Steal Of The Week

The steal of the week is a light peach/pink sweater which was put on sale at Kamiseta few days ago.

When I first laid my eyes on it, I immediately had the picture of me wearing it during night shift on my mind. And much to my delight, the price tag says 15% off. *jumps with joy*

That's me in the office tonight. *wink*

What Blunder!

I do not know how this post would end. I hope it would still ring positivity, despite feeling not too positive now. But I really don’t know. I’m typing as fast as I can now. *Chuckle*

And in reality, I feel like I wanted to rant, really. Rant about how my Gmail setup sucks. I’m very sure that you wouldn’t understand the previous statement. For someone who follows the Gmail features and updates, almost fanatically, how can I possibly say that?

But then, I too cannot understand how someone who follows Gmail features and updates would make the mistake of suddenly finding an important mail in the SPAM. I sure did place labels and all.

But somehow I must have missed one teeny weeny detail with Gmail.

So I woke up today and went about with my usual morning routine, which is to sit in front of the PC and log into my email. After reading my new mails, I noticed the SPAM folder count. Seeing the 2-digit count, I had decided to purge that – but as always not without checking its content (I could thank myself for this habit later). Lo and behold, I.SAW.IT. I saw that mail -okay it was actually the sender’s name that I first noticed and when I read that it's a moneymaking-related stuff, I mentally cursed myself for not checking it last night or yesterday morning or a day before that… I hate to miss opportunities -and especially one that could take care of few needs and wants. It -that mail- could help me get a pair of Merrell shoes one day soon! *sigh*

I really have no clue why it was deposited in the Spam. But I’ve clicked the NOT SPAM button as soon as I saw it. And then I re-checked my labels and added Spam into my multiple virtual inboxes. I should hope that would fix the problem. I mean if it happens again, at least I could see the SPAM contents as soon as I open my mail.

One OF Those

Did this online test thing again just for fun... I actually had nothing better to do today- hehe.

You Communicate Honestly

You don't mince words. You are to the point and all about the facts. However, you are charming enough to tell people the truth yet still not offend them. It's likely that you have a hilarious, no holds barred sense of humor. And you sure tell an entertaining story! You're also quite open. People can ask you anything, and you don't shy away from controversial conversation topics.

What Kind of Communicator Are You?

Me, charming? Okay I doubt that -especially in terms of my communications skills (if I have any in the first place *grins*). Anyway, I'm never too brutal but yes, I have to admit I have offended people -friends, loved ones- in some ways. I'm actually a work in progress in this area. (Now I wonder if these discount supplements or should I aptly say my vitamins expedite the process? Lol)

On another note, I've read the Gmail blog and they've made changes that help us make multiple attachments easily. Check the post.

My iGoogle Theme

I was checking themes in my iGoogle (okay what's with themes lately? *chuckles*) and decided to change my theme. I opted for this cute Paul Frank-inspired design. Walah lang. Trip lang. :-)

Click image to enlarge.

Now speaking of change, check this post for a blurb about a minor tweak done on Gmail. It's actually a tweak for a browser title bar, such that you can somehow view your number of unread messages.


Now I gotta drop by on this site about material handling. Have a wonderful day!

My Gmail Theme

I would have opted for the Planets theme but my son pointed this one and asked me (not too nicely! *smiles*) to have the Ninja theme.

So here it is.

Click image to enlarge.

"Green" Curtain

Choose biodegradable products.

Choose a paperbag over plastic bag.

Choose "green" shower curtains over a plastic one. There are lots of this kind available today. Remember the magic word is biodegradable.

So when you go shopping for your next curtain and liner, whether for the bathroom or not, opt for a natural fabric, such as cotton (organic if you can find it) or bamboo (like this cool bamboo curtain on the image). Last month, I saw one in one of our local department stores and it was on sale -unfortunately, I was only there to buy a rack for our room.

Anyway, always opt for environment-friendly products.

