How to Choose the Right Eyeglasses to Buy

I bought eyeglasses to ease eye strain and itchiness. I also get headache and experience eye pain from time to time. These are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome (CVS) - a relatively new condition and brought about by excessive computer use.

At any rate, there are some things to remember when buying eyeglasses. Firstly, keep in mind that the frame must enhance the features and shape of your face. Therefore, determine the shape of your face before trying on a pair of eyeglasses.

Here’s a guide to find the eyeglasses that will suit you face shape

The oval face

Many call this the ideal shape. The jaw is as wide as the forehead. The chin is round and the cheekbones are usually high. You can try on all styles, but keep the oval’s natural balance with frames proportion to or a bit wider than the broadest part of the face.

The round face

Your face has the same proportions for both width and length. It is shorter and wider than oval. To make a round face appear thinner and longer, try angular, narrow eyeglasses, a clear bridge, and frames that are wider than they are deep, such as the rectangular shape.

The oblong face

This shape is longer than it is wide, has a long, straight cheek line, and sometimes a longer nose. To make the face appear shorter, consider frames that are either curved or rounded to emphasize the width rather than the depth of your face.

The square face

Characterized by a strong jaw line and a broad forehead(width and length in proportion), the square face can look longer and softer with narrow frames. You can also try rounded, cat-eyed, or oval styles.

The diamond face

The rarest, this type is narrow at the eye line and jaw line, with cheekbones high and dramatic. If you want to bring out your eyes and cheekbones, check out frames that have distinctive brow lines, or try the rimless, oval, or cat-eye shapes.

The rectangular face

To make your face look shorter, wear frames that are either curved or rounded with the same width as your face, and have deep lenses.

The triangular face

A base-down triangular face has a narrow forehead that widens at the cheek and chin areas. Add with and emphasize the narrow upper third of the face with frames heavily accented with color and detailing, or with cat-eye shapes. A based-up triangle has a very wide top third and small bottom third. Minimize top width with frames that are wider at the bottom, have very light colors and materials, and have rimless frame styles. Aviators can add width to the lower part of the face.

The Feast of All Saints' Day

Today is All Saints' Day. This occasion was initially observes as a remembrance of all martyrs who surrendered their lives for their faith in God.

This practice went on until the 8th century. It is also at this time when Pope Gregory III decreed November 1 as All Saints' day after he offered a chapel in St. Peter for all the relics of saints and apostles to be securely kept.

Then again, for the duration of the Reformation period, devoutness to the saints has turned into a debatable issue because of the overstated worship and adoration efforts of the believers.

Later, after 500 years and more than 40 years past the Second Vatican Council, the standpoint about the saints became more collective; community oriented which tell us again that our faith can’t be personal because we are called to have a hand in the community of Saints.

Perchance when you think of saints, the individuals who were canonized by the church instantly come to mind, right?

But really, saints are exemplars of greatness, dead or living, famous or unheard of. Everyone who tries to imitate Christ and live in a way that He wants us to be has the right to be called a “saint.” The saint in us gives us a peek of God in the midst of our lives.

Some Truths about Detox Diet Fads

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Are You Looking For an Excellent Health Drink? Try Milk!

Do you think milk is for kids only? When was the last time that you had a glass of milk after your meal or in your cereal? If you can’t remember a time then you may be missing out a lot of vital vitamins and minerals that your body needs. But don’t worry; it’s never too late to get back into the milk-drinking habit-no matter what age you may be.

These popular myths may be holding you back from getting into the habit so read and understand:

Myth #1 - Milk is fattening

Drinking milk doesn’t mean you’ll have to deal with unwanted pounds afterwards. Whole milk is usually given to children because it has sufficient amounts of fat that is required for their growth and development. However, in your case, it is important to note that the only thing you lose when you switch from whole milk to non-fat milk is the fat. You don’t lose any of the essential nutrients.

Myth #2 - Milk is a good source of calcium and nothing else

The first thing that comes to mind when the word Calcium is mentioned is probably “milk.” It is indeed the most popular source of calcium but what people may not know is that there are types of milk that are fortified with many other essential nutrients to complement the active lifestyle of women. Such milk has substantial amounts of fiber, vitamin E, iron, and Folate in addition to high calcium content. It also has vitamin D to speed up the absorption of calcium.

