She's Dada's Girl

Caught in a tender moment
Dada and his little girl

Sisterly love

Pardon the quality of the photo. I took this late one night, while I was still on my PC. The two girls were fast asleep beside each other on our bed. Sabine started to move around until she woke up whining because she wanted to go back to sleep. Before I could do anything, Anissa (who woke up from the noise) took Sabine in her arms and they fell asleep this way.

AWWWWWW...

I don't have a sister so I'm really happy that my girls have each other

Sick! =(

I was on pins and needles the whole day today. Anissa was sent home from school yesterday due to a fever. This hardly happens. In fact, she hardly gets sick. What alarmed me was the fact that she didn't even have a cold or a cough. The very first thing that came to mind was Dengue. I spent last night and the entire day today monitoring her condition. Gave her Paracetamol every 4 hours and lots of fluid but the fever didn't go away.

Decided not to waste any more time and took her to Healthway in Shang Mall late this afternoon for a check up. The pedia said her suspicion was Pharyngitis but that Dengue needs to be ruled out so they had to draw blood. When I told Anissa what they were planning to do, she kinda panicked and started to cry. She probably felt extra sensitive because of the high fever. But I assured her it would be a piece of cake. After all, she was never really scared of getting shots even as a toddler.

But when it was crunch time she really pulled through and I felt so proud of her! I suggested that she look away and not watch the nurse so that I can distract her but she insisted that she wanted to see what the nurse was doing. That's exactly what she did...

When her blood started to come out, she yelled EEEWWWWW An hour later, we got the results of the CBC and thank GOD it's not Dengue! She has Acute Respiratory Tract Infection. I'm thankful that it's not the former but it doesn't make me less worried at all. Bottomline is, my child is sick and that's enough to make me feel uncomfortable. Hopefully, the anti-biotics prescribed by the pedia will improve her condition very, very soon. I feel really sorry for her because she needs to be in isolation at home (but enjoys the fact that she can be in an airconditioned room the whole day) and misses playing with Sabine.

GET WELL SOON, Ate!

Back to square one

I'm frustrated and disappointed.

After a series of job interviews, I find myself back to where I started --- with nothing. Out of all my prospects, there was one that really stood out. First of all, it was the one which progressed the fastest. Even before my initial interview ended, I was already scheduled for the next one. Both interviews yielded positive vibes. They were more like casual conversations and to me, that's always a good sign. Before I left the last interview, I was about 70% sure I had it in the bag (think I blogged about it previously). I didn't want to be too confident about it then though, because there was still that remaining 30% and anything can still happen. Yet, I waited with excited anticipation for that text or phonecall telling me what to do or where to go next. A week passed though and I didn't hear anything. Then came the typhoons which cancelled classes and caused a bit of chaos in the Metro, so I figured, maybe when things settle down they would call me.

The following week, still nothing. I decided to do a follow up with my headhunter but didn't get a reply from her at all. I began to doubt by this time. Why can't she even text me back to give me feedback? Something was wrong but I didn't really dwell on it. Another week later, yesterday to be exact, I received the dreaded SMS from Ms. Headhunter. She informed me that the company thought they would not be able to use me for the role because they needed someone more senior after all. Senior ba? OMG, I'm turning 40 in a couple of years...how much senior do they need this person to be?

They can't use me? Even before this SMS came, I already felt used somehow. I was asked to come up with a Marketing Plan, which I was told was really part of the interview process. I was hesitant to do it for obvious reasons, but if it was a requirement then I didn't have a choice. I poured every bit of creativity I had in my stagnant brain into that plan and submitted it to them only 2 days later. I've never done a Mktg Plan in just 2 days! Anyhoo...going back to the SMS...I was shocked when I first read it (good thing I was in Greenhills and having coffee and making chika with my friend Brenda so I was distracted). Then on the drive home, the disappointment started to sink in.

What??? They didn't like me??? But my two interviewers seemed so happy...they picked my brains from start to finish. I shared some of my best Marketing and Sales ideas with them!!! He even asked me how soon I could start and told me I should be happy to know that the position was going to be posted near my house!

I was in utter disbelief...still am.

Oh well, what can one do? I was really feeling bad and bitter 'til last night. But I've let it all go because there really is no point in trying to understand what went wrong. I'll just give these people the benefit of the doubt and pray that I don't see any of my ideas on billboards or print ads anytime soon.

Next challenge please!

Some random thoughts on FORGIVENESS

Forgive and forget.  I've heard (and been told) this line quite a few times in this lifetime.  How many of us find it so much easier to do the former than the latter?  Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, right?