"The environment doesn't need more plastics and neither do you."



Image source

How to Manage Your Gmail Accounts

Use the virtual inboxes feature, that's how.

I actually own 3 Gmail accounts -for the very reason that I've kept mails separately (i.e. personal, blogging, etc...) But I must admit, I'm not too organized. I have yet to update my labels and all -among the many things that need to be done.

Anyway, with one of my accounts, I have forwarded all my other mails from other inboxes. Works fine with me. The only thing is that, I've made numerous bloopers answering mails from this inbox and confusing recipients (with the senders address) - or maybe some of my replies have gone to their spam folders!

Good thing though that Gmail, with its recent "virtual inboxes" feature, has enabled us users to customize the "from" field of emails. Here's how to set up your email to be able do that.

And then read here for tips in managing several inboxes.

Simple And Fun "Towel" Exercises

I was reading our company bulletin when I chanced upon the article, Burn Major Calories At Home, by Jessica Cassity.

The article talks about a cheap routine with simple and quick exercises that can be done anytime and anywhere. So my interest was obviously piqued. Imagine, all one need is a towel (and maybe paper plates!). No need for extra accessories or equipments (i.e weights, ellipticals)!


Designed by Troy Meier, a certified fitness trainer and wellness manager at Canyon Ranch Spa Club at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, this routine "uses ordinary hand towels to boost the slimming and sculpting power of traditional exercises."

Here are the "main moves" in the workout:

Side Slides

Stand with towel under left foot, hands on hips. Simultaneously sit back, bending right knee as close to 90 degrees as possible while keeping knee behind toes, and slide left leg out to side, keeping knee straight.

Slide leg back to center and stand. Repeat 10 times; switch sides. (Now do a cardio burst.)

Plank with Arm Circles

Start in a push-up position, body in straight line supported on hands and toes, a towel under each palm. Hold body still as you slowly slide left hand in small clockwise circle against floor.

Repeat with right hand. Do 6 circles with each hand, switching directions halfway through. (Now do a cardio burst.)

Alternating Leg Extensions

Lie on back with knees bent, a towel under each foot, arms at sides. Lift hips two to three inches, press into left heel, and straighten left leg.

Bend knee and slide back in as you slide right leg out, keeping hips lifted. Do 10 reps with each leg. (Now do a cardio burst.)

For variations of this interesting workout (i.e. increasing difficulty etc...), read more here.

Color It!

Yehey, we can now change colors of our Gmail!

Check here for more details.

Why Is It Most Practical To Re-upholster Furniture Rather Than Buying New

I'm so lost with the topic about conversion rate optimization, so I decided to post something easy today.

It's about re-upholstery or rather the reason why we should opt for re-upholstery, rather than buying new furniture sets -unless necessary. I actually grow up seeing how my parent would revive our sala set through re-upholstery. And how practical that is.

Here's why:

1) Saves you money.

2) Saves you time and effort to go furniture-hunting (and saves you gas as well! ). Save gas = save money

3) You will help the people those in re-upholstering business

4) You can pick many styles, texture, colors - you can actually have your way with the furniture at a reasonable price (custom-made furniture are not cheap!).

5) Lastly, you get to save resources and the environment and you won't be so guilty of the removal of more trees or the mining of more metals.

How To Manage Common Colds

Colds is so common these days. Must have been the ever-changing weather. My family, except me, all had colds the other week. It started with my father, my son, and then my sister followed, and then my "so immune" mother.

Horrible week that was! Anyway, I'm glad we've somehow gotten rid of it now.

But I read about colds (common colds) in the national papers this morning and I just couldn't help but put snippets of these valuable info here. According to Dr Willie Ong, here are some things to do to manage common colds and relieve some of its symptoms (some of these I actually didn't know!):

• Drink spicy chicken soup. Did you know that chicken soup helps the immune system and speeds up the movement of mucus through the nose? Some experts say that adding garlic, onions or chili also clears the nasal airways.

