tips and tricks 4 me

Photoprocessing

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Postprocessing photos spell a whole lot of difference in terms of clarity, quality, contrast and effect, etc... I must admit that post processed photos almost always come out more appealing.

There are lots of software to tune and refine photos. The most popular, I should say, must be Photoshop. There are also softwares such as Digital Photo Pro (Canon) that comes with the camera package.

But in case, you don't have any of these post processsing softwares yet, you might want to try Picasa. It's a lightweight, easy-to-use application from Google. And more importantly, it's free.

Wanna try it? Download a copy from here.

Google Chrome User Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Since discovering the wonders of Firefox (Mozilla), I've always used it. As a browser, it perfectly serves my needs.

Now recently, Google Chrome -which is still in beta version- is introduced. Ever curious, I tried using it. Besides, it sounds like an interesting concept -technically.

From my not-too-long experience of using it, I especially love the fact that when a tab goes down, your whole browser will not go along with this errant tab. In short, the browser won't terminate itself - along with the other tabs (which is annoying). Its security feature is also something of an improvement. Plus the window presentation of frequently visited sites.

The downside to this new browser though is it tendency to freeze. I minimized the browser to use another application and when I got back to a tab, I found it blank. After waiting a couple of sec (to load), it's all showing again. That aspect of its design needs to be improved.

But being new, there's always room for improvement and enhancement (Google Chrome is an open source browser). It's really a promising one and with potential popularity. So with time, maybe I'll end up forgetting about Firefox and completely use Chrome. For now, let me just alternately use it with Firefox. :-)

My Rating: 3 out 5

To download Google Chrome: http://www.google.com/chrome

To check how it works: http://google.com/googlebooks/chrome

Birthday Wishlist

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:57:00 +0000

In my actual wishlist, most are not material things (Lies, lies…lol). But really I only needed few things and these are mostly intangible things. But just for fun, I wanted to do an online wishlist - with material things I would love to have.

iPhone (I just got a new phone but…)

Light Brown Jacket

New Prime Lens

New Zoom Lens

Camera Bag

tons of SD cards! (cuz I’m shooting in RAW format all the time)

Ballpens with tracking system! (because I keep losing mine)

A Leather Wallet (that automatically makes inventory of its contents!)

Voice-command food processor (isn't it lovely to just say the things you want and it automatically processes the food?)

A magic mirror (one that automatically fixes my hair, my wrinkles....)

A round-trip plane ticket to Paris *sigh*

A Hip Traveling Bag (with biometric security system)

A call that would tell me I’m getting EVERYTHING of these on my birthday.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

diet pill review

Reverse Mobile Lookup

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:57:00 +0000

"What is a Reverse Mobile Phone Lookup?"
Reverse Mobile phone lookup is done to find out the owner of a cell phone mobile number. The reason you may want to get that information is you are getting threatening calls from a phone #, prank calls, etc.. There are unlimited reasons why one would want to do a reverse mobile phone lookup.

In case you have a need for a Reverse Cell Phone Lookup, this link will come in handy. Don’t forget to take note of it.

Excited!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

How time flies! It's September already (my birthday will be coming up real soon). Soon enough it will be December and before we know it, we will all be changing calendars!

I'm so excited to see what the new year unveils for me and my family.

Review Me, Review Any Website

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Do you want to review this website? Yes, this tipsandtricks website. Like it? Don’t like it? Be kind though :-)

Make yourself heard. Share what you think. Do a review of any site you want, including your very own website by simply visiting Talkreviews and filling out their review forms.

Find out what the Top Websites are and learn more of Web Site Reviews by clicking the link now.

Sources of Vitamin C (Vegetables)

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:07:00 +0000

I've made a list of fruits rich in Vitamins C prior to this post and here's the part 2 - the vegetable version. So here are vegetables that are good sources of Vitamin C.

Broccoli

Kale

Cauilflower

Parsley

Okra

Brussel Sprouts

Turnip

Spinach

Squash (Summer squash: Pattypan Squash; Winter squash: Butternut Squash

Radish

Mustard Leaves (Greens)

Watercress

Sweet / white potato

Which of these vegetables do you regularly eat? Would you like to share a vegetable that is rich in Vitamin C? Just hit the comment link.

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

I have GLOVES!

