Sermon Manuscript:
Introduction:
There is lot of suffering and pain in this world that we are living in. Maybe you have been diagnosed with sickness or you lost your job or a loved one passed away or your prayers are taking a long time to be answered. Despite doing your best, your condition is the same. On one side you are God’s child, doing everything the best you can but on the other side, you don’t have an answer to the pain you are going through. You are asking to “Where is God when it hurts?”
Summary:
In this world of pain and hurts, where is God when it hurts? What is God doing when a believer is going through pain, trouble, and hurt in life? A powerful sermon to encourage believers in times of pain and brokenness.
Topical Question:
Where is God when it hurts?”
Title: God is No Where
Scripture: Psalms 34:18-19
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted And saves those who are crushed in spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Illustration:
I remember back in the 80's having settled in a good work as a programmer/instructor in a computer school, I resigned just because I got a great opportunity to work in Singapore. I was selected out of many people. I got the appointment letter from one of the reputed firms in Singapore. I surrendered my passport and paid my visa and work permit charges, only to find out a couple of weeks later that my visa had been rejected because of government policies. My dreams shattered. I did not know why? I never got any answer why I was going through hardships?
Maybe you are having the same question today – Where is God when it hurts?
Many people think that God has given them a tough life, whereas some others are having an easy life. Sometimes we feel that we suffer far more than others. But this is simply not the case, everyone has unique troubles. Your friends may not have the same trouble as yours; you may not have the same problems as mine. Everyone has their own share of struggle but the Lord has promised to be with us and deliver us from all our troubles.
In the Bible, from Abraham to David to Apostle John, all were afflicted, all were in trouble, yet all came out of their trouble as heroes of faith, stronger, and higher. It does not mean that God enjoys putting us through trials. In the world of sin we are living in, there is pain but God will deliver the righteous out of it.
Sermon Body:
Where is God when it hurts? Today I am going to share with you 4 biblical truths to ponder at!
Truth 1. God tests our heart in our hurts.
Explanation:
Do we believe and trust God even in the midst of pain and suffering? Do we believe in the promises of God even when everything looks impossible? Do we trust in God even when we do not understand His ways in our lives? Our trials can be a test of our faith.
Illustration:
We know the test Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego went through. When King Nebuchadnezzar asked the people to fall down and worship the golden image he made, they said, “No, Even if we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know king that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
As a result, they were bound and cast into the furnace that was made seven times hotter. As the king and people were watching, there was a fourth person in the fire. See what the King said: Daniel 3:25-27 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” 26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. God tested them and they proved to be faithful. Eventually, God promoted them. Daniel 3:30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.
Application:
Listen brothers--- When we are going through a hurt, God is right there testing our heart, but there is always a promotion when trust in God. All those of who are going through trials, understand God is with you and a promotion is on your way.
Truth 2. God directs us in our hurts.
Explanation:
Unaware to us, God is directing us when we are going through a hard phase in life.
In 1 Kings 17, after telling the super prophesy of his life to King Ahab, Elijah was led by God to hide in Kerith Ravine. God directed the ravens to bring him bread and meat in the morning and evening; he also drank from the brook. When the whole country was in famine and drought, God’s servant was amply supplied. But sometime later the book dried up because there was no rain in the land. The ravens stopped bringing food. Oh! All of a sudden Elijah is in a great problem. No job, no ministry, no food, and now no water. Can you imagine the thoughts that would have gone in Elijah’s mind? God, you sent me here and now and now all is see is a dry stream and no food. Probably, he would have felt like giving up. Elijah would have felt that was the end of the road for him.
When you study this story further, this hurt was for a change. God sent Elijah to Zarephath and provided a widow to take care of him. When God dried the brook, God had already prepared everything needed for him at Zarephath. God was directing Elijah to a new destiny.
Application:
Sometimes God brings a hurt to get us moving. Maybe you lost a job or a friend has betrayed you. Don’t give up in your trials, look by faith there is a greater destiny coming your way.
Truth 3: God corrects us in our hurts.
Explanation:
God can also use our hurts to correct us. There are other times when we are wrong. We have strayed into sin, we have made wrong choices and we need God’s correction.
Illustration:
Jonah disobeyed God. He went the opposite direction. Finally, he was thrown into the sea. He should have been killed in the middle of the sea. God is so good, even before he could repent God sent a great fish and kept him alive in the sea. Jonah repented in the belly of the fish and God brought him out of that situation and led him back to the direction God wanted him to take.
Application:
Brethren, Do you realize that when we deliberately stray from what we know is right, God has promised to correct us? All we have to do is to believe what the scriptures is telling us!! Amen!
Look at Hebrews 12:5-6 “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
We have all made mistakes, we have all made choices like Jonah, but that does not change God. He loves you and is still drawing you closer to him and if you can repent, he will forgive us and will bring us out.
Truth 4: God protects us in our hurts.
Explanation:
Sometimes God uses failures and problems to protect us. Joseph was obviously his father’s favorite son. And as a result of this favoritism, his brothers were filled with hatred and bitterness towards him. Then one day in their hatred they sold him as a slave to a caravan traveling to Egypt. It all happened so quickly. One moment he was the favorite son, getting anything he wanted and the next he was in chains and being sold into slavery.
Life couldn’t seem to be any worse for Joseph. He felt defeated, lonely, unloved, rejected but God had a purpose & a plan for what he was going through. God took him out of slavery and made him a ruler in Egypt, second only in power to Pharaoh. Years later, during the time of a severe famine, Joseph saw his brothers once again when they came to Egypt to beg for the privilege of buying food. They had no idea that this Egyptian ruler standing before them was Joseph. Finally when Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, they were petrified with fear & begged Joseph not to kill them.
See what Joseph said back to his brothers. Genesis 45:7-8 7 God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. Joseph probably felt defeated and a failure until this very day, away from his family, but now he realized it was God’s protection upon Joseph’s life. He got a new perspective now. Remember through Joseph’s trouble God even protected his family. Genesis 45:5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Application:
Friends, Are you going through trials, heartache, hardships or hurt in life; unknown to you God’s hand of protection is all over you.
Truth 5: Hurts make us rely on God.
Explanation:
Sometimes it is only when we are crushed and down that we see the face of God, and we wholeheartedly learn to trust in him.
See what Apostle Paul has to about his hardships: 2 Corinthians 1:8-9 8 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. 9 Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.
Scholars say that the trial was the great riot that broke out in Ephesus mentioned in Acts 19. The life of all the Christians in that city was under threat. Paul must have gone through some unusual emotional stress and physical threat during this time. Paul was utterly, unbearably crushed. He came to the lowest the human spirit can come to, the uttermost sense of despair. He said, “We felt that we had received the sentence of death.” It was absolutely hopeless; he had given up; there was no way out. But then he adds, but that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. Paul says very clearly that the trial was to refocus his attention back to God.
After going through the trial see what Paul says: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Application:
Listen brothers, Paul says it very boldly that hurts, hardships, and trials cannot destroy a child of God, but in fact it promotes us. Your challenges cannot destroy you, it cannot stop you, and you will not be crushed. Amen! One of the major reasons God sends us suffering is to refocus our trust in God. Praise God!!!
Conclusion:
God is at work in your life even when you do not recognize it or understand it. He’s in the storm with you. He’s calling you to rise above it, rise above your situation.
Illustration:
Do you know that an eagle knows when a storm is approaching long before it breaks? When the storm hits, it sets its wings so that the wind will pick it up and lift it above the storm. While the storm rages below, the eagle is soaring above it. The eagle does not escape the storm. It simply uses the storm to lift it higher. It rises on the winds that bring the storm. When the storms of life come upon us we can rise above them by setting our minds toward God. The storms do not have to overcome us. We can allow God’s power to lift us above them.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Wednesday, October 2, 2019
Be Strong And Courageous Sermon 32
Sermon Manuscript
Introduction:
Topical Question:
How can we be strong, and courageous?
Summary:
Assuming leadership roles can often be tough. It requires being strong & courageous. This sermon shares Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous.
Title:
Be Strong And Courageous
Scripture:
Joshua 1:1-18
Sermon Body:
This sermon shares four Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous.
Point 1: Stand on the Promises. V 3
3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.
Explanation:
Joshua is in a tight position. Can you imagine having to fill the shoes of Moses? Taking the place of a man...who could speak to God through a burning bush...cast down his rod, and have it turn into a snake, and then retrieve it, and find it a rod again. Can you imagine being the predecessor of a man that could stretch out his rod, and divide the Red Sea. Moses had led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, and through many precarious situations. But now Moses is dead. How can Joshua lead the people to the “land of promise”?
How will Joshua manage to do this? What does Joshua need in order to fulfill this awesome task? The answer is that he needs to stand on God's promise! God will give to him what he needs to fulfill this calling.
In this chapter God instructs Joshua 3 times to “be strong, and be courageous”. Such easy instructions....but how is he to be strong, and courageous?
Illustration:
Adrian Rogers tells about the man who bragged that he had cut off the tail of a man-eating lion with his pocket knife. Asked why he hadn’t cut off the lion’s head, the man replied: “Someone had already done that.” It’s easy sometimes to be cocky, and pretend to be brave..but what someone needed was true bravery, and courage.
