Filipino-style Apples

If you're looking for a new way to enjoy a classic snack such as apples, consider eating it Filipino style. It's a little unconventional for many of us, and it is an acquired taste, but I think it's worth the experience. Slice apples into wedges and drizzle with white distilled vinegar and a little salt. It's a pungent and acidic sharp flavor that's unique. It has a bite to it, and I really like it.

Replace Your Sponges Regularly, Affordably

How often sponges should be replaced vary largely from every two weeks, once a month, to a every few months. I prefer to replace mine every month, considering the contaminant exposure my sponges face: raw poultry and meat juices leftover on cutting boards, fats and greases from various foods, the damp and moist environment sponges live in, etc. Experts claim that sponges can be as dirty as raw poultry! To make replacements more affordable, I buy my sponges at the 99 cents store. I get 6 sponges for 99 cents! They're surprisingly durable and don't scratch my cookware surfaces.

Close to Flawless Skin in Cold Weather

If your skin is only slightly uneven in complexion and you live in a cold environment, consider using tinted moisturizer. It's inexpensive, applies on easily, requires less maintenance, and doubles as a moisturizer and skin protectant. There's no point in following a meticulous routine of applying foundation and concealer if you don't need it. You could be unnecessarily clogging your pores with multiple products. While some people recommend using tinted moisturizer in hot weather because of the SPF 15 benefit, I advise against it. The liquidy-creamy consistency can melt in the heat and create a darkly discolored mask. Ugh!

Makeup on a Budget

If you're on a budget, prioritize money for high-end foundation and concealer. Flawless skin can only be achieved with superior ingredients that glide on smoothly. Eye shadows, eye liners, mascaras, lip liners, lipsticks, and lip glosses are similar in formulation. In fact, many department store brands also own drugstore brands, too.

Moving Tip: Three-Day Suitcase

Pack a suitcase with belongings you know you'll need for the next three days (personal care products, hygiene-related, clothing, pajamas, etc). Be sure to include cleaning products because you'll inevitably come across a stain you have to disinfect before moving in your other furnishings.

Moving Tip: Change of Address Forms

Fill out change of address forms, found in post offices or online, six to eight weeks before your move. This way by the time you move into your new residence, all your mail would be forwarded already. And you don't have to worry about any complications regarding credit card statements, insurance forms, or other important documents.

Mirror Illusion

To create the illusion of more space than there actually is, strategically place a mirror two or three feet above eye level and try to reflect it off of a light fixture or something else that reflects light to bounce off of. (I don't recommend a window, though, necessarily). By tilting a mirror out from the bottom a few inches will create a thinning effect.

How to Clean Candle Wax

For hard surfaces, let the wax cool and dry off completely. It's much easier to tackle candle wax that's been hardened. Scrape off the wax with a credit card. Or better yet, stick to soy candles. The wax from soy candles clean off effortlessly.

Long Burning Candles

By transferring your taper candles in the freezer for a few hours before use, it'll burn for twice as long.

Entertaining Food Must-Haves

To accommodate unexpected house guests, here are some basic staples that you should have on hand.

1. Carr's Table Water Crackers

Go for the unsalted ones. I've learned that a lot of my Canadian friends have a low salt intolerance. It's always better to go more subtle for something like this. These crackers are simple and elegant.

2. Tapenade or Marinated Artichokes

I'm a huge fan of marinated artichokes, but not everyone is a fan. I like have three different times of tapenades on hand for guests to select from.


3. Garlic Brie or Stuffed Olives

I'll serve anything garlic, but some people shy away from anything that can have an offensive odor. Lemon marinated olives is a good alternative.

4. Nuts

I've found that not many of my friends have very sophisticated taste. So having something as simple and universally friendly as nuts are a favorable addition. I would stay away from the sugared ones which are sticky and can flake. A simple roasted variety with pecans, almonds, and cashews are great. Stay away from walnuts because they go rancid quickly and can ruin the entire batch of assortment. Since peanut allergies are common, I would steer away from that, as well.

5. Bread and Cheese Sticks

Bread sticks are a little plain, and I don't like to serve bread sticks and crackers. I find it a little redundant, but it's still good to have on hand. And yummy with creamy tomato soup in your flannel pajamas. I prefer cheese sticks because they have more flavor. But being Asian, I know a lot of people who are lactose intolerant. That's also something to consider.

6. Bruschetta

These Italian treats go deliciously with a simple assembly of yogurt parfait (yogurt and berries or other fruits). You can also serve it with ice cream, if you'd like. They're great for brunch or late night visits.

7. Box of Chocolates

Delectable treats that come in a beautiful package are a great treat worth enjoying. Serve it with warm almond milk.

8. Champagne

It's not a bad idea to have champagne around. It'll keep your guests from complaining about not eating. Depending on the time of year, you can add cranberries for a festive look.

Easy Cookware Cleaning

While I'm washing my plates, bowls, cups, and flatware, I usually squirt a little dish detergent and fill the cookware with water. Transfer it to a heated stove, and bring it to a boil. It'll efficiently degrease the cookware surface and make clean up easy. This is recommended for cookware with a long handle. I had to learn the hard way that using this method for a Dutch oven wasn't the best idea because I have to wait until the pot cools down. For cookware without handles, I squirt dish detergent and fill it with very hot water. You can even pour boiled water from your teakettle, just as long as it doesn't heat the entire cookware.

How to Tell If Your Eggs are Fresh or Expired

Place the egg in a pan of cold water. If it sits on its side, the egg is still fresh. If, however, it tilts on an angle, it's past its prime by about three to four days. If the egg stands upright, it's approximately ten days old. If the egg floats to the top, it's really, really old.

Bedroom Colors

To promote a restful sleep environment, select relaxing colors such as soft blues, violets, and gentle greens. Stimulating colors such as yellow, oranges, and reds will have a disruptive effect on your well-being.

How to Stay Cool

In the dead of heat, strip down to a spaghetti strap top and short shorts. Pull your hair up. Replenish yourself regularly to cool your body temperature. Eat light foods, as digestion uses a lot of energy and burns your body up. Try using a Japanese sandalwood fan, which has a light and refreshing scent. Rather than turning on the AC, consider buying a small fan focused on one area. It'll more efficiently cool the place down. Stick to sandwiches, salads, fruits, and stay away from oven cooking.