Sunday, May 30, 2010

Shrek Forever After in 3D at the Mall of Asia

I just got home from watching Shrek Forever and After at the Mall of Asia. This is actually my first time ever to watch in an IMAX theather (pity me, lol!), and a first for the kids as well - but not Henry though! I remember old 3D glasses, the red and blue ones...hahaha! But the glasses at IMAX were amazing and the 3D effects made you feel you were really in the movie and that bits of fire, smoke, and other falling stuff in the movie were really going to touch you.

I really enjoyed the movie, as at one point in life I did feel like how Shrek was feeling - that he just needed time off for himself and that he wanted a break. Having 3 kids can be quite stressful, and Shrek is in a life he wasn't used to. Loving Fiona made him change his previous ogre ways and although it was for the better, there was this part of him that missed his old life.

Although there are times that I feel I need a break, I do know for a fact that I am more than blessed. I know I'm lucky to have a great husband, and equally great kids who may drive me nuts and not give me a moment's peace while they're awake, but it's something I wouldn't exchange for anything else. I guess Shrek just needed to figure that out for himself too, and I just love the romantic lines he said to Fiona when he only had a few more minutes of existence - he didn't care what would happen to him at that point, he just wanted to make sure Fiona was safe. This movie made me want to watch all the Shrek movies again. :)

Saturday, May 29, 2010

Guest Post - Savings Guide for Parents


  

photo: alancleaver
 
One of the toughest jobs parents have to face is the responsibility of saving up for the family. It can be a difficult lifestyle to adapt into especially for first-parents. There’s also the misconception that savings is only for the kids’ college education when in reality, you can apply this into so many things.

You and the family no longer have to skip another fun summer getaway if you have a travel savings on hand. Every once in a while you and your spouse can splurge on couples’ time if you have savings for dates. Your kids no longer have to experience the usual hand-me-downs if you have savings for their other necessities such as clothes and school supplies.

Log Your Monthly Expenses

Before you begin creating your savings project, it’s important to set realistic goals first. Make it a point to log down every expense you’ve had for the previous month until the present. Distinguish them between bills and personal expenses. From this list, you can begin trimming off those which you can actually do without.

You can also make some adjustments on some of the expenses you have like travel. If you think you spend too much for gas then if possible, take some days off from using the car and just take public transportation to work. If the kids get too much allowance because you allow them to buy food in the cafeteria, then give them home-made meals on some days.
Just remember that these changes do not have to be implemented right away. If other family members will be involved and are likely to get affected, then make the changes slowly and gradually. Also, let them know why such changes are to be done.

Include Yourself in the Expenses

Most parents forget this when planning for a savings. This does not mean splurging on the first pair of shoes that catches your eye nor finally buying that SUV you’ve been eyeing all these years. What this means is that you also give yourself some practical amount of expense every month so you don’t end up feeling deprived and at the most unprecedented time suddenly feel the urge to splurge.

You should also include here starting your own savings fund such as a retirement package or saving up for health insurance. Aside from you, your spouse and your kids will also benefit from these life-savings programs.

Always Pay Your Debt on Time

Do not miss out on monthly debts especially if they are charged to your credit. Most people end up being drowned in debt because of the interest that builds up from it. Another way to counter this problem is to use your credits wisely. If it helps, leave the credit cards someplace safe and uneasy to reach so you would not get tempted to use them.

As you create your monthly expense log, most of these debts would fall under the bills section. Keep in mind that the bills are equally important with the personal expenses, if not somewhat more important. If you can’t pay for the month, make sure you track the interest rates or find a way to make even staggered payments just so you can avoid tarnishing your credit history.

Savings Guide for Parents
  was originally posted on the SaveBrite.com blog

Saturday, May 15, 2010

A lot of Gifts from Henry

Today I got 3 presents from Henry, all of which I was pleasantly surprised. He got me a weighing scale (to motivate me in my quest to lose weight and keep it off), an Ab Rocket and a Body Slender machine. I feel like we're going to start a small gym in the near future, lol!

Since I started taking Leisure 18 and my appetite has dramatically decreased, I thought it would be a good thing to get moving and exercise as well, since in that way I'd be able to see results faster. My husband was totally supportive of the idea so today he went out with my youngest kid to the mall and after a few hours, came back with all these stuff.

Being a stay at home mom and working full time on the computer surely has its setbacks for me, since the most physical activity I get is typing with my fingers. I don't go out to walk, commute, and my days are spent pretty much sitting in this computer chair I'm in right now. These exercise machines will surely help me in breaking a sweat and in my quest to firm and tone my body. Thanks again Henry...you just made my day. :)

Sunday, May 9, 2010

Happy Mother's Day!

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Featured on Loqal.ph

Recently, I was featured on Loqal on their article about freelancers and freelancing. I cannot say anything else except for the fact that I am extremely flattered with the mention. I've been making a couple of posts on my blog about oDesk and how much I earn from it, but I never seriously thought other people would come to recognize it.

One thing I would like to point out though is the fact that oDesk is not a get-rich-quick-scheme. It entails lots of honest and hard work, and I think you should have a profitable skill even before venturing in the site, like writing, translation, etc.

Sure, I made Php71,000 last month on oDesk, but it wasn't an easy feat. I was almost always short of sleep, and I think I only got out of the house twice in that entire month for grocery shopping. I admit that time management is one thing I have to learn, since I really suck at it, lol! I feel like I'm always rushing through deadlines.

I have also been blessed with extremely great clients who for reasons of non disclosure I can't mention, not only have ongoing projects which I've had for months (some years), are a dream to work with. I know I've been lucky in that part, as some of my other friends get clients but after the project's over, they have to go through the entire process of searching and applying for jobs.

So for anyone who would like to take the gamble of working from home, I sincerely recommend keeping your existing job or whatever source of income you have before you decide to become a full time freelancer. Tread the waters first and make your decision from there. As the saying goes, don't take the plunge blindfolded.
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