WENG ZABALLA

Three Obsolete Sections You Should Never Put On Top Of Your Resume

2022-03-15T14:52:00.002+08:00

Getting the job that you’ve been eyeing for is all about making a good impression to your prospective employer. What you have written at the very top of your resume matters most. It is important organize this job application document so that it draws attention from the hiring manager. Unfortunately, many job seekers don’t use this part to their best advantage.

One of the biggest mistakes job applicants make is starting their resume with long, boring, and self-important introductions.

According to CNBC Make It, below are three outdated resume techniques that no longer effective with hiring managers:

1. Summary Statements

The responsibilities and accomplishments enumerated in the job history section of your resume should already show what you can offer the company. So, there’s no need to magnify it with a long introduction.

2. Objective Statements

This does not provide any new to helpful information. What’s the point of emphasizing the obvious fact that you’re interested in the position?

3. What you’re looking for in a job

Although you are poach-worthy name in the industry, explaining what you want in a job makes you appear as an amateur. Remember, your goal is to convince how you can help the company, not the other way around.

The most effective way to persuade employers to read your whole resume is to begin with one sentence that broadly references your background and at least a couple of strongest skills.

The format is pretty simple:

[TITLE] with [X] years of experience in [X] and [X].

Then, after that, insert a column of six to eight more specific skills that are measurable and can be validated in the job experience section. This help recruiters to quickly scan your abilities and start ticking off the boxes of what they are looking for in an applicant.

For the top section, experts recommend including mostly hard skills. Choosing a candidate who has enough knowledge to do the job without extensive training is a top priority for hiring managers. Well, soft skills are essential, but there will be chance to talk about it in the body of your resume.

Take note, you have limited amount of space on your resume, and you want everything to put there serve a purpose. Otherwise, you might lose your chances of qualifying for an interview to someone who is equally qualified.

Best Camping Sites Near Metro Manila

2022-02-23T16:56:00.009+08:00

Time flies really fast. My 15-year old daughter is super excited for her first-ever overnight trip without us. She'll be travelling somewhere in South Luzon with her friend, the only daughter of my husband's cousin. At first we are hesitant to allow her to join. But then we thought this might be her much-needed break with more than 2 years stucked in the four corners of our home. And all of them in the group are already vaccinated against Covid-19. So we finally said yes to her early summer vacay.

Having said that, I was wondering if we could go on a beach trip or camping this summer. We used to go on out-of-town trips once or twice a year, during summer before the pandemic changed our lives. Since I'm checking out possible places we could explore this summer, I want to share them with you.

Let's start with the best camping sites:

Anawangin Cove (San Antonio, Zambales)

lovely sunset, taken during our trip back in Feb2013.

I've been to Anawangin few years ago, together with my officemates. It was my of the memorable and most relaxing trip. I wanna go back, this time with my family.

San Antonio has many beautiful coves where tourists enjoy camping and beach bumming. One of those is the Anawangin Cove. The shores are covered with fine, gray sand and the water are clear blue - perfect from swimming and snorkeling.

credit: zenrooms.com

With the campsite surrounded with tall agoho trees and amazing mountain landscapes, you'll get to experience the most tranquil getaway ever!

Pansacola Beach (Cagbalete Island, Mauban, Quezon)

My daughter and went here, again with my colleagues. Located in a quaint, small town in Mauban, Quezon, Cagbalete Island is a home for a number of camping sites with accomodations such as nipa huts and lofts. We stayed in Pansacola Beach.

that's me and Yasmin

You could reach Mauban, Quezon Province with three to four hours from Manila, while the bangka ride going to Cagbalete is only 45 minutes.

When it's low-tide, the clear blue water is transformed into a massve expanse of sand, just perfect for playing beach volleyball and other games with your friends or family. At night, you'll fall in love with the wide blanket of stars on the clear sky.

Hundred Islands National Park (Alaminos, Pangasinan)

credit: zenrooms.com

I've been here once, during a side trip from an out-of-town training several years ago. Unfortunately, we did the island hopping in the afternoon and we have to go back our resort before nighttime.

