Peachy's Corner

6 Surprisingly and Simple

2008-10-07T22:48:00.000-07:00

Between home, work, and family, you barely have time to breathe. What can you do to de-stress?

GAZE AT BLUE to grab a moment of instant calm, Blue is the color of the ocean and the sky, so we automatically associate it with the serene feelings that come with being out in nature, says the author of the book 101 Exercises for the Soul.
GRAB SOME GUM Rhythmic, repetitive actions like chewing gum trigger our body's natural relaxation response, slowing our heart rate, breathing, and brain activity. From author of Ultra longevity: The Seven-Step Program for a Younger, Healthier You.
FORM A FIST “Clench your fists tightly for five seconds, and then open them. You'll relax instantly, why? When a muscle tenses as much as possible, it becomes able to de-tense completely. (Stress free for Good Book)
SING YOUR HEART OUT “When we sing, we're breathing deeply,” say the author of Undress your Stress: 30 Curiosity Fun Ways to Take Off Tension. “And this lowers the body's Blood pressure and heart rate, decreasing stress.”
MAKES SOMEONE'S DAY “Being kind to others produces a rush of feel-good chemicals in the brain, creating what's known as a 'helper high' says expert. The endorphin surge in the boosts our mood, distracting us from woes that stress us out.
PLANT SOME CALM A little green in your environment can keep stress at bay, says expert at Kansas State University. In their study, women who kept plants at work had less anxiety. Why? They capture our attention, giving us a mental break from negative feelings that lead to stress.

So there you go another tips for stressed people out there, I recommend that you should try doing one of them because tip no.4 really worked for me... stress gone and at the same time me and my family had a great time singing.

Commtted Concealer

2008-10-01T16:56:00.000-07:00

How to make your concealer last until the end of the day? Just read and follow these simple tips:

First, make sure your face is dry and you’ve given it time to absorb your moisturizer before applying concealer. If your eye area tends to get oily, chances are your concealer will move around your face instead of staying put. Lightly brush loose powder around your eyes to mattify any emollients sitting there that can help move your concealer around. Apply concealer one to two shades lighter to even out under eye circles, ruddiness around the nose and discoloration on the chin. A cream concealer (usually packaged in a pot) will last longer than a liquid concealer (which often comes in a tube or will last longer than a liquid concealer (which often comes in a tube or with a wand applicator), especially in our humid weather. Make sure to blend your concealer well, using the pad of your finger (the heat from your skin should help warm up the concealer to blend nicely). Dust loose powder in your exact skin color over concealer very gently with fluffy brush, to lock the concealer in place. You can actually see the difference a good dusting makes by trying it on the back of your hand: Apply two stripes of concealer on the back of your hand and brush powder on one stripe and compare the two. The concealer with powder over it definitely knows its place!

Shopping for Face Base

2008-09-26T01:29:00.000-07:00

Warm, cool... and then what? Figuring out your true hue equates to having an easy time with foundation, powder, and the rest of your makeup. Check out this section to help you out the next time you go to the beauty counters.

WARM

Watch out for the words golden, warm, and tawny when browsing shades.
Go for bronzy, olive, and terracotta colors for eyeshadow,blush, and lipstick.
Avoid too pink bases and purplish eyeshadow they tend to cast gray tones on skin.

COOL

Be on the lookout for the shade names like rose beige, almond, and neutral.
Go for mauves, pinks, berry, and aquatic tints for eyes,cheeks, and lips.
Avoid orange or coral makeup at all costs: You'll look like... well, an orange. (Yikes!)

Decoding Your Skin Stone

2008-09-25T21:35:00.000-07:00

3 Ways to Tell If Your Skin is Warm or Cool

Look at your wrist veins. If they look greenish, chances are your skin is on the yellow side. If they're bluish, your skin's more likely to be pinkish in undertone.
Look at your skin by the window.If your skin looks like it has yellow undertones, then your skin is warm-toned. If you have olive skin tones, then you're still on the warm side.If you have pink tones, your skin is cool.
Ask a makeup pro at the counter. She;ll be able to tell you what skin tone you have, and which base shades match your skin perfectly. Tip: Swipe foundation on your cheek first and let it sit on skin for a while before buying.

7 Pro Eyeliner Tricks you should Know

2008-09-22T23:07:00.000-07:00

Prep lids with a dusting of foundation powder. It'll nix oils and keep eyeliner from sliding or smudging.
Nothing complements eyeliner and finishes eye makeup better than curled lashes and two coats of black mascara. If your lashes are already thick,try a clear one.
A great way to wear color on your eyes without shadow is with a colored liner. Try it with green, aqua, lilac, or blue, then finish with mascara.
Warm a hard pencil between the pads of your thumb and index finger for easier application and to minimize tugging. Never use heat from a flame to soften eye liner.
Apply eyeliner after eyeshadow. It pulls the whole look together and defines eyes.
For an extra intense, long-lasting line, top pencil eyeliner with eye shadow in the same color.
Easily trace liner along lash lines by gently stretching the eyelids towards the outer corner of the eye. This creates a flat surface for liner to glide on.

Master your Liner Technique

2008-09-21T23:44:00.000-07:00

Identify your eyes shape in a snap, and then use these quick and easy eyeliner tips. You’ll be sure to mesmerize him with your sexy stare.

...Round
Enhance big eyes with liner all around, from one end to another for definition and a bit of edge. To take it up a notch, thicken the line at the outer ends of lash lines.Black liner suits you best.

...Hooded
Having fleshy lids means you need a thicker line on top. Line your inner rims with a dark eye shadow and a damp liner brush for soft, visible definition, thendo the same for the bottom lash line.

...Close Set
Make eyes brighter by running liner on the inner corners, thickening the outer half of the upper and lower lash lines. Apply liner again,then softly smudge with a cotton bud or with your pinky finger.

...Small
Create the illusion of thick lashes and bigger eyes by lining the top lash line, thickening the line as you move outwards. Extend the line a bit past the outer corner. Skip lining bottom lash line.

Learn your Lipstick Tactic

2008-09-21T21:33:00.000-07:00

Arm yourself with your favorite lip gloss and heed these tips for the most gorgeous kisser.

...Full
Embrace: Lipstick, creamy glosses, and balms in blush to deep colors. Your lips are made for flaunting, so take advantage!

Avoid: Flesh colored shades and shimmer formulas. They'll wash you out and just overwhelm an up already lush mouth. Keep it soft with a lip balm.

...Thin
Embrace: High-shine glosses, which create the illusion of fullness, and neutral lip liner, to trace lips and fill them in before lip gloss for a plumper look.

Avoid: Dark dense shades and matte textures. They'll just make your lips look even thinner. Stick to pinks and peaches for a juicy mouth.

...Small
Embrace: Tinted balms and caramel glosses, to blur the borders of your mouth, making lips look bigger. Play up your eyes with liner and mascara to balance out your look.

Avoid: Lipstick that are matte or have thick formulas. They make lips look smaller.

...Uneven
Embrace: A pink-brown lip liner, and trace your lips all around,extending the upper lip line just outside your neutral line. Fill in with liner, then apply your favorite lipstick.

Avoid: Steer clear of deep colors and applying gloss only on your lower lip. Give your top lips its own coat! To make your upper and lower lips look even.

