Momo Note From Appstore - My Review!

Photo copyright by Itunes

Photo copyright by Itunes

Another notebook/journal apps that I installed both on my ipad and iphone is called Momo Note. It costed me $4.99 thru Appstore, thinking that the features would surpass Memory Hive. But there are some downsides of this app comparing it against Memory Hive. 

First, the price of this is way too expensive in relation to what it gives, feature-wise. I got Memory Hive for .99cents, and the features of it are far much better than this. 

Next, it has a 500MB storage capacity and there seems to be no additional storage being offered (not unless til the next update). 

Next, you can only attached photos, while memory hive can attach both photos and videos.

Momo Note can only synced your posts from your iphone and ipad to its online site, (momonote.com) but posts you made from your iphone can't be synced with your ipad, and vice versa. (not unless til their next update, if there will be.)

The feature I like with this app is that you can post your memos/posts even when you're offline, and can automatically be synced when you are connected to the internet. This is the only feature that is of great advantage when you compare it to memory hive, because memory hive needs internet when you post your memories.

Another minor advantage that it has is the tag feature. The tags can help you search your older posts when you want to find them, while memory hive doesn't have that feature. But this feature isn't a big deal for me, because memory hive has still a search feature with corresponding dates if you want to find your posts.

By the way, I am using memory hive as my basis of comparison because both of them have almost the same features, except for those I enumerated as comparisons.

This post is bases on its current updates, and better and additional features can add up anytime. They seem to be constantly updating the app, (which is good). Hoping someday, somehow, my money would become worth it as I wait for more updates! ;)

My Memory Hive - A Review! ;)

When it comes to productivity apps, you can see me using tons of those from the Appstore. ;) I am really big on trying apps such as journal apps or online diary apps that I can use ideally to store my multimedia and at the same time can use them to store my journal posts. Of course, I am also big on the privacy and security issues, so consider me kinda choosy, but I have probably a lot on my ipad and iphone several apps now because you know the fact that you can't give any feedback unless you try them, right?

Okay, so I got memory hive, and so far my favorite. The first time I downloaded this app, there was some kind of storage issues I sent to the developer. It was surprising that my concern was responded promptly and willingly fixed the issue. (Thanks Kent.)

As a token of appreciation for letting them know about the storage issue not posted on the appstore, I was given a free 500MB to use in addition to the free storage that is already provided, so now, I have 1Gb ;)...sweet!

I got it for .99cents, and with the price, it is more than worth it for the outstanding features that I have been looking.

With it, you can already store your photos and videos. You can post multiple photos (or videos) in each memory or post you are making.

Photo courtesy from Appstore/Memoryhive

Photo courtesy from Appstore/Memoryhive 

Photo courtesy from Appstore/Memoryhive

Photo courtesy from Appstore/Memoryhive

One big feature I like most is the privacy issues, so this one is set to 100% privacy by default, but you can choose to share yours in public if you want. It also gives you the ease of sharing all your memories without any pressure of  adding friends or connecting to other people, but it is easy sharing it through facebook! 

Another outstanding feature...if you accidentally deleted your app on your phone, you won't lose your data because they are automatically synced or backed up instantly to its website online, (memoryhive.com), whenever you post your memories  Once you have this app, you will automatically be obliged to create an account to login. So that you can even use it online on your regular PC if you need to. 

Download it with ease on your iphone, ipad, ipod 2nd-4th generations. Not sure if this app is available for android users, but I tried searching it on the Google Play and Samsung Apps...not there! Let me know if it's there, I probably need it for my Galaxy tab :).

Want to add storage space? It's gonna be $9.99 for another 500MB  remote storage for one year, expensive...yes!!! But I still love the features. :))

Anyway, just sharing! It would help others who need a journal app for storage of memories they don't want to forget.

Free Movie Downloader For Android?

As usual, I am still having a hard time working on my S Galaxy Tab 2, this time finding some good apps to watch free downloaded movies which I can use to watch even when I am off line. With hundreds and even thousands of apps out on the Google play store, I haven't even found any good ones yet.