Application:
Brothers and sisters --- To live the kind of Life that God wants us to in the society that we live in...we need courage the way that Joshua did!
Sometimes its hard to be strong, and courageous. but God will dictates to you how to be so. Amen!!!
Point 2: Sense the Presence. V 5
5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Explanation:
How can Joshua lead with confidence, how can he confront the battles that lie ahead ? He can because the same God that was with Moses is with him. A God that will not forsake, and one that will not fail. Every place that the sole of his foot touched was to become their land....and every step that Joshua took God was with him.
Illustration:
One summer evening, during a violent thunderstorm, a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?” The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t dear,” she said, “I have to sleep with Daddy.” A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big sissy.”
Application:
Today, if we are children of God, he has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. He not only is with us...but is in us.
Point 3: Stay the Path V 7
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
Explanation:
If Joshua is to be “strong, and courageous” he must stay the path...he must not turn...he must not compromise...he must not become distracted....he must not become detoured from what the will of God is. He must stay the path set before him. Faithfulness is the key.
Illustration:
I’d like to tell you a story about Chad Le Clos and the importance of staying in your own lane if you want to win the race. Some of you may recognize Le Clos’ name. He is a South African swimmer who won five medals in the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore and is an Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games champion many times over. By the time he swam in the Olympics in 2016, Le Clos was already one of South Africa’s most decorated Olympians.
The 2016 Olympics were billed as a heavily hyped rematch of sorts between Le Clos and American swimming legend Michael Phelps. Phelps was the winner of the 200 meter butterfly in 2004 and 2008, and Le Clos narrowly beat him in 2012.
During the medal race, photographers snapped the moment that showed Le Clos turning his head to the side to see where Phelps was during the race. That distraction cost him dearly. Not only did Le Clos not mentally stay in his own lane; he also didn’t even medal in that race, finishing in fourth place.
Application:
Brothers in Christ -- put this in your mind!!! God blesses faithfulness ! Compromise leads to chaos....distractions often lead to destruction...but faithfulness leads to fulfillment. Are we being faithful...or is it possible that we’ve gotten off the path that God has called us to follow?
Point 4. Start the Process. V 11
11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”
Explanation:
What God had told Joshua would have been no good if he had not begin to assimilate this plan. In this verse, Joshua begins the process. The transfer of leadership has taken place...Joshua believes what God has said..and begins to demonstrate it. He begins his journey of bravery,and courage.
It is not enough simply to know the word of God....sense his presence, we must put into action what he tells us to do. Joshua now begins that process. He takes action....he begins the task of moving forward.
Illustration:
“In leadership, life and all things it’s far wiser to judge people by their deeds than their speech - their track record rather than their talk” – Rasheed Ogunlaru” (Inspirational Speaker)
Application:
How about us brothers? We’ve heard the word of God...sensed his presence, and his leading...but are we still just sitting ? What are we waiting for ?
Let’s get going. There is ground to cover, battles to be won, Jobs that are unfinished.....let’s “be strong and courageous” and do it !
Conclusion:
Message Summary:
The four Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous. ---Stand on God's Promises. Sense God's Presence, Stay on your Course, and start the process.
Specific Objective:
For the unbelievers:
God loves you and He is desiring that you too love Him. Trusting your life to him.
For the believers:
So what's holding you back from being strong and courageous?
I challenge you, Why not listen to God's call?
Introduction:
Topical Question:
How can we be strong, and courageous?
Summary:
Assuming leadership roles can often be tough. It requires being strong & courageous. This sermon shares Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous.
Title:
Be Strong And Courageous
Scripture:
Joshua 1:1-18
Sermon Body:
This sermon shares four Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous.
Point 1: Stand on the Promises. V 3
3 Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses.
Explanation:
Joshua is in a tight position. Can you imagine having to fill the shoes of Moses? Taking the place of a man...who could speak to God through a burning bush...cast down his rod, and have it turn into a snake, and then retrieve it, and find it a rod again. Can you imagine being the predecessor of a man that could stretch out his rod, and divide the Red Sea. Moses had led the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, and through many precarious situations. But now Moses is dead. How can Joshua lead the people to the “land of promise”?
How will Joshua manage to do this? What does Joshua need in order to fulfill this awesome task? The answer is that he needs to stand on God's promise! God will give to him what he needs to fulfill this calling.
In this chapter God instructs Joshua 3 times to “be strong, and be courageous”. Such easy instructions....but how is he to be strong, and courageous?
Illustration:
Adrian Rogers tells about the man who bragged that he had cut off the tail of a man-eating lion with his pocket knife. Asked why he hadn’t cut off the lion’s head, the man replied: “Someone had already done that.” It’s easy sometimes to be cocky, and pretend to be brave..but what someone needed was true bravery, and courage.
Application:
Brothers and sisters --- To live the kind of Life that God wants us to in the society that we live in...we need courage the way that Joshua did!
Sometimes its hard to be strong, and courageous. but God will dictates to you how to be so. Amen!!!
Point 2: Sense the Presence. V 5
5 No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Explanation:
How can Joshua lead with confidence, how can he confront the battles that lie ahead ? He can because the same God that was with Moses is with him. A God that will not forsake, and one that will not fail. Every place that the sole of his foot touched was to become their land....and every step that Joshua took God was with him.
Illustration:
One summer evening, during a violent thunderstorm, a mother was tucking her small boy into bed. She was about to turn off the light when he asked with a tremor in his voice, “Mommy, will you sleep with me tonight?” The mother smiled and gave him a reassuring hug. “I can’t dear,” she said, “I have to sleep with Daddy.” A long silence was broken at last by a shaken little voice saying, “The big sissy.”
Application:
Today, if we are children of God, he has promised never to leave us nor to forsake us. He not only is with us...but is in us.
Point 3: Stay the Path V 7
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.
Explanation:
If Joshua is to be “strong, and courageous” he must stay the path...he must not turn...he must not compromise...he must not become distracted....he must not become detoured from what the will of God is. He must stay the path set before him. Faithfulness is the key.
Illustration:
I’d like to tell you a story about Chad Le Clos and the importance of staying in your own lane if you want to win the race. Some of you may recognize Le Clos’ name. He is a South African swimmer who won five medals in the 2010 Summer Youth Olympics in Singapore and is an Olympic, World and Commonwealth Games champion many times over. By the time he swam in the Olympics in 2016, Le Clos was already one of South Africa’s most decorated Olympians.
The 2016 Olympics were billed as a heavily hyped rematch of sorts between Le Clos and American swimming legend Michael Phelps. Phelps was the winner of the 200 meter butterfly in 2004 and 2008, and Le Clos narrowly beat him in 2012.
During the medal race, photographers snapped the moment that showed Le Clos turning his head to the side to see where Phelps was during the race. That distraction cost him dearly. Not only did Le Clos not mentally stay in his own lane; he also didn’t even medal in that race, finishing in fourth place.
Application:
Brothers in Christ -- put this in your mind!!! God blesses faithfulness ! Compromise leads to chaos....distractions often lead to destruction...but faithfulness leads to fulfillment. Are we being faithful...or is it possible that we’ve gotten off the path that God has called us to follow?
Point 4. Start the Process. V 11
11 “Pass through the midst of the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you are to cross this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you, to possess it.’”
Explanation:
What God had told Joshua would have been no good if he had not begin to assimilate this plan. In this verse, Joshua begins the process. The transfer of leadership has taken place...Joshua believes what God has said..and begins to demonstrate it. He begins his journey of bravery,and courage.
It is not enough simply to know the word of God....sense his presence, we must put into action what he tells us to do. Joshua now begins that process. He takes action....he begins the task of moving forward.
Illustration:
“In leadership, life and all things it’s far wiser to judge people by their deeds than their speech - their track record rather than their talk” – Rasheed Ogunlaru” (Inspirational Speaker)
Application:
How about us brothers? We’ve heard the word of God...sensed his presence, and his leading...but are we still just sitting ? What are we waiting for ?
Let’s get going. There is ground to cover, battles to be won, Jobs that are unfinished.....let’s “be strong and courageous” and do it !
Conclusion:
Message Summary:
The four Biblical advice as to how we can be strong & courageous. ---Stand on God's Promises. Sense God's Presence, Stay on your Course, and start the process.
Specific Objective:
For the unbelievers:
God loves you and He is desiring that you too love Him. Trusting your life to him.
For the believers:
So what's holding you back from being strong and courageous?
I challenge you, Why not listen to God's call?
Saturday, October 17, 2015
Basil Pesto: Fish Pasta
An easy to prepare Basil Pesto Fish pasta.
Ingredients
• 2/3 cup Basil leaves
• 2/3 cup Walnuts
• 4 pieces Garlic gloves
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil, for grilling
• 4 pieces Tilapia fillet
• 8 cups Whole Wheat pasta, cooked
Method
Basil Pesto:
1. Combine basil, walnuts and garlic in a food processor or blender and blend until ingredients are chopped finely. It may be necessary to clean up sides two to three times to get everything chopped evenly.
