QUEEN VICTORIA'S HOME-MADE GREETING CARDS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Sending greetings cards via the post is a traditional and very useful way of communicating with loved ones to convey our feelings. We love to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries etc. as these are such important events in our life’s journey. We used to buy cards in bookstores or in the school-supply section of the shopping mall for that special card.

Nowadays, with the invention of the computer and the ubiquitous availability of the internet we can make our own greeting cards with our own special touch. We are all artists now! Thanks to Bill Gates.

It is easy to personalise a greeting card at home using the internet, a printer and photo paper/special paper: (The following procedure below is mainly for OpenOffice.org Writer.Ink, however it can be applied using the same sequence for Microsoft Office 2007).

1. Go to the web search engine of your Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox and type-in “occasion + picture”. Once you have chosen a picture, just press the right side of your mouse and click the “save image as” that will take you to a destination link i.e. desktop, document, picture etc. and if possible, rename the picture before saving it.
2. Open the OpenOffice.org Writer on your desktop and search for “Format” and click “Page”. The page consists of three columns namely: Paper format, Margins and Layout setting. Go to “Margins”, change all the margin values to “1” (from top-bottom and from left-right) and choose either portrait or landscape orientation for your card(s). And then, go to “Paper format” to change the preferred paper size and don’t forget to write down the measurement of your paper’s width and height. Click “OK” button to save all of the changes.
3. Look for the tab “Insert” located on the top-left portion of your OpenOffice.orgWriter and go to “Picture” and click “From File” to search for the saved picture (refer to step 1). Click “Open” to transfer the picture in your OpenOffice.
4. Using your mouse, point the cursor at the picture and then, do a double press and click, “Wrap”. Go to "Settings" and select “Through” so that you can move the picture from left to right if you select landscape or from top to bottom if you set-up your paper as portrait. There is an instance that the size of the picture is larger than the size of the paper and in this case, adjusts the picture until it fits to the paper. Click “OK” button to save all of the changes.
5. As we are making a folded card we need to find the center of the paper so you know where to place the fold and the picture as well.
6. The “Page” from the Format is a great help in calculating the center of the paper as it contains the “Margins” and the “Paper’s width and height” measurements.
7. If you have calculated the center of the paper, adjust the picture in your Word document until it gets to the boundary of the center. Once it is accurately moved, adjust again the top (crosswise folding) or the left-side (lengthwise folding) for an extra space.
8. To add words and make it a much more personalised card, click "Show Draw Functions" located at the top-left and resembled like a pencil. Once clicked, a bar with choices will appear at the bottom-left of the OpenOffice and choose "Fontwork Gallery". If you have selected your own style just click “OK” button to see the options for "Fontwork".
9. Point the cursor of your mouse to the personalised greetings, then press the right side of your mouse and click “Wrap” that will show 7 choices and just select “Wrap Through”.
10. You can use your mouse or the cursors in your keyboard to move the personalised greetings from one side to another. If the greetings is long enough in your card, adjust it by simply moving the cursor of your mouse to the green-shaded squares. The yellow-shaded dot’s main function is to stretch the text.
11. Turn-on your printer and place your photo paper. Just make sure that the glossy side of the photo paper is towards you.
12. Go to “File” tab again, search and click for “Print”. Once you have the “Print” interface, click “Properties” and select “Photo” as your quality image (under Advanced) and change the paper’s “Type and Size” (under Main) according to your paper. Click “OK” button to save all of the changes.
13. From your “Print” interface, go to “Pages” and type the page number of your greeting card. Click “OK” button to start the printing process of it.
14. If the finish product is printed already don’t touch the image and text to avoid damages or let it dry for 2-3minutes in a safe place.
15. Once it is totally dry, just use a scissors to cut and then, fold your paper into crosswise or like a greeting cards’ folding.

The combined power of computers and internet is not just for one good purpose- communication. It is also a tool to discover and hone the creative side of us.

SEIZURES IN ADULTS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Help... Help... Help... PLEASE!!!

This is what we exclaim when someone is in need of medical assistance. It is an audible way to catch people's attention that might help you in contacting an ambulance.

Today, cellular phones are very much in use to call for a help and wait until the team arrives who will pick you and the casualty. One of the ailments that is happening suddenly to people is the seizure attack.

