10 Special Gifts for Your SO This Valentine's Day.

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, now is the time to start planning that surprise for your sweetheart. With the restrictions of the pandemic still in place, this is the perfect year to have your gift delivered right to your doorstep. Luckily, there is still plenty of time to order these gifts for delivery.

As a date night at home is a popular way to spend Valentine’s Day, there are plenty of gifts that can help set the mood for a perfect date with your Valentine. Even if you aren’t known as the best gift-giver, here are some suggestions to turn your gift-giving reputation around and show your partner how much you care.

Team Seo Jun here! Hwang In Yeop in True Beauty (2021).

1. Flowers

Let’s start off simple: you can’t go wrong with Valentine’s bouquets. Whether classic red roses or a flower arrangement starring some beautiful lilies, everybody loves getting flowers. You can even get beautiful flower arrangements delivered directly to your sweetheart. Don’t forget to personalize the note!

2. A long-lasting keepsake

In addition to sending flowers, you can send an Eternity Rose, a real rose dipped in gold or platinum to last past Valentine’s Day.

3. Personalized artwork

Show how much you care by memorializing a special moment or anniversary through some artwork. Give the gift of a customized constellation piece reflecting the sky on your first date. Or some wall art of the coordinates of your first home together.

Lee Jae Wook and Kim Hye Yoon, cameo appearance in True Beauty.

4. Go all out for a movie night date

While movie theaters still may be out of the question, that doesn’t mean you can’t bring the movie theater to your living room. Rent a romantic comedy and turn the living room into the perfect cozy cave. Popcorn is all that’s missing. Prepare for the proper movie theater experience by gifting your significant other a popcorn basket full of delicious treats.

5. Salami bouquet

Maybe you want to send an unconventional bouquet. Whether for your boyfriend or girlfriend, consider sending your significant other a beef jerky bouquet. Or even a salami bouquet to the meat lover in your life. It’s not too often you get to eat a bouquet.

6. The gift of self-care

Everybody needs to take some time for themselves. Sending a curated basket of essential oils and moisturizers can make it easier for your significant other to embrace the me-time they deserve.

Captain Ri's candle!
How can we ever forget this scene from Crash Landing on You (2020)?

7. A sentimental candle

You can never have too many candles. Get a candle that reminds your significant other of your shared memories and special moments. There are personalized candles based on locations or events of significance. It’s been proven that personal scents can increase the attraction between two people. Find the perfect candle to show how you feel about your partner.

8. A box of chocolates

Who doesn’t enjoy a box of chocolates? Valentine’s Day doesn’t feel complete without eating heart shaped chocolates from a box. Make sure you get your box of chocolates prior to the holiday to avoid those chocolate cravings.

9. A gourmet gift basket

Send a basket of some of the finest foods, heart-shaped and otherwise. The best part of sending a gift basket full of food is that you’ll often get to partake in the eating of these gourmet treats. So really, it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Wi Ha Joon and Lee Na Young in Romance is a Bonus Book (2019).

10. Personalize a book

There are many resources out there to create a personalized book that captures the relationship between you and your partner. You could create your own scrapbook of photos throughout the years, or you could even get a personalized picture book full of high-quality illustrations. Make a book that tells your unique love story. Fall in love with your story all over again.

No matter what you get your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day, the most important part of the gift is showing them that you care. Take advantage of gift delivery services and surprise your significant other with a romantic delivery when they’re least expecting it.

5 Foods That Can Last You a Long Time.

Food waste has been estimated at as much as 40 percent of the food supply in the United States, according to the USDA. That means billions of pounds of food, and billions of dollars, are virtually going down the drain every year.

Although foods like meat won't last more than a week, there are many different foods that can last a long time, potentially allowing you to save money by not having to toss it out - or to store it away in case of an emergency like a natural disaster.

