The Week That Was

Nope it isn't my first traffic violation...but technically it is, coz finally I was issued a ticket, and he took my driver's license. I have been stopped by traffic aides(MMDA) numerous times for disregarding traffic light, but have always charmed my way out. But last friday on my way to belly class, I was stopped by a policeman for beating the red light. I actually didn't see the light coz traffic was really so heavy (tail to tail) and I was in a hurry to get to the other side (am running late for belly class). He asked for my license, automatically wrote on the ticket and not minding my explanation. If only he didn't have a motorcycle parked, I could have pretended not seeing him, coz there was no way he could ran after me...I know i'm a bad citizen...but who's not? (especially in dealing with law enforcers in the streets manning the traffic...)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Second Grading Exam's finally over for the kids, and that means less stress for all of us. I can now go back to my usual routine. Isha and her friends went to Greenhills to shop and just chill out. Nope, I didn't allow her to go with her friends alone, but with a yaya (nanny) in tow. It's not that i don't trust her, but these are just bunch of 13 year olds.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don't usually set up my tree this early, but I got bored and had nothing to do, so I asked my angels to put it out. I did not put tivoli lights this time, all the lights got busted and I don't want to replace them for now...I have other things in mind on where to spend the moolah...i'm thinking of getting a huge santa clause that I can hang (santa climbing a rope) in the balcony, and that's gonna be my next project, getting our balcony dressed for christmas.

Read more...

After 18 days

before-----------------------------after

Eeeeewwww...I know, and I admit that these are not glamourous photos...but I promised a few individuals that I would be posting a before and after photo, to be able to see the difference after I used Olay's Total Effects. So that is the result after 18 days of use. In a way it has improved my skin condition, it's not as dull anymore, some lines are gone, marks have faded quite a bit, made my cheeks a lil rosy. As what CUZ had said, it's the other people who would notice really the difference. I couldn't stop grinning while typing this entry as I remember what Cuz said..."uy baka mag foundation ka sa after picture ha" (apply foundation for the "after" shots)...honestly? I had that in mind...harhar...but nah, I didn't do it ;~)

Read more...

JoyRide

Since I don't know how to drive my way around Makati (i know how to get to the malls only), I decided to take the LRT and the bus going to Insular Life. I saved on gas, just spent just a few bucks for our fare, saved a lot on travel time coz of the LRT. I haven't taken the LRT in ages and was surprised to see that it is still clean, and that there is a separate train for male and female, which is really good. It was a good ride, except that the aircon wasn't working. The bus ride was ok too, except that we didn't know that there were loading and unloading zones in Makati. Very surprising too that the drivers were really disciplined...they didn't let us ride in the unloading zone, to think we were at the foot of the door and there was no traffic police/aide. We had to walk a block away just to be able to get to the loading zone. It was an unexpected wonderful experience, I didn't get tired at all plus I was given the best JOYRIDE!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~


I've started biking 6 kilometers every other day (except when I'm lazy)!

Read more...

Thank You Skype

I've downloaded skype in my laptop more than a year ago but didn't really get to use it until today. I talked with my friend Guigi who's in the states for about an hour (pc to pc), and it's really very clear, it was like she was just next door. That made me go into details how skype really works. I couldn't help but buy 10 euros worth of skype credits to be able to call a landline or a mobile anywhere in the world. I tried it with my sister a couple of minutes back, and know what? We talked for about 27 minutes and i paid like 24 pesos ($0.48), can you believe that? It's the cheapest by far, and it's really very clear compared to using a cellphone which can go choppy at times.

I know a lot of you know about skype already, but to those who haven't downloaded, feel free to do so(click on the logo above), it's really worth it, i tell you! It's the cheapest way of keeping in touch with friends and loved ones who are abroad, and it gets pretty exciting hearing their voice and all.

Read more...

