Category: Views & Opinions

Over the years, technology has evolved from being that of caveman status to putting useful information, tools, and resources at our fingertips with a simple tap or swipe. If you sit back and think about it, the internet was a luxury that only a few households had. Kids today wouldn’t even be able to imagine a world without the internet.

A study done by the (ITU) International Telecommunications Union showed that over 47% of people in the world have access to the internet and Europe has the highest number of users. With the internet being such a huge part of our daily lives, it can seem like it’s really taken over our lives… and to be quite honest, it truly has.

Tap Instead of Talk

There was a point in time where you had to send letters to people as the only form of communication. As technology advanced, we were able to use telephones. Telephones were a form of communication that forced people to have conversations with each other outside of being face to face with someone… those were the days.

Now you can communicate with someone with just a few taps for a text message. To take it a step further, communication has been shortened even more with abbreviations:

• WYD- What are you doing
• IDK- I don’t know
• HRU- How are you
• TTYL- Talk to you later
• OMW- On my way

Text messaging is the most popular way to communicate among the younger generations. There are definitely pros and cons associated with it. For one, it allows you to communicate with someone when you’re not able to actually talk on the phone. On the other hand, it has replaced verbal communication altogether for some people.

No More Standing in Long Lines

If you can believe it, people used to stand in long lines to pay bills, shop, and transfer money! Now we have the capabilities to pay bills while watching TV, shop from your bed, and send money while enjoying a hot cup of joe. Apps have made all of this possible.

Top Money Transfer Apps

• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Cash App

Ease of Shopping

From groceries to high-heel shoes, technology has allowed us to shop without having to leave our home. There are several apps and websites to choose from that allow you to pick out the items you want and put it in a digital shopping cart. Once you have the items you want, you simply input your credit/debit card information and just wait to get your items!

Stress-Free Bill Pay

We now have the ease of paying our bills by simply tapping “Submit.” Companies now are making paying bills easier and more convenient for customers by way of apps. A lot of credit card companies and even banking apps allow you to pay your bill through the app.

This helps customers avoid late payments and keeps them from having to stand in long lines. The greatest convenience of paying bills online is that it’s immediate. You once had to pay bills by check and wait for the check to clear in your account! A fact that’s unheard of now!

A New Form of Fun

The way we used to watch TV, listen to music, watch movies, and play video games is definitely a thing of the past. The internet has introduced this thing called streaming. Ever since streaming was introduced, the way we enjoy online entertainment will never be the same.

Video Games

The evolution of gaming has come so far. It used to be you had one controller and one TV to play from. Now you can play with multiple players and play from a PC, not just a game console! There are even new ways to play the games! You’re no longer justify with the option of console controllers… You can now play tactical games with a PC keyboard and a gaming mouse with great performance and sensors.

TV/Movies

The advancements in technology now allow you to stream TV, music, and movies. Trips to Blockbuster Video and Hollywood video are long gone for movie entertainment at home. Meanwhile, the internet has taken our TV experience to a whole new level. You now have the capabilities to pause a show if you need to step away from the TV/computer for a bit, and you can also rewind a show if you think you missed something.

It’s the digital era but people are still giving away the printed business cards. Why? Handing someone a business card may seem superfluous nowadays, since we can easily exchange messages on social media and email or just input a mobile phone number quickly and send a short text message. In any case, in the “business world” or corporate world, the “old-fashioned paper rectangle” is still the faster, easier and preferable way to share business contact information with prospect clients, partners and suppliers. Business card printing is culturally appropriate and it adds legitimacy and trust in the business.

I have my own set of business cards for work, but I think I need a separate deck for my personal blogging profile. Whenever I attend bloggers’ events, I just state my name, email address, and phone number and hope that people won’t get any of the information spelled or typed incorrectly. Oh, trust me, they do—most of the time, so I almost always have to enunciate that it’s Kirstin and not Kristin. 🙂 This goes both for my name, email, and all of my social media account handles.

Sometimes it’s great to have a unique name, but delivering it quickly in one breath wouldn’t save time. A calling card would minimize the room for error and smooth the process. Also, a well-designed one helps make a lasting good impression.

