Girl Talk: Buffet Picks

Here's my foodie picks in a buffet. Ta...da.. Roasted Pork (lechon baboy or inasal na baboy) and Fruit Salad. What's yours?

 

Wordless Wednesday: Firecracking Wednesday

 

 

My First Post It Note!

 

 

 

 

 

 

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All About Louise

Meet Louise my four and half month old Jack Russell Terrier- Spitz. She is one adorable little pup who loves to stay beside me the whole day. Louise was previously owned by an office mate's sister-in- law who had to give her up since she was migrating to another country. At four and a half months old Louise weighs 15 pounds and is highly intelligent. She learned to climb stairs within 10 minutes and learned the command "sit" in just 5 minutes!  I was really amazed at how fast she learns, I've had other dogs before but none of them can compare to Louise's ability to learn.

Louise's mother is a purebred Jack Russell Terrier while her father is a purebred Japanese Spitz. Louise inherited most of her traits from her mother, she is 90 percent JRT and 10 percent Spitz. I was sad to find out though that Louise was bought from a puppy mill. Her previous owner informed me that after 4 and a half months Louise's mom is again pregnant. Yes we all know that it is not healthy at all, the owner should have waited another year before she gets the dam pregnant again. However, even though Louise was born in a puppy mill she is in excellent condition. I have recently brought her to a vet and had her thoroughly checked and I'm glad she is very healthy.

Having Louise around has brought me sheer joy, although at times she gives me a momentary dark cloud when she poops or pees on my furniture or on any part of the house but that's just a part of raising a dog. She is very affectionate and protective towards me. I would jokingly tell my family that with Louise around I do not need a bodyguard! She goes wherever I go, sometimes when I would fall asleep on the couch I'd wake up seeing her laying down on the floor near me and she would not dare make a sound. Right now she is my alarm clock lols , she would wake me up at exactly the same time everyday at 8 am, how? Well, she would jump into my bed and scratch my leg without barking until I am fully awake. This mutt has certainly learned another trick!

 

I am trying to correct certain behaviors that Louise's previous owner has taught her. She has allowed her to do her toilet needs inside the house with newpapers because she did not like her getting messy. It is the kind of nightmare I am facing right now but I know this would soon stop with constant repetition, in due time she will be potty trained. Louise is used to being fed with canned tuna and dog food but I decided to make her home cooked meal.  This way I am sure that Louise eats fresh food without any preservative. Her staple diet is pork and beef with vegetables. This is more economical than buying dog food. I have been observing how much she consumes in a week and I noted that 1 kilo of pork or beef lasts her the entire week. I would usually cook all of the 1 kilo meat and put the rest in the fridge. Louise is a picky eater, and you'd laugh your head off if I tell you what she likes and does not like. 

Just to illustrate at how picky my little Louise is, she would not eat bread without peanut butter or cheese etc, on it! Usually when she eats bread she would only eat the ones with the most spread and leave the ones that does not have. I tried feeding her sardines, this little mutt did not even touch it! I experimented on other food combination like squash with rice and fried fish and still she would not eat. Finally I gave up and cooked her ground pork with grated carrots and thinly sliced cabbage, now guess what? Yes, you bet she ate all of it!

Like a child, Louise likes to be babied and she is happy when she sees me when I come home from work.She does misbehave at times and turn a deaf ear when she does not want to answer me. Though Louise is very loyal and loving towards me she is not friendly to new faces. She would bark fiercely at an unfamiliar face and would stay on guard until the other person leaves. I am hoping to raise a well rounded friendly dog but as many breeders have told me Louise like any JRT would need expert training. JRTs are very intelligent but they are also known to be stubborn, training starts at an early age or else it would be hard to train them when they become an adult. They certainly have a mind on their own sometimes and I have seen that in my little Louise. Sometimes she can be a handful when she see new faces in my place. She would bark and bark and would not shut up in spite of being told not to. Lolz at times she reminds me of  the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Louise can be both. She can be Hyde to strangers and Jekyll when we are alone.

So You Think You Are Ready For A Dog?