2. Add oil slowly (1/3 cup at a time) and blend. Add remaining oil and blend.
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add parmesan cheese. Stir to mix.
4. Taste and add salt only if necessary.
Basil Pesto Fish Pasta:
1. Reheat pasta in salted hot water and set aside.
2. Coat fish with 1 tablespoon pesto and grill both sides until done. Transfer to paper towel to drain oil from fish.
3. Slice fish into strips.
4. Combine pesto and pasta. Top with fish strips and serve.
Ingredients
• 2/3 cup Basil leaves
• 2/3 cup Walnuts
• 4 pieces Garlic gloves
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 pinch salt
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil, for grilling
• 4 pieces Tilapia fillet
• 8 cups Whole Wheat pasta, cooked
Method
Basil Pesto:
1. Combine basil, walnuts and garlic in a food processor or blender and blend until ingredients are chopped finely. It may be necessary to clean up sides two to three times to get everything chopped evenly.
2. Add oil slowly (1/3 cup at a time) and blend. Add remaining oil and blend.
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add parmesan cheese. Stir to mix.
4. Taste and add salt only if necessary.
Basil Pesto Fish Pasta:
1. Reheat pasta in salted hot water and set aside.
2. Coat fish with 1 tablespoon pesto and grill both sides until done. Transfer to paper towel to drain oil from fish.
3. Slice fish into strips.
4. Combine pesto and pasta. Top with fish strips and serve.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Yummy Ham and Pickle Roll Ups
Are you in charge of making a food dish for a gathering? Ham and Pickle Roll Ups taste great and are easy to make. Learn the five easy steps to making Ham and Pickle Roll Ups.
photo
If you have been given the honor of making hors d’oeuvres for a baby shower or family gathering, don’t panic. There are a lot of easy hors d’oeuvres that take only minutes to throw together. One favorite of mine is ham and pickle roll ups. These roll ups not only taste great, but they look classy. Below are the ingredients, the 5 easy steps, and some tips to making this tasty hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients
• 1 Package of Ham Lunch Meat
• 1 (8 ounce) container of Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1 Jar of Whole Dill Pickles
Procedure
• Lay out a piece of ham lunch meat so that it is lying flat.
• Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on the sliced ham.
• Take the pickle and roll it up in the ham.
• Repeat Step number 3 until all of the pickles are rolled up. Place them in the refrigerator until the cream cheese hardens. This may take a couple of hours.
• Slice ham and pickle roll ups into ½ inch slices. After they are cut into slices, you may also want to insert a toothpick. This will both enhance the presentation of your hors d’oeuvres and make them easier to pick up.
If you have been given the honor of making hors d’oeuvres for a baby shower or family gathering, don’t panic. There are a lot of easy hors d’oeuvres that take only minutes to throw together. One favorite of mine is ham and pickle roll ups. These roll ups not only taste great, but they look classy. Below are the ingredients, the 5 easy steps, and some tips to making this tasty hors d’oeuvre.
Ingredients
• 1 Package of Ham Lunch Meat
• 1 (8 ounce) container of Cream Cheese (softened)
• 1 Jar of Whole Dill Pickles
Procedure
• Lay out a piece of ham lunch meat so that it is lying flat.
• Spread a layer of softened cream cheese on the sliced ham.
• Take the pickle and roll it up in the ham.
• Repeat Step number 3 until all of the pickles are rolled up. Place them in the refrigerator until the cream cheese hardens. This may take a couple of hours.
• Slice ham and pickle roll ups into ½ inch slices. After they are cut into slices, you may also want to insert a toothpick. This will both enhance the presentation of your hors d’oeuvres and make them easier to pick up.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Camp John Hay Homeowners and Investors -- Victory is Achieved!
Victory is achieved! After months of agonizing days and sleepless nights, it is safe to say that justice is now served in Camp John Hay’s third parties. These investors who bought properties inside Camp John Hay can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Court of Appeals rendered a final decision to let these third parties stay and manage their properties. In a recent decision, the Court of Appeals permits Camp John Hay Development Corp. (CJHDevco) to stay and continue operations until the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) paid the company P1.4 billion as compensation.
photo link
The investors, locators, and sub lessees hardship & difficulties finally bear fruits. The road to this victory was long, taxing and winding to the extend that some lessees thought it is best to just pack their bags and abandoned their hard earned properties. But the wheel of fortune turns to their side - from a picture of hopeless case, from a that it even reached to a point wherein homeowners started packing their bags ready to leave and abandon their properties; and just when everybody thought that this could turn into a hopeless case, justice still prevailed through the Court of Appeals’ final decision.
Finally, the legal issue between BCDA and CJHDevCo has been resolved after more than a decade of battle. The court's decision has affirmed that the lessees has availed the properties in good faith. The recent development also proved that justice still prevails in our judicial system.
This is a victory for CJHDevCo and more importantly, for the Camp John Hay Homeowners and Investors who finally get their wish to live without worrying that they can be evicted from their properties until 2046. The recent development also proved that justice still prevails in our judicial system.
With this development, the people of Baguio City through the initiative of its mayor and the City Council can now pursue its dream of making their city a haven for both local and foreign investors as well as a world class tourist destination.
The investors, locators, and sub lessees hardship & difficulties finally bear fruits. The road to this victory was long, taxing and winding to the extend that some lessees thought it is best to just pack their bags and abandoned their hard earned properties. But the wheel of fortune turns to their side - from a picture of hopeless case, from a that it even reached to a point wherein homeowners started packing their bags ready to leave and abandon their properties; and just when everybody thought that this could turn into a hopeless case, justice still prevailed through the Court of Appeals’ final decision.
Finally, the legal issue between BCDA and CJHDevCo has been resolved after more than a decade of battle. The court's decision has affirmed that the lessees has availed the properties in good faith. The recent development also proved that justice still prevails in our judicial system.
This is a victory for CJHDevCo and more importantly, for the Camp John Hay Homeowners and Investors who finally get their wish to live without worrying that they can be evicted from their properties until 2046. The recent development also proved that justice still prevails in our judicial system.
With this development, the people of Baguio City through the initiative of its mayor and the City Council can now pursue its dream of making their city a haven for both local and foreign investors as well as a world class tourist destination.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Broccoli with Mustard Sauce
Broccoli is among the vegetables that is best served is best if not overcooked. Tossing it with this lemony mustard sauce is one of the fun ways my wife serves it. Prepare one and who knows, this Broccoli with Mustard Sauce be a favorite of yours.
Ingredients
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 tbsp chopped onion
• ¼ cup flour
• 80 ml milk
• 80 ml chicken stock
• 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
Procedure
• Melt butter in medium saucepan.
• Add onion and cook gently 3 minutes, stirring.
• Add flour and stir to blend.
• Remove from the heat and add milk and chicken stock all at once. Stir to blend.
• Return to moderate heat and cook until boiling, thickened and smooth, stirring constantly.
• Stir in lemon juice, mustard, sugar, and salt.
• Keep hot. (If you are making the sauce ahead of time set it over hot water).
• Cook broccoli in a little boiling salted water until just tender.
• Serve immediately with mustard sauce spooned over.
Ingredients
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 tbsp chopped onion
• ¼ cup flour
• 80 ml milk
• 80 ml chicken stock
• 1.5 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
Procedure
• Melt butter in medium saucepan.
• Add onion and cook gently 3 minutes, stirring.
• Add flour and stir to blend.
• Remove from the heat and add milk and chicken stock all at once. Stir to blend.
• Return to moderate heat and cook until boiling, thickened and smooth, stirring constantly.
• Stir in lemon juice, mustard, sugar, and salt.
• Keep hot. (If you are making the sauce ahead of time set it over hot water).
• Cook broccoli in a little boiling salted water until just tender.
• Serve immediately with mustard sauce spooned over.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Camp John Hay Investors Gallant Stance Against Casanova's Cruel Intention
War is brewing up at Camp John Hay. The more than one thousand investors, locators, shareholders and sub-lesses inside Camp John Hay is gearing up for a possible all out war against BCDA continued defiance of the decision handed down by the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI) a couple of months back.
Another decision made by presiding Judge Cecilia Corazon Dulay Archog of the Regional Trial Court of Baguio issued last March 27, 2015, confirmed the Final Award on an earlier decision by the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI). The court so ordered BCDA to reimburse CJHDEVCO the 1.42 B pesos rentals and in return Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) will have control of the leased properties inside Camp John Hay.
The decision also pointed out that the rights of the current locators, sub-lessees, and owners are to be protected by the law. Whatever contracts made in good faith should be honored by the BCDA.
The concerned third parties have all the needed tools to put on hold BCDA's planned forced eviction. Their rights are well protected by law. These investors, locators, shareholders and sub-lessees will not be again a party to Casanova's dirty tactics. For they know, their stay at Camp John Hay is in good hand and no harassment, coercion or deception will intimidate them into siding with BCDA.
Still, Arnel Casanova known to be harsh on his enemies continued to defy the law and is now unleashing his dreaded kamikase harassing tactics. He continues to sow clouds of uncertainties and wanted to still fear in the mind of these individuals. The hapless but not helpless locators has no recourse but to seek help from higher authorities to finally put an end to their woes.