Finding a Business Card Printing Company Online

Thanks to Google search, finding a business card supplier in the Philippines didn’t require much time and effort. I browsed through about five sites and decided to try Sky Plus Print. Here’s why:

• Templates and custom options: Sky Plus Print offers a range of well-designed and curated premade templates for both personal and professional branding, along with add-on features such as finishes, print sides, card orientation, etc. The site is also equipped with a design tool where users can edit a pre-designed template or upload their own from scratch. There are available stock images and icons to choose from. Users are able to upload designs and backgrounds and insert a QR code to personalize the card more. All changes are reflected and can be previewed in real time.
• Intuitive web interface: It’s easy to figure out how to navigate the site. The flow is intuitive from choosing a design to work on to the checkout process (billing information → shipping information → shipping method via 2go Express → payment information: credit card, bank deposit, payment center, gcash, and PayPal → order review).

Designing My Own Business Card

The two primary purposes of my business card are to represent my brand and provide contact information. I believe that simplicity is powerful, hence after three revisions I made myself, I finally opted for a clean and minimal card design. Here are some screenshots of the customization page:

Giveaway for Followers

In case you’re interested to try Sky Plus Print’s service and are thrilled to join a contest, here’s a giveaway for you! Simply follow all the mandatory steps to get entries. Extra points will be credited when you also follow the optional steps. This will start from tomorrow, February 9, 2019, and a winner will be drawn on February 16, 2019. Prize is a free order of a premium stack of business cards by Sky Plus Print. 🙂

a Rafflecopter giveaway

To know more about Sky Plus Print and their business card printing services, visit their website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you’re a travel junkie, then you have a true appreciation for the beauty in the world around you. Whether you love the sands of the Sahara Desert, the shimmering lights of Las Vegas, or the deep blue waters of Santorini, the fact remains the same that the beauty you encounter and the memories you create on your trips are priceless.

Traveling gives people new life experiences and opens your mind and eyes to a world of creativity and inspiration. In fact, people who frequently travel have their homes decorated in travel-themed decor (when they are home). Decorating your home in travel decor is a great way to showcase your traveling experiences and adventures.

Sometimes, your travel experiences are so grand that you don’t want to ever leave. In some cases, people do actually move to their favorite travel destination, but if you’re not able to do that, then a great way to keep your memories alive is to bring your favorite traveling experience home with you, and I’m not just talking about pictures and postcards either!

Bringing your traveling experiences home with you means incorporating every aspect of your travels. From the food to the fashion, to the entertainment! It’s not something you have to do every day, but if travel is something you love, then it is a part of you. So, grab your swimsuit or swim trunks and dive into these fun ways to bring your favorite traveling experiences into your home!

3 Fun Ways to Bring Your Favorite Traveling Experiences Into Your Home

Recreate Meals From Your Favorite Restaurant Destinations

When you visit other destinations away from home, one of the main things that people love to experience is the food. There are certain foods that are common among many places but depending on where you’re visiting, the way a particular dish is made can be totally different than what you’re used to!

A great way to incorporate your travels into your home is to recreate some of the meals you’ve eaten during your travels. Let’s say you took a trip to the Philippines and had a craving for a juicy steak, so you hunt for a restaurant and run into Red Baron Ribs in Banawe, Quezon City.

Red Baron Ribs does a different take on steaks! In the U.S. (and many other places) steaks are typically seasoned in an assortment of flavors and spices in a rub, then grilled, for the most part. At Red Baron Ribs, you can experience a steak seasoned without a rub, deep fried in a tortilla shell, sitting on a bed of rice.  A steak like that is nothing you’ve ever experienced before, so why not recreate that meal at home. It could be your way of paying homage to your trip to the Philippines!

Bring Aspects From the Luxury Hotels Home

When you stayed at some of the luxury hotels during your trips, you fell in love with every aspect of the rooms. From the gorgeous views to the plushness of the hotel beds. Luckily, you can bring the luxuries of those hotels home with you!

In luxury hotels, the main luxurious aspect is the bed. The pillows are nice and fluffy and the bedding is so soft and plush that it made you feel like you were sleeping on a cloud! You slept so well that you didn’t want to leave. One way to bring the bedding aspect home is to create a luxurious sleeping environment with upscale bedding.

