Dinner At CJ Hotpot On The First Day Of CNY

STEAMBOAT DINNER ON THE FIRST DAY OF CNY...

As usual, there is no cooking in the house during this festive season.  Mama is lazy, she does not like to do cleaning up especially after the cooking, after all, she is not a good cook... Might as well take this opportunity to go out and look for food.  And since it was a cool evening, all of us agreed to have the special steamboat in CJ Hot Pot in Ipoh Garden East...

Before we arrived, we already thought of Plan B... just in case this CJ Hot Pot is not opened, we will go to another restaurant nearby.  To our delight, it was opened and there were still a few empty tables too!  I was expecting the place to be full since it was the first day of CNY... and half-way through our dinner, the place was full to the brim.  Good to be early diners.... I must say...

Waiting for it to boil....

We ordered a side dish... too dark to recognise what it is?

This is fried mantis with spring onions and dried chillies... 

Cannot expect much during this festive period...

However this did not disappoint us.... 

We ordered some extras....

That is for our dinner on the First day of CNY!

Home Improvement Plans And Tips

Want to improve your home, then some home improvement is in order and here are some tips and plans on doing so.

Consider Personal Influencers First

Funding a home improvement project isn't always easy. Several personal factors such as the ability to seek financing, your age, and monthly repayment commitments need to be considered before taking on the project.

Credit Cards

Credit cards can come in handy when paying for minor home improvements. Simple cosmetic enhancements such as repainting, decorating, and even upgrading the lighting system can be paid for using the credit card. Most credit card companies offer free introductory periods for purchases for as long as you don’t max the card out. You however should pay-off your credit card dues before the interest-free period is over. Late payments count attract hefty fines by the company.

Home Improvement Loans

Home improvement loans are considerably much easier to service, and cheap too. You can borrow little amounts ranging from £7,500 to £15,000 for lower interests. Check out Money Expert guarantor loans for help.

Equity Release

Equity release enables seniors aged 55 and above unlock some of their property wealth from their homes. Equity release funds the improvements, with the costs only recovered once you die. This option is recommended for individuals that don't have anyone to inherit the house after they are gone. According to research, at least 23% of all individuals aged over 55 years prefer using equity release as compared to going for home improvement loans.

Drawdown Schemes

Drawdown schemes work in an almost similar way as equity release schemes, though are more popular. These schemes enable homeowners to release cash when, and as they need it. This helps reduce overall interest amounts significantly.

Your home will, however, need/have to be valued to enable these companies to put a value on the cash release program. The best part about this is that you can still release equity even when you still are servicing its mortgage. Experts however recommend using some of the unlocked funds to pay off the mortgage, or part of it.

Consider seeking professional financial advice before signing up for equity release. Some of these programs can put a huge dent to your state benefits and the estate's value. It would also be wise to deal with members of the Equity Release Council as well. Only these members can guarantee you financing regardless of real estate prices. This also helps you stay out of debt should your property depreciate beyond the projected amount.  Of course, everything needs to be put in writing and signed by both parties to hold up in the future.

Read/research more about equity release to understand more about it, how it works, pros and cons before signing up. This is particularly important for individuals with dependents who might need the house in the future. You should also check to see if you are eligible for equity release, and how much you can cash from the same.

What if the Location of Your Business Changes? Is a New EIN Needed?

When you make changes to the way your company operates, updating all your records and all the important industry contacts you have developed can be time consuming. To top it off, you need to understand how changes affect every aspect of your administrative management, including your tax reporting obligations. Often, companies change locations to find a more business-friendly environment, and this can lead to entrepreneurs wondering when and if they need to register a new EIN. Luckily, the IRS does not require you to apply for a new EIN when your business address changes, so your current tax ID number will be valid.

When Does a Company Need a New EIN?

The IRS only requires you to get a new tax ID when a new entity is being established for tax purposes. That means:

●     If your sole proprietorship has employees or needs to file for certain small business loans

●     When establishing any other type of business

●     When reincorporating a business into a new structure

●     When you manage a nonprofit or estate with income reporting and/or tax obligations

If you are running an established company, then your EIN will be registered to your business under its proper business name. You can use an EIN lookup like the one on IRS-EIN-Tax-ID.com to find out whether your EIN is registered to your business in its current configuration. If you do need a new one, it’s easy to get it by using the site’s application to submit your SS4 online.

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Get the Help You Need When Applying for an EIN

If you have questions about your EIN registration or about applying for a new EIN when your company has changed structures, you should contact IRS EIN Tax ID Filing Service online to get help. Company representatives respond during regular business hours, so you can get answers to your questions before applying.