• Avoid milk. Dairy products can make some people produce more phlegm. Avoid dairy products for the moment.

• Gargle with salt water. A saltwater gargle using half a teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water can temporarily relieve your sore and scratchy throat.

• Use steam. Steam inhalation from hot water, hot soup or a machine helps a dry cough by increasing the humidity in the air. You can also take a hot steamy bath or use a humidifier. Whatever you do, just increase the “wetness” around you and it will help loosen your phlegm.

• Try zinc. Zinc lozenges may reduce cough and cold symptoms. Cough lozenges or hard candy can help a dry, tickling cough but should not be given to kids under three years old because they might choke.

• Consider alternative medicines. Echinacea is a very popular herbal remedy for colds although studies have not yet proven its efficacy conclusively. Personally, I’m using Chinese medicines because they relieve my chest congestion.

• Use positive thinking. Some studies show that having a positive attitude and visualizing your body cells killing and flushing away the cold virus can hasten your recovery. The mind and body are more connected than you think. Think healthy and chances are, you’ll be healthy.


• Take water and other fluids. Drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day can help. Water, juice, ginger drink (salabat), and warm calamansi juice with honey help loosen congestion and prevent dehydration. Avoid taking alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks, which make dehydration worse.

• Take vitamin C. Vitamin C may shorten a cold’s duration. A dose of 500 mg. appears to be enough and is less irritating to the stomach.

• Consider cold medications. Over-the-counter decongestants may offer some symptom relief, but they won’t prevent a cold or shorten its duration. You may or may not take these. A word of warning: Those with high blood pressure and heart disease should be careful when taking them.

• Rest, rest, rest. Tell your boss you’re sick. Or do less work than usual so you can help your body recover. Resting your body boosts its immune system.

Read more of the article here. Stay healthy everyone (and think healthy!) *smiles*

Gmail Contacts Changes

How's your Valentine's celebration?

Or did you pass up on that and worked like I did? With or without celebration, I hope your heart is happy. There's really nothing that can beat a happy heart!

Now talking about being happy, here are four changes to Gmail contacts that might make you happy (if you are a Gmail user, that is). Now what are these changes? One is Contact Merge and then there's Contact Search (the ability to search using fields other than email address or contact name i.e. phone numbers, address). Read more of this post for more info

Also check this site about barcode scanner if you have time to spare.

Heart-Y

Just wanna share something that I've read:

It is said that we are happiest when we follow our heart, so learning to hear (and then understanding) what our heart is telling us can be very valuable.

HaPpY VaLeNtiNeS DaY!

Your Homemade Tutti-Fruitti Lip Balm

Here's some lip-smacking treat for your kissing tool.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon Cranberry juice
2 tablespoon Vaseline/petroleum jelly

Materials needed:
1 small pan
1 mixing paddle/spoon
1 20-mg plastic container

Procedure:

Heat 2 tablespoon Vaseline on the pan. When melted, mix 1 tablespoon Cranberry juice. Stir. Cool down the mixture and transfer to a handy container.

Variation: You may want to use other fruit juices to mix with petroleum jelly.

So there you have it - an easy and yummy lipbalm you can bring to your Machu Picchu travel or simply anywhere.

Enjoy and a have a happy Valentines!

Make-up 101

1. When choosing cosmetics, there's wisdom in choosing oil-free products over water-based products. Using oil-free products prevent pimple breakouts.

There's a world of difference between the two. Water-based products comprise of 60% water and 40% oil.

2. Make sure you buy a trusted brand that goes well with your skin type. If you want to experiment and try out a new product, solicit ideas from your friends -or read reviews. Before buying, if possible, do a skin test first. When you do experiment, always do it days BEFORE the actual date you plan to use a new product. Never ever do so ON THE DAY of a very special occasion - unless you want to take the risk...