Recently, I was able to get one from the play store called BitTorrent app. I usually read reviews as well as check on the download frequencies before I install certain apps on my tablets. It had a lot of positive reviews on it, and has more than 5 million downloads, so I thought of giving it a try.

After the installation, I followed all the instructions for the movie downloads, and luckily it was working. There are some things I noticed during the downloads though. First, the downloads are not that smooth, and get stuck at the middle...like it just stops. It is slow. I have to wait overnight or some hours before download is done. So, while waiting for the download, I shifted on to my PC to work online. It was weird, but my wireless internet on my PC keeps stopping and slows down. I checked my router and it was okay. I checked my ipads and my iphone, they were reacting like my PC. (they are all wireless).

Then, I have learned that the BitTorrent app was actually messing up my wireless signals. So, I said this is not good. I already was able to download 5 movies before I was able to figure out about the messing up issues. So, I immediately uninstalled the application! My wireless signals went back to normal.

I checked the downloaded movies, and 1-2 of the movies were like pirated movies. It was just like recorded on the movie theater. It was then that I have also learned that the application doesn't filter the movie links that you can get. So that when you attempt to install BitTorrent on your Android tablet, you have to make sure you have an antivirus software installed on it. This application is highly at risk of putting a malware on your tablet if you are not careful about the movie links.

So to make the long story short(er), I didn't find any movie downloader that comes out clean and secure for my S Galaxy. As of now, I have decided to keep apps that are for movie mainstreaming purposes. The good side is that they have the apps called "Crackle" and "Viewster" where I can watch free movie anytime. Both Android and Apple got these apps so I installed them on both of my tablets (Android and Apple). The only downside for these apps is that I can't watch movies while off line. 

Amazing Professional Photographers

I always strive to be a good photographer at times, but of course, obviously I could never be as good as a professional photographer. Some friends of mine are really good at it, even though they haven't had any formal schooling. It makes me think that you don't need to go for a formal photography school in order to be considered professional. There are some people who are gifted with that special eye of an art when it comes to photography,I believe.

If you are based in North Carolina, and you're looking for professional photographers for your future special occasions, it would just be a breeze looking for photographers in raleigh nc. By the way, they do good when it comes to wedding photo shoots! I saw their works, and they are so cool. The uniqueness is extremely obvious, so you might just want to check them out.

Be Boastful!...(Without Bragging)

Who doesn't want praises? Many of us love to receive praises from others. When it comes to business etiquette   you would probably wonder why there are only a few who stands apart from other job seekers. It's probably because they know where do they put themselves in an ethical manner while at the same time, they can be aggressively keeping a boast of themselves to their employers without appearing to be bragging.

For instance, if you are on a job hunting mode, always find out what your prospective employer is interested at before you start handling your resume' out.

Instead of talking all your way about the litany of your accomplishments, just simply say; "I'm quite happy; I got my dream job!". It can serve as a positive buzz fro many without boring everyone.

No one has the time to read lengthy lists of your accomplishments. so be sure to have emails and letters that are brief and concise. One important thing to consider when it comes to posting your status or comments on a social networking sites like Facebook!; - Never announce a raise or survival of layoffs, etc...as your status update! Also, don't try to one-up people with your comments or links.

Speaking up in meetings or spending a regular business time with your superior to give your achievement updates or accomplishments is a good way to remain visible.

Cc'ing through emails about your progress will also get you noticed. Just be sure you won't be overdoing it such as avoiding cc's on every little things. In this case, don't include the boss of your boss :).

Never do name-dropping no matter how tempting. It's a serious misdemeanor!

Better Check Your Doors...and Knobs Too! ;)

It is funny, and you won't probably believe this, but it's true. One of my bathroom doors in our house in the Philippines was installed slightly crooked! How I wish I had taken some photos of it while I was there. It was also an ordinary door knob that are of lower quality. I hate to say this, but this is what you get when you choose to get a house in a mass housing community in the Philippines. The fact is, we ended up buying and replacing house parts that have better qualities. We paid up more on them, but they are all worth it.