Forgiving is a way for a person to let go and to begin moving on, thus, allowing himself/herself to eventually heal.  It's a gift we should give ourselves, not the person who caused us pain.  By forgiving, we decide to live in the present and not in the past. 

I like what Frederic Luskin, Ph.D., said: 

Forgiving doesn't always  mean resuming a relationship with whoever has hurt you.  If a person won't meet you halfway or has been abusive it may be better to forgive simply to make your life less stressful, but continue to keep your distance.  That way, you can protect yourself but still reap the benefits.

It's always a sad and unfortunate thing when you experience being hurt by someone you thought was the last person to do so.  You find yourself in absolute shock, trying to comprehend where it's all coming from and why you're being targetted.  But after a while, it sinks in and you start to take the proper route by empathizing with that person.  You tell yourself not to take it personally because this person obviously has a lot of personal issues to deal with and you happen to be at the wrong place and time.  It is at this point where you first consider the possibility of forgiveness.

But I couldn't agree with Mr. Luskin more.  There are some relationships that need to be either put on hold or completely altered, after a conflict takes place.  In order to protect ourselves from possibly getting hurt again, we decide to set boundaries.  Better safe than sorry, if you ask me.  

Distance, as they say, is not always a bad thing.  In some cases, distance is the key to forgetting don't you think?

How safe are our kids?

Sometime last week while we were having dinner and watching the news on TV, we saw a feature on a little girl who was found dead inside a suitcase.  It wasn't exactly the kind of story I wanted to hear while eating, especially since it involved a child.  I can't bear to watch news features about children who are abused or hurt in any way, sick or murdered.  Most of the time the circumstances are just too difficult to comprehend.

The feature on this girl was no exception.  That night, I prayed for the girl and her family and hoped that atleast they would be able to claim her body and give her a decent funeral. Yesterday afternoon when Anissa got home from school, the very first thing she said to me as soon as she walked through the front door was, "Mom!  Remember the dead girl in the suitcase?  She's from my school!"  She said this with so much disbelief and then later when she spoke about it again, she became so sad and began to ask me questions.

Why was she killed Mommy?

Why would anyone want to kill a little girl?

The school said her yaya might have had something to do with it but why are there yayas like that?

She's going straight to heaven right?

I was stumped.  I didn't quite know how to react to her at first.  It bothered me that she was obviously confused about how bad things can happen to good people.  The girl was only in 1st grade in Anissa's school.  And although Anissa's a lot older and didn't know the girl personally, it was obvious to me how affected she was. All I could say was...there are lots of bad people around and nobody really knows what drives them to do others wrong. Nobody else can explain their motives.  True enough, it was on the news again last night.  The girl's name is Geraldine and she was positively identified by an older brother.  They still don't know exactly what happened.

All they know is that Geraldine's yaya asked permission to take the girl with her to the mall to have her cellphone fixed.  They didn't know what had happened until they received a phonecall from a kidnapper who was asking for 10M in exchange for the girl's freedom. To date, they have no idea where the yaya is, if she was part of the evil plan or if she was a victim herself.

I know I might be adding salt to their wounds but this is just my personal take on the matter.  The yaya was with them for only 4 months.  Would I allow my daughter to go to the mall alone with someone I've only known for less than a year?  NEVER.

Obviously, that's water under the bridge.  I'm just praying the people responsible for her death are found and made to pay for this merciless act.

God bless Geraldine...

Happy Birthday Mama Gran!

That's what my girls fondly call my maternal grandmother.  Mama Gran is 89 yrs old today. Except for showing signs of Alzheimer's, she's perfectly alright.  

I honestly believe I inherited all my shopaholic and fashionista tendencies from her.  She's also the original shoe addict in the family.  I wish I had some of her old photos to post here.  I remember her being dressed to the nines all the time, in colorful dresses with shoes and bags to match.  She loved color!  I, on the other hand, have stuck to the basics until just recently.  

My Mom and I love to dance.  In fact, my Mom started teaching ballet at the age of 18 (but this "career" was put on hold when she and my Dad decided to elope hehe but that's another story!).  The love for dancing also came from Mama Gran.  On one of her birthdays, the family threw her a huge ballroom-themed party and she loved it!  She literally danced the whole night away.  The last trip we took with her was to HK in 1996 when Anissa was 10 months old.  She was already living in the US by then and we flew her in from LA so she could spend the holidays and go shopping with us.  