3. To avoid pimples and blackheads, avoid greasy makeup or products that are heavily moisturized and will only block the pores. (again see#1)


4. Using cosmetics past the expiry date (and sometimes over 6 months after the manufacturing date) could lead to skin problems. It could even damage your skin big time!


5. Wash and air-dry your brushes and sponges regularly. Also replace them every 3 months.

6. Always wash your hands and exfoliate your face before applying cosmetics.

7. Before putting on make up consider how much you need to wear and what is the occasion. On casual days or when pressed for time, put on some mascara and lipgloss and you're set.

8. If you have blemishes that you would want to hide, put some concealer on. A little foundation or powder are okay, too. Then your good to go.

9. For an extra smooth skin effect, start with a clean dry skin (you could exfoliate skin before applying the make up). Then apply a light moisturizer that dries up quickly. Put on liquid foundation and then finish off with a translucent powder.

10. For those who want to go for the "natural" and "subtle" look. Use concealer instead of foundation; lipgloss instead of lipstick; and mascara instead of eyeliner and eyeshadow.

11. To brighten up those dark circles under the eyes, use a bit of concealer and a highlighting cream. Just dab a little of the two under the eyes and you'll see an instant result.

12. To make your nose look thinner, use a bronzing powder on the sides. Run a bit of white eye shadow down at the center will help bring it out further. To widen the nose, do the opposite. That is, apply white eye shadow at the sides and bronzing powder at the center.

13. For soft-looking cheeks, apply blush after you've applied the foundation, but before you dab powder. You can opt for the "light blush" but you may apply more. Then, set with loose powder for a more natural look.


Reminder: Nothing beats a healthy glowing skin resulting from good nutrition, good sleep, stress-free and happy lifestyle.

Read about checking your skintone here.
Read about achieving the smoky-eye effect here.

Join Thursday Thirteen here!

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Locate Me :-)

Do you know that you can now add your location in your Gmail signature?

Check the how-to here.

Try Google Sync

The capability to synching your contacts (address book) and calendar is not totally new. I've been doing that with my mobile devices. What's new though is the beta version of Google Sync. And it's feature to "automatically synchronize your Gmail contacts (using the 'My Contacts' group within Gmail) and/or your Google Calendar events in the background."

I can do it with an iPhone and other mobile devices such as my N70! Check this post from GmailBlog for more of the details and some tips when synching.

BTW, here are the supported device of this beta version of Google Sync:

• Nokia Symbian S60 3rd Edition (e.g. E-Series, most N-Series, 6120, 6121)
• Nokia Symbian S60 2nd Edition, Feature Pack 2 or higher (e.g. 6630, 6680, N70, N90, etc.)
• Most Sony Ericsson phones

Have synching!

Still Giving Away FREE Stickies

If you haven't sent in your request for the Gmail free stickers, here's the most wonderful news of the day:

The good and generous peeps at Gmail are still accepting free sticker requests, according to this post by by Arielle Reinstein, Gmail Product Marketing Manager. Just send in your self-addressed stamped envelope to:


Send me some Gmail stickers already
P.O. Box 391420
Mountain View, CA 94039-1420

Better Gmail Inbox

Okay, we all use labels to organize our Gmail Inbox. If you don't know what I'm talking about, maybe it's time to hop to the GmailBlog for more information *smiles*

Labels work exactly like folders. They segregate/filter the mails and keep these "like mails" together. It's really effective in organizing the mails. The only setback with this setup (should I call it that?) though was the fact that one cannot view these filtered mails at once. I mean, you've got to go to one label and then the other...and so on... to view the mails. Not all at once.

But that was before.

NOW, it is already possible to view the mails in the inbox and those filtered (thru labels) together. It's like having small windows (or multiple inboxes) for mails to be displayed according to these labels. Go check this post for more details.

Very practical I should say. So my salute goes to the one who developed this feature!

