Wacky Knit Kin

Occasion Wish List

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Tue, 29 May 2012 04:22:00 +0000

My birthday is soon to come and what can be a better way to celebrate it than to have it with friends. However, giving gifts can be quite a problem in any of the special occasion that requires your attention and care.

So, you can try the following gift ideas:

pets if desired;
service coupons like a free foot massage;
home cooking of his or her favorite foodie;
cards like Photo Christmas Cards with your sincere thoughts;
apparel with your loved ones' own fashion taste;
handcrafted accessories;
personalized items like shirt with a cute message statement.

Nice Family - Friends Reunion

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Tue, 29 May 2012 04:07:00 +0000

I promised to visit Zamboanga City every summer in time for bringing my kid for his long vacation. But, I used the break to visit old friends and hang out with them.

While expenses can be quite a distress, somehow, the fun of seeing old friends delight me more. So, I hope to see them all again next year.

7 years of friendship and mentoring and still counting

with childhood friends

Have a Family Recreation

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:53:00 +0000

We did swimming together with my kid and his dad would normally join us for a swim and what could be a better way to cut weight, do an exercise than to have a fun recreation with loved ones, so, we can all sustain it.

with my family after a swimming lesson

So, would it be nicer that we become health conscious collectively? It is then important that the culture for family fun is at home, so, the kids and the spouses can foster their relationship better.

while I run, the kids at home do an inline blades

It is however to be noted that family pursue a fun recreation that they are genuinely interested in. For some, they go magic shows together, childlike - games like YOYO with all the slick trick, or skill - enhancement workshops like cooking.

So, discuss with your kids and your partner how you can all play together and sustain it. Start from considering each others' interests.

Why You Should Need Swimming

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:32:00 +0000

I recently enrolled my kid and myself to a supposedly 15 - day swimming program. But, then our vacation was cut shorter, so, we managed to learn all the swimming techniques: freestyle, breast stroke, butterfly and back stroke.

swimming lessons with my kid and nephews

I somehow did well with butterfly and back stroke but had great difficulty with breaststroke. I initially need a swimming program as a cross training for my upcoming marathon and need for triathlon contest.

But, why do indeed we need swimming over and above safety? Its physical benefits include developing our muscles and strengthening our heart improving our blood circulation and oxygen delivery.

According to Bucknell University, swimming can improve our physical endurance, provides physical balance and helps maintain a healthy weight.

practicing breast stroke technique from our swimming coach

Further, swimming can improve the mental health of pregnant women and individuals addresses stress, and it can provide an avenue for differently - abled children to bond with families.

This is a low - impact exercise too that can do well on the pregnant women and the elderly who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and joint stiffness.

Great Birthday Celebration

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Tue, 29 May 2012 03:06:00 +0000

May 25 is my partner's birthday and before we could head back to General Santos City, we decided to spend his big day with our common friends.

So, the day started with a 25km long run, reunion with old colleagues, and a dinner with other close friends.

with childhood friends

I wish that he had great time and though we would leave again for GenSan, we had fun vacation time in Zamboanga City.

with other friends too

In Search for a Family Business Space

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:16:00 +0000

I have been in my old hometown for over a week now and still in search for a store space where we can have our family boutique be installed.

Zamboanga City is a good place for boutique as people here simply love fashion and style and with our loads of stocks, we can only appreciate an extended branch where we can comfortably manage it.

We shall soon see an old friend, so, we can inquire for a vacancy and later meet local stores too. This will then make me design a feasibility study for economics.

We can only hope that installation and construction be soon done, so, we can scout for contractor, equipment like diamond blades and some responsible employees to man the branch.

So, we are are keeping our fingers crossed

Why You Should Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:03:00 +0000


Fun Runs for Health

In a national news, an exercise of 1.5 hours a week can reduce risks of different types of cancer including colon, rectum, prostate, endometrium. And, this active lifestyle need not to be extensive as the hours can be broken into three sessions making only a 30 minutes of active workout.