Fights Aging

Since the time I saw it's commercial on tv, it has never left my mind. But it took another 2 commercial models to convince me that indeed it can work miracles. Upon seeing the new commercial, I sent an sms to CUZ telling her that I'm now more convinced on buying it coz of Pie Calayan's flawless facial skin. I got disappointed again and on the verge of changing my mind when I got a reply from Cuz. "Pie Calayan has really beautiful skin, I don't think she got that from the product." But when I saw a friend last Saturday, and he showed me his face and said...hhhmmm...olay's total effects, I was again convinced that indeed this product can make wonders. So I sent another SMS to Cuz and told her that the product seems to work...I can really see the improvement. And guess what? I got all excited and bought the product first thing in the morning. I hope it holds true to it's promise of:

The power of 7 vitamins and minerals that fights 7 signs of aging.

Total Effects Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex has more power to fight 7 signs of aging. Infused with 7 vitamins and minerals - vitamin C, zinc, titanium, magnesium and VitaNiacin, an exclusive formulation of vitamin B3 (a niacin derivative), vitamin E and pro-vitamin B5.

Total Effects 7X Visible Anti-Aging Vitamin Complex:

1. Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
2. Smoothes skin texture - visibly and to the touch.
3. Evens skin tone for younger looking, more balanced color.
4. Improves surface dullness, giving skin a radiant, healthy glow.
5. Minimizes the appearance of pores.
6. Visibly reduces the appearance of blotches and age spots.
7. Soothes dry skin, hydrating with Olay moisture.

Read more...

Get the Look

There are days that you just don't welcome the idea of a "parlor look", when going somewhere, right? I know a few peeps who really go to salons to have their face and hair done when attending parties, or just plain chilling out. If you are not one of them, here's a very easy to follow steps I got from iVillage (Beauty and Style Section), an alternative to the stiff "parlor look".



Step 1: Wash hair with a gentle shampoo and make sure to rinse thoroughly.

Step 2: Remove any knots or snarls with a detangling conditioner. Apply from the ends of hair to just two inches below the roots, and distribute using a wide-tooth comb.

Step 3: Gently towel dry.

Step 4: Apply a dime-sized amount of texturizing balm; this will coat the hair shaft in addition to protecting hair from the heat of the blow-dryer. Evenly disperse product

Step 5: Flip hair over and blow-dry, lifting hair at the roots as you go. Stop when hair is 90 percent dry.

Step 6: Starting at the top of the scalp, gently rake fingers through hair so that it "settles" back into place.

Step 7: The next step is twofold ‑- first you wrap the hair around a brush, and then you transfer it to a large Velcro roller. Working with inch-and-a-half sections of hair, start at the crown. Proceed to wrap each section around a large round brush to blow-dry, then transfer hair from the brush to a large Velcro roller. Continue until you have three rollers down the middle, two on each side of the head and four to six at the back.

Step 8: Spray a hair volumizer to the set and allow the rollers to sit for about 10 minutes. While you're waiting you can apply your makeup.

Step 9: Remove curlers carefully and gently rake fingers through hair.

Step 10: Take a section of hair from both corners of the front of the scalp nearest your forehead (you can use the ends of your eyebrows as benchmarks) and bring the ends together into a mini updo. Secure with two bobby pins.

Step 11: Spray entire head with a sheer hold hairspray.


Source: click here for more celebrity styles

Read more...

Gourmet Meal

It was only last Saturday that we finally got to use the table top griller we bought at Living Well. I prepared korean beef and chicken barbeque and some squid balls. It was like eating at TongYang but having to spend only a few bucks. Everyone enjoyed the meal especially my lil boy who can never thank me enough for the "gourmet dinner" that I have prepared for them. Yep, he used the term gourmet...hhhmmmm that's why I love preparing meals for my family, they usually appreciate everything I prepare for them, except sometimes for hubby who always have something to say, and I'd go like, yeah send me to culinary arts school (*roll eyes*) and go hhhmmmmpppp!



------------------------------------

Yay! I'm a happy Momma, I've successfully terrorized my kids to eating one banana a day...I even had to send an email about the benefits of having a banana a day to my dear daughter, just to be able to convince her...didn't have problems with my lil boy though, he can eat anything, and i say anything.