Through an open letter, concerned property owners have sought the intervention of President Aquino to meddle with the issue. They even brought the issue to the attention of Congress wherein a lawmaker has filed a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of BCDA of Camp John Hay. And if Casanova still refuses to honor the court's order and they are forcibly evicted from their property; an appropriate suit against BCDA is ready to be submitted to the court. When will this CJH saga ends? Nobody knows, but one thing is sure-the City of Baguio is the big loser here.
Another decision made by presiding Judge Cecilia Corazon Dulay Archog of the Regional Trial Court of Baguio issued last March 27, 2015, confirmed the Final Award on an earlier decision by the Philippine Dispute Resolution Center, Inc. (PDRCI). The court so ordered BCDA to reimburse CJHDEVCO the 1.42 B pesos rentals and in return Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) will have control of the leased properties inside Camp John Hay.
The decision also pointed out that the rights of the current locators, sub-lessees, and owners are to be protected by the law. Whatever contracts made in good faith should be honored by the BCDA.
The concerned third parties have all the needed tools to put on hold BCDA's planned forced eviction. Their rights are well protected by law. These investors, locators, shareholders and sub-lessees will not be again a party to Casanova's dirty tactics. For they know, their stay at Camp John Hay is in good hand and no harassment, coercion or deception will intimidate them into siding with BCDA.
Still, Arnel Casanova known to be harsh on his enemies continued to defy the law and is now unleashing his dreaded kamikase harassing tactics. He continues to sow clouds of uncertainties and wanted to still fear in the mind of these individuals. The hapless but not helpless locators has no recourse but to seek help from higher authorities to finally put an end to their woes.
Through an open letter, concerned property owners have sought the intervention of President Aquino to meddle with the issue. They even brought the issue to the attention of Congress wherein a lawmaker has filed a resolution calling for a congressional inquiry into the alleged mismanagement of BCDA of Camp John Hay. And if Casanova still refuses to honor the court's order and they are forcibly evicted from their property; an appropriate suit against BCDA is ready to be submitted to the court. When will this CJH saga ends? Nobody knows, but one thing is sure-the City of Baguio is the big loser here.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Casanova Commits Another Blunder
If the ongoing City of Baguio vs BCDA word war can be likened to a chess game, then Casanova had committed a fatal blunder. His last move is a dubious and a fatal one. Let's now leave the chess game and go to the actual facts surrounding Arnel Casanova's latest mistake.
photo link
Recently, the BCDA terminated its contract with Camp John Hay Development Corporation. Thus, the Baguio City council scheduled a meeting to discuss the 19 conditions involving the turnover of authority from the JHMC to the BCDA.
The city dads wanted to resolved a very sensitive issue. They wanted to discuss with BCDA if it will honor the honor the conditions, despite the termination of the lease agreement.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan even issued a statement stating that city government is prepared to take over Camp John Hay as soon as the litigation battle between BCDA and CJHDevCo has finally be resolved.
The city government has in their possession a “19 conditions,” document it deemed vital to the smooth handover of CJH. Melchor Carlos Rabanes, the city Legal Office Officer-in-Charge has a firmed conviction that BCDA must stick it out to what the conditions stipulated. Specifically mentioned is Condition 16 of Resolution 362 that stated once the contract between the BCDA and the developer ENDS, all improvements will be turned over to the city government (Baguio City). The smart lawyer even went further by stating that BCDA recognized the '19 conditions' when it inserted it in its contract with the developer.
And now comes Arnel Casanova's dubious move. He and JHMC President and CEO Jaime Eloise Agbayani snubbed the meeting! Casanova can't make it since he and his other officers conducted a corporate planning. Damn reason, he could have set that corporate planning to a later date just to accommodate that vital meeting.
I wonder what's on Casanova head. Perhaps, he is biding for time up to situation wherein BCDA has 1.4 billion pesos it owed CJHDevCo. Another case of self interest winning over the welfare of the common people. Gosh, Mr. Casanova, just give the people of Baguio what they wanted ever since - a better, secured life. Is it too much for you to give in to the poor people demands? Prolonging their agony is the same as keeping justice away from them.
If Casanova continues with his arrogant antics through harassment and delaying tactics, there is no recourse, but for Baguio city officials to file a case against BCDA. Observers believe that BCDA and JHMC would not surrender Camp John Hay to Baguio City, but instead go all out to have the former base back in its control. Therefore, this legal battle over Camp John Hay control is far from over and will have another chapter.
Recently, the BCDA terminated its contract with Camp John Hay Development Corporation. Thus, the Baguio City council scheduled a meeting to discuss the 19 conditions involving the turnover of authority from the JHMC to the BCDA.
The city dads wanted to resolved a very sensitive issue. They wanted to discuss with BCDA if it will honor the honor the conditions, despite the termination of the lease agreement.
Mayor Mauricio Domogan even issued a statement stating that city government is prepared to take over Camp John Hay as soon as the litigation battle between BCDA and CJHDevCo has finally be resolved.
The city government has in their possession a “19 conditions,” document it deemed vital to the smooth handover of CJH. Melchor Carlos Rabanes, the city Legal Office Officer-in-Charge has a firmed conviction that BCDA must stick it out to what the conditions stipulated. Specifically mentioned is Condition 16 of Resolution 362 that stated once the contract between the BCDA and the developer ENDS, all improvements will be turned over to the city government (Baguio City). The smart lawyer even went further by stating that BCDA recognized the '19 conditions' when it inserted it in its contract with the developer.
And now comes Arnel Casanova's dubious move. He and JHMC President and CEO Jaime Eloise Agbayani snubbed the meeting! Casanova can't make it since he and his other officers conducted a corporate planning. Damn reason, he could have set that corporate planning to a later date just to accommodate that vital meeting.
I wonder what's on Casanova head. Perhaps, he is biding for time up to situation wherein BCDA has 1.4 billion pesos it owed CJHDevCo. Another case of self interest winning over the welfare of the common people. Gosh, Mr. Casanova, just give the people of Baguio what they wanted ever since - a better, secured life. Is it too much for you to give in to the poor people demands? Prolonging their agony is the same as keeping justice away from them.
If Casanova continues with his arrogant antics through harassment and delaying tactics, there is no recourse, but for Baguio city officials to file a case against BCDA. Observers believe that BCDA and JHMC would not surrender Camp John Hay to Baguio City, but instead go all out to have the former base back in its control. Therefore, this legal battle over Camp John Hay control is far from over and will have another chapter.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Yummy Broiled Shrimp
Another awesome shrimp recipe to try at home. This can be served as an appetizer or main dish. This is how I do it. You absolutely can make it also.
Ingredients
• 900 g large raw shrimp
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Pinch dried leaf tarragon
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• Hot cooked rice
Preparation
• Shell and clean shrimp.
• Mix oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and tarragon thoroughly in a small bowl.
• Dip shrimp in mixture to coat well.
• Lay on shallow metal baking pan.
• Heat broiler.
• Slip shrimp under hot broiler and broil about 3 minutes a side or until cooked.
• Put shrimp on hot platter.
• Heat butter and lemon juice together while shrimp are cooking.
• Add the oil mixture left in pan shrimp were cooked in.
• Heat well and pour over shrimp.
Serve with rice and lemon slices.
Ingredients
• 900 g large raw shrimp
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• Pinch dried leaf tarragon
• ¼ cup butter
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• Hot cooked rice
Preparation
• Shell and clean shrimp.
• Mix oil, salt, pepper, parsley, and tarragon thoroughly in a small bowl.
• Dip shrimp in mixture to coat well.
• Lay on shallow metal baking pan.
• Heat broiler.
• Slip shrimp under hot broiler and broil about 3 minutes a side or until cooked.
• Put shrimp on hot platter.
• Heat butter and lemon juice together while shrimp are cooking.
• Add the oil mixture left in pan shrimp were cooked in.
• Heat well and pour over shrimp.
Serve with rice and lemon slices.
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Arnel Casanova: The Dreamer Turned Villain
In the never ending BCDA vs. CJHDevCo Saga, every Juan dela Cruz is pointing an accusing finger at Arnel Paciano Casanova. They claimed he was the one to blame for the court's decision not to be implemented. But who really is this Casanova?
Atty. Casanova came from a poor family. He had to juggle between two jobs just to earn a college degree. He graduated from the University of the Philippines earning degrees in Law, English Studies, and Urban Planning. He also finished his Masters degree in Public Administration at Harvard University.
He is a dreamer who has a drive to succeed. He is a man with vision. But his lust for power and money made this fine vision go to waste. Why I am saying this, "If one has a dream, he/she must work hard in pursuing to attain it". Isn't it right? Many of us will agree! Even Arnel Casanova believed this goal! However, not all dreams are worth pursuing. There are certain aspects of a dream that should be looked into consideration. Foremost of it is the MOTIVE or intention. Is one's motive self-serving or for the betterment of others? Sad to say, Arnel Casanova picked the wrong reason.