Find the perfect lip stick. A color that's just two shades darker than your lips is perfect for daytime. For evening, pair it with mascara, blush, and shimmery eye shadow.

Protect your lips. Touch up with an SPF-laden lip balm every hour and after eating and drinking to keep lips moist and damage free. Balm also preps lips fpr smooth lipsticks application.
Lipstick hangover remedy. If last night's lipstick won't come off, try a make up remover.Otherwise, keep applying a clear balm to ips to keep them soft until pigment fades.

How Smoking Burns You Down Below

2008-09-16T20:34:00.000-07:00

You know cigarettes damage your lungs and your looks. Discover how they mess with your reproductive system.

Cervical cancer. Research shows that smokers infected with human papillomavirus have a greater risk of developing invasive cervical cancer than nonsmokers with the virus. The chemicals in cigarettes may weaken the ability of cervical cells to fight off the infection, explains Carolyn D. Runowicz, a gynecologic oncologist and member of American Cancer Society’s national board of directors.

Fertility issues. Studies indicate that smoking can make it harder to conceive. Chemicals in cigarettes may alter cervical mucus, making it toxic to sperm. What’s more, women who smoke cigarettes are at two to four times higher risk of ectopic pregnancy (when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus).

Period problems. Lighting up may mess with hormone levels, causing irregular menstrual cycles. And smokers appear more likely to experience killer cramps, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

For those couples out there who are smokers and really having a hard time to have a baby you may want to consider this advice… stop smoking and live a healthy lifestyle.

Losing Hair in the Shower

2008-09-15T01:05:00.000-07:00

A certain amount of hair loss while showering is normal. But you notice a sudden acceleration in the amount of hair in your drain, your nutritional intake may be to blame. Women who diet excessively or don't get enough iron (present in red meat, seafood, and fortified cereals) are prone to a higher rate of hair loss. It may also be a sign of a hormonal problem, such as an under active thyroid. Luckily, a thyroid condition is easily treatable with medication. Check in with your derma or primary-care physician. She or he will run some tests and prescribe meds that will reverse the shedding.

Rx for Sprains

2008-09-09T18:34:00.000-07:00

The next you sprain your ankle running outdoors or strain your elbow from a racquet sport, just remember this word RICE- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation- to lessen pain, bring down swelling, and hurry up healing.
Rest: Avoid using the injured part until the pain and swelling die down. If it's an injured part from running, keep your running shoes in the closet for the next 1-3 days.

Ice: The cold temperature of ice helps lessen swelling and pain. Grab some cubes from freezer or a cold pack from drugstore. Wrap them in a thin towel and keep it on the injured area for 10-30 minutes, then remove it and rest the area for the next 30-45 minutes. Repeat as often as you can. Ice the affected area for the next 3 days, or more serious cases, 7 days.

Compression: An elastic bandage wrapped on the injured area gives firm yet gentle pressure to make the swelling go down. Using an upward, spiral motion, wrap the bandage starting a few inches below the injured area. To use ice and pressure at the same time, wrap a bandage over an ice pack.

Elevation: As much as possible keep the injured area raised above the heart for the next 3 days so that any excess fluid is drained.

The Best A.M. Stretch

2008-09-09T01:38:00.000-07:00

This Luxurious stretch feels incredible and helps your bod rid itself of toxins. Stand in a door way and raise your arms over your head, keeping elbows bent at 90 degrees angles.Grasp the sides of the door frame with each hand. Now lean forward while sticking out your chest so that you can feel the stretch in your shoulders and pecs. Hold for a few second, then repeat. "If you slouch a lot, this realigns your posture. It also releases a ton of tension in your shoulders, chest and upper back, helping you instantly feel looser and more relaxed," says Nicole Doorish, a massage therapist. Do it first thing in the morning to get over the stiff, sleepy feeling or after you've been sitting at your desk or in a car for hours.

The Truth About Cosmetics

2008-09-06T01:01:00.000-07:00

Before rushing to buy the latest “miracle” beauty product, listen to the advice of Paula Begoun, author of best-selling beauty guide Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me.

Spending more doesn’t mean better. An inexpensive drugstore brand can be just as good (if not better) than a luxury brand priced ten times more. Focus on how your skin reacts to the product, not the brand name or the price tag.
SPF comes first. Everything about beauty and skin cares begins with proper sun protection. The most expensive makeup and beauty treatments are wasted on somebody who does not bother to protect herself against the number one cause of wrinkles and aging.
Keep it simple. Layering on too many products with the hope of speeding up their desired effects can lead to product build-up on your skin, which in turn can cause acne. Choose carefully which products you really need and resist the urge to slather on every new thing.
Age doesn’t matter. Categorizing products according to age is a marketing tool used by cosmetic manufacturers that may have little basis on reality. There are plenty of teenagers with extremely dry skin, and thirty something women with oily, acne-prone skin. It’s best to understand what your skin’s unique needs are, rather than rely on cosmetic manufacturers to generalize for you.
Take celebrity and “expert” endorsements with a grain of salt. Celebrities, dermatologist, and makeup artists receive a fee for endorsing certain brands. Some of them don’t even use the` brands they endorse. Don’t let a celebrity endorsement be your sole reason for buying a particular product. If the product simply doesn’t bring the right results, ditch it.

PIERCING PERIL

2008-09-03T17:51:00.000-07:00

Adorning your body can backfire big time.

Belly rings and tongue studs may go in and out of fashion, but one thing is constant: They carry a risk. A recent study found that 17 percent of college students with piercing suffered a medical complication such as infection or tearing. If you still feel the need to pierce a body part, be sure to follow these tips:

Pick a skilled practitioner.

Bad piercing technique can result in injury, bleeding, and even nerve damage. So choose an expert who really knows what their doing.

Insist on a sterile setup.

To avoid contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C, make sure your technician done new sterile gloves and removes a new needle from the plastic in front of you.

Keep it clean.

You’re at risk for infection until the site heals, so wash your new piercing twice a day with a mild antibacterial soap.

4 Feel-Good Tricks to Try

2008-09-03T00:26:00.000-07:00

These caresses can relax you almost instantly. The best part? You can do most of them anytime, anywhere.

The scalp soother

Slowly run your finger through our hair and gently tug on the roots a few times. The sensation will feel amazing.

The arm tingler

Lightly trail your fingertips along the oversensitive skin between your elbow and wrist. Or tell your guy to close his eyes while you glide two fingers up the inside of his arm and have him guess when you’ve reached his elbow.

The thumb rub

Press the thumb of one hand into the base of the thumb on your other hand and knead. Because your palms are loaded with sensory receptors, this motion relaxes you.

The foot refresher

Firmly squeeze your nerve-packed feet beginning with the toes, working down to the heel, and pushing into your arch. Then use gentle pulses along your tendon. In just seconds, it melts away tension that has built up during the day.

What's putting your back out of wack?

2008-09-02T00:55:00.000-07:00

The wrong bra could be wrecking havoc on your body.

