Build and Maintain a Good Credit Score for your Future

Building a good financial standing is a must nowadays. Especially now that our country is facing recession where a lot of people need the help of lending institutions. But of course, in order for you to borrow money from them, you must present your financial capability and financial history. One of the most important records they usually check is if you have a good credit score. Your credit score is very important because in that report they could find your capacity to pay any debt. Of course, they need to be sure on that before they lend you money. The fact that you have a low credit score means that you have difficulty paying your debts and it might also indicate that you have a current bad credit.

That is why it is a must that one should maintain a good credit score and not put into waste their financial capability and their chances of borrowing money from lending institution. One of the ways you can do to maintain a good credit standing is pay your bills on time especially your credit cards. One should never miss a payment to prevent any cross mark on your financial report card.

Now, if you’re planning to borrow or loan a sum of money today, it is better that you check what your credit score first. You can do that by going to FreeScore.com and click on the free credit score tab to see not only one but three of your credit scores.

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How To Sharpen a Knife

Having a hard and messy time in sharpening your kitchen knives? Well, stop messing around with those dull blades and take a look at this one minute expert tips on sharpening.

 

Dull blades don’t work as well as sharp ones, and they‘re also more likely to slip and cut you. So here are some easy to do tips on how to sharpen them.

Choose you Tool.

Pass up tricky-to-handle sharpening steels even if all of the Food Network chef’s use them and buy a handheld or electric knife sharpener with at least two slots ( fine and coarse ) that hold a blade at a fixed angle for easy honing.

 

Get the Edge

With the super-dull blades, use the coarse slot first: Slide in the back of the blade, and put it through slowly several times, forming an even edge. Then do a few passes in the fine slot.

Is it sharp yet?

The test: if it slices into a ripe tomato with minimal pressure.

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Easiest Way to Remove Candlewax on a Tablecloth

Candle wax has always been one of the most furious messes in any furniture in the house. Well, that has been one of my greatest problems when I was still living at my mom’s house where every now and then the electricity is fluctuating. Fortunately, an online friend of mine shared me some tips on how to remove it – easily!

For a tablecloth or other material, put it in the freezer for several days, to freeze and dry out the wax. Flick off big chunks and then put paper towels over and under the stain and press with the iron. Rub straight liquid laundry detergent into the area, let set for a few minutes, and then wash in the hottest water safe for the fabric.

Speaking of candles, storing them in the freezer is not recommended because it will dry them out. However, keeping them in the refrigerator is okay, but be sure to put them in a plastic bag or wrap in plastic so the wicks don't absorb moisture.

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Do-It-Yourself Tips : Replacing a Windowsill

Here are some Do-It-Yourself instruction to replace your windowsill all by yourself. :)
 

Step 1: Remove the Exterior Trim

Using a utility knife, score the caulk around the outside of the window frame. Then do the same inside of the trim. With the seal broken, use a pry bar to remove the exterior trim -- take extra care, as you will reuse this trim after the windowsill is installed.

Step 2: Remove the Window and Framing Member

Cut out the window using a reciprocating saw with a fine-tooth blade. Have someone hold the window so it doesn't fall and break. To remove the framing member, again use
the reciprocating saw, which should cut right through the nails.

Step 3: Replace the Framing Member and Sill

If only the top of the sill is rotten, the wall cavity is likely okay; however, if the sill is rotted all the way through, be sure to check the wall cavity for damage.

To repair the window, build a new framing member with a notch cut out for the top; secure it in place with a few nails (Image 1).

Cut a new cedar sill with 2 x 6 cedar notched corners to fit in the rough opening and nail it in place (Image 2).

 

Step 4: Make a Kerf Cut

Using a table saw with a dado blade (or with several runs across the table saw blade at a 1/4" depth), cut a kerf into the bottom of the wood sill. A kerf cut allows water dripping off the edge of the window sill to fall to the ground before it wicks its way to the back of the sill and gets into the siding.

Step 5: Trim the Siding

If needed, use a circular saw to cut the siding to allow for new trim pieces (if necessary). Be sure to set the circular saw blade to the depth of the siding and no more.

Before reinstalling the window or the trim, fill all holes and cracks made by the saw or pry bar, and cover any exposed wood with insulative paper.

Step 6: Secure the Window and Trim

Fit the window back in place and secure it with the impulse nailer using 16-gauge 2-1/2" nails (Image 1).

Cut the trim to size and nail it in place (Image 2).

Fill all nail holes with wood filler. Let dry, sand and repeat if necessary. Use high-quality primer and paint to protect the new windowsill and trim.

 

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Wordless Wednesday | Organic Chicken Goody Wrap

It's really obvious that I love foods! Any kind for that matter, except for the exotic ones. lol!