When I was younger, she used to tell me that I was her favorite grandchild because I reminded her a lot of my Mom, who's her favorite daughter.  Before the computer or e-mail was invented, we used to write each other letters.  Long, handwritten letters filled with constant updates about our lives.  I really miss those times.  

In total, she has 9 children (my Mom being the 6th), 24 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild!  Yes, I am a Lola...can you believe that???

I haven't seen her in a while because she's been staying in her hometown in Tarlac and I'm hoping I won't have to introduce myself when I go and visit her tomorrow.  We're throwing her a small party to celebrate her 89th birthday and I'm really looking forward to bringing my girls to see their Mama Gran again.  She's only seen my baby girl once, when Sabine was just 2 1/2 months old.  I've bought all her gifts and will wrap them one by one tonight because my Mom tells me that Mama Gran is very much like a little girl now, because of her Alzheimer's.

I'm sure I'll have a cry fest when I see her again tomorrow but I'm really looking forward to it and I'll take lots of pictures to capture the special moments.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAMA GRAN!!!  You were such a significant part of my growing up years and I'm truly grateful for having had the chance to experience the kind of love only a grandmother could give. You are loved dearly today and forever!

Yay for Yellow!

I'm so glad people are loving the color yellow right now.  It's always been my favorite color and lately I've been looking out for all things yellow! =)Here are some personal picks from Wetseal and Forever21:

Crinkle Patent Flats

$10

Linked Circles Cuff

$6.80

I want to order this one! =)

Clear Tote

$26.80

Cancun Denim Short

$19.80

Drawstring Screen Patch Capri

$10.00

Keyhole Heart Burnout Top

$14.50

A recent, long overdue trip to the mall (gosh I haven't seen Power Plant in AGES!) made me realize that this color has indeed become quite popular. I saw several yellow tops in Kamiseta, Bayo (mostly mustard though), Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and even in Plains and Prints.  Yummy yummy yellows are everywhere and I love it!  It's such a perky color, don't you think?

Note:  This post was inspired by Angel of Flairinthecity who recently blogged about this trend as well.

What kind of coffee girl are you?

You Are a Cappuccino

You're fun, outgoing, and you love to try anything new. However, you tend to have strong opinions on what you like. You are a total girly girly at heart - and prefer your coffee with good conversation. You're the type that seems complex to outsiders, but in reality, you are easy to please

What Kind of Coffee Girl Are You?

What kind of blogger are you?

You Are a Life Blogger!

Your blog is the story of your life - a living diary. If it happens, you blog it. And make it as entertaining as possible.

What Kind of Blogger Are You?

What kind of sandal are you?

You are Slingback Sandals

Classy and sophisticated You dress to the nines wherever you go Even if it's in your couture sweats!

What Kind of Sandal Are You?

Things I miss...

DANCING - I took up ballet starting the age of 7 or 8 and graduated to jazz til I was a teenager

SINCERITY CHICKEN - nothing comes close! I just wish Ongpin is a lot closer to me than it is.

BAGUIO - we went with the kids last May but it had been years since our visit before that! I miss the cool weather and the fresh veggies! I badly want to go back =(

SALATHIP @ the Shangri-la Hotel - the best Thai food I've ever had in my life. I remembered it after having dinner in People's Palace last Sunday.

THE CITY OF ANGELS - all my close first cousins on my Mom's side are there. I talk to them all the time but it's never the same as (atleast) a 2-week vacation, which I haven't had since yr 2000 when Anissa was 4 yrs old. I hope we can really go back next year.

NEW YORK - I love just looking at everyone...the way they talk, dress, shop, move, eat, drink. NY is a pretty good place to go people watching. Don't make me go in the winter though. I'll absolutely hate it.

SINGAPORE - been here mostly on business, only once for pleasure with DH. But I would love for our kids to visit as well. I want them to see how clean and disciplined everyone is. Miss walking along Orchard Road, the sales in Tang's, Chili Crabs in Boat Quay and super authentic-tasting Hainanese Chicken Rice everywhere!

DRESSING UP - I feel like I've been in shorts and flip flops forever! My stilettos are rotting in my shoe cabinet.

HK TRIPS WITH MY FAMILY - I don't know when or why we stopped but we all used to go yearly from Dec 26 to 30, along with thousands of other Pinoys. Have plenty of wonderful memories from those trips.

WEEKENDS IN SUBIC - we don't go as often as we used to. I got sick of the place for a while but it's different now, there's much more to do compared to before.

