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Author: Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco

How To Replace Your Car’s Battery
A dead battery is an inconvenience that has a simple solution. You just need to get a new auto battery and replace the old one. You can avoid the tow truck or car mechanic’s fee if you change your car battery yourself or let one of AutoZone’s technicians do it.

Basic Steps For Changing a Car Battery

Although the exact procedure for your car may vary based on where the battery is located, the process is similar for most vehicles:
- Put your car in park. Make sure it’s on even ground. Let the engine cool off before changing the battery. Have protective gear: gloves to protect your hands; long sleeves to protect your arms; and close-toed shoes to protect your feet.
- Find your battery. In most cases, you can pop the hood and it’s right there. Consult your owner’s manual to check for specific information for your car.
- Loosen the nut that holds the battery in.
- Disconnect the black cable, AKA the negative or ground cable, first. Then remove the red cable, AKA the positive cable. Don’t let them touch each other or any metal parts or the engine.
- Remove any bars or fasteners on the battery to take the battery out of the car.
- Lift the battery out of the car. Hold it level. It will be heavy, so use caution. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
- Clean the battery cables if they are corroded. If they are damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
- Install the new battery and secure it down.
- Replace the red cable first, then the black one.
- Make sure the battery is secure and completely stationary.
- Close the hood and start the car. If the car doesn’t start, you made to have it serviced by a certified technician.
Make sure to dispose of the old battery correctly in your community. You can bring the old battery to AutoZone when you buy your new Duralast battery.

Can I Replace A Car Battery Myself?

Changing a car battery is something that most people can manage on their own. You’ll need a wrench or pliers, a couple of rags, your owner’s manual and protective gloves. If your battery’s connections are corroded, you may want to have some baking soda and water with an old toothbrush to clean to the terminals or cables. Just make sure that your car is on stable ground and the engine is cool. Put on the parking brake and follow the car manual’s guide.

Does AutoZone Replace Your Car Battery?

If you don’t feel comfortable changing your car battery on your own, you can ask the techs at AutoZone to change it for you. If you think your battery is getting to the end of its life, bring your car to AutoZone for free battery testing. We can help you find the correct battery replacement for your make and model. If you buy your new battery from us, under certain circumstances, we will change the battery. If the battery is easy to change without removing other components, our techs provide this free service. Stop by a local store to get more information.
November 26, 2020
Infinitea’s Milk Tea and Fruit Tea Family Collection
Can’t get enough of milk tea and fruit tea? Infinitea introduces a Family Collection of their milk teas and fruit teas, with their 10th year celebration in the industry. It was founded on the love for tea and fueled by the passion of well-being. So let the fun times roll with 2.5-liter good for 8-10 servings and 5-liter drinks good for 12-16 servings! The packaging is a collapsible and reusable pack. Infinitea Family is available in the following variants:
- Original Milk Tea – PHP 370 / PHP 680
- Wintermelon Milk Tea – PHP 430 / PHP 800
- Premium Okinawa Milk Tea – PHP 470 / PHP 880
- Chocolate Milk Tea – PHP 425 / PHP 785
- Jasmine Green Tea with Honey Lemon – PHP 330 / PHP 600
- Peach Lychee Fruit Tea – PHP 260 / PHP 455
I decided to try their Jasmine Green Tea with Honey Lemon. It’s made with a green tea base flavored with jasmine flower. Mixing honey and lemon adds a soft and silky taste to the drink that strikes out the leafy taste of the tea. The result is a sweet, a bit citrusy, and aromatic tea that’s delicious with a soothing aroma. Hold back your reservations! This drink is refreshing, delicious and calming.

The bright citrus and floral notes of jasmine flowers are clear and strong. Your taste buds will be in for a treat of floral and fruity goodness. Enjoy a glass on your own or serve up a pitcher for your family. For a pretty-looking presentation, garnish with fresh mint, rosemary, basil, lemon, cucumber or other edible flowers and leaves. Add sinkers to explore a new dimension and texture to the drink.

nata

The Family Collection is a great contribution for a potluck party with family and friends. Bring back the Filipino culture of salu-salo this holiday season and exchange not only good stories but also yummy food and drinks with loved ones.

