Small Business Grants

There was a time that hubby and I were so interested to start our own business but we didn't have the capital. We didn't know then that there is a website where we can browse and see the different top programs for small business grants", non-profit grants, and contract funding. I'm glad I came across this website lately so I have to share the good news here. The web site is a great tool to help entrepreneurs and business owners find and apply for legit small business grant opportunities. The site is easy to browse and you will find great suggestions on how to apply for and obtain small business grants. You can also find there the list of the top programs which were arranged alphabetically.

So if you are considering to apply for a small business grant, then try to browse the above website. Have the patience to surf all the programs and sites listed there where you can avail a business grant. Small business grants are often a hot topic among entrepreneurs with limited funds and access to capital. We have all seen the headlines: "Free Government Grant for Small Business." It seems all too easy. Locate a small business grant, apply and before you know it you have the money to grow your cash-strapped business.

Charcoal Paintings of Me and Hubby

When hubby and I went to Tam-awan Village last month, we've seen some artists there who were doing charcoal paintings for the tourists who wanted their souvenirs. We stopped by for a while and looked, then we proceeded to roam around the place and took some photos. When we were done we went back to the artists' shop and there were no more customers there. Hubby wanted to have our charcoal painting souvenir so I asked one of the artist to have it done for us. Their charge is P100 for a one person and P300 for two persons and we chose the latter. I thought we will just be getting one painting so I was wondering why 4 artists sat down in front of us and started to sketch our photos. I asked how long it will take to finish and they said around 20 minutes.

So for 20 minutes hubby and I sat down in front of those artists and we seldom move. Maybe they noticed that we were so still and one of them said we can move if we wanted to. They kept looking at us while they were painting and I tried to smile a little bit. Then one of the artists was done and stood up. In a few minutes one after the other stood up and were finished too. So hubby and I stood up and approached the counter to see the finished works of art. There were 5 charcoal paintings all in all done by 4 artists for the price of P300, equivalent to $7 only. Not bad. Hubby and I were just expecting to get one.

So here are the 4 charcoal paintings of me and hubby done by the artists at Tam-awan Village. Some of it didn't really look like us but I think the first one is the best and really resembles our faces. The rest, I think the artists were just imagining things, lol! It's either they made us look younger, uglier or prettier/good-looking. What do you think?

Here are the artists who did the above paintings. I managed to take their photos while they were drawing our faces, lol! But in fairness, I'm impressed with their talents. I can't even sketch a simple portrait and make it look like a real one. Good job to the artists of Tam-awan Village. May your tribe increase!

Shop at Nomorerack

I like to shop in the internet and look for great discounts and amazing deals. I don't like to buy if the item is not on sale. I like to save some money when shopping. Most of the things I bought online were shoes, vitamins, clothes, eyeglasses and a lot more. I have bought quite a few stuffs online already and before I buy I will do some product reviews too especially if what I'm buying is electronics. I just came across this online shop called No More Rack and they have pretty good deals. I was reading their nomorerack reviews to learn more about their products. I was so amazed to see some free deals but to my dismay they are all sold out. I love those freebies and I hope I can have one next time.

I would definitely bookmark No More Rack and shop here for the things I love. Imagine, they offer 80 to 95% off the regular retail price. It's almost a giveaway! This is not a nomorerack scam, just a handful of unbeatable deals! I am saving my blogging money to buy a Louis Vuitton bag because I know this bag is so pricey. I can't believe No More Rack offers Insanity Deals and the said bag was 96% off and it was only $18.10 from it's original price which was $450 and it's sold. I would definitely visit No More Rack everyday to look for their Insanity Deals. Who knows they will offer another LV bag next time.

A Visit To Tam-awan Village

During our 5 day vacation in Baguio last Christmas, hubby and I had the chance to visit one of Baguio's tourist attractions called Tam-awan Village. Hubby and I had been to almost all the tourist spots in Baguio except this one and also the Bencab Museum. We planned to go to Bencab but it's a bit farther so we opted to go to Tam-awan instead and we'll just go to Bencab some other time. We rode a taxi to go there and we paid around P70 from the market.

Tam-awan Village is located in Pinsao Proper, Baguio City and now has seven Ifugao huts and two Kalinga houses. By living in the huts, guests get an opportunity to immerse in an atmosphere that allows them to get a glimpse of village life. By the way, entrance fee is P50 for adults, 30 for seniors and students with ID and 20 for the kids.

There were several foreigners that we've seen there and one guy whom we talked to was from Australia. There were also some balikbayan who were there visiting the place. The place is not that awesome but if you like to see some native attractions then visit Tam-awan. There is also a gallery of paintings of different local artists there. If you want to buy some souvenirs, then go to their souvenir store. They have also a coffee shop if you want to eat something.

Next post I will write about the charcoal painting that hubby and I availed there.

Here are some photos we took from the village so take a look.

My Routine

Contributed by Cameron Hodge

I am a creature of habit. Every morning I wake up at the same time and if I am not able to do the same routine, it messes up my whole day. I like to wake up earlier than most people and have a hearty, leisurely breakfast and watch the Today Show. If I wake up late and rush out the door, I feel like my whole day is rushed. I think that having this routine helps me deal with all of the pressures associated with my job. I’m an attorney, and if I feel that it’s important for me to have a positive attitude for my clients. They look to me for advice, and I don’t want to seem negative. I also have to lead my team of assistants, which is sometimes harder than dealing with clients. I try to start out with a positive attitude and carry it out the whole day. That is why I get so upset if something happens that causes my TV service to get interrupted. After using Direc4u to get my satellite package, my outages have been much less frequent. This really does make my days go smoother and better.