What is Best for You, a Credit Card or a Payday Loan?

Most of you are probably already familiar with the terms “credit card” and “payday loan”. However, what many are not able to figure out is which to choose. What are the benefits of getting a credit card? What are the benefits of choosing a payday loan?

It is part of our reality: credit cards grow in popularity every day. Considering that the world prices have raised to the sky, world laws are becoming stricter, maximum amount of money that a person can earn is being limited, and so many other aspects that rule our daily life, the importance of having a credit card has increased significantly.

However, it is also true that credit payments will always put you in deeper and deeper debts the more you use them. To counterattack this, there is another existing method for workers, others than a credit card. These are solutions for workers who unfortunately run out of money and require instant finances to cater for their needs. This is where a payday loan comes to play.

What is a payday loan? If you are not already familiar with them, let me tell you that they a form of advance pay you acquire from the company you are working for , enabling you to take a portion of your income before the time you are regularly paid. This will limit you to only taking amounts that you can handle once you are paid. At the same time, this is an added bonus. It allows you to carefully manage your finances according to your financial status. A payday loan will have some kind of interest to be paid on them, but that depends on your employer. These are usually very low. There are existing cases in which people are so well reputed in front of their employers that they have been charged no interest on these loans at all, mostly the employer asks for some kind of added payment, which you can pre decide at the time of taking the loan.

Overall, reviews have also stated that a payday loan will keep you in a limit, while the attraction of making payments with credit cards has many hidden costs that always lead you in a mind aching situation which goes very out of hand.

The new addition to the family

Welcome Baby Meg!

We are so deprived of sleep and rest but happily so. Little Meg is definitely a bundle of joy. Read about her birthing story here.

Dressed for Comfort

It's been awhile since I've visited Scrubs and Beyond. I just visited it today because my friend in the US is about to celebrate her birthday and I had no idea what to give her. My first thought was to her those Grey's Anatomy medical scrubs type but when I saw their Summer collection, I got so excited! It was much better than what I was expecting. The colors of the medical scrubs and uniforms are bold and the prints are just lovely I'm sure my daughter will not be afraid if her nurse is wearing the same top. These days, nursing uniforms don't have to be the same old white, boring stuff anymore. We all love to have a bit of style in our uniforms and Scrubs and Beyond is all about that. Aside from comfortable materials which is a must when you're working in the health industry, their scrubs are designed to give color and inspire those around them. They also have maternity scrubs so mommies-to-be can feel comfortable, be functional and stylish as well. Even the nurses shoes that they carry are far from boring. There are leopard and zebra prints, mock-crocs, patent leathers and stylish sneakers to bring our the fashionista in you.

Family Update

Check out our latest family photo. That's me at 37 weeks. Huge as a hippo with whole body aching like an 85-year-old lady. With Sandy, I wasn't in pain like this but maybe it goes with age? We're talking about giving birth four years ago when I was in better shape. Also now, I wasn't as diligent in exercising in the treadmill so that could be a reason as well. I just hope it will be as easy this time around when labor starts!

Get into the swim with Pool Supplies

Summer is here. The backyard has been raked, the barbecue is ready, and all that's left to do is make the pool inviting for your family and friends. Whether you have an above or below ground pool, you're going to need lots of pool supplies. Let your new automatic pool cleaner work hard as you flip burgers on the grill. Upgrade your pool with a new pool liner, heater, or ladder so you can really enjoy the summer months to come.

If you don't have a pool yet, then join in the fun with an above ground pool that comes with all the trimmings to make your kids and friends squeal in delight. Make your backyard a playground with a slide, wrap around deck, or pool toys. Who doesn't want a Jacuzzi where you can relax after a tough day at work, or a floating raft where you can relax as you float through the water? With so many choices, why not go green with a solar pool heater this year? Don't let summer pass you by without investing in a solar pool cover.

Don't forget the great covers for your outdoor furniture that will protect your chairs and tables for years to come. Get that new umbrella that you've had your eye on to cover your table while you eat hot dogs. When the evening comes, enjoy the solar lanterns or solar pool deck lights when you walk from your new hot tub to the pool.

Do you have animals or small children? Then, you need to protect them from pool chemicals that can be very dangerous if ingested. Store them inside a pool box where they'll be safe, and you'll have peace of mind. With so many ladder styles, deck, and fencing options, you'll feel secure that your loved ones are protected every day.

Lovin' Art Everywhere

I love art. Ever since I was a kid, art classes are the only thing that I look forward to during summer months. Nothing excites me than be able to create something from my head, transfer it to whatever material I have in hand. This is why as early as four years old, I'm trying my best to introduce Sandy to art. She has a preference for clay. She likes how she can make all kinds of crazy stuff just by rolling and pinching.

