Needing an overhaul

I am currently brainstorming about my blog theme, set up and layout! Somehow I wish I took up IT or computer web design in uni.. even just one course! Maybe that would save me a good five hours on this project that I am undertaking! Oh well, oh well. I guess I just have to self-teach.. just like the other things that I have taught myself on .. fondant making, sabre GDS, sewing, etc!

photo from barry.blacboard.com

Life is a blur

I seldom get out of the house at night, much less take my camera with me. On this one occasion I'm glad I did.

Start thinking about Christmas pressies

I cannot believe how much my daughter is into popcorn nowadays! She seems to always want this to snack on. I know it should be healthy, and since it is not fried then maybe it is not such a bad idea after all. I usually buy low salt popcorn in a bag from the supermarket. Sometimes if she is lucky, I will choose buttered popcorn, or when she's even more lucky ... a caramel multi-coloured popcorn bag! (Which I obviously like too!).



What I miss though from Manila is the savoury flavoured popcorn. I remember eating popcorn in a bucket at the cinema that had either sour cream and chives, or cheese flavour. My sister used to really like the chicken flavour so we would end up with two bucket full of yummy goodness! Now that I know that my little girl likes this treat, I should invest in popcorn machines and start looking at products to view. I saw http://www.epopcorn.com which is a site I think would be a good starting point for me. Perhaps I should look at getting this for Christmas! The holiday season is just around the corner and so I better start looking around at malls for good bargains on looking at these machines. Maybe if I am lucky enough, there will be a super sale and matching coupon or cash back deals out there.



I am running out of time now before I head off to work, so I will need to make a note about this in my diary. I can't wait to see my daughter's eyes light up when she opens the box with her very own popcorn machine! And maybe I should keep it a surprise from my dear hubby as well. Surely he will like to make popcorn from home too!

Oh Chris

So funny the other day, instead of working my way through on the city bus (a good hour bus ride), I ended up watching Chris Martin (again!) interviews again - on my super small iphone screen! Yes, this is obsessive now! I am crushing on the British accent lately - and Chris Martin fits perfectly into the picture. Oh and Jude Law too.......... Now off to watch Jude. 

Unsecured business loans in life

We are off to the pop up markets tomorrow, just at our local area - the council is setting one up for our community. For the past three weeks now our family has been going to weekend markets, fairs and festivals. What's on there are jumping castles for kids, great and yummy food, and small businesses showcasing their products or services. Makes me think whether the small businesses have unsecured business loans when they started running the show - I should probably have a chat to one of the stall holders tomorrow. I'm sure I will pick up handy tips which I could use for my own business.

New black bag

On Friday my new black bag purchase from Ebay arrived! And as much as I was excited making the purchase - it failed to deliver. It was too small for my taste (I love huge bags!), the quality wasn't as good as I expected. I have used it yesterday - I loved the feel of having a new bag (It has been a while) but I probably won't use it as much as I want to. I'm still on a hunt again ..for that big black bag!

The unsecured business funding "business"

The other week I received an anonymous phone call from my so called bank who was wanting to offer me unsecured business funding for my sole trading business. With all these prank calls and messages that is circulating I could not believe the offer they were making to me over the phone. That was despite the caller introducing himself properly and going through the usual checks. I told the caller that I would just pop into my local branch to confirm the offer. I'm not sure whether he gets the commission for this but I could not afford to accept a big offer like that just over the phone. I am off to the bank now!

Lovely Purple

I am trying to look for these Allium Giganteum flowers which I saw on display last year with my mum but I cannot seem to find them anywhere! Now I know since I've researched on it that they are out in the winter -early spring time only. But then, although we are nearly just one month and a bit away from summer, it is still cold! So I am still hoping to find one somewhere..... On a hunt for it! 

Creating wedding decorations

I'm a big fan of wedding decorators. I admire their creativity above everything they do. They have that ability to give a wedding that feeling of happiness and serenity and gives it a very positive start. The lack of it doesn't necessarily take all those away, but there's nothing wrong with making something beautiful even more so. When it comes to flowers there's practically limitless choices of colours, arrangements, number, and whatnot. They give so much life. From flowers to candles and down to the smallest wedding decorations and details, these decorators really piece it together. Every wedding should use one. They just give weddings a very positive vibe.

Cool wedding cake toppers

It's amusing what some couples choose for their wedding cake toppers. I saw some random wedding on TV one day and I saw on top of their cake a bride and groom figurine not in the traditional manner of standing side by side, but as a couple riding an elephant on a safari trip. Now the idea alone isn't amusing but the level of detail that went in it. Seeing as those were not just made of plastic but real edible ingredients I realised there was a good amount of detail that was required making them. I thought baking only involved taste and a bit of flare, but it involves fine craftsmanship as well. I'm truly amazed.