------------------------------------

I was really wondering how come my lil boy hasn't been bringing home a perfect score of 100 in his seatworks and quizzes. So I offered to pay him ten pesos for every 100 he brings home, and now im BROKE...

Read more...

Five Must-Have Looks...plus One

Source: MSN Shopping

I'm sharing this to those who have not come across it yet. This is actually for Fall Season, but what the heck, if it can make us pretty, then why not. As one book says, "There are no ugly women, just LAZY!" Come on, put out the kits and let's do it together.

Jewel toned-Eyelids - it's colorful smoky eye, so sweep on a single layer of soft gold from lashline to crease for day, blue or gem-like green on your lid and a slightly darker hue defining the crease at night.

I used to think that you can achieve the smoky eye effect when you sweep on either black or charcoal gray, was surprised that blue and green can be used too.

Rosy Cheeks - this year it’s all about the crimson hue. Getting red in the face is about to take on a whole new meaning, but go lightly to avoid the "clown face". Apply starting at the apples of your cheeks and blending just a bit up into your hairline.

Berry-Stained Lips - to wear darker lip colors, "staining" is the answer. Berry shades dabbed on the middle of your top and bottom lip and then simply blended out with a brush (or better yet, your fingertips), look dramatic without being overdone (and they won’t cancel out those smoky eyes). Hint — leave the ultra-shiny glosses behind.

I've always loved this shade, everytime I buy, I always play around with berry shades. But darn it, I just got myself an ultra-shiny lipgloss.

Bigger Brows - Growing Bold - Smoldering eyeliner, rich lips and cheeks in full bloom abound this season and eyebrows follow suit. They are less refined, less arched, and follow your natural growth line much more than in years past. Don’t shape them as much as tidy them up, and keep the arch subtle rather than sharp.

I use dark brown for my brows. Yay, so finally i'm in. I don't need to spend time getting the perfect shape, the perfect arch, and even if it's a lil darker, no need to worry, BOLD is in.

Smudged Liners - Go For Smoke - This is no time to stay on the straight and narrow, Defined eyes are the look. Use a soft, fat pencil to lay down the line, and a cotton swab to soften it up.

I've been using a liquid liner, so i guess I have to put it away for now, instead i can use an eye makeup specifically in dark colors to have a smudged liner look.



This isn't included in the list but today, I got myself 12 medium sized velcro curlers. I so envy CUZ whenever I see her sporting curly hair. It's like she's having her hair done by a professional all the time. And her secret? hhhmmmm, those baterry sized velcro curlers. She wears them overnight, putting a little mousse or setting lotion, and when she wakes up, tada...beautiful parlor made hair. This is a very good alternative to curling irons, which could damage your hair due to the heat. If you can't stand sleeping with the curlers, you can use a hair dryer set on medium heat, aimed at the curlers.

Read more...

I Can Dance

Here's what we have been doing in our belly class...isn't it fun? Come on, join us, for sure you won't get bored and you will be looking forward to the next session. Thanks CUZ for taking this video, it will be your turn next time, err tomorrow, yeah it's friday!

ooooppppssss, cheating! Sorry I don't memorize the routine quite well, but i'm getting there

Regine Tolentino Dance Studio
Cor. 12th St. & Victoria St.,
New Manila, Quezon City
Schedule: Mondays & Fridays, 6:30-8:00 pm.
Dance Instructor: Teacher Gladys

Read more...

Wanted: Reporter

Wanted: Malicious Reporter

F@#%ing unbelievable how some nosey nope make that NOSEY readers single out a person as the target of all your rants. Whoa! Since when did that happen? Or is it just YOU who think of the person that way and I just made it easy for you (all written down here and you need not compose?) I guess so...tsk, tsk, I pity you! And who the hell gave you the idea that I was talking about one and the same person in the few rants that I have here? Tsk, tsk, again I pity you. For your information and proper guidance, it's only ME, and only ME who knows who I'm talking about in all my rants and unless I NAME the person, then you have all the liberty to go and shout it out to the whole world. Don't fret, I'm not about to put an end to all my NAMELESS rants, instead glorify, there will be more juicy items (the ones you are interested in, i dunno why) I will be posting, add to that a few "buys" here and there, my "chilling out" days and what have yous. And yeah, I'm making it easy for you now, I'll try to post as much "juicy items" so I CAN MAKE YOUR DAY!

