Friday, December 20, 2019

Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass

Here's another throwback pictures that I'd like to share. It was the time my aunt took me and my mom to see Chihuly in the Park: A Garden of Glass in Chicago, Illinois. The artist was Dale Chihuly and you'd be amazed of his glass artwork! Just look at that blue glass plant seen at my back.

I doubt if the park is still there. But if it is still, I'd recommend that you see this place if you happen to be vacationing in Illinois and experience the world of Chihuly and view his magnificent work against the living, breathing backdrop of the plant kingdom.

I looked quite ridiculous in this pic. But even if I had a terrible stomache, I had a blast just by looking at the magnificent artwork! These balls were made of glass.

Foodpanda Launches Jingle Deals: The Biggest Discount Present on Food You Love This Season!

MANILA, Philippines – foodpanda, the on-demand food delivery service, has announced the launch of the biggest food sale event this Christmas season, Jingle Deals. The campaign goes live for the whole month of December to celebrate Christmas season at the comfort of their homes! 

Jingle Deals is the perfect way to satisfy cravings in this cold season. Available to all key cities where foodpanda caters to, all customers can enjoy massive discounts on a wide range of international cuisine restaurants, be it American (8Cuts, Mcdonalds, Taters Entertainment Snacks) or Italian (Motorino, Big Guys Pizza), or Japanese (Ooma, 102 Izakaya), or the well-loved Filipino dishes (Manam). 

“The Christmas season brings crowds, long queues and traffic into shopping malls. We, at foodpanda, want our customers to enjoy the food they love while beating the traffic queue and so we are offering these discounts this Christmas season! Simply download the app and order food you love during Jingle Deals – and get good food delivered to your doorstep,” says Camille Hadjeri, International Markets Manager for foodpanda Philippines. 

With more than 600 restaurant nationwide participating in Jingle Deals, customers can expect jaw-dropping offers,huge discounts and exclusive bundles in December. 

For more updates about the Jingle Deals, visit foopanda’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@foodpanda_ph) or head onto foodpanda’s website (www.foodpanda.ph). 

************** 
About foodpanda: foodpanda is dedicated to bringing food lovers around the world their favorite meals from curated local restaurants. Since its creation, the on-demand food delivery service has grown to more than 27,000 partner restaurants in more than 190 cities across 10 Asian and Central Europe countries globally. foodpanda is active in Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Pakistan, Taiwan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, , Romania and Bulgaria. It belongs to Delivery Hero, worldwide leader of the food delivery industry. For more information visit www.foodpanda.ph. 

How it works: Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their meal of choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform. The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant, picked up by the foodpanda rider and delivered straight to their doorstep. 

Follow Foodpanda on: 
Facebook: foodpanda philippines 
Instagram: foodpanda_ph

For more information, please contact:
Reynaldo Rubio – Marketing- PR foodpanda Philippines
E: r.rubio@foodpanda.ph

Saturday, December 14, 2019

What Are Developmental Disabilities?

Services are available for people with developmental disabilities through DDD support coordination agencies and other organizations. To know whether a loved one qualifies for such services, you must first understand what a developmental disability is.

Examples of Developmental Disabilities

A developmental disability is one that is chronic, meaning that it extends over a long period of time (often a person's entire life), and severe, which means that it can have significantly adverse effects on an individual. They cause impairment in areas of behavior, language, and learning, as well as physical impairment. They get their name from the fact that they begin during the developmental period, which extends prenatally into early childhood.
Examples of developmental disabilities include the following:
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome
  • Spina bifida
  • Down syndrome
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Autism

Causes of Developmental Disabilities

Approximately 17% of children ages three through 17 in the United States has at least one developmental disability. The conditions do not discriminate on the basis of socioeconomic status, race, or ethnicity.
Some developmental disabilities occur during infancy or early childhood. Most, however, are congenital, meaning that they are present at birth. Infection, injury, or exposure to a toxic substance can all result in developmental disabilities. Sometimes if the mother has an illness while pregnant, the baby may also become infected, which can result in disability. If the mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, or if the mother or someone around her smokes, that can also compromise the baby's health and result in disability. Children can also sometimes acquire a developmental disability due to complications at birth.