While I was looking for a program where I can enroll, I came across a special education class that offers free pottery classes for handicapped people. I was so inspired by what they're doing that I've decided to donate some art materials that they don't have yet or in poor condition. I learned they could use brent pottery wheels and some art clay kiln. Upon checking AMACO/Brent's web site, I find it's too expensive for me so I asked a few friends and some connections to donate or pool money for the program. AMACO is a great resource for all art supplies and I'm glad I found them online. I was able to load on ceramic colors, lead-free glazes, mold-making products and other small art items that can inspire both kids and adults to create.

Some of our photos from Punta Fuego

Just love the house that we rented at Punta Fuego I can't stop blogging about it! I hope in 5 years, we can afford even a small lot there near the beach. I've always dreamed of owning a vacation house that when I stepped at Punta Fuego, I knew I must be in heaven. The place that we rented was more or less 700sqm. We don't really need that of course. We just need at least three bedrooms, a big recreation area and a space for a lap pool similar below.

Secret Garden

I want a  garden weathervane! Okay, pardon the excitement but I just saw the cutest weathervane at Outdora.com. It reminded me so much of those English gardens that I only read from books and see in the movies. If you don't know what a weathervane is, it's an instrument that is used in the early times for showing the direction of the wind. They also served as an architectural ornament to the highest point of a building with using common designs such as ships, arrows and horses. According to Wikipedia, when designing a wind vane, the weight should be evenly distributed to each side of the surface. The surface area however should be unequally divided so that the pointer can move on its axis. However, wind vanes are now being used more as an ornament that the fancier they are, the less accurate it is.

But back to garden weathervanes. I just thought we improve the atmosphere of our terrace by getting rust-free decorations. My husband suggested the eagle weathervane  but I like these two below.

Call me childish but they somehow remind me of magical gardens, even scary ones wherein kids are not supposed to go yet they manage to find themselves inside the grounds anyway. It's also like one of those huge houses complete with wood cupola, garden maze, fountain and secret doors that are guaranteed to give you the creeps. Yet they don't creep me out. I find all of them magical and being a dreamer that I am, I want to have a touch of that for my home. Nothing weird of course, but at least something that will keep things interesting. My daughters will surely love this too and perhaps just like me, pretend that they have their own secret garden that they can escape to from time to time.

Sunday Stealing: The Question Meme

01) Are you currently in a serious relationship?
I am happily married so nothing can get more serious than that.

02) What was your dream growing up?
To be a super model and astronomer at the same time. The universe amazes me.

03) What talent do you wish you had?
I love to paint and draw. I think I used to have this talent when I was a kid but it went away when I grew up. I can still draw but not like the masters. So if I can improve on that, I'd be very happy.

04) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
Piña colada please!

05) Favorite vegetable?
Broccoli

06) What was the last book you read?
Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger. Not as nice as Time Traveler's wife.

07) What zodiac sign are you?
Cancer

08) Any Tattoos and/or Piercings? Explain where.
No tattoos but plenty of ear piercings. A result of my rebellious childhood.

09) Worst Habit?
I can't think of anything. I feel so perfect most of the time. Well that could be it. Add vanity to the mix if you like.

10) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
No. I don't drive.

11) What is your favorite sport?
Swimming for me. But I love watching football and gymnastics.

12) Do you have a Pessimistic or Optimistic attitude?
I'm always optimistic much to my husband's delight because he's just the opposite.

13) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
Panic perhaps.

14) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
Nothing and never, I hope.

15) Tell me one weird fact about you.
I eat 3-4 plates of rice a day and still manage to keep my figure. Well, before I got pregnant that is.

16) Do you have any pets?
Nope. Just not crazy about having pets. My husband loves his fishes though and it's fine with me because I don't have to clean the tank myself.

17) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
You might find me eating ice cream in front of my laptop.

18) What was your first impression of me?
Intimidating.

19) Do you think clowns are cute or scary?d
I like them if they're really good.

20) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
My small chest and too huge hips.

21) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
It depends on how delicious the crime will be. ;) Of course, you  know I'm talking about crimes that are not punishable by law right?

22) What color eyes do you have?
Dark brown

23) Ever been arrested?
Yes, jaywalking when I was 15 yrs old.

24) Bottle or can soda?
Bottle please.

25) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
I'll pay for our lot property in full so we can start building our dream home.

26) What’s your favorite place to hang out at?
Any airconditioned room with a huge bed and TV.

27) Do you believe in ghosts?
Yes and I'm scared shitless of them.

28) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
Watch TV, read ebooks.

29) Do you swear a lot?
Not anymore. Need to be careful around kids.

30) Biggest pet peeve?
Poseurs and braggarts.

31) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
Fairly happy woman with so much in store for her.

32) Do you believe/appreciate romance?
Oh yeah.

33) Favorite and least favorite food?
Favorite: pasta. A very good one of course. Least: Hot noodle soup

34) Do you believe in God?
YES!

