Life was exciting at first, for my friends Dean and Bes, but when they have experienced hardships through the recession, both of them decided to continue their course, Certificate in Cosmetology and study again in one of the many Regency Cosmetology Schools to get a higher promotional rating at the Salon they both are working in. Such a bold move, considering that they need to shell out their savings to earn them the said certificate. But because graduates of any Regency school are sought after around the US, they both consider it an investment.

I discovered  Regency, with this quick mention, as the fastest growing beauty school in the United States and has substantially expanded from two Minnesota schools in 2002 to as many as 80 campuses across nineteen states.  The school boasts of their unparalleled approach to cosmetology education, while their campuses are actually patterned from upscale salons at the same time,  provide an exceptional education.  Their training instills in students the value of providing quality  in all that they do, thus making them excel.

If you visit www.regencybeauty.com, you will surely learn more information. This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com or contact Regency Beauty Institute – 3583 Alpine Avenue NW – Walker, MI 49544

The Philippines awaited the so called impeachment hearing today. And when two in the afternoon came, seemed that everyone got busy watching the hearing. But I was out today, so I was not able to watch it. When we got to the barbecue shop, we heard the hearing on the radio there. And when we got home, my brother told us what happened and while it was still on television, all we could see was news about CJ Corona’s so called walk out.

As was told, CJ Corona had a hypoglycemic episode, due to Diabetes. I hope it’s not that bad. But I also hope he was not faking. I wouldn’t say that it was all a drama of some sort, like how some people say it was, but I am hoping justice will prevail, at all costs.

We have just finished with enrollment, and boy, I feel like my pockets have been depleted, lol. Seriously, enrollment season is no joke. Enrollment fees alone, is already too much. Good thing every school has a plan for school fees, tuition and miscellaneous. Good thing this single mom/solo parent is resourceful enough that I do not have to go someplace else and leave behind my daughter. Because I am beside her, she is able to do well in school, and at the same time, we spend time together, which is what kids need at this prime age. A sound mind and body so the child performs well in school.

I am happy for Lili’s grades. Consistently, she is on top of her class, from pre-school and just recently, in Grade 1. Hopefully, everything will go on smoothly until she reaches her goal and be what she wants to become. And I know it shall, for as long as I am with her, to guide her and provide her with everything that a mother (and father, since I am the only responsible parent who is with her) should. Difficult to assume both roles, but quite frankly, I pity other kids whose mothers, or fathers, leave them with their grandparents, or even with strangers just because the mother or the father want to be able to send the kid to a good school, but without proper follow up on the parent’s or guardian’s part. But more than that, I pity those kids whose mothers or fathers are abroad, yet, are not able to provide them a better alternative just because the family’s (extended family/boyfriend’s family/relatives, etc..)  needs have to be met or that they need to pay loans that they spent for their application fees just to be able to work there. Sometimes, life is NOT fair. And it is not easy for these kids with such situations. But what can the mother or father do, if they themselves can not find earning alternatives, just to be able to stay with their children and be able to spend for them at the same time. I have students before, whose lives are on that same track, and my heart bleeds for them, as they grew up to be problematic kids. In fact, most problem students we had back then are sons and daughters of parents who were never there for their kids. Low grades, vices, bad company—- more work for the guidance department and the teachers.. Sometimes, they get saved, and sometimes too, they vanish in thin air. whew…

Anyway, I am looking forward for another year. I know this year will be more challenging. And just like the previous years, this single mom/solo parent will go through with the challenges in flying colors.. for the love and support of my Lili.. I will stick around and be there for her 200%…

We just arrived from the beach.. Another weekend family breakfast by the beach, with fresh fish broiled to perfection. And it’s juicy too. This is what I love about weekends here at my parent’s new place. We are just ten minutes away from the beach, so it is easy for us to go there at six, bath and eat breakfast, and be back in the house by eight.

With weekends like this, who would ever think of oriental rug cleaners, or need some commercial building cleaning materials? Weekends like this need to be enjoyed. Weekends like this need to be a time for resting or enjoying, instead of reading atrium reviews and all other reviews that need painstaking time and effort.

I am glad we always have this weekend and all other weekends spent at the beach with fresh sea breeze and seafood to devour. I just love it.

How about you? How did you spend your weekend? I hope it was happy and well.

Tomorrow, Sunday, the plan is to have karaoke or videoke and cook sumptuous food for lunch and some desserts. We have also planned to go fetch some Mansamitas from the nearby Mansanitas trees. We have lots of them here in the subdivision. Funny thing is, my sister and I have tried doing so, while waiting for our ride this noon time, on our way back to the city, for some workshop that we attended. When we got back, it was already dark, and we had quite a tough time commuting… I swear, this new place is heaven and hell, lol. But of course, if you have your own ride in coming here, then it’s not really that bad. But if you have to commute on Fridays, then wake up early on Saturday to head towards the beach, with all that I have mentioned earlier, then it’s just worth all the hassle commuting..

