How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Workplace?

I just want to share an article that I wrote for Triond. I'm sure a lot of you can relate to this. Enjoy!

How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Workplace?

we have a winner!!!

Congratulations to Laarni of  Jaggedbarn! She won the Digital Scrapbooking giveaway ($40 value). Please email me at bingotsgirl@gmail.com to get the info you need to claim your prize!Enjoy and Congratulations!!!!

Special thanks to  MyMemories Suite for sponsoring the giveaway!

Toopy and Binoo Obsession

My 6 year old son is still obsessed with Toopy and Binoo. Honestly, I still cannot find anything great about them but my son loves them to pieces.

Toopy and Binoo toys? yup, here's one..

We bought the same thing in Walmart because we want him to be more involved in board games than electronic games.

He even requested to have Toopy and Binoo cupcakes for his birthday. These are my two choices... (the images were linked to the originals)

Two years ago, we went to see Toopy and Binoo in Ottawa. It was a pretty long 2 hours drive, but it was all worth it. And just now, I found out that they are coming here in Montreal! How cool was that?

The event will take place on February 24 to February 25, 2012 in Théâtre St-Denis, Montreal. Tickets are available in TICKETPRO.

So there will be another great time with Toopy and Binoo soon!

Black Friday freebie! ($4 value)

As always, the best things in life are free! Take advantage of the Black Friday Freebie that MyMemories Suite is giving away. Just click on the image below to download it!

This vintage style kit comes with 10 papers, 23 page embellishments and a monogram set of 84 characters.

HURRY! IT'S FREE UNTIL SUNDAY ONLY! 

Feel free to check out the other kits available in the website and use my code:  STMMMS92823  (note: case sensitive) to avail of the $10 off. 
 

The best things in life are free!

First of all, I would like to wish all my US friends a Happy Thanksgiving Day! As a Thanksgiving gift,  MyMemories Suite is giving away free kits to use to preserve and share those memories. Just click on the image below to download.

To purchase the Software or anything in the MyMemories Suite you are more than welcome to use my code:  STMMMS92823  (note: case sensitive) to avail of the $10 off.


Now, you can update your profile pictures in facebook in the most creative way!

Another freebie? The MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software giveaway ($40 value) is still ongoing. Please click HERE to join. Deadline of submission of entries on November 26,2011 at 8pm Eastern Time! Winner will be notified. Thank you!

Again, to all my US friends, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the Turkey! 

What not to give! The Tacky gifts

Are you a tacky gift giver, or just being funny? I'm sure one of you out there are itching to give one of these to the people on your Christmas list! 

1. Coffee Mugs

       Coffee mugs are best given as a corporate giveaway never as a gift. Unless you'll end up getting a fancy coffee mug (see: COFFEE MUGS CAN BE GREAT GIFTS TOO) that would fit this someone special's personality, stay away from it as much as possible.


2. Cash 

Elaine exclaimed “Cash? You got me cash? Who are you my uncle?”

   
This was a quote from an episode of Seinfeld when Jerry gave Elaine a cash for her birthday. Jerry was so pleased with his gift, Elaine was not.

   

I'm not a fan of receiving cash as gifts, unless probably it was my wedding that I would appreciate any help that I could get. But for Christmas or Birthdays, most people including me, would appreciate getting something that we know that the giver really exerted an effort finding me a gift. That alone would make them feel special.

Instead:  If you have no idea of what to give him/her, how about a gift card on his/her favorite store. It will be more appreciated.

3. A Regifted Pen engraved with initials... that is not mine

    One rule in Regifting: Take out all evidences that the item was regifted! If you can't take it out, please don't regift it!

4. Coupons 

       A friend of mine once told me that she received a Mc Donalds coupon for her wedding. It was nice to share these blessings but please not for a wedding!

Instead : If you're an advocate of Mc Donalds, a Mc D's gift card will be very much appreciated.

5. An Over sized Lingerie

      Women are naturally very sensitive when it comes to weight issues. So receiving an over sized lingerie is like a slap in a face. That's how bad it is. So if you're not really sure of what size she is, stay away from the lingerie section as much as possible!