Hundred Islands is one of the country's best tourist destinations. With more than a hundred islands and islers, you have a lot of choices for island hopping, swimming, and snorkeling. If you opt to spend the night, you can pits your tent in some of the islands such as Governor's Island, Marcos Island, and Children's Island.

BLOC Camp Site (Laguna)

credit: zenrooms.com

I want to experience camping here!

If you love mountains and lakes more than beaches and the sea, the BLOC Camp Site is for you. In just few hours drive from Metro Manila, you'll have access to this glamping site and other activities like swimming and paddle boarding.

San Rafael River Adventure (Bulacan)

credit: San Rafael River Adventure website

Experience serene glamping and water adventure at San Rafael River Adventure. You don't have to travel too far to enjoy a laid-back, relaxing weekend.

The resort's amenities inclue private glass houses, private pool and garden which is also perfect for hosting memorable events such as weddings and birthdays.

Free Korean Language and Culture Classes for Filipinos

2022-02-18T14:41:00.011+08:00

If there’s one foreign language I want to study, it is definitely Hangeul, the official language of South Korea. Recently, one of my blogger friends tagged me along to an online Korean class. I instantly said yes and proceed with the registration.

It is true that many Filipinos want to learn Hangeul. It’s because of our fascination with K-pop and K-drama. Some also study for employment. Passing the Test of Proficiency in Korean or TOPIK is one of the requirements before getting a job in South Korea.

Korean language classes are typically done in English. But during the pandemic Mr. Joshua Cho and his team decided to do it in Tagalog to make Korean classes easy and fun for Filipinos. He is a native Korean but Pinoy at heart. He started Korean Classes With Joshua Cho in September 2020. Since then, his team helped a lot of Filipinos learn Korean – for free.

I am currently enrolled in KCWJC Batch 7. It’s a three-month full course, by the way. And tomorrow will be our beginners’ class graduation day. Before writing this post, I was immersed in reviewing my notes and watching replays of our previous lessons. I’m still having a hard time reading and writing the basics, but I am proud to say, that I can now write my name in Hangeul. I can introduce myself in Korean, too. I am excited for the upcoming advanced classes. I hope to learn more…

If you are interested joining their free classes, look for their page on Facebook and explore ways to join. You may not able to join this batch but I'm pretty sure there will be another after this.

5 Affordable Air Fryers and Why You Should Buy One

2022-02-15T11:50:00.008+08:00

Achieve a hassle-free meal preparation and get your very own air fryer. If you are craving for delicious fried dishes like french fries, chicken wings, steaks and more, this dependable kitchen appliance offer a healthier alternative. No need to worry about consuming deep-fried food that increasing your cholesterol level afterwards.

Actually, we recently got one and the busy momma in me is really loving whipping up dishes for my family.

Air fryers have become increasingly popular nowadays. You can see it Tiktok, Youtube and other social media posted, in trending cooking tutorial videos, by your fave celebrities and influencers. So, if you want to give it a try, check out these affordable air fryers that you can buy.

Technik TAF42BN 4.2 Liters, 4 Functions Air Fryer

This 4.2 liter air fryer has a 4-in-1 cooking function - fry, bake, grill and roast. Snag this high quality and enegrgy efficient kitchnen diva for just PHP 3,098 .

Hanabishi HAFRYER32

This red Hanabishi air fryer is one of the smallest model in our list, with only 3.2 capacity. Its features include Thermal fuse protection, stainless steel heatig and convection fan, 30 minutes times, and 100-200 degreess Temp control.

Buy now at PHP 3,398

Dowell AF-251

The Dowel AF-251 is 2.5 liters, fits up to 1.2 kg of food. Due to its small size, this units has also a smaller wattage, (1350 watts). I love the color!

Buy now for PHP3,498

Hanabishi HAFRYER-70

The Hanabishi HAFRYER-70 is a 7-liter heavy duty air fryer, ideal for making dishes for large group or family. Plus, you don't have to worry where to put this air fryer because of its non-slip base.

