Trip to the Zoo

Trip to the Zoo

Summer is here and I’m sure you are looking for summer activities, weekend getaway or even a day trip where you can take your kids while they are on vacation. Here are some zoos in the Philippines that you can visit. We have visited these zoos and my son enjoyed it.

Manila Zoo

Quirino Ave., Adriatico St., Malate Manila Luzon Philippines

7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

Telephone numbers: (632) 400-1884 (Manila Zoo) / (632) 522-6179 (Kinder Zoo)

Read more…

Ark Avilon Zoo 

Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue corner C-5

Pasig City, Philippines

Telephone No. 706-2992

Fax No. 706-2993

Email Address: arkavilonzoo@gmail.com

Read more…

Avilon Zoo

Bo. San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal

Tel. Nos.: (632) 941-8393 * (632) 948-9866 (63917) 899-5126

Fax: (632) 941-8530 * Email: info@avilonzoo.com.ph

Read more…

Paradizoo

Km. 63 Panungyan Road, Mendez, Cavite, Philippines

Tel:   (046) 483-13-

Read more…

Baluarte

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

7 AM to 6 PM - 7 days a week                                      

Read more…

I’m looking forward to visit Residence Inn Zoo, Zoobic and Malabon Zoo.

Photo Credits: michi photostory

Sad but true…

I don’t know what the basic salary is right now and I’m not sure what will be my salary if ever I will work again. But if this will be the scenario, nakakalungkot naman. I know someone who is a full time mom also, she wants to work but her husband doesn’t let her for simple reason na, “bakit pa daw siya magwowork kung ang sweswelduhin niya, tax lang niya” or mapupunta lang sa sweldo ng yaya, so it’s better to stay at home and take care of their kids.

best things in life...

The best things in life are free...

Join michi photostory 1^st blog giveaway and win 1 set of Flower of Spa and 1 set of hand wash and hand lotion. Click here to join. Happy blessed Sunday!

Free Stuff from Hotel

For those who love to travel, I’m sure that you are familiar with hotel’s complimentary stuff and most of these items are toiletries such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste and lotion. I’m one of those people who take advantage of free stuff because I know that it is included in room rate.

Complimentary stuff like these…

toiletries, dental kit, vanity kit, sewing kit, laundry bag, shopping bag, slippers, comb and shower cap

This stuff is very handy if ever we have an overnight trip because it is very light. We can also use it for our visitors, just in case they forgot to bring slippers or toothbrush.

Of course, not all are free stuff like towels, bathrobes and blower. To give you an idea you can watch this video. 

How about you? Do you love taking free stuff or you just leave it behind.

Green Living

photo source

I’m pretty sure that we are all aware that our environment badly needs our help; we can no longer deny it because of climate change, global warming and different catastrophes that we’ve seen and experienced. Sadly to say that not all people are practicing green living, I guess green living should no longer be a choice but it is a must for everyone. If we really want to improve our environment condition we should act now not only for our own benefits but for future generations.

Green living is eliminating materialism, conserving energy, reducing waste, lowering consumption, recycling materials, supporting green projects and using organic products. I’m trying my best to live a sustainable life and I’ll be sharing my little ways in helping our environment.

1.     I practice 3 R’s which is Reuse, Reduce and Recycle

a.     Reuse – As much as possible we try to reuse some stuff in order to reduce waste and of course to eliminate buying new stuff.

1.     Plastic shopping bags  useas trash bag.

2.     I keep all paper bags for future use.

3.     I reuse bottles and containers of liquid soap, dishwashing soap, bathroom cleaner, and many more. I just buy refills.

4.     I reuse gift wrapper and gift boxes.

5.     I keep all paper bills, e-ticket, itinerary and other papers that we can use for my son’s artwork and scratch pad. I always make scratch pad, see my sample here.

            b.    Reduce – reducing our waste and practicing minimalist living.

c.     Recycle – I segregate our trash, bottles, plastic containers, boxes, newspaper and any stuff that can be sold in junkshop. We always go to the junkshop every month or if we already have more stuff to sell. We earn minimum of P40 and our highest earning so far is P160. All earnings go to my son’s savings account via online banking. So in one year, he gets more or less P1000. I

2.     Using eco-bags – I always have one in my bag. We are lucky that our city is very serious in helping our environment so we say no to plastics bags and straws.

