Passport Renewal at the Philippine Embassy

Last week, we received a letter from the Immigration Office reminding us that our daughter's passport is about to expire and that we are obliged to submit a copy of the extension of the existing passport or furnish them a copy of the new one.

Oh no! I totally forgot about this! Good thing they reminded us because we have only less than two month's time to get a new passport and we are also travelling to the Philippines in a few days. Whew! That was close!

I prepared the documents that they will be needing beforehand to facilitate a speedy processing. The official website of the Philippine Embassy in Berlin also lists the requirements. 

For a simple renewal of passport, without name change, these are: 

1. Filled-up passport application form (Download form here.)
2. Current passport and photocopy of passport information page 
3. Current German residency permit (Aufenthaltstitel) and photocopy of the permit 
4. Photocopy of valid visa page (if any) of the passport 
5. Passport fee €54,00 payable only in cash 
6. For applicants who wish to collect their new passport by mail: A self-addressed return envelope with €3,95 in stamps for registered mail. I bought the stamp online via the Deutsche Post eFiliale website and printed it on sticker paper since I had no more time to buy one at the post office. 

Because it takes about 8 - 12 weeks before the new passport will arrive, we also had my daughter's existing passport extended. For this, we had to fill up an additional request form and pay €18,00. The form can also be found at the Embassy's website.

And so off they went to Berlin last Thursday to renew the passport. It was quick. It took them only less than an hour to submit the application, her my daughter's photo and biometrics taken and she had her old passport extended until 2019.

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Investing in Recycled Materials for Your Business

Scientific studies continue to prove that industries of all types today take their toll on the environment.  Manufacturers, factories, construction crews, and many other types of businesses leave behind large footprints in their bid to serve their clients each day.  

When you cannot help the impact that your own business takes on the environment, you may want to do your part to minimize the damage by investing in recycled materials and supplies.  You can take a small yet meaningful step by purchasing recycled fixtures, wholesale wiping rags made out of reclaimed fabrics, and up cycled products to use in your everyday operations.

High-quality Rags

Even the smallest and most insignificant of supplies like cleaning rags can impact the damage you inflict on the environment.  If you purchase new rags that are made out of resources like cotton, you inadvertently leave a bigger eco footprint.  After all, the production of cotton comes at the expense of soil and water that otherwise could be left alone or put to better use.

However, when you invest in recycled or reclaimed materials, you avoid putting that kind of stress on the environment and instead leave behind a less noticeable footprint.  The rags for sale on the website help you accomplish that eco-friendly goal.  They are also made from the highest quality reclaimed materials so they give you a good return on your investment.

You can find wholesale wipe rags in plain white or an assortment of colors.  You can select the color, size, and style that best accommodate the function of your business.  They are built to last for weeks or months without wearing out and having to replaced.

They also are priced lower than new wiping rags because they are made out of reclaimed material.  You avoid overspending your budget and also have more money left in your cash flow at the end of the month.  You can find out more about ordering and pricing by visiting the company's website today.

The website also sells other products that can benefit your company.  All of the products are designed to enhance the eco-friendly nature of your business.

The smallest of gestures can have a big impact on how your business impacts the environment. When you want to avoid wasting resources or negatively impacting the soil and water, you can maintain your operations by choosing up cycled reclaimed materials for your company today.

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Missing The Mountains

It has been a while since we as a family went on a hiking trip. I miss smelling the fresh air, the grass that would gently graze our legs as we pass through narrow trails amidst green fields, the surprising and sometimes challenging ascents and descents that we encounter along the way, the breathtaking view at the summit or at our end destination, how it allows us to just empty our minds of the mundane and busy world that we left behind and just enjoy the presence of one another despite the occassional whining and complaining. :) Walking trails always gives us that sense of stillness and peace, leaving us in awe at the majesty and beauty our eyes can behold. 

Following the king's trail during a hiking trip
a couple of years ago in Schwangau, Bavaria.

However, due to circumstances beyond our control, traveling for this purpose at the time being is difficult to make. But I remain hopeful and positive that one day, all shall be well again... things will go back to normal and we could once again help ourselves to a day or two of hiking in the mountains.

The mountains beckon... and we will be there, SOON!

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6 Fun Tips for Getting Your Home Ready for Holidays

The big holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, are lumped together towards the end of the year, which gives you minimum time to prepare. However, if you love planning for ALL holidays, this short guide offers up some fun tips to getting your home celebration-ready. 

Pick Your Favorite Holidays to Celebrate

There are dozens of great holidays to choose from, such as Valentines, Memorial Day, and of course, Halloween. However, each decorator has their own preferences, so you need to realize and decorate for the ones you love. 

Decide What Makes Each Holidays Great to You

Do you love Saint Patrick’s Day? Or, how about Easter? Whichever holiday is a go-to, you should create a list of the things that make these holidays great to you. For example, if you love a more obscure holiday, like the Summer Solstice, deck your home in summery colors, breezy fabrics, and DIY sunshine crafts [courtesy of your kiddos].

Change the Temperatures for an Inviting Environment

Holidays correspond with the changing seasons. For instance, it’s always cold for Christmas in the United States, so fill your home with welcoming warmth from a heater or fireplace. Or, in the case of a hotter-than-hot Easter Sunday, crank up the AC for a chilled home atmosphere. Always keep ahead of your home atmosphere by investing in foundation repair services Cleveland Ohio at least once a year. For your holidays to be happy, your home needs to be in tip-top shape. 

Bring Nature Indoors

For every holiday, there is something in nature to go along with it. Example? Snag some pumpkins for Halloween, bring on the apples for Thanksgiving, and pick some beautiful flowers for Valentine’s Day. Decorate with elements of nature, because these components are natural mood boosters and atmospheric enhancers. 

Use Peel-Off Window Clings and Glass Door Decals

Window clings are available at almost any retail store, especially around the holidays. Kids love them! Grab a couple of sheets of holiday-themed window clings, pick a smooth, clean surface, and stick em’ where you can. They peel right off again when the celebrations are over. 

Throw a Themed Party or Two

For party-throwers and party-goers, holidays present a new chance to get together with friends and loved ones. Pick a holiday, and throw an epic bash with the people you care about. Break out the punch bowls, make fun themed snacks, and invite your guests to wear holiday-appropriate attire, like costumes for Halloween. 

Holidays can be so much fun for those that love both celebrations and interior décor. Make sure your next holiday is celebrated in style with methods taken from the aforementioned design tips. 

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