Signs of Developmental Disabilities

The functions that children learn as they grow are called developmental milestones. These include skills such as speech and ambulation. When children do not reach these milestones as expected, it may be a sign of a developmental disability. You can find out information from your doctor about developmental milestones and whether your child is meeting them on time. If you ever have any concerns about your child's development, you should discuss them with a physician right away.

I Left My Heart & Mind in San Francisco ♥


Throwback to when I went to San Francisco and wandered around Pier 39 and had a glimpsed on Alcatraz island. I don't know why I never even bothered to look closely what kind of birds were flying around me. As I look into this picture, I've realized it was an Albatross flying around the area. As to why I didn't bother to look at it? Perhaps I was too preoccupied or too excited to be in America for the first time.

Facts about a seabird or albatross (google) - a seabird is capable of traveling 10,000 miles in a single journey and circumnavigating the globe in 46 days. Albatross are really good in flying and they just glide on air currents.

If I am to go there again this time, I would surely take a lot of time to look around and appreciate the things around me. I might even take some notes and post it Facebook, lol. The last time I was in San Francisco was in 2002 where social media was not heard of and cellphones were only meant to call and text, not for taking selfies. I stayed there for less than a week but I surely left my heart in San Francisco. The place so was beautiful, calm and the air was so cool you don't need an aircon. Gosh, I miss the place and I'm wishing to see it again. Glad I have some pictures to reminisce the past and think about my wonderful experience in the U.S. of A.

Friday, December 13, 2019

Best Maintenance Tips for New Boat Owners

Buying your first boat can be an invigorating experience. Keeping your boat in good condition can keep that excitement going as you move from a novice boat-owner to an experienced sailor. Here are some crucial tips to keep your nautical experience stress and accident-free.

Take Good Care of the Engine

You don’t have to be an expert on boat parts to know that the engine of your ship is an important piece of equipment to keep in good health. Not sure where to start? Sticking to the basics like checking oil levels, lubricating moving parts, ensuring the fuel lines and clamps are without corrosion and making sure all bolts are tight and secure. Flushing your engine after each outing in both fresh and saltwater can prevent corrosion and deterioration as well.

Clean Well and Often

Mold, dirt, mildew, and general clutter can wreak havoc on the functionality and durability of a boat. Flooring, upholstery, storage spaces, and the outer hull can easily be wrecked by the elements, especially saltwater. Keep your boat shining like new by cleaning thoroughly and regularly. Pay extra close attention to the cleaning products you use, making sure they are made for all the different materials on your ship

Be Mindful of Your Propeller

Maintaining your propeller may be one of the most important upkeep jobs you will do for your boat. Without a working propeller, you won’t be sailing very far. Routine checks for dings, nicks, debris and bent blades can save you from serious repairs, or worse, getting stranded in open water. Investing in some propeller shaft grease is also a good solution for keeping your boat rides smooth and without accidents.
Having a boat can be the adventure of a lifetime. These quick and easy maintenance tips can your sailing experiences happy and without excess damage.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Where's the Party?

Sharing a rare photo of me being dolled up & dressed to the nines ๐Ÿ˜œ This pic was a year old already but I don't remember posting it here in my blog. I attended our blogger's anniversary last year and the theme was somewhat red-carpet worthy in gold and black formal attire.

Good thing I kept some dresses that were given to me by my hubby's aunt who resides in the US. I kept this black dress for years and glad I didn't give it away or else I have nothing to wear on this particular event, lol.

I don't know if I look good on this dress but I'd like to believe I did, harhar. Most bloggers had the same make-up artist that night that I thought we probably looked the same, haha. 

The party was a success and ended well. We had great food and we were provided with a good venue. Glad it didn't rain because we were at the roofdeck of a building. Everyone was full, had a good laugh and I think the anniversary was celebrated just everybody wanted it to be.


3 Things To Rent for Your Party

Planning a big event is a lot of work. Whether you’re throwing a graduation party or are helping host a more formal wedding on your property, you’ll need to consider everything from the food to the seating. Here are three things you don’t want to overlook when deciding what to rent.

Chair Rentals

If you have a big house or yard, you don’t have to worry about renting a location – but have you considered where all your guests are going to sit? Do some research on chair rentals Oahu to see what kind of chairs will work best for your event. If you’re throwing a casual backyard barbeque, you can get away with folding chairs or even beach chairs. You will also be able to find fancier chairs at varying heights to suit your needs.

