weather the next day. I honestly didn't care about my health, since as we all know the feeling that we get was great during the party. What I didn't know and wish I had back then was that the after effects weren't just something that one could heal from - it had a high risk of become permanent and eventually lethal.
I was going through a National Geographic documentary video, which I will feature in a bit, and what I saw was shocking. One would think that smoking was the greatest risk one would have at an all night event. Little did I know that alcohol, the sound and much more were hitting my body, literally pounding it, causing irreparable damage. I guess in more ways than one I was lucky since my check up with my doctors came out ok - normal to say the least - but that was probably due to the fact that I didn't party as hard or as regularly as most people in their twenties and I had a very active and healthy life style. However, it still isn't an excuse to over do it.
It is true that parties is a natural part of growing up, keeping it in moderation though is advisable and taking necessary precautions is a must.
Samsung has really out done themselves and with good reason this time. They have created the ultimate eco-friendly phone to date with the Samsung Blue Earth. The Samsung Blue Earth not only is made fully of recycled materials, but the way it charges is what blows the competition right off - It is charged through its own solar panels at the back of the phone. Coupled with the latest touch screen software technology, one is truly going to wonder what this Telco Giant is coming up with next. For now, the techno savvy people of the world can do a lot of good for our environment by switching to a phone like this. Going green no longer is something to be considered as boring - Samsung Blue Earth made that pretty clear. Now it is cool to be green or should I say Blue :)
I have gotten a lot of emails from my friends to feature an artist that has gotten a lot of attention not only because of his good looks but because of his family name. It is because of the name McCartney that people have been watching to see what musical creations this talented youth will be coming up with next.
Here is a little bit of info about Jesse McCartney: Jesse Abraham Arthur McCartney was born April 9, 1987 to Scot and Ginger McCartney. He was two younger siblings Lea Joyce McCartney and Timothy (Timmy) Glover Mark McCartney. Jesse lives in Ardsley, New York where he attends the public school systems. He graduated from Ardsley High School on June 22, 2005.
Jesse realized his love for singing and acting from doing community plays. He was in Oliver (1994), The King and I (1995 and 1997), A Christmas Carol (1998) and Salute to Broadway (2002). At the same time he was also part of the singing group Sugar Beats. In 1998 Jesse got the part of Adam Chandler Jr. on the show All My Children. He stayed on the show from 1998-2001 when they decided to age Jr. By then he had auditioned for a boy band and he was one of the 5 to get picked out of 500 that showed up and became 1/5 of Dream Street, who was signed to Edel Entertainment. Their first album was released July 10, 2001. The band lasted May 1999 until August 2002. The album went gold, but in 2002 they split due to a lawsuit concerning the producers. Jesse then decided to go solo. Sugar Beats Producers Sherry Kondor and Bonnie Gallanter, along with Andrew Gold and Ginger McCartney then started JumpAhead Productions and signed him. Jesse then made an EP Called JMac which contained the songs "Beautiful Soul," "Don't You," and "Why Don't You Kiss Her." The EP was released July 22, 2003. He toured for a while with his band, consisting of Dillon Konder (lead guitar), Pete Chema (bass guitar), Katie Spencer (keyboards and background vocals), Sharisse Francisco and Karina LaGravinesse (both on background vocals). After touring he then started his full album which was released September 28, 2004. His song, "Beautiful Soul", was an instant hit. The album went Platinum on Febuary 24, 2005. He now has two singles out, "Beautiful Soul", which came out Febuary 14, 2005 and "She's No You" which came out June 7, 2005. He then auditioned for the TV show "Summerland" (2004) and received the part of "Bradin Westerly".
And for those of you that want to listen to a classic of his here he is singing his single - Beautiful Soul:
Come join Music Monday and share your songs with us. One simple rule, leave ONLY the actual post link here. You can grab this code at LJL Please note these links are STRICTLY for Music Monday participants only. All others will be deleted without prejudice.
PS: Because of spamming purposes, the linky will be closed on Thursday of each week at midnight, Malaysian Time. Thank you!
I was just at Coffee bean with my friends and Habi today and they had a very interesting pasta on their menu and it reminded me of a pasta recipe that I once made for a party. The pasta that they have in their menu is Tomato and Herb Linguine and upon examining it, I found that it was the same recipe for my Tomato and Basil Linguine. So for those that want to try making it on their own here is the recipe for you to try:
INGREDIENTS
* 6 plum tomatoes, diced * 3/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese * 3/4 cup chopped fresh basil * 3 garlic cloves, minced * 3 tablespoons olive oil * 1 teaspoon salt * 1/2 teaspoon pepper * 1 (16 ounce) package linguine * 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese * add to recipe box Add to Recipe Box My folders: * add to shopping list Add to Shopping List * Customize Recipe * add a personal note Add a Personal Note
Procedure
In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients; toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.
