Managing Your Finances x2

If you and your significant other are having some trouble with managing your finances, here is an article that may help you. The important thing is to communicate and be clear about where your money is going, so that you'll know what to cut back on.

Rustan's Supermarket Fresh Big Headz Promo

For kids, kids-at-heart, and stuffed animal collectors, here's one-- or six more reasons to shop at Rustan's Supermarket Fresh.

These cute stuffed toys with disproportionately large heads (thus, the name Big Headz) can now be yours. From December 4, 2009 to March 25, 2010, you can collect 1 sticker for every P250 purchase. Additional stickers are also given for every P100 worth of purchase of participating products.

You will need to accumulate 50 stickers to get any of the stuffed toys, but if you don't want to wait that long, you have two other options. One is to Fast Track, that is, get 25 stickers and pay an additional P299. The other option is to pay P999 and the stuffed toy of your choice is yours.

Between the Lines: "Women's Health" magazines

The most popular New Year's resolution is "to lose weight." For me, it's get healthier. This can be a challenge, though, since I never feel like I have the time to exercise, and eating healthy isn't as feasible as I would like. Enter Women's Health magazine.

It's packed with health facts and figures, as well as various articles meant to make becoming healthier as easy as possible. The highlight of the January-February 2010 edition would probably be the "We Dare You" article, which is the ultimate 2010 fitness plan. There's already a cardio plan provided, as well as various exercises grouped according to the muscles that get worked and what it improves (strength, flexibility, agility, and balance).

Other articles I found interesting are: "Kick Your Kitchen Skills Up a Notch" (simplifies 5 important cooking skills: roasting, broiling, boiling, sauteing, and braising); "Inside a Healthy Pantry" (lists healthy ingredients to stock up on); "Survival Crib Sheet" (think "Worst-Case Scenario Survival Guide"); and "Get Him to Groom Like Beckham" (tips on how to get your significant other to be more conscious of his looks and personal hygiene).

P125 (available at bookstores nationwide)

Between the Lines: "45 Home-Based Business Ideas"

*author's note: I intend to edit this piece for use in my writing portfolio for BusinessWorld. - MB

During these still shaky economic times, it never hurts to have a sideline business. But how do you decide what kind of business to set up? For some people, lack of experience or even just a general idea of what they're going to do is enough of a deterrent to their dreams of having their own business.

Well, Entrepreneur's book will change all that. "45 Home-Based Business Ideas" presents different home business ideas for you to consider, ranging from home and craft items like stuffed toys and aromatherapy candles to food items like siomai, siopao, and even Spanish sardines. And the best part of it is, step-by-step instructions are provided for each item. Also included are the list of materials you will need, the estimated start-up capital, and what would be a fair price for your items. The last one is a very important detail for me since I'm never quite sure how to compute for a competitive market price.

P195 (available at National Bookstore)

Between the Lines: "Akibakada" and "Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs"

For the past ten years, readers of the Philippine Star were entertained by the exploits of one barkada in the aptly-titled comic strip "Beerkada." "Akibakada" is the 9th Beerkada book by Lyndon Gregorio.

For the benefit of those who aren't familiar with the characters, below is a rundown of the main characters in the series:

Glen: the quintessential boy next door

Chompy (real name: Andrea): nicknamed as such because of her penchant for biting Glen; Glen's girlfriend; "newest" addition to the group

Boopey: law student; taray queen (occasionally, anyway)

Alan: Boopey's boyfriend; finally graduated from college

Brian: resident manyak, annoying at times but generally harmless

Jimmy: clueless. 'nuff said

Fe: Jimmy's girlfriend

Jay: activist-turned-teacher

Harry: just plain creepy

In this book, find out:

• what happens when Dana, Glen's ex-girlfriend and an original member of the barkada, returns from Europe
• what happens during a typical day for Glen and Chompy
• what happens in Tokyo when the Beerkada is sent to the Asian Cartoon Exhibit in Japan

Longtime fans of Beerkada will not be disappointed by this installment. On that note, let's proceed to the next Beerkada book.

"Go Beerkada: The Rise of the Jhologs" is the 10th book in the Beerkada series, and is the first part of a two-book adventure.

Fans who are used to the usual drawing style of Beerkada may be in for a shock. This book is done manga-style. Of course, this new style may draw in some new readers. Sam, for one, said that if the comic strip was done in this style, he would consider reading it.

This graphic novel of sorts starts with Harry recruiting an army of jhologs after a disastrous encounter with the university student council. Enter the Beerkada who gets transformed into a Filipino version of Bioman/Power Rangers. I won't divulge how that comes about, though, since it's a nice little twist in the story.

Take note that this story is set in an alternative universe to the other books and during the pre-Chompy era, prior to Dana and Glen's relationship.

Akibakada: P120

Go Beerkada: Rise of the Jhologs: P110

Honey + Orange + Mocha

While I was in SM North EDSA this afternoon, I had the chance to sample Starbucks' latest product, Honey Orange Mocha. I had originally planned on buying a caramel frappucino, but, as luck would have it, there were sample cups of Honey Orange Mocha on the counter. Since I'm a fan of trying new things, I decided to give it a shot.

I love drinking coffee but I don't like coffees that are too bitter. In that sense, Honey Orange Mocha is perfect for me. It's not too sweet and not too bitter. The sweetness of the honey and the slight tang of the orange doesn't overpower the taste of the mocha. I would definitely order this again.

Tall Honey Orange Mocha Frappucino: P135

Sherlock Holmes, As I Live and Breathe

Yesterday, for the first time this year, I was not able to blog. I had a good excuse, though. Yesterday was my birthday, and Sam and I were at Robinsons Movieworld Galleria Cinema 5, watching the advanced screening of Sherlock Holmes. The previews started at 8 p.m., after a quick game c/o of Max Restaurant. The movie itself started at around 8:20 or so. Without going into too much detail, so as not to spoil it for anyone else, I can say that the movie was very entertaining. The actors truly brought their characters to life. Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes, reminded me at times of Dr. Gregory House of House fame. Of course, House is in part based on Sherlock Holmes, as evidenced by their ability to draw accurate conclusions from seemingly mundane details, antisocial tendencies, and even the addiction to drugs (cocaine for Holmes and Vicodin for House). Jude Law, as Dr. Watson, had his share of witty punchlines which he delivered with impeccable timing.

The fight scenes were interesting, to say the least. Generally, I prefer martial arts movies over western action movies because I find gun battles to be too boring. Some of the fight scenes in Sherlock Holmes changed quickly from shot to shot, making it feel a bit confusing for me, and a little bit as though I was in the middle of the fight scene. Of course, maybe that was the effect they were going for, in which case, they succeeded.

Overall, the movie lives up to the legend. You won't leave the theater disappointed.