To all married mothers, single mothers, stepmothers, pregnant mothers, wanna-be mothers, SINGLE FATHERS who are also mothers (inatays), grandmothers, yayas who act like mothers, gay/ lesbian mothers, and all other types of mothers I failed to mention:

THIS IS OUR DAY…. LET’S ALL HAVE A LAZY, LAID BACK DAY… LET’S ALL JUST SIT BACK AND RELAX… LET’S ALL ENJOY OUR DAY… MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR DAY! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! ♥

I have always been fascinated with the art of choosing the right location for a home. My friend Cecil taught me indirectly, while she was looking into Real Estate in Teton Valley, when she and her husband, Mark, were looking for a great location for their second home. Technically, the couple lived in New York for the first three years of their marriage, then decided to move to Teton Valley Idaho. They wanted to be far from the city during some months, and Teton Valley, being far from the hassle and bustle of the big apple, was their choice at that time. Teton Valley is a rural, agriculture and ranching based economy, and while the emphasis is towards recreational tourism, the couple thought that it will somehow give them a breather from their stressful city life.

Some of their friends in New York would tell them that Idaho is such a  far cry for vacation, but they would simply tell them that if real estate is the concern, it is much cheaper and much wiser to invest there than in the city, where everything is high rise and cramped.

If you ask me, it is also similar to what is happening right now to my family. Weekdays, we are here in the city proper, while on weekends, we are in Opol, which is ten minutes from the beach, and twenty to thirty minutes from city proper. It was a good buy, real estate wise, because it has answered a need, after our former home in Balulang had been hit by TS Sendong last December 2012. My parents are wise to have bought that lot in Malanang years ago. Though the purpose was for some business venture, temporarily, it has become a vacation house of some sort.. But of course, when everything will be in proper order already, before the end of this year, my parents will be moving to their home of choice in Gran Europa.

All lots and homes are actually investments, and somehow, to have taken hold of them is an art. Acquiring real estate at a minimal value, and selling them someday in a higher value, that too is an art. I thank Cecil for teaching me how it works.. I am now thinking of going into that line of business too.

A war is waging in someone’s head right now. She is in a dire need to decide what brand to use for her journey to beauty. It’s wonderslim vs medifast, and another brand is going to join the said chaos in her head. Unless of course, she decides what brand to go with.. hahaha..

I wish all wars are just like that. I wish it were as simple as that. I wish it were easier to handle and resolve, like that problem above. But some wars in the head isn’t as easy as how that problem is presented. Take Scarborough Shoal for example, China and the Philippines both believe that the said area is theirs. And both may be right, or they could also be wrong.  If King Solomon were only alive, I am sure he will be able to do something about it. Why does it matter so much that one will win and the other lose? That is why there are bullies everywhere, even online. The fact that some people really want to feel and point out that they are above some people—-

You’re out of work, the bills are past due, and you have creditors hounding you on the phone. Bankruptcy is starting to look like your best option. Before you make the decision, learn about your family’s rights when filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy by hiring an attorney who specializes in bankruptcy.

What’s the difference?

There’s a big difference between Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 for personal bankruptcy. Chapter 7 means that your unsecured debts will be discharged completely, with only a few exceptions. This is your best option if you have little in the way of assets and are carrying large credit card or loan balances.

Under Chapter 13, you’ll be repaying your secured debts with reduced or eliminated interest, penalties and fees. Chapter 13 is the answer if you’re trying to hold on to your home but having a difficult time making your mortgage payments.

The website www.totalbankruptcy.com gives more details on these types of bankruptcy. It also has other resources that you can use to learn more about the process, and it can also direct you to a bankruptcy attorney in your area.

Will I lose my assets?

You have a good chance of holding on to your assets if you file for Chapter 13, depending on your personal situation. Because you’ll have your secured debts like your mortgage and car payment reorganized and consolidated, you may be able to keep those assets.

Chapter 7 bankruptcy involves liquidation, or selling off your assets to help pay down your outstanding debts. There will be a certain amount of personal property that’s exempt; this usually pertains to your clothing, household items, and furniture. If you own a car, that may also be exempt if it’s below a certain value. These exemption amounts vary from state to state, and that’s why finding a local bankruptcy attorney should be at the top of your priority list.

When will I get relief?

When you file your petition for bankruptcy, you’ll get immediate relief from collection actions like foreclosure and repossession. It’s essential for your financial future that you be completely honest with your attorney about your situation.

You canexpect to complete Chapter 7 bankruptcy proceedings within a few months, although this varies by state. A Chapter 13 repayment plan usually lasts from three to five years, and sometimes longer.