5 liters is quite heavy but our “strong boy,” Lancie, who just turned two, was able to singlehandedly carry it! 😀

Excited to try

Whoops! Sorry, Lance, you can’t have it! 🙂
October 25, 2020
5 Things to Consider When Driving in Foreign Countries
Some people don’t want to travel right now because of the pandemic. That’s understandable. If you get on an airplane, you’re breathing in the same recirculating air as everyone else, even if you have on a mask.

However, some individuals feel okay about foreign travel. They feel like it’s an acceptable risk. Maybe you’re traveling out of the country for work, or perhaps you’re doing so for pleasure.

In either instance, when you get to your destination, you’ll have to think about how you’re getting around in whatever foreign country you’re visiting. You could use public transportation or cabs. Alternatively, you could rent or borrow a car in some cases.

If you do so, you should keep some things in mind. Let’s look at a few of them right now.

Make Sure the Car is in Drivable Condition

Let’s say you arrive in a foreign country, and you plan on borrowing a car for a few days from a friend you know there. Perhaps you’re going to rent a vehicle instead.

If so, you should carefully check the car’s condition before you drive it. The vast majority of accidents are caused by negligence, and you don’t want to have to deal with a breakdown or collision while on foreign soil.

That’s because:
- You might not speak the language
- You may not know how best to deal with the local authorities
It’s one thing if you’re visiting a foreign country with which you’re familiar. If so, you can probably deal with a breakdown or vehicular collision without much trouble.

If you’re in a country you’ve never visited before, you want to avoid this situation. Sometimes, looking over the car for potential issues before you drive it can save you from some unpleasantness later.

Make Sure You Know the Local Speed Limits

If you’re going to drive in a foreign country, you should also find out what the local speed limits are in the area you’re going to visit. You don’t want the authorities to pull you over because you went too fast. If that happens:
- You’ll have to deal with a speeding ticket
- You might have to communicate with the police, and you may not speak the language fluently
It helps to drive cautiously in a foreign city anyway since you probably don’t know your way around. Look for speed limit signs and follow them.

You Might Have to Drive on the Road’s Other Side

If you’re American, you’re used to driving on the road’s right-hand side. In some countries, though, it’s the opposite.

If you’ve never driven on the road’s other side before, that might confuse you. You’re going to have to rely on all your skill to adjust to it. It might not feel right till you’ve done it for quite a while, and you likely won’t be in the country long enough to completely adjust.

Know About Any Unusual Traffic Laws

You may have to deal with some traffic laws that might be slightly different from American ones. You should know when you have to yield, who has the right of way, whether you can turn right on red, etc.

It’s helpful to read up on local traffic laws if you’ve never driven in a foreign country or city before. You might get a book on the subject or watch some online tutorials.

Be Ready for the Language Barrier

You might also have to deal with a language barrier if you try to rent a car. If you’re in Salamanca, and you speak fluent Spanish, you can probably rent a car without too much difficulty.

If you barely speak the native language, car rental will challenge you, as will just about everything else. You might try bringing a friend along who speaks the language fluently if that’s an option for you.

You also must be sure that you can drive if all you have is an American license. The country in question might not allow you to drive without a native license.

If you have dual citizenship and regularly visit this country, this probably won’t be an issue. You can show the rental agency your driver’s license for that country, and you’re good to go.

You will likely find driving in a foreign country challenging for all the reasons we mentioned. That’s why many individuals elect not to do it. If you decide to drive, try to prepare yourself as best you can to make sure this process goes smoothly.
October 20, 2020
Discussing the Top Hand Sanitizer With Aloe
If you are like me, and most likely every other person on the planet at the moment, then what has become the new handbag essential is a pack of disinfectant hand wipes, a face mask or covering of sorts, and the all-important hand sanitizer. They come in various shapes, sizes, and forms, and with a diverse level of alcohol percentages, and in some cases flavors and scents that smell like it could be used as your daily cologne. How sanitary or safe those are I am not sure, so proper research is important.

The world has gone into survival mode at the moment and it’s easily understandable given the recent outbreaks and ever-increasing pandemic. Ensuring you are safe and covered when it comes to your health and that of your family is vital.

What makes a good sanitizer?

Firstly it would need alcohol content with a minimum of 60%. This is to ensure that germs are killed and you don’t pass anything on to anyone else. If it contains added ingredients such as essential oils or even better, aloe vera, not only will it be protecting your hands but also keeping them smelling fresh and soft.