Bras are meant to lend support and in some cases, create cleavage, but if your boulder holder is too small, it could be torturing your torso.
"Super snag bras can cause back pain and breathing problems by compressing your rib cage by more than an inch, " says Charles Hunt, head of clinical practice at the British School of Osteopathy in London. "They can also pinch some of the nerves in your shoulders and cut off some of the circulation to your spine."A recent study of 2000 British women conducted at Nottingham Trent University found that 55 percent were wearing bras that were too small. To make sure your fits properly, enlist the aid of a trained bra-fitter ( most department stores provide them), who can accurately measures you.

We don't want to put our body in danger, So let's all choose the right bra that really fits for us.

Homemade Beauty Treats

2008-08-27T21:08:00.000-07:00

Do you love going to Spa but can’t afford to go there as often as you want?

I have good tips for you... you can now enjoy that relaxing experience in spa at your home because I will give you four fabulous recipes that put pricey spa product to shame.

SOFT HAIR MASK

¼ cup mashed papaya

¼ cup mashed banana

¼ cup mashed ripe avocado

6 drops tea tree essential oil

6 drops lavender essential oil

2 vitamin E capsule

1 tbsp. whole milk

1 tsp. honey

Blend all ingredients together. Massage generous amount into hair and scalp and leave for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly to remove all residue.

Recipe’s rationale: The fruits in this mask all contain natural enzymes that help soften the hair and are packed with vitamins to nourish the scalp. Honey and milk help moisturize and soothe stressed scalp and tea tree deodorizes.

FRUIT YOGURT CLEANSER

1/8 of a small apple

3 strawberries

2 ½ tbsp of plain yogurt

½ tsp. honey

½ tsp. extra virgin olive oil

Combine the ingredients in blender for about 30 seconds. Store the cleanser in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will last you four days.

To use, scoop out a tablespoon of cleanser and massage onto dry skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.

Recipe’s rationale:

Apples and strawberries are natural astringents and are packed with vitamin C which dissolves facial grease and dirt. The enzymes from the yogurt help restore the skin’s proper pH balance, and honey is a natural humectant, absorbing moisture into the skin.

LEMON PEPPERMINT SOAK

2cups warm distilled water (below 40 degrees Celsius)

2 vitamin E capsules

2 tbsp. fresh mint leaves

Juice from ½ of lemon or four pieces calamansi

6 drops tea tree oil

½ tsp. olive oil

½ tsp. olive oil (or your favorite massage oil)

Combine all ingredients and blend for about 30 seconds. Soak tired, overworked feet and hands for 15 minute and rinse with warm water. Condition your skin by massaging with a few drops of scented oil.

Recipe’s rationale:

Lemon and tea tree are natural antiseptics that help eliminate germs and deodorize. Lemon’s acidic nature helps soften dead skin cells so this soak is perfect to use before a manicure or pedicure. Fresh mint leaves freshen up the skin and will take away weariness, while the oils condition the skin, locking in absorbed moisture.

VOLUME RINSE

¼ cup apple cider vinegar

1 cup beer

20 drops of tea tree oil

20 drops of chamomile oil

20 drops lavender oil

¼ cup juice from soaked “gugo” (or aloe Vera)

½ tbsp. jojoba oil

Combine ingredients. After shampooing and rinsing, pour the rinse over wet hair and massage. Rinse out with plenty of warm water.

Recipe’s rationale: This helps relax frizz and improve shine. Vinegar strips away chemical build up from hair products. It doesn’t smell good so essential oils are a must.

I suggest you do this during weekends, so that you get to enjoy the fresh products beneficial properties and relaxing scents for a long period of time... One more thing; while you’re playing chemist in the kitchen, take note not to heat the ingredients to higher than 40 degrees Celsius as not denature the vitamins.

So have fun!

7 DONT'S AFTER A MEAL

2008-08-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

* Don't smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

* Don't eat fruits immediately - Immediately eating fruits after meals will cause stomach to be bloated with air. Therefore take fruit 1-2 hr after meal or 1hr before meal.

* Don't drink tea - Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.

* Don't loosen your belt - Loosening the belt after a meal will easily cause the intestine to be twisted & blocked.

* Don't bathe - Bathing will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

* Don't walk about - People always say that after a meal walk a hundred steps and you will live till 99. In actual fact this is not true. Walking will cause the digestive system to be unable to absorb the nutrition from the food we intake.

* Don't sleep immediately - The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

Power Potato

2008-08-20T05:01:00.000-07:00

Potato, potahto, No matter how you say it, everyone agrees that it's both healthy and delicious. It's rich in mineral, and vitamins B and C. Plus, 'tatoes are good source of fiber, low in sodium and recommended for those who have high blood pressure or suffer from kidney stones. Another plus is that potatoes are an energizing and sufficient source of carbohydrates perfect for the weight-conscious. If you can skip the sour cream and butter over your baked potato and eat the proper food on the side, then you'll be on your way to a leaner, healthier bod.

Create your own Charisma

2008-08-14T17:39:00.000-07:00

Envy someone who has a “X” factor, and wish you had the same impact on people, the same magnetic appeal? Well I have good news for you... Charisma can be created here's how:

1. Create a signature look. Develop a personal style with which you are comfortable and that makes the appropriate statement about you and the image you want to project.
2. Be the boss of your body. When you enter a room,walk in like you own the joint. Hold your head high and keep your back straight. Send a message that you can handle anything.
3. Create a special connection. Eye contact is probably the most important ingredient in creating a special connection with people. Master this skill and you will begin to enjoy the magic of charisma.
4. Don't put yourself down. When you make a self-deprecating comment, it drains your power. Your listeners focus on the negative aspects. And forget the rest. Focus on your strengths and highlight your accomplishments instead.
5. Learn to to take compliments graciously. When someone compliments you and you deflect it, you are undermining yourself and the other person they don't know what they're talking about. So next time someone says something nice, smile and say thank you. Enjoy the gift.
6. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Focus on people's good qualities. When you make denigrating comments about another person, you are the one who winds up looking small and petty.
7. Never “wing it”. Prepare and do your homework every time you make a presentation,network, or attend a business event. By taking time to properly prepare, You can ease your nerves. Your confidence level will be high and you will be poised and in control.

12 signs of stress addiction

2008-08-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

How can you tell if you're genuinely pressured or are hooked on overload? I also have no idea until I've read this 12 signs on a magazine this morning and thank God because I am not that stressed out (so far...) So, how about you? read them and laugh...then reread them and see how many actually apply to you.

You get anxious if beach vacations last any longer than two days.
You get nervous when you don't receive any messages on you cell phone.
During family movie night, you curl up on the couch with junk mail to sort through.
Scrap booking parties? You take your photo albums much too seriously to consider compiling them at a social event.
You can't remember the last time you didn't eat breakfast in the car.
Or lunch. Or dinner.
Your kids know how to cram their entire day into a five-second sentence: "School was good I got a perfect score on my math quiz Sam called me the soccer game is on Sunday."
During sex, you never fantasize about other men- you're too busy mentally reorganizing the pantry.
You consider going over your calendar at night a relaxing read.
If you don't write "feed dog" in your appointment book, it doesn't happen.
Your husband got you an Ipod for Christmas, but it's still in the box because you haven't had time to download songs onto it.
Your philosophy is: Why just walk and chew gum when you can also make doctor's appointment on your cell and do biceps and curls with arm weights?

If you realized that you are a certified stress addict, you have all the reason now to try my stress free tips found below this post.