Another great way to relive the luxuries of your hotel experiences is to invest in plush robes. Most 5-star hotels have two plush robes awaiting its guests in the bathrooms of the rooms. They’re typically white and look like an ordinary robe, but once you put it on, your body is immediately covered in comfort. Try accompanying your luxury bedding with a warm and cozy robe, and see how quickly you will relive your fondest travel experiences in comfort.

Put Destinations and Souvenirs on Display

During your travels, I’m sure you picked up several souvenirs as keepsakes to your traveling adventures. Souvenirs can come in all different forms too. Some people like to collect shot glasses while others like to put magnets from their travels on display on their refrigerator!

A creative way to display some of your souvenirs is to use vintage suitcases as shelves. You can have them staggered along a wall showcasing pictures, figurines, and otherworldly treasures you’ve collected. You can also stack those vintage suitcases on your floors as an end table. On that, you can display a globe or a framed postcard of a destination you’ve visited.

Another great way to display your love of travel is to have a wall dedicated to maps. You can have a printed map on your wall and mark all the places you’ve been to with push pins. It’s a great reminder of where you’ve been and an inspiration of places you want to travel to next!

Hey guys! Is there any particular person in your life for whom you have strong feelings of affection and care or the one you feel lucky to have or the one who makes you smile like an idiot? If your answer is yes, then my dear you are in love.

Love is the most beautiful feelings and if you are experiencing the same with your girlfriend then express your feelings in such a manner that she can’t stop herself from saying “Yes” to you. Valentine’s Day is the festival of love when you have a golden opportunity to make her feel special and tell her how much you love her.

A romantic Valentine gift from your side can be the perfect medium of conveying your emotions of love, affection and care for her in a nice manner. Coming up with a thoughtful gift can be a little daunting task and make you fall into the dilemma of which gift is ideal to make your girl feel your love.

If you are scrambling for the right gift then you must check out this article as here we have curated a list of some amazing Valentine gifts that will speak your love for your girlfriend in a most prominent way and at the same time make the day, a memorable one. Gifting the below-listed Valentine gifts to your girlfriend is the perfect way to say “I Love You” to her.

Top 5 Valentine Gifts to Convey Your Affectionate Feelings for Your Girlfriend

Flowers

It is the most romantic gift that has the power to conquer your girl’s heart with its adorable beauty and aromatic fragrance. Give your girlfriend a bunch of fresh red roses online as roses are the symbol of love, care and respect as well as speaks your emotions in a very well manner. This gift is something that never goes out of style. So, go and get a fresh Valentine’s day flowers arrangement from your nearby florist store.

“Lucky to have you” Mug

Convey your affectionate feelings by gifting this super cool mug with a beautiful line “Lucky to Have You” printed on it. For the girlfriend turned coffee or tea addict, this mug is perfect. She can fuels her up by having a sip of coffee in it and at the same time, remind her of your love time to time. It’s a really adorable Valentine gifts that woo her heart and spell your every single feeling.

Makeup palette

Hey guy! Don’t be tensed! You may have no idea what kind of makeup your girlfriend use or which makeup brand she prefers the most, but gifting a makeup kit or palette can do the trick in your relationship. Trust us! It’s a better way to delight her heart. On receiving such a wonderful present from your side, she will feel how much you really care for her.

Stunning earrings

For the fashionista, it will be going to be the best present of her life. A pair of stunning earrings will seriously impress her and make her feel awesome on this day of love, Valentine’s Day. She will cherish this sweet & romantic gift and definitely feel your deep feelings of love. It’s a perfect gift for your girlfriend.

Personalized necklace

If your girlfriend loves subtle and meaningful jewelry, then an elegant necklace from your side will sure to steal her heart. Personalize this piece of jewelry with her initials so that she can feel your love whenever she wears it. You can get these kinds of Valentine’s day gifts online from any trustworthy gift portal as there are so many choices that will help you to buy the perfect one.

The above-listed Valentine gifts are lovely and romantic that surely embrace a special in her heart. Valentine’s Day is the day of love and it must be special for your girlfriend. Recreate those romantic moments again when you proposed her by presenting her the above-listed gifts. She will love it!