THE GYOZA @ SHINJUKU - nothing compares!

PANDA INN'S HOT & SOUR SOUP and ORANGE CHICKEN - there are no words to describe these two dishes.

IN 'N OUT BURGER - not a burger lover but I will eat this anytime!

THE FAMOUS HONEY CAKE FROM SAN LO - does anyone know if it's still being sold there???

SPAGHETTI FROM MAKATI SUPERMARKET - why did they have to move to Alabang anyway! I think this is WAY better than Jollibee's.

PANCAKE HOUSE TACOS - it's about time I had them again. Been a while...

WEARING BIKINIS - hahaha...I think it's pointless to even dwell on this =p

Krispy Kreme heaven!

Finally got to try Krispy Kreme-Hershey Collection donuts over the weekend. DH and I were in Greenhills to grab a few things for the house from ACE Hardware and D.I.Y. and we were wondering what to bring home for the kids. Then I remembered that KK recently opened a branch there, right beside McDonald's (or is it what used to be half of the McD's store?). We decided to drive thru because our feet were already tired from all the walking and we didn't want to stand in line inside the store. We made the right choice because we got a glimpse of the queue from the car and it was long, as expected.

I ended up getting one of each KK-Hershey variant but my favorite is the Reese's! =) I don't really have a sweet tooth. I usually crave for sweets (or any kind of junk food) right before I get that dreaded monthly visit. But this time the craving was caused more by intrigue as I saw the KK-Hershey billboard along Edsa 2 weeks ago and I haven't stopped wanting those donuts since then.

They're heavenly =)

P.S.
These are only available in the Philippines, by the way.

Food trip : People's Palace

Here's another place I would defnitely visit again. I've been frustrated about the lack of good Thai restaurants in the Metro. Well, there's SOM'S in the Rockwell area and I love the fact that it's a "hole in the wall" type for cowboys like me. But I can't really take the kids there because of the environment.

I've heard a lot of conflicting reviews about PEOPLE'S PALACE in Greenbelt 3. Others have raved about it, some say it's nothing great and they won't go back. THAI @ SILK in Serendra was good but I think PP is better. The price ranges are the same but I was definitely more satisfied with my PP experience.

Thom Yum Goom (didn't know it's spelled with an "h"?)
Kapi Fried Rice
Prawn, Pomelo and Coconut Salad
Green Chicken Curry
Phad Thai
Crispy Lapu Lapu Fillets with Red Curry and Basil (MUST TRY!)
Prawn Spring Rolls
Spicy Beef and Eggplant Salad

I haven't enjoyed Thai food this much in a very, very long time! The entire family was super happy and satisfied with this experience. Price range? Around PHP 1,000 per head --- if you eat as much as we do! =)

Food trip : Mann Hann

So glad we went out today. It was the 2nd straight day that classes were suspended and Anissa was getting restless at home. To me, that translates to getting irritated easily because when she's bored, she bugs me to death about her boredom. So when DB dropped by the house and announced he wanted all of us to have lunch out, we readily agreed. Perfect timing because DM was also on her way to visit the kids. By around 10:30, we were out of the house and on our way to Megamall. I also had to go to SM to buy some basics for the kids so we decided to just do everything there.

Nobody argued with me when I suggested that we go to MANN HANN. It's been a while since we all ate there. Good thing we were early because this branch is always packed with people. I still love the food! The quality hasn't changed and the service is quick as always.

Cold Tofu with Century Egg
Green Seafood Soup (yeah looks strange but it's good!)
Salted Fish Fried Rice
Sweet 'n Sour Pork
Salt 'n Pepper Spareribs
Tomiao (the veggies)
Taosi Clams --- if you eat in Mann Hann you have to order this! =)

This place still gets a thumbs up from me!

Looking good!

My job hunt is going well! Monday, I was called in for an initial interview by a popular cosmetics company that needs a Marketing Manager. The company is quite small but very progressive. I won't mention names just yet for fear of pre-empting anything hehe! I'm not superstitious, just want to stay on the safe side. Anyhoo...this one was okay. But having come from a multi-national company, I honestly don't think I'd get the same package here (or more). I noticed though that their office had a laid back atmosphere compared to others I've worked in. The girl from HR said she would pass me on to the Hiring Manager but that person is currently out of the country.