Peace out

2008-08-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

Taking time to meditate gives you a chance to slow down, calm your thoughts, and tune out the stresses of the day. Even if you have only 15 minutes, find a relaxing place to settle down and concentrate on nothing but taking deep, even breaths, Where to go? Try…

Turning your bedroom into a sanctuary

According to the Chinese practice of feng shui, you can make your room more relaxing by hanging a blue tapestry, or painting a wall blue (the color will calm you). Next, straighten up your room to promote a peaceful mind. Then light a candle and breathe…

Finding an outdoor haven

Nature will help you find harmony: Bring a towel and a bottle of water to a secluded grassy area- green encourages health – where you can sit peacefully and without interruption.

Walking your way to tranquility

Pop a soothing Music into your Ipod. While you walk, swing your arms in the opposite direction of your feet (right foot, left arm/left foot, right arm) to balance your body, and breathe evenly with each step.

I hope these tips could help all stressed people out there... Happy meditating!

6 BEAUTY TRAPS

2008-08-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Love make ups? That’s cool, but do avoid these beauty traps…

Clownish concealer

The best concealer shade is one step lighter than your skin tone, or the same shade as your skin. If you go too light, you’ll end up with funny white circles under you eyes (most obvious in photos). Don’t forget to blend, blend, and blend!

Streaky blush

Avoid applying orange blush from cheek to jaw; it’s great for fashion shows but looks dated for everyday wear. Opt for sandy pink blush (this shade goes well with most skin tones) and dab onto the apples of your cheeks-nowhere else.

Too much sparkle

Go easy on the shimmer-choose only a few “strategic” places to apply it, such as on the brow bone, tops of cheekbones, lips and shoulders.( like JLo in this picture I think she had too much shimmer in her face.)

Severe eyeliner

Dark eyeliner over and under eyes

(think Gwyneth Paltrow’s character in the Royal Tenenbaums) appears way harsh. Switch to using a brown or taupe pencil or shadow for a softer effect.

Standout lip liner

Unless you’re doing it on purpose (say for a school play), always match lip liner to your lip color. Fill in the lips, and then blend with a brush.

Anorexic arches

Easy on the tweezers! Over-plucked eyebrows can make you look cranky even when you’re having a good day. What’s more, sparse brows can make you look more mature.

So that’s it… I hope these tips could help all the girls out there who are just starting to put make up. Good luck and I promise to give you more beauty tips next time.

DRINK WATER, LOSE WEIGHT

2008-07-29T20:38:00.000-07:00

You've heard it again and again that H2O at zero calories,is the best diet drink.

But if you're still hooked on high calories beverages, check out these numbers:

Researchers who tracked 240 over-weight women found that those who replaced sweetened drinks with water lost five more pounds, on average, than those who didn't.

Why these slips add up: A can of soft drink is 146 calories: a cup of grape juice, 154 calories.

So ladies what are we waiting for? let us all drink plenty of water and make it a habit for more sexier body. Cheers...

Green Enough Housekeeping

2008-07-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

Are you a environmentally conscious person? If you are... This tips are just right for you.

I grew up in a green household. My mother cleaned with vinegar,baking soda, and lemon juice because it was practical, cheaper than other products and performs just as effectively. Plus, they don't give off nasty fumes, harm our body system, or add a lot of extra packaging to landfills.

Here are some of my favorites.

SALT For scrubbing gunk off wooden cutting boards, glass baking dishes, and pet bowls
Sprinkle a liberal amount on a damp sponge and wipe.

BAKING SODA for banishing stinky odors
Springkle a few tablespoon in the bottom of an empty gym bag and leave overnight: pour a liberal amount onto a trash can before putting in a new bag.

CORNSTARCH For absorbing oil and grease spills on clothing, upholstery, and leather
Pat on enough to cover stains (try to get them before they set); let it sit awhile, then remove with a toothbrush or vacuum.

LEMON JUICE For fading stains on unfinished wood, such as butcher block
Apply with a cotton swab, then air-dry.

CREAM OF TARTAR For removing rust from white porcelain fixtures
Mix 2 tablespoon of cream of tartar with a few drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to make a paste; apply to stain and let sit. After paste dries, rinse off.

3 PERCENT HYDROGEN PEROXIDE For killing mildew on bath tiles; sanitizing plastic cutting boards
Sponge over area; let dry,then rinse well.Mop up spills quickly (hydrogen peroxide can cause fading).

Strip Away Work Worries

2008-07-15T08:05:00.000-07:00

Getting naked can start your night off right.

Wanna change your state of mind the second you come home from work? Get Naked! That’s right, take off every stitch of clothing, shake out your hair if it’s bun or ponytail, and spend at least five minutes lying flat on your bed (a soft, fuzzy comforter is a huge perk). “When you peel off your clothes after a workday, you’re symbolically stripping away responsibilities and stress,” says Diane Urso, a psychotherapist in New York City. When you get up again (that if you can get up again) you’re going to feel like a totally different person than the one who deals with deadlines and a pesky boss. Then slip into comfy clothes and enjoy the rest of your night.

Be more Ipod Aware

2008-07-12T22:21:00.000-07:00

Listening to tunes in public can leave you vulnerable.

The coolest thing about ipod is that it allows you to tune out the world around you so you can peacefully chill in your own musical bubble. Problem is you may also end up tuned out to subtle signs of danger.

“Studies show that gadgets like this lower a person’s awareness and slow a person’s awareness and slow down their reaction time,” explains Lyn Bates, vice president of AWARE, a woman’s safety organization in the U.S. “So even though you think you’re paying enough attention, you’re actually much more likely to ignore a red light or not realize that a sketchy guy is following you.”

So guys let us all play it safe by keeping the volume low or by wearing only one ear bud.

Loose Weight When You Sleep More

2008-07-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Add one hour to your schedule, and you could drop up to 14 pounds this year.

New data from the University of Michigan shows that you'll likely eat six percent less if you replaced 60 minutes of awake time ( when you may snack) with an hour of shut-eye.

And a Harvard study that tracked around 68,000 women found that those who clocked only five or fewer hours of rest a night had a 32 percent greater chance of gaining more than 30 pounds over a 16 year period than those who got seven hours of sleep.

So try sleeping more and be the sexier you.

Remembering my Lola Anita

2008-07-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

The reason why it took me so long to update my blog was due to my Grandmother's or Lola in tagalog recently passed away. She died at the age of 78.

It still hurt me till now because I wasn't able to show her how much I care for her and love her. How I wish I spent more time with her if I only knew that she will leave us so soon...

She's been a brave and strong lady, She's not showing us any signs that her health condition is already worst. Maybe because she didn't want her family to worry about her, that's why we are really shock when we learned about her untimely death.

So in her memory, I made this slide show for her and her bereaved family. I also wanna thank all the people who condoled with us. And if she's seeing this right now, I want her to know how important she is to me and her memory will lives forever in my heart.

inkamin lola...ay-ayatin ka.
(Farewell grandma... I love you so much)

Have you seen The Last American Virgin ?

2008-06-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Probably one of the coolest movies of the 80's, The Last American Virgin was American Pie during its run in the 80's.

