Food Art!

Somebody has an exceptional imagination!

Bravo to the person who has the talent and the skill to make these amazing "pieces". I do appreciate any form of art but unluckily, when it comes to having it, I am not blessed. I can hardly draw a flower, hehe!

Have fun looking at them!

 

  

Senti Mood Part II

"Hero" by no less than Enrique Iglesias.

This song soothes and touches my inner feelings. The hotness of the singer is a BONUS! I wish to see him live in a concert. Just me and my wishful thinking.

Anyways, while watching this video, I remember the one and only person whom I can say, my HERO. He makes my kid's life and my life worth living for. 

So who is your HERO?

Ooops, to answer the question: my hero is my HUBBY!

And yours?

Senti Mood Part I

I am in senti mood today. Maybe I am just tired or maybe it is just me. I am reminiscing my fave songs and I want to share them with you.

I go Crazy- I've heard this song a few times back in the Philippines and I've been looking for this since then. I didn't know that it's an old song until I stumbled upon this video. It is obvious on their outfits and the reception of the video itself, hehe! This song was a hit in the '70s. Hmm.. my birth year!

I  like this song very much. It somehow awaken me of something from the past, haha! Drama. Whatever.

How about you dear readers, when was the last time you'd  felt senti or "emu" (emotional)? What did you do? I bet some of you just watched romantic flicks, or just  listened to your fave love songs, or constructed a poem, wrote a story or maybe you just stayed in bed the whole day while staring at the wall or while reading tear-jerking book like "Tuesdays with Morrie?"  Which one?

Well, it's just one of those days. One thing  for sure, we'll get over it eventually if not soon.

Have a blessed Sunday everyone!

Unique Beauty Tips: Skin Brushing

I've been reading self-help books of different sorts and I came across with this "skin brushing" thingy.

Women go gaga when it comes to beauty tips or beauty enhancement. And I am one of them :)

Anyway, I learned that skin weighs twice as much as the liver or the brain and that it receives only a third of the blood that circulates throughout the body. And  it is like a a thin layer of dough that sorrounds the body. And that we make new skin every 24 hours do removing the top layer of dead tissue to expose the healthy lovely layer of skin. Hmm. Interesting.

Accordingly, there is not a soap available to cleanse your skin as well as skin brushing can. It also reduce cellulite, aids in the digestive process, tightens te skin and stimuates the lymph glands to help the body perform at its peak level.

Skin brushing is simple. Use a natural bristle brush that looks like a shoe shining brush (pls refer to the photo above.) Brush your dry skin, not wet,  in an elongated upward motion. Brushing wet skin can pull or sag your skin and defeat the purpose of removing that dead, dry outer layer. Start with your feet and ankles, and work your way up to the body to your calves and thighs. Really concentrate on brushing the lymphatic areas of your body (the back of your knees, your inner thighs, and under your arms) to stimulate those glands and get them started on flushing out those toxins. It may take a couple of dys to get used to it, but if you hang in there, I promise you will feel the diference in your skin in less than a week, accordingly.

The best way to understand the benefits of skin brushing is to experience it firsthand. Most people find that it feels great, helps keep their skin younger looking and more vibrant, and actually improves the overall beauty and health of the body.

Dry skin brushing is one of the most powerful gifts you can give yourself, your skin, and your lympathic system on a daily basis.

Go ahead and give yourself  the big brush-off. You'll be glad you did!

Happy brushing!

Carmex for Keeps

When my kids and I arrived in this foreign land two years ago, our common  first impression  was that there is no way we can ever live here because the place is too damned cold. We arrived here during Spring time and the wind blew so hard.

After two days, I noticed that my lips got dry and getting drier everyday. They got roughed, redden and chapped eventually. I can't even put lipstick because it gave me pain. I even cried when they bled.  I have tried different kinds of lip balms but to no avail so I shared this dilemna with a Filipina friend who lives in Ohio and she recommended Carmex. 

Before I bought one, I searched it online first. I needed to know what are the causes of chapped lips aside from the cold temperatures and I needed to read reviews on this kind of thing. I didn't want to spend anything for less anymore. So I found out that lips get chapped because they’re too dry, usually because of exposure to the elements. The usual suspect are dry air, wind, sun, and even dust. I also found out that Carmex has Menthol that kills germs and relieves discomfort, has Camphor that alleviates pain, has Phenol that kills germs, exfoliates and anesthetizes, has Lanolin that softens, lubricates and protects, has Cocoa Butter that moisturizes and protects, Salicylic Acid that exfoliates and relieves pain, has Aloe Butter that helps heal and soothe, has Vitamin E that reduces damaging free radicals, has Shea Butter that prevents dry, cracked lips and last but not the least, it has Petrolatum, a moisturizing barrier that protects the lips.

Wow, too many effective ingredients, huh?

The first time I used Carmex, it tingled! I reckoned  it as a bad sign. But after a few minutes, I felt that my lips get moisturized. Carmex worked for me! Now, wherever I go, I always have Carmex in my purse.

Try it! Don't worry if it tingles, tingle tells you its working!

  

Mighty Cucumbers!

A friend sent this and I want to share it with my readers and "followers."  Cucumber or "Pipino" is one of those affordable veggies we can get  from  the market. Check this out!

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and Carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don't have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don't have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water, the chemicals and nutrients from the cucumber with react with the boiling water and be released in the steam, creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown the reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don't have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a 'green' way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won't leave streaks and won't harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing, also works great on crayons and markers that the kids have used to decorate the walls!

Beauty Tips: Baking Soda

I would like to share with you what I have tried and have tested these past few days about Baking Soda. I swear, it worked for me.

One of effective home remedies for acne is baking soda. Many people claims that it as an acne cure and an exfoliant. Some use baking soda paste for acne scars and red spots with success.