I am single, young career woman. I have my own apartment and I can say that I earn quite a bit and an extra source of cash through my online job to keep a pet dog. I have a good family and loving friends but there is one thing that I have been wanting to do and that is to own a dog. For many years I have waited for the day when I can finally own a dog. It used to be that I can't get one because of my job and my living arrangement. I used to have housemates who didn't want dogs around the place and I held a job that kept me out of the house most of the time. So, I had to wait and after years of waiting finally I can have one.

The day came when I can finally get a dog but I had another concern and that is what type of dog breed should I get? I have several preferences when it came to dog breeds, I was thinking of the adorable poodle, the lovable shihtzu, the tiny teacup chihuahua or the good tempered labrador retriever, oh yes I was also thinking of the beautiful yorkie and the handsome siberian husky and I could not seem to make up my mind. So, again I waited till I can finally come to a decision. Plus, there were a lot more to consider more than I have expected.

There are things to consider when owning a dog. The day you decide to bring home a dog you decide to stay committed in raising your dog. Dogs are like little children they are adorable and cute and funny but at times they can misbehave, grouchy and give you sleepless nights. You must have a lot of patience especially if you decide to raise a puppy, I know most of us likes to raise puppies than having older dogs, but as I have mentioned there are things to consider.

1. Size- have you decided what size of dog do you want? The bigger the size the bigger your living space should be. Toy dogs and small dogs are good for small apartments and bigger dogs would be suitable for bigger apartments or houses with yards. If you are single like me ( Well I am assuming that you are) small dogs can be great, small dogs or toy dogs are delicate and vulnerable and is not recommended in families with small children. Take note also that bigger dogs eats a lot compared to smaller dog so this is also a very big thing to consider.

2. Age- you must decide whether you want to raise a puppy or an adult dog. There are pros and cons with both but all is up to you. With puppies you get to raise them while they are young and you can decide how to raise them but bear in mind that this needs a lot of commitment on your part. You need to house break them and most often times this is hard work. There will be a lot of accidents around your place and you will be cleaning up where your pup poops and pees. So, think if you have the time to do so. Older dogs on the other hand, are already house broken (well mostly but not all. be sure to ask the owner or breeder before you buy). Some have been Socialized already and can easily adopt to their new home. However, there are some breeds that does not easily adopt to new homes.

3. Breed- before you buy a dog research on the breed. Each dog breed has it's own unique qualities and exhibit a certain trait. Some dog breeds are high maintenance compared to other dogs. For example a shihtzu is high maintenance compared to a mini pin. You need to spend a lot for grooming maintenance when you own a shihtzu compared to owning a mini pin. Labrador are very gentle dogs and is compatible with children while a Jack Russell Terrier is fiercely loyal only to its owner and may not be friendly towards other people.

4. Budget- Can you afford  keeping a dog? You would need to complete your dog's vaccination. Maintain his grooming needs and in some countries you would need a pet insurance to cover the cost of hospitalization should your dog get sick. Some dog breeds require meticulous care like long haired dogs and some dog breeds are susceptible  to certain health problems and would need regular vet check up. You should anticipate these needs before getting one. You must be honest and be objective as to how much you can spend for a new pet. After all you don't want to live from paycheck to paycheck and certainly you cannot neglect your responsibilities as a pet owner. So weigh things carefully.

When you have decided on the above mentioned things to consider and whether you decide to get a small dog or a large one, a puppy or an adult dog you must first gather all the grooming materials and all the things that your dog would need. Below are the things you would need to buy before you take your new pet home.

1. Feeding bowls and water bottles- I suggest that you buy stainless feeding bowls with rubber around the rim. The rubber helps keep the bowl in place and will last longer compared to a plastic feeding bowl. Your pet would need a supply of clean fresh water be sure to keep a water bottle nearby.

2. Play pens or crates - if you decide to take home a puppy you would need either a play pen or a crate. Either one of these two are good tools in keeping your pup confined to a certain place so that it will not wander around your place and soil your living space. Most experts do suggest crate method in house breaking your pup. Pups won't soil the place where they sleep so they learn how to hold it until they are taken out of the crate. You must also remember to not let the puppy stay inside the crate or play pen for a prolonged period of time because they would not be able to hold it in for so long. You must let them out 15 mins after eating or after taking a nap and early in the morning.