If you see a seizure casualty who is in need of your soothing hands while waiting for the medical team, this is the resuscitation procedure that will save his life:

1. If you see the casualty falling, try to ease his hall. Make space around her; ask bystanders to move away. Remove potentially dangerous items, such as hot drinks and sharp objects. Note the time when the seizure started.
2. If possible, protect the casualty’s head by placing soft padding underneath it. Loosen clothing around his neck.
3. When the seizure has ceased, open the airway and check for breathing; be ready to give rescue breaths and chest compressions if necessary.
4. If he is breathing, place him in the recovery position. Monitor and record vital signs- level of response, pulse and breathing. Note the duration of seizure.

(Caution: Do not move the casualty unless he is in immediate danger and do not put anything in his mouth to restrain him.)

*Photo courtesy of GetStuff

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BUDDIES

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

  (Gibbs, DiNozzo and McGee)

They do not talk as well as breathe, but their presence always warms and charms my days!

Every time I see the three of them who behave quietly on top of the wardrobe or on the couch, my works on the world wide web are provided with inspirations. I prefer to call them as stationary buddies who also provide a  good company when doing my tasks on my laptop.

My buddies have names that I adapted from the main casts of a T.V. Series called N.C.I.S. (Naval Crime Investigative Service) ...

I like watching N.C.I.S. and have to admit that I am an avid fan of biddable geek Timothy McGee; the cheeky and ballsy Anthony DiNozzo as well as my favourite, the handsome Leroy Jethro Gibbs. For those reasons, I named and baptised my buddies as Gibbs, DiNozzo and McGee.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S TAPIOCA SEEDS BREAKFAST

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

It is not just the porridge or cereals that is eaten as a breakfast meal on the table. Cooked tapioca seeds blended with basic ingredients is a palatable meal too!

Tapioca is a staple food in some regions and is used as food additives. It contains nutrients such as protein, carbohydrate, fat and fibre that are essential to our body cells and tissues development.

Ingredients:

• 7 dessert spoons of Tapioca Seeds
• 1 dessert spoon ground rice
• 2 dessert spoons of milk powder
• 1 dessert spoon mixed fruit
• 5 dried dates
• 1 dessert spoon of sunflower seeds, ground
• 1 dessert spoon of pumpkin seeds, ground
• 1 medium-sized banana, sliced
• 1 small-sized apple, sliced

Cooking Procedure:

1. Mix the Tapioca, ground rice and milk powder well in a sauce pan. Add enough water to about half an inch above the mixture.
2. Cook on a moderate heat.
3. Bring to the boil. Stirring all the time. (To avoid burning)
4. Add the mixed fruit and dates. Adjust the heat to low. Cook for 1 minute. Stirring occasionally.
5. Add the ground seeds. Mix it well. Cook it for another 90- 120 seconds on a low heat. Check the consistency and add more water, if needed.
6. Serve in bowls with the fruits on top.

HYACINTHUS

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Act now to save our Mother Earth!

There are manufactured chemical-based products that are produced on the market and sold for people's household needs.

As the new season is coming (in 4 weeks time), Spring, and rain drops are replacing snow flakes, I thought of an idea to alter the chemical products I have been using. Nowadays, I am growing plants that give a good benefit for my health either flowering or non-flowering varieties. The non-flowering plants are very good in absorbing the radiation coming from the techno-gadgets apart from adding an extra tone at home. I am eager to grow flowering plants which produce scent that neutralizes unpleasant smell and produces a fragrance for the living areas especially in the toilet (This is particularly relevant if one of your family members ate rubbish foods... just a joke!). One of my favourites is the Hyancithus which flowers from a bulb in early Spring and has a pleasant sweet fragrance.

Saving our Earth is not just by recycling or separating the biodegradable to non-biodegradable waste at home. As gardening is one, too, which can be done even inside your place.

*Photo courtesy of www.pinterest.com

THE WORLD OF SHOPPING

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

I am not here to make an appeal nor to beg for your deeper understanding!

One of the many things that is making my life more colourful is the buying of clothes from different types of shops. Items that are categorised as clearance on the web; affordable and decent clothes from high street shops and even second-hand clothes from charity shops here in England.

I was a typical consumer who followed trends on the world of fashion, however that attitude of mine transformed for the better.

For the past years, I have become a prudent buyer who thinks more of the usefulness of an item than the look itself. The finest and softest quality is not totally forgotten, too. Why? Buying cheap clothes that won't last their shapes longer is not providing savings as it will lead to disasters and regrets.

