Water Conservation Habits to Slash Your Water Bill by Half

Our water bill arrived today and the guy that delivered it told us, "You know, your water bill is either half or one-third than most of the neighbors here"
"Wow!" my mind said, this guy gave me a new post topic.

My mom is the goddess of recycling.  Anything she sees that could still be reused or transformed into something else, she would definitely do so.  You won't believe the creative ideas she's got and often times I find myself giggling when I find her again creatively converting junk to reusable items or trying to guess the leftovers she used to create a whole new dish when cooking!!  She's fantastic!

So what about our incredibly 'lower' water bill?
It all starts with our dish washing.
Rule #1 
Don't use fresh water to wash off the food stains from plates and cutlery.  Collect soapy water from previous dish washing and use it for washing off food stains.

How to achieve this?
In our home, we have a double kitchen sink that looks similar to this:

On the left sink, we place a plastic basin, this is where we collect the soapy water while rinsing the dishes.

with cover preferred so you can cover it when not using it.

How to collect your first batch of soapy water?
Things you need:
Always have 2 separate sponges, one for soaping, another for removing food stains.  Never mix these two.  Have a small cup for collecting soap water.

• Start soaping the glasses first before anything else.  Glasses are least likely to have food stains on them so your sponge will stay clean.  After soaping the glasses, rinse them off while collecting the soap water using the basin.
• Now scoop some soap water using the small cup and use the second sponge for removing food stains.  Keep  You'll have plates and cutlery free from food stains without using fresh water at all!  Just imagine the amount of water you'd save when you practice this habit after each mealtime!
• After removing the food stains, you can now continue soaping the dishes with your clean soap sponge.  Remember to collect the soap water while rinsing.

Other uses for the collected soap water

• We use it to wipe dining table, kitchen table, stove, floor, bathroom sinks etc.

Other forms of water you can recycle

Rice and vegetable washings - instead of throwing them away, use it instead to water the plants.

Hope this helps slash off your water bill.  Do you have any water conservation tips to share?  Post your comments below!

Rediscovering Tagaytay

I'm loving November!  It's full of holidays!
Without any itinerary planned, we decided to spend one night at Days Hotel Tagaytay just to enjoy the cool air and nature-like environment you don't see in the city.
Since my childhood, everytime I hear the word Tagaytay, it just means seeing Taal volcano, passing by the horse riding area, and fruit and flower vendors.

Today there's alot of charming places to visit, from classic inns and gardens to specialty restaurants and resorts.

We originally planned to visit Hacienda Isabella but was shooed away by a rude lady who bluntly told us that we can't enter unless we had an appointment and to come back tomorrow.  Apparently ABS-CBN was filming an episode of Maria la del Barrio in their location.  It was extremely annoying and disappointing for it was quite a long drive from the main road.  Don't let the location map fool you to thinking that it's near.

We had no choice I guess but to leave the place losing complete interest to ever visit again.  However in the process of going back, something funny happened.  We chanced upon Balay Indang's location and eventually decided to stop by to take a look.  It's a charming bed & breakfast with a lovely garden.
Here are some photos I took from Balay Indang:

Entrance from the parking area

classic wooden sign

path to the main house - Balay

the dining area

lobby

Dining area

a peek at their accommodation

common area

They even have a pool!

garden and pond surrounding the common area

function room

outdoor dining area

garden paths

It's quite a relaxing and peaceful place.  In fact, so peaceful they do not even have any television nor wifi.  The manager mentioned that some guests do bring their own portable television with them lol.

We didn't make it in time to their lunch service for the wasted time with Hacienda Isabella (grrr to them)
However, we decided to check out Mano's Greek Taverna and Hotel which features a mountain view restaurant and 3 private rooms as accommodation.

The path is pretty steep but you won't be disappointed.

one of the 3 private rooms

path to the restaurant

interesting wall design

you have reached the restaurant!

nice view while dining

their freshly baked bread with feta cheese and Tzatziki

moussaka

Baklava

I also had a rare and beautiful view of the sunrise

"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.
And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day"
Genesis 1:31

Unfortunately, the beauty of it wasn't captured very well from my phone.

What other interesting places you have visited in Tagaytay that are worth visiting?  Post your recommendations below!~

What to Do When Lies Become Truths and Impressions Towards You at Work?

Have you ever had someone say things about you which aren't even true?  It's only natural that we face this everyday.  The hardest situation is when those lies become truths to the people that have been told.
Especially your boss.

I work remotely.
No office, no transportation worries, no putting up with a fake disposition to anybody.
All I need is a stable internet connection and a decent computer.

The deal with remote-based jobs
To alot of people I've shared about the nature of my job, the first replies I usually get are, "Wow that's so nice!  Wish I had a job just like that!"

They all think about not having to get out of bed too early, not having to worry about hours wasted in traffic, more time for themselves and stuff.  In short, the 'convenience'

Do take note that this 'convenience' comes with a heavy price as well.  It is a whole new lifestyle to adapt to that requires more discipline to get things done.

For the first few months, yes, you'll feel free from all the morning routine crap you go through before reaching your workplace.  Hallelujah !

