Cebu (Stay Forever series)

If you ever find yourself in Cebu, do not leave without...

Trying the food.

The Cebu Pochero at the Abuhan is similar to the sinful Bulalo dishes Filipinos are known for enjoying. More on the "deliciously deadly" side is the Talisay Lechon-- considered Cebu's best-tasting inasal or roasted pig... Eat it with Puso (rice wrapped in coconat leaves), Have dinner at Sutukil (Lapu-Lapu City's seafood diners offering fish, shrimps, crabs and lobsters prepared in three dish types: grilled (Sugba), Soups (Tuwa), Raw seafood salads (Kilaw). Binge on Larsian's BBQ. Again, try it with Puso :)









Spending a night or two in one of the superb hotels and resorts.

You'll love Shangri-La Mactan, Maribago Blue Water, Plantation Bay, and Waterfront Hotel.


Hitting the beaches.

Cebu is home to gorgeous white sand beaches and astounding dive spots. Check out the northern beaches and dive sites of Bantayan, Malapascua, Alegre and Camotes; Sulpa, Olango, Mactan in the east; Sumilon, Badian, and Moalboal in the south.





Visiting the attractions.

There's the Kawasan Falls, Sto. Niño Basilica, Guadalupe Cave, Quijano Museum, Magellan's Cross, Casa Gorordo Museum, Fort San Pedro, and the Taoist Temple. Bring a camera.




Shopping.

For rare deals and quaint finds go to Carbon Market and the fairly new Be*U Cebu night market. There's also the host of higher end brands available at the Ayala Center mall and SM Cebu.

Enjoying a round of golf.

Cebu has top-class courses such as the Verdemar Golf Course, the Cebu international Golf & Resort, and the Cebu Country Club

Sampling the night life.

Breathe in the view at Tops. Bring a warm drink as it tends to get chilly there at night. Party at Cebu's "It" place Club Vudu for a dose of r&b, house and live band music.

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On top of this turning world...

"His mushroom fits two, and that is that"

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To keep or not to keep

A lot of us keep some household items longer than necessary, sometimes to the disadvantage of our general quality of living. So, how long is considered "too long" when holding on to stuff that are used often, if not daily?

I chanced upon some friendly advise on when the right time to let go is, and here it is...

Bed Mattresses. The normal lifespan of a cushion is five to seven years. But since mattress technology constantly advances, a visit to a mattress store more often than that
might prove positively impactful on one's quality of sleep. However, a mattress's life also depends on the people using them. The weight and sleeping habits of the users all play a part. If you're regularly waking up feeling stiff and sore after a good night's sleep, it may be time for a new mattress. Consider as well that most people tend to require a more supportive, comfortable mattress as they age, meaning you may need to replace your mattress more frequently as you get older.

Pillows. Manufacturers say two years is the limit when it comes to pillows. After this, your weight on them can make them flat, bumpy and uncomfortable. Pillows also harbor
bacteria, mildew and fungus that can increase over time and cause trouble for people with asthma and allergies (washing your pillow will help with this). If you're not sure your pillow needs replacing, here is a test: fold it in half. If it stays folded, it's time for a new one.

Rugs and Carpeting. Generally, carpeting lasts five to fifteen years, depending on its quality. But rugs in high-traffic areas may need to be replaced much sooner if they show obvious wear or staining. Meanwhile, high-quality area rugs, such as some oriental rugs, can last a lifetime.

Toothbrushes. Your brushing style dictates how soon your toothbrush wears out. Note that once the bristles become frayed and worn, they don't clean your teeth as well.
Dental Associations the world over recommend replacing your toothbrush if it's worn, and at least every three to four months. They also point out that children's toothbrushes often need to be replaced more frequently than adult toothbrushes.

Fire Extinguishers. Contents of fire extinguishers lose pressure over time, meaning if they're too old they won't work when you need them. Experts recommend replacing fire
extinguishers every 10-12 years, and also if they show signs of corrosion, which is a signal that air is leaking out.

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Meet Jo Malone

Lime Basil & Mandarin, Amber & Lavender, Grapefruit. Three of my favorite fragrances from the many delicious variations created by Jo Malone. Use them individually or combined, two at a time, to create your own signature scent. I'm hoping to visit any of their boutiques soon so I don't have to settle with what the shop owners at Viramall decide to bring home. The less-than-authorized local retailers sell limited selections, often kept in unsuitable storage bins that sometimes spoil the aromas. (They're also about $40 more expensive than actual SRP!)

Jo Malone. Love at first whiff. My husband seems to agree.

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A visual ode to my little cabbage

...meddling with mod: to brighten your day love.

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