Buy now for PHP4,398

Kyowa Digital Air Fryer, 7.0 Liter

Its Digital LED display makes cooking smart and easy. Kyowa digital air fryer (KW-3832) features 7 Pre-Set Modes - choose between french fries, chicken, pork, steak, shrimp, cake, and fish cooking modes.

Buy now for PHP4,800

There you go, five of the most budget-friendly air fryers that you can buy today. Take your pick, though there many more others available in the market if your opt of other brands.

Endemic Begonia Species Found in Palawan

2022-02-09T12:00:00.005+08:00

Manila Bulletin

The Philippine flora's rich biodiversity is again shown in the discovery of another begonia species in Palawan.

A team of researchers found two species of Begonia — Begonia Tandikan and Begonia obscuribracteata — in an unexplored area of Central Palawan. The preservation of these species and their habitats is critical. The said species are found in unprotected sites, making them a highly possible target for poaching.

According to the authors who published the discovery, begonias are one of the fastest-growing genus and the sixth-largest genus in the world of plants.

Begonia Tandikan

Begonia Tandikan was first discovered in the Balsahan River in Puerto Princesa. It thrives all year round because of its habitat's high humidity and shade coming from the forest. Its name was coined after the Palawan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron napoleonis) or "tandikan," a Philippine endemic bird with beautiful feathers that look like the foliage of Begonia.

Begonia obscuribracteata

Begonia obscuribracteata is another addition to the Palawan Begonias found in an isolated riverine area of Dumaran. This species can be easily identified due to its matted circular leaves and six ovary wings, twice the usual number seen in most Philippine Begonias.

About the researchers

The begonias were discovered with the assistance of the Palawan State University and the Philippine Taxonomic Initiative (PTI). PTI is a non-profit, independent scientific organization focused on advancing the discovery and identification of plant and animal species in the Philippines.

Yu Pin Ang, Lea Magarce-Camangeg, and William Cabanillas comprise the team working on this research.

I Got My Annual Dose of Flu Vaccine Today

2021-10-07T15:36:00.006+08:00

I got my flu vaccine this morning. This is just one of our benefits as city government employees. We are also given free flu and pneumonia shots last year. Aside from that, we have a monthly supply of vitamins and supplements to boost our immune system. I am already fully-vaccinated against COVID-19.These are really essential nowadays as we continue our battle against coronavirus.

What are the benefits of getting a flu vaccine? Of course, it can prevent us from getting sick with flu. According to cdc.gov, flu vaccination has been shown in many studies to reduce severity of illness among people who are vaccinated but still get sick. Still, the vaccine helps us lower the risk of hospital admission due to flu. That's the reason why I did not hesitate to avail of this, getting hospitalized is much difficult right now, because of the COVID-pandemic.

My husband also got his vaccine today. We will schedule the same for the kids - will inquire with their pedia regarding this.

What Went Wrong: Facebook Global Glitch

2021-10-05T08:44:00.005+08:00

Slow Internet connection. That's what I've thought about the issues in using FB messenger yesterday. I was chatting with a friend in afternoon when it suddenly acted weird. I can't scroll down to see the latest messages she sent. Then later in the evening Facebook feed won't load properly.

It was only this morning when I learned about the global outage that hit Facebook along with other messaging / social networking Apps like WhatsApp, and Instagram. What happened? It was reported that at around 11:45 am Eastern Time on Monday, October 4, users around the world reported the glitches in accessing Facebook apps including Instagram, WhatApp, Messengers, and Facebook itself on the outage-tracking websited called Downdetector.

The said Apps are back online at 6am PHT today. It was a quite long ordeal especially for those who are active social media users. Thankfully, the geeks behind the troubleshooting fixed the bugs already.

Source: businessinsider.com

Gardening: Philodendron Serratum

2021-09-30T11:59:00.004+08:00

It's been a while since my last post about gardening. At the heights of pandemic last year, many people became plantitos and plantitas. Personally, I have been caring for plants in my small window garden even before the rising hype of gardening happened.

One of my favorite houseplants are philodendrons varieties. Just like this Philodendron Serratum:

Such a beauty, isn't it?