Yesterday, I had my 3rd interview with one of the biggest call centers in the country. This one is my best bet at this point. It was the Global Recruitment Director who spoke to me and our discussion lasted 2 hours! Good sign, right? But being the sigurista that I am, I don't want to assume anything right now. All I know is I felt really good leaving his office. He dropped a few hints here and there that somehow made me think I had it in the bag. But NO. I'd rather wait for an offer letter and see it with my own eyes.

As with anything, it's the waiting that can kill you. I have no other options at this point, except for another company that wants to see me this Friday. But the call center option is the one that has the most potential right now. Being in that office yesterday brought back a lot of memories. This may sound so shallow but dressing up for these interviews is something that really excites me because I feel like I've been in shorts/jeans and flip flops forever =p

I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I've been really excited about going back to work (and being financially-independent again). I admit there's a small part of me that feels sad about spending time away from home. But I know that going back to work is what's best for me and my family. I'm just hoping I'll be able to manage my time so the kids won't have to suffer so much.

Oh well...this is what I want so I might as well face the challenges head on! =)

Animoism

I first saw these shirts during the UAAP opening last month. I wondered who made them because I didn't see a selling booth outside the gates of Araneta Coliseum. I also didn't get to go up to those kids who were wearing them to ask where they could be bought because the place was too crowded then. They are so different from the usual shirts (which I've honestly grown tired of, that's why I haven't been wearing mine lately). I especially love the very original statements =)

Thank God for Multiply (and for tons of free time to surf!), I finally found the sellers of these funky De La Salle shirts. I actually placed an order for a shirt each for myself and DH. I'm getting the lime green (Revive the Animo High) and DH is getting the black shirt (Push the Limit, Animo Spirit). If I like the material and the fit, then I'm definitely going to order more hee hee!

I can't wait for their new styles to come out...



Visit ANIMOISM if you want to grab these shirts. Get yours before the next DLSU-ADMU game haha! =p

Photo credit : www.animoism.multiply.com

Color me for free!

These were taken maybe 3 weeks ago. I had no plans of leaving the house that day, too lazy to do anything and it was a good thing I didn't have any errands to run. Got a call from DB who demanded that I accompany him to the salon for his cut and color appointment. WHAT??? I didn't know my role had transcended from big sister to baby sitter/chaperone. Oh well...what the heck. I had nothing to do anyway and Sabine would be asleep by the time I had to leave so off I went.

I realized I was gonna look dumb sitting there waiting for him to get his stuff done so I brought my Macbook with me. There I was happily sipping my free Iced Tea and checking my email when DB's stylist (and good friend) SW walked over to me and asked me when I last colored my hair. I said hmmm...3 months ago? I was actually due for a retouch but I've always colored my hair at home. Side note: I use L'Oreal Excellence (forget the shade but it's the same one everytime), it's way cheaper than going to the salon and it gives me excellent results all the time.

Anyhoo...I was surprised when I heard SW call out to his assistant and told her to prep me for coloring. WHAT??? I immediately shot my brother this look that said, "Psst! What's he talking about? I don't have money and I'm not going to spend thousands of pesos just to color my hair! Tell him not to force me to get it done! " You know how most salons are, right? They'll sales talk you into having all sorts of things done and when you finally get up and ask for your bill at the cashier, you want to faint because the charges are ridiculous. Well, I wasn't going to let that happen to me. Not in this salon which is known to have a long list of LV/Chanel-toting, gold credit card swiping clients. No, no, no!

I was kinda pissed at DB for ignoring my signals then he sent me this text : Relax, he's not going to charge you for anything. I should know! Really now...hmmm. I know that my DB never has to pay for whatever he gets done there because the owners (including this stylist) are his good friends but I was surprised that the courtesy was being extended to me hee hee!

They did a great job my retouching my roots and then a few minutes later the color was spread over to the rest of my hair to make it all even. They didn't even have to change my color, it was simply enhanced and I loved the job they did!

Thanks Stefan and Baba! =)

P.S.
I had a badly-needed haircut just the other day so my hair's a lot shorter now but the color is the same.

Job hunting woes

I started actively looking for work just last month and already, I've been to several interviews. Sadly though, the right opportunity hasn't presented itself YET.

And when I thought I had seen it all, here comes the interviewer from h*ll.