Chip-tuning: what is good, and what is bad

The concept of chip-tuning entered the markets after the cars became completely controlled by electronics. We are smoking electronic cigarettes or vapes and reading e-books now, so, the cars aren’t an exception. Why not ride an electronic car like ford fusion, for instance? Anyway, many people are interested in chip tuning, because it allows changing the character of even the most modest car.

Let's start with the definition. What is this notorious chip-tuning? In other words, this change in the modes of the electrical controllers by correcting internal control programs. Typically, this type of tuning involves making changes to the ECU (Engine Control Unit) - the engine control unit - and is used to increase the power of the power unit. But this is not all that the chip master can promise you.

The question arises if the automakers cannot produce more powerful cars so that car owners do not have to resort to chip-tuning afterwards? Naturally, no. The fact is that companies that manufacture cars, have their own reasons for the engines not to work at full capacity. For example, the engine is often "jammed" in order to reduce the emission of carbon dioxide, thereby minimizing the "eco-tax".

What motors can be "chipped"?

If you are the owner of a “steel horse” in whose broad chest beats the atmospheric heart, you’d better give up the idea of increasing its power. The reason for such a non-optimistic recommendation lies in the fact that in the case of atmospheric engines, the increase in power by "chipping" can only be 3-7%.

But if the diesel engine “growls” under the hood, then you can count on the fact that the master will squeeze out of it an additional 25, or even 50 percent.

What is the process of "chipping"?

The car is driven to the stand to check the power and the mapping is carried out - specialists are looking for in the factory programs the data that are responsible for the engine. After that, the experts make their own adjustments, based on how large the number of regulatory parameters is. In the case of simple motors, this is the fuel delivery time and the ignition timing. Complex aggregates, for example, BMW engines, are still puzzled by the angle of the change in the timing, the height of the valves and the variable length of the intake manifold.

The complexity of chip-tuning is that the motor control unit is pretty closely related to other systems and blocks. And if you make adjustments to the ECU, then, most likely, you will need to adjust the gearbox.

The advantages of chip tuning

Before we start talking about all the pros and cons of chip tuning, we must say that all of the following points can be considered purely subjective.

Chip tuning can please the car owner by improving dynamics, saving fuel, eliminating engine "jams" and "dips", increasing the responsiveness of the gas pedal, correcting program errors and correcting the characteristics of the engine in your dodge challenger or Toyota cruiser. In general, a lot to talk about the advantages of chip-tuning does not make sense, because they are obvious.

To conduct chip-tuning or not is your own business. But it should be remembered that such changes only increase the driver's potential. The resource of the engine depends primarily not on the settings, but on the driving style and operating conditions. The main thing is competent and careful attitude to the car. 

5 Effective Natural Face Whitening Solutions

You may have gorgeously glowing even-toned skin which some people may call white, pale or fair. All that matters is that you can rely on instant skin whitening to achieve that glowing skin your desire. However, you should do this with caution to avoid unsightly irreversible results. With that in mind, here are five skin whitening tips you can use to make your skin a few shades lighter than before.

1. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is a like a magical health potion with seemingly unlimited benefits. It helps improve digestion, boosts energy, and help you preserve that white smile. In skincare, lemon juice helps to have smooth and fair skin. It has elements with mild-bleaching properties that can lower your skin tone a shade or two. It also works as an exfoliant.

 Pure lemon juice can be too concentrated for some skin types; adding water in equal amounts can help. Use a cotton pad to apply the lemon juice; just dip it in the liquid and dab it on your face and leave it on for 15 minutes even after it has dried and then rinse off with warm water. Use the lemon juice 2 - 3 times weekly and remember to wash it off and apply some moisturize with good sunblock properties.

2. Tomato

Tomatoes are the perfect remedy for sunburns and removing those unwanted signs of a tan. If you are thinking of something that looks simple yet packs quite a punch when it comes to skin lightening, then try a tomato pack. It will help you exfoliate your face while doing many other amazing things to your skin. Take around two tomatoes, a bit of gram flour and blend the two with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Apply the paste in the morning and let it sit for at least half an hour or more before you shower.

3. Milk And Lemon

Milk is a gentle skin whitener. It is rich in enzymes and has great moisturizing properties. It is an excellent choice when looking for something that can balance out the astringent qualities of the lemon juice. A dip in a milk bath is heavenly and only need around a cup or two of milk in your bathtub of warm water. Do not use fat-free milk. Squeeze a juicy lemon into the water and then take a luxurious 20-minute soak in the tub. You can do this once or twice every other week.