Next project would be buying door knobs for that bathroom door upstairs! It would be another thing worth looking up to for our next vacation. I see many designs and styles. It's another challenge playing "mix and match". ;)

Ipad Mini vs. Galaxy Tab. 2 - Review (Part 2)

This would be my second batch of review regarding the mentioned gadgets that I both have of course! ;)

A couple of weeks ago, I ordered a blue tooth wireless keyboard  and a 32GB SanDisk flash memory card for the Galaxy 2  from Amazon. The keyboard costed to 31 bucks (way much cheaper than my Ipad's blue tooth keyboard) and the memory card costed $20.49.

This is how the keyboard looks.

The keyboard has a leather protective stand case bag cover, and the window-shaped styro is the sleeve pocket where you put the tablet. I can't complain on the casing because it's a real leather, but it obviously bulky when you want to carry it with you in a tiny purse.

Now the keyboard....

It is made of rubber that whenever you press the keys feel like you are pressing a rubber filled with air! The keys are way too small as well, that a single fingertip can press 3 keys which takes me a while to type some short paragraphs because I end up re typing errors.

Photo Comparison of Galaxy 2 and iPad 2:

Galaxy 2 wireless blue tooth keyboard

iPad 2 wireless blue tooth keyboard

The ipad keyboard costed like double the price of Galaxy. But quality wise, ipad 2 KB is way much better. The ipad keyboard acts as a cover case as well, and is made of aircraft-grade aluminum for enhanced protection and is sleek and slim. By the way, the iPad 2 is bigger in size than Galaxy Tab 2 of course, and the size is more or less the same with iPad mini. But the wireless keyboards of both the ipad 2 and mini are made of the same materials and quality. ;)

iPad 2 cover case and wireless blue tooth keyboard in 1.

I also bought a protective case cover for the Galaxy Tab in the Philippines, and I wouldn't quite be surprised that it was exactly copied from that of an ipad mini cover case!

Protective case for Galaxy Tab 2 (it's bulky).

I have one for my ipad mini which is colored red and exactly the same with that above. But I haven't taken a photo on that for the mini because my husband liked the iPad mini a lot, and so he decided to adopt it and made it as his own..lol!

(part 3 will be continued on the next post!)

My Future Label Specialist

I know I need labels anytime because I do paper work most of the time. I also need them whenever I pay bills, or return online orders. I have been in a situation where I needed to run to an office supplies store which is 15 minutes away from home just to buy some labels. Of course, the distance is not a big deal, but my time is always like gold! I can do a lot of other essential tasks within 15 minutes.

I work online most of the time and practically buy my own stuff online as well. Then, I saw blanco labels. Just perfect for my needs!

One item that I saw from their products are the labels by the sheet. They are pretty much compatible with Avery brands that I use, so I can actually save better if I can buy them in 100 sheets! I can already use that for a year!

This is one good thing in having labels direct. It is convenient and value-wise, much cheaper than the usual brand I buy at Office depot!

The products are also perfect for my wireless printer at home. It has been a reliable partner ever since I bought it last year. And to think that I have tested printing labels with it, the output is just excellent! So long as I can get the exact size, I am good to go. Oh, and I love the weatherproof labels too. I can use them to send something by box.

These Online labels are heaven sent! Of course, there are a lot of them all over the internet, but choosing the ones with high quality and yet budget friendly prices are the ones that matter most, don't you think? Have a look at the products here if you want to have a close up look on the items.

By the way, I have decided I can buy my printer ink here as well. I do not need to be driving out there and be compromised with my time. Besides, I prefer shopping online, so be it. :)

"Customer Is Always Right!"

Do you still believe in this saying? I still do. I know there are case scenarios when customers get overboard, but the saying is mostly right for people who are looking at customers in a positive angle. In every stores, call it a grocery, department, etc...you couldn't just imagine if you don't have customers. Customers are the main reasons why business improves for the better.

Have you read about martin hanaka? If not, you can check about the story on CNN Money Magazine, or just by clicking on his name on this post.

You can learn a lot about the value of focusing on good service towards loyal customers. They are the "life" of your business, if you are a business owner, a business employee, etc.

Upgrade Your Resume!

Are you blaming the market because you have been turned down many times from job interviews? There might be one thing you need to focus on... your resume! 