In the BCDA against CJHDevCo legal battle, Casanova acted not as the Defender but an Offender. His Gestapo tactics of harassment made life miserable for the locators, lessees and tenants inside Camp John Hay. All he is good at is instilling fear and sowing clouds of uncertainties to 'innocent' people caught in the middle between legal two warring parties.
Casanova is a man who can't accept defeat. He is acting like a demigod who doesn’t know how to respect the law and the rights of other individuals. Arnel Casanova is the worst kind of 'bully' that every innocent people fear. Add to this - Mr. Casanova is labeled a corrupt, a theft, a manipulator, a bribe taker, and a man living a lavish life among others. He has lots of awards but the man is not a good leader.
Because of his wrong actions based on personal whims, it seems that the future of Camp John Hay became uncertain. From a dreamer, Casanova has turned into a wicked villain.
Atty. Casanova came from a poor family. He had to juggle between two jobs just to earn a college degree. He graduated from the University of the Philippines earning degrees in Law, English Studies, and Urban Planning. He also finished his Masters degree in Public Administration at Harvard University.
He is a dreamer who has a drive to succeed. He is a man with vision. But his lust for power and money made this fine vision go to waste. Why I am saying this, "If one has a dream, he/she must work hard in pursuing to attain it". Isn't it right? Many of us will agree! Even Arnel Casanova believed this goal! However, not all dreams are worth pursuing. There are certain aspects of a dream that should be looked into consideration. Foremost of it is the MOTIVE or intention. Is one's motive self-serving or for the betterment of others? Sad to say, Arnel Casanova picked the wrong reason.
In the BCDA against CJHDevCo legal battle, Casanova acted not as the Defender but an Offender. His Gestapo tactics of harassment made life miserable for the locators, lessees and tenants inside Camp John Hay. All he is good at is instilling fear and sowing clouds of uncertainties to 'innocent' people caught in the middle between legal two warring parties.
Casanova is a man who can't accept defeat. He is acting like a demigod who doesn’t know how to respect the law and the rights of other individuals. Arnel Casanova is the worst kind of 'bully' that every innocent people fear. Add to this - Mr. Casanova is labeled a corrupt, a theft, a manipulator, a bribe taker, and a man living a lavish life among others. He has lots of awards but the man is not a good leader.
Because of his wrong actions based on personal whims, it seems that the future of Camp John Hay became uncertain. From a dreamer, Casanova has turned into a wicked villain.
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Chicken and Mushroom Pies
A tested way to bake a chicken and mushroom pie.
Ingredients
• 500 g. chicken thighs, cut into 2 cm. dice
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. butter
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 150 g. Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tsp. dry white wine
• 2 tsp. plain (all-purposed) flour
• 250 ml. chicken stock
• 125 ml. cream
• 2 tsp. chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. finely chopped sage
• 2 sheets butter puff pastry
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
Procedure
1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan and cook the chicken in two batches over high heat for 3-4 minutes each batch, until lightly browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan and cook the leek and garlic over low heat for 6-8 minutes, or until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 6-8 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the wine and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until nearly all the wine has evaporated. Sprinkle the flour over the top, stir for 1 minute, then add the stock and cream. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced and thickened. Season to taste, remove from the heat and cool. Stir in the parsley and sage.
3. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. To make individual pot pies, divide the mixture among four 315 ml. ramekins. Cut four 12 cm. rounds from the pastry, brush the ramekins rims with a little beaten egg, then place the pastry lids on top. Press the rims down firmly to seal. Cut out the pastry scraps and decorate the tops , if you wish brush with egg and cut three steam holes in each pie with a sharp knife. Bake on the bottom shelf for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden.
Prep. Time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves 4
Ingredients
• 500 g. chicken thighs, cut into 2 cm. dice
• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 3 tsp. butter
• 1 leek, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 150 g. Swiss brown mushrooms, sliced
• 3 tsp. dry white wine
• 2 tsp. plain (all-purposed) flour
• 250 ml. chicken stock
• 125 ml. cream
• 2 tsp. chopped parsley
• 1 tsp. finely chopped sage
• 2 sheets butter puff pastry
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
Procedure
1. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-based frying pan and cook the chicken in two batches over high heat for 3-4 minutes each batch, until lightly browned but not cooked all the way through. Remove from pan with a slotted spoon.
2. Melt the butter in the same pan and cook the leek and garlic over low heat for 6-8 minutes, or until soft. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 6-8 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan. Add the wine and boil for 2-3 minutes, or until nearly all the wine has evaporated. Sprinkle the flour over the top, stir for 1 minute, then add the stock and cream. Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the sauce has reduced and thickened. Season to taste, remove from the heat and cool. Stir in the parsley and sage.
3. Pre-heat the oven to 200 degrees Centigrade. To make individual pot pies, divide the mixture among four 315 ml. ramekins. Cut four 12 cm. rounds from the pastry, brush the ramekins rims with a little beaten egg, then place the pastry lids on top. Press the rims down firmly to seal. Cut out the pastry scraps and decorate the tops , if you wish brush with egg and cut three steam holes in each pie with a sharp knife. Bake on the bottom shelf for 15-20 minutes, until the pastry is golden.
Prep. Time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves 4
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Homemade Fancy Fish Fingers
Another easy way of preparing fish fingers.
photo link
Ingredients
• 4 pcs. (400 g) medium dalagang bukid (Yellow tail fusilier)
• 1 can (234 g) Fresh Cut Crushed pineapple, drained (reserved 2 tbsp. syrup)
• 2 tpsp calamansi juice or Lemon Juice
• ¼ kilo ground pork
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 4 stalks kinchay, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
Method
• Fillet fish and scrape flesh with a spoon. Remove bones, then marinate in pineapple syrup and calamansi juice for 15 minutes.
• Combine with the rest of the ingredients except breadcrumbs. Season with 1 tsp. iodized fine salt ( or 1tbsp. Iodized rock salt) and ½ tsp. pepper.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Form every 2tbsp. of mixture into sticks or croquettes.
• Roll in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.
• Serve with Ketchup.
Ingredients
• 4 pcs. (400 g) medium dalagang bukid (Yellow tail fusilier)
• 1 can (234 g) Fresh Cut Crushed pineapple, drained (reserved 2 tbsp. syrup)
• 2 tpsp calamansi juice or Lemon Juice
• ¼ kilo ground pork
• 1 medium carrot, grated
• 4 stalks kinchay, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
Method
• Fillet fish and scrape flesh with a spoon. Remove bones, then marinate in pineapple syrup and calamansi juice for 15 minutes.
• Combine with the rest of the ingredients except breadcrumbs. Season with 1 tsp. iodized fine salt ( or 1tbsp. Iodized rock salt) and ½ tsp. pepper.
• Mix thoroughly.
• Form every 2tbsp. of mixture into sticks or croquettes.
• Roll in breadcrumbs and fry until golden brown.
• Serve with Ketchup.
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Six Surprising Beauty Ingredients Hidden in Your Kitchen
More and more of us are staying away from commercial beauty and health-care products full of harsh chemicals and toxins. But many alternative organic and natural products are pricey. If you’re watching your budget (and who isn’t these days?), there are plenty of natural ingredients that are just as good, perhaps even better, than what you’d buy at a beauty counter. Here are some products that you’d find in your kitchen’s pantry that are good for your health and great for your looks.
Pink (Himalayan) Salt
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Not only is pink salt stunning, with its delicate pink, rose-like color, but it is rich in 80-plus nourishing minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, traces of boron, zinc and copper, all of which are necessary for good health. This purest form of sea salt is used for cooking, in place of other table salt, and balances electrolytes, eliminates toxins and supports proper nutrient absorption.
Pink salt is also great for cleansing and detoxifying the skin and is often used as a treatment for dry skin, acne, and even psoriasis. Dissolve a handful in the tub for a soothing bath that will stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles.
Apple Cider Vinegar
photo link
Although it may sound strange, apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for hair. It prevents split ends, removes residue from conditioners, highly alkaline shampoos and styling products, and leaves your mane smoother and shinier. Try mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of warm filtered tap water. Apply the rinse after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out fully with water. You may notice a slight vinegar smell, but it will disappear as your hair dries.
Apple cider vinegar, which has a pH similar to skin, is also great for your complexion. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water (or more water if you have sensitive skin) to make a refreshing astringent toner that helps reduce blemishes, red marks and softens skin. Lightly dab or spray it on your face after cleansing. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly.
Baking Soda
photo link
You probably have a bright-orange Arm & Hammer box of baking soda in your refrigerator to eliminate odors, and maybe in your cupboard for baking. But this kitchen staple, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can be used as an alternative to many expensive beauty treatments. For a reinvigorating facial scrub, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub gently onto your face with circular strokes, then rinse with warm water.
Baking soda can also be used to remove stains from tooth enamel, giving you whiter teeth. Simply pour some baking soda into a small dish, dip in your damp toothbrush into it so the bristles are covered, brush for about one minute then rinse with water. Alternatively, you can combine baking soda with your toothpaste. Add toothpaste to your brush, then sprinkle baking soda onto it.