Try Google Latitude

Have you tried Google Latitude?

Latitude is a new feature of Google Maps for mobile, as well as an iGoogle gadget, that allows you to share your location with your friends and to see their approximate locations, if they choose to share them with you.

Click this to read more about Google Latitude

I've read it in the Gmailblog and I also tried it in my iGoogle. I can't say much though but I like the idea that I can see where my friends and relatives are (in the map) around the globe. Anywhere. London. US. Middle East. You can also modify the setting if you want other to see your location or not. (You might be in or near the Anaheim California hotel --with a chick?--and doesn't want anybody to know that! lol)

Moreover,

..from within Latitude you can communicate with your friends via text message, Google Talk, Gmail, or a good old fashioned phone call..

It's pretty cool really. See it for yourself, try it now -either on your mobile gadget or on your computer.

Gmail: Labels

The Gmail peeps have made an improvement with their service. Again. Now, it's with the labels feature.

Instead of having to first apply the label and then archive, you can just use the "Move to" button to label and archive in a single step -- just like you would with a folder. If you just want to add or remove a label, use the new "Labels" button. Auto-complete works, so for those of you with a lot of labels, you can select the one you want just by typing the first couple characters.

Read more of that news (including the shortcuts) in here.

For Those Who Want to Monetize Their Blogs

I've always been thankful for the things that come my way. This also goes to blogging and the monetary return I have because of blogging. I couldn't claim to have earned millions for me to get on my dream cruises but I'm thankful. Really, really thankful for the little moolah that goes a long way to take care of some needs and few wants.

The money that comes in is not constant, of course. There are wonderful times when I get swept off my feet with more opportunities (and of course, more pay). But there are also times when I just stand there waiting and wishing I could get more but I understand life's always like. Sometimes, it's difficult to stay contented. Heheh. Oh life! But as much as I can, I try not to expect too much and I always remind myself that I'm just doing this in my free time and mostly for the fun of reading and writing- I'm not really a full-time blogger. So I just do what I do.

Now for some details. You might ask what money-making companies am I really affiliated with - since I have kept things at minimum here (banner, badges and all)? Well, I have tried few internet marketing companies (but not necessarily in this site), some of these are (with total earning to date):

PayPerPost - Others call PPP as the "mecca" of opportunities. PPP is actually the first blog advertising company I worked for. The usual pay was $5 per 100-word post (btw, posts are paid monthly). I've done work with them for more than a year, despite not liking the fact that I need to fight for every opportunity among a hundreds of other posties. But it's a pretty learning experience -humbling is more like it.

To date, I earned a sum of $1066.81

Blogsvertise- For a minimum of $5 per post (and max of $12) and without having to fight to get an offer, I used to like working for them. But there were only few assignment that came my way. Last year, I experienced "a drought" with BV (I hope it's just me). Surprisingly, I had a $10 offer early this year. Like PPP, Blogsvertise pay posts monthly.

Earnings to date: $48

Smorty- Paying a dollar more than PPP (and again without having to fight for every opp), I thought Smorty's a promising company. It actually started well with my PR3 blog but when Google spanked my Pagerank to 0, the offers became rare until they become just imaginary :-).

Earning to date: $55.20. (they pay every 2 weeks)


GoogleAds- Now who doesn't know this pay-per-click thing? I'm just trying my luck here although deep in my heart, I believe it's really an ideal setup - just put up the code. There's nothing else to do but write content and then wait for some clicks (Now if only people would click the links. If only!). I have yet to collect my paycheck.

Earning to date: 48.21 (will be paid when it all sums up to a hundred)


Bidvertiser- None. I decided against putting the code on my blogs at the last minute.

Nuffnang- None. Don't ask me why. I'm just testing how it goes with them and I think it's still too early for me to comment. I'll give them their time *wink*

SponsoredReviews - It looks great at first and I was actually bidding my heart out when I first joined SR. But later, I realized I'm spending far too much time bidding without getting reasonable opportunities with the time I'd invested. And so I've gotten too lazy to bid for opportunities.

