It's my party (and I'll cry if I want to...)

Handmade Greeting Cards

2009-11-11T22:55:00.004+04:00

I am venturing into the handmade cards craft these days so I don't get to blog as often as I used to. I just can't seem to keep my hands off on the beautiful scrap papers, embellishments and other materials around me.

I made several Christmas cards already and will post pictures soon. Today, my colleague commissioned me to make their 14th wedding anniversary. I didn't give a price but she left a money on my table ;) She said, "I hope I'll be the precedent and more customers will follow." I hope so too :)

Maybe I can open my own Etsy account one day. Cross-fingers! And toes!

New Birthday Theme Layout!

2009-11-09T18:28:00.000+04:00

So, do you love my new birthday themed party layout? Well, I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks Kaye! I am so happy with the way the design came out. Sorry if I was being a bit of a diva and finicky but I just want my design to last.

I am so happy with my new layout! It's so happy like me! hahahaha.... Thanks again Kaye and job well done!

The Subscriber Cannot Be Reached

2009-11-06T19:40:00.004+04:00

Too many phones in my mom's house but I cannot even reach a single one. Either the phones are busy or they are off. I am getting restless and a wee impatient after calling my mom, sister and niece's cell phones countless times. All I get is that monotonous recorded message from the communication provider which says "the subscriber cannot be reached, please try your call later." Arggghh!

I chat with my mom and other relatives on a Friday since it is my off. This is the only time I can spend tete-a-tete time with her without any interruption and where the charge rate is lower. Unfortunately, I think her phone ran out of charge or she left it somewhere. Oh well, I guess I will have to "try again" later.

Circus Camp in December

2009-11-06T09:17:00.006+04:00

When I was young, about 4 or 5, I remember jumping around, doing cartwheels, splitting and bending my body until I reach the floor. I was very flexible and quite puny so my mom thought of enrolling me to a gymnasium class. Unfortunately, due to time constraints and probably lack of fund, that dream went down the drain.

Now, I see my dream in my daughter's eyes whenever she watches those ladies doing ballet, somersaulting gymnasts and the acrobatic acts of the circus performers. She is lanky and very petite but I find her tall to be actually doing those stuff. I know she wants to do some of the acrobatic tricks because she loves cartwheeling when she was younger.

Maybe I will check out the circus arts camp in New York this December. That will be a great opportunity to show her around the summer camps Westchester area. My cousin lives in New York so I think a drive to that place will be a bonus attraction to my daughter's Christmas wish this year.

Well, I know it's winter and all but it's not bad to think about the summer camp activity my daughter may engage in the future. Who knows, she may just decide to study in the US and take up the summer camp westchester fun!

Beauty Tip 101 - Hydrating Your Skin this Winter Time

2009-11-06T07:05:00.001+04:00

We cannot deny it but the weather is starting to get cold. Our skin will start to suffer from lack of sunlight and having to spend time indoors. Indoor atmosphere is rather dry because of the heating unit and that sucks out the natural moisture both of our skin and the air. To avoid the dry spell on a cold, blistery weather, drink a lot of water and slightly reduce your heating unit.

Girl Talk - Fave Drinks

2009-11-05T16:57:00.004+04:00

Life's simple pleasures are something that I like the most. When it comes to drinks, the ubiquitous Iced Tea will do the trick. I am not much of a soda nor alcohol drinker. I just love the easy to prepare iced tea.

Want to find out what others are drinking? Go check out Girls Rule!

Make Me Slim

2009-11-05T16:41:00.003+04:00

I have tried many kinds of weight loss programs in the past and none has been successful in keeping the weight off. I am partly to be blamed because my determination tank is not really full.

Many weight loss programs claim instant weight loss of 20 kilos in 3 weeks but I think that is not very healty. I mean, losing weight swiftly can pose a detrimental effect in one's health.

I am going through a lot of websites on proper nutrition, exercise regimen, dietary supplements including alli reviews which can aid in my weight loss program. I am giving myself another half a year to really lose weight for good and I hope I don't falter now.