I received a text from a headhunter a few days ago, informing me of an opening for Sales Director in a relatively new real estate firm. I was a bit hesitant to jump because I had never heard of the company before. So I did a bit of research and I actually drove by their showroom somewhere in Ortigas Center. Not bad, I thought. So I told the headhunter, okay I'll go to the interview. The next day, the company's rep texted me the details...be in our office at 830 am tomorrow and bring a copy of your CV. Argh...830??? Oh well...beggars can't be choosers so at 10 minutes prior to the appointed time, I sat myself in their conference room, opposite another applicant who was busy filling out several sheets of paper. I was given the same set of papers to fill out and I thought to myself, "What's all this? I'm applying for a top level position. Do I really need to do this?" Don't get me wrong...I've been to so many interviews, enough to know how an interview should be conducted based on the position you're applying for. Anyhoo...it seemed I had no choice so I spent the next 20 mins writing. During this time, two more applicants joined us in the conference room and were asked to do the same thing.

An hour later, all four of us were still seated and waiting to be called. We had introduced ourselves and were engaging in some time-killing chit chat. Another half an hour passed and we were finally led to the 2nd floor where the actual interviews were to be conducted. The 45-yr old guy who used to work for a Chinese tycoon who owns a beer brand was called first. Around 15 minutes later, it was my turn.

My interviewer looked young, really young. At this point, we were already a bit irritated at the fact that we had been asked to wait so long, we had already wasted so much of our time. The others still had to report to work. I sat down in front of my very young interviewer and he started to speak. In this fake American accent, he asked me, "So how should I call you?" I stifled a giggle. I was never good at pretending so I had to try really, really hard not to laugh in his face. He spoke with so much confidence, I actually felt sorry for him. Further through the interview though, I no longer did. I started to feel insulted that someone so inexperienced was interviewing candidates for a top level position. I don't think he even knew how to conduct an interview! He kept going around and around in circles. He had my CV in his hand and yet he couldn't get the facts correctly (i.e., thought my most recent employment was my very first --- hello!!!).

By the time I left the place I was pretty sure that they wouldn't call me back for a follow-up. I managed to intentionally screw things up by correcting the guy's grammar hahaha! But my gosh!!! I had never felt so insulted in my entire life (modesty aside, seriously!)! At that point I stopped and asked myself : Are you really this desperate for a job???

Yes, I want to work. Yes, I NEED to work. But NO, I don't want to work for a company who on the first interview has shown sure signs of a lack of professionalism. So there...I'm moving on and I've decided to be a bit more cautious the next time around. Good luck to me! =)

P.S.
Did I mention that while I was in the conference room, I could overhear one of their managers reprimanding a staff member? He said things like: "tanga", "sira ulo", "masaya ka!". Hahaha --- the corporate jungle's version of ISKUL BUKOL! No way! =p

Nails at Home --- highly recommended!

When it comes to nail pampering, I've tried almost every place in the Metro. For the longest time, I was a very loyal client of Nail Spa at the Shang Mall. That is, until my favorite nail technician left to join Lotus Spa at the Podium Mall. When going to Ortigas Center just to get my nails done proved to be more of a hassle than an opportunity to de-stress, I settled for a neighborhood/village salon which, of course, was nowhere near the places I mentioned in terms of ambience and comfort. But they were able to do their job at cleaning my hands and feet just the same. When we rented out our townhouse in that village, I began to look for another salon near my house in Mandaluyong. I didn't find the ideal salon right away so I would go to places like CANS, Piandre Salon or whatever else I could find. I later on found Strands along Shaw Blvd. (in between Goldilock's and Red Ribbon) and I was impressed because they had all the nail polish brands that I love.

Recently though, I read about Nails at Home in the papers. Because I now spend 90% of my time within the walls of my house taking care of my family, it's become a chore to step out of the house just to get a manicure, pedicure and footspa. So I decided to go for home service this time and tried them out. BOY DID I LOVE IT!!!

My very first experience turned out to be so worth it, I've already called them back a second time. For a mani-pedi that's done right in the comforts of your own home for just P300, who's to complain??? An additional 200 something would get you a Foot Spa service to boot. I don't know what took me so long but I'm convinced this is how I want things done for now.

The best part is...I can completely tune out while my nails are being done. I lock myself up in my TV room, turn on the airconditioner and watch a movie on DVD while the nail technician works on me hee hee! This is heaven for pamper freaks like myself!

Read more about Nails at Home here and give them a try soon. You won't regret it!

Thank God for the rains!

The weather lately has been very very strange. I was wondering why almost the entire month of July was just as hot as April and May. Then it was all over the papers and the news. WE NEEDED THE RAINS TO COME BADLY. The effects of this zero rain situation were far worse than I could have imagined.

So starting last week, I would pray and pray and pray for the rains to come. And they finally did!