They say that home is where the heart is. But I say that home is where the ART is. Confused? Well, let me explain.

Art is all about self-expression and realization of the world and its complexities as seen and observed through your personal lens. That’s why art is so private, soulful, and relatable, just like your home.

The color to our bare walls, the music to our hungry soul, the light to our shadowed corners, art is a part of each and every one of us even if most of us aren’t professional artists. Here are some interesting ways you can turn your home into a true depiction of yourself through your art and creativity.

DIY Crafts

Not many people are born with a calligrapher’s hands or a painter’s creativity, but crafts are a mode of art that doesn’t need much from anyone except focus and the will to create something beautiful by their own hands. So depending on your preference, you can make wall hangings, wooden carvings, famous quote frames, quirky lighting fixtures, photo frames etc. etc. – the choices are endless!

If you wanna try something with a mix of painting and crafts, acrylic pouring is a great idea. It’s easy enough to understand and get started with as the things you’ll need are pretty easy to come by and you can find many online tutorials as well.

All such DIY crafts add a feeling of self to the room which is very hard to replicate.

Personal Pictures

Whether we accept it or not, almost all of us love to take photographs. Doesn’t matter if its landscape, miniature, self-portraits, family & friends or events, everyone enjoys photography in form or another, which makes it one of the common and profound artistic expressions.

So if you’ve been planning an art wall in your house, you can get started with your personal photography. Simply shortlist the most favorite photographs from your collection, get them printed (even framed if you want) into a desirable size and put them up at the wall. I personally suggest getting the wall painted beforehand into a neutral but refreshing color, different from the rest of the room, to bring more focus to the photos.

You can get funky, whimsical frames for your photos or simply paste them over the wall with hand-painted decorations around to add a more personalized touch. Trust me, this photo wall will become an absolute charmer in the room.

Paintings

Paintings and drawings are a great asset for an art wall in your home. They add color, dimension and a whole lot of sophistication to the space and don’t need any other embellishment to snag the focus – the art speaks for itself!

If you are into murals, then turning your wall into one would be the most awesome idea. You can incorporate small elements, like personal photographs or lighting accents etc., to create a whole story around the mural. Unique, expressive and attention-grabbing!

Lighting Fixtures

Lights can make or break an art piece. To hit you with its full force, art needs proper lighting. So it’s imperative that whenever you start working on your art wall, you make sure that it is designed with the lighting accents, sources, and angles in mind.

The right type of lighting placed in the right position and angles can change the whole feel of the art. Warmth, liveliness, darkness, depth, joy, sadness – everything can be downplayed or enhanced tenfold just by adjusting the lighting.

So think about the ambient lighting in the room, the placement of white and gold lamp lights, fairy lights, additional overhead lighting or DIY craft lamps addition while planning the whole look of the wall and you’ll be surprised at how the simplest art can become so impactful in the toggle of a switch.

So you’ve decided to head out into the wilderness and test your prowess as an explorer of nature’s numerous hiking trails. You want to go, but maybe you’re not quite sure of the type of items you might need while you’re out there.

Going hiking with at least an idea of the essential things you will need is smart, and with this list of items, you’ll be out enjoying the trail while saving yourself undue stress.

Hiking Essentials You Need to Hit the Trail

1. Nutrition and Hydration

Hiking, depending on what kind of trail you tackle, isn’t a walk in the park. Chances are you are going to expend a great deal of energy on your journey and you’re going to need some kind of sustenance.

Obviously you are going to need some water to stay hydrated, no matter the conditions. Check to see if your trail has stops along the way so you can get and idea how much to bring. When it comes to food, you are going to want to bring food that energizes you like nuts, fruits, and protein bars. They don’t take a lot of space and give you the boost you need.

2. Navigation

Yeah, you could rely on your phone like most people do when they’re lost or need directions, but having a compass and/or map will be a much better option.

Chances are where you’re going, there won’t be great reception for your GPS systems. Going the ol’ analog route leaves little room for error and all it takes is for you to have at least a basic sense of direction. Studying the area you’ll be in before hand will also give you a great advantage in the event of disaster striking or getting lost.