Caring for this particular houseplant is very easy. It can thrive with bright, indirect sunlight and right amount of water - allow the top soil to dry out between watering . You might wonder why the featured plant is indoor. That is one of the advantages of collecting Philodendrons...Unlike most houseplants, they do not experience as much stress when moving from outdoor settings (from gardeningknowhow).

More about my houseplants collection in the next posts. See yah!

Blended Learning Year 2

2021-09-20T09:37:00.009+08:00

We are now on the second week of classes for this school year. Yasmin is in Grade 10 while Yohan is already in Grade 5.

Honestly, we experienced a lot of challenges last year. The kids have a hard time adjusting to blended learning. And so am I -as their home learning partner most of the time. We even hired a tutor for Yohan as my alternate during the times that I have to report at the office. Yasmin's grades dropped because she was overwhelmed with the activities required in most of the subjects. Nevertheless, we survived and completed the new normal schooling amidst this on-going pandemic.

This year, we are anticipating some adjustments that I believe will make learning from home much easier. Thanks for the applications made accessible for the kids, such as Facebook Messenger. Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Meet, Google Classroom, and Google Forms. They are also learning to use Canva for designing their outputs.

They will still use the Self-Learning Modules developed by DepEd as reference for their lesson and activities.

Good luck to us and hoping for another meaningful and productive school year.

Why I Love Watching Korean Dramas and Movies + an Inspiring Quote from one of the shows I'm currently watching

2021-09-07T15:12:00.006+08:00

Wow! that was a long title, hehehe

'Twas year 2004 when I first hooked to Korean dramas and movies. Believe it or not, I love them way more than the locally-produced ones. Ooopps, sorry.

Full House (starring Song He-Kyo and Rain) was the very first drama I've watched. I still remember those days that my former officemate and I swapped CDs containing all the episodes of our favorites shows. Thanks to the fast-evolving technology, we now have lots of options on where to watch/stream our favorite TV shows.

I've seen a hundred (or more) titles ranging from romantic comedy, romance, medical, legal, thriller and all other interesting genres. That made me realized that, perhaps, I should blog about my reviews and Kdrama recommendations for you, guys. Hmmm, watch out for it, soon.

Fast forward to 2020 to 2021, pandemic period, when most of us are stucked at home, bored and worried - especially here, in my side of the globe, where the coronavirus pandemic is far from over. We need to refrain from going out unless it is an essential business like reporting for work, or buying basic goods. Watching movies, dramas and documentaries is one of our favorite hobbies at home.

Korean dramas are very interesting to watch, isn't it? It is because they have interesting plots - creative story lines, love story match ups, and relatable experiences by the lead stars. There are shows that I even watch over and over again.

I am currently watching Hometown Cha Cha Cha. It's a new series on Netflix with only 3 out of 16 episodes available. It is a light-hearted, romantic comedy. The lead stars Kim Seon-ho and Shi Min-a have an amazing chemistry, too. They are now trending on social media as "dimple couple".

credits to decider.com for the background image.

That's one of my favorite lines from the show.

I am also waiting for the last two episodes of Hospital Playlist Season 2.

On Skills Upgrading and Future Goals

2021-08-31T12:14:00.007+08:00

" It's never too late to focus on your DREAMS!"

Updated my resume for the first time a couple of years. I used Canva as an editing tool and I was very happy with the result.

With the current health and economic situation in the Philippines today, I am considering to upgrade my skills, that is why I prepared my updated resume. As I approach mid-40's, I am confident enough that this plans I have in mind and with constant discussion with my family, will pull off. I just need to focus on my goals and put in extra amount of determination.

I am thinking of going back to school because I love learning - I love learning new things.

image from: pinterest.ph

16 Years Since We Said "I Do"

2021-08-25T09:29:00.002+08:00

My husband and I celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary last August 20 - our second celebration while being locked down inside our humble abode because of this pandemic. It was one of our simplest celebrations but the sweetest one nonetheless. Despite all the challenges, we are very grateful for our happy and healthy small family.

Our hearts fluttered upon reading our family and friends' warm greetings, both offline and online. My FB status has close to a hundred comments as of this writing. Thank you all for all the love.

one of the few photos we have. both of us are not fond of taking pictures hehe

So, that's it for a very very short blog update. Now, back to work from home mode.