Gong Yoo, and a potato. :)

Potatoes

Potatoes are not only incredibly versatile, eaten on their own baked and topped with a little butter and salt, tossed into soups and stews, added to casseroles, classically fried, and practically an endless number of other options, they last a long time. They're one of the best bargains at just a few dollars for a five-pound bag and can last up to six months when stored properly. They can last longer by keeping them in a container with holes for ventilation - a paper bag or cardboard box works fine, preventing the accumulation of moisture that leads to spoiling.

All-time favorite cheddar cheese.

Hard Cheeses

While you'll have to keep cheese refrigerated, harder, aged cheeses like cheddar, asiago, and parmesan don't have as much internal moisture, so they can last a long time, anywhere from four to six months, provided they're stored correctly. The best way to store it is to wrap it in butcher paper, parchment paper, or cheesecloth rather than cellophane, allowing it to breathe. Plus, with the harder cheeses, even if an area develops mold, you can simply slice it off and enjoy, perhaps with some habanero pepper jelly for the perfect snack.

An assortment of beans in a traditional Korean market.

Beans

Beans are a great source of fiber that can help keep you feeling fuller longer, as well as being packed with protein and essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and calcium. And, at around just 18 cents per a cooked, half-cup serving, they're a bargain too. Dried beans are best used within a year, but they can be stored longer as one of the longest-lasting and most nutritious foods. The key to using older beans is to soak them for at least 12 hours first and then add extra cooking time, which could be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more.

Fiber overload with some good ol' oatmeal.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is another amazing steal at only around 21 cents for a half-cup serving. Quick oats last as long as three years after the best-buy date, while steel-cut and instant oats have a lifespan of one to two years past that date, providing plenty of time to use them. While they're an obvious choice for breakfast, they have lots of other uses, too, including added to ground beef to stretch it further, which helps your dollar stretch further.

Peanut butter to make your day better.

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is another versatile source of protein and not only makes a great spread for toast, bagels, sandwiches, and more, it can be added to shakes and smoothies, used in dessert recipes or savory dishes. Once it's opened, it will last about three months, but unopened, it's good for a year past the best-by-date. If it's natural peanut butter, be sure to keep it in the fridge even if it isn't opened - it will only last a few months in the pantry.

How to Finally Make the Move to New York.

There are so many big steps in life. Going to college, starting your dream job, committing your life to someone, buying a home, or even moving to a new state. If you have found that you are ready to make the plunge and move somewhere new, and you have decided on New York, we have a few tips to help you finally make it happen!

Photo credit: Curbed NY

Ask for help

Even as the most independent person, it is still ok to ask for help when you need it. And help can come in many forms. Even if no one is physically able to help you, they are still just a phone call away to be able to give you the emotional support you need. Set up a video chat with your loved ones and have them help you decorate your place by telling you where to put your furniture or hang your pictures. There is no harm in asking for help when you really need it.

Be prepared for new expenses

Of course, there are going to be quite a few unexpected expenses that come up when you move to a new place, but there are plenty of financial resources out there to help you learn quickly. Make sure to research the New York state tax rate and what to expect financially when the time comes for being a resident there. And since the New York state tax rate is one of the highest in the nation, you may need some help navigating how it works, what will be expected of you, and how to prepare your taxes when in a new place.

Jung Hae In out and about in New York City.

Try to find a new community

By using social media for good, you may have a better chance finding a community within the new town you are planning to move to. Sites like Facebook and Reddit have pages that are specifically for people that live in certain regions. You can connect with them and see what’s happening in the place that you live.

Research places before you get there

Once you have the address you are moving to, plug it in to websites like Yelp. You will be able to find all the best food spots, doctors, and shops within your new town. You can see the reviews of the places and see what they really have to offer. By knowing what’s around you, you will be able to venture out and not have to do all your cooking and baking at home! This will help you become better acquainted with your new surroundings, and it will help you find places to go when you have your first visitor!

Jung Hae In enjoying the food in New York City.

Be ready for anything

Know that with a big move comes new changes and different experiences. It is important to go into a move with an open mind and an open heart. You must be willing to try new restaurants, shops, and parks, and keep a positive outlook while doing it. This will help you to feel more at home quicker and easier. Plus, it makes it so you are giving yourself and your new place a fair and fighting chance!