This movie is not only funny, but it is also loaded with the coolest track of the 80's. This is the coolest movie soundtrack ever, featuring 23 Big Hits like Oh No! Open Arms,Whip it, Just Once and many more great songs.

It also tells a lesson for guys that to never fall in love with a very beautiful girl, which in the end will crush his heart. Those who grew up in the 80's will surely love looking back at those times in their lives.

Some of it stars may be unknown to you, so I am introducing them to you. The wacky cast include Lawrence Monoson,Diane Franklin,Steve Antin,Joe Rubbo and Louisa Moritz.

Watch the trailer below.

WALL - E looks promising

2008-06-24T14:14:00.000-07:00

Disney and Pixar new movie, Wall-E looks entertaining and funny.

I am pretty sure that your kids and yourself will enjoy it. Just check out this new trailer for the movie. Imagine a robot having feelings and falling in love, that looks interesting.

If your family has nothing to do this weekend, try watching this movie.

David Cook's Mini Concert

2008-06-19T09:19:00.000-07:00

David Cook Fans, Rejoice !!!

Just browsing the web and find this mini concert of American Idol winner David Cook at Wal-Mart.

Singing The World I Know, which he sung in the Finals with full of emotion, and the winner's song Time of My Life.

I hope you will enjoy this one as much as I did.

Enjoy !!!!

CAN’T QUIT SMOKING?

2008-06-16T07:48:00.000-07:00

Cut back instead. A European study found that smokers who reduced their cigarette consumption by 50 percent completely stopped puffing away in one year.

One in three smokers who cut their cigarette consumption by half become a non-smoker within a year. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) also proved helpful in getting smokers to give up the habit completely.

With NRT, your body still gets the nicotine it graves, minus the harmful effects of smoking. Available in patch or gums form (like Nicorette gum). NRT can make nixing the habit easier to bear.

EAT TOGETHER, STAY TOGETHER

2008-06-14T06:12:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you, your husband, and your kids ate together as a whole family?

Mealtimes are perfect venues for spending quality times, as family members come together from their separate,daily lives and enjoy one another's company.

"Eating together teaches manners both trivial and momentous, putting you in touch with the deeper springs of human relations," says Miriam Weinstein, author of The Surprising Power of Family Meals.

Eating together not only keeps the family bonded through conversation, it also contributes to the well being of your children. In fact I have read that A Columbia University study, The Importance of Family Dinners, reports that sharing family meals lessens the risk of teenagers developing substance abuse problems, and improves their school performance.

David Cook in NBA Finals

2008-06-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Check this out, Watch David Cook singing America’s national anthem.

Cook did his best to rock out the "Star-Spangled Banner" at the NBA Finals last night, performing during game three in the Lakers-Celtics series. And it’s a good thing that Simon Cowell wasn’t there to critique the performance. Well forget about Simon’s comment about his previous performance,anyway Simon Cowell ate all of his words in American Idol Finals, for me DAVID COOK really rocks the night.

Anyway, to all DC’s fans out there this video is all for you. ENJOY!

Baked Ziti

2008-06-11T02:36:00.000-07:00

2 pounds Ziti pasta, uncooked

2 pounds Ricotta cheese
3 ounces grated Romano cheese
3 cups tomato sauce
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ pounds shredded Mozzarella cheese

Cook Ziti according to package directions - 12 to 14 minutes until al dente stirring often.

After cooking, drain ziti well, but DO NOT RINSE OFF UNDER WATER!

While Ziti is cooking preheat oven to 350°F.

Combine ricotta, Romano, tomato sauce (reserve ¼ cups) and pepper in large mixing bowl.

1. Gently combine cooked ziti with cheese/sauce mixture.

2. In a 13"x9"x2" pan, spread the ¼ cup reserved sauce.

3. Add ziti and top with mozzarella cheese.

4. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake until mozzarella is thoroughly melted (about 12-15 minutes).

Serve with garlic bread and additional sauce if desired.

If you are a pasta lover try this simple but yummy recipe and it will surely make your day.

Don't Chill That Melon!

2008-06-10T04:51:00.000-07:00

Watermelons stored at room temperature have much higher levels of antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene) than those kept in the fridge. They even outscored freshly picked melons. If you like, you can cool watermelon for a few hours before eating; once cut, it must be refrigerated.

So what are you waiting for? slice that melon and eat it fresh!

KUNG FU PANDA is a laugh every minute movie

2008-06-07T08:31:00.000-07:00

My family saw the movie Kung Fu Panda today, and I must say that if you are looking for a good family film this movie is the one for you.

It was a toss up between the new Narnia and Kung Fu Panda, but my son insisted that we watch Kung Fu Panda.

The movie is a laugh every minute film. There was no boring moment in this film. So funny, that you could hear the entire people inside the movie house laughing, especially the kids. The kids just love the characters here especially Po the Kung Fu Panda.

The visuals was very colorful and alive. It makes you feel as if you are looking at the paintings of the scenery of Ancient China. My entire family enjoyed it and I am pretty sure that you will also enjoy it.

So after reading this, head to the theaters now. Go and see it and have a Grand time with your family.

Laugh those pounds away

2008-06-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

Here’s a reason to feel less guilty about sitting on the couch and watching sitcoms: hearty laughter burns up to 40 calories in 15 minutes, according to researchers Vanderbilt University. OK, at that rate, giggling, won’t replace a jogging as a weight-loss tool, but it’s certainly a fun way to burn about four pounds a year.

So with this, I am sharing this video for more laugh and pounds away.

DRINK TEA FOR A LONGER LIFE

2008-06-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Green tea has long been touted for its high levels of antioxidants and other healthy nutrients; now large study shows that drinking a couple of cups of the beverage daily might actually extend your life. Researchers tracked some 40,000 Japanese men and women for up to 11 years and found that those who drank warm green tea daily had lower death rates than those who didn’t. The lead author is a believer: Shinichi Kuriyama, M.D., Ph.D., of Tohoku University said that he drink two to three cups of green tea per day and would recommend it to his friends and family, The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefit of green tea since ancient times, using it to treat everything from headaches to depression. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.
To sum up, here are just a few medical conditions in which drinking green tea is reputed to be helpful:

• cancer
• rheumatoid arthritis
• high cholesterol levels
• cardiovascular disease
• infection
• impaired immune function
So what are we waiting for? Let’s start drinking green tea for long life.

David Cook in Post A.I.

2008-05-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

David Cook's Time of My Life tops the Most Downloaded I tunes these days in America. He also got other 14 songs in the Top 200.

Songs of David Cook included in the Top 200 are Dream Big, I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing, Innocent, I'm Alive,Little Sparrow and my personal favorite Always Be My Baby.

Just can't get enough of David Cook, so I am posting David Cook's latest performance in New York with his smash hit Time of My Life.

No need to take it further, watch David Cook's video below.

P.S. please turn off the volume of the song in my David Cook Journey's slide before playing the video. Thanks and Enjoy the show.

Work Out and Stay Sharp

2008-05-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Surfing the web maybe your favorite past time or hobby or perhaps addiction. But we still need Exercise to keep us healthy and mentally fit.

Exercise not only keeps your body trim, it can also keep your brain young. Starting in your 40's, mental functioning naturally drops off, making it harder to remember phone numbers for example or to multi task.

