Something To Hold On To.

My close friend who was having money issues confided in me and asked my opinion about how to manage funds properly. I told him I was no expert in these things, and that the only right thing I know I'm doing is by saving and acquiring a bit of stocks from our own company. I don't even invest in time deposits, or even the "in" thing right now which is investing in gold. I hear a lot my people putting their money in gold, may it be in gold coins, ingots or bars. Imagine this, you buy a gold bar and someday when the power of your currency falters and you have to send your child to college; then you have something rock solid to hold on to.

As a parent, to buy gold coins is something very simple and yet very helpful in the end. But don't just take my word for it, there are many helpful articles about how to buy gold and such. Just do your research before doing so and when you decide that investing in gold is for you then don't hesitate to try it out.

Read more...

Just Things

It's after lunch. The heat is unbearable. Work is piling up. I need an inspiration.

Things I hope to be doing now:

1. Taking a cold shower.
2. Drinking ice-cold mango shake.
3. Power Nap.

Things I Should be doing:

1. Working.
2. Finishing the report on mid-year bonuses.
3. Ordering some parts for a customer.

Things I should NOT be doing but I am because I am sleepy and I am too bored to work.

1. Blogging.
2. Sending nonsense emails to my friends who are also working right now.
3. Staring at my screen doing nothing while half asleep.

Now is a perfect time for a good cup of coffee.

Read more...

Curlz

Showing off my curls + a bit if tan lines.


....and oww, yeah my cute 8-month of baby too.LOL

A few more inches and I am nearer to my dream hair which I talked about here. I guess those hair growth maximizing tips worked!

Read more...

It's A Girl Thing

Like I said, I've had my hair done yesterday. It took 3 whole hours for my haircut, hair color and treatment which costs me P2k. Not bad for very good service. My hairdresser, a Korean name Ruby has been doing my hair since 2007. She knows me, my preference and what hairstyle suits me. She's the type who will really tell you if she feels that a certain hairstyle might not fit you or the shape of your face. Like when I wanted heavy bangs; she explained the pros and cons and how it might look - I appreciated that from her. Her honestly is the reason why I keep coming back to her even though their salon is a bit pricey.

My friend Y and I who can't live without a hair fix every now and then was talking about opening our very own salon. Since college we've been toying with that idea. I was browsing thru site and came across Florida Beauty School. They offer exceptional education that benefits the students and the public.

The public, how you ask?

It's simple, the students training is thru providing high-quality at a discounted salon services to the public under expert faculty supervision of course. This way, the students get to practice their craft and the public can get quality service at a low-cost. It benefits both parties! Who wouldn't love that?

Now to see if any salon or school in my neighborhood has that.

Read more...

Took it off!

Love it, had my hair colored and my trimmed. I love the layers and the fact that its way thinner than before. Super perfect for the humid weather.

...gotta have my picture taken with it. My digicam way way better for cam whoring. The big bulky SLR is so hard to maneuver. I wish I had a remote but I don't. Oh well.

Here's my weekend snapshot!^-^ Just us girls enjoying the night out on a Friday.


Hot topic of the night? Marriage, breakup and relationships. My single friends are asking,"Where are all the nice men and are there any left?"

LOL. Wish I knew the answer to that.

Read more...

Should I?

I found a box of slimming tea in our cupboard earlier.

When I asked my mother about it she said she bought that a few weeks back because a friend was selling and she wanted to help her out. I *so* want to try a few cups of those. It's not that I am overweight, I just want to slim down some more. I guess there's this little, minuscule part of me that's ms.anorexic. I know its not cool to joke about it but the truth is, the more I see skinny girls on tv parading in sexy outfits the more I want to be like them. At one time I was reading and considering adipex but because of the consequences like insomnia, allergic reactions, swelling, chest pain, unusual thoughts or behavior, severe headaches, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, chest pain, shortness of breath, uneven heartbeats, and seizures I freaked out!!! What do they mean by "unusual thoughts"???

Anyway...why do I even bother asking when I know the answer is I should not. I am breastfeeding and working 27/4. Taking anything that might cause me to be ill is a definite NO.

Read more...

Oh My Burn

For the nth time I got burned by my curling iron.