Tents

An outdoor event will give you plenty of room and allow your guests to enjoy the weather. Just make sure that you have a plan to protect everyone from the elements, be it the sweltering sun or a surprise rainstorm. Having plenty of tents will put your mind at ease and ensure that you have a back-up plan if it rains all day. Don't forget to set out some tiki torches or citronella candles to keep the bugs at bay.

Caterer

You may think that you can cook for a huge amount of people, but save yourself the headache and book a caterer. This will allow you to better focus on your other hosting duties and give you time to mingle with your guests. A professional staff will handle everything from set-up to clean-up, and your guests will rave about the delicious menu.
Hosting an event doesn’t have to be stressful. Allow yourself to delegate and know that there’s no shame in renting whatever you need to pull off a fun, successful party.

Gimme a Break

My youngest child's 3rd Quarter exam is scheduled next week and as usual, I'm the one who gets stressed. I dunno why I am such a worrywart but I cannot help it. As of today, Thursday, I am gathering all her quizzes, long tests and seatworks for this quarter to be used as her reviewer. But I wish I am like other moms who just chill and worry about nothing and let the fate decide - but I'm not!

Image result for mom worrying her children's exam 
 
I have every reason to be worried, too, because my 2nd child is different from her older sister. But I hope and pray that she will get good grades despite all the pressures she's going thru. How about you other moms out there? How do you study with your kids? Was it relaxing or stressful?

I cannot wait for her exams  to be over so that she can have fun during Christmas break --- so am I! After next week, both my eldest and youngest will have a 2-week Christmas vacation from school and that's a lot of fun for me, too!

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Planning Your NYC Vacation

New York City is one of the world’s top tourist locations for a reason. While it may the city that never sleeps, there are so many things to do that there still isn’t enough hours in the day for all of them. It’s hard to pick and choose, but these activities are absolute must-dos.

See a Broadway Show

One of the best things about the bright light city is the entertainment. Read NYC theater reviews to pick the best show for your family. It has the world’s best talent and showstopping stage effects. There are always new, amazing shows on Broadway such as “Hamilton” and “Dear Evan Hansen”. If you’re bringing your family, there are Disney classics such as “Lion King” and “Frozen”. If you’re a fan of old-school musicals, there are revivals of some of the classics such as “The Music Man” and “My Fair Lady.”

Visit NYC's Signature Spots

There is plenty of sightseeing to do in Manhattan. Sight-seeing tour buses can take up time that you can’t afford to lose. Instead download a subway app and hit the most important locations on your own. Take a stroll through Central Park if the weather allows and visit the zoo while you’re at it. Climb up the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty. Take the ferry to Ellis Island.

Experience the Art Scene

New York City can be as educational as it is entertaining. There are plenty of museums to that cater to the interests of all demographics. Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Natural History to learn about history of all over the world. The Museum of Modern Art has artwork from all of today’s most significant artists. The Guggenheim is a great place to observe abstract art.
It’s easy to be overwhelmed in a city as exciting as the Big Apple. If you plan ahead and make time for these attractions, your New York City trip will be worthwhile.

I Left My Heart In Iloilo

I never thought that I would fall in love to this place I never even planned on visiting. It was last year (2018) when we (bloggers) were invited by AirAsia to ride in their maiden flight from CDO to Iloilo (RT). I never thought of joining them. I wasn't interested coz of some reasons (excuses, actually). But my sister in law forced me to join coz this would be fun and for me to have, well, some "ME" time. I'm a full-time mom and never had a break and that was an opportunity for me to have a break for awhile. Besides, (my sis went on) it was my kids' Semestral break so I need not worry coz they don't classes for a week. And so, off I went ✈. Surprise, Surprise! I didn't realize how wide their road was. Traffic was not even bad. And the people I met were somehow respectful. And there were so many places to see. Wow! Where have I been?! And how I love the serenity of their river, they even have a boardwalk for people to stroll, or maybe exercise, and benches to sit. My sis and I savored the moment. We visited many tourist spots which was fun, we also went to their museum. 
Sharing to you below a pic that I have at their River Esplanade. It was so calm in here, perfect to unwind and do some self-introspection.