Aside from that, I found-out that exerting a small amount of effort in searching for useful items can make your savings still fatter and fatter. That is why, entering a few shops on the high street in which I may be able to scrutinise the fabric/cloth and also, compare prices of other shops are one my rational strategies when it comes to shopping. Moreover, I also apply this type of thinking when visiting online shops as I always look for stores that offer free delivery and returns before pressing 'pay securely now' button.

Don't just focus on one shop, explore your town and also visit the world wide web!

*Photo courtesy of www.bbc.co.uk

THE BENEFITS OF WRITING (BLOGGING)

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Social media marketing websites all over the world are growing fast, albeit covertly due to the internet. They are an opportunity for people whose interest is writing articles etc. that are based on their understanding and perception of various topics of interest. In general, it is a way of finding out the Do’s and Dont’s of media market writing.

I am writing in my own way and blog publishing is an outlet for me to sharpen my writing skills. I read an article on the internet about blogging and how it works technically. I signed-up for a free membership to a blog publishing website and have been a member for years. The article stated, that a blog must be of a certain age and contains at least 20 published articles before it is submitted to the social media marketing websites. When approved, it is one of the online jobs that can be done at home which generates money.

It is a good idea that the people behind these free websites opened the opportunity for all interested writers in the aim to further hone writing skills.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S COOKED BROWN RICE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD
 

Asian's staple food that cannot be replaced in their daily lives is rice. A cereal grain from a monocot plant, Oryza sativa. The seeds of the rice are first milled using a rice huller to remove the chaff (the outer husks of the grain) and then the bran (hard outer layer of grain).

Are you one of these Asians whose daily meal is always complemented with cups of cooked rice or just having it on your table occasionally?

If you like this staple food of us, why not add more flavour into it when cooking. I am sure it will give an interesting sensation in your mouth.

This was just my experiment but the taste of the rice turned very appetising on my taste buds. Here are my ingredients before turning-on the rice cooker.

You will need 2 stalks of spring onions and cut according to your preference. Then, add the sliced spring onions into the rice with the additional ingredients, 2 tbsps. of olive oil, 1 tsp. of mixed herbs and spinach (frozen/fresh). On the other hand, to give it a spicy strength just sprinkle ground pepper/cayenne peper before mixing all ingredients. Cook and don't forget to stir before serving.

You will appreciate not just the aromatic smell but more importantly, the herbal flavour. I highly recommend the use of brown rice for weight conscious people or to those creating/adhering a strict diet regime!

QUEEN VICTORIA'S SEALED WITH A KISS CARD

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

  

The effective way of expressing love and affection to someone is not by giving or buying expensive gifts. Wait a minute, I dont mind receiving a Chanel Large Tote Metallic Grained Calfskin Beige (just a joke!).

It is not the amount that counts inside the wrapped box however it is on how to make him/her very special in your life. Special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine's day are such important dates in our life's journey. Do you agree? Sending romantic card(s) via post is a very useful way of showing our sincere affection. Though it is a traditional way, the significance is still very delighful! 

Nowadays, with the invention of the computer and the availability of the internet we can make our own 'sealed with a kiss' card with our own special touch at home. This method will convey that you appreciate and value him/her in your life. We don't live like immortal people, so making the best for them will not waste your golden time. You will just think of the appropriate image for a certain occasion, write a few words and print on a glossy paper. 

We don't need to buy cards in book stores as long as we have our own computers and internet connection at home. The art of personalising a card is very exciting and to send the finished one to someone will truly make his/her day special. Your effort will be appreciated and your creativity will be utilised as well. 

Make one now and give it to him/her this coming Sunday with a kiss!

WHERE'S MY SOYA MILK?

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

Milk, like in many countries is commonly use in preparing oatmeal, mixing with cereals and an alternative for purified drinking water (beverage). It provides the primary source of nutrition such as: significant amounts of saturated fat, protein and calcium as well as vitamin C for young mammals before they are able to digest other types of food and for adults, too. It is processed in four methods such as:

• Raw (a process that doesn’t use heat before use or in its most natural state).
• Pasteurization (works by heating milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time).
• Microfiltration (a process produces better tasting milk that stays fresher, longer).
• Sterilization (a process subject to a specific temperature or using UHT known as, Ultra High Temperature).