Using a sanitizer in conjunction with washing your hands with soap is the best method for disinfecting your hands. If the soap is not readily available, be sure to rub the sanitizer gel thoroughly between your fingers and around fingernails as they easily trap dirt.

Then you want a sanitizer that has been tested and is FDA and EPA approved. Labels will state this and are required on products to meet industry standards and laws to be sellable.

To see a more in-depth explanation of the processes and methods used in the testing operations, check out this link for an interesting read on the topic and a foundation on what to look for when purchasing your sanitizing products.

Lastly, please do not add alcohol to a non-alcoholic sanitizer product. This does not increase its efficacy and is more likely to cause skin irritation and could result in a rash or breakout.

Which is best?

There are a countless number of brands and products on the market. Knowing which one is best or those that claim to offer the highest protection can be a daunting decision. We want to be safe and protected naturally, so take a minute to do your homework and make the right choice the first time around.

Referrals from friends and family are always a good way to narrow down the options, but if this is not an option then why not have a look at bemoxe.com for a simplified and personalized list of fresh-smelling gels.

The range is available from family size bottles for in the bathrooms to “on-the-go” versions that are easy and compact to pop it in your luggage and switch from bag to bag as you tackle the day.

What synched the deal for me is incorporating Mother Nature’s natural ingredients like aloe. It’s good for the skin, helps to keep the hands soft and moisturized. Moisture is usually lost as the harsh alcohol instantly dries the skin.

People have been reaping the benefits of aloe vera for centuries and it is widely used in organic and all-natural products to this day.

3 Top Advantages of Using Aloe
- Aging process. Studies have shown that aloe slows down the aging process in terms of skins elasticity and fine lines by increasing the production of collagen in the body, offering fewer wrinkles who wouldn’t want aloe in their life.
- Aloe has moisture-retaining properties keeping the skin supple and hydrated, a great alternative for those looking for a more holistic and chemical-free approach to acne or psoriasis and skin related ailments.
The list can go on with people stating their opinions, but see this article on why aloe is so beneficial for our bodies and skin.
- UV Rays. Aloe is rich in vitamins and reduces the effects of harmful UV rays, whilst simultaneously repairing existing damage.
Keeping safe whether through natural means or naturally produced products is essential in the times we’re living in. Be sure to do your part. 🙂
October 19, 2020
Sonax Car-Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials

During these COVID times, washing, cleaning, and disinfecting are three things we’ve learned how to do regularly. This applies not only to our hands, body, and face and our personal daily essentials but also to our vehicles. Aside from “reviving” or enhancing my programming skills, one things I’ve learned during community quarantine is taking care of my car.

Having a clean car interior especially makes me feel safer. My car is like my second home when I’m out and about, so it’s really important to have the right products to effectively give it its much needed maintenance and TLC.

SONAX Car-Cleaning and Maintenance Essentials

I’ve learned about SONAX products recently while browsing automotive cleaning / exterior vehicle car/ car cleaners and kits on Lazada. If you’re not familiar, SONAX is Germany’s number one automotive car care detailing brand. It’s available on Lazada and BLADE stores in the Philippines. I’m no expert when it comes to car cleaning and grooming. But as a beginner, I think these are some basic useful things to help keep your car in tip-top condition.

1. Sonax Chrome and Alupaste 75ml (PhP 280)

SONAX Chrome and Alupaste is a polish for aluminum and trim metals such as copper, brass and chrome. It removes rust and blind spots quickly and thoroughly, dissolves dirt and corrosion, restores the original shine and leaves a protective film.

This product is pretty decent and require very less effort to make the chrome parts looks new again. The paste is fairly easy to use and spread. You just have to apply some amount of pressure to get rid of the unwanted marks. Overall, it has a good value for the price.

2. Sonax Xtreme Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner 400ml (PhP 625)

This cleaner gently cleans deep into the fibers of all textiles, such as seats, upholstery, carpets, linings, roof-linings, child seats and Alcantara surfaces. It simultaneously freshens up the colors and disperses unpleasant odors, such as cigarette smoke and animal odors. It also leaves a subtle fresh scent after use.

After use, my car’s seats are now a stunning black color again and look like new. A slight con is that it can be a bit messy when spraying so it’s best not to have pets or small children in the car. It’s also easy to use. I just followed the video tutorial on YouTube. 🙂 You’ll need a brush and microfiber cloth.