For the past few years, the best method of practices regarding resume' writing have changed a lot. So, it's probably time to upgrade yours.

You can avoid and/or correct some errors which can now be considered as outdated.

For instance, putting multiple contacts on your resume' can look dated; Just simply state your phone number and email without labeling them as such.

Language cliche's which are commonly used in resume's are now virtually considered to be meaningless. You can skip them and instead use keywords from the job ad that will help you get past the resume'-scanning programs many firms use nowadays.

In some cases, you don't need to be describing past employers. For example, a young hiring manager may not have the same scope of industry knowledge you do, and he won't be able to put your experience into context.

Putting your dates on the left is now considered outdated! That's outdated formatting. You can list years instead of months on the right after your title and the company.

Be specific about projects you've done and name some of your clients if you have given the permission.

So, be ready on your next job interview. And don't forget to relax, smile and be confident on how you market your skills.

Dog Etiquettes, Pros & Cons at The Park

 

Dog parks are the best place for your furry friend to have social interactions, not only to other dogs but to humans as well. But there are some instances when your dog can create trouble in the park and you (and your dog) would mess up everything, right?

So, at least there are basic simple steps to at least consider when taking your dogs to the park which can be helpful for you and your dog as well.

First, be sure you are obeying all posted park regulations.

Second, never take your sick dog to a park.

Don't bring a female "in season" in or near the park since there are un-neutered males that are more likely to be aggressive than neutered ones.

Don't bring your pet's favorite toys or treats which can create squabbles.

Choose a leash made of cotton or nylon web. Don't use retractable lash because it can cause serious injuries to dogs.

It's much safer not to bring your dogs younger than 4 months old since they are not fully inoculated yet, and may also be easy prey targets for some bigger dogs.

Always pick up your dog's mess and bring with you supplies such as baggies if the parks don't have them.

Learn and be familiar to know your pet's body language such as particular stress signals.

Train your pet to follow basic commands and he will be much easier to control.

Your pet's collar should contain a country license or rabies ID. Let them be micro-chipped and attach a tag too.

Don't leave a choke chain collar on your pet when visiting the park because another dog's tooth caught in a ring during play can cause them to be strangled.

Uniform Scrubs For Everyone!

Isn't it a good news to hear that hospital uniforms nowadays are getting more stylish, and more colorful? You can already find them everywhere in the mall so it is easy to buy them whenever you need one. But take note that not everything you see in the stores can actually be good talking about comfort fits, clothing quality, prices and many factors.

For men, it might be good to check these mens cherokee scrubs if you are looking for one. They are made for your stylish comfort too.

Wanting To Attend a Party?

There are some cases where in you feel you want to attend a party that bad, and yet you are not so sure if you will be invited or not. So,you thought of probably convincing the host to let you attend the party...but how??

It's not bad trying these tips just in case ;)

Of course, the key would be to convince the host that you will be adding some value to the event, and at the same time you know how to ask.

It would also be ideal to have someone approach the host on your behalf. Ask if you can be your friend's plus 1 just in case your friend is invited.

Try to plead your case at least a week before the party. This would help the party host prepare early as well. For a larger party, it's okay to ask the last minute particularly if people are looking for filler at the 11th hour.

If you are invited, don't go crazy at the open bar, brag that you were invited or be conspicuous. Blend in with the crowd and behave! ;).

Providing High Quality Ice Machine Equipment

Imagine a place without ice! I grew up in a tropical climate. And I came from a country where it doesn't get cold and it is always hot all year round. And being in the tropics, the need for ice is just as important as needing water to drink.

In the old days, it must have been so hard for many ice producing companies to supply ice using the old traditional method. But today, more and more ice machine equipment is being developed for the better. Thank goodness for fast developments in technology! It makes everything easier for people to do different things.

On the other hand, there is what we call dry ice. It is considered to be essential as an effective coolant, just like your freezer. Aside from being considered a very effective coolant, did you know that dry ice is also used in cleaning for various types of industries such as the food and pharmaceutical industries? The process is called dry ice blasting and is effective in removing grease, adhesives, oil, coal dust and many other chemical coatings.

