Monday, September 3, 2012

Purefoods Vida Hotdog - Review

I got married last 2010, and since then had to handle grocery shopping and other expenses. It was a breeze then since I still have work and the amount of groceries is not an issue. However, I had to change the way I do my grocery shopping when my son was born.  We had to incorporate his expenses and it's not cheap.  So I set my sight on finding cheaper products in the supermarket.  

I first discovered Vida bacon and since it was from Purefoods, the maker of yummy tender juicy hotdog, I was ok with trying it.  I liked it and the plus side is that it is actually cheap.  So I have been buying the Vida brand of bacon, until I discovered that they now have a regular hotdog so I tried it as well.  It was not what I expected.  It was really cheap but didn't taste good.  You would know that it was full of flour coz the consistency was the same as that of the sidewalk kikiam.  I can't find the proper way to prepare it.  Either steamed or fried it doesn't turn out better tasting.  I even tried to sauté it in lots of onions and garlic, it was really sad.

I'm disappointed.  I just can't imagine why Purefoods would let this product go out to the market.  Although it won't actually taint the tender juicy hotdog image, it is somewhat a turn off to the Vida label.  Too bad it could have fitted well into my budget.  =)

Friday, August 24, 2012

The Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason



The internet is such a treasure trove of learning!  I have been searching for ways to get additional income and I have stumbled upon a lot of sites offering such. However, they normally ask for payment ranging anywhere within a hundred dollars.  I actually tried several and it resulted to me losing money.  Oh well, lesson learned. 

My search, however, is not totally futile.  I found a really good book emphasizing on the need for self discipline when it comes to money.  It also gives practical advises on how best one should handle and make money work for you.  I have been going through the list as fastidiously as I can and slowly but surely I am seeing results, I am nearly debt-free and getting there.  As this book has encouraged me, I hope you try reading it as well.  

Richest Man in Babylon by George S Clason:

1.   Start thy purse to fattening.  Keep a tenth of your income.  As we grow old in employment, our compensation tends to increase as well.  Nowadays, instead of increasing our investments, we choose to grow our expenditures instead. It’s time to go back to time tested ways to increase wealth, SAVE UP.

2.   Control thy expenditures. There are so many ways to spend our income.  We could now buy all the gadgets we need and don’t need, at payment schemes that are truly enticing.  There are expenses that are necessities such as water, electricity, groceries, school bills, etc.  There are those that are non essential and could be left for another day.  Excessive grocery that are often times left in your pantry because you have no use for them are considered non essential.  Additional mobile phone just to accommodate your additional sim is luxury.  It is always best to ask, do I need this? If yes, do I need it now?  If your balance sheet now doesn’t give you enough leeway for luxuries, then don’t push it.  It would still be there when you already have the extra cash to purchase it.

3.   Make thy gold multiply.  Investing has been made easy thru online trading in stocks.  You may check out Citiseconline.com for an easy way to invest long term.

4.   Guard thy treasure from loss.  As I mentioned previously, I made some bad decisions that led to money loss.  I would never allow it to happen again.  Ensure that you put your money in a secure investment.  Know the people behind them.  Read the contract’s fine print. Until all your questions have been answered satisfactorily do not invest.  Though there are times that you need to take a risk, do so with proper mentoring and advise.

5.   Make thy dwelling a profitable investment, own thy home.  One way to own your home is thru bank mortgage. This is a necessary expenditure.  Renting only puts a big dent on your pocket and you will have nothing to show for in the long run.  Start owning your home, add a little to your current rent and you could already pay amortization.  A little sacrifice now would pay off big time in the future.

6.   Ensure a future income.  Again, look for investments that would ensure that you have future income.  Check out franchises and determine the best one that would stay long in the market.  Check out those that have been long in the business.  Investing in long term stocks or bonds also pays off during retirement.  Please see a mentor or advisor.

7.   Increase thy ability to earn.  Learn new skills.  Knowledge comes from reading, listening, and taking advice.  Invest in books, trainings and seminars, and financial advisors.

Hope you actually read the book, because there are more to learn and insights to keep. 

Have a great day!!!

Yayie

Dash' Top 10 Videos


Last weekend was marked by 2 additional days of holiday (August 19 (Sunday) – Eid’l Fitr, moved to August 20 (Monday) and August 21 (Tuesday) – Ninoy Aquino Day).  Good news for our working friends!
As for at-home mothers like me, we do not have any holidays.=) 

We stayed overnight at my sister’s house last Monday.  Dash (my son) and Anika (my niece) had a wonderful time running after and tossing toys at each other, not necessarily in that order.  We wouldn't have any peace if not for the baby videos I have downloaded.  In this era of small gadgets, I keep my son busy with videos I have downloaded in the iPhone, if we're on the go, and downloaded videos from my external drive when at home.

I actually started to enjoy downloading videos when I was pregnant, that was 2 years ago.  I was looking for videos that were educational and enjoyable to babies (I assume) and to toddlers.  This is an easy and cheap way to start up your child's education. So I actually compiled a list of baby videos my son, now 16 months, would normally stay still for, or dance, or pretend sing (I also assume he's singing, though).

Top 10 Baby Videos

1. Nursery Rhymes by Baby Genius
2. iTunes podcast of Sesame Street Alphabet (5 minutes each letter, these videos are fun!)
3. The Best of Elmo 2
4. Baby McDonald
5. Baby Neptune
6. Baby Da Vinci
7. Little Rascals
8. Disney Junior (sorry had to include it here, variety of cartoons)
9. Sesame Street old episodes
10. Baby Newton

That's it.  I think I will update this list after 6 months.

Have a happy day!