3. Sonax High Speed Wax 500ml (PhP 800)

If you’re looking for a highly effective cleaning and care emulsion, this product ticks the right boxes as it gives a radiant shine and protection lasting for many weeks, seals the paintwork and gives a streak-free high gloss, and it’s convenient and easy to apply. The SONAX high speed wax is suitable for maintaining all plastic and rubber components. It’s a “lightning fast” paintwork sealant. Shake the bottle, spray on, wipe off, done!

Here’s a video for the demo:

4. Sonax Clear Glass 500ml (Php 465)

This is my favorite out of all the products mentioned in this blog. The stuff is amazing. You can spray it on the glass and watch the dirt run off. You get what you pay for! It’s ammonia-free, phosphate-free, and does not repel water just a glass cleaner.

I hate seeing dirty car windows when driving as it blurs my vision, especially when it just rained. This glass cleaner works wonders as it can clean both the exterior and interior windows for streak-free vision. It instantly frees windscreens and headlights from insects, dirt, exhaust deposits and nicotine. It can quickly and easily eradicate smear films and nicotine deposits from car interior windscreens and mirrors.

Before

After

This SONAX Clear Glass is also ideal for household use on windows and mirrors. I have found it’s also great for cleaning the TV screen without leaving any residue behind. It goes on easily, wipes off cleanly, and leaves a pleasant smell. I highly recommend it. Best of luck to you!

To learn more, check out SONAX products on Lazada Mall online.

October 18, 2020
My Version of Homemade Sushi Bake with Spicy Tuna, Crab Sticks, and Scallops
After watching about three YouTube videos on how to make sushi bake, I was finally convinced to make it myself at home. I purchased all the ingredients from different online stores and asked my mom to buy nori sheets.

If you’re unfamiliar with sushi bake, it’s one of the latest food trends that’s like showing up in everyone’s feeds during the community quarantine. What it is simply is a deconstructed version of sushi. But instead of the rolled sushi, this one is baked in a casserole pan or a baking tray.

In this post, I’m sharing my very own version of the homemade sushi bake. This is very easy to make. You don’t have to be an expert cook and you don’t have to invest in expensive ingredients to recreate it at home. I’ve tried this recipe three times already. The results got better each time—good example of the old adage “try and try until you succeed.” 😉

Super Easy Sushi Bake Recipe

Ingredients for sushi rice:
- 2 cups Japanese rice, rinsed well and cooked with 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
Ingredients for sushi bake:
- nori sheets
- 1 can spicy tuna
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise)
- 1 cup shredded crab sticks
- 20 pieces cooked scallops
- 90g Kesorap Express Melt Cheese
Procedure:
1. Fluff cooked Japanese rice into your baking tray. Mix apple cider vinegar, salt, sugar, truffle oil well and lightly pour and press lightly on the rice.
2. Place the nori sheets on top of the rice.
3. Combine the spicy tuna, mayonnaise, shredded crab sticks into a mixing bowl and mix. Spread on top of the nori sheets.
4. Place the cooked scallops and grate cheese on top.
5. Bake it in the oven for about 8-10 minutes or until the cheese has melted or turned golden brown. Scoop a portion and wrap in nori sheets to serve.
My mom happily volunteered to take it out from the oven!

She also helped place it on the table to serve. Hihi.

Enjoy!

This sushi bake recipe is a crowd pleaser in our family. It’s great for potlucks and get-togethers. No special sushi chef skills needed! ♡ Even when we’re still under the community quarantine, we can still enjoy delicious food without spending a fortune. If you get a chance to try this, let me know!
August 22, 2020
Food Delivery from Kopi Kopi Café & Kitchen, Santo Domingo, Cainta

Social distancing shouldn’t mean unfulfilled cravings. When you’re not in the mood to cook or just struggling to find the right ingredients, a good way to snap out of it is to order delicious convenience food and call it a day. Kopi Kopi Café & Kitchen in Santo Domingo, Cainta is a spot to your rescue. They provide meal packages for hospitals, BPOs, corporate offices, and homes. My first encounter of Kopi Kopi was five years ago, during our taping for iJuander. We tried their best-selling cream puffs and boy, they’re really amazing, so close to food heaven that you can almost hear the angels singing when you bite into one. 🙂

Here’s a rundown of comfort food from Kopi Kopi Café & Kitchen we recommend. The party trays and food for sharing are perfect for get-togethers, family lunch or dinner, barkada take-out meals, and other celebrations. They also have à la carte meals which are ideal for those staying solo at home during the community quarantine.