Dry ice blasting is also non hazardous and safe because dry ice is non-toxic, thus it is environment-friendly.

It is a much better process as a replacement for the traditional high-pressure cleaning, non-abrasive, and the process itself is not messy because no waste materials are produced during the cleaning.

If you have good dry ice equipment for dry ice blasting, you are on the right track of not only helping various industries but helping the environment as well.

Wanna see more some of the versatile and comprehensive range of products of dry ice blasting machines? You can rely on them for their high quality, ergonomic, time and cost saving features as well as the ease of operating these machines.

Experiencing A Full-Service Limousine!

Honestly, I haven't experienced getting into a limousine yet. I wanna feel how it is to be inside. I only get to see the inside of it on TV's, photos and movies! But who knows, one of our trips someday would require one. ;)

What is good about it, is that it's a little bit special having a limo service comparing it to regular bus or car trips. The fact that they cater to any transportation needs with complete amenities is a unique experience traveling on the road. The st petersburg limo service is worth considering.

I see many companies which use limo service for their employees, particularly in big events held by the company such as seminars, meetings, or big gatherings among employees. It's actually cool to think about it if you will be one of those employees involved! :)

Ipad Mini vs. Galaxy Tab. 2 - Review (Part 1)

Okay, so I got the chance to get the Samsung Galaxy Tab (v. 2) while I was in the Philippines (01/22/13). I've been an Apple user for 3 years now, (and still will be). Last November 3, 2012 I was able to get the Apple ipad mini as an additional to my Apple "babies" of course. ;)

I have to tell it honestly, that I am very much satisfied with Apple and its features, but on the other end, I thought of trying either a Samsung tablet or phone which were the "copycats" from Apple...I don't mean to be rude, but accept it, it was already proven in court! So, be it. Just for comparison, it won't be bad having one. These Samsung products are getting over and beating Apple since Steve Jobs passed away, and many seem to be loving it. Price wise, they are beating Apple, plus the fact that Samsung had extended their gadgets' memories by providing memory cards and SIM cards-enabled phones on their tablets and notebooks.

So, here are my comparisons: Take note that this is not an extensive review. I will only be comparing some features basing on how I look at them and the ease and convenience of using them. I would also be focusing on the apps and features that I use basing on my lifestyle's routine. 

At the first look: Interface

I find the Galaxy Tab much cluttered! A newbie using a gadget such as this might become confused because of too much windows and icons opening. Apple is much more organized. 

While galaxy has apps that can be found in what they called "Samsung apps", "Play store", Apple apps are only placed in Appstore! You also have to consider using the Samsung's "S suggest" icon if you want to check highly recommended apps from Samsung. So, just imagine the clutter. Instead of pushing one button in one place, you have to look at those 3 icons one at a time to look for apps. 

Why can't Google and Samsung combine their apps since they are very much seem to be integrated with Android? right? Well, I don't have any answer yet, but any answers would highly be appreciated as well. ;)

Apps:

Whoa! There are tons of free apps from Samsung and Google apps. I tried downloading apps like free movie watches...some crashes and just hang up on my tab, and some are just flooded with ads! There are those free apps from Google (Play store) that lead you to Google search and when you check on the links, they don't even look secure!...No wonder why Samsung tablets are very highly prone to virus, unlike Apple ipads! 

Apple apps are safely secured in the Appstore, which is integrated with Itunes. I would like to say, that's probably one reason why Apple apps can't just be downloaded anywhere and are limited for Apple users only. Not even a hacked Apple gadget can get through a safely secured Apple app! Apple just wanted its own trademark to be left alone...no mixtures of "monkey business" to that sort..lol!

That is so far I can say for the moment. I haven't tried using photos with the Galaxy yet. Not even music and some other apps like journals or diary organizers. Although, I was able to download the "Movie Tube" and "Play Movies" which are of course free. I started watching a movie from Movie tube and so far, it's with excellent quality! These are free HD movies. Hhhmmm, this is so far one app I love! :)

So, you see, I don't hate Galaxies!...lol! It's just that it doesn't give the lifestyle apps that I need, (at least for now)...I am still discovering what's in here to take and use.