3.     Using organic products – organic and natural products are now everywhere, I’ve tried greencow, ilog maria and human nature products.

4.     Using rechargeable battery, CFL bulb, LED Christmas lights, energy saver and other energy efficient appliances.

5.     Switching from paper bills to electronic billing – I’ve been using electronic billing for our credit card for the last 5 years and now we are starting to switch other bills to paperless billing but the disadvantage of this, sometimes I forget to pay my hubby’s postpaid plan. So we always received text notifications that “due to your busy schedule….”

6.     Lastly, always remember this “Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.”

These are my little ways in helping the environment if you have additional tips, feel free to share.


Linking to Monday Green Meme

Rules for a Happy Marriage

Yesterday, I was decluttering our stuff and I found a folded poster about “Rules for a Happy Marriage” and I’ll be sharing it to you, this might help you in achieving a happy marriage.

Never both be angry at the same time

Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire

If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.

If you have to criticize do it lovingly.

Never bring up mistakes in the past.

Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

Never got to sleep with an argument unsettled.

At least once everyday try to say one kind or complimentary thing.

When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it.

It takes two to make a quarrel and the one who does the most talking.  

“Wives submit to you husband, husbands, love your wives” Colossians 3:18-19

Happy Blessed Sunday!

Energy Savings Tips

It is no longer surprising if our electricity bill increase every summer and I am sure that all of us want to lower our electricity bill. We have read and tried so many energy savings tips but sometimes it is not enough especially if we often use electric fan, air cooler or aircon to minimize the heat.

Here are my energy saving tips that I really practice.

1. No standby mode on our appliances.

2. Appliances are unplugged if unused.

3. Turn off all unused lights.

4. Defrost the fridge every weekend.

5. Wash in full load and minimize the use of spin dryer, air dry if possible.

Lastly, we use power saver, we have two power saver at home (power saver max and extreme power saver). It really helps us to minimize our electricity consumption. I am pretty sure that you are all familiar with this product because you usually see this in malls. I am also hesitant to try this product but since they offer money back guarantee if there are no changes in our electricity consumption after three months, I’ve bought the product. I have this product since 2008 and I bought another one in 2009 and until now we are still using it. I do not have any commission for promoting this product, but you can try this if you want to lower your electricity bill by 20% or less.

Our future plan is to replace old appliances into more energy efficient one.

How to Save Tips: Cards

I’m not a financial expert but I would like to share some tips that I’m doing to save some money. Let me start with cards, I’m pretty sure that most of you have membership cards and credit cards and these cards are one way to save some money, how?

Phot source: bdo.com.ph

1. SM advantage card/BDO rewards card – SM is everywhere and I have to admit I always go here to do my grocery, shopping and paying bills so I applied for SM advantage card to earn points while shopping. When I open savings account in BDO, after several months they send me BDO rewards card which has more advantage, because I earn points while shopping and saving money. One more thing, I do not need to renew my membership.

1 point is equals to P1; I was able to buy things using my points like cards, Teflon pan, stainless trash bin, baron antenna, and others.

BDO Rewards or SM advantage card is not only for earning points but you can get freebies and discounts.  I got discount when we stayed in Taal Vista Hotel. 

2. Mercury Drug Suki Card – I had my first “Suki Card” when I learned that I have psoriasis, so for sure I will always buy medicine so I applied for this card. The same with SM advantage and BDO rewards card, 1 point equals to P1. We used our points to buy chips, ice cream cup, or bottled drinks.

3. Plus Card – You can use this card in Abenson, Walter Mart, Avant Abenson and Electroworld. I haven’t tried redeeming points here, good thing that I created this post and this reminds me to use my points before 12/2012.

4. Mabuhay Miles – I’m not a frequent PAL flyer because I always avail seat sale from lowest cost carrier but I earn miles using my credit card points. We used our points when we went to CDO – Camiguin last 2010.