On a study published on the Journal of American Medical Association says that obese people with sedentary life have twice the risk of developing pancreatic cancer as those who are active and not obese. Further, Harvard School of Public states that by mere walking or hiking for at least 1.5 hours a week, can reduce this cancer by 50%.

It is then important that a change in lifestyle, diet and attitude can better motivate us to be proactive and healthier. And, bringing along our friends and/or family to this cause can make the workout more fun and sustaining.

Is Circumcision Really Important?

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:43:00 +0000

Summer is more fun in the Philippines but not to boys who are scheduled to have their required circumcision. My 9 - year - old kid was all set to have his circumcision along with hundreds of boys in Zamboanga City.

We had to tag along with his cousin and friend to boost his confidence but to no avail when his turn was up that he had to wail profusely requiring us to suspend his passage - to - manhood ritual. Circumcision is a thing of pride among boys and for those who are still uncircumcised face the harsh tease and social pressure that it becomes a source of depression and insecurity.

There are however prevailing myths that circumcision shall prevent the risks of paralysis, epilepsy, insanity and practice of masturbation.

A boy on circumcision procedure; photo source: subicbaynews.blogspot.com

So, is circumcision really worth the agony and anxiety? Medical expert John S. Wiener, MD, chief of Duke Children’s Division of Urology, shares the following and I quote:

What are these benefits and what are the data to back them up?

Prevention of urinary tract infection. Circumcision reduces the incidence in infants boys by up to 10-fold, but it is only a reduction of 1 percent to 0.1 percent. The resulting benefit is not thought to continue at older ages.
Prevention of penile cancer. Essentially only uncircumcised men develop this cancer but it is exceeding rare with only 1,500 new cases yearly in the U.S.
Prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Earlier reports of circumcision preventing common STDs such as gonorrhea and syphilis have not held up to scrutiny. Several recent reports from Africa have shown a 50 percent reduction in new HIV infections in adult men undergoing circumcision, but the relevance of this data to infant circumcision in the U.S. -- which has a much lower prevalence of HIV -- is unknown.
Prevention of problems that may require circumcision at a later age. Little data exists of the need for circumcision at an older age due to infection beneath the foreskin (balanitis) or inability to retract the foreskin (phimosis), but the highest estimates are 10 percent.

While debate continues whether circumcision is indeed required, medical practitioners highly recommend that circumcision shall be given to boys age 7 - 12 years old for hygiene and medical reasons.

As parent of a boy, I am anxious of the procedure but the health benefits simply outweigh this anxiety, however, I must prepare my kid mentally for this ordeal and acquiring a health service of a more sympathetic circumcision surgeon is more we need.

References:

Is Circumcision Necessary?

The Benefits of Male Circumcision

New Family Business

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:36:00 +0000

My mom finally gave up her furniture business of over a decade and while it breaks her heart to let go of her business, she has to venture out to less risky endeavor and to less - draining job.

So, just within our family compound, she builds a small convenience store to sell some home goodies in the locality. It is a good thing that my pop helps her out and my younger sibling finances this new business to keep them busy and to be economically independent.

Good thing that our carpenters have their own equipment and power tools including lamello plate joiner to make the job easier and faster.

We just have to maximize the store and sell what is most needed by the neighborhood and to have some efficient and effect management systems to keep the business going.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:29:00 +0000

You Are Trustworthy

You are nurturing, kind, and lucky.

Like mother nature, you want to help everyone.

You are good at keeping secrets and tend to be secretive.

A seeker of harmony, you are a natural peacemaker.

You are good natured and people enjoy your company.

You put people at ease and make them feel at home with you.

The World's Shortest Personality Test

Blogthings: Take a Quiz. Annoy Your Friends.

Home Remedies for Common Pains

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:24:00 +0000

I have been working on my notebook to complete the store website but the number of hours sitting has made me all numb that I could barely move a leg or reach with my arm.

Over - the - counter medications like aspirin or ibuprofen seem to be a welcoming relief but knowing that there are side effects associated to these medicines, I can only rummage through the kitchen and search for some natural remedies.