It is free of harsh chemicals. You can consider treating acne with baking soda as a natural remedy. Therefore, you can use it every day without causing any skin irritation. For exfoliation, it can get rid of dead skin cells.

If you have a sensitive skin, baking soda can burn your face. It can cause redness of the skin. So, don't use it every day.

For treating acne with baking soda, follow the simple instruction below:

1. Remove all your makeup with a gentle makeup remover.

2. Don't towel off your face. Let it wet.

3. Pour about three to four tablespoons of baking soda on your palm.

4. Add the baking soda with a teaspoon of water. Mix them together to make your own acne treatment.

5. Make sure the mixture is not too thick or too diluted.

6. Apply it on your dampened face in a circulation motion.

7. Then exfoliate for a minute and rinse your face with water.

8. Don't leave your skin too long with baking soda as it will leave your face with dryness. If this happens,  then moisturize your face.

Some don't recommend to use it as a scrub. It should be used to exfoliate your skin. The main purpose of using baking soda is to remove the surface layer of cells that clog pores.

If you plan to use it as a scrub, add enough water to make the mixture looks like a paste. Massage your face with the mixture for ten to fifteen seconds and rinse. Unlike other commercial scrub, you should not feel any tightness and dryness with baking soda. Your skin should be soft.

However, there are some people who don't recommend using baking soda. It can damage your skin because it causes pH imbalance on your skin. As a result, it causes dryness and allows the bacteria to multiply.

Always keep a packet of baking soda in your home. It is a cheap cooking ingredient and it is available in most homes especially your kitchen.

Try it and I would appreaciate it much if  you'll come visit us again to post some comments if it works on you or not.

Goodbye Farmville!

This has been my latest post in my facebook account, "... has decided to quit farming. Goodbye neighbors, goodbye Farmville!" (Waving). Yes, after reaching Level 55, I decided I have had enough.

My neighbors have been asking why I quit. I only have one answer: I felt like there is no challenge no more. I have started farming since October 2009 until May 2010 and I can say that it was kind of fulfilling :) I know I would miss my two pets named Jimbie and Buchoy :) but I had to leave them so that I can concentrate on my other interests which are blogging and online selling.

Below are my farm's favorite photos. Check them out!

Nice farm, huh? Whatjayathink?

Joke Time!

My gorgeous friend Vanessa sent this to my email.

Have a hearty laugh!

THE HUSBANDS STORE

A store that sells new husbands, has opened in New

York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among

the instructions at the entrance is a description of how

the store operates:

You may visit this store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors

and the value of the products increase as the shopper

ascends the flights. The shopper may choose any item from a

particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next

floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the

building!

So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a

husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men Have Jobs.

She is intrigued, but continues to the second floor,

where

the sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.

"That's nice,' she thinks, 'but I want more."

So she continues upward. The third floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, and are

Extremely Good Looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the fourth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids,

Drop-dead gorgeous,

Good Looking and Help With Housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, 'I can hardly stand it!'

Still, she goes to the fifth floor and the sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are

Drop-dead Gorgeous, Help with Housework, and Have a Strong

Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth

floor, where the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor.

There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as

proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping

at the Husband Store.

PLEASE NOTE:

To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner

opened a NEW WIVES STORE  just across the street.

The first floor has wives that love sex.

The second floor has wives that love sex and have

money and like beer.

The third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have never

been visited.

It's Judgement Day!

I am a "politico" myself and I inherited it from my Dad. Through this post, I would like to air my side about the coming National election.

Since I got here in the US, I have always been updated with anything from local, national, and showbiz news alike because of  TFC or  "The Filipino Channel".

Lately, just like other Filipinos abroad, I have been more interested in the coming election. I find it more  interesting since it would be the country's first automated election. I am glad that Senator Richard Gordon authored Automated Election Law.

After a thorough research, I have decided that Gordon-Fernando is the Dream Tandem for me. Gordon has been a Red-Cross volunteer since 1986, a Secretary of Tourism who worked wonder in Philippine Tourism industry, "Wow Philippines", a Mayor, who transformed Olongapo from a sin city to a model city when he was mayor for 14 years and as Senator who passed more than 5 Laws, that's, including the New Automated Election System Law. 

Fernando on the other hand, also transformed Marikina City into a progressive, clean and orderly metropolis. In the various government posts he held, he distinguished himself as a government official who does not hesitate to implement the law whatever it takes, whoever get hurts even damaging his political career.

They complement each other. They are both transformers, they have the same vision for the country and they are both disciplinarian. I like leaders like them and I believed that Philippines needs a competent and courageous leaders like them.

Examining their public service history, the Gordon-Fernando tandem seems to have an advancement over the Aquino-Roxas team.

But.. I doubt it if they can make it today because unfortunately, most numbers of voters would go for candidates who are "mukhang" honest,  who have symbolism, surenames, who are  famous personalities, who have nice banners and stickers, candidates with celebrity endorsers and well, I almost forgot, candidates who are leading in Pulse Asia and SWS Surveys.

It's Judgement Day today. Vote wisely Filipinos!

Good luck Philippines!

Mom's Special Day

 I have been busy lately with my setting up an online shop so I ignored my blog site in the mean  time.

Anyhow, to all moms, how was your Mother's Day? I hope you had a good one. I got presents from hubby: a bouquet of flowers, chocolate and a matching earrings and necklace. My kids gave me huge card with their photo and a wall decor that says "There is no other queen in this house except Mom". That really made my Mother's Day.

For mom, I didn't send anything for her, I only greeted her via Facebook. But I will send her something for her birthday next month. And I am started thinking what is that something that would make her happy. Well, I still have 2 weeks to think about it.
                                                                           
Happy Mother's Day to all mommies!