Study public transportation

Even if you aren’t going to be in New York City, it is highly likely that you are going to go there at some point in time. We recommend getting a jump on studying the subway system and the public transportation methods to get there. If you aren’t able to memorize the whole system, it’s a good idea to memorize the specific lines you will need to take to get to your desired destinations. That way, if you lose service and can’t access a map, you will still be able to get there with no problem.

Enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City.

We hope that you finally make the move, you will be so glad you did! 

Start your pet parenting journey with Royal Canin Club.

New year, new pet? If one is thinking of adopting a new furry friend soon, then The Royal Canin Club is the best platform and source of information for every aspiring pet parent out there.

Recognizing that a solid health foundation is a key to pets’ full and happy life, Royal Canin Philippines' new campaign puts the focus on kittens and puppies and the ways that pet owners can give their babies the healthiest Start of Life through proper care and nutrition.

As the new year begins, Royal Canin is emphasizing its commitment to pets’ well-being in their full life cycle, particularly our pets’ first year of growth and development in the Royal Canin Club app. The rewards app is set to provide comprehensive knowledge, tips, quizzes, and Royal Canin product recommendations to new pet owners or those thinking of a new addition to their fur family. With more people adopting pets in the past year due to the quarantine, Royal Canin Club will be a useful resource for many new pet owners or seasoned fur parents who are just now taking care of puppies and kittens.

The Royal Canin Club is every pet owner's best friend.

“Our pets’ health at the start of life will define how they grow and live. Like how we put extra attention to the well-being of human babies, the same principle applies to how we should care for our pet puppies and kittens who are just beginning to adapt to the world,” says Adriann Eusebio, Royal Canin Philippines’ country head.

Royal Canin’s Start of Life commitment will also be rolled out on-ground, with their pet recruitment program called Starter Hub. Customers who get a new pet from Cartimar or Tiendesitas will be directed to the Royal Canin Starter Hub, where they will be given a Royal Canin Starter Kit containing a primer on proper care for pets, as well as welcome gifts and exciting vouchers

Keep your eyes open, as at the beginning of this year pet owners can avail of full-size Royal Canin pet food for their fur babies in exchange for their points.

As an authority in pet care and nutrition, Royal Canin continuously updates its website with information on pet healthcare specific to puppies and kittens, which aims to help at the beginning of every pet owners’ journey. New fur parents can easily access information supported by our in-house vets and scientific communications team to assist in the day to day management of their pets’ health. This includes discussions on how to prepare pet owners and their families for the newest addition to their household, what to expect during the first 24 hours together, and how to transition their diet from Puppyhood and Kittenhood. Additionally, Royal Canin helps prepare pet parents for their new pets’ start of life.

Pepper for Royal Canin! :)

“Start of Life is the latest campaign that underscores our advocacy of proper pet ownership. We believe that starting our pets early on healthy practices gives them a fuller life in the long run. That is what Royal Canin espouses not just with our products, but with the resources and guidance we provide through our different channels,” adds Eusebio.

The app is now available for download on Google Play Store or the iOS App Store, and contains resources on proper diet and nutrition, digestive health, neonatal to ageing care, skin and coat care, training, and understanding pet behavior. Users can also accumulate points through the app when they purchase Royal Canin products from partner stores. Follow Royal Canin on social media for product news, promotions, and special giveaway contests.

#CrispyFryPlayDay: Ajinomoto celebrates first Lucky FryDay PlayDay!

Crispy Fry® hosted its third #CrispyFryPlayDay to officially introduce its newest brand endorser TV host Luis “Kuya Lucky” Manzano. The event brought together media and their families for the first #CrispyFryPlayDay done online.

Surprise! The newest endorser of Crispy Fry
was there with us during the CrispyFryPlayday event!