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

After reading so much write-ups about Gloves in a Bottle, I couldn’t help but feel intrigued. I had wanted to see the product and (I honestly couldn’t wait to) try it myself. I had wanted to know if everything I’ve read was true.

Yesterday, after a long time of waiting and wondering whether it would really reach me, I finally received the lotion. It goes without saying that the moment I had it with me, I immediately unpacked and tried it. And guess what? I instantly felt the difference that it made on my skin. I felt my skin become softer, smoother and more hydrated –within seconds! I am just so so impressed!

But not only am I impressed, I am also amazed because not only is it a moisturizing lotion but a shielding lotion as well. In fact it works like an invisible pair of gloves, protecting us from irritants that dry our skin and helping us retain the skin’s natural moisture. This is a great news because everyday, I am always in contact with moisture-stripping detergents (as I handwash my son's clothes) and equally irritating dishwashing liquid. But it’s good to know that I have something to help me revive me skin to its youthful state.

What I also like about Gloves in a Bottle is the fact that it is hypoallergenic, fragrance/colorant/paraben-free. I've always been careful to use product that doesn't “hurt” my olfactory glands, and with this product, I cannot complain about irritating odors. I am totally happy with it and you bet that I have used it again today. Apart from my hands, I have liberally applied some on my feet, elbows and knees to help me resolve the dryness in these areas.

-my heartfelt thanks to Pete G.

Few Tips Before Relocating

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Are you ready to set out on your own and leave the comfort of your family home? BIG question. And I know it’s definitely not an easy feat as just moving boxes.

So here are few tips before jumping into your wagon and driving away:

Plan a budget. Needless to say, when you set out on your own, the expenses i.e rent, electric bill, food will be taken cared of by no one but YOU. So how much lifestyle can you afford?

Pick your location carefully. If you’re working somewhere, will your new home be far or near your work location. How much time are you willing to spend traveling to and from the workbase?

Get as much information about your targeted base. Research is the word. And then even if the place is recommended by someone you trust, it’s always practical to see how the place “feels” like.

Newton's Third Law

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Newton’s Third Law states that “For every action there is an equal, but opposite, reaction."

I so believe in it. So in turn I say, for every cause, there is always an effect- always.

For every problem, there is a solution -always. The last statement is such a comforting thought, isn’t it? Whatever the problem might be, I always believe there is a solution. It might not be visible now but soon enough, the beautiful head of the solution will show up. Yes, there will always be a solution.

Take for example, debt. Buried deep? Even if you think there’s no way out, but reality is, there is a way out. There is a solution. Learn the how-to by clicking this link about debt consolidation.

Was Down But Am Back Now

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

I have been down and out very recently. I had contracted a bug and had to stay offline. I'm still barking like a dog every now and then, but I'm better now.

And there's just lots to catch up with.

Water Restoration Service

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 11:07:00 +0000

So what if you suddenly find your house –or parts of your house like the basement, the kitchen or the bathroom- flooded because of a broken pipe or a seemingly minor leak?

Fear not. Worry not. Someone here -with fully equipped fleet- is out to help you 24 hour, 7 days a week and promises to be on the scene in 30 minutes in most areas within the continental United States!

Moreover, they are trusted to answer your needs:
· Water Damage
· Water Restoration
· Wet Basement Or Water In Basement
· Basement Leak Or A Broken Pipe
· Carpet Drying
· Fire Water Removal

Lucky you in the USA.

In our country, water restoration service is not too easy to come by.

Sneaking Out Of My Life

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

I'm saying goodbye to this sneakers.

Shirt, shorts and sneakers.

Shirt, pants and sneakers.

Sneakers to the market. Sneakers to the mall. Sneakers to the office. Sneakers to the grocery store. Sneakers to church. Sneakers to the beach.

Can you tell that I'm still unwilling to part with it? Uh-oh. This sneakers has been an essential part of my practical fashion life for quite sometime but time has come to let it go. I haven't placed it in the garbage bin though - I still don't have the heart to let it join and hobnob with the rest of our household rubbish. But it will soon go.

Now speaking of rubbish and garbage, my mother has recently collected some moolah from selling plastic, paper and metal scraps. It's actually a hitting-two-birds-with-one-stone strategy. First, you get to clean and dispose of the household rubbish. Second, you get to earn some cash! Now I only wished we could include selling used disposable diapers. With the rate at which my son changes diapers in a day, I'm sure we'd have earned a lot more cash.