Myth #3 - Osteoporosis is the only ailment that milk can help prevent

Fortified milk for women can do more than prevent Osteoporosis. As a matter of fact, all the additional vitamin and mineral found in milk can help avert numerous health problems while bringing along with it many other benefits.

Firstly, its vitamin E content acts as an anti-oxidant and protects cells from damage thus, slowing down the ravaging effects of aging.

Iron, on the other hand, is a known iron-deficiency fighter. Women, being the most prone to anemia, can stay in peak condition and cope with all their responsibilities at work and at home with this kind of nutritional support.

A fiber-rich diet aids digestion and hastens the removal of toxins in the body. Milk has fiber that supplements the body’s fiber supply and prevents the onset of more serious health problems like colon and rectal cancer.

Lastly, it contains Folate which is needed both before and within the first weeks of pregnancy. It helps reduce the risks of certain serious and common birth defects. Sufficient amount of Folate is a must every day, especially in the childbearing years.
Drink your milk everyday!

Lose Weight with High Fiber Diet

Strictly speaking, fiber doesn’t eliminate excess calories. But, it can help you reduce weight by increasing your metabolism and making your digestive system work efficiently and more quickly.

Fiber attracts water, thus making you feel fuller, resulting to less food intake. Likewise, a single serving of whole grain bread can be more filling than 2 servings of white bread.

Fiber also restricts the amount of fat absorbed by your body and even help with decreasing your cholesterol level. It also lowers the rate of cholesterol absorption, benefiting the levels of sugar in the blood, minimizing the risks for more frequent hunger pangs.

Other benefits from fiber

1. It helps with constipation. Fiber cleans the intestines by way of its natural scrubbing action.

2. Like a sponge, it sucks up and retains moisture in the digestive system to make the substances in the colon more bulky and softer.

3. It lessens the time that the waste materials stay in the colon and this lowers the harmful effects from such wastes including chemicals, food additives and certain drugs. Dangerous toxins are also eliminated in the process.

Some truths About Detox Diet Fads

You will find so many articles about Detox diet cleansing diet and this only proves that this program is a hit. I myself have written more than a dozen articles about it. However, as experts continue to research about this subject, new facts are revealed. Although I’ve always written about Detox in a positive note, here are some truths that you must know.

Anyone can try this diet, but programs that are too drastic like going into a total liquid diet or not eating meals are potentially harmful, especially if the diet is very low in calorie and contains diuretics that flush your body of important nutrients. In these kinds of schemes, much of what you initially lose is water weight and later muscle, rather than fat.

Then again, not all cleansing programs are bad news. If the Detox cleansing plan that you are following is healthy, it can actually help your digestive system by giving it a break, eliminating unnecessary sugar, saturated fats, and alcohol. It can also help in cutting down the calories that your body consumes.

So, what is a good Detox diet?

A good Detox program should provide you with calories, enough to sustain you throughout the day (around 1,200 to 1,800 calories). Remember, the diet must also include lean protein and fiber. Finally, to be safe, it would be better to consult your doctor before getting into any Detox cleasing programs.

Halloween Time! How to Choose the Best Costume

It’s Halloween time once again! So, have you decided who you’re going to be on the spooky night? If you are having a hard time making a decision, just answer these questions and viola! you’ll figure out something.

1. What do you want to be for Halloween?
2. Do you have any inkling at all?
3. Among the Halloween costumes, which one can you imagine yourself best?
4. Do you want a really scary costume that can frighten even yourself?
5. Do you want something unique? Something that can make everyone ROFL or smile every time they see your comical Halloween outfit?
6. Finally, maybe you want to try those sexy costumes that can bring out the “grrrr” in all of us!

Take your pick. Get inspiration by checking some costumes online. Once you have made up your mind, it’s now time to shop or gather materials and do it yourself at home.

ARoS Aarhus Kunstmuseum - Unique Art World in Western Denmark is on the Rise

On the roof of a museum inspired by Dante’s “Divine Comedy,” a sculptural walkway resembling a many-colored halo is attracting record-breaking crowds. It offers a 360-degree view through multicolored glass of Denmark’s second-largest city and by night it lights up, the brightest illumination in western Denmark.

The work hints at how Aarhus is trying to rival art-centric Copenhagen with bold exhibitions and projects that have excited, and put off, the locals.

The Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson unveiled his work atop the ARoS museum in May. The walkway — which he calls “Your Rainbow Panorama” and has dubbed “an expectation machine” — has accounted for 250,000 of the ARoS’s record 380,000 visitors so far this year, the museum estimates. Initially, the developers imagined a Garden of Eden-like sculpture park, with peacocks and perhaps a tearoom.

photo credits: VisitAarhus.com

Give Love on Christmas Day!

For many people spending a little while still having a joyous and nice holiday season is imperative. The good news is, there are a lot of things that you and your family can enjoy even with little or no money at all.

Moreover, fully enjoying the holiday season does not really mean that we should use up a lot of money, right? Christmas season can be so much happier if you know what its true spirit and meaning.

At any rate, here are some activities that you can do with friends and family without spending so much. All of these may also give a new perspective for everybody on the truest meaning of Christmas.

1. Try a Christmas light tour

Assemble your family, go out, and feast your eyes at all the Christmas lights out there. And if you happen to know about the “Policarpio Street” in Mandaluyong, that’s the best place where you can go.

For sure, the Policarpio Street is fully ablaze in Yuletide colors by now. You will find rows of brilliantly lit houses in this charming neighborhood. It continues to draw tourists, people from out of town, neighbors, and carolers.

An evening stroll here will leave you in awe and your senses will be assaulted by all things Christmas. Common sights are the Santa in different poses, sparkling lights and lanterns, and the heart of it all, the magnificent Belen or the Nativity scene.

Truly, whether the place is just in the neighborhood or in other part of the town, this activity can be an enjoyable one…and most of all, it’s free!

The lit houses The "Belen" Santa Claus


Note: this writer belongs to the “Policarpio” clan..:)

2. Christmas party

If you can’t let the holiday season go by without a party, then have one. But try to keep it simple especially if your budget is quite limited. What’s more, even if you are the host, you do not have to provide everything for the party. All of the party goers can share something for all of you to enjoy, food and drinks alike. Besides, the reason for the Christmas party is merely the chance for a get-together, to be with family and friends. Have a festive theme and remember, exchange gifts should be optional.

3. Give back

Share or do something for our less fortunate brothers and sisters. You can give gifts or volunteer to help out in Christmas programs like fund-raising or community works (especially now that there are still so many families who are homeless due to the past typhoons like ondoy and peping).

In this missionary work, you will not just brighten up other people’s day but you will also sow hope that will help them to get on with their lives. On your part, knowing that you have made others happy, your Christmas experience will be more fulfilling and blessed too.

Finally, Christmas doesn’t have to be about the amount of cash we spend, or how lavish the parties are. But it should be about spending time with all the people that we care about, or sharing what we have to others. A thrifty or even a free way to celebrate Christmas doesn’t mean that it’s less, but rather it can also bring some of the most meaningful experiences in this holiday season.

Christmas for Filipino Families

"The family that prays together stays together," this is one slogan that truly describe Filipino families. And this is very evident especially during Christmas when everyone is home to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

Filipinos are normally sociable and happy bunch. They love gatherings and other entertaining events. Although the parties can be so simple, it is always fun since Filipino people do not just party to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other occasions, but they also do this when there is something to be thankful about or simply to get everybody together.

And no matter what the situation is, whether they have money to spend for the festivity or not, they still make it a point to celebrate lavishly.

For Filipino families, the birth of Jesus Christ is one special affair. Regardless of what kind of celebration that they prepare, it is the Spirit of Christmas, the giving, the sharing, and family bonding that is the most important part of the whole celebration.

Official BRSTN Codes In the Philippines

A BRSTN code is the Bank Routing Symbol Transit Number. It is the common term for BIC or bank identifier code that is used by banks in the Philippines for transferring funds. It is a 9-digit code identifying your country, city, and bank.