Loving Rainbows

I am loving rainbows and missing this view from our old apartment. *Sigh* My hubby though doesn't miss our old place as much as I am. For some reason he seems to be able to let go of these things quickly. Well to me, three years at that place, staring at that view - we had lots of good memories there....

A happy sand ceremony

I just recently found out about this new "in" thing at weddings: sand. Well, it's not new anymore apparently, but it is to me and I think it's wonderful. It is symbolic of course and it comes with a very deep meaning. I thought sand was only good for construction and playing with on the beach, but in fact can give a good meaning to sand ceremony. Well some genius thought of giving 2 separate heaps of sand colour and in a symbolic gesture mix them up to symbolise unity in a wedding. Of course it's impossible to separate them once they've been mixed up just as couples that go into a union should be. It is after all a lifetime commitment.

Still rambling about unsecured business loans

I love taking photos. I've been doing so since I picked up my uncle's old SLR camera that he left behind when he migrated overseas. I still remember the brand. That was about 20 years ago. I never really took it seriously until I was well into adulthood. When I say serious I mean taking notice of the tools I used. At first it was just accessories to a simple, no-frills digital camera. Now, it's professional gear. I thought to myself I love taking photos so much, why not use it to make a living? The only major holdback was capital. I need to expand the tools I already had into a basic set that will get me going. The cost is no joke. So since I don't have that kind of money lying around I'm making a trip to my local bank to discuss unsecured business loans. This will not be an easy endeavour, but at least I'm sure it will be a fulfilling one.

Something about personalized napkins

There is something about personalized napkins that get to me - in a good way. Somehow it livens up an entire party table with it's uniqueness. The best ones are the ones that stand out and complement the rest of the party decor. There was once my husband and I attended a wedding party wherein the napkin was given a lot of attention by party guests. It was creatively done embossed with flower shapes and had both the couple's names printed on it. What was great about it was although it was oddly shaped it did not lose it's practical use.

Red roses

Roses are red, and so are my hubby's cheeks when I brought these home one evening. They were actually given as a present by one of my clients for the job I've managed to complete for her when she didn't think it was possible.. But I've learned my lesson. Flowers as such must be left at work! No if's, No buts. No exception.

My thoughts exactly on unsecured business loans

There are a lot of things said about unsecured business loans that lenders think is "common" knowledge. Sometimes it isn't enough to just read and research about the theoretical information. Sometimes one must speak to an expert to gain a better understanding of this binding contract or agreement that is spelled with four letters. For one, I function better when I discuss the theories I know of, with someone knowledgeable or authorised. If only there is such a thing as a computer brain to process all these information in an instant. I will quickly head to the nearest shopping centre to buy this!

Take me there!

I just was surfing around and came across a photo of this oasis! My beach sanctuary! I can imagine the breeze blowing by, and can almost hear the waves crashing down. The only missing thing on this picture is me - sipping my pina coladas! I believe this photo is at a resort somewhere down Mexico!

Furniture retail software versus actual shopping

I digress from my research about furniture retail software as I imagine doing retail therapy by shopping for furnitures for our home. I'm in awe every time I go to large furniture stores. It's like going to an amusement park. A huge area the size of a soccer field filled with sofas, couches, tables, chairs, display units and everything furniture-related. It's not just the sheer number in display, it's the way they are neatly arranged, too. Living room displays next to dining room displays - it's like jumping from one house to another in just a few steps. Unfortunately, alongside the feeling of amazement I also get confused. It's not so much having a hard time deciding which, say, couch to get, but beside that couch is beautiful coffee table. And not far from that coffee table is an entertainment unit and so on. I start thinking to myself "gee, those would look great in my living room..". So what should have been a straightforward decision to buy just one piece of furniture becomes a struggle between need versus want over an entire showcase. Enough about that, it's time to go back to researching on specialised softwares.

The secret about wedding decorations

Last month my little family of three attended a wedding in the city. The groom who was a long time family friend, was a very hands on groom. He took care of most things up until the wedding reception. Little did he know there was a wedding decorations disaster that was covered up as they were on their way to the reception venue. The wedding cake collided with one of the table centrepieces and had to be re-shaped by the chef just before guests poured in. On seeing the cake, I can't help but wish the groom would not notice!

Gowns and Diet

Gown shopping is super fun, but sometimes it is hard to decide which one to take when you like them all!

Just wondering which one will bring out the "slimmer" me or which would flatter my body type. I guess it's not about the gown sometimes, I should really stick to my diet! My best friend's wedding is exactly a month from today!

A couple of small business loans

I wonder whether it is possible to take out a couple of small business loans? I currently have a few things going on for me, and I would definitely benefit from perhaps two loans. I should really check with my personal banker (or friend) whether it is best to take out just one loan for a higher amount. I suppose it does not make sense to take out two loans when really I am a sole trader doing two businesses. More research for me to do tonight, or I will sleep it off and call my bank first thing tomorrow morning!