I think, I would be choosing to make my Galaxy as an entertainment gadget!

Perhaps, my next review would be a Part 2! ....{wink}

have a great day everyone!

How To Remove a Stubborn Nail Polish

Do you have gel polish manis that is so difficult to remove and you still need to run to the salon just to let it be removed? Ugh! That's a hassle!

Here is a fix that can help you remove them on your own;

First, soak cotton pads in an acetone remover, then wrap them one around each nail and secure it with a rubber band to hold it. After 2-10 minutes, twist the cotton pads on each nail then remove the pads for a clearly naked nails! ;).

How To Cyber-Shop Safely!

Online shopping nowadays is just very common and much more convenient. But beware because scammers are out there and getting stronger in force as well. Better yet keep these safety steps in mind to protect yourself:

Don't open attachments or links that are suspicious or those that come from unknown sources. They usually carry spywares or viruses. If the links or attachments are doubtful, delete them right away, and if it's your friend who sent it, call him/her for confirmations.

It is always smart to invest in a full suite security software that includes both antivirus and anti-spyware software. The features should help you keep out programs that log your key strokes that steals your passwords and financial info.

Always update your web browser and operating system which are vital in protecting your information. Make sure they are both configured to get updates from the manufacturer automatically.

Beware of emails or sites that are fake. Once you click them, they can steal your passwords and financial information. Don't click those links to let you go to those e-commerce sites. Instead, type the URL directly into your browser just to be sure.

Double check your security when checking out with your shopping. You are in a secure page when the address should begin with "https" and not "http" only. The "s" at the end indicates an encrypted connection, so that even if your financial information will be intercepted, it can't be read. Also, be sure to check a gold lock on the bottom of the page signalling the same thing. To be sure, check for both.

NEVER shop in public wireless network. This is not safe, and your PC will be highly vulnerable of malicious attacks! Don't ever try using it with your credit card even with your cellphones and bluetooth.

Window & Door Treatments

Can you imagine a house with just bare windows surrounding it? And how about a door that doesn't even look like one because it has been outdated or just needs an entire make over??

Thank goodness for the discovery of beautiful and enhanced home products so that many homeowners will be able to enhance their style of designs that perfectly suit their needs and tastes.

You might want to check richmond windows so you could be able to see the outstanding features on the products. Good thing to know is that the products are energy efficient and can reduce allergens inside your home.

Feeling At Home And Happy!

Since I haven't been posting about more personal topics on this blog, I thought I will post one this time. This blog is for general purpose anyway. It's just that most of my personal experiences are mostly posted on my other blog and trip experiences are mostly on my trails and travelogues blog as well.

It's been  a month and a half since I am here spending my vacation in the Philippines.  It is also the first time since I got married that I became away longer than 1 month from my husband. I didn't know I would miss him so bad! :(

But being with my family helps a lot cover the homesickness. Hanging around together is considered priceless since this is only a rare opportunity to grab, experience and enjoy it, don't you think? The fact that I see them around everyday makes me feel so at home in my own home ;).

I still have 3 weeks left before my husband will arrive for his 3-week vacation, then we will go back home in the US together end of January next year. I am missing US home a little bit, but I can't complain. Thank God for gadgets and technology, that we are still able to talk on the phone with the hubby daily.

While I am here, I would rather enjoy this vacation and make it worthwhile!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Easing Your Heartburn Quick!

If you start feeling a heartburn, drinking 4 ounces of water will help dilute the stomach acid and will flush it back down into your gut.
If it doesn't work, try chewing a piece of gum or sucking a hard candy. They can both increase the production of saliva that can help neutralize acid and relieve the pain. Just be sure to skip the mint candy as it can relax the stomach muscles making the acid easier to flow back up to the esophagus.

It may also help to take a 15-minute walk after eating which can also help your stomach empty faster and making its contents move in the right direction. :)

Sent from my iPad

Animal-Inspired Gifts

Even our pets deserve to be loved and showered with gifts, don't you think? As much as many of us are getting busy for our Christmas shopping, and wrapping gifts for your loved ones, I'm sure your pets are included in the party as well ;).