With BRSTN, oDesk’s bank can easily forward the funds to any registered bank in the Philippines. Below is the official list of BRSTN codes in the Philippines:

BRSTN ----------------------Name of Bank

010320013 ------------- Allied Banking Corporation
011020011 ------------- Asia United Bank
010700015 ------------- Australia - New Zealand Bank
010530667 ------------- Banco De Oro
010670019 ------------- Bangkok Bank Public Co., Ltd.
010120019 ------------- Bank of America, N. A.
011140014 ------------- Bank of China
010440016 ------------- Bank of Commerce
010040018 ------------- Bank of the Philippine Islands
010100013 ------------- China Banking Corporation
010690015 ------------- Chinatrust Commercial Bank Corp.
010070017 ------------- Citibank, N. A.
010650013 ------------- Deutsche Bank
010590018 ------------- Development Bank of the Philippines
010620014 ------------- East-West Banking Corporation
010860010 ------------- Export and Industry Bank
010060014 ------------- Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp.
010720011 ------------- JP Morgan Chase Bank
010710018 ------------- Korea Exchange Bank
010350025 ------------- Landbank of the Philippines
010220016 ------------- Maybank Philippines, Inc.
010269996 ------------- Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
010640010 ------------- Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd.
010110016 ------------- Philippine Bank of Communications
010080010 ------------- Philippine National Bank
010090039 ------------- Philippine Trust Company
010330016 ------------- Philippine Veterans Bank
010280014 ------------- Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.
010140015 ------------- Security Bank Corporation
010460012 ------------- The Bank of Tokyo Ltd
010050011 ------------- The Standard Chartered Bank
010419995 ------------- Union Bank of the Philippines
010299995 ------------- United Coconut Planters Bank
010270341 ------------- United Overseas Bank Philippines


source: oDesk

Using Unionbank’s EON Card to Verify and Withdraw Money from PayPal

Unionbank’s EON card is the best way to withdraw money from PayPal because it is the only bank in the Philippines that is linked to PayPal. Read more info here.

Moreover, one good thing about EON is that, there is no minimum maintaining balance requirement. However, to open an account, you have to pay P350. To get your EON card, you may apply online through visiting the Unionbank’s website.

Now, when you have your card and ready to link it to PayPal, here are the next steps to take.

Do not confuse the numbers that appear on your card. Take note of the following information:



a. The bigger number in the middle of your card is the card number.
b. The one below your name is your bank account number.

The ACCOUNT NUMBER is the one that you need to verify your account in PayPal.

Be sure to deposit at least P300 pesos in you EON account because PayPal will take away $1.95 for the verification process. After successful verification, your $1.95 will be returned to you.

1. Log in to your PayPal account.
2. Click the Profile and choose Add a debit/credit card.
3. Be sure that the details that you will enter in the fields are the same as indicated in your Unionbank EON account.
4. Log-in to your Unionbank EON account and check your transaction history.
5. Look for the Visa Expanded use charge and get the 4 digit number that you can see following the word “VISA.”
6. Once you have the 4 digits, go back to your PayPal account, just under the welcome message with your name, you will see the GET VERIFIED link. Click it and then enter the 4 digit number in the designated field.
7. Go back to your home page and see if the status under your name was changed to VERIFIED.



How to Activate your EON for Withdrawal

1. Log-in to PayPal account.
2. Under the Profile tab, choose Add Bank accounthttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
3. Key in your bank account details.
4. Click continue and then confirm that all the details are correct.



For the bank code, here is the official list of BRSTN codes use in PayPal. If you want to add another bank, refer to the list and look for the assigned code for the bank that you would like to add.

oDesk Payment Methods for Contractors in the Philippines

If you are getting projects via Odesk, then it is important that you know the different methods of withdrawing your earnings. With the increasing number of Filipino freelancers, this article would be of help to everyone.

The payment options that I will review are the ones that I’m using right now so the details that you are about to read are based on my actual experience. This is for Filipinos who want to know how to get their money from oDesk.

In the payment options listed in the site, we can only use the following:

Payoneer



- This is the fastest option. You can transfer the money in your card in as little as 2 hours, provided that you are willing to pay a $3 loading fee. If you want to avoid the loading fee, just wait for 2 days until your money is credited to your card.

- You can use your Payoneer card for purchases as long as the store honors cards with the Mastercard logo.

- If you will withdraw your money in ATM’s, you will be charged $2.15 for every withdrawal transaction.

PayPal(verified account)



- oDesk charges $1.00 for every fund transfer to Paypal. And when you withdraw money from PayPal to your bank or credit card, the withdrawal fees are as follows:

1. For P7,000 and up – free
2. For 6,999 and below – P50.00

- From PayPal, it usually takes 2 – 3 days before your money shows up in your bank account balance.