Then your mind starts to feel 'caged' for seeing the same environment day and night til the next workday.

You have no physical contact with coworkers to talk or hangout with after hours.

Depression and paranoia can sink in confusing you into thinking, am I in the right career?

At some point, you will even find yourself sick from using the computer even if it's for entertainment.

The danger
While there are some forms of convenience.
Most of the time, you only have yourself to rely on to do your job.
You resolve technical issues + shoulder maintenance cost (if any should arise to get the job done) instead of relying on your IT department
You go through online training instead of the usual training and team building opportunities most companies have.

The perks
You manage your own time but still keep in line with the project's timeline.
Stay close to the people you live with at home.
Work from any location- your home, your friend's home, or even your local coffee shop.

And this "just in case I'm in the coffee shop impression" is what has concerned me.

When impressions become truths
Apparently, my boss still has an impression that I run off to the coffee shop quite frequently even today for it was casually mentioned in a voice call.

Not that I am overly upset or anything.  I just do not know how to classify my reaction but let's just say that it's not a good feeling when people have an impression that's not even half true.

I guess what I am truly bothered about is how others can stir stories and tell them as if they were facts of my work life.

It can be natural to feel upset or feel the need to fend for yourself.

But I chose to feel 'okay' about it.

Feel Okay? What do you mean! someone just said stuff about you which isn't true.  Shouldn't you go confront them or something?

When I mean 'okay'.  I chose not to feel bitter and keep the faith.
It reminded me of what Joel Osteen has talked about in his podcast #518, explaining Psalm 27
"Challenges may come your way, but you are not worried about it.  You know it can't touch you.  No weapon formed against you can prosper"


"People may be talking, trying to make you look bad but you don't give any thought about it.  You know your future is too great to be distracted.  You know they don't control your destiny but God does.  So you just keep on, being your best, walking in integrity"


Some verses for dealing with work:
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men" 
Colossians 3:23

"We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it"
1 Corinthians 4:12


Hope this helps you break free from feeling discouraged with your everyday work life.

*Update: Friday, November 11
I'm in shock and in awe.  My boss gave me an unexpected bonus!  Thank you God, you are so true to your word.

I'm so touched

Global Pinoy Bazaar at Rockwell Tent

Rain or shine, events must go on!  (as long as there's no sign of hurricanes)
One rainy Saturday, we visited Rockwell Tent to check out the Global Pinoy Bazaar where they feature export quality products proudly made in the Philippines.

Thanks to my very awesome friend Joy Wong for the tickets

The tent was quite packed with stalls featuring goods like clothing, bags, accessories, souvenirs, interior decorations, cosmetics, and food!
I'm not really an impulse shopper but I do love the experience of seeing something new, creative and life changing stuff.
Here are some scenes from the bazaar:

Clothes, bags, and accessories lane

The only lantern stall in the bazaar

Philippine handicrats - like the ones you see in SM's Kultura stores

Busy chefs in the food section

Some products for sale:

artsy serving cutlery

handmade soaps

Zenyu Eco Spa - My Halloween Treat

This year's halloween seemed like a week's vacation!  Well almost.
Oct 31, 2011 which falls on a Monday, was proclaimed a special non-working public holiday throughout the Philippines.  Citizens get to enjoy a 4-day long weekend!
While the sound of 'long weekend' overjoys just about anybody.
In my world, it just means longer sleep hours, availability to do partially neglected house chores, and if I'm lucky-gatherings! whether with family or with friends.  A vacation some place will be super too!

A date with Dr. Fish
Tonight me and my family decided to try out Zenyu Eco Spa located inside Hotel H2O.  But not before having an Asian dinner at Makan Sutra.  err wait a minute, either they've changed the name or the owner gave up.

My first visit in January 2010

Now, Oct 2011 - What it changed into:

Restaurant operations changed from self-service casual style dining to a fancier restaurant with waiters serving you instead.  The food quality and authenticity suffered quite a bit but I guess it's somewhat acceptable.

Revisiting Manila Ocean Park
After the meals, we walked around discovering what else is new in Manila Ocean Park.  I'm quite pleased they finally removed the "tiangge stalls" that greeted you on the entrance for they looked quite messy.  Renovations have been made to make the park achieve a "world-class" experience.  Ticket counters are now with LCD Screens, flooring and lighting have been changed, and the entrance path finally looks neat.  I really hope they maintain this educational and recreational place.   PH needs more places that develop and inspire culture than just big giant malls all over.

Zenyu Eco Spa - Here fishy fishy
So we finally headed back to the spa to experience their featured fish spa, negative ion hotbed treatment and  massage.
You can check out some of the photos on their website, of course I can't take a picture of myself =p haha.

What to expect:

• First, they'd give you soft rubber slippers with spikes in the soles like those foot therapy slippers.
• You can keep your valuables inside their electronic safe.  All you need to remember is assign a 4 number pin code.
• You also have a personal locker to store your clothing.  They will provide a large bath towel, a 2 piece robe (top and pants), and a disposable underwear! which is used during your negative ion hot bed treatment and massage.