5. I’m also a member of Greencow and Dakki so just in case I need to buy their products, I can have it at a lower price.

6. Belle de Jour Lifestyle Card – I haven’t use this card yet but I will post it here once I use it.

I’m planning to avail “Laking National Card” because my son will goes to school this June, I will search for more info. Sometimes we avail Pizza Hut card.

7. Pfizer Sulit Card – I do receive instant discount every time I buy Pfizer medicine. Click here to read more.

8. Wilcon Depot Loyalty Card – You can convert your reward points into peso value for future purchases. 

Credit Cards

Some people dislike credit cards because it may lead them to temptation but for me I love having credit card, I used to have two credit cards but now I only use one card.

1. I only maintain one card so less temptation and less annual fee. But every year, I call my credit card company to waive my annual fee, which is always granted except last year, they only waive half of it. But still I was happy because I’ve read that some people weren’t able to waive their annual fee, not even half.

2. As much as possible I use my credit card because,

· I can earn points. Points that I can use to redeem products like our stand fan. I also use my points to earn miles.

· I can save some centavos, how? If you will notice whenever we buy stuff or pay meals, we don’t get exact change. For example, I ate in one restaurant and my bill is P689.11, I gave them P1000 and I only received P310, I lost the P0.89 centavos. I understand if the cashier gave me P310.75 but she didn’t. I know it is just centavos but if it will happen every time I eat and buy stuff, those centavos can add to my savings.

· Promo, I get free Starbucks beverage, free meals and Caltex gas rebate by just using my card.

· Discount – yes, sometimes I get discounts by using credit card. 2 years ago we bought gas range and the Service Staff informed us that if we will buy it using our card and avail the installment promo, we can get additional 2% discount.

· Earn some peso – I always take advantage installment plan, even I have the money or not because I can earn some peso. How? 3 years ago, I bought my laptop in installment basis, I have the money to pay the laptop in cash which I got from my SSS maternity benefit but I chose the installment plan. I deposited my maternity benefit in my savings account and I only withdraw the amount that I need for the installment every month, in that way, my money is still earning interest.

My personal tips and hope this helps. Free to share your personal tips and if you can suggest other membership cards that are not listed here.

Note: Do not use your credit card if you do not have the money to pay your due.

BC Bloggers

I’ve seen the importance of BC Bloggers in gaining backlinks and increasing network so every time I have new blog site I always add it to BC Blogger list. To learn more about BC Bloggers visit http://www.mommydiary.net/ and sign up.

Fascinating Womanhood

photo from google image

I bought this book last July not because my marriage is in danger but I was so curious how this book will help me to become a fascinating wife. Fascinating Womanhood is a best seller book of Helen Andelin, it tackles eight rules to help you in having a lifelong love affair and there are many testimonies and success stories that this book can really saves broken relationship.

We’ve been married for almost six years and I admit that our marriage is not perfect; of course there is no such thing as perfect, we also have our own share of dramas but still I am happy and satisfied with our marriage. I feel that I was so blessed enough for wanting more but after reading the book, it makes me realize that there is more that I can do to build a truly happy marriage. I hold the keys to my own happiness.

Being a stay at home mom, I am always preoccupied with household chores, taking care of my son and doing my part time job (if there’s any). Little did I know that I am neglecting the needs and wants of my husband and I forgot that I was a wife first before I became a mother. Even my husband is too old enough to take care of himself; he also needs love, care and attention. I was too absorbed with my duties and obligations and not conscious enough on my husband needs.

This book teaches me to accept, appreciate and admire my husband. The most important thing is to make him number one, we have to admit that we tend to put first our children, household chores, career and many more before our husband. This is a reminder to all of us.

“If you treat him like a king, he’ll treat you like a queen”

“Don’t put the comforts and whims of your children ahead of your husband’s basic needs”

There are more things that you can learn on this book so if you want to have a happy marriage, give this a try. I just finished the book just this week and I am still trying to apply it on my marriage, I know that this would not be easy for me because number one role that I need to learn is to be submissive. I admit that I am not a submissive wife because I grew up without my parents beside me so I used in making decision and important plans on my own. I’m a leader and not a follower, but I have to change for the better, good luck to my journey.