I'm really craving for this one again! :) Nutritious yet yummy! :)

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Keep Your Cool

People don’t seem to really understand how important it is to keep cool in the summer. I’m a park ranger and it’s multiple times a day that I see people struggling with dehydration and heat stroke when the weather gets like it is. I don’t know why people don’t listen when we tell them the summer tips we do but heads up guys: we’re not just wasting our breath! It’s important most of all to stay really well hydrated when the temperature gets high – you should be drinking at least 60 oz. of water a day and far more if you’re outside or active at all. You should go inside every hour at least when you work outdoors and if you’re participating in sports or other active endeavors make sure you replenish your electrolytes.

Also, check your AC to make sure it’s cooling properly and go to Newyorkenergyrates.com if you’re having trouble affording the air. It’s not just convenient, it’s essential, to have in home AC when the temperatures get this high.

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Ruby Tuesday | Insalata di Cocomero, Rucola e Pinoly

It's my first time to join the Ruby Tuesday meme and with that let me share you some of my greatest experience in terms of my tongue. lol!

We went to an Italian Restaurant last summer. Aria is the place to be especially if you are in the island of Boracay.

With an impressive start, I was eager to savor some of Aria's vegetarian items. I was happy to be introduced to Insalata di Cocomero, Rucola e Pinoly (P480). 

It made use of my favorite salad greens (arugula -- organic arugula to be specific). With its combination of watermelon chunks, a confetti of pine nuts, and a drizzling of balsamic vinegar, my palate registered the insalata as "summer in a salad." If you crave for summer food that is refreshing, a little tangy, and delightfully juicy, then this salad will compliment your hot afternoons.

More Ruby Tuesday at Workofthepoet.blogspot.com

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How to Make an Eco-Chic Shopping Bag

I love bags! I actually have a different variety of it. From chic to executive styles to casual purses. But unfortunately, it was late that I've realized that I don't have any shopping bag where I can use every time I shop or do the grocery. I thought of buying reusable bag but I opted to look for ways on how to make my very own because the reusable bags I saw doesn't fit my taste. Plus, I'm planning to save money for the rainy days so I need to make one than buy something costly like those in the market.

Fortunately, the internet was there to give more information about it. And here it is:

What's better than an ordinary reusable bag? One you've made yourself from an on-its-last-legs T-shirt. All you'll need is an old tee, scissors, a needle and thread, and about an hour to get crafty.

To get started, carefully cut the sleeves and neck off your t-shirt, leaving a tank-top shaped piece. Turn the t-shirt inside out, then sew the bottom hems shut. Use a boxed corner technique to strengthen the stitch. To do this, put your hand on one bottom corner of the bag and pinch the side and bottom seam together, making sure to line your side and bottom seam up to form a triangle shape.

Then, stick a pin about 2-inches in from the corner. Repeat on the opposite corner. Sew a straight line right where you placed the pin, forming a cross with your seams. Repeat on the other side.

Then, carefully cut 1/2-inch slits into the t-shirt at 1-inch intervals in rows, cutting through both sides of the bag. Continue cutting until the majority of the bag is cut with slits. Flip the bag back to the right side, and you’re ready to carry your groceries in style!

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A Home Keeper's Wish

It’s almost midnight but I’m still awake and still online. My mind is so occupied with our upcoming plans for the coming months and one of which is the selling of our car.

Yup! My husband and I decided to sell our car for us to have funds to pay our payables. You see since I became a stay at home mom and my husband became a free lancer advertising consultant our income slowly diminished especially because offers this year has been pretty low. I think it still has something to do with US economic recession. That’s why since then I began to have a hard time budgeting. If ever the car is sold on a much higher price, we might have some funds for a car purchase with a cheaper cost or maybe add the remaining money for our house construction fund. (*cross-fingers*).

Oh well, we HOPE and WISH that the car will be sold pretty soon for us to pursue with our plans. For now, I have to say ciao and goodnight to all of you peeps! :)

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Clutter Solution : Family and Living Rooms: Entertaining Area

The living room in our house is considered as the bonding room in our family. Every night after every work and every study, all of us bond while watching tv in the entertainment area. That’s why I make it a point to make it look nice as well as feel nice so that my family especially my kids would love spending time with us. But for us couple, we set aside a special and serene niche in our living room where we can have some coffee and a little chit chat while the kids watch their favorite movie.

But what will you do if your bonding niche is full of clutter or mess? What else but DE-CLUTTER!

Your entertaining area can bring movies or music to life, but you need a comfortable place to watch or listen. This space is defined by the couch, coffee table, and surrounding chairs. The area may be focused on the entertainment center, but during parties or informal get-togethers, it can become a relaxed conversation pit where people cluster and socialize. The couch itself is rarely a clutter problem. Just keep throw pillows to a minimum — use only those that make you more comfortable. Groups of decorative pillows can too easily become a hiding place for remotes and other small items.