But aerobic exercise for three hours a week can slow the decline, tudy shows which used MRIs to train brain function.

There were payoffs for adult too : Those who worked out three days a week for 15 to 30 minutes were less likely to develop Alzheimer's.

So start working out now.

David Cook's Journey

2008-05-23T19:09:00.000-07:00

Look at how David Cook changed through the days from his audition to the Top 24 to the Top12 up to his winning moment.

This is for all the fans out there and David Cook himself. Enjoy !!!!

David Cook is my American Idol

2008-05-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to disappoint all the David Archuleta Fans reading this, but I think David Cook will win this year's American Idol.

We all know that the judges was all praises for David Archuleta last night and Simon said that it was even a knockout by David Archuleta.

You wanna know why I choose David Cook over David Archuleta, its because based on his performance Cook was even better than Archuleta. David Cook was brave,daring and willing to take the risk while David Archuleta stays in his comfort zone. He sang Imagine once again which he just sang while he was still in the Top 24.
David Cook displays the brilliance of a true performer while David Archuleta's performance bored me singing almost the same type of songs.

No matter what the result is, David Cook is my American Idol. He has stolen my heart.

DVD : David Cook vs David Archuleta in American Idol Finale

2008-05-20T07:59:00.000-07:00

Two David left on idol and who’s going to win the title? That’s for us to find out this week's episode. I think both of them are winners already.

The finale will decide for itself. Both are good in their respective genre and have their own market of fans.

Well personally I am voting for Cook. He should win but I think Archuleta will win because he’s young and he’s got this irresistible charm that attracts all the teens and including mothers.

David A may join 'High School Musical' while David C can follow the lead of Daughtry in adult contemporary rock.

How about you ? Who's your choice ?

Try cooking Tuna Sisig

2008-05-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

If you've got high blood or hypertension but still you want to eat sisig, there is an alternative.Instead of putting pork, put tuna instead. Dont know the Recipe, read below to know what are needed and how to prepare it.

The Ingredients are :

* 2 tablespoon cooking oil
* 1 cup tuna, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
* 2 tablespoon barbecue marinade (soysauce, catsup, lemonjuice)
* Juice from 6 pcs. of calamansi
* 1 piece white onion, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Labuyo Red hot Pepper sauce or any hotsauce

How to Prepare this, its so easy follow these steps :

1. Marinate tuna in Barbecue Marinade for 5-15 minutes.

2. Pan-fry the tuna for 3-5 minutes on each side.

3. Remove from pan and cut into bite size pieces.

4. Place cut up tuna in hot sizzling plate.

5. Pour calamansi juice and chopped onions over the tuna.

6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve with Labuyo Red Hot Pepper Sauce or any hot sauce to add spice.

To feel the real taste of Pork Sisig,add mayonnaise and one raw egg while it's still hot then mix it, Voila you are done. Enjoy you're yummylicious Tuna Sisig.

Try doing this Cake

2008-05-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Prep Time:
10 min
Total Time:
1 hr 30 min
Makes:
18 servings, one slice each
1 pkg. (8 squares) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, divided
1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. (4-serving size) JELL-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding & Pie Filling
4 eggs
1 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup water
1 tub (8 oz.) frozen COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
2 Tbsp. PLANTERS Sliced Almonds

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round baking pans. Chop 2 of the chocolate squares; set aside. Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl with electric mixer on low speed just until moistened. Beat on medium speed 2 min. Stir in chopped chocolate. Spoon into prepared pans.

BAKE 30 to 35 min. or until wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 min. Loosen cakes from sides of pans. Invert onto racks; gently remove pans. Cool cakes completely.

PLACE frozen whipped topping and remaining 6 chocolate squares in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 1-1/2 min. or until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth, stirring after 1 min. Let stand 15 min. to thicken. Place one cake layer on serving plate; top with one-fourth of the chocolate mixture and second cake layer. Spread top and side with remaining chocolate mixture. Garnish with almonds. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Secrets for Butter Cakes

2008-05-15T08:51:00.000-07:00

Use butter, margarine or solid shortening. Don't substitute oil, even if the recipe calls for the shortening to be melted.

Use solid shortening to prepare the pan. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan with solid vegetable shortening (butter, margarine and oil don't coat as evenly). Use a paper towel or pastry brush to spread the shortening. Then dust the greased pan with flour, shaking it until the bottom and sides are well coated. (If you're baking a chocolate cake, you can use cocoa instead of flour.) Tap out the excess flour. For nonstick pans, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Instead of greasing and flouring pans, you also may use pan inserts made of parchment paper. The inserts are available at many cooking specialty stores. Use paper or foil baking cups to line cupcake pans.

Make a hollow. After filling the pans with batter, make a slight hollow in the center of the batter with the back of a spoon or spatula. This will give the cake a nicely rounded, rather than humped, top.

Cool cake in the pan. Cool cake on a wire rack for 5 to 20 minutes before removing it from the pan. To remove a cake, carefully run a knife along the edge to loosen it from the pan. Place another wire rack on top of the pan. With the pan sandwiched between the two racks, turn it over. Carefully lift the pan from the cake. So that the top of the cake will be facing up, once again sandwich the cake between two racks and turn it over. Remove the top rack.

If the cake sticks to the pan, return it to the oven and heat for 1 minute. Remove it from the pan.

Cut the cake with a thin, sharp knife. Use a sawing, back-and-forth motion. If the frosting sticks, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it with a damp towel after cutting each slice. An electric knife also works well for cutting most layer cakes.

Secrets for Foam Cakes

2008-05-14T09:08:00.000-07:00

Do not grease or flour the tube pan. During baking, the batter must be able to cling to the sides of the pan and the center tube in order to rise properly.

Beat eggs at room temperature. For the highest volume, bring egg whites to room temperature before beating them. Be sure that no egg yolk remains in the whites, and that the bowl, beaters and rubber scraper are clean and free from any oil or shortening. Even a little bit of grease will prevent the whites from beating properly.

Break bubbles in the batter. So that the cake will have an even texture, cut through the batter with a knife before baking to break large air bubbles and to seal the batter against the sides of the pan and center tube.

Bake on the bottom rack. In some ovens, cakes in the tube pans bake better on the bottom rack, preventing the top from getting too brown. You may need to remove the top oven rack to leave adequate room for the pan or for the cake to expand.

Cool cake in the pan. To prevent this delicate type of cake from collapsing after baking, turn the tube or Bundt® pan upside down on a wire rack, heat proof funnel or the neck of a bottle so the cake doesn't touch the counter.

Remove it carefully from the pan. To remove the cake, use a thin-bladed knife and, with a sawing motion, run it between the cake and the pan. Place the serving plate on top of the pan and turn it upside down. Rap one side of the pan with the flat side of the knife blade, and carefully lift the pan from the cake.

Cut it with a serrated knife. Use a smooth, gentle sawing motion. Or, use an electric knife.

Freeze leftover egg whites. If you have leftover egg whites, lightly beat them, place in a freezer container and freeze. Thaw them in the refrigerator and use them like fresh egg whites in foam cakes, meringues and cooked frostings. One egg white equals 2 tablespoons.

