TOP 10 FREE iPad Applications

I have been an iPad user since June this year and I really fell in love on how convenient and useful the gadget is. I have been using the gadget almost everyday as a form of communication via social media networks, for leisure and to kill time.

Here are my TOP 10 Favourite iPad Applications that I normally and usually use everyday.

1. VEVO- I downloaded this application as I am a music fanatic. I love listening to different types of music while doing my chores specially ironing as it takes me 2-3 hours of ironing session a day. You can search for your favourite artists and songs plus it has music videos that adds up more entertainment part.

VEVO

2. VIBER- An old friend who is now residing in Singapore suggested and recommended this application to me. I havent got any clue on what the application is about but I was surprised on how GOOD it is. Free calls and texts international which makes it more GOOD as we know international texts and calls can cost us fortune. The only thing is your recipient should also have viber in order for you to connect each other which I think is fair enough.

VIBER

3. ACCUWEATHER- This is a very helpful utility application. As you know it tells whats the weather like daily and weekly which helps us plan holidays, day outs, shopping and visits in advance. It’s completely free and very accurate, I suppose.

ACCUWEATHER

4. MANGO CLOTHING- This is one of my ever loved application on my iPad, this makes my shopping a little bit more easy and convenient. I’m a big lover of Mango Clothing specially their tops, I have been wearing them for over a year now and GOD KNOWS how many tops I have ordered and bought from them. This application shows me the ONLINE SALE portion (which is my favourite) and the clothes they feature each season and of course you can do your shopping on this app. Clever, innit?

MANGO CLOTHING (inset: Model Kate Moss)

5. BBC iPlayer- I so love Eastenders (a british soap) and I can’t afford really to miss an episode but sometimes things don’t go as what you wanted it. You get busy online or you are maybe out for a party or having dinner so I am glad that I found this little application from BBC which helps me a lot as I can watch programs live and can catch up with them a bit later. (Eastenders soap got Eastenders Omnibus where they play all four episodes in one day anyway, another option eh?).

BBC iPlayer

6. SONGPOP- SongPop comes handy when I’m a little bit bored like when I have nothing much to do in the afternoon I play this game. It’s nice as you can choose an opponent and play with the type of song category, genre that you’re master at. It’s a FUN because you need to be as quick as you can on guessing what song is playing. Have a try!

SONGPOP

7. DEBENHAMS- One of the high street shops in the UK which I love the most is Debenhams. Apart from clothing and accessories they also sell homeware stuffs and gift items. When Debenhams go on sale I find it very good as the price itself really drops low. This application helps me find some little bits and pieces that suits my budget out. Like Mango you can use this application to order goods and stuffs online. Fab!

DEBENHAMS

8. SNOOPY’S STREET FAIR- This is my current screen shot of my street fair on Snoppy’s land. My daughter started me on this when I bought this gadget back in June before I left the Philippines to go to the UK. It is originally HERS but then I took over. Like SongPop this keeps me occupied on my free time. I describe this as a sequel of FarmVille in FB, similar thing.

SNOOPY STREET FAIR

9. THE SUN PAPER- This is my companion at night. I am a night person and I find it hard to fall asleep so inorder for me to get tired is I spend the whole night reading this online paper. I save 40-50 pence everyday for this papers cost and I dont need light or torch at night for me to be able to read as the gadget already got lights. What is in the actual paper is the same as what you can see in this application, it doesnt just save me spending my pennies but also its paper free!

THE SUN PAPER

10. INSTAGRAM- I love taking pictures, capturing moments and by using instagram it makes it easier for me to share those photos and socialize with people. Another good thing about instagram is it has different photo filter effects which enhances the quality and beauty of the photo. I use this everyday and I will continue using it till I get fed up with it. LOL  Lets follow each other! See ya’ll on Instagram!

INSTAGRAM (LETS FOLLOW EACHOTHER!!)

There are so many FREE applications in the apple app store that can help us out in our everyday living.

You? What are your 10 favourite apps?

Happy Feet in the Netherlands Blog Competition: Joanna Asmus part #2

Can you help me on this??? PLEASE!!!!!!!!

To all who got twitter please TWEET  the link below and for those who got FB pleasei SHARE it in you wall and promote if you can. Also if you can leave some comments. Shes a Filipina runner, currently based in the Netherlands and she just joined the competition.

Lets support her PLEASE! Many THANKS in advance!! 

http://www.flyingbluerunning.com/inspire/runners-blog/blog-competition-joanna-asmus-part- 

CHEAP Cash Remittances From Abroad

Tired of paying high fees to send cash to your country using Western Union, Moneygram and Zoom? Then this must be the answer on your queries and prayers.

BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) Logo

We have been using BPI Europe for almost 2 years now and we are happy because we only pay £5.00 even we plan to send £1000.00 to the Philippines. Unlike other money transfer services where you need to pay for the corresponding fee for the amount that you wish to send back home. It is also very convenient because you can take the money out of your account right after the money was sent.