3. First Aid

Even on the most easy trails, anything can happen that calls on the need for medical assistance. You could cut yourself on a rock or branch. Maybe you twist your ankle or break finger trying to brace yourself for a fall.

Things like that could be immediately addressed if you have a first aid kit handy for such situations. You don’t have to bring an ambulance worth of medical supplies, so check the difficulty of the trail and plan accordingly. Things like splints, bandages, gloves,and scissors should be in every kit.

4. Light Source

Imagine being out on the trail, you lose your way and the path slowly starts to get dark and unrecognizable in the fall of night. That would be a very nerve-wracking situation to be in.

Having the even the most simple of light sources could be all you need to illuminate your path and guide you out. A small Led light or a lantern you can hang on your bag could do wonders.

Let’s say you don’t bring any source of light. Another thing you should bring is a way to start up a fire. That could be a matches, a lighter, or the trusty flint to spark up a fire to keep you warm on case you are stranded.

5. Decent Hiking Boots

Not having a decent pair of boots made for hiking could make your entire trip extremely uncomfortable and disastrous. You use your feet 100% of the time while hiking so making an investment into buying some quality boots will alleviate potential pain by wearing shoes not suitable for this type of activity.

You can assess the type of boots you’re going to need by the type of terrain your going to be facing. Are you going to be on a trail that’s pretty flat and straight forward? Then you could probably get away with some walking boots. If you’re climbing over rocks and moving uphill, then that will call for some more heavy duty hiking boots like the ones discussed here: https://bootbomb.com/the-best-hiking-boots-for-men-and-women-comparison/mountaineering-boots/

Either way, make sure you get some that you are comfortable in and can last a grueling hike. You can also visit authorizedboots.com for more tips, gears and ideas!”

We usually buy groceries from regular physical supermarkets, and I’ve always preferred shopping in a brick-and-mortar store rather than online. Despite the accessibility e-commerce offers and the surge in its capabilities, tactile experiences we get in physical retail stores make a difference. There’s a lot to explore and it’s nice to be able to see, touch, smell, and feel the products. Sometimes, brands feature new items or new variants of existing products and offer free samples of food for tasting or small packs for consumers to test and take home. 

The only time I was swayed to try online shopping for food stuff was two months ago–when I was put in bed rest. Since I was stuck at home, honestbee has become one of my go-to applications to get things I wanted. 

Honestbee is Asia’s fastest growing food service powered by community and technology. It is an online grocery concierge service that offers delivery services across different specialty stores, supermarkets, and farm-to-table marketplaces with a team of trained personal shoppers or “shopper bees” and riders or “delivery bees.”

Store categories include grocery and wet market, local delicacies, wines and spirits, desserts, medicine, internal groceries and deli, flowers and party needs, office, school and art supplies, babies and maternity, pet care, home and hardware, healthy choices, personal care, and there’s even payments and services. The availability of stores though depends on the location of the delivery address or the postal code.

Honestbee can be accessed both via desktop and mobile. The interface is intuitive and the app is easy to use, which makes shopping a snap. Searching for pantry essentials is faster, there’s no need to queue to pay, and more time can be saved as there’s no need to brave the traffic and drive to the store. If something on your shopping list isn’t available in the store, the Honestbee shopper will contact you to ask about alternatives. The app also lets you choose a backup for every item upon checkout. 

This holiday season, when you just want the comfort of your own couch, getting honestbee run errands and deliver items at your doorstep would be wise. It’s also a great help when you need something urgently as they offer same-day delivery. What’s more, there’s free delivery for orders over P3000.

Another good thing about honestbee is that the number of partner retailers keeps on adding up almost every month as they expand their business offering. Recently, Shopwise has joined honestbee. Prices are exactly the same as in the store!

In the Philippines, Shopwise has pioneered the hypermarket concept in 1998. It is known for its affordable quality, everyday freshness, budget-friendly variety, and fast, friendly, and fun service. “We’re living up to our promise of giving our customers more choices for their online grocery shopping, especially if they are looking for more affordable options for their daily essentials” said Crystal Gonzalez, Managing Director of honestbee Philippines.