All About Cakes

2008-05-13T06:42:00.000-07:00

Starting today I will share to you some of my quick and easy collections of recipes for cakes. I really loved this kind of food that’s why I would like to share some tips and advice and even sharing to you some of my secrets in baking. So to all reader’s out there try to do these recipes and you will never go wrong and for sure your love ones will surely be surprised and will surely loved it too.

So for today let me share to you first the basics about cakes.

Kinds of Cakes

There are two main types of cakes—butter and foam cakes. Butter cakes are those made with solid shortenings and foam cakes are those made with a large number of eggs or egg whites.

Butter

Even though these cakes also may be made with solid shortening or margarine, most people still call them butter cakes. They're moist, light, tender and fine-textured.

Foam

Foam cakes contain a large number of eggs or egg whites. Their light, fluffy texture comes from the air beaten into the eggs and from steam that forms in the batter during baking. The three types of foam cakes are angel food, chiffon and sponge. Angel food cakes contain no shortening or oil and use only egg whites. Chiffon cakes contain oil and use egg yolks and whites. Sponge cakes contain no shortening or oil and use egg yolks and whites.

So there you go next time I will share to some secret to successful cakes. So stick around.

David Archuleta's Homecoming

2008-05-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

Now only three are left, David Archuleta, David Cook and Syesha Mercado.

With the homecoming week, David Archuleta seems to have more fans than the rest of the two.

Check out his homecoming in this video. I believe that it will be a face off with the two Davids.

You can see all the girls screaming, this is such a phenomenon. Can't wait for the performance night.

David Archuleta performing A Thousand Miles

2008-05-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna share this video of David Archuleta, whom I believe will be in the finals of the American Idol if not win it,performing A Thousand Miles.

We all know that A Thousand Miles made Vanessa Carlston a huge star, who by the way is in th country.

But wait till you see David sings it and play the piano while he sings it.

You'll be amazed at this boy's talent, not only was his voice good but also the way he plays piano. No wonder he never have been in the bottom in terms of voting.

I believed that the two David will meet in the Finals. Also see the video
when he was still a kid.

Check out these fabulous Hand Bags

2008-05-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Latest Virus Affecting China

2008-05-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about the latest epidemic in China? Yes there’s another virus spreading in that country, and it was called Enterovirus 71.

What is Enterovirus 71? Maybe some of us are still not aware of this virus, including me; I just heard it from my friends talking about it. But I didn’t fully understand what kind of virus it is, so as a mother I got curious and I don’t want to be left behind with this kind of news especially if it’s concerning virus that attacks children.

I have read that Enterovirus causes a severe form of hand, foot and mouth disease with symptoms including fever, mouth sores and rashes with blisters. It is easily spread by sneezing or coughing. The viruses mainly strike children ages 10 and younger. Some cases can lead to fatal swelling of the brain. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, but most children affected by mild forms of the disease typically recover quickly without problems.

However, EV-71 can result in a more serious form of the illness that can lead to paralysis, brain swelling or death. Many of the severe cases in China did not exhibit typical symptoms, and the children eventually died from respiratory problems, which kept Chinese experts puzzled about the cause of the outbreak

Infections also continue to rise in Singapore, which has reported more than 9,000 cases this year. A major enterovirus outbreak hit Taiwan in 1998, infecting up to 300,000 children with hand, foot and mouth disease and killing at least 55, according to WHO.

WHO issued a warning last week predicting that the outbreak will likely continue in China for the next few months because the virus tends to thrive in hot weather. It advised disinfection and frequent hand washing to prevent its spread, along with closing schools and daycare centers in hard-hit areas.

I just hope this virus won’t reach us here in the Philippines and hope that it wont be like a world plague. Maybe the best thing to do is to be always be clean to our surroundings and also to ourselves, and most of all let us all pray for this to GOD that this VIRUS be stopped or exterminated..

What to Know when choosing Designer's Handbag

2008-05-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

All about designer hand bag

Women love to buy designer handbags. Every time they go shopping, they make sure that they purchase at least one handbag. This is so essential in woman’s wardrobe. It is one of their accessories that complete their image.

There are several brands of handbags in the market now a day, like Louis Vuitton, Prada, D&G, Channel, Fendi, Gucci and Versace. These brands will cost us depending on a certain style and designs as much as $50,000.00 or much more higher for some. It’s okay to invest in these types of designer’s handbag as long as we know how to check its authenticity. And since I personally love to collect handbags, I made some research about it.

Here are some tips on buying a genuine designer’s bag:

· It’s best to buy on licensed retail stores.

· To ensure that you know the definite characteristics of the designer handbag that you want to avail. Check on the particular design and style that you want. Make sure to verify from the catalogue of the designer if such design do exists. , There are some fake handbags which are proliferating that looks like the real ones. It is handcrafted in such a way that with a first glance, you will really believe that it is an authentic bag.

· Another thing to consider is the distinguishing mark of the designer label. Example of this is that for Channel handbags, the logo is a double C which is placed back-to-back with each other. You should be cautious with the tags, care cards as well as the warranties that go with the handbags. There are original bags which only uses embossed tags while the replicas where printed. Be wary on such things.

· You should also check on the workmanship and the materials used for the bag. Designer bags are very 'clean' and efficiently made. There are no double stitches and there is consistent spacing in between each stitch. There is also a particular color of thread used by the designers. The zipper that is use to zip the bag usually has the name of the designer embossed in it. It is likewise made from good quality of zipper and is not easily damaged. It is likewise durable and can last longer than the bag itself. The leather of the bag feels leather when you touch it. It is not very smooth or shiny at all. The straps are not made from scraps or any extra materials. It has the same quality as the original leather of the bag itself.

· You should also be able to check the serial number of the bag. Designer handbags have its serial number. There are no the same serial numbers because the handbag manufacturer usually has the original list with them.

· These handbags are very expensive. There is a definite price range for each style and design. If a designer handbag is given to you at a very low price, you should be careful. This is a give away that the handbag is not authentic. There is no such thing as bargain designer handbags. Each handbag is valuable and there are a lot of individuals who would want to have one.

So there you go, I hope these tips will make us to be better and wiser consumers. Do not let your hard earned money go anywhere else. Save and purchase from reliable stores only.

Till next time enjoy shopping!

Robert Downey Jr's Biggest Comeback

2008-05-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

I hope Robert Downey, Jr. finally becomes the star he should have been.

I can say that IRON MAN was the biggest comeback for Robert Downey Jr. I’ve seen the movie yesterday, and what can I say? It is so impressive.

Seeing him in the big screen again was kind of unusual for me because it’s been along time since he did a major role movie. And it was also surprising to see him in an action movie, knowing that he usually does a romantic love story such as Chances Are ( 1989), Heart and Souls, (1992), Only You (1994) and who would forget that he played the role as Larry Paul as love interest of Calista Flockhart in Ally McBeal TV series in year 2000. But was fired from the show in April of 2001 because of a relapse and then spent another year in a rehab center.

I first noticed him when I was growing up and loved to watch some of his films such as Heart and Souls and Only You. Until one time while watching him, I noticed the very smile he had on his face and it made me want to see him more He’s got this charisma that’s so hard to resist. In films like Less than Zero, Chances Are and even Soapdish, he proved to be an actor that was fearless. He didn’t mind looking idiotic and that gave him a certain grace. Despite whatever problems he had in his private life, he continued to do more movies and show some great performances.