It's my own fault. Sometimes, I underestimate the power of the tongs. Also, I easy get distracted, looking at my phone or laptop while I am curling my hair. I have burned my leg, my neck, my ear....and uhmm..somewhere private. Let's just say that's the last time I'm curling my hair with only my brassiere on. Since i didn't have any burn ointment I placed a dollop of my fave night creams into my burnt skin. I helped soothe the pain a bit but not my bruised ego. I feel so stupid being burnt not once but 4x!

I should just have my hair permed. Safer that way.

Read more...

Friday Fill-Ins#178

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all who celebrate it :-)

And...here we go!

1. SANDWICHES -- the best food to take on a picnic.

2. Summer 's almost over and thank God because the heat is unbearable.

3. I am not a fan of flip flops.

4. To love someone is to open up yourself to heartache.

5. I don't enjoy a long hike.

6. When I crave food, it's usually something sweet like cake, ice cream or chocolates.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with my HS friends, tomorrow my plans include going to the mall with my eldest to buy his school shoes and Sunday, I want to have my hair fix with YOVA!

Read more...

Business Minded

A friend of mine from college has his very own business - it's a Spa! How cool is that? I was asking him for a discount and he willingly obliged. Now, if only I can find time to go, the only bad thing is that his Spa is located across town from me. I saw his Spa in his website and its looks very classy and chic. I was asking him where he got his furniture and spa covers. I stupidly forgot their family also owns a furniture company! Talk about being privileged. He is a really business-minded person as well so it's not a shocker that he is managing many business right now.

Aside from owning a retail store, I dream of opening a Salon & Spa. For someone like me who is in the salon more than once every month that should be easy for me. I should ask my friend for tips and tricks in owning a spa.

Read more...

Help.

I've been meaning to ask my friend JR the number of the company which offers roadside assistance. I know for a fact that if you apply for membership then you can have assistance 24/7 may it be for engine trouble, flat tire or quick battery change.

This can be very helpful especially if you are driving all alone, at night and your car stalls in the middle of nowhere! I have no idea about can engines, I can't change a tire and I definitely don't know where to stick the battery in.

One time when I was driving, the car's engine suddenly failed, I went out to check it, the place was in the slums and I was held up @ knife point! And it was in broad daylight....*shudder*

I freak out every time I remember it, and imagine if I had the kids with me??? Gotta have that number now.

Read more...

10 Things

What's my makeup essentials? These top 10 things can be found in my kit 27/4. I bring it to me everywhere (yes, even in the beach!) because a girl can never be too prepared.

1. Mascara (for my eyes to pop!)
2. Khol Eyeliner
   
3. Eyeshadow
   
4. Mineral Powder
5. Lipstick
6. Lipgloss
   
7. Eyebrow brush
8. Tweezer
   
9. Concealer (for my super dark eye circles)
10. Check Tint/Blush on (depending on the kind of event or if its night or day)
    

What are yours?

Read more...

Hope It Give You...Ideas?

Welcome to the May 26th version of Thursday Thunks!
(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!


We pick a subject, and your job is to interpret it anyway you want. Write about it on your blog... simple as that. Maybe you can interpret it as a picture - we don't care!
Please only leave a link if you have written a Thursday Thunks post. Please mention us in your post, and link back to the blog here.
Don't forget to go visit the other participants' blogs. Read and comment about all their Thursday Thunks! Thats what all this is about afterall, isn't it? We'll have so much fun and become lifelong friends....

This week we will answer some crazy questions brought to you by Kimber, the color of Bret Michaels' bandana, and the number 8888.

1. Tomorrow you'll be thinking to yourself?

"I shouldn't have had those ice-cream last night, now I feel bloated."

2. Where's your picket fence?

We don't have one.

3. With a big smile on your face, you do what?

I say "cheese" and hope I get a good facebook worthy photo.

4. If I was to walk up to you, you'd do what?

If you were my friend, I'd smile and say hi. If not then I'd wait for you to tell me what you need.

5. The list goes on and on. What list?

Grocery list!

6. Does every rose have a thorn or does every thorn have a rose?

It can go both ways. Wait, do you mean the literal meaning? Then every rose has a thorn.

7. Talk dirty to me. What kind of mop/vacuum/dust thingymabob do you use?

LOL. Small vacuum. But I rarely clean. We have a maid for that. No - I am not being snooty; here in the Phils a housemaid is a pretty common thing.