“ A loving marriage is the foundation of a happy family, and a happy family is the foundation of a stable society. Most of the problems in this world stem from troubled homes. If we are to have peace in the world, we must begin at home. – Helen Andelin

Note: a repost from my primary blog michi photostory

Minimalist Living

photo source

I’m trying to practice minimalist living in my life because I love the idea of “living with less but only with the best”. But I’m not on the extreme side, I consider myself as a simple to moderate minimalists. I talked to a friend before and he said that he only has three shirt, one pants and so forth.  I asked him why, he said he donated all his clothes because he wants to live simple. I love his idea but I know that I cannot live in less than 10 pieces of clothes because I love variations.

I’m not sure if my “Milenyo” experience is the start of my minimalist living but it helped me in downsizing our stuff. When I was still young I love to collect stuff including my first airline ticket, entrance fee tickets of my travel, membership cards or any cute stuff that has sentimental value which will serve as souvenir but after our bungalow apartment submerged into chest deep flood everything change.  We lost almost everything and I bid goodbye to all cards, love letters, magazines, books and stuff that I have collected. That’s when I realized that I can live without it. So when we move out to our own house, we did not have a hard time moving our stuff, everything fits in one truck van. Living in a new home helped me more in simplifying my life.

Minimalist living doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to embrace the true meaning of it and I’m still on the process. But I want to share five benefits of minimalist living from everyday minimalist.

1.       Less stress – i love the first benefit because stress is not really good for my health. I have skin condition called psoriasis and stress is not good for psoriasis patient because it triggers our flare up.

      

How to achieve less stress? The answer is living a simple life by cutting back your commitments and downsizing your stuff. Do not say yes to all invitations, parties and events if you think that is not really necessary. Christmas is a very busy month and I’m sure you have a lot of parties, occasions and events that you need to attend but do not stress yourself, learn to prioritize.

Minimize your stuff so you have less to take care of. As everyday minimalist say “The less you have and do, the more you will FREE”

2.       Less impact on the environment – minimalist living is like practicing green living because in some way you are helping the environment. Minimalists tend to buy less and use less. Before, I used to buy stuff if I find it cute or if it is on sale but now I think before I buy.  I always ask myself “do I really need this?”

3.       Less money is spent – because you will buy less and save your money. Saved money can be used for future needs or future wants like travel. Minimalist doesn’t mean you are cheap but it means buying quality items so you can use them for long period of time. Quality items are not always expensive; there are quality items that are affordable.

Do not buy new stuff just because it is “in” or everyone has it and you feel less if you don’t have the latest gadgets, bags and so forth.

4.       Less cleaning to do – being a minimalist is a great help especially for a full time mom like me who has no helper and nanny. Imagine the stress if I have more stuff and furniture that I have to clean, polish and maintain every day.

5.       Less time wasted – if we learn to simplify, prioritize and organize less time is wasted. We have more time to focus on things which is more valuable and significant.

Just yesterday, I deactivated my facebook account because I just feel that I do not need an almost 600 friends and it consumes my time reading the news feed even if I skim and scan. I try to weed out since last month by removing acquaintance friends, schoolmates and even classmates that I’m not really close but it taking me so much time so I just deactivated it and create a new one and hoping not to commit the same mistake again.

It is not being snob but I just want to be connected with my real friends and families, someone who will really take time to check on me. So if you feel that you are one of those that I have deleted, I’m sorry but if you want to be connected with me, you can follow my twitter, facebook page or blog. =)

“As we grow up, we realize it becomes less important to have more friends and what is more important is to have REAL ONES.”

December is a busy month for me because this is the month when I weed out our closets, I put away our paper bills, I delete some files, email and phone numbers that i will no longer need and let go unnecessary stuff.

How about you, are you a minimalist or not?

Note: a repost from my primary blog michi photostory.

Welcome

Hi! Welcome to home sweet home. This is blog is all about home and living where I will share pieces of my life, part of our house and some tips.