Read more...

Health And Belly Dance

"The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form utilize muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead of against it."

1. Improved Posture and Muscle Toning
2. Weight Loss
3. Preparation for childbirth
4. Stress reduction
5. Exercising the carrying muscles without impact
6. Building the back muscles evenly
7. Exercising the arms
8. Aiding digestion

Source: http://www.atlantabellydance.com/ProspectiveStudents/ClassHealth.html#health

"The benefits of belly dance are both mental and physical. Dancing provides a good cardio-vascular workout and helps increase both flexibility and strength, focusing on the torso or "core muscles", although it also builds leg strength. Many belly dance styles emphasize muscular "isolations", teaching the ability to move various muscles or muscle groups independently. Veil work can also build arm, shoulder, and general upper-body strength, and playing the zils can build strength and independence of the fingers. Belly dance is suitable for all ages and body types, and can be as physical as the participant chooses. As with starting any new exercise routine, people would be wise to consult their doctor before starting a belly dance regimen and to talk with the belly dance instructor to find out the level of difficulty in the classes. For many belly dancers, the practice offers mental health benefits including an improved sense of well-being, better body image and self-esteem, and the generally positive outlook that comes with regular, enjoyable exercise.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the practice of belly dancing may benefit women preparing for childbirth, as the movements strengthen and tone the pelvic floor muscles and the woman becomes more familiar with the way her muscles work. The hip-circling movements used in the dance may relieve some of the common discomforts of labor."

Souce: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance#Health_and_belly_dancing

For me, it is the perfect way to workout, a workout that is fun and easy, and I always look forward to it. And if you don't have time to attend belly dancing class, there are some instructional videos that you can follow at home, but believe me, it's more fun to attend a class. If you are interested, Regine Tolentino Dance Studio is offering belly dancing classes every Mondays and Fridays, 6:30-8:00 pm. The Dance studio is located at the corner of 12th Street and Victoria Avenue in New Manila, Quezon City.

Read more...

20 things...A Meme...

Here it goes JMom

1. How often do you blog? i want to do it on a weekly basis...but i check my blog and my links everyday
2. Online Alias: HiPnCooLMoMMa, ms_girlie_gurl
3. Have you ever stood up for someone you hardly knew? No
4. What do you do most often when you are bored? practice some belly dance moves i couldn't quite perfect
5. When bathing, which do you wash first? my hair
6. Have you ever been awake for 48 hours straight? no, 36 hours maybe
7. What color looks best on you? green i guess
8. What’s your favorite alcoholic drink? i'd order a tequila if i have to, but i don't really drink
9. Do you believe in heaven and hell as a real place that each of us will go to after death? definitely
10. Do you find that you have more online friends than offline friends? Nope
11. What was your favorite subject in school? English
12. Are you a perfectionist? Not at all
13. Do you spend more than you can afford? sometimes
14. Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have love before? YES
15. Do you consider yourself creative? i'm a certified DIY Momma
16. Do you give yourself the credit you deserve? not all the time
17. Do you donate time or money to charities? if i have extra
18. Have you recently done something that you’ve criticized others for doing? none that i can think of
19. What’s on your mind? i like to hit the sack...zzzzzzzz
20. Say one nice thing about the person who tagged you and the five people that you are going to tag. I Find JMom warm...I'm only tagging one person, my beautiful, sexy, loving and generous CUZ

Read more...

Secretly Dreaming

"High heels put your ass on a pedestal, where it belongs," says supermodel Veronica Webb.


I was at Fully Booked some two weeks back looking at their window displaying their 40 bestsellers, and this pink book How To Walk In High Heels (The Girl's Guide to Everything) by Camilla Morton caught my attention. Nope I didn't buy it that time coz I didn't have spare moolah, but I'm one lucky Momma, a week later my daughter Ish bought it for me. Thanks baby.