Having a sand ceremony

I might be a bit more traditional and prefer to have a church wedding as opposed to a sand ceremony, but I would have to admit I still appreciate nicely executed wedding celebrations by the beach. It would take great courage to pull something off such as this, since weather cannot always be on your side. I've been to a lovely wedding by the beach where they had intricate artworks made on the shore. The intimate wedding took place on a perfect afternoon, and it was the third day of the week long island trip. Our small group were so bonded by that time our photos by the beach ended up like a magazine pictorial! Truly, beach weddings are quite fun!

Taking out unsecured small business loans

Once in while I feel like whinging about the repetitiveness of a 9 to 5 job. You let the alarm wake you up at least 2 hours before work day starts, get dressed, have breakfast then head off to work. When you get to work you do the same things as the day before. Wait impatiently for the clock to strike 5 then walk out the office door to head on home. Then do it all over again the next day for 5 days. It's not at all bad, but I can't help but wish sometimes I could do something else and take a hold of my own time. A friend suggested that I start a business and research about unsecured small business loans. I do love baking. I will have to take out a loan, but I'm fairly confident I have what it takes to make it work. I just need to do my research and get the right attitude.

Dental practice for sale

It's been a while since my last visit to the dentist. It's not that I'm afraid of some professional poking around inside my mouth looking for a tooth to pull out. Well, a little. But mainly because they are just a tad expensive where I live and there are no dental practice for sale here which means business must be good all the time. I caught up with a dentist friend recently and we got into comparing the cost of going to the dentist in our local areas. Suffice to say I could get return flights to where he is, have a holiday and still have enough money to have my teeth checked for the amount I would have to cough up here. Then he said, "maybe I should take my practice there". I said "great, you already have a patient! Do I get a discount?". He just laughs.

Ever thought about dental practice valuation

My cousin in law is a dentist who never worked outside her own practice. I have a friend who on the other hand has had the opportunity to be able to have her own practice and work for a corporate practice. When it comes to finding out which has advantage - I guess I wouldn't know. The best thing is to request for a dental practice valuation which considers components such as : location, client base, technology, etc. My guess now is as good as yours, and would be interesting to note if a private dental practice wins out over a much larger dental practice!

Beautiful commute

Taken from Milson's Point

If only each day everyday this is the commute.... No traffic,  Great Views, and under 10 minutes travel time (I wish!)....

I know how effective personal word of mouth marketing can be

There are a million ways to make a business work. I know the most effective of it is by personal word of mouth marketing, or through referrals. A lot of my current maintained clients have been with me for a while now through referrals from friends. Some of these referred clients have even referred more clients to me - how heartwarming and pocket enriching at the same time. This has cost me nothing but my devoted time in servicing the original client or my friend. The rest of the process gradually unfolds itself magically! It is definitely worth investing in impeccable service.

Such a teddy

No background story - yet

My sister and I have launched our online baby store a month ago, and have been on the look out for the perfect teddy to incorporate with our gift basket. I had the idea to find a teddy which had some meaning to the story of its creation. When little B was born she was given a knitted Teddy from Royal North Shore Hospital. The story behind those teddies they give out at that hospital was that old people would knit them in the aged care centres and give them to the hospital to give out to newborn, or sick children at the hospital. I think that is a good story. Now if only we can source this in the Philippines or tap someone there who has this sort of background to that plush toy. In the attempt to be a perfect business partner, I was scouting for a teddy - but at the mall! So much for having a meaningful background - but well, we had a deadline!

Should we take out a couple of Midland Texas auto loans

In a couple of months we are re-registering our car again, taking out car insurance again, renewing other licenses and insurances again. December seems to be when this is all happening. This out of pocket expense is on top of all the expenses that normally comes with the festive month! Yesterday hubby and I were out and about in the city with little B and we were discussing how to approach this. One thing that crossed our conversation is the possibility of applying for an auto loan or speak to someone about Midland Texas auto loans. Perhaps we should put applications in if we want this approved before December!

Craving Taho

Oh dear me, it's 8AM and I am craving Taho so early in the morning!! How I wish! I just remembered how the street vendor in Manila used to shout "tahooooooooooo-o!" and we would rush to the garage door to buy some.

Best friend's wedding decorations

Exactly one month and one day from today my very good friend is getting married! I loved helping her plan out every bit of this wedding and how we would exchange a million emails a day (she is overseas at the moment on an assignment) with wedding concepts, gown ideas, guest duties and responsibilities and everything in between. What I really liked about what they have decided on is that they are going rustic all the way. They are celebrating at a gorgeous farm an hour's drive from the city. They will have all their decorations in pale, light colours!