Animal’s milk is first known to have been used as human food at the beginning of animal domestication and is extracted in two types: liquid and powder. It contains a number of nutrients, either naturally or through fortification process, such as: mg (milligram) of calcium that is good for muscle contraction, blood vessel expansion and contraction, secretion of hormones and enzymes, and transmitting impulses throughout the nervous system and grams of protein that supports the growing of muscles, hair, nails, skin and internal organs. Though it contains a number of nutrients for our own health it is still not for everybody. A person who has a lactose intolerance condition may suffer an unpleasant abdominal pains including stomach cramps, flatulence and diarrhea.

Like animal’s milk, soya milk is nutritionally close to cow’s milk. Soya milk can be made from whole soybeans or full-fat soy flour and is commonly available in vanilla and chocolate flavour as well as its original unflavoured form. It contains little saturated fat, vitamin E and no cholesterol, thus, is safe for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy and a preferences for vegans too. However, in 2008, a study found that men who consume an average of half a portion of soy products per day are more likely to have a lower concentration of sperm.

Milk, in any forms can be beneficial as it contains nutrients for our healthy lifestyle as long as it is processed in a nontoxic method.

ITCHY: MOSQUITO BITE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

The oldest mosquito was discovered in the Cretaceous period. It is an insect of the family Culicidae that resembles a fly. It lived after the Jurassic period about 150 million years ago.

Mosquitoes carry dangerous diseases causing viruses and parasites which move from one person to another. They may cause death if not treated with proper medication. In general, its a concern of the public health authorities. The known viral diseases that cause death to man are dengue fever from Aedes Aegypti and malaria from Anopheles Stephensi.

An estimated 2 million people die annually and more than 700 million people are thought to carry the mosquito diseases. Countries like Africa; South America; Central America; Mexico and much of Asia are with higher records of diseases.

Both male and female mosquitoes are nectar feeders. They usually rest in a cool place during the heat of the day and live in dirty and dank places. Moreover, females are also capable of drinking blood to supplement substances such as protein and iron in their body to develop eggs. The eggs are laid where water is present. It’s a female vampire!

The Mosquito’s irritating bite is due to an immune response and it is best described as “Itchy”. If you are planning a vacation in a jungle, tropical or subtropical place it is a good idea to protect your health from whatever diseases. Here are a few reviewed, rated and recommended repellents.

• Jungle Formula Extra Strength Lotion containing 50% DEET (an active ingredient and is slightly yellow oil) that blinds the insect’s senses.
• Rentokil Plug-in Fly and Mosquito Control is an electrical device containing a reservoir of fluid that releases insecticide.
• Moskil Mosquito Coils normally work by burning slowly when lit to produce a small amount of smoke containing insecticide. It is commonly use outdoors.
• Mosquito Defence Bug Guards are bands worn on the wrist or ankle and impregnated with a high concentration of DEET.
• Ecoguard Fabric Spray contains insecticide that irritates and repels mosquitoes.

 * Photo courtesy of sites.psu.edu

MY HOLY WEEK IN GENERAL SANTOS CITY, PHILIPPINES

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD
 

(Photo courtesy of joycarol.com)

When I was young!

My childhood memory is still very sharp, I can even recall what happened in our street during the Holy Week. We lived in a residential compound before, where most of my Father's siblings and their families were there too. The street is also a mini-compound as most of the homeowners are 'Kapampangans '.

Kapampangans or Pampangenos are the sixth largest Filipino Ethnolinguistic group that occupy the Central Luzon region in the Philippines. The province of Pampanga is their traditional homeland. They are devout Roman Catholic that display unique religious festivals. One of the most dramatic festivals that accompany an indigenous flavour is during  'Mal ay Aldo', which is the Kapampangan expression for the Holy Week.

(Photo courtesy of Google Image)

As we were given a few days break from school, that was prior to the festival. The street was temporarily closed for a week and a few days to all commercial vehicles as part of the preparation. Our elders built their plans for the event. These include the Shrine/Chapel, where the story of Christ is chanted in archaic Kapampangan.

I can still remember the highlight of the procession. A few men covered in blood due to self- flagellation. Their faces were covered with a piece of cloth and worn a wreath on their heads that was made of thorns. And, as this was a re-enactment of Christ' suffering, I saw a bare-footed man, who led the men covered in blood going to the Shrine. He carried on his shoulder a crucifix that was almost as twice as his height and weighs heavier than him.

(Photo courtesy of Google Image)

They stopped for awhile in front of the Shrine before they continued walking and suddenly, the gate of our compound was opened wide. Our elders welcomed the weary men and helped them in washing their bodies. The compound's parking ground was silhouetted in blood!