Check out the following Home Remedies for common pains:

Green tea for antihistamines, stomach upset, and extra protection against hypertension, certain types of cancer, and speeds up recovery after a heart attack;

Apple Cider Vinegar in treating blisters and for heart burn.
Chamomile Tea for digestion problems;
Tart Cherry Juice for muscle pains;
Ginger or pepper for stomach and/ or sore throat problems:
Turmeric for joint pains;
Honey, Potato, Mustard and Aloe vera for burns;
Lemon Juice and Carrot Juice to prevent and to cure body pains;
Hot baths for body pains or cold bath for new injuries;
Fenugreek leaves for anemia;
Lukewarm water with salt or vinegar for sore throat;
Body oil with some mint for a body massage;
REST

These are however don't replace medical treatment for severe conditions or for persisting pains.

References:

Home Remedies for Body Ache

Top 10 Best Home Remedies For The Most Common Aches, Pains & Health Concerns

Store Website: Leveraging Your Family Business

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:58:00 +0000

Now that summer is free from school classes, I maximize the break with some business works including some paper reports, inventory, and store website among others.

Kreativ Boutique website home page

We wish that with this new medium of reaching out to our valued stakeholders, we get to market more the family business and let it thrive better.

However, this store website is one of the things we need for the business and among the other things we need include professional liability insurance at BusinessInsuranceNow.com for extra protection and security.

So, if you too wish to promote your family business, consider acquiring a store website for better reach to your customers.

Fun Trail Running for Zipline

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:48:00 +0000

Trail Runners on Cable and Zipline Ride

We ended the month of April with a long hill run to Fifth Mountain of B'lakayo, in Barangay Olympog, General Santos City for the latest zipline and cable ride services.

So, in spite of the steep ascent of 2000 feet to peak, we hurdled the rough terrain with tenacity and reached the peak early morning of Monday. The cool breeze was soothing and the panoramic sight delighted us more.

We highlighted the run, with a 800m and 350m zipline and some warm chicken broth breakfast. For more of Fifth Mountain of B'lakayo, check them out in Facebook.

Gift Ideas for Dad

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:45:00 +0000

June is a special month as most countries celebrate Father's Day on the the third Sunday of June and what can be better day to show our love and appreciation to the greatest man of our lives than Father's Day.

So, pamper your dad with gifts but if you are faced with what to buy or give your pop, try the following gift ideas:

Hobbyist collection like if your dad is into a special hobby like fishing, then, a new set of fishing rod and accessories shall be a good start;
Personalized crafts like handmade sweat shirt, or embedded family - picture on a coffee mug;
Scrapbook or handmade Father's Day card;
Special treat like a movie pass with mom, or body massage to his favorite massage parlor;
Your own service coupon like giving your pop a hair cut, foot massage or breakfast;

Remember that any day can be a special one to show to our dad that we care, so, celebrate Dad in a delicous way and make your pop extra happier.

Home Remedies for Foot Blister

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:38:00 +0000

Foot blister is caused from the sweat and friction during heavy movement like running. Foot blister can be quite a pain that we are tempted to prick this bloated - filled sac.

However, we are quite discouraged to prick as this will only expose the skin to external elements risking infection.

We can avoid blisters if we wear the right socks, free our shoes from unwanted elements like pebbles, and wear appropriate footwear.

We can treat however blister through any of the following:

aloe vera;
apple cider vinegar;
petroleum jelly on bedtime;
castor oil;
antibiotic ointment;
padding;
lukewarm water

Reference:

Home Remedies for Foot Blisters

Home Remedies for Body Order

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 03:25:00 +0000

Summer is a good time to have fun but with extreme weather temperature, it is not surprising that we sweat a lot but what if sweat comes with a pungent odor? You will sure notice that your companions shall have that disapproving look.