Baby On Jeans

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:26:00 +0000

If Mama loves to wear jeans, sometimes it follows that the kids will follow their mother’s lead (or the parents lead).

My son has been wearing his since as far back as I can remember. But because jeans (his are not baby phat jeans), are usually too rough on baby skin, I cannot let him wear it as much.

I however found a way to make them softer than they really are. And that is thru a Fabric conditioner. Indeed it is so useful in this department. Soaking it for longer period- I do it usually half a day- will tame the roughness. Sometimes, I also lather and use baby soap to soak the pants.

Swimsuit Fabric Care

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Swimsuits are usually made out of synthetic and elastic materials called lycra or spandex. Although it can be stretched repeatedly and still recover to its original form, heat has a way of tearing down its fibers. Hence, avoid putting swimsuits in dryers or ironing them out.

To make its color last long, immediately rinse it after coming out from the pool. When drying under the sun, hang it inside out.

Despite the fact that spandex can be stretched to over 500% without breaking, it pays to be careful than sorry. Therefore, when squeezing out the excess water, make sure not to wring it out.

Handwash with a mild detergent.

Lastly, always read care instructions.

Fruit Of The Day: Grapes

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Vacation Galore

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:07:00 +0000

I actually have lots of humorous vacations. But these are the ones I’ve done only when I’m asleep! Sorry to burst the bubble but yes, in real life I haven’t had much of a humorous vacation. But you know how dreams can be. They tend to tickle our funny bones or make us extremely sad. And that’s how it goes for me.

But start spreading the news. I’m leaving today. I’m gonna be a part of… New York, New York. I haven’t been to New York but if I would be given a chance to visit the Big Apply, I’d make sure to visit the Top of the Rock Observation Deck located atop 30 Rockefeller Plaza, which John D. Rockefeller Jr. opened more than 70 years ago. I can just imagine how fun and breathtaking it must be to view some of the popular places in New York City such as the Central Park, Times Square, the Hudson River and a lot more – and view these places in one vantage point! Lovely, I bet and I could just dream about it now.

Tip: If you're planning on a vacation and doesn't know where to start with the booking etc..., you may contact a good agency such as the Trusted Tours & Attractions to help you with arrangements and vacation details.

Online travel guides are also very useful.

BTW, Trusted Tours and Attraction also gives everyone the chance to win a $150 Magellans Gift Certificate just by signing up for their Trusted Travel Newsletter. No purchase is necessary. You only have to fill out entry form to enter contest. One (1) promotion per person. Only one (1) entry will be randomly drawn on September 1, 2008 for the Magellans gift certificate. Winner will be notified via email. Sign up on or before August 31, 2008 for this wonderful contest.

Because I'm A Big Brad Pitt Fan

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 23:17:00 +0000

Whaaaaaatt?

*tentatively coming out from under the bed*

It.is.true. *nervous smile*

I'm Pittbull's big fan. *chuckles*

Before Wentworth Miller came to the picture, that is. :-)

And here are some of Brad's movies that I've watched. I think I've watched more BP flicks but I'll only name 13 of them.

1. Mr and Mrs Smith

2. Troy

3. Ocean's Twelve

4. The Mexican

5. Ocean's Eleven

6. The Fight Club

7. Meet Joe Black

8. The Devil's Own

9. Se7en

10. Twelve Monkey's

11. The Legend Of the Fall

12. Interview with the Vampire

13. Cool World

Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants

Heart Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:47:00 +0000

Do you know that heart attack is the number one killer of American men and women? It is. But not only in the USA, heart attack also is the #1 killer in the Philippines.

Scary thing, I know.

Although not everyone who suffered from heart attack experience these, common Heart Attack Symptoms include chest pain (angina), cold sweats, discomfort in the arms, back, neck, stomach or jaw, vomiting and lightheadedness.

Tip: Eat healthy. Live healthy. Do healthy activities. Manage your weight thru good nutrition and exercise. Get enough rest. As the old adage goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Let's love our heart!

Helpful Post on Losing Weight

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Last Thursday, I found a Thursday Thirteen post that delves into the subject of losing weight. The post is, I believe, helpful and interesting.