It all started when we really got tired of Western Unions high fee prices and we searched for an alternative solution online on how to send money in low-cost. Good thing that we cross this website of BPI (Bank of the Philippine Islands) Europe that gave us more idea on how to send cash by paying £5.00 only.

GBP Notes SPECIMEN

I went to the nearest BPI branch here in Davao and applied for a savings account. I paid P4000.00 for the ATM card and for the remaining balance of P3500.00. It was very quick that I already got my card and went home. From there,  a loved one in Europe registered on-line, fill up the form and send the documents needed to the office in Earl’s Court in London via post to open a BPI Europe STAR account. It took 3-5 days of processing but worth it.

As of the moment we are still enjoying the convenience of their service. I can withdraw the cash in any ATM machines in Davao (Free of Charge in BPI ATM Machines, P10.00 fee on any ATM machines). We don’t need to think of wasting high fees cos then we can add the excess pennies for that “high fees” to the cash remittances we going to send back home. Dont forget “EACH PENNY COUNTS” so let’s try to save a little bit.

Here are the requirements for you to open a STAR account in BPI EUROPE.

- Proof of ID (passport or UK photocard driving license) - must be ORIGINAL copy or AUTHENTICATED by your GP, Solicitor, or your Bank.

- Proof of address (bank/credit card statement, utility bill, council tax bill) - ORIGINAL copy

- 1 ID picture

- Initial deposit of £50 to be credited to your account - cash or cheque payable to yourself

- Accomplished Customer Information Sheet and send it to their mailing address…

BPI Europe Plc, 26A and 27A Earl’s Court Gardens, London, SW5 0SZ

For more information please visit the website.

http://www.bpieuropeplc.com/

National Codes Centre; Bletchley Park

It is a typical thing for a foreigner to visit the country’s museums not just to see the artefacts that is stored and preserved in the building but also to be more aware of the history and basic life of the ancient people who have lived in the country thousand years ago. One of the places to visit in my agenda when I was in England is to visit museums like other does. We visited The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, Science Museum and National History Museum which is just opposite the V&A Museum and none but the least is this computer museum in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England called Bletchley Park which currently houses The National Codes Centre and The National Museum of Computing.

Enigma Machine

Enigma and Friends Photo 1

Enigma and Friends 2

Lorenz T32 Teleprinter

“It was 1938 and the threat of war loomed as Hitler invaded Austria and then Czechoslovakia. The Government Code and Cypher School, that was based in London, needed a safer home where its intelligence work could carry on unhindered by enemy air attacks. At a junction of major road, rail and teleprinter connections to all parts of the country, Bletchley Park was eminently suitable. Commanded by Alastair Denniston, the Park was given the cover name Station X, being the tenth of a large number of sites acquired by MI6 for its wartime operations. After meticulous preparation and a series of trial runs, the codebreakers arrived in earnest in August 1939. They masqueraded as ‘Captain Ridley’s Shooting Party’ to disguise their true identity. It was to be the first instalment in one of the most remarkable stories of the Second World War. “ Source: Bletchley Park’s Early History.

manovie at Bletchley Park

Green walls and Grey Roof is The Cafe in Hut 4 and at the back of that is the Mansion.

children’s Playground

My dinner. Hunters chicken with mashed potato and Heinz BBQ sauce with melted cheese. T’was lovely!

It was a day tour again when we visited Bletchley Park in Buckinghamshire on a Saturday morning. Family, students and group of old people were in the same place to visit the park, itself. It was my boyfriends instinct and plan to visit the park because he wants to see the old computers that was preserved and showcased in this museum. We paid £12 each adult for the admission and started to go round the park. We first invaded the Enigma Collection where they display the different types of Enigma machines and it is also the Europe’s largest public display of Enigma Collection. We then step into another room where we saw the Bombe Rebuild Project where group of elderly standing in-front of an old guy that serves as a speaker who tells the story of the project and how it works. Also, I have seen the old living of the people during WW2 in their  Home Front Display. They have old irons, a pram, old clock, fridge and more basic things that were needed in the old days. We proceeded and got fascinated by the Churchill Collection that has many rare and interesting pieces owned by the late Sir Winston Churchill (Ex-Prime Minister of England that time in WW2). From photographs, books, awards was all in that special room. Then, we went to the Model Railway where I have seen miniatures of trains, railways, junctions, trees and complete tunnels. I felt like I went back in my younger years where we used to play toy trains and railways and say the “CHOO-CHOO” words as sounds effects. LOL!!

