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Archive for June, 2012

Over the weekend, I bought new non-stick pan. Believed me, I had a hard time choosing. There are a lot of pans in different sizes and name brands and prices. Finally, I settle for one that seems to fit the purpose of the purchase – a good quality non-stick frying fan for me to use when frying eggs, hotdogs, bacon USING LESS OIL.

Our old non-stick pan was showing small scratches on the coatings. Because of the growing debate over the safety of the coatings used in non-stick cookware/bakeware, I wouldn’t risk on the safety of our family’s health. Besides, for less than 500 pesos for a non-stick pan, throwing away the old one is reasonable enough.

What it is there in non-stick pans that we should be aware of?

To make pans and other cookware items be non-stick, manufacturers have been using Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a stable chemical that is discovered to prevent the food from sticking to the pan during cooking. Thus, food can be cooked using less oils (fats) providing healthier benefits to users of non-stick pans.. However, potential health damage have been raised over the use of PTFE.

Through modern innovation, most companies have adhered to safety standards with regards to making non-stick pans be as safe to use by consumers. Care and proper handling have been provided for every product purchased.

What are the safety rules in using non-stick pans?

• -Do not overheat non-stick pans. Oils will begin to get burn when the pan reaches temperature of 260 degree Celsius.  Fumes can then caused unhealthy effects on humans. Hence, it is important to check the heat especially when cooking on stove top.

• -Do not use metallic spatulas over non-stick pans as these may caused scratches on the coatings. Plastic spatulas or ladles are preferred.

• -Hand wash non-stick pans with warm soapy water. Never use harsh detergents as these may damage the coating. Never use scrubbers also as these may scratch off the coatings, too. Non-stick pans are generally easy to wash.

• -Store non-stick pans and other pans separately and properly. Bumping will cause scratches on the pan.

• –Do not st0re foods using non-stick pans. Some foods can damage the pan when stored for longer periods of time.

Making sure that these safety procedures are followed can ensure safety and healthy cooking procedure using non-stick pans.

Glad that Raine, the fourteen year old son, has never been too picky with his notes this school year. Bought his notebooks below  at thirteen pesos each. No need to go to bookstores at the mall. Notebooks are a lot cheaper to buy at the market. You just have to shop earlier to avoid the crowd. I do my school supplies shopping in early May.

Thus, instead of paying for 16 pesos a piece, I get to pay 13 pesos each notes. The 3-peso savings, I could get to buy a pencil for my little girl.

For 13 pesos, the quality of the paper are quite impressive. Hence, my teener had no qualms. I do. Because, I can’t get him to “design” his notes according to his “likes”. He wanted a more personalized notes. Asking me to “revamp” the notes.

 Here’s what I did.

Remove the spiral wire.

Sew with yarn.

 Prep up with colorful papers.

I looked for old magazines in the store room and find me some glossy papers that would suit the son’s age and according to his “tastes”...tech/gadget magazine...

I cut them out and cover the the notebooks.

 Finally, I cover up the notes with clear plastic to add protection to the note itself and the paper cover.

Finished. The son went asking, “Where did you bought the papers (covers), mom?”

Guess, he liked them.

Hoped that next year, he’ll be the one “upgrading” his notes. Just like his “ate”.

Kids have started their school. Few things needed in the house have already been purchased. Included are few luxuries which were realized after few months of planning and saving. It’s a welcome breeze having to think that gone are the huge expenses concerning school costs and other expenses.

Now, that it is the middle of the year, I am pretty sure, shops and stores around the city will feel the decline of shoppers. Hence, there’s a great chance for bargain hunters stumbling upon promotional events at this ebb months. Even the internet market is teeming with advertorial promotions to gain sales. For smart buyers, this is the best time for doing some christmas shopping online, buying discounted clothes and finding fabulous accessories at seemingly low prices. Great deals and discounts can allow for huge savings. Be wise enough to know when to hunt for such huge deals.

Photographed this cast-iron chandy at a small hotel in Lucban, Quezon Province. The hotel is one of the top hotels in the town. It is located in the heart of Lucabn town, fronting the main thoroughfare and just beside the plaza Lucban. The hotel is a few steps away from the municipal hall.

Well, not the grand hotel one is dreaming to lodged into. But, definitely, with such a small and countryside town like Lucban, the miniscule hotel is a great addition. Its lobby has an old-world appeal. With draperies reminiscent of the Victorian era and as well as the decors and accessories, too.

Take this chandelier, for instance, the design is typical of the classic designs in the old world. But, the addition of kiping-like candle holders, it became an eclectic mix of the old and the contemporary. I love how the fuchsia magnificently becomes eye candy particularly when lighted.

chandelier found at the main lobby of the Patio Rizal Hotel in Lucban, Quezon Province

With the newly purchased desktop computer, I am wondering whether to placed the unit onto its rightful place into the family cum entertainment area. Or, relocate the table and the new computer inside the master bedroom for me to regulate kids’ usage. What do you think?

The only thing that veers me away from doing the final decision is that the main cable from the rooftop antenna provided by the service provider is very near the family room. Imagine the cables and wires that needed to be relocated also. Expect the husband to lend his cable management expertise when he does the set-up tomorrow.

I just hoped, he wouldn’t bother rearranging the furniture when he does the task.

We dropped by the grocery store yesterday afternoon to replenish food in the fridge and buy some toiletries. It was a Sunday. The mall was super packed with people especially in the clothing area and at the school supplies department. Good thing for us, there aren’t many grocery shoppers that hour.

It’s a breeze wheeling off grocery carts in the shop’s aisles. Plus, it gives me more comfort searching/browsing through new products.

And, oh! Thanks that I didn’t forget to bring grocery bag/eco bag. I hate carrying too many plastic bags. Where, with eco bags, one bag is enough to fill in 4 plastics full of grocery items. Eco/cloth bags promotes green advocacy.

Those green bags near the cashier cost 35 pesos each.

I am thinking of sewing my own shopping bag the next time my schedule allows me…please…please…

Do you use eco bags when shopping?