Bankruptcy doesn’t mean giving up. In fact, it just might be the most responsible thing you can do for your family’s future. Do your homework, know your rights, and choose your attorney wisely. You’ll put this hardship behind you and be ready to face a better tomorrow.

Most apartments today are generally small spaces shared by many people. When moving to smaller apartments, adults and kids often share a space, and it can be a challenge to meet children’s unique needs. Kids often want special spaces to live in and call their own. Here are some target areas and tips to make a new apartment kid-friendly.

Create a Theme Room

If your family has relocated to a new area, it can be fun to have one room be a theme room central to the area you have moved into. For example, Orlando apartments could be themed toDisneyworld or anything relevant to the place. Just one theme room, such as a child’s bedroom or bathroom, can be fun for kids.

Redesign the Kitchen

The kitchen can easily be made kid-friendly. The best part about making the kitchen in an apartment kid-friendly is that items can be easily stowed away when a time comes that the area needs to be an adult space. Fun placemats can make clean up a breeze and make meal time more fun for children. Finding kitchen tools and appliances that have quirky designs can make that area a space for kids as well.

Allow Kids to Design Their Rooms

Children’s bedrooms can be made into their own space by helping them personalize the interior decor of their rooms. For instance, rooms can be designed using their favorite colors as an inspiration for the interior decor. Let your child pick their own paint colors or theme to suit their tastes. It is very easy to coordinate bedding, furniture, and dressers with today’s bedroom kits for children.

Make the Bathroom Child-Proof

Many apartments offer half baths which could be kid-themed and become the designated children’s bathroom. Even if your apartment only has one bathroom, small touches such as a fun electric toothbrush or colorful soaps can add that child-friendly feel. In addition, make the bathroom safe for kids by ensuring that there are no toxic chemicals and sharp objects in the bathroom.

Add a Spare Room

If the apartment is constructed to have one room that is bigger than the rest, such as a large living room or dining room, consider splitting it. Set up something your child enjoys in their own space. If your children enjoy arts and crafts, create a little art area complete with easel and craft supplies.

Moreover, if they enjoy video games, turn one room into a game room furnished with a small television and a gaming console. Room dividers can be found very inexpensively and can make a friendly spot for a child.

Making kids feel like they too own a part or space in the apartment they live in is important. By keeping these tips in mind, you can make any area in your home a comfortable and fun living space for children.

How’s your summer? It’s darn hot, isn’t it? While in other parts of the world, it’s snowing in spring. Major weather upset, don’t you think? Anyway, I have been feeling the heat and been having this really nasty headache.  And I am not just saying that as an excuse for not being able to update this blog. See, it’s not only me who is suffering form this heat, but many people are getting the summer headache too.

To combat the heat, I had to take a bath more than six times a day. But sometimes, because the water district has unannounced water interruption, it becomes too unbearable. Good thing we have lots of containers filled with water, as the practiced we carried on even after TS Sendong hit.

Of course, baths aren’t the only thing we have to do so many times on days like these. We have to indulge in water and fluids intake too. To prevent dehydration, that is. So we have juices and water good enough for all. Plus a good amount of vitamins A, B and C, energizers and supplements to go with them. whew…

Best of all, rest and sleep will help in so many ways.. and staying away from direct heat/sunlight especially after eight in the morning. These days, an eight o’ clock heat is already too much, it burns the skin. So when we go to the beach, it’s really very early or it’s almost going to rain.

Just now, my father’s turn to sing.. Here is what he is singing now.. Matud Mo..

Happy Easter everyone who believes in it. As for the others who practice a different faith, a blessed Sunday. So how’s your day today? Mine’s spent with my family here in my parents’ new place, alternative to the one they will be moving to in May or June this year. It’s also the Feast of San Vicente Ferrer so we are having a small gathering. We have been preparing food since yesterday, and today, we enjoyed them with family videoke on the side.

This is the first time after Sendong that we have finally celebrated the occasion, with vigor and “life”. It is really different if you have your own place already. The place looks more like a pad than a house, as there are no divisions. The plan for this property is not for living in but for some business as this is a commercial lot actually. But for the mean time, my family is using the space for living in. Some of the things we salvaged from the house in Balulang are here, but there are still many in the old house that still needs to be taken cared of. If only the space here is bigger, then we could take everything, clean them up and move everything here. Anyway, when they move to the new place in May or June, everything else will be taken there.

A happy Sunday  for us all.. Bye for now.. I just wrote this post while am taking a break..

I found this photo of this really cute book shelf cum book divider being shared by friends at Facebook, and I really like the idea. Imagine, you not only invite people to enjoy or love reading, but you also give them a glimpse of your best reads.. What’s more, the structure makes a good looking addition to make your home a more learner friendly spot.