New Month

So much social activities this May. I only wish I have enough time in my hands to go to all of them. And not only that, we only have a month or so before our little bambina comes out. We are so excited but so not ready for sleepless nights just yet. Which is why I'm doing what I can to get rest and spend time with my husband and daughter. I've also been accepting multiple design projects so I can save more money. Even though I work from home, I want to take off for at least a month without worrying about not getting new projects. We've saved enough for hospital bills, baby shopping and baptism without touching our main savings account so I'm really happy with the way things are going.

Slow and Easy Outdoor Cooking

Guess what my husband wants for his birthday? Nope, it's not a camera lens, a gadget nor a new car accessory. What he's aiming to purchase seven months from now is a Lynx built in barbecue. He loves watching cooking shows and never fails to mention how taste the meat looks when it's cooked in the right grill. When I found out how much it would cost us to get the "right" grill, I was momentarily at a loss for words. The one that he likes is around $3,000 but he said he can settle for the A-Series 26 inch Built-In PGS Aluminum grill (pictured below).

It's only $711 after the sale price so I'm not complaining.

To be fair, I've always wanted to have one of those outdoor kitchens that I see from Home Network TV shows. One of my dreams when we get to build our dream house is to have a huge garden area where we can hold parties for our friends. The food will always consist of pastas, salads and barbecues that will rival the ones being served from high-end resorts and hotels. Not that I will ever have the talent to cook. That's my husband's area of expertise, hence his need to get his hands on one of these grills.

Now we're both addicted to browsing the net for barbeque smokers which is perfect for slow cooked recipes and all kinds of burners and grills. Most of them are more than what I'm willing to pay for but considering their materials, I know the price is worth it if it can serve us for more than twenty years. My mother-in-law told me as well that it's better to invest on high-end appliances instead of replacing them every 3 years or so. Anyway, I know this is just the first of the many appliances that we're going to invest on. My husband and I decided to start purchasing furniture and appliances so we won't have to buy them in bulk when we start building our house next year.

Horseback Riding in Tagaytay

Can you see how big her smile was? It was very hot that day but she still went ahead. It was the first time that we let her ride without me or her Papa by her side too. She was all smiles and we could even see her trying to make her horse walk faster. She's really all grown up now. The timing couldn't be more perfect.

Careers in Beauty

Looking for cosmetology school in Illinois? I would like to recommend the Regency Beauty Institute. I've came across their site while helping a friend from Chicago find a school where she can learn more about hair cosmetology. We love what their program has to say - about showcasing your skills while learning, how to be exceptional and being rewarded in the end by acquiring a professional career in beauty.

Don't have the budget? They have financial aid so that the only thing you'll have to worry is how to make everyone beautiful around you. All you need to do is fill out a form so they can calculate and see how much you can receive through grants and loans. Financial aid, top of the line facilities, career networking - it's like the universe is conspiring to help you achieve your dreams! What more can you ask for?

Quick Getaway Last Holy Week

Last Holy Thursday and Friday, we trekked to Tagaytay to spend some quality time with each other. And when I say each other, that would be me, Sandy and the Husband. We booked a room at Balay Indang which was located 20 minutes from Tagaytay. It was a very restful two days filled with great food and awesome company.

I've forgotten how nice it is to just enjoy the nature with the two most important people in my life. There were no TVs inside the rooms so we spent the afternoon walking around the huge place, exploring hidden resting areas and tree houses. There was a swimming pool too, a billiards pool table, videoke area and lots of hammocks and comfortable nooks that even the busiest person can enjoy. Check out the link above to read more about the place. All in all, I rate that weekend 9 stars.

Another Space - Finally

We just finished cleaning up one of the smaller rooms in our house. It's the one nearest our bedroom and small enough for Sandy and the Husband whenever they want to play PS2 or watch videos. That way, they won't disturb me and the baby when we're trying to sleep. When I first checked it out, I was saddened to see that the closet was filled with old stuff and there weren't enough storage space. But after convincing the Husband to throw away most of the unusable items and sold the ones that can still be salvaged, we were left with two whole cabinets ready to be filled with "new" junk from the master's bedroom. So now, all the things that we don't use that much was moved to the smaller room. This leaves our master bedroom with lots of space for my new computer table and a future queen-sized sofa bed which will be used by Sandy and the Husband. Another great project done!

Gold Coins Once More

Why should we buy gold coins instead of other investment instruments? According to US Gold Bureau, when the dollar declines, gold goes up. Plus it has been proven for centuries how gold can preserve one's wealth simply because it is backed by something physical and solid, and not just paper. It is indestructible and will remain valuable even with it's smashed into bits. It's the safest way to increase your family's investment and protect yourself from inflation. If you want to know more how to invest in gold, just visit the US Gold Bureaue website. It's important to research thoroughly especially when it comes to money matters. Even better, subscribe for one year to The Fold Monitor and learn the 10 mistakes people make when buying gold and educate yourself on how to purchase the right precious metal so you can have higher returns in the end.