Built to Last

2009-11-04T18:35:00.003+04:00

I have been waiting for the day to move to a new place my family and I can call home. This has been home for us for the last 10 years and I cannot see ourselves getting rewarded for our sweat and labour.

I have discussed this with my husband and he is very supportive. We plan to migrate to the US of A barring any circumstances before I turn 45. We have taken a lot of matters into consideration like the state we will call home for the rest of our lives, the kind of community we want to live in and the type of home we can afford. I think it will be best as a starter to check on several models of manufactured homes built to last. I found some lovely one-storey types with a nice patio. I am already imagining the design and the garden. It is so nice to dream, isn't it?

In Case of Emergency

2009-11-04T08:42:00.005+04:00

I am a member of our company's Emergency Response Unit . We regularly have simulation of events where we play the role of telephone agents providing information to the affected families. Every year we go through emergency response training and phone-answering skills to equip ourselves in the event of a real emergency.

Almost 2 weeks ago, I received a text from our unit's emergency alert system about a situation I need to attend to by driving to the nearest assembly point. My heart pounded because I was not sure if the call was for real or just one of those emergency drill. Few minutes later while I was ready to drive to the nearest assembly, I received another text that it was just one of the drill to see how quickly the volunteers would respond to a real-life emergency. Whew!

Fashion 101 - The Tuxedo

2009-11-04T08:17:00.004+04:00

Party invitation is just around the corner with the upcoming holiday season. Some of this events will be formal so one is expected to dress to the nines. For us ladies, finding a remarkable formal wear is not an easy task. We need to consider the materials and the cut and of course, the weather. Whereas the gents just have to choose between a coat and tie combination or the tuxedo.

Tuxedo is a timeless and classic formal wear. The coats and tuxedo pants can be made from polyester or polywool blends which are both affordable.

Some Cleaning To Do

2009-11-04T08:02:00.004+04:00

My husband is due to come back this Saturday and I have few days to go to clean up. I have been slacking a bit lately. I am still not feeling well and my body aches like crazy. I can only stand up to post few notes and get myself a decent meal then I am back in bed.

The house is not all that messy anyway. I just have to do some mopping and sweeping. Although the kitchen walls need a lot of scrubbing due to the grease and grime of countless cooking. I would definitely need a heavy-duty metal scrub to do that. Maybe an Anilox roll will be the answer to that or a maid?

All I Want For Christmas...

2009-11-04T07:44:00.003+04:00

I know, there is still recession and money is scarce and the budget is so tight that buying myself an iPhone will be a lucrative "want." Hey, I can dream, right?

Ever since the iPhone came out of the market, I have been dreaming about owning one. I do have iPod Touch and the 1st gen of iPod but nothing beats the features of the iPhone. Imagine having an iPod and mobile phone in one? That's a great deal! Apart from the great features, there are plenty of iphone accessories to choose from like the arm band phone holder which will be very helpful during my running session. I am keen to have one. Maybe not this Christmas but that is all I want. Oh yes, add world peace to that!

Made of Steel

2009-11-04T07:10:00.002+04:00

Not my heart, I can vouch for that. Well, I was just going over my friend's photos of her newly built house. I was quite amazed by the progress and building materials used to construct her bungalow in one of the residential areas in the Philippines.

I remember watching my uncle and his staff construct our own house while I was young and noticed that the materials used then were different from the materials I have seen from my friend's photos. Her construction materials were mostly metals which you normally see on steel buildings. There were only few wood used. Wow! Times have changed and gone are the wood foundation you use on the roof. It is all steel, steel and more steel.

Zapped to Life

2009-11-03T15:41:00.007+04:00

I have never seen a medic using an AED in real life. I see this machine in action only in movies and TV shows. Deep inside, I would really not like to see one being used in real life because that would mean a person is down and is being zapped to life. That is quite a traumatic sight to see. I think it will leave a stigma to me for the rest of my life.