The fish spa is within the locker room premises.  Male and female are separated.  I dipped my whole body in the water and the fish started nibbling my hands and feet.  I couldn't help but laugh so much for they really tickle.  Your feet will definitely feel much smoother than an ordinary footscrub afterwards.

Ah the wonders of nature.  A must try experience!

For the showers, they provide an all-natural, soy based multi-purpose solution which can be used for bath or cleaning dishes.  It doesn't foam so it can be weird using it as a handwash or for your shower.

Another experience that I liked was the negative ion hot bed therapy where you lie down and feel the heat on your whole back.  A soothing experience for anyone who has chronic neck and back pains.  A perfect preparation before a relaxing massage.

You end the experience with an hour massage.  While the fish spa and the hotbed therapy is a must try, the massage is quite average and doesn't really give you the relief that you'd expect from having a proper massage.

In my opinion, the therapists at The Spa, Makati and Gold's Gym, Wilson were way much better than the therapists at Zenyu Eco Spa.  I had commented on their Facebook Page and got this reply.

defensive much?

My family and I had the same feedback about their therapists.  Massage was indeed better elsewhere.  

I'm not saying the service is horrible either.  It was just average and probably not the massage you would expect for that price.  I might not go back for a massage there, but the ion hotbed therapy will do.

Drifting through Apocalypse

Have you ever had apocalyptic dreams? (or should they be called nightmares?)
I have, one too many.  From tsunamis and hurricanes that destroy cities and my least favorite of all, zombie invasion.

Last night I had another series of apocalyptic visions and familiar faces.  This time, instead of seeing destruction from afar, I'm now in the middle of it.

Vision 1:
Night time.
Place seemed like an old ruin with fire torches along the pillars.
This is the closest picture I could find (without the chairs)

There were people gathered around, observing the stars.  I've never seen so many stars, each white dot seemingly getting bigger as you stare at them for awhile.  Then the view changes, a big block was floating in the air towards the viewers.  It was as if someone had mind-lifted one of the pillars outside and brought it over the watching crowd.
Slowly, slowly it moved closer.  Everyone puzzled, stunned and unsure what to do.
Until everyone screamed for the pillar was being pulled towards us.  Me specifically.
I saw the pillar falling, aiming for me.  I couldn't move.
Everything became black upon its fall.

Vision 2:
Mid afternoon.  Heavy, and I do mean heavy rainfall.
I was in a white wooden house, with green lacy curtains on accordion windows.
There were a number of rooms and beds laying around.  I was under the impression we had just evacuated our homes due to flood.  I saw my relatives and cousins in the same house.  There were other people coming in who seem to know my relatives and were also taking refuge in that white house.
On impulse, I called 2 friends from overseas telling them to leave their homes for it was going to collapse any minute.  Apparently, they already knew about it and took refuge in a tent.
Then featured on the television, buildings tilted and collapsed as if someone had pushed the building.

Vision 3
Sadly, my brain deleted this and I couldn't really remember details of it lol.

There are some that regard dreams and nightmares as something to be prevented and I've been given lots of how-to's.  The most bizarre of all was to remove mirrors around the room and didn't follow until now (sorry my good friend xD)
I'm quite fascinated by dreams and why you get those kind of dreams based on what you go through in your daily life.
Do dreams have symbols or meaning?
For fun, here's what I found for this recent dream:

Apocalypse 
To dream of the apocalypse signifies an emotional and dramatic change taken place within yourself. The dream may also indicate the end of one kind of lifestyle and the beginning of another.

Ruins 
To�see ruins in your dream suggest that you are neglecting aspects of your life or that it is falling apart. You feel you are self-destructing. It is time to get on the right path.

Rain 
To see and hear rain falling symbolizes forgiveness and grace. Falling rain is also a metaphor for tears, crying and sadness. 

Building 

To see a building in ruins or damaged indicates that your approach toward a situation or relationship is all wrong. You need to change. Your own self-image may have suffered and taken some blow.

To dream that a building collapses indicates that you are losing sight of your ambitions and goals. Your pursuit for material gains is failing.

Have you ever had apocalyptic dreams? What was your worst nightmare?

The Weary Clown

The show has come to a close
Thanks for your presence and applause.

This clown has washed off his face in relief,
For he no longer needs to uphold that happy belief.

Noises that seemed like a joyous celebration,
Now replaced by silence and dejection.

As the lights went out and everyone tucked in tight,
The sigh begins, "How will I pretend all over again tomorrow night"

Conversation with Mom in the Locker Room

Mother
To see your mother in your dream represents the nurturing aspect of your own character. Mothers offer shelter, comfort, life, guidance and protection. Some people may have problems freeing themselves from their mothers and are thus seeking their own individuality and development.
To dream that you are having a conversation with your mother denotes a matter that has preoccupied your mind and you are not sure how to deal with it in your waking life. It indicates unresolved problems that need to be worked out with your mother.


Locker Room
To dream that you are in a locker room suggests that you need time to cool off and calm down. You are involved in some tough competition or are trying to overcome. Perhaps you are trying to pursue a love interest.�



From dreammoods.com