6. A Denture Cleaner

     It's very nice that you're concerned of your recipient's overall health. But have you realized that giving this would mean that it's like you telling him/her that his/her dentures are dirty.

So this Christmas, please make sure that these things are not included in your shopping list. Or you'll end up in the worst gift giver list!

** Giveaway is still ongoing, Join HERE **

What not to give! Wackiest gifts

It's holiday season once again. The spirit of giving is right up in the air. Some people would go far and buy the wackiest and most memorable gift that they can find. On buying wacky gifts, you have to think twice if the recipient will totally get your humor or you'll never talk to him/her again. That's the fact.. some would see it funny and some would find it offensive.  So just in time for the celebration, I would like to share my ideas of...

What not to give! The Wackiest gifts

The Breast feeder - this could be a good gift to new parents. It's actually kinda thoughtful for the new mom to alleviate her from breastfeeding all night long. But I cannot imagine myself receiving this and forcing my husband to wear it in public. Instead, save your money and buy a nice set of feeding bottles. At least you're sure that it will be used in the future.  Note: If you don't like the new dad that much, give it! sure! 

The Splash free head cover - I'm just wondering.. people really buy this? Well, it's okay if you're trying to convince the world that you are a flower. But I'd rather have my hair splatted with soup than wear this. I think there was a reason why scrunchies and paper towels were invented. I think.. I'm just throwing it out there..

The Tissue holder - who needs a purse if you can put everything in your head..

 The Eye dropper funnel - You have to admit it, the idea was pretty clever.

Pillows for the lonely - I don't know the reason behind this invention. It's pretty thoughful yet borderline creepy. or is it just me?

Nope.... it's soap! Yes, that's the name. It looks yucky but it smells like coffee! I don't think the recipient will appreciate taking a bath with a poop like soap. no... 

Nose shower gel dispenser - Funny? yes. Cute? no.

 

True enough that it's the thought that counts, but in the little part of my world.. I believe what counts the most is the love that you put when you give gifts.

The great art of giving consists in this: the gift should cost very little and yet be greatly coveted, so that it may be the more highly appreciated.
Baltasar Gracian

Next Post: What not to give? TACKIEST GIFTS

** Digital Scrapbook Software giveaway is still ongoing please click HERE to join**

Contest is Closed **A Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway! ($40 value) **

Aside from blogging, one of my stress relievers is digital scrapbooking. My colleagues call these hobbies a little geekish, but who cares! What works for one may not work for the other. I'm just glad that it worked for me.

Your pictures are just pictures until you put a slight touch of creativity. Your pictures must tell a story, and that's where Digital Scrapbooking comes in.  I've been a photoshop user for quite a while now, but mind you, when I was starting, I have encountered a tremendous learning curve with the program. And I'm still not that good at it until now.

Then I've learned about this Digital Scrapbooking Software called My Memories. My Memories Suite software is rated  #1 on Amazon and TopTenReviews. I've tried it myself and I find it really easy to use.

Special features are:
- easy Drag and Drop feature
- easy click to export your creative work into a JPEG form
- It comes with a collection of great embellishments 
- the multimedia output which enables you to have your work Ipod ready, turn your work into a movie, or make an interactive album


My sample works? Check these out!

50th birthday invitation

And look how I turned my blog posts into printable pages! Talk about preserving memories..

 

 Please click to view original post The Epitome of Beauty and Brains

Please click to view original post Leche Flan 

 

Please click original post to view Pinwheel Sandwiches

Please click in the link to see original post Apple picking

After discovering this, I would like to share my promo code with you guys. This promo code will entitle you to a $10 off the purchase of My Memories Suite Software and a $10 coupon for the My Memories store... a $20 value! So feel free to use my promo code to avail of this great discount.

Please copy and paste this promo code on checkout: STMMMS92823  (note: case sensitive)


THE GIVEAWAY

To make the deal even more sweeter, I will be giving away one My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software (a $40 value). It can be yours for free!! The giveaway is open internationally. As much as I want everyone to have it, I can only give one.