A car was parked outside, waiting for these men to get inside the car. Our elders guided them to the car as their faces were still covered with a cloth. A few of the elders, who owned motorcycles convoyed the car going to a clandestine place. A place where they revealed their true selves and their profiles remained very private.

It is not just the re-enactment that I can only store in my memory!

The joy of eating 'halo-halo' with my friends and relatives before noon time was a pleasurable memoir. This is a combination of crashed ice, cooked fruits, fruit jam, evaporated milk and sugar. Aside from that there was a special desert for a special occasion called 'Bibingka'. This dessert was prepared by my Aunt and she started baking it when the sun sets and sold to hungry visitors and bystanders. Her collapsible booth was just in front of our compound.

This dramatic event was passed onto my elders and is still happening every year in the Philippines. It is a traditional procession that allows people to witness and feel the 'pasion' (Christ' suffering).

VISA: HAPPILY APPROVED OR MOURNFULLY REFUSED

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

  

 

“I want a greener pasture for my future!”

The word visa is derived from Latin charta visa which means, “paper that has been seen”. It is more commonly a stamp endorsed in the applicant’s passport or it can be a document that authorizes a person to enter the country that “issued” the visa.

It is everyone’s dream to go to The United States of America, Europe etc. to search for a better quality of living and aim for the bulls eye of success.

(Schengen Visa)

A better quality life can be measured for most of us according to the size of house we have. Most of all a big fat bank account! Are you one of these people? If your answer is YES, then you are indeed a person who has a vision for their life and is still learning about what makes a successful life.

The visa application procedure is kinda tricky and not so easy to comprehend. A way to get a better understanding of the procedure is by reading, How? We live in a world where many of the things we intend to do, are just at our finger-tips. New technology will help you to find information and provide websites for you to read; will answer the enquiries you have and augment your knowledge on how to process the application. In this way you will be hands-on with your form, if you are not a languid ant!

There are a few countries that will allow you to enter without a visa, however the rest oblige you to have it in your passport. In order for you to find it easier to search for information it is good to know where you really want to go for a visit, work, settlement, study etc.

(US Visa)

Commonly, applicants will go to a travel agency to seek their assistance, all throughout the processing period. For this type of help there will be a charge for the service of dealing with your application and sharing of esoteric information which they have already in hand. Be sure you have funds to finance this help. As these agencies have experience of the procedures and often know how to find work it is indeed a really good option for applicants who want to go abroad for work (without having an employer ) or for study purposes.

Learning is living...

A few assertive applicants will find information regarding the visa application procedure online. It is a hit or miss method of finding answers, however its not wasteful as it feeds our brain. If you have your own computer and Internet, search for the country’s visa application website and carefully read what is written. Particularly the type of visa you want to apply and the checklist, which shows the documents needed. Sometimes, you will encounter statements that are slightly technical and a way to clarify these is by either calling the customer service helpline number of the visa department or by sending an e-mail that of course is free and won’t cost you a penny but you need to wait for 1-2 working days for the feedback.

(UK Visa)

It is not just the visa department that may answer technicalities as travel agencies can provide, too. If you are a regular customer or if you know someone working inside an agency you can ask questions and make sure it will not sound like an investigation- be casual in the conversation and insert the question you want to raise in a discerning manner.

Visa is not just an ordinary stamp that is available in any shop and you are off to go. It is an application procedure that needs focus to fully understand the consequence. Once you are confident that you have all the documents for your type of visa, you will have the courage that you can process it practically (hands-on) as it costs nothing.
 
If you stop learning, you stop living!

REDUCED SODIUM SALT (WE'RE NOT COMMON)

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

We do use salt in our dishes but not the common one, to be specific, salt with less sodium content!

One of the ingredients in cooking that we usually sprinkle to balance the taste of our dishes is the oldest food seasoning called, salt. A mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride which is very important in the preservation of food. However, the reduced sodium salt consists of potassium chloride which does not increase blood pressure as with the common salt.

We all know for a fact that salt is produced in three forms such as unrefined salt (sea salt), refined salt (table salt) and iodized salt. But now there is also reduced sodium salt, so which of the four are you using in your kitchen?

TROY POLAMALU'S CURLY LOCKS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

His long curly hair amuses me and his charming face melts my heart so slowly!!!