Metro Manila back to ECQ starting August 6

2021-08-04T14:10:00.001+08:00

I was supposed to go to my daughter's school this morning for their Report Card distribution. However, her adviser messaged us in the parents' group chat that the distribution is cancelled as instructed by the Principal. We will be informed after the lockdown.

Yes, you read it right. Metro Manila is expecting stricter quarantine measures in line with the current Covid-19 pandemic. From August 6 to 20, Metro Manila will be placed on Enhanced Community Quarantine (again). Our situation is not getting any better. With the Delta variant becoming a threat to everyone, the government deciced to declare ECQ. According to the article I've read in webmd.com, the Delta variant can spread more easily. The strain has mutations on the spike protein that make it easier for it to infect human cells. Thus, people may be contagious if they contract the virus and more easily spread it to other. Scary, right? So, let us be very very careful. Always wear face mask, practice proper hand hygiene, and avoid crowded places. Stay at home, go out only for essential reasons.

This is heartbreaking. It has be more than a year that the kids remained at home. The challenges, the boredom. It's really never easy for the kids. We wish and pray that this soon be over. Each and everyone of us should remain strong and healthy, more importantly. Protect ourselves and our family. Get vaccinated. We are grateful that husband and I are already fully vaccinated.

Stay safe, everyone!

Challenges in Schooling in the New Normal

2021-07-08T07:53:00.006+08:00

How are you fellow parents? How's the school so far? Some of you maybe on school break already huh. Well, we are on the final week now. The kids (and I) are busy taking summative tests, completing modules and projects.

This school year was not a walk in the park for us. I think many parents and guardians will agree with me. We faced difficulty adjusting to the new mode of attending classes, we have fair share of anger and frustration. It was quite hard, especially when you are also a working parent. Added to that are the distractions here and there that the kids frequently lose focus on their studies.

Thankfully, despite all the challenges we are facing due to COVID-19 pandemic, we will be able to finish another school year, soon.

I will share in details our blended learning journey in the separate post.

See yah!

3 Tips to Conserve Energy and Reduce Costs

2020-08-01T19:21:00.002+08:00

Many people area stuck paying high utility bills due to outdated appliances, poorly insulated walls or inefficient electrical installation. According to genxfinance.com, the average American household spends close to $200 every month on utility costs. Sadly, the list of potential energy-sucking problems many residents experience is too long to list. However, if you’re tired of paying hefty monthly sums to your utility company, here are three ways you can potentially reduce expenses and save money.

Install Weatherstripping

One way to cut monthly utility costs includes installing weatherstripping along the edges of the doors in your home. If you can feel either cold or hot air seeping through, then the current weatherstripping is outdated, or may not even be installed. Simply updating the area around your doors will drastically reduce lost energy and potentially decrease your monthly heating or cooling bill.

Use Smart Outlets and Plugs

Smart outlets or plugs allow you to turn off unused appliances and reduce electrical costs incurred by power-sucking devices. Smart outlets can control almost any device using electricity. Generally, you can purchase or install most smart plugs and outlets using any energy saving company Melbourne FL.

Update Old Appliances

Outdated appliances will quickly increase your monthly utility bill. Purchasing new energy-efficient appliances may require more upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run, especially if you plan on staying put for a while. According to Energy Star, the average American can save up to $200 in energy costs over your refrigerator's 12-year life span.

With an ever-fluctuating economy, cost savings anywhere you can find them are essential. Don’t become a victim of high monthly utility bills because of inefficient appliances or doors. You can decrease costs by installing weatherstripping or smart outlets. Purchasing more energy-efficient appliances will also help you save money in the long run.

Window Gardening version 3.0

2020-08-01T19:17:00.007+08:00

Gardening remains one of my hobbies and stress reliever. However, for mixed reasons, I neglected my window garden once again. To tell you frankly. this is my 3rd attempt to cultivate herbs and ornamental plants in my mini garden.