In the game show-themed event held via Zoom, Kuya Lucky invited select media Frymates for a special task: celebrate #CrispyFryPlayDay by partnering with their kids and family members to virtually cook meals perfect for families and friends. The virtual game had three exciting rounds, where participants had to guess the ingredients, and the price of special ulams made better with Crispy Fry products. Special awards and prizes were also given to select Frymates and winning participants.

All set for #CrispyFryPlayDay!

“The pandemic may have changed a lot of things, but one that we hope stays the same is the strong bond of families. Our new stay-at-home lifestyle creates opportunities for new bonding moments between loved ones. We encourage everyone to make cooking a shared activity because it’s fun, easy, and rewarding,” says Roann Co, Ajinomoto Philippines Corporation’s General Manager of Marketing and Public Relations.

Cooking with Crispy Fry®

Cooking is made better and more special with Crispy Fry®, the #1 breading mix brand in the market. Perfect for Filipino families, Crispy Fry® is made from choice flours and starches perfectly blended with seasonings, concocted to make fried chicken and fish crispy-delicious. The brand has an extensive list of variants available on the market. This includes Crispy Fry® Chicken Breading Mix, which comes in Original, Garlic, and Spicy so families can enjoy fried chicken in different ways. Crispy Fry® also has a variant with Gravy Mix and another with Japanese bread crumbs, seasonings, and spices. Meanwhile, the new Crispy Fry® Fish Breading Mix reduces oil spills while cooking so families can enjoy fried fish without the hassle.

Pantry staples! Thank you, Ajinomoto!

“Crispy Fry® is now a staple in my kitchen because it makes cooking so much easier. When I don’t have a lot of time, I fry chicken or fish using the easy-to-prepare breading mix. Each meal is made more special because Crispy Fry® guarantees crispanalo and isda-licious fried dishes, every time,” reveals Manzano.

Crispy Fry® and #CrispyFryPlayDay are part of Ajinomoto’s Eat Well, Live Well promise for Filipino families – to create high-quality products for delicious, healthy, and enjoyable mealtimes.

Happy #CrispyFryPlayDay!

To know more about Crispy Fry®, visit the Ajinomoto website at ajinomoto.com.ph and the Cookmunity by Ajinomoto Philippines at facebook.com/CookmunitybyAjinomotoPH. 

Cooking with my Air Fryer | Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins.

Social media has been abuzz lately with air fryers and their increasing popularity here in the Philippines. I know air fryers have been around for years, but it was only last year when they started to get a lot of hype in my country.

But along with the new-found fame and popularity came the hatred for air fryers and for people who own it, have bought it, and even those who are planning to buy it. Some people would argue that it works the same way as the turbo broiler and/or the convection oven and it would be a waste of money to buy an air fryer if you already have these appliances (I have neither of the two so the air fryer was a very good investment for me), while some say that air fryers are for lazy people or people who don't know how to cook. I strongly disagree with this one, because hey, I know how to cook. My friends who have air fryers know how to cook. And no, we're not lazy people. People who own air fryers (at least the ones I know) are actually busy people who are after the convenience of being able to work on other things while they cook. 

Like what I've said on my Facebook post, people have their own reasons for buying air fryers. If they have the money for it, let them buy it! Let people enjoy things! 

As for me, my seven-month-old relationship with my Hanabishi Air Fryer is still going strong, and I'm proud to say that I whipped up a storm in the kitchen on New Year's Eve (for the traditional Media Noche) with it! My latest creation are these Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins using the oranges from my New Year fruit basket. I had so many fruits and chocolates for the New Year and they all ended up being made into muffins, haha!

Orange Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups flour

3/4 cup sugar

2 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/2 cup Greek yogurt or plain yogurt

1/4 cup milk

2 large eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

zest and juice of 1 large orange (about 1/2 cup juice and 1 tablespoon zest)

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet)

For Orange Drizzle Topping (optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar

1-2 tablespoons orange juice

No drizzle, but I added more chocolate chips on top.

Procedure:

1. Preheat air fryer to 170° Celsius.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the sugar and orange zest.

3. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.