So, how do we treat body odor? Consider the following solutions:

You can make use of over - the - counter deodorant;
Take a regular bath with anti - bacterial soap;
Use clean clothes;
Apply lemon, potassium alum. or "tawas" on your armpit and feet as these are oftentimes the areas where bacteria thrive the most;
Apply baking soda to your armpit and foot;
Mix 2 drops of tea tree oil and ounce of water. Spray this on your armpit or feet.
Apply a low ph wash for your groin;
Apply a apple cider vinegar 5 minutes before shower.

But if your budget would allow it, botox treatment can be used for a 6 - month free of body odor.

The Right of Families to Clean Water

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:43:00 +0000

In a national news, a community in Luzon severely suffers from a serious health condition called Schistosomiasis where water is infected from waste, and other natural elements.

While this problem on water reservoir is a government concern, the community is called to observe personal hygiene.

The government cited that the water systems partially fail and indeed need appropriate renovation and repair. To avoid future rundown, it is then smarter that the government shall only hire contractor with reputable stature and quality works including DFTCorp.com hydraulic cartridge to boot.

Everyone has the right to clean water and all stakeholders must indeed ensure that this right is uphold at all times as health is one of government priorities, they have to make sure that any condition that may compromise health should be promptly address.

More importantly, the community must do their obligation of keeping their premises and government facilities in proper condition.

Home Remedies for Head Lice

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 02:29:00 +0000

It is summer time and because of damp humidity and quite extreme temperature nationwide, the Department of Health warns the general public against heat stroke and hygiene - related illnesses and issues including some head lice.

Studies show that 1 out of 10 school children acquired head lice. Thus, we are enjoined to observe personal hygiene through the following:

Wash hair daily;
Never share personal belongings like combs, hats, towels, pillows and alike with anyone who is infected with head lice;

Some home remedies for head lice include the following:

Vaseline, mayonnaise, olive oil or tea tree oil that is left on the head overnight, usually on a shower cap.
Elements with tea tree oil and alike are said to be useful in eliminating head lice but caution should be observed especially if used on younger children;
Onion juice for 3 - 4 hours on the hair and scalp. Rinse with water and do this for 3 consecutive days;
3 tsp of water and 2 tsp of vinegar should be pre - mixed. Soak a cotton on this mixture and apply on the roots. Cover your head with a clean cloth; leave this overnight, then, wash on the next day. Do this 2x a week;

You can also use over - the - counter medicines or some prescribed ones. Head lice infestation may also affect others at home, thus, proper treatment should be observed immediately.

Family Vacation Pit Stop 2: Baguio

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:51:00 +0000

at PMA's

Part of our long vacation itinerary is to visit Baguio City and see its wonders. So, after 5 hours of bus travel on their ascending road, we finally hit the place the place and booked for an overnight stay to enjoy fully this summer capital of the Philippines.

After we had checked in, we had our brunch at SM Baguio, then, headed to Philippine Military Academy. However, we were faced with a strict dilemma, NO SLIPPERS ALLOWED! Good thing though, that there was a small business nook selling shoes.

The premises of PMA offers a good deal of sight and I could only wish that I could one day around this compound or simply have a picnic on one of their banquet picnic tables.

with a celebrity dog at Mine's View Park

We next headed to Mine's View Park and had a good deal of their hot food. Gosh! Living in Baguio is like dining in heaven!

We then grabbed some food for home goodies from the strings of stores along Mine's View. However, the drizzling rain put an immediate halt to our visit.

And, since we had to head to Manila for a 3am bus trip, we commenced the visit with boat ride in Burnham Park and a fancy dinner in a local restaurant. Geez!

The evening was freezing and we could only wish to have stayed longer.

Make Your Exercise Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:48:00 +0000

my own Sports MP3 to replace my lost SONY waterproof sports MP3

If we want a healthy lifestyle, we acquire it through healthy diet and regular exercise among others. And, while there are immediate solutions to keeping an ideal weight, we sustain it through an active living.

So, when we exercise, we make it more fun if we have our playing time with friends or loved one who can make the time less dragging.

But, entertainment gadgets like a sports MP3 among others can make the whole exercise fun. And, if only we have live entertainment as we exercise from local artists with their Atlas Sound Stands playing our fave songs, then, it shall be extremely entertaining.