Of course, this can also be installed best at schools and libraries.. Nevertheless, a home with this inviting piece would highlight to the visitors who would come by, that the people living in the house are pro-books and pro-reading the written word.. I sure admire that in people because I always believe that people who read are people whop have a wide understanding of everything.. and a deeper passion for life.

I am NOT a fan of Pinoy comedies in general, especially with Joey De Leon or Vic Soto or even the trio of Tito Vic & Joey. I could tolerate Dolphy or that of Roderick Paulate, or enjoy some craziness of Ai-ai Delas Alas, Eugene Domingo and rest of the cast of Here Comes The Bride on days when laughter is the only solution to sinking, drifting me— well, there aren’t many days like that as I am so much absorbed with my daily battles.

Pinoy humor is good if it’s done or made in good taste. Blend in Pinoy values and resonate with Pinoy intelligence. What I hate most with some comedians is that, they act or sound funny by bashing the people from the provinces, speaking like the probinsyano and acting out what they think is funny: a newbie’s ignorance to what is alien to the “promdi”(person from the province), and an old timer’s hard tongue when speaking English, and worse, hitting someone below the belt with insult disguised as a joke and fill the air with laughter. To me, that is NOT funny. How can it be funny when people are (subtly) being attacked?

Anyway, I have found this humor blog by a Filipino. Check out www.causticthoughts.com and see how Pinoy Humor can be intelligent too. It’s comedy in real life, as seen, heard and observed in all media. I think this blog is a noteworthy  piece to spice up your days, regardless of your mood.

I wonder what zenni optical is offering right now. I have been having this really painful eye lately, particularly my right eye, and I have read before that Zenni optical has got the best offers online for prescription glasses. Might as well enjoy the cheap rates of Zenni optical’s glasses with the many designs to choose from. Of course there are local optical shops but if it is cheaper buyin glasses from Zenni, then I should just order online. After all, Zenni glasses have always been commended by the many people who were able to buy from them.

Still, the question is whether or not I should be wearing glasses.. As much as possible, I wouldn’t. But if it’s what’s called for, then there would be no escaping.

Ever since I started working at home, I have been meaning to enroll for an Online MBA course. That way I will not have to go far or commute just to be in school. I have been liking this online world for so long I just wanna do everything online. If only there is a grocery that would allow me to conduct grocery shopping online and then have my goods delivered, I will surely love that too. Of course there is the food to order online and delivered at my doorstep.. we all love that. No need to dress up to go somewhere, but grocery shopping is not yet available. Hmmm.. I think if someone is bold enough to venture into that business, people will have a great time doing something else instead of the tedious task of picking goods and choosing wisely what to buy and what not to buy.. But maybe someday soon it will materialize. Online schooling was just a possibility then, now it has become a reality for many.

I keep seeing ads about distribution software online and I really do not understand what that is all about. I somehow clicked on one of the links to know more about it, but the link pointed me to a page of a french movie star. I wonder why that is happening. Well, maybe it was created to invite more people to like that movie star’s page.  Somehow, I still haven’t learned about the distribution software, but I learned a lot about linking.

Anyway, I have also been seeing ads about Magnum Ice cream.. Hmm.. Do they really need to do that? Or said ads are really quite effective that I see many people lining up for the Magnum treats even until now..

Our next door neighbor here in the apartment is having a triple celebration since three of their family members have graduated from high school and college. I am sure if they are not one of Sendong’s victims, they would be celebrating with champagne right now. Just like all of us who have been directly or indirectly affected by the said tragedy in December last year.

Well, Sendong somehow changed the meaning of celebrations. It doesn’t have to be expensive, really. As a matter of fact, for some people, celebrations are made over coffee and even over gelato. Depends on people really.

Lili did it again. And this time it’s a GOLD! Proud mom here. I am also proud of my baby brother, River, as he also got a BRONZE. If not for SENDONG, I am sure he would have made it higher. His grades went down after Sendong. Nevertheless, he still made it on top. So today, the two will be busy with their summer activity. They may not be able to join a muay thai camp thailand, but surely some sports clinic will do. River says he wants to learn basketball, while Lili wants to focus on swimming.

With everything there is to do for summer, we have chosen some activities that will somehow enhance their confidence level, teach them new skills, and of course, some advance lessons in some important subjects. That will be a great way to help kids win at life. That, plus our family’s usual support and attention.

As for myself, I take this as a good sign that I have done quite well in my role as a mother. NOT an absentee mother, but one who is present and hands-on with the education of my little girl. That, plus the fact that I have to do it on my own. Well, not exactly on my own as I have to commend my sister too, who also gives time for my little girl. But most of all, my family is there to thank as they have showered Lili with love and care… But of course, I would like to commend the person herself, Lili. For without her love for learning and interest in learning new things in school, she would not have made it..

Proud of my daughter.. Proud of my brother.. Keep it up you guys..