8. Your Mamma don't WORK and your Daddy don't MIND.

9. Ever had a suitcase packed by your feet, and if so where were you going?

Huh? No.

10. Have you ever ridden in a limousine?

Nope.

11. I went to bed too soon and got up to ____?

Brush my teeth.

Join here.

Read more...

Another One?

When I first started blogging, the reason I got hooked fast was because of wordpress. It was such a hassle free way of starting out. Everything was laid out for you and all you have to do is simply follow instructions or click simple tabs. There were widgets and codes that were idiot-proof. Plus, their themes were flawless. Clean lines, easy to manage and chic themes.

That is why I am seriously thinking of resurrecting my blog there (as if 3 blogs isn't enough to manage as it is). I made the switch to blogger because their hosting is cheaper than that of WP. Although, apart from domain and hosting there are millions of free wordpress themes out there to chose from so really, all you really need is the initial investment for the hosting.

...so really, can I handle adding another blog? We'll see!

Read more...

Gotta Love 'Em.

Ozzy and I have a children's party to attend in a few minutes and I am still without an outfit. The theme of the party is military, well I don't have anything like that! Good luck to me.LOL

Random updates here.
Ozzy says the funniest things.

His take on driving rules:
Green means GO, Red means STOP and Yellow means GO FASTER! LOL.

One time while looking for his toy crocodile.
"Yaya, where is my cocodrilo?"

His yaya was confused. Sometimes he says salta when jumping. That's what happens if he watches too many Dora shows.

While commenting on how cute and chubby his little brother:
"Shoti's so cute & fat Mama! (pause)....just like you."

I was like, "Woah, where did that come from???"

Kids. Gotta love 'em.

Read more...

Now Is The Time

Everyday we get bombarded with news about the recession and how we could save our money by dining out less or none at all, or by cutting down on family trips or simply by living a simpler life. Buying less and saving more is the idea. Other than saving your money in the bank, why not try investing that money elsewhere? I've recently read an article sayings that if you buy silver bullion nowadays when silver hoarding is gone and that U.S government is a silver buyer, it represents an outstanding investment opportunity. Since paper money depreciate, like what we see (Euro nowadays are declining in currency), it is a known fact that precious metals don't have that quality. You can protect your wealth and preserve one’s purchasing power when buying silver or gold for some.

As for me, right now we are investing in real estate. Soon when money may not be too tight, I'd go for gold or maybe even some diamonds in there. Also, don't forget to invest in insurance for your whole family.

If you are always asking when's the right time to invest; now is the right time as any when you are still capable of paying for it. Not when you are too old. When you are old that's the time you enjoy the reaps of your investments.

Read more...

Picture Post On Our Weekend

I've been talking about our weekend getaway in Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort so much that it's only fitting I post pictures here in my blog.

Check out their cool slides. That red & white one is super cool. Now I know how it feels to be flushed down the toilet.

My photos don't do the place justice at all. This is the big pool below which features a bar in the middle.

It looks prettier at night. Lovers out there will surely have fun night swimming. Plus those colors change all the time. It looks super pretty. Too bad I don't know how to take super fab photos with my SLR yet. But I surely tried.


They even had a band playing songs while guests enjoy their dinner and then there were some fire dancers! Cool.


Here's the watepark with a pirate boat with slides and lots of water sprays. Ozzy preferred the kiddie pool. He kinds got scared (and by kinda I mean he was freaking out) in the waterpark. I guess all the water spraying everywhere and slides overwhelmed him.




If you want to enjoy a quiet dinner with your partner without the kids, you can always leave them in the Kids World. Their staff is very nice and friendly.

Our weekend was fun but super bitin. If money and time was no option, I'd prefer to have stayed there 1 day more to really enjoy the place and its amenities.

If we're friends in Facebook check out more photos of us HERE.

Read more...

Gearing Up For Imperial

In a few minutes we will be going to Imperial, a resort in Mactan which boasts of its waterslides, something which they offer different from all the other resorts here in Cebu. My dad has decided to be a member since he knows we can definitely use it. After all, we are a family who loves to go to the beach. On a different note, aside from membership and shares; I mentioned to Dad why not he invest and buy gold bullion. I heard that investing your money is gold is much more solid proof than paper money which we all know is wavering in terms of value. The euro is going down and while it is good that the peso is rising in value, that's not such a good news for my Dad who is an importer and must buy in dollar.