I've been loving this weather so much! Luckily, I don't have to leave the house everyday. Else I would have to deal with all the flooded Mandaluyong streets surrounding my house argh!!!

Anyhoo...I'm hoping the forthcoming storm(s) won't be as bad as Milenyo.

I love Nokia!

After using a Sony Ericsson and a Samsung, I'm proud to say...I'm now back to my first love! I've always been a Nokia user. My first ever cellphone from Smart was a Nokia (forgot the model --- aackkk, that was ages ago!). I've also tried using a Motorola and an O2 PDA but although I wasn't entirely disappointed with these other brands, I would miss Nokia's user friendliness from time to time.

My SE K800i conked out on me after just a few months of use. Weird because all the other people I know who have this phone haven't had this kind of problem. I was actually happy with its features and got used to texting with it in no time. But it became too much of a problem for me eventually so I decided to get it fixed so I could sell it. It was DH who suggested that I get one of the newer Nokia models.

I'm not very particular about models. I don't have to have the really high-end ones. As long as it has a camera, I'm fine with it. And this time was no exception, I still didn't want to spend a single cent on a new phone. I wanted to either trade-in my K800i or sell it and then use the money to get a new unit.

Thankfully, DH still has a lot of contacts in Greenhills from his Globe Telecom days so we were able to find a buyer in no time. I ended up getting the Nokia 6300, upon DH's recommendation. And I must say, I love love love it!!! It's sleek and light, fits right into my jean pocket. I don't really like big phones, no matter how nice they look. This one's really perfect for me. =)

Nothing beats Nokia, I'm glad I made the switch back =)

P.S.
Another thing I love about this phone is the fact that it comes with a leather pouch hee hee!

Good morning, Sabine!

Every single day, I wake up to the sound of my cellphone alarm. At exactly 5:30am I get up to make sure Anissa wakes up, gets dressed and has breakfast (or most of the time a cup of Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate) before the schoolbus picks her up at 6am --- my poor baby! Almost always, I jump right back into bed after she's picked up. Our little girl Sabine sleeps beside DH and I on the big bed in the master's bedroom (while Ate stays on her own mattress on the floor). So she serves as my other alarm clock everyday.

This morning when she woke me up with her usual babble, she quickly crawled over to my side and grabbed my digicam which was sitting on my nightstand. Without batting an eyelash, she handed it over to me and "told" me to take it out. That only meant one thing: she wanted me to take her pictures hahaha!

And so without further ado (I was still soooo sleepy when I took these), here are the results of this morning's impromptu photo shoot:

Fresh from an 8-hour sleep


Ssshhhh! Dada's still asleep!

Uh oh! She's all warmed up!


Hi, Mommy!


Awww...what a cutie pie!

SALE ALERT : Topshop and Dorothy Perkins

Started yesterday, August 3 and it usually goes on for an indefinite period or atleast until their new collections come in.

Sadly, I don't have the time or the resources to go all-out shopping at the moment.  So I'd rather not even take a peek at what they have.  Unless I head over to the nearest pawnshop first hahaha!

RUN GIRLS RUN!!!

Some serious thoughts...

They say that the worst of times is the best opportunity for one to see the many things he/she should be thankful for. Sounds like a huge challenge, considering that problems have a tendency to weigh us down and make us dwell on the bad. But if we only try to see the big picture, we'll be surprised to find out that inspite of the trials we face, GOD makes sure He balances everything. It's all up to us. If we open our hearts, it's not too difficult to see what GOD's purpose is.

In the past few weeks, I have learned more lessons than I ever did in school or at any time in my 38 years of existence. Most of the lessons are not new at all. I just took them for granted because I never took the time to digest each of them before.

• I've learned that trials are meant to make you stronger
• I've learned that trials can bring out your worst side but only if you allow them to
• The most important lesson that trials teach you is HUMILITY
• SILENCE is your best weapon against those who judge you unfairly
• Pag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay --- an age old saying that I used to laugh at because I was the "eye for an eye" type. Believe me, patience pays off in the end.
• You can be angry without being disrespectful. Most arguments escalate when you take things to a personal level. Don't lose your point or stray from the real issue by throwing personal "rocks" at an opponent. Your argument automatically loses its validity when you do and you eventually end up being the LOSER in the final analysis.
  
• Do someone a favor because YOU WANT TO and not because you think you can use it as a strategic advantage in the future.
  
• When in the middle of a crisis, you ALWAYS discover who your real friends are. Also, expect the unexpected. Some friends will even go an extra mile or two for you.
• Lastly, the biggest lesson that I've learned is : I AM STRONGER THAN I THINK I AM.