Cinnamon
photo link
This flavorful spice is not just for baking. Its been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to remedy a host of health issues including indigestion and the flu. But did you know it can also work as an inexpensive and effective lip plumper? Here’s what to do: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips, then gently pat a pinch of cinnamon on top. Rub it around the surface of your lips for a few seconds and then let it sit for a minute. The mixture will sting your lips slightly. Wipe it off with a tissue, then add a little more Vaseline to soothe your lips.
Coconut Oil
photo link
You may be using coconut oil for stir-frying, sautéing and baking, but this healthy food item also offers a host of beauty benefits. Celebrities like actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Stone cite it as one of their favorite beauty ingredients. Coconut oil can be used in a variety of ways from moisturizing dry skin to removing even the most resistant waterproof mascara. It’s also used as an under-eye and eyelid cream, a lip balm, a body moisturizer.
And for a wonderful body scrub, melt about a half cup of coconut oil at very low heat (if it’s solid), pour over one cup of brown sugar and stir well. Massage the body scrub over damp skin in circular motions and then rinse. If you want it to smell extra-delicious, put a few drops of an essential oil into the mixture.
Honey
photo link
Honey is often considered a healthier sweetener, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s great for your face and nails. Honey gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils, balances oily skin, and moisturizes dry skin. Indeed, the sweetener reportedly has excellent antibacterial and healing properties and calms sensitive and acne-prone skin. Next time you’re at the grocer’s, look for raw honey. Make sure the label says “raw” or “unpasteurized” or “unfiltered.” To use it, take about a half teaspoon, warm it between your fingers, add a few drops of water for a spreadable consistency, and smooth it gently on your face. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. To moisturize nail cuticles, mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon coconut oil. Rub into cuticles, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, rinse.
By using ingredients that you have at home, you not only avoid splurging on a store-bought beauty product, but you have the satisfaction of knowing your ingredients are totally natural.
Source:
Pink (Himalayan) Salt
Not only is pink salt stunning, with its delicate pink, rose-like color, but it is rich in 80-plus nourishing minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, traces of boron, zinc and copper, all of which are necessary for good health. This purest form of sea salt is used for cooking, in place of other table salt, and balances electrolytes, eliminates toxins and supports proper nutrient absorption.
Pink salt is also great for cleansing and detoxifying the skin and is often used as a treatment for dry skin, acne, and even psoriasis. Dissolve a handful in the tub for a soothing bath that will stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Although it may sound strange, apple cider vinegar is a great treatment for hair. It prevents split ends, removes residue from conditioners, highly alkaline shampoos and styling products, and leaves your mane smoother and shinier. Try mixing one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar into one cup of warm filtered tap water. Apply the rinse after shampooing, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it out fully with water. You may notice a slight vinegar smell, but it will disappear as your hair dries.
Apple cider vinegar, which has a pH similar to skin, is also great for your complexion. Mix one part apple cider vinegar with two parts water (or more water if you have sensitive skin) to make a refreshing astringent toner that helps reduce blemishes, red marks and softens skin. Lightly dab or spray it on your face after cleansing. The vinegar smell will dissipate quickly.
Baking Soda
You probably have a bright-orange Arm & Hammer box of baking soda in your refrigerator to eliminate odors, and maybe in your cupboard for baking. But this kitchen staple, also known as sodium bicarbonate, can be used as an alternative to many expensive beauty treatments. For a reinvigorating facial scrub, make a paste of three parts baking soda to one part water. Rub gently onto your face with circular strokes, then rinse with warm water.
Baking soda can also be used to remove stains from tooth enamel, giving you whiter teeth. Simply pour some baking soda into a small dish, dip in your damp toothbrush into it so the bristles are covered, brush for about one minute then rinse with water. Alternatively, you can combine baking soda with your toothpaste. Add toothpaste to your brush, then sprinkle baking soda onto it.
Cinnamon
This flavorful spice is not just for baking. Its been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine to remedy a host of health issues including indigestion and the flu. But did you know it can also work as an inexpensive and effective lip plumper? Here’s what to do: Apply a thin layer of Vaseline to your lips, then gently pat a pinch of cinnamon on top. Rub it around the surface of your lips for a few seconds and then let it sit for a minute. The mixture will sting your lips slightly. Wipe it off with a tissue, then add a little more Vaseline to soothe your lips.
Coconut Oil
You may be using coconut oil for stir-frying, sautéing and baking, but this healthy food item also offers a host of beauty benefits. Celebrities like actress Gwyneth Paltrow and Emma Stone cite it as one of their favorite beauty ingredients. Coconut oil can be used in a variety of ways from moisturizing dry skin to removing even the most resistant waterproof mascara. It’s also used as an under-eye and eyelid cream, a lip balm, a body moisturizer.
And for a wonderful body scrub, melt about a half cup of coconut oil at very low heat (if it’s solid), pour over one cup of brown sugar and stir well. Massage the body scrub over damp skin in circular motions and then rinse. If you want it to smell extra-delicious, put a few drops of an essential oil into the mixture.
Honey
Honey is often considered a healthier sweetener, but you may be surprised to learn that it’s great for your face and nails. Honey gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping your skin of natural oils, balances oily skin, and moisturizes dry skin. Indeed, the sweetener reportedly has excellent antibacterial and healing properties and calms sensitive and acne-prone skin. Next time you’re at the grocer’s, look for raw honey. Make sure the label says “raw” or “unpasteurized” or “unfiltered.” To use it, take about a half teaspoon, warm it between your fingers, add a few drops of water for a spreadable consistency, and smooth it gently on your face. Let sit for about 10 minutes, then rinse with warm water. To moisturize nail cuticles, mix one teaspoon honey with one teaspoon apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon coconut oil. Rub into cuticles, let sit for 5 to 10 minutes, rinse.
By using ingredients that you have at home, you not only avoid splurging on a store-bought beauty product, but you have the satisfaction of knowing your ingredients are totally natural.
Source:
Tuesday, May 5, 2015
What to Do for Mom Around the House on Mother's Day
Mother's Day is May 10! Consider these ways to show appreciation for your mother and make her day extra special
My mom still laughs about that Mother’s Day in the mid-1970s, where the whole family spent the day scrubbing out the aboveground pool. It was memorable, if less than ideal. But there are a lot of better ways to spend special time at home with Mom.
After talking with a bunch of mothers about what they’d like for Mother’s Day, on May 10 this year, I found some common threads. They all dream of getting a break from their everyday responsibilities, they don’t really want their kids spending money on them, and they want to spend time with their families at home. Also worth noting is that none were fans of breakfasting in bed. Here are some suggestions for helping Mom feel special on her day.
Make this the one day Mom doesn’t have to say, “Clean your room!” Make your bed nicely. Get everything put away and picked up. While you’re at it, change Mom’s sheets. Going to bed knowing there are clean sheets on the bed and not having to put them on yourself is always a special treat.
Plant a window box together. Hit the nursery and have the plants ready to present to Mom, then enjoy getting your hands dirty together. If you don’t have a window box or if making one is too much work, create a small container garden with potted plants.
Start a vegetable or herb garden. If you already have one, it’s a good time to get your plants started. You’ll have to check on your zone for specifics, but in general, around Mother’s Day is a great time to get lots of veggies and herbs planted. The great thing is that this is a gift she’ll enjoy through the summer, with fresh ingredients just steps away from the kitchen.
Groom the pets. Some mothers are also mothers to pets. And some are just mothers to pets and not kids. Give the dog a bath, brush the cat, clean the litter box or take the pets to the groomer.
Complete the chores she usually does. Whether your mother is the one usually on dishwashing duty, mowing the lawn, taking out the trash or folding the laundry, tell her that doing any of that is strictly forbidden on her day. Do it for her.
Share your talents with Mom. One friend of mine, a grandmother, mentioned that her fashionable granddaughter helps her put together outfits as a special treat. If you have great style, help your mother put together some chic looks and accessorize them. Help her get her closet more organized while you’re at it.
Do something special with family photos. This could be blowing one up, printing a favorite photo of hers and putting it in a frame, getting the iPhoto account organized and creating a fun slideshow to share that day, or assembling an album.
Take care of dinner. Whether you prepare it, pick it up or order in, set a special table complete with tablecloth, linen napkins, the good china, candles and flowers to make it extra special. And don’t forget, Mom is not allowed to help with cleanup.
Designate a bath time. Gather up the bath salts, candles, a fluffy towel and her favorite magazine for bath time. Then give her quiet for at least 30 minutes.
source: houzz
My mom still laughs about that Mother’s Day in the mid-1970s, where the whole family spent the day scrubbing out the aboveground pool. It was memorable, if less than ideal. But there are a lot of better ways to spend special time at home with Mom.
After talking with a bunch of mothers about what they’d like for Mother’s Day, on May 10 this year, I found some common threads. They all dream of getting a break from their everyday responsibilities, they don’t really want their kids spending money on them, and they want to spend time with their families at home. Also worth noting is that none were fans of breakfasting in bed. Here are some suggestions for helping Mom feel special on her day.
Make this the one day Mom doesn’t have to say, “Clean your room!” Make your bed nicely. Get everything put away and picked up. While you’re at it, change Mom’s sheets. Going to bed knowing there are clean sheets on the bed and not having to put them on yourself is always a special treat.