I've been running weigh loss posts at tipsandtricks but I think I've not mentioned some of the things that were mentioned in that post. So if you're interested to find out what a blogger has to say about losing weight, go ahead and click the link.

Acid Reflux

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 01:07:00 +0000

Because I made lots of researches about asthma lately, I’ve been aware about the GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease) or what’s commonly called as the Acid Reflux.

GERD is a condition where the stomach acids are abnormally pushed back into the esophagus instead of normally moving to the intestines to break down the food (which is why the acids are secreted in the first place). Now this could lead to an inflammation causing the following typical or esophageal symptoms :

- Heartburn
- Dyspepsia
- Regurgitation

In other cases, the symptoms mentioned above do not manifest in GERD patients. But these people experience other Acid Reflux Symptoms which are called atypical or extra-esophageal such as:

- Throat Symptoms such as hoarse, dry or sore throats and hiccups. Others experience difficulty in swallowing
- Vomiting and Nausea
- Respiratory Symptoms such as coughing as well as wheezing

Common Treatment:

- Medication - antacids (very common form of controlling Acid reflux), H2 receptor antagonists to histamine (anti-H2), pump inhibitors protons (IPP) *for awhile my brother took this medicine*, Cisapride

- Surgical Method

Tip: It is always practical to immediately see a doctor if you've felt any of the symptoms listed above. Also get to know more about GERD and acid reflux, there are a lot of online articles about it.

He's Healthy And I'm Happy

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 23:52:00 +0000

I mentioned about my husband's weight loss progress in this post but I have to admit that when I wrote it, I still have to see him to really believe.

So when he came home over the weekend, I saw the proof with my two eyes and I saw the difference with his physique from when he was last home (that's more than a month ago).

He's looks more trim and toned now. I felt that his muscles are firmer and more toned in the upper arms (I wish I could say the same to myself but I'm working on it -trust me!). He still have a lot to work on but he's looking *cough, cough* good. (Or am I just saying this because I'm so inlove with him? lol). I wish I could post shots of him (before and after) but I know he wouldn't like that. :-)

Anyway, the difference actually goes far beyond the physical look. I know there are health benefits of exercises that wouldn't be proven just by looking i.e. improved heart and respiratory conditions, improved blood circulation, increased RBC count, etc... But one thing I noticed was the fact that *take a deep breath* he no longer snores much (and so loudly). Okay, he might not like me talking about snoring *heheh* but I needed to mention that for me to point out my observation. Lol. Isn't it great? It's true, he. no. longer. snores. so. much. Imagine my delight. *grin, grin*

But really, I have to give him lots of credit for working so hard -not only to provide for us but to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although I've given him some rewards for that (I'm not telling what *wink*), I actually forgot to tell him how happy I am for this improvement. Oh but I did sent him a very late message on Monday to tell him how good he looked.

So there, more about exercises in my next posts.

Strength Training

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

Strength training, such as weight lifting, is ideal to create shape or build curves (muscle mass) in the body. Do these exercises for both the upper and lower body. If you're on a weight loss program, you'll observe that this an essential part of it. This is because strength training or anaerobic exercises helps burn calories faster.

Strength training exercises may be done at a gym or at the comforts of your own home. If you don't have time to go to the gym, doing it at home is a sound option and weights are easily bought at sports shops.

***

Now speaking of strength, click the link if you're looking for strong and carefully-fabricated HDMI cables.

Keeping Hair Breakage at Minimum

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:07:00 +0000

There was a time when after taking a bath and patting myself dry, I'd instantly pick up a brush and turn on the blow dryer to dry my hair. If a hair professional would have seen me then, I'm sure he'd have screamed at me at the top of his lungs and scared me half of my wits! Haha.

Of course, I was aware then as I am aware now that wet hair is prone to breakage. But I didn't know that one has to wait awhile before one could brush wet hair. Going to a salon some years ago, I've learned this tip, which I promised not to forget despite having the mind so unlike a computer memory: do not use a brush on wet hair.

To reiterate, wet hair is prone to breakage so, careful handling should be done when blowdrying wet hair. It's best to first separate tangles with the fingers until it is 80% dry. This way breakage is kept at minimum.

Fruit Of The Day: Tomato

noreply@blogger.com (Tips_tricks) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:07:00 +0000

Very rich in Vitamin C.