For many centuries now, gold bars and cold (called ingots) preserve one’s wealth and purchasing power since they don't depreciate in value.

Oh well, its up to him of course. I was just merely suggesting.

Anyway; I still haven't finished packing for our trip. It was hard when I was packing for myself, now imagine I have to pack for 2 kids more. I will post pictures of our weekend when I get back. Surely, Hubby would want to see them. Have a fun weekend everyone!

Read more...

Your Life In ABC's

Welcome to the May 13th version of Thursday Thunks!
(which we always seem to post on Wednesday)
Where we make you think a little bit before you blog!

We pick a subject, and your job is to interpret it anyway you want. Write about it on your blog... simple as that. Maybe you can interpret it as a picture - we don't care!
Please only leave a link if you have written a Thursday Thunks post. Please mention us in your post, and link back to the blog here.
Don't forget to go visit the other participants' blogs. Read and comment about all their Thursday Thunks! Thats what all this is about afterall, isn't it? We'll have so much fun and become lifelong friends....
The TT questions are brought to you by Berleen, the color of black coffee, which I need more of and the number 8,299,598,330.


This week is going to be easy... just one question. Ok, well maybe not so easy. Take each letter of the alphabet and describe something in your life... don't skip any!

A - Almost perfect. I have everything going for me except the fact that DH is working far away.
B - Blessed. Despite the LDR, we're doing pretty well. I know that he's committed to me and to our kids.
C - Contented. Like I said, my life is not perfect (whose is?) but I am happy with whatever life gives me. I am the type of person sees the glass half full.
D - Digitally and electronically reliant. I am infront of PC's, Laptops, my touchscreen phone all the time. I am addicted and supper reliant. Case in point, my brother & I talk in YM at times even though we are 4 feet from each other. Also, I send my mother a text message who is in the 2nd floor just 'cuz I am too lazy to stand up.
E - Ebay fan. Come to think of it, I love online shopping because of its convenience.
F - Facebooker. Again, who isn't? It is a great way to reconnect with old friends and family members.
G - Getting easier now that my baby has hit his 8th month. He's not as difficult to manage anymore. He's easy to feed and put to sleep. I get more time for myself too now that he's mix feeding. We have developed a schedule and pattern which is easy for both.
H - Happy. Healthy.
I - In-denial. I still can't believe I am in my late 20's. Where did the time go?
J - Josh.Joshua.Jacob. The three most important men in my life.
K - Kitkat, Twix and Dark chocolates are my favorite kinds of indulgence.
L - Learning how to take good photos. Thanks to DH who gave me my first SLR.
M - Missing Josh so much. Apart from the fact that he's missing out on the kids milestones; I really miss our conversations and date nights.
N - Nursing a bruised finger. (Got stuck in the door.)
O - Ouch was what I said after my finger got stuck in the door.
P - Paid blogging is giving me extra moolah ($=Php!!!)
Q - Quiet time for myself. I rarely have those.
R - Beally suck at sports or anything which involves physical strength or ability.
S - although I can Swim well enough.
T - Tan lines! I've become darker due to so much fun under the sun. I don't mind though because it was so much fun.
U - Unbelievably lazy these days. See...this meme was in my draft for days before I finally published it. Oh well, better late than pregnant (ehem) never.
V - I confess, I am a bit Vain.
W - Working at home sure has its benefits.
X - Xander is the 2nd name of my eldest.
Y - Yaya, can't live without one for the kids. Our yaya now is nice and really caring, she's god-sent.
Z - ZZZzz I have got to catch up on more sleep. I've been watching so many different series now like Glee, Grey's Anatomy and ANTM.

Boy this was DIFFICULT ! See how other participants answered this here.

Read more...

Finally, Imperial.

The weather here in Cebu is still scorching.

It's hard to stay always fresh. Thank God for air conditioning units. Only the electric company's are getting richer while the consumers are rotting in humidity.

That's why its better to hit the cool beaches and resorts of Mactan. So for summer's last hurrah, my family is spending the weekend @ Imperial Palace Cebu Resort. Hopefully, we'll get good local rates and a good room. The last time we had to change our plans because there were no rooms available already. It's a waterpark so I am sure Joshua will be thrilled.