Sometime between April - May while ECQ was in effect, my husband told me several times that he will clean the windows where my plants have been sitting for almost a year, some of them already withered...Then one day, I decided to clean the area, and repotted the plants, mostly aloe vera that multiplied and grown on their own haha.

I started with two bromeliads (guzmania variety) which I bought from an online seller.

And before I knew it, I am at it again. Joined few gardening and plant hobbyists group on Facebook, bought plants weekly and now this is how my garden look like.

I have few herbs, too, such as basil, peppermint, oregano, and rosemary.

Not photographed yet are my newly-planted sansieviera (snake plant) in our laundry area.

Happy planting!!!

Side Hustle Ideas to Make Some Extra Money

2020-07-31T01:16:00.001+08:00

It’s becoming increasingly popular to have one or more “side hustles,” the name given to employment that’s outside your main source of income. If you find yourself in need of some extra cash and have some spare time, then a side hustle may be perfect for you. Check out these ideas.

Sell Items or Crafts

A great way to make extra money is to buy and re-sell items or sell your own products. You can simply buy and re-sell items for a profit or buy items to refurbish before re-selling. Alternatively, if you have a crafting hobby or are interested in starting one, such as jewelry making or painting, you can sell original art online. Handmade and unique products are more popular than ever, so it’s a great time to start your own business.

Start a Blog

Starting a blog is an excellent option if you have a subject you’re passionate about and want to share your ideas with others. Although blogging requires quite a lot of time and energy, especially at first, it can bring in a lot of cash through ad revenue or affiliate marketing as it gains attention and more people visit your blog. You don’t need to be an expert in a subject to start a blog; anything from sharing recipes to sharing about your personal experiences could resonate with people.

Drive or Deliver

This idea for a side hustle doesn’t require you to have any talent or interest, it only requires that you can drive a car and follow a GPS. If you don’t mind driving, even in heavy traffic, then you may want to consider driving for taxi services like Uber or delivering for food delivery services like Grubhub. What’s great about either of these options is you can choose what times you want to work, and anytime you do, you’re almost guaranteed to make money.

There are many other ways you can start a side hustle beyond the ideas in this list. You’ll surely be able to find something that suits your interests and makes you some extra cash.

Our Work at Home and Study Nook

2020-06-19T08:49:00.011+08:00

How are you, guys?

We are not yet done with the battle against COVID-19. Metro Manila is still on General Community Quarantine (GCQ). I am hoping that you are all safe and healthy.

Now that businesses and offices gradually open, the government office I am working for is implementing a combination of skeleton/skeletal workforce and work from home arrangements. Meaning, total manpower per office or department are split into two teams that alternately report to the office every two weeks. Thus, the need to a comfortable space whenever we are working from home.

After searching for an affordable yet reliable computer desk, we found a one that suits our needs. Actually this is not our orginal choice. The one that we're planning to buy was already sold out when we went to the furniture center. They are not yet sure when the new stocks will become available due to issues on delivery from the supplier. We are still happy with this one that we got from an online shop because it fit perfecty in our teen-tiny living room. This will also service as the kids' study area once their online schooling started, sometime in August. We also purchased an extra foldable desk with chair so that Yohan and Thea can simultaneously do on their schoolworks comfortably.

We also improved the said room, by installing wallpaper to hide scratches and eyesores in the walls.

Ta-da...presenting, our work slash study area.

more updated look added a clock we bought from Lazada and a pot of aloe vera plant.

On Vehicle Maintenance

2020-06-19T08:27:00.002+08:00

Various countries across the globe is being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of affected individuals continue to rise, countries need to implement certain rules to curb the spread of virus. One of the things that is affected by this alarming health issue is the limited access of people to public transportation. As businesses and offices gradually open, people need vehicles in order to go work. Mass transport like MRT or trains are available but they operate in a limited capacity to practice essential health protocols like physical distancing. That is why more and more people are using private cars, while opted to motorcycles and bicycles.