3.Chew toys- chew toys are a good way to keep your pup engrossed in something other than your shoes or furniture. Especially when dogs are teething they would most likely chew on anything so be sure to get them one. Dogs can also be destructive when bored, giving them chew toys are a way to relieve them of boredom.

4. Dog beds or mattress- there are many beautifully designed dog beds that are washable be sure to invest on a good one. If you choose a large dog be sure that you buy the biggest size that your dog can grow in and still use when he grows up to save you from spending on another one.

5. Dog collars and leashes - buy a dog collar that is adjustable, one that he would not out grow easily. There are many beautiful leashes and collar, buy the one that is comfortable for your pet.

6. Grooming materials- you must have the basics like nail clippers, dog shampoo and conditioner, towels, blow dryer made especially for dogs, brushes and combs depending on what type of pet you have.  For my pup I use herbal soap that has a sweet smelling scent, I find it more effective in controlling my pup's odor than regular dog soaps. Buy soap and shampoo that is tick and flea repellant and controls odors.I usually medicated herbal products over regular products. I also use dog powder to remove odor to make sure my pup won't smell.

7. Cleaning solutions - to ensure your pup's health make sure his living area is clean. To get rid of bad odor clean your pet's living space regularly and use antispetics like lysol which at the same time removes bad odor. You may want to use a spot remover and deodorizer.

After getting all these things you also need to do one last thing before you bring home your new bestfriend and that is dog proofing your house. It is necessary to dog proof your house to ensure that your place is a safe place for your four legged bestfriend. This would also prevent accidents like swallowing  small inorganic objects which would cost you a lot for that vet visit. Still prevention is better than cure. So dog proof your place before bringing home your new pet.

This is what I have learned with all these dog thingy. It was more than I have expected but I am glad to learn all these before getting one. Hope this guide is of help to you.  Before I forget if you are the type who travels too much or has an active night life you may want to reconsider owning a dog. If you really want to own one be sure you have someone who can dog sit for you while you are away.

Finally, I am now a proud owner of a 4 1/2 months old Jack Russell Terrier-Spitz. An intelligent mixed breed pup bursting with so much energy. She is my new bestfriend, a  loyal one I can say. I am blessed to be showered with her unconditional love and loyalty and having her around surely makes my days better. Hope you find your new bestfriend soon!

 

Louise a Jack Russel Terrier - Japanese Spitz cross breed

 

Louise enjoys laying down on my couch and playing with her toy.

Girl Talk: The Most Expensive Foodie I Ate

The most expensive food I ate is the Wagyu Burger from Cebu Hilton Hotel in Mactan, Cebu. at 1500 Php or $ 32 per piece! This is by far the most expensive burger I've had. This cost me a lot but definitely worth it. It is made from the softest beef I have eaten in my whole life and very tasty! Lolz... don't get me started my mouth is starting to water.

 

If you ever stop by Cebu do drop by at the Hilton Hotel and try this delicious Wagyu burger.

Coastal Scents 88 Palette Review

 

For those who are getting started in makeup, Coastal Scents 88 original palette is a must have. It has 88 highly pigmented basic colors that you could mix to give you different looks. The palette has dime sized pans  that could last for a long time and what's more is that it gives you more value for your money. I know how it's like when I first started with makeup, there were several single shadows to choose from but I didn't know which one to buy. With the 88 palette you have everything in just one palette. 

Buying shadows in singles can become too expensive but if you prefer it that way that's fine. I travel every now and then and I want to travel light so I prefer having everything in one palette. With how this product is packaged it won't take much space. It has a flat square container that can fit in easily in my over night bag or hand carry bag. It's not bulky and this is what I usually take with me during my trips. 

I love that this eyeshadow is not chalky like cheap ones however, for best results you must use a lid primer to bring out the color and for it to last long. This palette is non shimmery so if you prefer the ones with shimmer you can try the 88 shimmer palette which is also available from Coastal Scents. This palette costs $28 so in my book this it falls under the must haves and quality and affordability list.