4. In another bowl, whisk the eggs with oil, yogurt, milk, orange juice, and vanilla extract until completely combined.

5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.

6. Fold in the chocolate chips.

7. Bake at 170° Celsius for 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

8. Switch to Convection Broil for 2-3 minutes if you want the muffin tops to look more brown. (Kindly make adjustments to the temperature settings if you're cooking with a conventional oven.)

9. To make the drizzle, sift the powdered sugar in a small bowl. Add the orange juice and stir until the sugar has melted enough and the drizzle can be poured. 

10. When the muffins have cooled down, pour the drizzle on the muffin tops.

How to Know What to Invest In.

Deciding you’re ready to invest in the market is a huge financial achievement! We applaud the great financial decisions you’ve made to get you to this exciting point in your journey. Now that you’re ready to start letting your money make you money, the tough part is figuring out what you want to invest in. Rest assured—we're here to make that decision easier. Keep reading to figure out exactly where your money should go.

Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyeong in Start Up (2020).

Do Your Homework 

If you don’t remember much from your freshman Econ class (who can blame you?), you need to brush up on some basic investment knowledge. Doing so will help you make sense of your options—and give you the confidence you need to pursue them. We recommend building a strong foundation of knowledge using resources like: 

     ● Online courses 

     ● Your bank 

     ● Investment books 

     ● Financial magazines, newspapers, and TV programming 

     ● Google (yes, this really is the answer for everything)

Think About Your Timeline

One of the most important things to consider as you start investing is how long you plan to invest, and when you anticipate needing to take the money back out of the market.

Think of it this way: if you’re in your 20s and have decades to let your portfolio grow, your strategy is going to be a lot different than if you’re in your 50s and plan to retire in the next ten years.

Thankfully, using an investment calculator can help you run different projections based on your estimated timeline.

Bae Suzy in Start Up (2020).

Understand Risk vs. Reward

Markets rise and fall, meaning nothing is guaranteed when you invest your money. Although there are a lot of factors you can control, there’s always the possibility of the unknown. This means you need to think about how comfortable you are with financial uncertainty as you decide how to manage your money. In the financial world, you’re either:

● Risk-tolerant – If you’re risk-tolerant, you don’t mind taking chances. You’d rather take a big swing on an uncertain but potentially very lucrative outcome than play it safe and see a much smaller return. You’d rather have a 30% chance of making $50,000 than a 90% chance of making $5,000.

● Risk-averse – If you’re risk-averse, you don’t like uncertainty. You prefer outcomes that are certain, even if the result doesn't have as much potential for reward. You’d happily go for the $5,000, knowing it won’t cause you much stress at all.

Most people don’t fall squarely into one category or the other, so you can pick your portfolio based on which end of the spectrum you’re closer to. However, taking risks isn’t just about your personality—it’s about your financial situation and goals. Are you in a stable position? Can you afford to lose that much? Would you still make rent next month if this didn’t go your way?

You might be extremely risk-tolerant, but that mindset won’t always align with your reality.

Consider the Time Investment

Money isn’t the only thing you’re investing when you begin building your portfolio. You also need to think about how hands-on you want to be with your finances. You may want to “set it and forget it” or you might want to buy and sell shares on a weekly or even daily basis. It’s usually better to start with a less time-intensive approach and build up to more active investing.

Park Seo Joon and Kim Da Mi in Itaewon Class (2020).

Investing is Exciting!

We hope by now you’re feeling more confident about what to invest in. Remember, investing is extremely personal, so it’s always best to do what makes sense for you (regardless of what your overly-chatty coworker tells you about the market). It’s going to take time to start seeing a return on your investments, but when you do, it’ll all be worth it.

Happy investing!

 

Educational Trips for Kids - Parents Welcome.

Many families opt for vacations with an educational element, which has become a popular option in recent years. Choosing a vacation that everyone in your family will enjoy can be difficult, depending on your children’s interests and ages. Find out what inspires your child and use that as a starting point to plan the perfect educational trip. Let your children have a say in where they go. The fact that you asked them to participate will boost their confidence. Planning a trip is a great family bonding activity. 