Note: Your bank may charge extra fees for the incoming transfers from PayPal.

Wire transfer

- This could be the easiest method to get your money but because of the expensive fee which is $30, I do not recommend this.

Local Fund Transfer

PayPal recently made this option available for Contractors based in the Philippines. oDesk will only charge $.99 per transaction. See more information here.

So, which one is the best?

Based on my experience, PayPal and Payoneer are the best. Local fund transfer seems to be a good option too but I still have to try it.

How to Get Started With Odesk

After learning that I’m working as an online freelance writer, many friends are asking about it. They would ask how I got started, where I get my projects, etc.

As a response, I am now writing this simple step by step guide for getting work via the internet. If you want to earn online while working at home, sign up with oDesk.

Now, getting started is easy. Just follow these steps and you’ll be on your way to establishing a great career online.

Step 1 – Create an account

You have to create an account by signing up as a Contractor.



Step 2 – Build up your Profile and Portfolio

After setting up your account, fill up your profile with relevant information. In your portfolio, do not leave it blank as this is how you are going to give employers a glimpse of your skills and work experiences. Employers can also asses you based on the given details when you apply for a job.

Step 3 – Take oDesk readiness test

All contractors are required to take this test. You will not be able to apply for jobs if you will skip this requirement. The test will be about oDesk policies, procedures, and general rules so review them well. Take other qualification test to increase your chances of getting hired.

Step 4- Download the oDesk Team desktop application

This will be your virtual office. It will enable you to collaborate, connect, and get guaranteed pay for your work as it automatically take snap shots of what you are working on-proof of work you’ve done. This application is especially important if you are working on hourly-paid jobs.

Step 5 – Choose your payment method and set it up

There are several options to get paid in oDesk, choose one that you think is more suitable for you. In my case, I use Paypal, and so far, I haven’t experience any problem with it.

If you are in the Philippines, you can just transfer your earnings directly to your bank. Choose the local fund transfer and provide details of your bank. You will be charged $.99 every time you withdraw.

Step 6 – Browse for jobs

Finally, you can now apply for jobs! Browse through the thousands of jobs posted and search out something relevant to your knowledge and skills.

Curtains For Less

Had I bought the sheer curtain at the home section of the department store, I would have spent about a thousand pesos or more. The curtain is exactly what I'm looking for but I find it too pricey. So, I just decided to look for a fabric store and asked for organza and spent only 150 pesos.

Tip:

As a substitute for interior fabrics, you can opt to use fabrics meant for dresses if you are working on small spaces. On the other hand, if your space is big, it would be better to stick to heavy-duty fabrics designed for the trade.

Easy Ways To Lose Tummy Fat Fast

Tummy fat is not easy to get rid of, but there are a few things that you can do about it. Simply follow these tips and you’ll soon be flaunting your flat belly.

1. Start building your muscle – build up muscles and be sure to give special attention to large muscle groups. If you want to lose tummy fat quickly, then building lean muscle is a must.

Muscle building can burn off more calories than just doing some cardio exercises; the burning of calories will continue even while you are resting.

And don’t forget to focus on the muscles on your back, chest, and legs as this will speed up your tummy fat reduction.

2. Go for natural foods – avoid eating processed and labeled “diet” kinds of foods. Our body is not familiar with the ingredients and other components that made up these foods, thus, these foods will never be digested properly. Plus, the calories from these foods will be stored as body fat.

3. Watch the extra calories that you consume- when you want to accelerate your tummy fat reduction, one important thing that you must keep in mind is to watch your daily calorie intake.

Pay special attention to foods like sugar, coffee creamer, margarine, cream cheese, cheese, jelly, and sugar as these are high sources of calories. Avoid eating them, otherwise, eat in small amounts.

4. Have an unwavering and persistent attitude when it comes to losing weight- if you really want fast and amazing results, you must be persistent and remain firm with living a healthier way of life. Also, stick to your workout regimen as well as balanced healthy diet.

And remember, you are doing these things to feel good about yourself and to be healthy and strong. Just don’t quit and you’ll have flatter tummy and be in better shape in no time.

Transform Your Attic

The low ceiling of an attic is just the right height for kid's play space. Just make sure to install something that will keep warm air out. Add colorful kiddie furniture, fanciful wallpaper, and storage for toys.