Alan Turing- Mathematician and Codebreaker

Old Motorbike

Vintage Pram

Old Rocking Horse

We also had a little glimpse of the Toys and Memorabilia Collection. I’ve seen the old money of Britain (shillings) but it was a bit scary in the end as we walk farther cos of the faces of the old dolls I have seen in the corner so we didnt stay much in that part of the park. We had an alfresco lunch in The Cafe in Hut 4. I had hunters chicken with mashed potato with Heinz BBQ sauce and melted cheese while my boyfriend had a sandwich. Then, we went inside the mansion (next to the restaurant) and had a little tour. They mostly used the mansion for weddings and gatherings, nowadays. We went to the garage where they showcase post-war vehicles used during WW2. Two of the cars were used and featured in the film Enigma starring Kate Winslet that was shoot in England, Scotland and the Netherlands. We have also seen old stamps and the park’s Post Office which they call it as the Britain’s Secret Little Post Office. It looks like a souvenir shop for me cos you can buy post cards and some memorabilia about Bletchley Park.

The room where Sir Winston Churchill’s collection was displayed.

Miniature railway, tunnel and train on the move.

An old aircraft displayed in the grounds of the park.

Different types/designs of used old Irons

Of course, the day trip in Bletchley Park wont end without visiting the National Museum of Computing where they showcase the development of computing in its broadest sense from the pioneering war-time efforts that resulted in Colossus, to the products and systems we use today. It was my very first time to see very large types of computers. You need to pay extra £5 for the admission for TNMOC.

Paul with “Amiga”

Doomsday Project

512K HDD

Punch Tape

Seeing my boyfriend going round checking things and big machines makes me feel so happy. He has been wishing to visit the place for many years but didn’t have a chance because of his busy work schedule and he don’t have any companion that has same interest as his and understands what he feels. I don’t have the amour on PC’s but I understand the feeling of wanting to see a place of your interest. I am so glad looking at him very serious, checking the old stuffs around the museum and go home with all the smile on our faces which is the most important thing of all. We have enjoyed our day trip, at the same time my boyfriends satisfaction on seeing the things he likes is already enough to serve as happiness to me as his partner.

Hoping you had a nice day! Cheers!

Windsor Castle

One of our day-trips in England last year was when we visited Windsor Castle. I got no clue what Windsor Castle was and I wasnt interested at all on visiting the place before but when I knew that it is one of the official residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, I started getting interest and started searching about Windsor Castle itself.

Windsor Castle Tower

On the way to the Entrance/Exit of Windsor Castle (Queen Victoria's statue in the middle)

Windsor Castle's Exit

*According to WIKIPEDIA, Windsor Castle is a medieval castle and royal residence in Windsor in the English county of Berkshire, notable for its long association with the British Royal family and for its architecture. It is one of the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world and it covers an area of 26 acres that contains a palace, a chapel and homes plus workplaces of large number of people.*

Windsor's Sightseeing Tour Bus

St George's Chapel's Walls at Windsor Castle

River Thames and a little ferris wheel on its left side.

This is the 3 mile road that's connected to Windsor Castle

Anyway, it was a rainy day when we visited Windsor. The weather didn’t agree on the hundreds of people visiting the castle that day which was quite sad cos nobody wants to walk in the rain soaking wet but it didn’t stop us in our day tour. We pursued our plans whether its raining or not.

Photo I captured when we were in the tower. St Georges Chapel and the River Thames.

River Thames in Windsor

Eton College where Prince William studied before.

We queued for approximately 45 minutes to reach the entrance and paid £23 for each adult for the combined ticket of Windsor Castle and conquer the tower ticket. You will also undergo a xray scanning of your things like what we do in the airport before you left the ticketing booth/office. We walked round and round to see some old walls, the state rooms where we saw lots of old emblems,  old metal armour, weapons like swords and guns used many years ago and lovely drawings and paintings. Also, the Queen Mary’s huge doll’s house and collections is one of the must see collections of Windsor Castle.

He is a very nice Queen's Guard. They are not allowed to smile and greet people but he does. Love him much for it.

People on its way out of the castle grounds. Exit Area.

Windsor Castle's Opening Times and Ticket Fees.

We also climb up into the tower and completed the 200 steps up and 200 steps going down with a guide of course. On the top of the Tower, we have seen the whole Windsor Castle grounds, St. Georges Chapel, famous Eton College where Prince William studied before, the River Thames and more. they also have lavatories, tourist information booths, audio guided tours, souvenir shops where they sell sweets as well aside from their souvenir items from the price range of £5-£100 depends on the design and made, a cafe (temporarily closed) and some ice cream caravans usually located outside the souvenir shops. Outside Windsor castle you can see loads of shops from souvenir shops to shops you mostly seen on high street, restaurants and cafe’s which is very convenient.

Windsor Castle's neighbours and view from the tower.

Way to the high street shops, restaurants and cafes.

Windsor Castle way to the inside grounds.

It was such a very nice experience to see one of the Queen’s residences and to see things that I have never imagine to see in my life before. Its expensive though but the experience and the fun that we have experienced was priceless. I bet people who visited the castle will say the same thing as what I have stated.

Have a good day.