I love men especially the ones who has a bewitching looks and more importantly, virility. Being an ordinary woman all I can do is to appreciate who they are and what they have behind their clothes (naughty!). Every time I see a good looking man walking, it tickles my body and boosts my day, too. Men are like tonic water that relieves body pain after sipping a few drops.

So much about men, we better talk about a NFL Football Player and his long curly hair.

Troy Polamalu was born on April 19, 1981 in Garden Grove, California. He is a retired U.S. Professional American football for the Pittsburg Steelers of the National Football League. As a football player, Troy is a member of the defense whose responsibilities usually involves pass coverage towards the middle and sidelines of the field, respectively.

I read in a money magazine that Troy Polamalu's long curly hair has won him sponsorship deals. His trademark hair has been insured for $1m by shampoo maker in the United States, Procter & Gamble Co. A fortune 500 American multinational corporation that manufactures a wide range of consumer goods.

Troy's long curly hair is not just a trademark, it is a valuable curly locks!!!

* Photo courtesy of Google Images

ENGLAND AND ITS SQUIRRELS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

It is not just the four seasons that a country like England can offer you as they have adorable animals too, wherever you go. They will follow you around so you better keep your eyes on them!

When I first came here in England, I visited a few places nearby my address such as graveyard, church and parks. I enjoyed the warm weather while exploring these places and I saw a few wild animals who behaved like domesticated pets.

I was very happy and stunned to see the squirrels up-closed as this type of rodents in my beloved Philippines are keep in cages in the zoo; not to mention you need to pay for the entrance fee before you can see them closely.

If you are happy to see these rodents they can sense it and they will even follow you around unless you dispel them. They are not just animals that will make us happy and astonish with their natural behaviour as they have contribution to our ecosystem too. One of the greatest contributions is their collecting and eating of nuts; most of the fallen seeds germinates, thus grows naturally in the wilderness.

This rodent lives down beneath the ground like rabbits or cling on the branches of trees like birds; either cool or dry. And they have the ability to climb, crawl or even fly just to pick and eat seeds that sustain their energy.

Squirrels are the nicest and cutest animals that you can play with using your hands as you can easily fool them!

POPULAR MUSIC

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

What's good about it?

You can compare the great works of classical musics and talk about the enduring popularity of a masterpiece like Beethoven's pastoral symphony, which is held dear by generations of people.

Youngsters may discover Beethoven in many ways; maybe as part of a course of study or they may hear on the radio. But generally speaking, popular music of the past is not exposed to each generation in the same way.

In particular, there are wonderfully evocative tunes in the 20's and 30's, composed by song writers. These writers specialised in writing songs for other singers and for musicals. There is also the extensive cannon of popular music, starting around the late 50's up until the time when flared pants were the fashion. Popular music, which is now not often heard by youngsters.

Now, we can capture the spirit of the early 60's on the 'youtube' website. Such delights as Neil Sedako's Breaking-up Is Hard To Do etc.

Just as Beethoven has a treasured place in the hearts of many, so to can popular music find a place. Today, 'youtube' allows us to unearth many gems to enjoy.

QUEEN VICTORIA'S BAKED/GRILLED CHICKEN BREASTS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

I like eating flavoured meat!

Cooking food at home is my magic wand. This is one of the reasons why I don't buy processed food or indulge myself to instant products when shopping. However, it doesn't mean I dislike them!

I have eaten grilled chicken breasts that was bought and made in the supermarket, in particular, garlic grilled chicken breasts. The taste was really scrumptious!

I bought a bag of frozen chicken breasts last time and challenged myself to cook my own baked/grilled garlic chicken breasts recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 pcs. of chicken breasts
• 3 cloves of garlic, crashed/sliced
• crashed ginger (optional) 
• 2 tbsps. of Extra Virgin oil 
• 1 tbsp. of sunflower oil
• 2 tsps. of honey
• a pinch of mixed herbs
• a pinch of salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules to taste
• 2 strands of spring onion, angled slices
• 4 cherry tomatoes, slice into 2

Sauce Preparation:

1. Mix the extra virgin oil, sunflower oil and honey in a bowl. Stir well.
2. Add the crashed ginger. Stir well again.
3. Once all mixed, just set it aside.