Plant a window box together. Hit the nursery and have the plants ready to present to Mom, then enjoy getting your hands dirty together. If you don’t have a window box or if making one is too much work, create a small container garden with potted plants.
Start a vegetable or herb garden. If you already have one, it’s a good time to get your plants started. You’ll have to check on your zone for specifics, but in general, around Mother’s Day is a great time to get lots of veggies and herbs planted. The great thing is that this is a gift she’ll enjoy through the summer, with fresh ingredients just steps away from the kitchen.
Groom the pets. Some mothers are also mothers to pets. And some are just mothers to pets and not kids. Give the dog a bath, brush the cat, clean the litter box or take the pets to the groomer.
Complete the chores she usually does. Whether your mother is the one usually on dishwashing duty, mowing the lawn, taking out the trash or folding the laundry, tell her that doing any of that is strictly forbidden on her day. Do it for her.
Share your talents with Mom. One friend of mine, a grandmother, mentioned that her fashionable granddaughter helps her put together outfits as a special treat. If you have great style, help your mother put together some chic looks and accessorize them. Help her get her closet more organized while you’re at it.
Do something special with family photos. This could be blowing one up, printing a favorite photo of hers and putting it in a frame, getting the iPhoto account organized and creating a fun slideshow to share that day, or assembling an album.
Contemporary Dining Room by Shelter Island Architects & Building Designers SchappacherWhite Architecture D.P.C.
Take care of dinner. Whether you prepare it, pick it up or order in, set a special table complete with tablecloth, linen napkins, the good china, candles and flowers to make it extra special. And don’t forget, Mom is not allowed to help with cleanup.
Designate a bath time. Gather up the bath salts, candles, a fluffy towel and her favorite magazine for bath time. Then give her quiet for at least 30 minutes.
Traditional Bathroom by Naperville Architects & Building Designers Charles Vincent George Architects, Inc.
source: houzz
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Chicken Breast Stuffed with Tomato, Goat’s Cheese and Asparagus
Here’s another fine chicken dish!
photo link
Ingredients
• 200 g (7oz) asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
• 4 large chicken breast fillets
• 100 g (3 ½ oz) semi-dried( sun-blushed) tomatoes
• 100 g (3 ½ oz) mild goat’s cheese, sliced
• 50 g (1 3/4 oz) butter
• 375 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock
• 2 zucchini (courgettes), cut into 5 cm (2 in) batons
• 8 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Preparation
• Cook asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender, then drain.
• Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap with a mallet or rolling pin until 1 cm (½ in) thick.
• Divide the tomato, goat’s cheese and most of the asparagus pieces among the breasts.
• Roll up tightly lengthways securing with toothpicks.
• Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the chicken, and brown on all sides.
• Pour in the stock, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil.
• Add the zucchini and remaining asparagus and cook for 2 minutes, or until just tender.
• Remove from the pan.
• Whisk the cream into the stock in the frying pan.
• Add the spring onion and simmer over medium-low heat for 4 minutes, or until reduced and thickened.
• To serve, cut each chicken roll in half on the diagonal and place on serving plates.
• Spoon on the sauce and serve with the green.
PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES
SERVES: 4
Ingredients
• 200 g (7oz) asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
• 4 large chicken breast fillets
• 100 g (3 ½ oz) semi-dried( sun-blushed) tomatoes
• 100 g (3 ½ oz) mild goat’s cheese, sliced
• 50 g (1 3/4 oz) butter
• 375 ml (1 ½ cups) chicken stock
• 2 zucchini (courgettes), cut into 5 cm (2 in) batons
• 8 spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
Preparation
• Cook asparagus in a saucepan of boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender, then drain.
• Pound each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap with a mallet or rolling pin until 1 cm (½ in) thick.
• Divide the tomato, goat’s cheese and most of the asparagus pieces among the breasts.
• Roll up tightly lengthways securing with toothpicks.
• Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the chicken, and brown on all sides.
• Pour in the stock, then reduce the heat to low.
• Cook, covered, for 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken and keep warm.
• Meanwhile, bring a saucepan of lightly salted water to the boil.
• Add the zucchini and remaining asparagus and cook for 2 minutes, or until just tender.
• Remove from the pan.
• Whisk the cream into the stock in the frying pan.
• Add the spring onion and simmer over medium-low heat for 4 minutes, or until reduced and thickened.
• To serve, cut each chicken roll in half on the diagonal and place on serving plates.
• Spoon on the sauce and serve with the green.
PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
COOKING TIME: 20 MINUTES
SERVES: 4
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Arnel Casanova's Outrageous Dirty Tricks
"If one has a dream, he/she must work hard in pursuing to attain it", do you believe in this? I guess many of us will agree! Even Arnel Casanova believed this goal! However, not all dreams are worth pursuing. Why do I say that. There are certain aspects of a dream that a dreamer should look into consideration. And foremost of it is the MOTIVE or intention. Is one's motive self-serving or for the betterment of others? If you pick on the former, then I say, forget about that dream!
Am I too harsh? Nope! I just really hate seeing individuals being blinded by this 'self-serving' dream. So if BCDA president Arnel Casanova is bent on pursuing his 'dream' at Camp John Hay -- I say it again, FORGET about this dream Arnel Casanova !!!
“The Arbitral Award of the PDRCI ordered CJHDEVCO to return to BCDA the Camp upon return to CJHDEVCO of the P7.4 billion rentals paid by CJHDEVCO” Mr. Casanova, is this hard for you understand? I guess for a self-centered man like you with a 'self-serving' dream --this is a hard pill to swallow!
BCDA's latest attempt not to pay CJHDEVCO P1.4 billion is another dirty trick to dupe the locators, lessees and tenants inside the camp that you care for their welfare.
After all, you just wanted those investors and owners be evicted and let CJHDEVCO shoulder the costs of said eviction. Wow! such a wily plan, "Iwas bayad ang BCDA". Mr. Arnel Casanova, you're a sick, crooked man. You still are in hot pursuit to pin down and get even with Bob Sobrepena. You are such a big bully - good at doing dirty tactics to intimidate your opponents.
Furthermore, you're a big liar - good at misleading residents and locators to turn over their investments in Camp John Hay. You are instilling in their minds that CJHDevCo is the villain and you the Knight in Shining Armor who will aid them. These people may be helpless, but not dumb enough to know that if worst come to worst, it is BCDA that they will sue. They all know that their (third party) investments are safe since the decision said so.
CJHDevCo respect the decision and even going to the extent of providing all locators, lessees and tenants legal services just to protect their rights.
And what is BCDA doing? The 5-page contract you've presented the investors and tenants is full of harassing tactics to ensure that they sided with your whims. The new contract is 'Take it or Leave it' one where graft and corruption has a big chance to sink in.
I say, Mr. Casanova, your pathetic plan of spreading chaos in Camp John Hay will Not Work Out! Sooner or Later, the law will catch up with you! It is best for you to just respect the decision of the court and look at the welfare of the third parties to avoid trouble.
Am I too harsh? Nope! I just really hate seeing individuals being blinded by this 'self-serving' dream. So if BCDA president Arnel Casanova is bent on pursuing his 'dream' at Camp John Hay -- I say it again, FORGET about this dream Arnel Casanova !!!
“The Arbitral Award of the PDRCI ordered CJHDEVCO to return to BCDA the Camp upon return to CJHDEVCO of the P7.4 billion rentals paid by CJHDEVCO” Mr. Casanova, is this hard for you understand? I guess for a self-centered man like you with a 'self-serving' dream --this is a hard pill to swallow!
BCDA's latest attempt not to pay CJHDEVCO P1.4 billion is another dirty trick to dupe the locators, lessees and tenants inside the camp that you care for their welfare.
After all, you just wanted those investors and owners be evicted and let CJHDEVCO shoulder the costs of said eviction. Wow! such a wily plan, "Iwas bayad ang BCDA". Mr. Arnel Casanova, you're a sick, crooked man. You still are in hot pursuit to pin down and get even with Bob Sobrepena. You are such a big bully - good at doing dirty tactics to intimidate your opponents.
Furthermore, you're a big liar - good at misleading residents and locators to turn over their investments in Camp John Hay. You are instilling in their minds that CJHDevCo is the villain and you the Knight in Shining Armor who will aid them. These people may be helpless, but not dumb enough to know that if worst come to worst, it is BCDA that they will sue. They all know that their (third party) investments are safe since the decision said so.
CJHDevCo respect the decision and even going to the extent of providing all locators, lessees and tenants legal services just to protect their rights.
And what is BCDA doing? The 5-page contract you've presented the investors and tenants is full of harassing tactics to ensure that they sided with your whims. The new contract is 'Take it or Leave it' one where graft and corruption has a big chance to sink in.