That must be one of the reasons I did not pursue medicine. I don't think I can see life and death in a more scientific way. These two will always have a spiritual meaning to me.

Not so Well Again

2009-11-03T15:16:00.004+04:00

I have been under the weather for the past few days. It must be the change of season because most of my officemates are either coughing, sneezing or bugged with a flu. Recently, my daughter caught the bug, then my hubby and now it is me.

One thing I really dislike when getting the flu is how awful I feel and look. My hair is a mess; my flannel pyjamas which I always keep at the back of my closet have to be worn; I have a dark circle under my eyes; my nose is runny; my voice is a bit hoarse and my whole body and joints ache so bad.

Happy Halloween 2009!

2009-11-01T10:11:00.001+04:00

I hope everyone is having a great time trick or treating. I just wish we have Halloween Trick or Treating event here so I can go out too and have some fun! I'll probably dress up our cute dog Millie as a Princess. LOL!

For our Halloween project this year, apart from the mini Jack-O-Lanterns made of oranges, my daughter made some Ghosts lollies. She used white cooking chocolate, choco chips for the eyes and barbecue sticks as lolly handle. Spookilicious!!!

Blemish Be Gone!

2009-10-31T17:40:00.005+04:00

My daughter is entering the pubescent stage where her skin starts to adjust with her growth. Her forehead is already breaking out with puny pimples. This makes her very conscious but I always remind her not to prick nor touch her blemishes.

Her age is a tricky factor in finding the right acne treatment. She is turning 12 next February and I hope her blemishes clear by then. If not, I'll be forced to take her to the dermatologist before she has major break-outs.

Something Sparkly

2009-10-31T17:19:00.002+04:00

They said diamonds are girls' best friend. I have seen sparkling diamonds in my mom's jewelry collection and my friends as well.

Honestly, I have only 2 diamonds in my jewelry collection. One is from my mom and dad - the small diamonds placed in my hubby's and my wedding bands, the other one is a heart-shaped pendant with a diamond in the center which is from my husband. He gave it to me when I turned 30. So far, I have never had diamonds after that.

Wishful thinking for something sparkly this coming Christmas.

Eye Test

2009-10-30T10:42:00.000+04:00

This is not your usual vision test but more of a personality test. Check it out! The result is very "me."

Deep Down You Are Sensitive

You're the type of person who notices everything and forgets nothing. You are very in tune with the world.

You feel deeply, and sometimes the silliest things can effect you. You are easily brought to laughter or tears.

You don't show the world how fragile you are. You instead show people how insightful you can be.

You are good at anticipating what's going to happen in your life. You are often the first one to see what's coming.

The Eye Test

Blogthings: Waste Time at Work!

Girls Talk - Accessories

2009-10-29T16:47:00.005+04:00

This is the right opportunity for me to say that "my husband is so lucky to have me as a wife." And why did I say that without a taint of modesty? (wink...wink) Well, it is because I am not a big jewelry person. I don't mind nor am bothered not being presented with expensive jewelries or watches or any other accessories known to women. I prefer the simple beaded-kind of necklaces which I wear to work and casual occasions. My husband even insists of buying me stuff but I just shrug it off. Isn't he so lucky?!? hihihihihii...

Well, since it's Accessories theme for our GT's topic, I am posting my collection of inexpensive beaded necklaces I got from family and friends. Most of them were bought in Manila but some were given by my friends elsewhere around the globe. There's really not one particular fave of mine. All of them are worn regularly depending on my mood and what type of cloting I am wearing that time.

Lastly, I am not a big fan of watches too. Although there is one watch that I wear everyday because it is very special. It's my hubby's 12th wedding anniversary gift to me. It is actually a "his and her's" watch so he also has the same kind but a bigger one.

Daily Survival Kit

2009-10-28T17:40:00.001+04:00

I got this from a friend's forwarded email and could not let the day pass without sharing. It's really something to note of. So, whenever you are feeling blue and a little bummed, just remember this post of mine and hopefully I can give a smile on your face.