With various illnesses attributed to lifestyle, we can only act wisely to be healthy.

Family Vacation Pit Stop 1: Pangasinan

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:30:00 +0000

with our pop's relatives in Agno, Pangasinan

My last visit to Pangasinan was year 2000 and after a decade of absence, the place is entirely different from the beat and tear of time and weather.

Unlike earlier years, the reunion this Holy week was only with my pop's older brother and his family. So, the two - day rest was spent in sleep, foods, and chit - chat with kin and our grandparents.

We bid goodbye early Saturday when we had to head to Baguio for a short stop. We only pray that the oldies shall have more healthy years ahead until I see them again.

Mindanao Families Face Severe Power Outages

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:07:00 +0000

for an impending 20 - hour brownout,
we could only use the time to have fun by camping on our backyard

With the extreme hot weather during early quarters of the year, the water supply that serves as the major resource for electricity in Mindanao is always compromised, thus, the Mindanaoans face strings of rotational brownouts from as early as February to late May. This has become a perennial problem even before the present political administration.

To rationalize the power supply, based on Circular 2012–03-0004, areas not experiencing interruptions now include Malaybalay, Dipolog, Dapitan, Valencia, Camiguin, Panabo, Digos, Tagum, Mati, Cotabato, Surigao, Butuan, and Cabadbaran. These add to the provinces of Cotabato, Davao, Panabo, Iligan and Cagayan de Oro that are excluded from the power outages.

The Department of Energy said that the shortage of supply and the decision of electric cooperatives not to contract and purchase the needed energy needs make the shortage more felt.

Two power barges were already sent to Mindanao to sustain the needs during peak hours, thus, consumers are expected to pay for higher power rates. We are then enjoined to consume our electricity wisely.

To read related news, click this Sunstar article.

Having a Healthy Lifestyle

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:45:00 +0000

trail running from Sitio Pao Pao, a 500m - above - sea - level ascent
photo credits: Arnel Joshua Lim

Experts warn that stress and sedimentary lifestyle increase chances of health problems including but not limited to diabetes, hypertension, obesity among others.

Thus, they suggest a consistent and regular healthy diet and active lifestyle to keep any lifestyle - caused diseases at bay.

Since I could not find any regular companion for a recreational activity, I simply resorted to running. Somehow, my bone problem was addressed and I get to stay fit and healthy.

But, recently I downloaded a free sports tracker, the Endomondo app, for my Blackberry Pearl phone that relies on GPRS signal to measure my statistics. However, the recent trail I covered compromised my Endomondo stats. I only then wish that I can use a reliable signal booster cell phone to keep my stats reliable and accurate.

It is then smarter that I wear my Timex Triathlon watch to complement my cellphone running tracker.

Attending to Family Business

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:35:00 +0000

I have been away for several days now and I could only rely on my sister and cousin to help me manage the boutique.

While we have a store attendant, having someone to trust to make sure that the business operation goes well as expected makes the toil of not personally guarding it less worrying.

I just have to ask them, however, to work and to complete the store records with sturdy dowel pin for security and posterity.

I just wish that this summer shall be more productive for our store and for me and that includes finishing the store website and making the sales system operational and available for use.

For now, my sister and I could only keep in touch for updates.

Make You Kids' Summer Productive

noreply@blogger.com (Ruz) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 06:21:00 +0000

photo source: http://blog.funtasianyc.com/

Now that school is over, we, parents, are lost as to what should our kids do now that summer is up. Well, worry not, because there are local companies or institutions that do provide summer programs for kids.

These are our options:

Recreational sports like basketball, soccer or any outdoor game that may interest our kids;
Academic boosts through tutorial subjects like English or Math;
Music programs including playing a musical instrument or singing;
Taking a long vacation;
Reading new books;
Artistic programs like scrapbook making or drawing;
field training like how Jollibee, a national food chain, that trains kids to be young service crew;

When we choose the summer program for our kids, it's best if we consult any summer activity with them to make sure that they will have fun the entire summer.