I've always wanted to learn how to bake bread. Since I took that Baking and Pastries class from TESDA and learned how to make Pandesal, I've been thinking about making Sourdough. But, I never got around it.

Browsing through Youtube and watching Sourdough baking How-to videos, while they do make it look easy, showing the technical processes makes it very intimidating to make.

First, what is a starter? A starter is a live fermented culture of fresh flour and water. Tasty's Youtube channel shared a video on how to make one and what could go wrong in making it.

From what I gather, it takes 7 days to make a starter. 7 days! Patience is a virtue.

Now, for the ingredients. Basically, not just any flour will do when making a starter. I searched through Healthy Options PH for what flours they have. Here are the best ones:

1. Bob's Red Mill Unbleached Artisan Bread Flour 2.27KG for Php510.00
2. Bob's Red Mill Organic Stone Ground Dark Rye Flour 567g for Php285.00

For the tools, here's what I found in SHOPEE:

1. Chef's Classics Basics Nylon Spatula
2. Mason Ball Jars (2pcs) 32 oz for Php570.00

Make the starter when you are ready to start baking Sourdough. For newbies like me, let's ready ourselves that we might not get it right the first time. Make Youtube our best friend. We are saved from a lot of trials and errors by bakers who shared their experiences and expertise.

Age: 40
Gender: Female   
Height: 155 cm
Weight: 60 kg
Activity: Sedentary: little or no exercise

Exercise: 15-30 minutes of elevated heart rate activity.
Intense exercise: 45-120 minutes of elevated heart rate activity.
Very intense exercise: 2+ hours of elevated heart rate activity.

Maintain weight: 1,443 - 100% Calories/day

The number of Calories required to maintain your weight seems low. Please consult with a doctor when considering weight loss. Alternatively, increase your activity/exercise level rather than decrease Calorie intake in order to lose some weight.

In the past, I find being under daily calorie intake works fast. It does not mean dieting, or not eating at all. Eat healthily, count calories if you can, and then just increase your physical exercise. The exercises help lose calories and that makes you go under your daily requirement. It's not just any exercise, it has to be an "elevated heart rate" kind of exercise. Running, jump rope, biking!

Study To Success

Peruse Project

Abbey Sy

Ahnyeongs

Ways To Study

Milk Clouds

The pandemic that brought about a change in how students learn, especially in the Philippines, proved to be challenging. But those who are homeschooled, are quite used to the setup. Online school or studying from homemade you realize how the home atmosphere plays an important role in learning. 

Now, I've scoured the internet and poured more than enough time spent just watching videos that kids from all parts of the world have shared about how they are adapting to the new change. And man, it was inspiring and also cute to watch. 

The first thing they did was to create a study space. In the Philippines, not all parents are ready for it. But, thanks to shopping platforms that offer a wide variety of affordable equipment, it's not too, too, impossible. 

Choose the best but not the most expensive equipment

Except of course, if you study programming or require the use of heavy apps for school. But, if you only use it for research, email, Zoom classes, and data entry, then an Intel i5 laptop will do. Schools allow the use of mobile phones and tablets when accessing learning platforms and modules. But, the best equipment can either be a laptop or a desktop. 

 

It's all about the aesthetic.

Creating a good workspace is essential to learning and productivity. These items are all sold on Shopee and prices can vary depending on the store's sales promotion. The study space does not need to be a room if you don't have the extra space. It could simply be that less traffic corner in your house. Then, go for a minimal desk setup. 

Lifetime Folding Chair and Folding Study Table

Need not be expensive.

Choosing wireless accessories will remove wire management hassle and makes the workspace a whole lot cleaner. A clean workspace lets you focus on the task at hand. These accessories go as low as Php 300.00. 

1. A4Tech Power-Saving Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo Kit - White
2. Baseus Wireless Bluetooth Headphone - White
3. Jaguar Power Strip with 3 sockets and 3 USB outlets

 It's been years since I've been out of work. It is time to get back to the swing of things. The trend has caught up because of the pandemic and everyone is getting the hang of the work-from-home setup. 

Recently, I have been advised that one day someone will be better at the skills and industry I was in. I cannot deny that fact. After studying the freelancing industry, I conclude that the ones who have the IT skillset tend to do well. It means better pay and a longer work contract offer.