The heart of the entertaining area is the coffee table. It's the natural location for beverages and food, and serves as a parking place for books and magazines. A coffee table is indispensable for keeping things off the floor, and useful for short-term or specialized storage. Given its role as a centerpiece, choosing the right coffee table is essential to keeping the room organized.

Coffee table: The first consideration in choosing a coffee table is style. You're probably not going to buy a coffee table that clash with your other furnishings. But with a little investigation, you can find a piece that seamlessly integrates into your decor and still gives you the storage and organization space you need. The ideal coffee table provides enough surface space for beverages and food for the number of people who can fit in the entertaining area. It should also supply enough additional storage for everyday items such as magazines. In most cases, a shelf below the top is all the extra storage you'll need. But the coffee table can also provide drawers for items such as videotapes or the linens you use with a foldout sofa bed. If your needs are modest and you just want a place to put the remote and snacks, choose from traditional coffee tables. If your storage needs are more complicated, shop for nontraditional types.

• Traditional coffee tables have fixed legs, a simple top, and a shelf or drawers underneath. Crafted of glass, wood, stone, or composite materials, these are meant only to provide a temporary resting place for food and drinks and basic items such as a television remote, a bowl of fruit, or magazines. The shelf or drawers add longer-term storage. A shelf is more accessible and more appropriate for visually attractive magazines or books. Drawers are better for organizing small items such as loose drink coasters or replacement batteries for remote controls. If you opt for drawers, remember to keep the drawers themselves organized with dividers or compartments; otherwise, their purpose is defeated.

• Nontraditional coffee tables are increasingly in vogue. These can include cube-shaped boxes with lids, chests, or trunks, multitier units on casters, and other unusual versions. These are best matched to unusual storage needs. For instance, if you want to store seasonal throws near the couch for chilly nights, use a trunk coffee table with enough room for folded throws and maybe an extra pillow or two. Most types of unconventional coffee tables can function as mini closets to store board games, photo albums, or other items for which there is not enough shelf or closet space. One of the handiest types is an ottoman with a lid and hollow interior. When not being used with a chair, the ottoman can serve as a space-saving coffee table with significant storage under the lid.

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Food Friday | Chocolate Cupcake Frost

This is my first time to join and I’m really excited to post my very first entry.

Anyways, here’s my entry for this week. Would you love to indulge on this sweet treats?

Well, I am currently addicted to these yummies. Got them from 8 Twists Boutique Bakery and I’m quite loving every bread and sweet they sell. :)

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Food Trip Friday | Tsokolateng Batirol

One of my favorite drinks during the day.

(click the photo to enlarge)

The Classic Tsokolateng Batirol (Filipino Hot Chocolate Drink ) from Tsoko Nut Batirol.

Tsokolateng Batirol is made from cocoa and crushed peanut. Definitely one of the greatest creations of the Filipino in terms of Foods.

Who wants some?

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WW | Amazing Church Interiors

One of the most beautiful churches I’ve seen in terms of INTERIORS.

The paintings and carvings are done solely by hand. Amazing how people can make such great creations. :)

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Save on Eco-Friendly Living

I’ve been browsing the web for more ways on how to save more money on house appliances and fixtures. But I would also want to consider that the ways I should follow will also be earth friendly. 

So if you have the same goals as me, you can try these simple steps that I made for me to save money and to save our Mother Earth.

Tune Up regularly

Don’t be a slacker when it comes to car maintenance – if you give your car a tune-up every year, change the oil frequently and keep your tires properly inflated, you’ll improve fuel efficiency by seven percent. Think that doesn’t sound like much? If we all followed these rules, we’d save four million barrels of oil every day.

Change your lightbulbs

Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs use only a third of the energy an incandescent bulb needs to do its job, yet they last up to 10 times longer. They also generate very little heat, meaning your aircon won’t have to work as hard to cool your home.

Plugs those leaks

If your toilet is leaking, you could be wasting a lot of water – 200 gallons a day! Place a plastic jug filled with water in your toilet’s tank. It cuts the amount of water flushed by about half a gallon, because less water is needed to refill the tank after each flush.

Clean up the basics

You‘ll be surprise at what baking soda, regular soap, vinegar, and a little water can do. I use those four ingredients to clean everything from my kitchen sink to my bathtub.

Grow your own produce

If you have a green thumb, planting fresh organic veggies can help you cut grocery costs. Start small: Try growing your own herbs, which can even be kept indoors as long as they get adequate sunlight and water.