Prepare linguine according to package directions; drain.
Add to the tomato mixture; toss to coat.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Here is a video version of this recipe (take note that you can also add shrimp or chicken bits to further enhance this recipe ;)
I love going to the beach and laying lazily on the sands enjoying the sun as I try to get a good tan sipping a nice cold cocktail and getting a back massage at the same time. That is my idea of a get away. The coolest thing is, I don't really have to spend that much to do that and neither do I have to go far. That is what Puerto Galera has to offer its visitors and of course much more. So for today I am featuring the coolest island getaway that is just a few hours away from Manila to tease you just a bit more. :)
Puerto Galera or port for galleons is a small town on the northeast coast of the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Though a quiet little town, it is a popular summer destination in the country. People come here from all over the country and the rest of the world for its wonderful beaches and fun water activities. Others also come here for its nearby forests, waterfalls, and dive spots.
The little town has always been a trading haven even during the pre-Spanish era. Evidence of this comes from artifacts from Thailand, Vietnam, and China dating way back into the 10th to 15th centuries. The Spanish took advantage of its natural harbor and used it for trade. The town soon became the government seat of the whole Mindoro Island. In December of 1927, Puerto Galera was turned into an independent municipality through a congressional act.
The Puerto Galera's weather is like the rest of the country. The months from March all the way to May are hot summer months. June to October are the rainy months, which are accompanied by tropical storms. The rest of the year is favorably cool, making the months from December to May the peak season for tourists. Activities
Scuba diving is a big hit since the submarine ecosystem here is fantastic. Dive shops in Puerto Galera offer beginner courses for those who want to take their first steps or first dips. Other water sports you can try include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet skiing.
If you want to get out of the tropical cool waters for a change, then you can go hiking, shooting at the gun range, paint ball games, and off road motorcycling. But, if you want to spend a quiet day enjoying the beautiful panoramic views then go to Ponderosa Golf Club.
Resorts and Hotels
There are a lot of places to get a room and board in Puerto Galera. Since it is a popular tourist destination, you are sure to find accommodations according to your budget or need.
Some of the places you might like to see are Sabang Beach, White Beach, Lalaguna Beach, and Palangan. Of course, you'll also find lodgings elsewhere like in the bay area for instance where it is more peaceful. But, if you're always in the mood to party at night, then the funfare of Puerto Galera's nightlife is in Sabang Beach and White Beach.
Some places to take note of on Sabang Beach include the following: Villa Sabang Beach Resort, Captain Gregg's, Big Apple, Tropicana Private Fortress, and Coral Cove. If you prefer to stay at the Small and Big Lalaguna Beach then try Portofino Beach Resort, Lalaguna Beach Club and Dive Center, Deep Blue Sea, and El Galleon Resort and Hotel.
Apartelle de Francesca is a nice place to stay where accommodations are reasonable and is located at the center of White Beach. If you're in the Palangan area you might want to check out Encenada Beach Resort and Tanawin Bay Resort.
Dining
If you're looking for romantic dinners, a varied international menu, wonderful weekend barbecues then head to Puerto Galera Yacht Club. If you want to slow down from all the partying or perhaps try something Mexican then you should go for Badladz Restaurant. Still staying away from the rowdy crowds, Captain Gregg's is a great place to escape while enjoying idyllic mornings and sumptuous evening barbecues. If you would love to get a cup of coffee after a wild night then Portofino Cafe has everything you need. It's also a great place to grab a snack and enjoy friendly service. The Big Apple Dive Resort has a Floating Bar that offers wonderful shakes, made-to-order sandwiches, and a great panoramic view of Sabang's waterfront. If you're looking for fine dining then move on to El Galleon Beach Resort and Hotel, which usually has a guest chef flaunting his best crafts. Getting to Puerto Galera
To go to Puerto Galera from any city or place in Manila, you would first have to drive to the port at Batangas City. You will then have to go by boat to the Sabang Beach in Mindoro. From there, you have several beaches to choose from. You can opt to go to Coco Beach, White Beach, Tamaraw Beach or the Big and Small Lalaguna; although, you can also always opt to stay in Sabang Beach. Regardless of where you choose to go, you will certainly enjoy the beaches of Puerto Galera.
Here is a cool video I found that just shows you a little bit more of this island summer getaway:
I love doing things that constantly keeps my skin young and supple. Nothing beats doing that than a good facial scrub and what better to use than one that is made right out of the kitchen. So here is a simple recipe for beauty that you and your family can make.