 

  (Baked Chicken Breasts and Grilled Chicken Breasts) 

Cooking Procedure:

1. Wash and rinse the chicken breasts (Thaw, if needed).
2. Prepare the chopping board and place the breasts on it. Use a sharp knife to scar on top and turn-over to do the same. Just set it aside.
3. Prepare your crashed/sliced garlic, then insert most of the slices in the created scars of the meat. Dont throw away the excess garlic just scatter and arrange evenly in the bottom of the pyrex glass covered with foil.
4. Rub the breasts with mixed herbs, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and vegetable stock granules for additional flavours.
5. Prepare your cooking dish (Pyrex-glass cooking dish is good) and lay the prepared breasts in the centre to create a well balanced art. Just set it aside.
6. Gradually, pour the sauce mixture you made (Sauce preparation) and make sure it is distributed evenly over the breasts.
7. Design it with angled slices of spring onions and slices of cherry tomatoes on top (Be Imaginative!). Then, cover the pyrex either with its excess foil or its lid.
8. Place it in a safe area and marinate it for 1 hour before placing it in the oven.
9. Preheat the oven to 150ºC under bake mode (electric). 
10. Place the cooking dish (with the marinated breasts) in the preheated oven, then bake it for 30 minutes. In 15 minutes time, glaze the breasts with its own sauce and be careful not to burn yourself.
11. After that, unfold the foil or removed the lid and then, change the Bake to Grill as well as adjust the temperature down to 120ºC. 
12. Place and grill it for 30 minutes. Check it every 10 minutes and glaze the breasts using its own sauce.

This is the perfect garlic chicken breasts to be served and eaten on the table with your loving family.

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

The history of the telephone is based on an experiment where 2 empty cans with holes in one-end were connected using a piece of thread. That experiment was enhanced later by an engineer who is credited as inventing the first practical telephone, Alexander Graham Bell.

However, I hate paying those exorbitant telephone charges for calling abroad. And there is an alternative!

Today, we all accept that the telephone is very useful in our lives as it has radically improved our communications. People nowadays may call or send a message or text. Telephone calls outside our domain or abroad will usually cost more than the local rate. Telephone networks offer a lot of packages to choose from in the hope that they may persuade customers to subscribe. There are cheap calls abroad, unlimited calls and texts etc. A package with a cheaper rate helps with our monthly expenses. Always a good thing!

If you want to call abroad or get-in touch with your loved-ones without subscribing to a network’s packages and worry about the monthly bill, there is an alternative. By simply going online and searching for ‘international cheap calls’. Use your landline telephone and input the access number for the country or location, then dial the person’s telephone number in the usual way. Don’t forget the country code prefix. There are a number of cheap providers to choose from. Access numbers will permit you to call people at a lower, cheaper rate than most of the network’s persuasive packages.

The links below will direct you to a website that provide different rates and a variety of access numbers for you to call abroad.

www.dialwise.co.uk/

http://www.planet-numbers.co.uk/

Call now!

TEARS IN MY EYES

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Huhu..huhuhu...huhuhuhu! This is the melancholic sound response or noise of someone when weeping...

 

A person's deep emotional response can be shown or released by simply shedding tears. In which, flowing tears from our eyes as a result of emotion will purify the fluid that surrounds the pupil. It is also treated as physiological catharsis which is both therapeutic for the well-being of our fragile hearts and in the relaxation of our weary minds because of the shouldered woes.

On a more scientific note, a drop of watery fluid continually secreted by the lacrimal glands, between the surface of the eye and the eyelid, serves to moisten and lubricate these parts and keep them clear of foreign particles. Moreover, it is also part of a parasympathetic rebound effect in which tears serve to discharge arousal.

It is recorded that women burst into tears for 47 times and men for 7 times in a year. 

*Photo courtesy of  www.naijastories.com

ZANUSSI CERAMIC GLASS HOB

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

New is better and more efficient!

Four years ago, my four-burner hob was replaced with a new one. It was needed as most of the rotary knobs were loose, thus controlling the power of each zone was getting unmanageable. To be more specific, the 'aged' one made me irritable as turning on & off was very troublesome.

I had a chit chat with the electrician...

Late in the afternoon or before they came around to the house, I received a call. The man on the other line was the electrician who was also a qualified appliances installer. He just verified the problem and confirmed the time they (him and his assistant) will surprise me.

They arrived with a sealed square box and as if they were hiding the new hob from me (why?) to moderate my reaction. LOL! The assistant mangled the box and I was presented with a ceramic glass hob. Primarily, it has four burners with various cooking zones and sensitive sensor fields.