With the partnership, users may now choose from Shopwise’s wide selection of groceries, clothes, toys, and home essentials that are easy on the budget. These include notable brands such as Papa Alfredo, Sunharvest, SnapMax and Southdale Farm, and also quality affordable wines from French Cellar, Wine Makers Reserve, and Red Peak to complete your holiday dinners.

As you know, holiday shopping in the Philippines can be stressful and exhausting. If you don’t have the time to go to the malls or supermarket this season, shopping on honestbee would be a wise move. So go on, give it a try and free up your time for more family bonding activities. 🙂

Shopwise is now on honestbee!

My honestbee Shopping Cart

Items arrived on time!

Holiday Items for Noche Buena

Download the honestbee app for free on the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and sign up for an account now. All first-time users can enjoy P500 off with a minimum purchase of P2,500. Visit www.honestbee.ph for more information.

As you know, holiday shopping in the Philippines can be stressful and exhausting. If you don’t have the time to go to the malls or supermarket this season, shopping on honestbee would be a wise move. So go on, give it a try and free up your time for more family bonding activities. 🙂

Shopwise is now on honestbee!

My honestbee Shopping Cart

Items arrived on time!

Holiday Items for Noche Buena

Download the honestbee app for free on the Apple AppStore or Google PlayStore and sign up for an account now. All first-time users can enjoy P500 off with a minimum purchase of P2,500. Visit www.honestbee.ph for more information.

When it comes to interior design, there are many factors that need to be taken into account. Not only must you think about the color (where the majority of people spend their time), but also the theme or style, the materials, the size, and the price of your design choices. This is a very enjoyable process for most people, but there are certain key elements that even seasoned experts overlook from time to time. One of those elements is the environment in which you live.

How to Choose the Right Rug Material for Your Home

In ancient times, people were limited in the colors and textures they could use. Without the advancements in technology that we today take for granted, people had to use the materials that came to hand, and focused on the function, more than the form. As technology progressed, the emphasis shifted from the practical to the beautiful, and people began to consider their home decor more for how it looked than what it could do for them.

But with the economy being what it is, and more families working on tighter budgets than ever before, I think it’s high time we returned to the lessons that our ancestors can teach us. In particular, they understood that different materials fit better in certain environments, and could help to keep themselves cooler or warmer, depending on the environment, particularly in their choice of rugs.

Armed with this same knowledge, we can make an informed decision when choosing a rug that will not only be beautiful for your home, but help you save money on your heating bill.

Leather Rugs

Leather is a durable material that is very resistant to a wide variety of elements. It serves as a natural buffer against dirt and moisture, making it perfect for places that see a large percentage of rain, and as a result, a lot of mud. At the same time, leather is extremely breathable, having been made from animal skin (or mimicked through synthetic leather), and will help control sweating.

However, because of its porous nature, some leather doesn’t insulate heat very well, and may not be a good choice for colder living conditions. In fact, leather will dry out quickly if justify close to heat sources, or exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Wool Rugs

Wool has been a staple of rugs for centuries, ever since humans started to domestic livestock. A thick and durable material, wool is perfect for insulating heat, and keeping dirt and moisture at bay. If you live in an environment that stays cold or cool year round, wool is the natural insulator that will help you save on your heating costs. Wool is also easy to color, meaning that wool rugs come in a wide variety of beautiful designs, and you’ll be sure to find one that not only keeps your family warm, but fits naturally in your home.

Using several wool rugs, you can insulate the key points in your home where you and your family tend to congregate, like the living room. Be aware: wool is difficult to maintain, can feel itchy, and can trigger allergies and sensitive skin.

Cotton

One of the most commonly used materials in the world, cotton is among the softest of decor materials, and one of the coolest. Even in the thickest of weaves, cotton rugs are extremely breathable, meaning that these kinds of rugs are perfect for conditions where the temperature ranges from warm to hot consistently.

The only real downside to cotton is that it can be damaged easily, and isn’t very resistant to stains. To maintain your cotton rug over the years, use them in areas that don’t see the most traffic in your home, but where you still want to have a sense of comfort, and keep the temperature down, like your bedroom.