Owning a car requires a lot of effort to ensure safely and efficiency during when travelling. Therefore, it is important for car owners to subject their vehicle into regular preventive maintenance. Similarly, it is necessary to ensure to bring their cars to a reputable car repair shop. Choose a shop that uses quality machine that maximize the time and do the job safely and efficiently. They should be using a reliable 2 post lifts like that of the known brand - Best Buy Auto Equipment. Be sure to make a smart choice in selecting car service centers in your area.

Dear motorists, be safe and be careful always.

3 Quick Ways To Enhance the Curb Appeal of Your Home

2020-06-17T08:07:00.001+08:00

Looking to add curb appeal to your home, but don’t have the time to make big exterior repairs? Here are three great tips that will help you quickly add curb appeal to your home.

1. Fix Your Windows

Broken windows can really drag down the appearance of your home’s exterior. If you have any damaged windows that can be seen from the street, these should be repaired right away. Repairing broken glass is a job that’s best left to the professionals. Expert window repair West Palm Beach FL will replace damaged windowpanes, as well as compromised window frames or areas of old, cracking putty. Making these fixes will instantly make your home look more impressive.

2. Refresh Your Lawn

Don’t underestimate how much lush, green grass contributes to the overall curb appeal of a home. Luckily, it doesn’t take a lot of extra effort to get your grass looking its best. You likely mow your lawn regularly, but take the extra step to trim your edges to give the lawn a neat and tidy appearance. Use a half-moon edger to cut clean edges where turf meets any areas of hardscape. If you have any edges with damage, cut out the turf around the area and turn the damaged area in toward the rest of the yard, which will promote growth in the spot of damage.

3. Wash Exterior Walls

You may think that every time it rains, the exterior walls of your home get a wash. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Algae and other deposits can easily form on a wall, in spite of how much it receives a soak from the rain. Use a power washer to thoroughly clean these areas, and be sure to use the appropriate setting for the surface material of your walls.

It doesn’t take a lot of effort to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Make these quick repairs and you’ll let your home truly shine!

Bring the Whole Family Together With These Activities

2020-06-15T12:43:00.005+08:00

It can be difficult to spend time with your entire family due to work, school and other distractions and commitments. Sometimes it takes a large event to bring everyone close and interact with each other. Talk to everyone in your household to clear some time and organize the following activities.

Learn a New Hobby

You are never too old to learn new skills or develop new interests. Learning a hobby not only boosts self-development, but it can also be a great way to spend time with loved ones. There are many new activities you can learn alongside your spouse, children or siblings.

Drawing and painting
Juggling
Gardening
Knitting
Woodworking
Photographing

Hobbies benefit the relationships between you and your loved ones as you work towards a constructive goal. They also hold the strongest benefits for the children in the house.

Play Games at Home

Games are always fun to play, especially when other people participate. You do not have to leave home to play games with the family. If you want to keep it simple, everyone can work together to solve a jigsaw puzzle. Do you have board games? Open them up and collaborate or play against the others. For households that love technology, there are multiplayer family-friendly games you can set up in the living room. Some of them even use dance mats and peripherals to enhance the fun.

Eat a Meal Together

Breakfast, lunch or dinner are some of the few times where you can guarantee everyone gets together to eat. You can increase the bonding time by having the family cook together. It encourages teamwork and makes the meal feel more rewarding. Alternatively, invite everyone to eat at a family restaurant newburyport ma to allow everyone to relax and socialize without worrying about cooking.

Family time can get difficult to arrange due to numerous obstacles. These activities can make it easier to gather everyone into doing something entertaining and fulfilling.

Bible Verse and Keeping our Children Busy in this time of Pandemic

2020-06-04T15:44:00.006+08:00

"Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses." - Psalms 107:13 NKJV

Arts such as coloring and digital drawing is one of the things that keep my dear son busy these days. This is just one of his latest outputs. Shout out to his "big sisters" in our Church for giving us several printed copies that Yohan can work on.

Why Your HVAC Units Need Regular Maintenance

2020-05-27T16:22:00.001+08:00

Many may not think about their HVAC units until they run into issues with them, but the reality is that there can be many benefits to getting regular, preventative maintenance for your HVAC system. If you think you may need commercial HVAC Minneapolis MN here are a few things to keep in mind.