I say, Mr. Casanova, your pathetic plan of spreading chaos in Camp John Hay will Not Work Out! Sooner or Later, the law will catch up with you! It is best for you to just respect the decision of the court and look at the welfare of the third parties to avoid trouble.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Awesome Recycling Idea To Declutter Your Home - Turn an Old Crib into a Table
Let's admit it; we all love to keep old items just because they have a sentimental value that we can't let go of. While we'd love to keep them, they sometimes turn into clutter which takes up space, so instead of keeping them stashed in your closet, why not recycle your old items and turn them into functional pieces for your home. Here how you turn your old crib into a table!
photo link
For this project, you need the expertise of your trusted carpenter. Once done, you may place this piece in your kids' study area or bedroom. Learn how to do it here.
Materials needed:
* old baby crib with a removable drop side
* mdf/particle board cut to mattress size
* blackboard paint
Our drop side had already been removed so all I had to do was adjust the base to the highest newborn setting.
I cut two sheets of thick mdf to fit snugly into the mattress base to provide a table top. I deliberately chose thick strong board to strengthen the desk should any small people climb, sit or stand on it (inevitable in this house).
The boards were painted with blackboard paint to create a chalkboard table top.
photo link
It was then easy to use hooks and suction hooks to create storage on the cot sides. I'd love to attach some small shelves for colouring books too.
The paper storage box is made from an empty muesli box, I cut the front to make the paper accessible then primed and painted it before super gluing it to a thick piece of card for extra strength.
photo link
On the left hand side we hung Bubble's whiteboard for doing her therapy homework using 3M removable hooks. The white shelves are a spice rack bought from the local Salvo shop for $5 and repainted, this is where we will store our small craft items like glue pots and beads.
photo link
photo link
For this project, you need the expertise of your trusted carpenter. Once done, you may place this piece in your kids' study area or bedroom. Learn how to do it here.
Materials needed:
* old baby crib with a removable drop side
* mdf/particle board cut to mattress size
* blackboard paint
Our drop side had already been removed so all I had to do was adjust the base to the highest newborn setting.
I cut two sheets of thick mdf to fit snugly into the mattress base to provide a table top. I deliberately chose thick strong board to strengthen the desk should any small people climb, sit or stand on it (inevitable in this house).
The boards were painted with blackboard paint to create a chalkboard table top.
It was then easy to use hooks and suction hooks to create storage on the cot sides. I'd love to attach some small shelves for colouring books too.
The paper storage box is made from an empty muesli box, I cut the front to make the paper accessible then primed and painted it before super gluing it to a thick piece of card for extra strength.
On the left hand side we hung Bubble's whiteboard for doing her therapy homework using 3M removable hooks. The white shelves are a spice rack bought from the local Salvo shop for $5 and repainted, this is where we will store our small craft items like glue pots and beads.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
10 Affordable Essentials for an Organized Closet
The best way to solve the daily dilemma of putting together an outfit is to see every article of clothing that you own. This way, nothing gets pushed to the corner or gets buried under a pile of shirts and jeans -- you will instantly find whatever it is you need. To make dressing up an easy, enjoyable part of your daily ritual, here are 10 closet essentials.
photo link
Wooden or foam-padded hangers
Experts recommend these pieces to prevent creases on the shoulders of your shirts. Hangers of the same color and style also look better than gaudy, mismatched ones.
Hooks
Install hooks for belts, ties, and other accessories. Experts say that these can be attached to the back of a closet door.
Lights
They explain that general lighting is not enough because it does not illuminate the inside of the cabinet. It can also cast a shadow when you are browsing through your clothes. Install lights inside the cabinet to help you see your belongings better.
Fabric softener sheets
These will keep your clothes fresh and fragrant. Experts say you can tuck them in between garments.
Shoe racks
Many room look messy because shoes are left out on the open and on the floor. Improve your space by investing in organizers for all of your pairs.
Drawers and containers
Clothing articles (such as undergarments) and various accessories should be arranged neatly. Choose matching storage boxes for your prized possessions.
Full-length mirrors
Don't you hate having to jump up and down in front of your bathroom mirror or having to stand on a chair to view your entire outfit? Fritz says that a full-length mirror will give you a whole picture of what you've put together.
Garment bags
Clothes meant for special occasions shouldn't be stored like the rest of your everyday clothes. Some may be made from delicate fabric or may have beadwork that might come loose, so store gowns, barongs, and suits in zip-up garment bags.
Cedar wood blocks
While moth balls keep pests away from your clothes, experts share that they leave a strong chemical odor. Try cedar wood blocks for a warm, subtle smell.
Drawer liners
Although homeowners often don't use drawer liners, one might want to reconsider. Experts say that these protect clothes from snags, especially when the finish of the drawer surface is rough.
Wooden or foam-padded hangers
Experts recommend these pieces to prevent creases on the shoulders of your shirts. Hangers of the same color and style also look better than gaudy, mismatched ones.
Hooks
Install hooks for belts, ties, and other accessories. Experts say that these can be attached to the back of a closet door.
Lights
They explain that general lighting is not enough because it does not illuminate the inside of the cabinet. It can also cast a shadow when you are browsing through your clothes. Install lights inside the cabinet to help you see your belongings better.
Fabric softener sheets
These will keep your clothes fresh and fragrant. Experts say you can tuck them in between garments.
Shoe racks
Many room look messy because shoes are left out on the open and on the floor. Improve your space by investing in organizers for all of your pairs.
Drawers and containers
Clothing articles (such as undergarments) and various accessories should be arranged neatly. Choose matching storage boxes for your prized possessions.
Full-length mirrors
Don't you hate having to jump up and down in front of your bathroom mirror or having to stand on a chair to view your entire outfit? Fritz says that a full-length mirror will give you a whole picture of what you've put together.
Garment bags
Clothes meant for special occasions shouldn't be stored like the rest of your everyday clothes. Some may be made from delicate fabric or may have beadwork that might come loose, so store gowns, barongs, and suits in zip-up garment bags.
Cedar wood blocks
While moth balls keep pests away from your clothes, experts share that they leave a strong chemical odor. Try cedar wood blocks for a warm, subtle smell.
Drawer liners
Although homeowners often don't use drawer liners, one might want to reconsider. Experts say that these protect clothes from snags, especially when the finish of the drawer surface is rough.
Thursday, February 26, 2015
How to Organize your Bed Linen
We all love pretty things, and bed linen and pillowcases are no exception. In fact, most of us take great care in choosing sheets that aren’t only pretty but also feel wonderful to the touch.
photo link
When you own several sets of bed linen – usually composed of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, 2 pillowcases, with probably a duvet, too – it can be a challenge to organize them. Here’s one cool idea:
photo link
Fold all the linen into a size that will fit into one of the pillowcases, then use that as their “case”! Martha Stewart suggests, tucking the sheet set inside one of its pillowcases, and then stacking them according to size (twin, full, queen, king) or by the room you use the sheets in (master bedroom, guest room.) Now you won’t need to go through the entire closet anymore just looking for matching sheets and pillowcases!
source:
When you own several sets of bed linen – usually composed of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, 2 pillowcases, with probably a duvet, too – it can be a challenge to organize them. Here’s one cool idea:
Fold all the linen into a size that will fit into one of the pillowcases, then use that as their “case”! Martha Stewart suggests, tucking the sheet set inside one of its pillowcases, and then stacking them according to size (twin, full, queen, king) or by the room you use the sheets in (master bedroom, guest room.) Now you won’t need to go through the entire closet anymore just looking for matching sheets and pillowcases!
source:
Thursday, February 12, 2015
DIY Valentine's Day Decor
Creative projects you can do for your S.O. (even if you're totally un-crafty!)
photo link
Whether you're decorating your space for a V-Day party with friends or you simply want to give your home a hearty upgrade, these projects will surely be worth your while. Here are different handmade decorations that you can do. Just a tip, remember to have some fun and experiment with designs.
photo link
Fluttering Valentine's Day Heart Wreath
Light and airy papers combine by the dozens to create a colorful, handmade Valentine's Day decorating accent. Drape a single wreath on a chair back, or group a trio for a front door welcome.
Expert Tip: Hang the wreath on your front door for a festive vibe.
Here's the step-by-step guide.
Use paper punches or scissors to cut hearts from colored vellum and lightweight decorative papers. Curl the cutout hearts by scraping them between your thumb and a butter knife just as you would with curling ribbon. Then layer the hearts on the cardstock base and attach each heart with a dab of clear-drying glue, either in the center or near one edge. Hang the wreath with ribbon.
source:
Whether you're decorating your space for a V-Day party with friends or you simply want to give your home a hearty upgrade, these projects will surely be worth your while. Here are different handmade decorations that you can do. Just a tip, remember to have some fun and experiment with designs.
Fluttering Valentine's Day Heart Wreath
Light and airy papers combine by the dozens to create a colorful, handmade Valentine's Day decorating accent. Drape a single wreath on a chair back, or group a trio for a front door welcome.
Expert Tip: Hang the wreath on your front door for a festive vibe.
Here's the step-by-step guide.
Use paper punches or scissors to cut hearts from colored vellum and lightweight decorative papers. Curl the cutout hearts by scraping them between your thumb and a butter knife just as you would with curling ribbon. Then layer the hearts on the cardstock base and attach each heart with a dab of clear-drying glue, either in the center or near one edge. Hang the wreath with ribbon.
source:
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