Some of you who are animal lovers might want to consider buying animal rescue gifts this Christmas too! Afterall, every animal has the right to be pampered and feel special in our own little way.

Finding Calmness In Your Life

Have you ever been wondering how you can have at least a peace in your life, or how you could increase that peacefulness you've been aiming for? The following ideas might help:

Try playing or spending time outside like a 5-minutes walk in the park or probably gardening. Breaking a sweat and just by being outdoors combined makes you feel more blessed and less stressed in no time, according to a study published from the journal "Environmental Health and Technology."

Studies show that praying for somebody can make you feel less angry about your current situation. Spend a little prayer for your kids who happened to make your kitchen into a mess, and the blessing will come back to you!

Have a good laugh because laughing can help protect against heart attacks and they can help ease a day's stress too.

Sent from my iPad

Helpful Tips on How to Protect Your Identity Online

Whether we like it or not, cases of identity theft have been increasing, and the problem shouldn't be ignored. Be on the look out by having safety measures to safeguard not only yourself but your family and loved ones as well.

Always on the lookout on your finances. The most common way thieves can get access to your finances is through changing your mailing address so they can receive your sensitive documents. It's always a safety measure to ask your bank to email or text you whenever an address change is requested.

Take precautions as home, and stash important papers in a locked cabinet. It's also much safer to scan them and store them on a password-protected PC, then better shred the hard copies.

Protect your child which can be usually the most recent targets of thieves. They can steal your child's Social Security no. and they have years to open credit card accounts with it and gain huge debts before your child applies his first credit card account. Check with all 3 bureaus (TransUnion, Experian & Equifax) every few years to make sure your child is safe and clear.

The Right Boots For Winter

Winter can be harsh to our skin and feet. It is this type of season where we really have to protect our body including our feet by wearing proper and comfortable shoes or boots.

And speaking about boots, I really need one, but as of now, I am still enjoying the warmth of the tropics since I will be staying in a tropical climate for 3 months ;).

After my vacation, I will be going back home in winter! I checked these muck boots products online and I just like the features. I need one that is completely waterproof  and lightweight. And it's the best thing to know they have my size!

Stop Desk Bad Habits at Work!

Are you squinting and straining just because you constantly have to lean forward to reach your keyboards and see your screen? You can solve the problem by attaching a separate monitor and keyboard (if you use a laptop).

Avoid crossing your legs which can make it difficult for you to keep your spine straight and shoulders squared. You will also put risk overstretching the muscles around your pelvis, causing you to develop varicose veins by interrupting blood flow. 

Don't get the habit of pinning the phone between your ear and your shoulder while you multi task. It will also be tough for the neck! Instead, use a headset or speakerphone for any calls that lasts for more than 5 minutes.

Christmas Is Just Around The Corner!

Christmas spirit is almost here! You can smell it in the air, and see bright lights both in public and private places. The singing of Christmas carols can now be heard. And of course, houses from the neighborhood are starting to glitter ;).

And of course, don't forget the fresh

cedar garland to put inside your home. As you smell the fresh aroma inside your home, it completes your Christmas celebration, don't you think? :)

Back Pain? You Can Stop It!

At some point in our lives, that crippling back pain might just only be caused by hunching over your computer. If your back pain has been annoying you lately, try few simple changes in the way you work infront of your PC or on your desk.

Align your head and neck right above your shoulders by keeping your head up. Avoid straining froward.

When you move your mouse, it should ideally be placed right next to your keyboard so you don't need to overreach twisting your shoulder, arm or wrist when clicking.

Pick a chair that allows your lower back to rest against a lumbar support, then tilt the back of the chair so it's very slightly reclined.

Breathe from your belly on each inhale, by drawing your navel toward your spine. This engages the core muscles and supports the upper body.

Your torso should be about an arm's length away from the monitor which should be 2-3 inches above eye level.

Keep your feet flat on the floor and your shoulder wide apart.. It quiets the tension in your knees and ankles.

Roll your shoulders back and down and square them over your hips. Think of it as you're balancing a plate on your head, and you don't want it to fall off.

