Before Giving Your Kids Cold/Flu Medications...

For sure many parents don't want their kids suffer from the bouts of flu or colds, and yet as parents we should be careful of how we give them medications, especially if we give them over-the-counter (OTC) medications without a doctor's prescription.

It has been said that there are studies saying that OTC cough/cold/flu medications do work in children, according to Dr. Trunkel at Johns Hopkins.

Before giving your kids OTC decongestants and cough syrups, why not consider using simple remedies such as honey (for children 1 year or older.) for cough or sore throat relief, and  a humidifier or saltwater drops for relief of nasal congestion?

You can give age-appropriate doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for fever and pain, but never give aspirin which can be at high risk of having Reye's syndrome, which is considered fatal. For children younger than 2 years of age, watch out in giving OTC cough and cold medications without doctor's advice which can give serious adverse side effects.

In some cases, OTC preparations have similar ingredients which can create a potential overdose when more than one product is used together.

Talk to your doctor before using them!

Smart Ways You Can Save On Your Home Costs

With the slumping real estate market situation, contractors will do everything to strike a good deal just to get your business. Basing on a survey by a consumer review website, 81% of contractors said they would negotiate on labor costs. Landscapers and house cleaners are also cutting rates.

So, first way on how to save would be to get multiple price quotes. If you can be flexible about the timing of your project, you'll likely to have the most bargaining power. If in case that the builder wouldn't be dropping his price, check whether he will upgrade you to higher-end fixtures.

Try to trim the cost of borrowing by requesting a good-faith estimate before you apply. This way you can save on closing costs. You can as well negotiate any fees the lender charges. This way, you'll have the most wiggle room on adjustable-rate and jumbo mortgages.

Get a deal on furniture. Usually, sales slow in the summer where many shops will make deals to move inventory. You may want to ask for 20% off but don't settle for less than 10%.

Sign up for emails from furniture shopping websites to get early updates on good deals!

How's Your Kitchen Sink?

So, have you been keenly observing your kitchen lately? If you haven't bothered checking on it recently, then now is probably a good chance to do so. Don't forget to check underneath for leaks and cracks. And, if you start smelling odors in the kitchen that you can't seem to locate, it might be coming from your kitchen sink. In that case, you need to consider replacing it with a good premium quality brand that really lasts. 

 It might be as simple as you think when you think of buying a new kitchen sink, but it can be a more complicated task than most people think. Since today, many house owners commonly use undermount kitchen sinks, careful choosing is a must. 

There are a lot of various collections and models to consider, and that being said, choosing the perfect one for your kitchen can lead to a better perfect-looking kitchen, don't you think?

 It's time to upgrade!

Keeping Your Gym Stuff Germ-Free!

You might be aiming for your body being healthy and fit, but did you know that you still can't be safe with the germs that you bring home from the gym, without even knowing it?

Locker rooms and gyms are the perfect hide outs for various germs like bacteria, fungi and even viruses which love moist and warm environments. So, it is always smart to stock up on germ-fighting goodies too.

If you own a gym bag and constantly use them in going to the gym, be sure it has dividers that separates your damp clothes from your dry ones. It's also good to wipe down your bag with disinfectant sprays or antibacterial wipes.

Be sure to shower off with antibacterial soaps before leaving the gym and to leave germs behind!

If you need to use a yoga mat, be sure to bring your own because those that are being borrowed are rarely cleaned.

Always use sanitizer with you while in the gym. It was found by a recent study that 3/4 of gym equipments were loaded with viruses and even wiping them down twice didn't help much.

Cool Decor For Home!

When it comes to home decorating, it makes me excited choosing and deciding what stuff should be put around the house, and so on. It has been a tough experience doing it with the house I got in the Philippines, but challenging and then it all worth the effort after I saw the results! 

 It would have been a nice consideration choosing a nice wall sconce shelf but I don't know why I couldn't find one here. So, I thought, maybe, I would rather consider getting one for our house in the US. (I am currently in the Philippines for my much awaited long vacation).

 I am missing my home in the US, and soon, I can't wait to go back to my normal home routines. And of course, I have a lot of plans for the interior aspects of our home there. It would be a nice idea to do upgrades a bit ;).

Almost 2 Months in the Philippines!

How time flies, and I will be on my 2nd month here! Although I am still enjoying my time here, I miss US home once in a while, and I miss my husband sooo bad! :( On the other hand, this is a very rare chance to be with my family  this long. I wouldn't be sure when's the next, or will I be ever to do it again this long? So, I am enjoying the remaining days before it ends. It comes  worth cherishing to me when we are all having hang outs together...watching movies together at home, laugh together, being emotional (at times), getting wierd at times, etc..., and eating all kinds of food all the time! LOL!

I still have 11 days wait before I get to see hubby here. Then, I would be much happier, and the time spend together with the family will double much the fun, I'm sure ;).

