MagicScan: The Portable Wand Scanner

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MagicScan

PH | Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant

It seems like Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant has been included in almost every foodie's to-try list -- both for their succulent savoury meals and sinfully delightful desserts.  One of the problems I've had with them, though, is the lack of a branch near our home or any other place in the Southern Metro that we frequently visit.

So when we found ourselves in Robinsons Magnolia one weekday morning, the family decided that a visit was finally in order, if only to partake of some of their well-raved about some sweets.

Conti's Bakeshop & Restaurant

PH | Summit Ridge Hotel, Tagaytay

It's been ages since I've been to Baguio City.  Plans never push through (you know how it is) due to time constraints and financial obligations and the like.  Good thing we live close by to the very next best thing -- Tagaytay!

Considered to have the second highest elevated area in the country, it's no wonder they get to enjoy cool, crisp, refreshing (*sigh*) weather for most of the year.  And with its close proximity to the Metro, it's the ideal place to cool off when one finds the capital too stifling (and polluted and hot and dirty, etc.)

Hence, we did, one weekend, pack our overnight bags for a short stay at Summit Ridge Hotel for some needed R&R.

Summit Ridge Hotel

 

I Wonder What Heaven Would be Like...

Like everyone else, our family too, have not been immune to the experienced of losing loved ones so dear (who is, anyway).  Having a few years back (2010 to be exact) lost both an aunt and a grandma, we are recovering but still feeling the effects.  

I read somewhere that the pain of this type of loss never goes away, but does, instead dull itself over time.  It still has not stop, in fact, from deeply unnerving us as to mortality and what image and memories we leave to our loved ones when we are gone.

© 2008 Hartwig HKD, Flickr | CC-BY-ND | via Wylio

PH | Modern Shanghai

It's been an exciting time for the country's culinary scene.  A lot of new restaurants are popping up which has opened up our taste buds to more than the usual fare.  From local dining options (hey, Filipino food will always delight my senses) to Western and Asian concoctions; yes, folks, it's definitely a smorgasbord of eats!

Fairly recent, was the entrant of more sophisticated (or, I think, slightly more unusual in our parts) Chinese fare in the Metro.  The most talked about?  Xiao Long Baos (Php208.00).

Xiao Long Baos

Sure, they're pork dumplings.  We've surely had them before; but they're dumplings with soup (more specifically tasty broth)!  Bite a bit off the top, add some ginger slices, dip into a little Zhenjiang vinegar, and enjoy the warm, silky, chewy (from the skin) texture.  Ahhh....

But I'm getting ahead of myself.  I forgot to mention I had this particular piece at Modern Shanghai, a fairly new restaurant serving local Shanghai cuisine.

PH | STYLE FOR LESS: Harvey's Large Seatbelt Tote VS Jovanni Weave Bags

THE SPLURGE: Harveys Large Seatbelt Tote ($118.00 / Php5,310.00*)

SOURCE: Harveys website

The start of Harveys Seatbelt Bags was simple enough.  Having completed work on his automobile, Dana Harvey had the brilliant idea of creating his wife a bag made from leftover seatbelt material.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Now 20 years into the business, the Harveys are still going strong.  From the original tote, they have prepared and developed other designs and accessories to match, too.  And did I mention, they come with a lifetime durability guarantee.  Definitely worth the $118.00 (approximately Php5,310.00) price tag for the large size (if you have cash enough to spare.)  Also available in smaller sizes, too.

*$1.00 = Php45.00

***

Couponing 101

Searching the net for the term coupon, Google came up with this description:

“a voucher entitling the holder to a discount off a particular product.”

Indeed, used wisely, it can save you money in the long run by cutting a piece off the total price of an item you want to buy or even forgo shipping expenses altogether (as in the case when shopping online).

But how exactly do coupons work?  And are you ripping off stores when you use them?

© 2012 Chris Potter, Flickr | CC-BY | via Wylio