Find the right angle by trying to position your knees at 90 degrees, directly over your ankles; this will keep your spine comfortably upright.

Take some rests by getting up at least once every hour - to go bathroom or just do shoulder exercises. These would reduce pressures on your spinal disks and boosts your circulation.

Upgrade Your Career As A Social Worker

Child eating disorders has been on the rise for the past 20 years and continue to grow. While children are introduced to the media's portrayal of the perfect stick thin woman and thin muscular man, the images become engrained in their heads as what they're "supposedto" look like. Without the proper education available to today's youth, child eating disorders will continue to rise.

Refusal to eat and denial of hunger

This is possibly the easiest sign to recognize when it comes to eating disorders. For any age group, refusing to eat is a dangerous behavior that can seriously harm you. If you notice your child refusing food, it's a good reason to be concerned. Try to talk to your child and find out why they don't want to eat. In some cases, it could be a dietary issue, but in most, it can link to an eating disorder. If you've noticed a consistent denial of hunger, you should seek help for your child.

Excessive exercise

Exercise is a healthy habit to engage in that is encouraged for anyone at any age. Exercise can keep you in shape and helps to keep your overall health in order. However, in the case of eating disorders, excessive exercise is the sign that's not as obvious because it's associated with a healthy lifestyle. When a child is excessively exercising, it can take a serious toll on their body and their mental stability. Keep track of your child's exercise habits and make sure it's a healthy balance and not an excessive obsession.

Irritability

Having a moody child is not uncommon, especially if they're in their teenage years. It's when moody turns into irritable, and it takes over your child's personality. Irritability can be caused by a plethora of things, but when a child is not eating and is starving themselves to lose weight, irritability is very common.

Social withdrawl

Have you noticed your child not being as social as they once were? This is another common sign of an eating disorder. Withdrawing from the social scene is a way for a child to focus on their self as opposed to their peers. It also gives them an escape from explaining why they're not eating or starting to look different. If your child has no desire to spend time with friends and prefers to lock themselves in their rooms, monitor the behavior and take action if it continues.

Lack of emotion

Lack of emotion and irritability are two very different characteristics but are both associated with eating disorders. Not showing any emotion is a red flag with a child that something is wrong. If your child is consistently lacking emotion and any sense of engagement in what's happening around them, it's reason for concern.
The symptoms above are only some of the many signs that your child might have an eating disorder. By paying attention to your child's appearance, their appetite, their desire to eat, social life and mood, you will have a better grasp on whether or not there have been changes with them at any point. All of these symptoms can help you prevent your child from developing a serious disorder and harming themselves, so pay attention. Your child will thank you one day.
Alaina Mason is a freelance writer and health advocate. As a social worker, she has worked with many children suffering with eating disorders. She has done a great deal of research on how getting a social work online degree can help her patients and expand her knowledge of the field.

How To Kick Your Costliest Habits

I'm sure you would agree that most people (not only for women but men as well) can have that habit of uncontrollable spending so that they would always end up financially broke, have big debts, no savings, and worst, ending up bankrupt! That would be the worst nightmare that can happen to you if you don't know how to manage wise spending.

First strategy, - try changing your relationship to the item you buy. Impulse buying for instance is like allowing yourself subconsciously to buy more than what you planned to buy, paddling your mental budget to account for the extra purchases you assume you'll make at the store. Stop making it easy on yourself to overspend with these behavioral tricks.

"Just look, but don't touch!" According to a study at UCLA and University of Wisconsin, picking up that item that attracted you most and examining it more closely increases your sense of ownership which makes it more difficult to resist buying.

Try go shopping with a list and have inventory of your pantries and cupboards before heading to the store, plan to use cash and take with you the exact amount. If you pay in cash, you spend 10%-35% less than paying with your credit card. Adopt smart shopping habits which can help you cut discretionary spending on gifts, entertainment, clothes, and home items by a third, or at least $5,700 a year on average for households earning $100,000 and up.

Nudge yourself by creating separate savings accounts for certain goals and name them such as vacation funds, holiday account, etc...this makes it less likely that you'll tap them for "unauthorized purchases".