Earning to date: $61.75 (they pay every 2 weeks)

BuyBlogsReviews - None. I did one work with them and I wasn't paid for it. The sad thing was there was no explanation as to why I was not paid. I tried to reach their admin or someone there but all I got was silence. *smiles* So I buried this company in memory. *chuckle*

Socialspark- This is another marketing company setup by Izea (the parent company of PPP). At the start, (when there were only few blogger members), I used to get more opps from them. Lately, I haven't done much for them.

Earning to date: 209.69 (pays monthly)

Payu2blog- I've been working for them for barely a year, 7 months to be exact, and I so love the experience. First, I don't get to dig and claw to get opportunities and almost all posts are in free form (so I'm not really forced to review a product I haven't heard of or used). Second, the minimum word requiremnt for a post is 60 only (which is like four or five sentences only!). And they're paying you $5 for that (there are instances though that the payment is more than that).

Earning to date: $694 (they pay every 2 weeks although oftentimes, it's earlier)

Others - From other sources like the defunct BDMM atbp. Earning to date: $640

Now with this, you'll really see I'm not earning much (like maybe other bloggers out there). But I'm happy and hey, I'm having fun doing what I do. And I'm definitely learning everyday because of these companies/advertisers I'm working for. I feel blessed and grateful for the chance to work for everyone (and write for the advertisers) and it's a pity that I have to cut ties few days from now. I have decided this long before a "formal advisory" came out and the reason is much more personal than anything.

(I don't want to end my post with that note because it sounds a little sad.)

So to sum up, there's more to blogging than just money. No, no, no -maybe I got that wrong. Maybe I should say there's more money in blogging than just 0.$50. Heheh.

And before I put the last period on this post, I'll get you my tip for the day (but of course!). I'm no expert so you can take my word or not. Either way, it fine with me but all I've written here is based on my experience. So seriously now, if you're considering monetizing your blog, you read me -the ending sometimes looks different from the start. Take your pick but keep your eyes open. All the time.

Gmail: Go Paperless

I have to admit that I'm one of those "many Googlers" who "still find themselves using paper to track their tasks" as mentioned in this Gmail blog post. I'm always glued to my PC, I have an iTouch and a phone that allows me to make to-do list electronically BUT I still find myself jotting things -tasks, etc down on my notebook, on paper.

But using paper has limitations (as mentioned in the post). Not to mention the litter you make with it. Onthe other hand, going paperless is efficient, cost-saving and environment-friendly (can you imagine how many trees will be spared if we all try to go paperless?)

So with that, I'm really gonna try real hard to junk the paper habit. Really, really, really - trust me. Come to think of it, we're going paperless in the office - not totally but we're slowly pushing this campaign and I believe we'll get there. So yeah, let's do our tasks electronically and I gotta thank the Gmailblog for reminding me this and for doing everything they can to make it easy for everyone.

Go For an LED!

I should have repaired my son's flashlight!

This was my first thought when I came across and read an an article about opting for an LED Light instead of the common bulbs.

Here's why.

The technology behind laptop computer screens, LEDs are greener than standard incandescent, and even fluorescent lightbulbs because they generate almost no waste heat. Most of the electricity used is output as light. LEDs remain cool to the touch, so they don't add excess heat into living spaces, which means less cooling is needed. They last for literally hundreds of thousands of hours, meaning they can go years before they need to be changed, thereby cutting down on landfill waste.

Very recently, I bought my son a LED flashlight which he disassembled one too many times *smiles* and the later, broke. I could have put it back together -since I kept most of the vital parts- but decided against that (laziness!) and put them in the trash instead. But I knew no better about LEDs then, but next time I pick up another flashlight, I'll make sure it's one with ultra-efficient light emitting diodes LEDs - discount lights or not.