Crossing my fingers on this one!

Read more...

I Gut It.

I have always received comments from my friends that I don’t look like I have 2 kids. Most of these comments come from my Facebook pictures especially when they saw me in a bathing suit recently. I am SO not bragging here or anything, it’s just that I know how to hide my flaws. I have a lot of tricks so that I register slimmer in pictures, for example, I suck my gut when my picture is taken. That is why in the pictures I look slimmer than I actually am. Seeing me in person is a totally different thing.

I may sound like a total b*tch here, ranting about how “fat” I am when it’s not the case (don’t you hate people like that?) Anyway, what I am saying is that – while its actually true I have not gained too much weight after the 2 pregnancies, I don’t have the perfect slim figure everyone (well those who commented in Facebook) thinks.

….so, moving on; I realized why should I limit looking good thru picture only when I can “hide” my flaws in person? How?

By wearing a girdle, baby!

My biggest insecurity in my body is my tummy. Let’s face it, I don’t diet, I don’t exercise; because of that my tummy is loose and bulging. I saw a great product from Mama.Baby.Love in Multiply. It is a girdle which looks like a tank top. Although I’ve had my share of experiences with wearing girdles (most of them too warm) this one is different. I like it because its very light, easy to put on and it does its job well by shaping the body while sucking in all the unwanted fats.

Lookie.

Huge difference, right??? (This is not a paid post by the way) I just love discovering great buys. Excellent service from the seller too and she offers many payment options. ^-^

Read more...

The Jump

3 years ago, we went on a banca cruise =) I had this infamous (well to our group) jump shot because of its impeccable timing. Also, no one else dared to jump from the tip of the boat to the cold, deep waters but me. Fast forward to 2010, we went on the same banca cruise. I did the same jump. ^-^ (well more or less the same)



Supah fun! If you look at the picture closely I seem like I have a bigger behind. Well, that is so because I had that photo-shopped a bit by my friend. No, I didn't take any top diet pill that's why I slimmed down, the truth is, unlike most of my friends, when I gain fat, they are around my tummy and arms area. Most of my friends have bigger behind and thighs which I really envy. Haha. Yup, I once contemplated on wearing those underwear with padding in the butt! Sheesh, girls. Can never be satisfied with their bodies. =P

Read more...

V is for Vintage

...her look inspired me.

Time to rummage thru my old clothes and see if I can pull this look together. Got the image from http://vi.sualize.us, so far I am loving the site.

Read more...

Ladies Night

Yey for fun movies. I just can't wait for SATC 2. That would be one uber fun date night with girls for sure. Up until now, I am not sure what the whole plot of the movie is. The whole production screw and actors of the movie have a 2.5 million bond and if anymore spills anything about the movie they have to pay up! Anyway, speaking of date night, I was hoping to watch Steve Carel and Tina Fey's movie, Date Night. I hope its in BlueRay already. Many fo those who have watched it in cinemas say its oodles of laughter. It better, Steve Carel and Tina Fey are both very funny and talented.

On a different note, I am so relieved to note that my baby's skin rash (I initially thought it was eczema) has subsided. Turns out his sensitive skin can't handle the tap water. He had to use purified drinking water for his baths. It took about 2 months for the flaking to subside but I am glad everything is okay now. Baby smooth skin once again.

...Back to SATC 2 movie, it will be showing in May 27 - I think..I hope we can catch it on the weekend right after. As much as I want to be the first to watch, catching it during its premiere would mean SOOOO much crowd. All I can say is that I can't wait to have some much needed ladies night with my friends.

Read more...

'Cuz I Had To.

Our island hopping last Saturday was so much fun.

In fact, it was so much fun that didn't care if I got dark. Yup, I have tan lines for summer. At least I wasn't left behind.

I will share pictures soon enough, for now I just had to update my sad, sorry and neglected blog. I've been too busy with Mommy duties because we have no maids around the house. All 3 went home to vote. 2 kids and 1 me is not a joke everyone. I was able to sneak in some blogging time because both boys are asleep. But I know this wouldn't last so gotta keep this short and sweet.

So, have you gone out and exercised your right to suffrage? All I can say is - WTF Philippines???? ERAP? Really?! I mean REALLY!?

I knew it, its time to migrate.

Read more...