Hmmmm....so this is my sister's (Rachel) secret huh. I don't remember her wearing anything below 3 inches. Maybe she knew that "the higher the heel, the tighter the calves, while the thinner the heel the greater the optical illusion." And she may be familiar with the ratio too, "heel height + width - thighs + calves x 2 = legs + bum/wiggle". Whatever that means! But she was really gliding perfectly, often turning a lot of heads.

"A good heel has been constructed to tilt you at the most flattering angle possible. Why go under the knife, or to the gym? A stiletto is the most effective slimmer".

Point is, I've been secretly wanting/dreaming/wishing to own a pair of MANOLO BLAHNIK s, the only stilettos that offer comfort on 10 cm or JIMMY CHOOs.

Yes, i'm shouting it out to the whole world (to the person concerned: do you have a problem with that???) I said I'm only wishing/wanting/dreaming of owning one, but who knows fairy godmother might just grant my wish, I've been good, you know *bleh* **I wish!**

Read more...

Curtain Rod Canopy

I surprised Isha today by making her a bed canopy. She has been wanting to have one in her bedroom (I remember her suggesting it while we were still in the planning stage of the new house). When she got home from school, I got a big kiss and a big hug from her, thanking me for what I did. I asked her if she wants me to add some ruffles so it would look more "girlie", to which she declined. But I think I'm gonna add, maybe to spice it up a lil bit.

Here's how I did it: (with the help of the book, Creative Bedroom Decorating)
1. you will need a curtain rod trimmed to 20 inches, mounted centrally above the bed, 6 ft. above the top of the mattress.

2. After the rod was mounted, I hang the cloth on the rod, and let it drape down to the floor, adding about 10 inches more (to the actual measurement) for the top seam and the base hem.

I was able to save a lot of time in cutting, coz I took the measurement first before buying the materials (bought lace curtain material at a very cheap price...yay!). Instead I just folded the cloth into half, left an inch and a half for the frilled casing, and another inch and a half for the rod. It's very easy, you will just stitch the side and the base hems and tada...A BED CANOPY!

**After seeing what I did for his sister's room, I heard my son say "Oh im gonna check my room!" to which I answered, hey! bed canopies are girly stuff...I'm gonna make you another set of curtains instead...sometimes my lil boy gets jealous you know...still my "grown up" baby...

Read more...

Just Plain Happy

I tried my hand at sewing curtains today and YES I was able to do one, with the help of some books, and some ideas from the net. I still need to learn how to sew valances though, to make the window look more beautiful. I was like thinking of using a gingham valance, to go with the flimsy white curtain. I was really excited to see the outcome, since I'm a novice at making curtains, and not bad eh for a first timer. I'm all the more encouraged...hhhmmmm...looking forward to do more curtain projects, and that's gonna make me one busy hipMoMMa...yay!



N wanted to get me a gift either from Mango or Zara on our 14th year wedding anniversary (aug. 22), but instead I opted to have this beautiful floral arrangement. I asked the lady manning the section if she can come up with the idea I had in mind. We started putting the flowers together, and I thought of putting this thingy that looked like a "beetlenut" (sorry I don't know what it's called), and she suggested that we add some barks so the stems of the flowers won't be seen. And this is it, beautiful, isn't it? It sure turned a lot of heads while I was carrying it out of the mall.




It's fun to think of ways on how to make your home look cozy and homey, and at the same time it gives you a lot of headaches too. I spend countless hours in front of the computer just to be able to get ideas, and sometimes I don't know what kind of look I want anymore, coz there's so much. I know I should be getting an interior decorator, well that's beyond our budget, so for now I just have to deal with the headaches and all...one at a time...soon...soon, I'll be satisfied with all my work, and that's enough consolation.

Read more...

Dark Elbows

Do you have problems with dark elbows? Elbows that looked like it was dipped in a pool of mud? Ok, I'm quite exaggerating here...but I found some remedies for it, this product isn't really made to solve dark elbow problems, just figured it out that yeah maybe, it could after all...it's not an overnight thingy huh...