And on that note, I would just like to say --- PLEASE LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL BECAUSE I BELIEVE WE TRULY DESERVE IT!!!

PATTY-ology

I stole this from Fran's blog hee hee =)

Repost this survey as (your name)-ology.

Q: What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. My favorite has always been Caesar. But as a substitute, I would go for either Ranch or Thousand Island (corny hahaha!).

Q: What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. McDonald's, Yoshinoya, KFC, Tokyo Tokyo

Q: What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?
A. Cyma, Sugi, Gloriamaris, Shangri-la Restaurant (the Chinese place in QC), Super Bowl, Teriyaki Boy, Korean Garden, Korean Palace

Q: On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. Depends where. Usually anywhere from 20 to 100.

Q: What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of it?
A: Noodles and dimsum

Q: What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Garlic, mushrooms, shrimp

Q: What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Lots of butter and strawberry jam

TECHNOLOGY

Q: What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A: A family photo

Q: How many televisions are in your house?
A. 5 hehehe...we're not TV addicts at all

BIOLOGY

Q: Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right-handed

Q: Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Yes, my appendix when I was in Grade 7.

Q: What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. Can't remember

Q: Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. Yup in the office once. Blacked out due to over-fatigue.

BULLCRAPOLOGY

Q: If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. Nope!

Q: If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. I don't really like my (real) name but I wouldn't want to change it either.

Q: What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Any except purple or maroon

Q: Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Hmmm...I don't think so

Q: Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Nope.

Q: Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Figuratively speaking, yes.

DAREOLOGY

Q: Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. On the cheek? Of course! Hahaha!

Q: Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000
A. Nope, never.

Q: Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. Argh...tough question.

Q: Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. Hahaha I wish! I don't think I have the right to.

Q: Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. I don't think so

Q: Would you, without fear of punishment, take a humans life for $1,000,000?
A. Never

DUMBOLOGY

Q: What is in your left pocket?
A. My jammies don't have pockets

Q: Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Never heard of it

Q: Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. Can't have carpets because the kids have allergic rhinitis and I don't like them because they're high maintenance.

Q: Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand

Q: How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. Hehehe I have no idea

Q: Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. Maybe a year ago. Forgot that my car was coded that day and was driving along Shaw when a cop flagged me down and told me I wasn't supposed to be on the road. I worked my charm on him hahaha!

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
A. I grew up a long time ago haha!

Q: Who is number 1 on your top 8?
A. Of what??

LASTOLOGY

Q: Last friend you talked to?
A. One of my bestfriends, Janet

Q: Last person who called you?
A. Janet also

Q: Person you hugged?
A. The kids when I tucked them into bed a while ago

Q: Person you kissed?
A. The kids

FAVORITOLOGY

Q: Number?
A. 4, I don't know why but it's my favorite forever

Q: Season?
A: Summer

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A. Yes, you can say that

Q: Mood?
A. Hopeful

Q: Listening to?
A: The sound of my aircondition and DH clicking his mouse because he's playing Counter Strike on his PC.

Q: Watching?
A. Nothing at the moment. Earlier, watched an episode of CSI Miami.

Q: Worrying about?
A. Oh don't let me start!

RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A. A job interview in Makati =)

Q: What can you not wait to do?
A. Get a haircut, manicure, pedicure, footspa, buy a new pair of shoes and a bag, eat in Nano Hana --- lots lots lots!

Q: What’s the last movie you saw?
A. Premonition starring Sandra Bullock but only on DVD at home

Q: Do you smile often?
A: I think so

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A. Yup yup!

Necklaces on SALE

As promised here are some of the necklaces we have on sale at THE BEAUTY CORNER

PATRICIA
Regular Price PHP 1,200
SALE PRICE 1,100
This piece looks 10x nicer in actual! The stripes are colored brown.


MELISSE
Regular Price PHP 600
SALE PRICE 500

Minimally-studded angel wing pendant. This one's perfect for everyday wear.


FRANCESCA
Regular price PHP 1,000
SALE PRICE 900
Gold plated safety pin with studded crown pendant


TAMMY
Regular price PHP 600
SALE PRICE 500
Double-layered gold chains


LUCILLE
Regular Price PHP 800
SALE PRICE 700
Gold plated necklace with various charms

There are a lot more where all these came from! Check out my website : http://beautycorner.multiply.com and I hope you find something you like. If any of the pieces here interest you, feel free to text 0917 3571123.