I know, I haven't been active online lately. I felt, I am too exhausted to think on what's to write about, lol! I have so many things in mind, but I just can't start pushing myself on to sit and write. Maybe because I do think of many things I get to do or where to go at times..lol. It's like that feeling wherein your emotions are set to spending more hang outs together rather than writing.

I think that's the difference between me living in the US and staying here. I tend to write more often while in the US...probably because I spend myself mostly alone at home most of the time. Here, I am spending a lot BIG time with 7 - 9 people most of the time. No dull moments! But I get to be a financer to feed them too, and then headache will visit me once in a while because of budgeting...gosh, it's tough being a momma of 9 kids! hahahhaa!

I barely got a little more than 3 weeks before I will go back with hubby to the US. But I don't wanna think about that yet. I will instead think and look forward spending more time with the family with the hubby around...I feel much more comfortable and relaxed when he's with me. :)

Best Software Solution For Your Online Business

Are you thinking of establishing an online business that involves the use of software solutions? Well, that would surely be a smart idea, but before you proceed, you have  to be sure that the choice of software that you use will be a smart choice and perfectly suits your business' needs.

 For instance, if you are thinking of having a printing online business, it would be a wise investment to choose the best design online tool for your print business. Check it out and see how the system works! 

Beating The Heat!

Today is mom's birthday. We decided to celebrate it at the water park 15 minutes away from home. But the celebrant preferred to eat, and never swam, lol! We enjoyed the water as there was no crowd yet. The coolness and serenity of the pool calmed me and cooled me down due to the heat!

We enjoyed a picnic beside the pool as well...it wasn't easy having a swim without a food...didn't know swimming can drain your energy and makes you hungry from time to time..ugh! 

The DO's & DONT's For Grilling

You can be a pro when it comes to BBQing without going to a formal school! :) It's just a matter of getting aware of the do's and dont's that you should follow when you're on the grill.

The DO's:

As you start placing your meat on the grill at a diagonal angle on the grill grates, time your turns. Wait for 2 minutes before you turn the meat in a quarter-turn clockwise manner. Wait another 2 minutes then flip and repeat on the other side.

During the last 10% of your cooking time, apply on liquid glazes on your meat. If you put it too early, they will turn your food into a charred mess!

Have enough reserve of ready-to-go briquettes as a ready replenishment for your charcoal fire to enable you to keep grilling at a desired temperature longer.

Segregate your skewers like for instance when you make kebabs, place one type of food on each skewer, such as onions on one, meat on another and so on..this is to cook the food in perfection. This will also make the meat achieve a more roasty flavor.

When your fish breaks into clean flakes, it means it's done.

Give the meat time, at least 3 minutes for smaller ones, and 10-15 minutes for bigger cuts after removing them from the grill to allow the juice to redistribute evenly. If you slice it right away, all of its flavors will run unto the cutting board.

The DONT's:

Don't forget to marinate your food. It's good to marinate them in a mixture that contains yogurt, lemon juice or vinegar/wine that helps tenderize the meat and fat like vegetable or olive oil which can help them moist during the grilling.

Place fish, shelllfish and small pieces of chicken meat in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes; chicken breasts-1-2 hours; thick steak-4 hours; and overnight for big cuts like pork shoulder, prime rib, brisket, etc...

Avoid overcrowding. Give spaces for food evenly on the grill - at least 2-3 fingers width in between.

Avoid flattening the food using a spatula which can cause the tasty juices to come out.

Don't overdo the ribs to the extent of almost falling off the bone. They are best if there's a bit to chew left to them. They are ready when they can be torn apart with your fingers.

Avoid burning the skewers by resting the exposed ends on a piece of foil folded 3 times and placed on the grill.

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A Tub of Distinction!

Have you ever thought or imagined having a bath tub at home that you consider distinctive? Many still prefer having one at home that has exciting design making it more unique and attractive. 

 I saw many designs of them in various hotels I and my husband would go to when we are on travel. Each hotel reflects their own uniqueness by their choice of bath tubs I guess, because I see different designs and sizes from the classical ones to modern ones. 

 I still find claw footed tub cute! They have various styles that reflects their classical designs from the old era to more modern styles, and they can still be durable with their high quality designs. I think I would recommend them if friends would be looking for one.

Give Your Skin A TLC It Deserves!

Skin can be very reactive as the temperature and season changes. Our skin needs a little extra care especially during the cooler months. As we approach the cold season, less humidity in the air becomes more common and thus our skin would feel drier.

If you want to know if your skin really needs a moisturizer, wait 30 minutes after washing your face. And if it doesn't feel tight, skip the moisturizer. Watch out for flakes during the cooler season. Eczema or seborrheic dermatitis are often misdiagnosed at cosmetic counters, then they give you a dry skin product which can cause a more harmful reaction. Instead, call your dermatologist.

For skin caused by bug bites, they can leave your skin with annoying hyperpigmentation marks that would take longer before they fade. Here are some tips to care for skin caused by bug bites:

Put an antibiotic ointment and keep it covered with bandage for at least 2 weeks. Apply some ice to decrease inflammation.

Apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area to avoid scratching.

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