Prevent Major Breakdowns Before They Happen

One of the top benefits of getting regular maintenance is that it can help prevent major break downs, and could even help to lengthen the life of your units, too. When a technician checks your units, they will not only perform general maintenance, like changing the air filter, that can reduce stress on the motor, but they can also find small issues and address them before they turn into large ones. In the long run, this can help prevent you from dealing with the stress of unexpected breakdowns, or of having to replace a unit prematurely.

Keep Your Employees Comfortable

Another benefit of regular maintenance is that you can help ensure that you have the best air quality possible in your work place. Even if your air seems clean, there is still a possibility that unseen allergens and bacteria could be circulating through your air. With regular maintenance checks, you can help make sure that the air in your place of work is clean, and that you and your employees are comfortable.

Save Money Over Time

Although it may not seem like it at first, getting regular maintenance can actually save you money over time. When your units are properly maintained, they usually don't have to work as hard to heat or cool your space, which can ultimately lead to lower energy bills, and can add up in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Even though you may not think about your HVAC units much until something goes wrong with them. However, from preventing breakdowns to saving money, there can be many benefits to getting regular maintenance.

My Thoughts About the President's Announcement re: Classes will Remain Suspended until Vaccine against COVID-19 is Available

2020-05-26T15:58:00.001+08:00

Source: GMANews on Twitter

That is the latest news about the opening of School Year 2020-2021 amidst the country's battles against COVID-19. President Duterte announced that he will not allow the opening of classes (as opposed to prior declaration by the Department of Education that classes will start on August 24) unless the vaccine against COVID-19 is made available.

Now, as a parent what is my opinion about that. I definitely agree on the suspension, for I will not allow my children to go to school unless it is really safe. During the time of uncertainty, the concerned agencies should evaluation and study the safest way to handle the issues regarding the academic well-being of the younger generation. I am sure there are ways available which in one way or another be helpful to every student and his or her family in this time of crisis. So that, no child is left behind. Learning is not confined in the four corners of the classroom.

Currently, I am doing my own research about online/virtual learning and homeschooling. While doing that, I am teaching my youngest who is an incoming Grade 4 student. We are practicing reading. He's also into arts, so I let him do that. His big sister on the other hand, is more relaxed. She helps me in some household chores. I am preparing a learning plan for both of them - with a daily schedule to established a routine. We are slowly improving our house to create a more learning-friendly environment for them. I am taking advantage of my current work from home arrangement to make things easier for us, to lessen anxiety and boredom.

We really hope and pray for the flattening of the curve of this global pandemic. Let us all stay safe and healthy. God bless.

Three Helpful Home Automation Innovations

2020-05-23T10:01:00.000+08:00

Home automation used to be a luxury reserved for the very wealthy. Now, thanks to wireless internet and Bluetooth connectivity, if you can operate a smartphone, you can have a smart home! Here are some of the most common and helpful features that are easy to set up and use without breaking the bank.

Keyless Locks

Keeping your home secure is always an important priority. But you may be tired of lugging your keys around or misplacing them and having to call an emergency locksmith. Keyless entry for your home is more affordable and safer than ever, and it’s available in many forms. Analog or digital keypads get the job done, and in some setups, you can use a phone app or even your thumbprint to access your house.

Smart Thermostats

Home automation can “learn” many of your habits and program automated functions based on them. Smart thermostats are possibly the best example of this. You can begin by programming them to increase or decrease your home’s temperature at certain times a day. What sets a smart thermostat apart from one that’s just programmable is that they can sense when people enter and leave rooms or parts of the house and make those adjustments automatically.

Multi-Room Speaker Systems

For music or talk-radio lovers, the idea to go about your business and move through different parts of your home while having the sound “follow” has long been a dream. Now, with multi-room speaker systems like Sonos, it’s a reality! After initially installing an array of discreet speakers in various rooms, you can run the system from a central remote, or your smartphone. If you don’t want the speakers installed, the system can be set up with wireless Bluetooth speakers set up in key positions; otherwise the concept is the same.

The futuristic world of home automation is here, and it’s surprisingly affordable!