I left the kitchen for awhile to make them homely. Before they left, I had a conversation with Mr. Electrician regarding people who are now millionaires and successful businessmen. I thought he was just a typical worker who will just knock at the door, ask about the problem(s) and fix the job, specifically. Surprisingly, he wasn’t! He knew the facts and stories behind the success of these people who are usually seen/read in money magazines. Two of the reasons why they are not that famous like actors because their stories were placed inconspicuously and written in small fonts as well. HOW PRETTY SAD!!!

I didn't burst into tears after seeing the well fitted zanussi ceramic glass hob in the kitchen. I kept my feeling concealed while they were still in the house. The design impresses me, very nifty, and the efficiency is making my cooking skills for years to date more manageable and enjoyable!!!

SAINSBURY'S BASIC JUG KETTLE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Last year, I was surprised by the sound of an explosion and it came from the kitchen. I checked the appliances, one by one, until I smelled the burnt plug of an electric kettle. The fuse had exploded and the electrical wire was severely affected, too, which made the kettle impossible to mend and get back in working order.

The kettle was absolutely irreparable that evening and I was left with no hot water for my hot chocolate drink (LOL!). Honestly, I found it very challenging not to have sizzling hot water in the house especially in the morning. Who would not be when you are used to having a cup of refreshing coffee after breakfast and late afternoon tea as well.

I woke-up at 5AM and searched immediately for electric kettles from various sellers online. I visited six stores to see their offers and ended with two of my best choices. They were from John Lewis website with impressive remarks from the previous customers. Additionally, they were not too expensive given the style, colour as well as their key features.

I stayed up and didn’t go back to bed....

My top two choices were amazingly very good but I ended up buying Sainsbury's Basic Jug Kettle. My only idea was to try it and to see if it's worth the trouble saving a few quid? Unfortunately, it wasn't a wise buy at all nor saving a few dosh in my purse!

While I was in the kitchen for hours, I couldn't stand the look of the kettle as it was disappointingly very basic and cheap looking (Sorry for being blunt and insulting). On the contrary, Sainsbury's Basic Jug Kettle functions similar to my broken Dome Kettle from Russell Hobbs. Yes, I didn't go to John Lewis to buy one of my choices and because of that, I hated myself (a little bit). My decision in buying it was absolutely a pointless compromise. Well, I'm only human!

I disliked it but didn't return it to the store...

Last year, the Sainsbury's Basic Jug Kettle was placed in the "balikbayan" box and shipped over to my beloved country. It wasn't exquisitely ideal for my finicky taste but it was worth experimenting. On the other hand, this well-made inexpensive kettle has been very useful at my brother's humble abode nowadays.
 

Technically speaking, this compact jug kettle has a light weight power base which doesn’t need so much space with the additional cord storage. It has twin water gauges on both sides of the body to see through the water level with removable and washable filter in the spout. The kettle is finished in clean white with a generous 1.7L capacity- providing you with more sizzling hot water for coffee, tea and other purposes. It also has a flip-top lid with on/off switch which illuminates with an orange glow when the water is boiling. Moreover, this household jug kettle brings water to the boil rapidly because of its powerful 1850- 2200W.

THE SHIRE HORSE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

I have seen many horses in the Philippines and even in the capital city, Metro Manila. Most horses in this city have carriage, they go around in some parts of Malate, a district of Metro Manila, to attract passengers like tourists.

I have been away from my beloved country for years and currently living in the United Kingdom. Residing in England has many reasons to enjoy and to look forward too, like their parks with lots of water and land animals who will follow you around. In fact, I enjoyed feeding swans and cygnets (baby swans), ducks, geese, pigeons and also, fooling squirrels. They are  very tame and playful, protected by the government and fed by people in this country.

I thought a country like England has no HORSES any more but am very wrong to pre-concluded that they only have cars nowadays.

United Kingdom's horses have fur in their feet up to the knees that resembles like knee socks and also the fur on their mane and tail are thicker like a cleaning mop. The structure of their body is bigger and wider and their height that depends on the breed measures from 56 to 72 inches.

In the early years, horses are used to transport goods for trading purposes. These are the working horses sometimes called cart horses as they were bred for their exceptional strength. But nowadays, most horses are use in equestrian activities and racing, silver spoon people's term for gambling. Some of the riches people have the hobby of breeding horses like the Queen of England.

*Photo courtesy of equinespassion.blogspot.com
*Video courtesy of Farmer George Whipple