Today, I am giving you a

DAILY SURVIVAL KIT

to help you each day............

Toothpick ... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone,including yourself.

Rubber band ... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.

Band-Aid ... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.

Eraser ... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.

Candy Kiss ... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.

Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & Me.

Bubble Gum ... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

Pencil ... to remind you to list your blessings every day.

Tea Bag ... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.

This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day

Wishing you love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, and warm feelings in your heart.

Girls Talk - Dresses

2009-10-24T20:10:00.004+04:00

I love dressing up. As a matter of fact, I love dresses, the LBD (Little Black Dress), the wrap-dress, the sheath, baby doll dress, empire cut, you name it. I will wear it! Back when I was a lot slimmer, I used to wear wrap-dress because it flatters my petite body. Now that I am rotund (and healthy!), I wear more loose kind of dresses, flimsy, flappy and flowing.

I love this dress that I posted here. It's actually a "long blouse" for the tall ladies and a short dress for a teeny-tiny person like me! LOL. A good friend gave this to me from London few months ago and it falls few inches above my knees which I think is great. It elongates my rather short legs. Like they always say in fashion, if you are short, the more you should show skin. Amen to that ;)

I can't wait for winter to come so I can wear this with my favorite boots which I posted in GT - Shoes. ;)

Halloween is almost Here!

2009-10-24T10:15:00.008+04:00

I have never experienced trick or treating as a child because Halloween is not really practiced in the Philippines where I grew up. The same thing is happening to my daughter who is now 11 but never had the chance to wear fancy Halloween costumes for trick or treat. Problem is, here in the Middle East, Halloween is not observed by the locals. They do recognize the event; however, some of the expats here celebrate it by having their children trick or treat around their villages where most of the residents are expats as well.

If I cannot celebrate the trick or treating here, might as well bring a little touch of Halloween at home by carving - NOT A PUMPKIN - oranges! Yes, it's the least we can do to put our home in that Halloween mood apart from the cobwebs made out of cotton and those critters!

All you need are two oranges. Slice the top and remove the pulps inside. Slightly carve out a face on the exterior but not too hard because you might break the skin. This little "Jack-o-Lanterns" serve as cute table-top votive holders! There you go! Your very own miniature Jack-o-Lanterns!

Baby Matters

2009-10-23T15:34:00.007+04:00

My friend who will deliver her 4th child is looking for a great idea for her nursery room. It has been a while since she last had her glimpse of a nursery because her youngest is already 7. With a baby coming soon, all she can think about is making a special nursery room that will showcase her love for stylish yet whimsical theme. She also has a flair with something light colored and elegant at the same time but will not burn a big hole in her pockets.

I suggested some nice alphabet letters for kids adorned on one side of the wall with a soft and comfortable couch next to it. A small reading lamp atop the cream side table will complete the look. I told her to be practical at the same time because the nursery will soon become a regular child's room too. So, the designs and the furniture she will use must also be suited for a growing toddler.

The room will not be complete without the accessories. We all know that the baby is going to be a boy. She can buy some nice Caden Lane Crib Bedding with cute boyish accents like prints of small toys laced with baby blue hues. She likes to have pastel blue color on the wall so she may stick with using cream and baby blue on the blanket and bedding.

Lastly, a heavy-duty and safe Bumbleride Strollers will be one of the major purchases the soon-to-be-mom will make. I can't wait to see the new baby in town!

Beauty Tip 101 - Winter Skin Wake-Up!

2009-10-22T03:38:00.000+04:00

We can't deny it but the cold season is on! So much for the hot summer months and hello winter!

winter season brings forth pale and dewy skin because of the cold climate. Cell renewal slows down resulting to skin thickening to protect itself. Due to that, the skin tends to be less vibrant, flat and grey. Use hydrating serums with hyaluronic acid to nourish and moisturize dry skin.