Now, the winner will be chosen by the most number of points.

How to join: 

Click on this My Memories link the Digital Scrapbooking kit then leave me a comment by clicking on this comment link   COMMENT  and tell me which kit did you like best. (You can send as many entries as you want. 3 points per comment)

For extra points:  Please let me know if you've done these by posting a comment here -- > COMMENT or send me an email at bingotsgirl@gmail.com. You have to let me know or your entries will not be counted. (edited)

Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (1 point)

"Like" My Memories Suite on Facebook (1 point)

Follow My Memories Suite blog (1 point)

Blog about this giveaway, be sure to provide a back  link  (2 points)

Share this giveaway in your Facebook  and be sure to provide a back link (2 points) 

Please be sure to include your email address on your comment.

All entries must be in by 8:00PM Eastern Time November 26, 2011.  I will be announcing the winner in this blog and of course, he or she will be notified by email. 

Contest is Closed

Good luck!

Creamy Garlic and Herb Shrimp Linguine .. with a twist!

Truth be told, I am not a good cook. I can make meals, but I, definitely, could not and would not do gourmet meals. For me, it takes a lot of time and energy to cook. I, sincerely, tip my hat to the people who enjoy cooking, just because they enjoy cooking. That's why you cannot describe the excitement that I have if I was able to cook a decent meal that my boys will actually enjoy. Obviously, ME.. being able to cook a decent meal doesn't happen very often.

So last weekend, I tried a recipe that I got from Kraft Canada. The recipe is called Creamy Garlic and Herb Shrimp Linguine. Here's the recipe..

the ingredients: 

220 g linguine, uncooked

2 cups fresh sugar snap peas 

3 Tbsp. Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing 

1 lb. (450 g) frozen uncooked deveined peeled large shrimp, thawed

1/2 cup (1/2 of 250-g tub) Philadelphia Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread

2/3 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth

2 Tbsp. Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

 
how to cook it:
Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding peas to the boiling water for the last 2 min.
 
Meanwhile, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook 3 to 4 min. or until shrimp turn pink, stirring frequently. Transfer to bowl; cover to keep warm.
 
Add cream cheese spread and broth to skillet; cook and stir on medium heat 4 min. or until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. (Do not let sauce come to boil.)

Drain pasta mixture. Add to sauce with shrimp mixture; mix well. Top with Parmesan and parsley.

My own twist:  


- I actually used fettuccine noodles because I, personally, prefer Fettuccine over Linguine. 
 - You can use any Extra Virgin Olive Oil, if you don't have a Kraft  Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing.
- I actually skipped the fresh sugar snap peas since I didn't have it at hand at that time.
- I added Scallops and Pre-cooked Mussels to turn it into Creamy Garlic and Herb Seafood Pasta.


The result..

See... that was easy! I didn't follow the recipe as stated but it turned out to be good if not, better!

Pregnant in Heels!

Gone are the days that women were locked to wearing flats when pregnant. I remember myself wearing those horrendous chunky flat  shoes when I was pregnant because that time I've been advised not to wear high heels. I would like to stress it out that I was advised for a reason. I gained a humongous amount of weight, that I could pass for a Sumo wrestler. I'm not kidding! I believe that a sumo wrestler in a sexy stiletto is not a lovely sight. 

But have you ever thought? What is with the high heels that women push themselves to the extreme and really find it hard to give these up even when they're pregnant?

1. High heels shoes keep your legs appear longer.
2. It improves ones posture.
3. A lot of women wear it because they're comfortable with it.
4. It makes women feel sexy and confident.

I think #4 sums it all up. That's exactly the magic that these gorgeous shoes make women feel even when they're pregnant.

Celebrities who are/were pregnant in heels

Beyonce in her 5th month pregnancy

Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham wearing these Louboutins on her 7th month of pregnancy.

Jennifer Lopez pregnant with twins!! 