However, our time there was limited and we only toured the main city. But of course we never forgot to visit their beautiful mall - Festive walk. I've realized then how much I love the place. I promised that I shall return -- and that I did a year later. Summer of 2019, my family and I, together with my brother-in-law's family, went to Iloilo and I was very glad to be their tour guide. I'll post about it next time (although I did post once here but only my pic appeared๐Ÿ˜). 
Thank you Iloilo. Your place is so beautiful. No wonder a lot of people fell in love with your city - me included ;-)

3 Ways To Save Money on Your Move

Moving to a new home can be an exciting time, however, the actual process of moving your stuff can be frustrating and expensive. Fortunately, there are ways you can save money on your moving expenses.

Purchase Used Packing Supplies

Purchasing new packing boxes and supplies can be very convenient, but one way you can reduce your packing costs is to utilize used packing supplies. If you have a friend who has moved recently, you might want to ask them if they have any extra boxes you can use. You may also be able to purchase used boxes from a used moving boxes st louis retailer. If you plan, you can begin saving the shipping boxes you get from your online purchases. Hang on to the packing materials as well. You may be able to use them to protect your fragile items. You can also check with local businesses to see if they have any boxes they will let you have.

Get Rid of Stuff You Don't Need

Getting rid of belongings you don't need can save you time and money when moving and also help prevent you from cluttering up your new space. You can help finance your move by selling items on craigslist, eBay or at a garage sale. You may also be able to donate some items to local charities or thrift stores. Throw out or recycle anything you don't need that doesn't have any value to anyone else either.

Move During the Off-Season

You can't always choose when you get to move, but if you can, you can save some money by moving between October and April. Because fewer people choose to move during those months, the prices charged by movers tend to be lower.
Moving is a process that many people dread. A little planning ahead can save you some money and make the process less painful.

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

My Daughter's First Communion

Hello to my Cookie's Corner followers (if I have any, lol). So, after changing the new look on my blog, I've been busy....or trying to get busy. I tried changing the header of my blog but decided to change it maybe after new year ๐Ÿค”

I was about to write something personal but it all ended up in my mind only. Then I've realized it's already December!! Where did the time go? I  haven't even watched Frozen2 yet and maybe I might missed watching Jumanji 3 if I kept myself too preoccupied. I guess I really deserved a break!!

Anyways, I'll just share with you a wonderful milestone my youngest daughter achieved last  November. She had  her First Holy Communion and I couldn't be more happy and proud of her.
And I'm happy she was able to wear her  older sister's dress and veil ๐Ÿ˜€

Sharing our family picture with and hope you all have a blessed day.  Gotta go now coz I need to prepare lunch...


Monday, December 9, 2019

Ways to Thank Clients

When you’d like to show your appreciation for regular customers who purchase goods or services from your company, it may be difficult to find a gesture that’s professional and not overly personal. Strike the right balance with tokens that express your thankfulness to maintain your stellar working relationship and inspire loyalty for years to come.

Give Gifts

If you have customers that visit your shop on a regular basis, thank them with a treat when they walk through the door. A t-shirt, individually-wrapped corporate cookies Atlanta, a reusable water bottle or a lightweight cotton tote featuring your company logo would all be welcomed by clients. As a bonus, the giveaways will also serve as advertisements for your business as people use them in public.

Offer Perks

Give your clients benefits that will not only show your appreciation but also boost your business. Create a customer loyalty program such as a punch card system that offers a free item or discount after someone purchases a certain number of items or dollars’ worth of merchandise. You can also offer a structure that enables people to earn points for purchases and redeem them for sample-sized products, company swag or full-sized items and deep discounts as they reach higher tiers.

Reward Followers

Companies hoping to build more of a presence on social media can offer customer appreciation gifts for those who follow them on Twitter or Instagram, for example. Post a raffle offering entry for posting a comment or tagging a friend and choose a winner at random. You can also offer a hidden code in a photo that clients can find or a phrase that they can utter in person at the store to receive a discount.
Thanking your customers for their loyalty is an important way to improve communication and encourage their continued business. The effort you put into a sincere gesture can pay off with an even more successful relationship in the future.