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Getting Rid of Foul Odor on Plastic Wares

Some of my older plastic food containers have a funny smell. I really don’t know how to get rid of them at first but finally I found some easy to do tips that I would like to share it to you.

So how can you make them smell nice again?

Plasticware can get this smell if you store it with a lid on. To say adios to that funky aroma, apply a thick paste of baking soda and water over the surface (or fill with ½ vinegar, ½ water). Let sit overnight, then rinse and air-dry near a sunny window.

Plastic food containers that smell really bad, or have a sticky feel, should be replaced.

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Weekend Blog Follower Caravan#19

Want to discover more great blogs in the World Wide Web? Well, why not join today’s Weekend Blog Follower Caravan!

I am actually an old follower of this caravan on my old blogs but this is the FIRST TIME I’ll have it on my Home Improvement Blog. Anyways, I would like to WELCOME all my visitors today and for those who have not joined the network yet, just click on the badge below and follow the instructions.

“Weekend Blog Follower Caravan is a simple online blogger-helping-blogger weekly meme. It was designed for bloggers to help each other in terms of blog followers either through Google Friend Connect and email subscribers. “

Home Living Guide

Goodluck to all of us and thank you for visiting, liking and following me! :)

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Clutter Solution : Kitchen and Pantries - Kitchen Tables

One of my favorite parts of the house is our kitchen. Not only that I can cook my favorite dishes and share it to my family but it also serve as a bonding moment with my family who really loves cooking.

But because of the fact that the kitchen is the most used area of the house, it is also considered as one of the most dirtiest and hard to clean area.

Well, that is actually one of my greatest problems currently and I just can’t help myself for browsing the web for easy to do tips in cleaning my kitchen. I have gathered a few yesterday and I would like to share them to you.


Here they are.


Your kitchen table is usually the central gathering place in the kitchen. It tends to fill multiple roles, from a social center to a place for eating meals to a desk for reading. Because so much goes on around the kitchen table, clutter is a natural problem. You can beat clutter and the general disorganization of table space by "center piecing" whatever is stored on the table and by keeping the table prepared for meals.

Center piecing is simply creating a central area — on a mini lazy Susan or in some other type of small organizer such as a basket — where all the items that will be permanently kept on the table are collected and organized. Put the basics — salt, pepper, napkins — in the centerpiece, leaving a small amount of space for other condiments during mealtime. Use bowls around this centerpiece as necessary to keep fruit or other treats for the family on hand.

Keep the table covered with a simple tablecloth or lay out place mats, and you'll be able to keep the table free of homework and bills.

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DIY Home Improvement Tips

Hi everyone! Welcome to my Home Improvement and Good Housekeeping Blog. Here you will find different tips and guides about Home Improvement and Good Housekeeping. You will also see some Do-It-Yourself articles that will definitely help you in organizing your home.

As for my first DIY Tips on Home Improvement, let me share an article written by Sally Boone. 

Everyone should be his or her own handyman or handywoman, for that matter. If you have enough time on your hands, why not learn the skills to fix that table or to change the wallpaper instead of hiring someone to do it, right?

It won't only save you hard-earned bucks but will also give you that sense of fulfillment that you know you've been longing for for quite some time now.

Here are a few home touchup tips that you can master in as little time as possible.

1. Don't get out the paintbrush when the Sun is not shining.

Why?. A paint job will go smoothly and the finish will be just as smooth if the weather is dry. You don't want bubbles in your paintjob.

One way to ensure that any effervescence won't annoy the finish of your painted walls is to apply paint when it's not raining. This also applies to your revarnishing table tops with rustic coats of varnish.

2. Shield your interiors from dust.

Common sense should tell you that if you are not into transferring your appliances or furniture set outside while doing some work you have to do some heavy work ridding the dust or any debris that your project may put on them.

Covering them tight with plastic will be a good idea. Now if you have a permanently-carpeted floor, it won't hurt to lay some newspaper before painting or re-painting any wall, right?

3. Be health-conscious.

Need I say more? But how do you implement health benefiting tips when it comes to home improvement projects?

Aside from having the electrical devices used properly and sharp objects kept somewhere safe and out of children's reach, there are other ways to prioritize your safety and health while doing any fix-ups.

Choose paints that release less fumes. Lacquer paints and those oil-based types can contain more contaminants compared to the latex kinds. So, which should you choose?

If you are working with furniture, fasten them. Don't use glue if it can be helped. This is to lessen the outgassing of the wood.

Always make sure that you have good ventilation when doing any home improvement project. Any strange smell may harm the respiratory system of your family or household members.

4. Work completely-armed.

There's no easy way to fail in your home improvement endeavor than to start without ensuring that you have the complete set of appropriate tools.

With those tips, you are ready to learn the more complicated ways of dealing with a home improvement project.

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