Sky Castle, 2018.

It’s Science

• The MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts will spark little curious minds. Journey through the history of artificial intelligence and the research that brought it to life—Marvel at kinetic sculptures and high-tech robots. Take part in an interactive science workshop with topics such as building better bridges taught by students from the institute.

• Children’s Museum of Houston encourages the next generations to protect the virtual universe with math and critical-thinking skills. Specifically, the CyberChase exhibit, where children learn to write code to solve boggling puzzles. 

Photo credit: Wide Open Pets

By Land or By Sea

• Consider a Farm Stay Vacation. Learn what it’s like to care for a working farm like Verdant View Farms in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Each morning begins with a family-style farm breakfast at 7:30 am, then kids will join a farmhand to learn how to milk goats, feed chickens, and claves. Workshops like Artisan Cheesemaking are held every afternoon.

• Kids Sea Camp is about family dive adventures. There is a never-ending number of things to learn both above and below the sea. Kids unplug from the digital world and reconnect to an outdoor world full of life. The La Pacifica Hilton Club Resort in Mexico provides accommodations close to the excursions. And no, you don’t have to own a Hilton timeshare to stay. In fact, learn how to cancel a Hilton Grand Vacations timeshare and save money for even more experiences! 

Photo credit: Baseball Hall of Fame.

Every Kid is Different 

Even within a family, often children have their own, seemingly opposite, personalities. Be sure to consider each child’s interests and plan something for each one.

• National Museum of Computing is in Bletchley Park, United Kingdom, which is home to the famous WWII codebreakers like Alan Turing. This museum offers a virtual tour that takes visitors through the history of computers.

• National Baseball Hall of Fame is a museum in Cooperstown, New York, which has thousands of baseball related artifacts- bonus, they are all three-dimensional. Additionally, you can register for a free live virtual field trip to hear stories of baseball’s past along with video and photos.

Giant totem at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.

Cultural Immersion

• The Museum of the Cherokee in Cherokee, North Carolina tells the history of the Cherokee tribe. Learn about the Trail of Tears. Children can sign up for a cultural workshop to learn how to speak Tsalagi Gawonihisdi, the Cherokee people’s language.

Unto These Hills is an incredible dance show performed by a Cherokee dance group where some of the performers are descendants from the ones removed. You can get tickets online at Mountainside Theatre.

• Colorado Indigenous Roots Immersion Experience in Weston, Colorado offers an authentic living history immersion experience. Deepen your understanding of traditional Native American culture. Stay a while! Book a three-day program where you’ll experience the daily life of the Native American culture. Accommodations are at Tipi Village to provide a more authentic experience.

#MetKids.

Virtual Field Trips

There will be times you can’t get away for an epic vacation, but that doesn’t’ mean we stop. We have fun learning. Check out these interactive websites of real places to explore.

• The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents a virtual experience #MetKids. Little ones will explore a colorful, illustrated map to find treasures in the museum’s collection.

• Stellarium Web is an interactive website where kids can explore the entire galaxy. Watch live sunrises and solar flares. You can even find out what is going on right in your own part of the world by adding your location.

• The National Museum of Natural History’s virtual experiences at the Smithsonian are self-guided, room-by-room tours of permanent, current, and past exhibits. Make sure to visit skeleton hall on the second floor.

Ways To Improve Your Child’s Education: Wrapping Up 

Finding the right ways to improve your child’s education can be an overwhelming experience. You’ll not only make sure they’re appropriate for your child but that they actually help. Whether it’s sending them on Educational Trips for Schools, teaching organizational skills, or making sure they’re prepared to learn, all of these efforts can make a big difference in their educational development. 

Thankfully, there are more of these than you might be aware of. Teaching them organizational skills, making sure they’re ready to learn when they get to school, and even going on an educational trip can all be effective for this. While they’ll take a bit of effort, your child’s education is more than worth it.