Food Delivery from Kopi Kopi Café & Kitchen, Santo Domingo, Cainta

Salted Egg, Parmesan, Buffalo Chicken Wings

There’s nothing fancy with their chicken wings: no bells and whistles, no exotic sauces, just textbook execution but they’re good especially for quick eats! Buffalo chicken wings are always my first move. The salted egg and parmesan are tasty, too, with the right amount of fry, while maintaining a juicy body on the inside without becoming overly slimy.

Arroz Caldo

This Filipino porridge dish features a rich chicken broth, glutinous rice, chicken, and hard boiled eggs. It’s ideal for breakfast or anytime to soothe an upset stomach or remedy colds for cool days. I love that it’s warm and thick! 😀

Pancit Bihon

Pancit Bihon with chopped vegetables is almost always present during merienda time or a feast on Filipino food. I like mine with calamansi to brighten up the flavors of the dish. Too bad we don’t have pan de sal right now! It’s good to eat pancit like a sandwich.

Cream Puffs (Order through this form)

Kopi Kopi has nailed the balance in a puff. Best when refrigerated! 🙂 The cream has the right texture and sweetness, the puff has an airy interior, and the crust is perfect—not too thick or crumbly or stiff. Their cream puffs are among the best we’ve tried so far. 🙂 Mini puffs are also available.

Kopi Kopi Café & Kitchen Food Menu with Contact Details for Pickup and Delivery as of August 2020

August 22, 2020
Healthy Options Baby & Kids Products Haul and Review
Did you know that Healthy Options has a great selection of products for babies and kids? In every store, there’s a section with shelves of curated items for babies and kids that are all natural, free from harmful toxins and additives, in short–safe for your little ones. These are also available online! 🙂

I love getting Lance items from Healthy Options because not only are these products made with excellent quality but their values also align with mine. In this post, I just wanted to share and highlight a handful of our favorite tried and tested items.

Healthy Options Baby & Kids Products Haul and Review

Bath Care

Baby’s exploration throughout the day can be messy, but Babyganics gives you everything you need to clean and nurture baby’s skin after a day of play. A shampoo and body wash in one that can truly clean, moisturize, and protect baby’s sensitive skin can help you worry a little less and have more fun during bath time a little more.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CD6OmI5nGf9/

This is our second bottle of Babyganics Shampoo+Baby Wash Chamomile Verbena. It cleanses from head to toe, leaving baby’s hair and skin nourished. I like that the thick, soft foam it generates from every pump. There’s real cleaning going on in every bubble, and it’s safe for the eyes and gentle on skin.
- Smell is natural and not obtrusive
- Made of plant-based products and organic ingredients, no unnecessary chemicals
- Feels light and clean, non-irritating, and it lathers up well
Skin Care

Another must-buy item from Healthy Options is this Babyganics Moisturizing Daily Lotion. Why we love it? This product sinks in without feeling sticky and relieves dry, itchy skin for hours. It’s a nice skin care product to apply for post-bath pampering.

Plant-derived ingredients like Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and Babyganics’ NeoNourish® Seed Oil Blend (blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin and raspberry seed oils) help calm rashes and settle easily inflamed baby skin.
- Non-allergenic, pediatrician and dermatologist tested
- Glides on and absorbs quickly with non-greasy, non-sticky afterfeel
- Also good for moderately dry skin
Snacks & Drinks

HappyKid Organic Apple, Kale & Mango: This delicious blend if super quick to serve. Just twist to open and enjoy directly from the pouch, definitely a good way to encourage healthy eating habits for babies and kids. It’s a great source of antioxidant vitamin C with no added sugar.

Happy Tot Fiber & Protein Organic Apples & Spinach Oat Bar: Contents are fiber, protein, and whole grains in soft-baked, gluten-free oat bar made with fruits and vegetables. It’s tasty (I tasted it myself!) and comfortable to chew. Smell is like apple, rosemary, and cinnamon put together. Note: This product should be fed only to seated, supervised children who are accustomed to chewing solid foods already.

Smart Kids Organic Apple Juice: This apple juice is made from the highest quality organic ingredients, non-GMO, and with a clean label. Lance liked the freshly squeezed orange juice we made for him recently, so we’re positive he’d also like other natural fruit drinks during meals.
August 17, 2020