WHY IT WORKS: This one receives a lot of fan-mail. While lemon oil softens your cuticles and strengthens your nails, vitamin E helps heal, sweet almond oil moisturizes, and beeswax seals in moisture. Your cuticles will be softer and your nails will be stronger. You’ll feel results immediately. You can use it on your toes, too. Toe cuticles. That sounds funny.

HOW IT WORKS: Massage a small amount into cuticle and nail (or other areas) one or more times a day. For an intensive overnight treatment, apply generously to hands and nails before retiring.

WHY IT WORKS: The perfect moisturizer for hard working hands: everyone loves it from farmers to people who gesticulate. It’s our most intensive hand treatment with ingredients that offer healing benefits. Almond oil moisturizes. Rosemary stimulates circulation and lavandin helps prevent scarring. What hands wouldn’t love it?

HOW IT WORKS: Apply our healing salve to hands as often as needed.

Really I swear it works...I am a fan of Burt's Bees ...they have a wide variety of products to choose from...go ahead, click away, you might find something suitable for your needs.

Read more...

A Fun Saturday

For Josh, this is his kind of fun...he spent about an hour enjoying his bubble bath...he's still a kid at heart really...with the funny faces, funny poses and all...




And for me and my daughter...oh well, it's a non-stop til you drop kind of pictorial...nah...it was only one shot followed by another and another to the nth power. Twas fun, but Ish never dared touch the tree coz according to her, there was "kapre" (a ghost or something)...we were again at UP, of course at our favorite spot. Oh no! my lil girl is growing up too fast, in fact she'll be a "teenager" in a few days. See? She is almost as tall as me, and can you see why she can ransack my closet anytime? She can't have the kid's price for buffet, airline tickets, etc. anymore.








N wouldn't want to be left behind...after his pre-nuptial shoot with one of our clients, he too had his share of fun...photography is his greatest passion and therapy...but this time he was in front of the camera, which rarely happens...Ish is the girl version of N...they're very much the same in sooooo many ways, not only do they look alike...

Read more...

Not Again

Just as I am ready to talk about my father's death, another sad news reaches me. I got a friendster message from one of the cousins of a dear friend of mine, telling me that she passed away. I remember featuring her in this blog, i guess last year, because I so envied her body (a body to die for), and now she's gone, gone to be with her Lord and Saviour in heaven. I came to know her when my family moved to Manila and they were our neighbors. She was barely six then...I saw her grow up, blossoming into a pretty teener. We used to sleep, eat, hang out at each other's house. Then she left for the States when she was about 15, coming home to the Philippines only once in the late 90s. We only communicate thru emails and sms, but used to chat a lot...Noems until now I still cannot believe that you are gone, you may be gone but you will stay in my heart forever. To the family that she has left behind, my sincerest sympathy and condolences...we will all miss her, but she is now with our Lord in that perfect place called HEAVEN.


Read her story here. For some reasons, when you click on the link, the page redirects to the current date's news...just click on the local news archives, then click "Officials: woman, 33 dies before fire" or something like that.

Read more...

Success...YES!!!

Whoa! I look like a professional dressmaker...nope, I'm not sewing a dress yet (i still don't know how), but I'm turning a handwoven blanket to a bedspread. How? Well, I bought that roll of embroidered cloth at Divisoria a few days back, made a skirt, attached it to the blanket...and tada! I now have a bed spread.



It turned out really beautiful, even N liked it a lot. So far i've made three already, one for our bed, another for Josh's bed and the last one for the guest room. I haven't made one for Isha yet coz I ran out of cloth, need to go back to Divisoria to buy another roll.

As promised, I'm sharing pictures of Joshua's room...





When we were still talking about building this house, Josh goes "Mom, can i have a tub in my bathroom? He was the only one who requested for a tub, he's really fond of soaking in water, he does it now once a week, stays in the tub for an hour, just relaxing, and a lot of splashing. I still haven't installed the shower curtain rods in all the bathroom that needs one, I still have to install the curtain rods...aahhhh, still a lot of work to do. Meanwhile, I have to put everything aside, need to teach/help (tutor) the kids...it's their exam week! Pfffft!

Read more...