  

4. Exfoliation

Exfoliation is not just a practice that helps get rid of dead skin; it can also be used to achieve lighter skin tone according to Dore Aesthetics. When you exfoliate, you remove the dead skin cells that make it appear dull, dry, and tired exposing the refreshed and glowing layer underneath.

You can make a natural exfoliant using sea salt, sugar, corn flour, or fine beach sand. Crushed oatmeal or almonds can work for people with overly delicate skin. When applying the exfoliator, use light pressure as you rub the exfoliant on the skin in gentle circular motions. Exfoliate twice week.

5. Moisturizer

A moisturized skin is less likely to have dead skin cells; it also looks bright and gorgeous. You can use a brightening moisturizer to help you speed things along in your quest for that fair look. However,  going all-natural is the safest best, and this means looking to Mother Nature for answers. Try rubbing coconut oil on the skin after showering. The oil is light and quickly absorbed into the skin in less than ten minutes keeping it supple and well-nourished all day.

And there you have it, five natural answers to achieving a lighter skin tone; You can try one of all of them.

On The First Day Of CNY At Pakeeza

Busy... Busy for the past few days.... neglected my blog till this very day which is now the sixth day of Chinese New Year.  Nevertheless, I need to post up my photos for memory sake and to keep reanaclaire.com alive and kicking!  LOL...

On the first day of Chinese New Year... we were on our own... No homecooked food at home ever since my late mom had closed her kitchen few years ago.  This year is no different, we went for Indian food again at the same place, Pakeeza restaurant in town.  Only difference is that my boy and my girl were not here for the lunch, and I "replaced" them with my niece and nephew instead!  Part of family too... LOL...

And we ordered these dishes to fill our hunger for lunch...... A very kind of different meal compared to the our CNY dishes and we love it!  I was not surprised that the restaurant was occupied by mostly Chinese instead of other races.  Obviously there are many who are like me, escaping from the kitchen and enjoyed being served with different kind of food which we normally have.  Nice food, reasonable bill which comes to around RM90 for the four of us.  A once-a-year affair at this time of the year!

Create a Magical, Fairytale Garden for Your Home

Finding inspiration for your garden can be tricky. You want it to be usable, while also feeling creative. If you have kids, or you just want to tap into your childish side, taking inspiration from fairytales and magic is a great idea. Many of us go looking for fairies or gnomes in the garden when we're little, so why not bring them into your home? You can create a magical land in your own backyard with some fun inspiration from fairy tales, legends and mythical beasts. It could be fun for both children and adults, and an interesting way to design your garden.

Build a Fantastical Structure

A fun place where the kids can hide and even adults might be able to squeeze in can give your garden a standout feature. One idea is to build a treehouse, which could be anything from a castle to a pirate ship. If you have a suitable tree or two, you could create an incredibly fun space where the kids can explore and play. A treehouse isn't the only option though. How about a little hobbit hole that provides a comfortable den to relax in? Or perhaps a castle or playhouse that stands on its own. Even a gazebo or a little cabin or shed could be made to look like a fairytale location.

Sourced from Pxhere

Light It Up

The right lights can do an awful lot for your fairytale garden. They can give your garden a magical quality, so it's not just dark at night. You could start with something simple, like a string of solar-powered lights through a tree or bush. But if you want to do something more sophisticated, a company like Allen Outdoor Solutions can help with permanent outdoor lighting. As well as creating a magical garden that you can use once the sun has gone down, you can improve the security of your home and make your garden safer.

Create a Mini World

If you have ever searched for fairies at the bottom of the garden, creating a mini world in your backyard is a fun idea. You can add tiny features that make it look like miniature creatures are living around your home. For an easy, readymade way to do it, you can use doll's house furniture or other miniatures. It's also easy to find mini plant pots or small plants, as well as use bird houses. If you're particularly crafty, you can make your own items too.

Introduce Fairytale Creatures

You might just stick to having some fairytale homes, but you can also dot some magical creatures around your garden. If you feel like a lot of the fairy or gnome ornaments you usually get are a bit cheesy, have a look around to see what else you can find. While some things might look a bit cheap for the look you want, others will help to give your garden a fun but sophisticated look.

Create a fairytale garden for your home if you want a fun space that you can enjoy every day. Adults and children alike can benefit from a creative outdoor space.