Kate Hudson on her third trimester

Heidi Klum

Jessica Alba on her 7th month of pregnancy

But is it really safe to wear when you're at the peak of your pregnancy?
 

as per Jennifer Shu of Babycenter 

        "Wearing high heels (even wide-based, clunky ones) is not a good idea during pregnancy. That's because your weight increases and your body shape and center of gravity change, making you walk differently (and less steadily). A fall during pregnancy could hurt you and possibly your baby, so think twice before adding height to your growing girth "

 So you, would you go for Style over Safety or Safety over Style... I'd go with the latter...

The title of this post was taken from the hit show Pregnant in Heels

"Pregnant in Heels is a reality show following Rosie Pope, a maternity clothing designer and host of the show, as she helps moms to be living in the upscale New York on their pregnancy and motherhood. No, the show doesn't focus on how to wear heels when you're pregnant (maybe on some episodes? I'm not sure) but mainly, on how to survive pregnancy and motherhood while staying chic and fabulous!"

The Epitome of Beauty and Brains

In this world where vanity takes its toll, we, somehow, have to take a step back and re-evaluate ourselves.

The world is just not about having a gorgeous body or who has the fewer wrinkles.. botox anyone?

These girls strengthen the fact that it's not really enough to be just a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS GAL.. 

The Epitome of  Beauty and Brains

Danica McKellar
The girl- next- door Winnie Cooper in the Wonder Years. She earned her degree in Mathematics in UCLA. She graduated as Summa Cum Laude. She is the author of the best selling books Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle-School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail, Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss, Hot X: Algebra Exposed! a true Math Genius!

Natalie Portman
She played as Queen Amidala in the star wars, and a ballerina in the Black Swan where she won her an Oscar award for best actress. Amazingly, she was able to balance her acting career and get an education. She completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in Harvard University. She took graduate courses in Hebrew University of Jerrusalem in 2004.

       

Jodie Foster

 We remembered her for her Oscar award winning role as Clarice Starling in the american thriller film the Silence of the Lambs. She earned her degree in literature as Magna Cum Laude in Yale University.  

Mira Sorvino 
 We loved her for her role as Romy in Romy and Michelle's high school reunion. But she is well known for her academy award winning performance in Mighty Aphrodite. She is a magna cum laude

graduate with a degree in East Asian Studies in Harvard University.

Kristin Chenoweth

I loved her role as Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies where she won an Emmy award. She also won a Tony award for her role in the musical Wicked. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with  a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in musical theater and a master's in opera performance.

Ashley Judd

Our dear Norma Jean.. but I remember her more for her role in Someone Like You.  She has a bachelor's degree in French from the University of Kentucky and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2010. 

She is currently active in different humanitarian and political causes. She is a supporter of different charities and foundations such as Children's Medical Research Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, and YouthAIDS to name a few. 

Just remember being pretty is hot.. but being smart is hotter! Have a great weekend!

Daylight Saving Time starts 2am Sunday!

It's that time of the year again that we either lose an hour of sleep or we gain another hour of shut eyed moment. Here's the schedule:

USA & Canada clocks
on Daylight Saving Time until:
Sunday 6 November 2011 2am local time.
Then on Standard Time until:
Sunday 11 March 2012 2am local time

Europe / UK clocks
on Standard Time until:
Sunday 25 March 2012 01:00 GMT
 

Australia clocks
on Daylight Saving Time

Cuba will end DST two weeks later this year
Delayed to 13 November 2011 at 01:00

This could be a bit confusing, but my only way to remember when to add an hour or when to go back an hour is when it's fall time, you FALL BACK (you switch the time an hour earlier) and on spring time, you SPRING UP (you switch the time an hour more).

So don't forget to adjust your time before you go to sleep!

Used underwear sold for $15000

image were lifted from Yahoo

My regular day ends with a cup of coffee and my daily Yahoo news. This article really caught my eyes because 1. A USED underwear has been auctioned... read: USED underwear, and 2. This used undergarment was sold for a whopping $15000. Apparently, this silk cream colored bloomers were owned by none other than...  the Queen

Queen Victoria; image lifted from NYdailynews

The undergarment shows the hand embroidered initials "VR"

image lifted from Yahoo

As per the news, the undergarments were worn by Queen Victoria in the 1860's.

Now I'm wondering how much are her socks...