For literally twenty years, people have been predicting that Robert Downey, Jr. would be a huge star. After all, this is a man who has turned in more than a handful of brilliant performances for two decades. Now that he’s in the movie IRON MAN, I just hope the film is worthy enough to have him as its star.

After that, he's got Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder, He will also make a small appearance as Iron Man's Tony Stark in the upcoming film The Incredible Hulk as a part of Marvel Studios' attempt to depict the same Marvel Universe on film and He'll end the year in The Soloist. It seems as if he's got his life back together and now he's out to prove that this is the year of the Downey.

Preventing Future Stones

2008-05-05T09:18:00.000-07:00

After you have had kidney stones, you are more likely to have them again. You can help prevent them by drinking enough water to keep your urine clear, about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. You may have to eat less of certain foods. Your doctor may also give you medicine that helps prevent stones from forming.

Preventing future stones

After you have had a kidney stone, you are more likely to have one again. Almost half of all people who have a stone will have more stones within 5 years unless they take preventive measures. You may be able to prevent getting more kidney stones by drinking more fluids and making changes in your diet. If you have risk factors for having more stones, such as a family history of stones, your doctor may suggest medicines that help prevent stones from forming.

So there you guys, I made research on this in the internet to help me fully understand this kind of ailment and I also want share this information to you all and I hope this will help those readers who experiencing the same symptoms as mine. So until next time and please pray for me guys! Thank you and enjoy reading.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

2008-05-05T09:12:00.000-07:00

If your doctor thinks the stone can pass on its own, and you feel you can deal with the pain, he or she may suggest home treatment, including:

Drinking more fluids. You need to drink enough water to keep your urine clear, about 8 to 10 glasses a day. Try to drink 2 glasses of water every 2 hours while you are awake. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and are on fluid restrictions, talk with your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.
Not drinking grapefruit juice. Drinking grapefruit juice may increase your risk for developing kidney stones.
Using pain medicine. Nonprescription medicine, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), may relieve your pain. Your doctor can prescribe stronger pain medicine if needed.

Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help your body pass the stone. Calcium channel blockers and alpha-blockers have been shown to help kidney stones pass more quickly with very few side effects. Ask your doctor if one of these medicines can help you.

If your pain is too severe, if the stones are blocking the urinary tract, or if you also have an infection, your doctor will probably suggest medical or surgical treatment. Your options are:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). ESWL uses shock waves that pass easily through the body but are strong enough to break up a kidney stone. This is the most commonly used medical treatment for kidney stones. See a picture of ESWL.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy. The surgeon puts a narrow telescope into the kidney through a cut in your back. He or she then removes the stone (lithotomy) or breaks it up and removes it (lithotripsy). This procedure may be used if ESWL does not work or if you have a very large stone.
Ureteroscopy.The surgeon passes a very thin telescope tube (ureteroscope) up the urinary tract to the stone's location, where he or she uses instruments to remove the stone or break it up for easier removal. Occasionally, you may need a small hollow tube (ureteral stent) placed in the ureter for a short time to keep it open and drain urine and any stone pieces. Ureteroscopy is often used for stones that have moved from the kidney to the ureter. See a picture of ureteroscopy
Open surgery. The surgeon makes a cut in the side or the belly to reach the kidneys and remove the stone. This treatment is rarely used.

Kidney Stone 101 continuation

2008-05-04T02:58:00.000-07:00

What are the symptoms?

Kidney stones form in the kidney and if they stay in the kidney, they do not typically cause pain. When they travel out of the body through the tubes of the urinary tract (including the ureters, which connect the kidney to the bladder, or the urethra, which leads outside the body), their movement may cause:

No symptoms, if the stone is small enough.
Sudden, severe pain that gets worse in waves. Stones may cause intense pain in the back, side, abdomen, groin, or genitals. People who have had a kidney stone often describe the pain as "the worst pain I've ever had."
Feeling sick to the stomach (nausea) and vomiting.
Blood in the urine (hematuria), which can occur either with stones that stay in the kidney or with those that travel through the ureters.
Frequent and painful urination, which may occur when the stone is in the ureter or after the stone has left the bladder and is in the urethra. Painful urination may occur when a urinary tract infection is also present.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

You may first find out that you have kidney stones when you see your doctor or go to an emergency room with pain in your belly or side. Your doctor will ask you questions about your pain and lifestyle. He or she will examine you and may do imaging tests such as X-rays to look at your kidneys and urinary tract.

You may need more tests if you have more than one stone or have a family history of stones. To find out the cause of your kidney stones, your doctor may order a blood test and ask you to collect your urine for 24 hours. This can help your doctor find out if you are likely to have more stones in the future.

Kidney stones may not cause any pain. If this is the case, you may learn you have them when your doctor finds them during a test for another disease.

Kidney Stone 101

2008-05-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are made of salts and minerals in the urine that stick together to form small "pebbles." They can be as small as grains of sand or as large as golf balls. They may stay in your kidneys or travel out of your body through the urinary tract. The urinary tract is the system that makes urine and carries it out of your body. It is made up of the kidneys, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (the ureters), the bladder, and the tube that leads from the bladder out of the body (the urethra).

When a stone travels through a ureter, it may cause no pain. Or it may cause great pain and other symptoms

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones form when a change occurs in the normal balance of water, salts, minerals, and other things found in urine. The most common cause of kidney stones is not drinking enough water. (That’s me ) Try to drink enough water to keep your urine clear (about 8 to 10 glasses of water a day). Some people are more likely to get kidney stones because of a medical condition or family history.

Kidney stones may also be an inherited disease. If other people in your family have had them, you may have them too. (My dad had this too).

Drink a lot of Water

2008-04-30T08:44:00.000-07:00

Let me share to you about my recent health condition. It all started a month ago when I’m experienced some pain in my body like I always felt some burning sensation when urinating, my lower abdomen and lower back are aching and also frequent urge to urinate but only a small amount can pass.

Well at first I thought that it was just a simple UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) which I usually get for not drinking enough water everyday. I used to be diagnosed with it for several times now. It is all because of my stubbornness when it comes in drinking enough water and for postponing the act of urinating. I remember before when my father used to tell me to drink water eight glasses a day and do not prolong the urge to urinate and now that I am married, my husband always keep on reminding me about it too. And since I have this “maniana habit”*, which I’m trying to change till now, I always ends up with the same situation.

Anyway, last Saturday I decided to consult a doctor because I can no longer tolerate the pains. I undergo to a urine examination and waited for the result. When the result came out, I was surprised because it was negative. The first thing I asked to myself was what could be possibly wrong with me?

My doctor told me that I might have kidney stones. And those symptoms that I was experiencing are also the symptoms of a person who have kidney stones. So she referred me to undergo ultrasound. Unfortunately I am still waiting for the result of my examination but I will keep you posted about it.

Next I will talk about Kidney Stones…

* maniana habit is a Filipino attitude which means that you can do it now, instead you are prolonging it or you will do it later.

21 Jump Street featuring Brad Pitt

2008-04-28T06:48:00.000-07:00

Brad Pitt on 21 Jump Street ?

2008-04-28T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am not talking about a remake of the hit late 80's TV series, 21 Jump Street. No there is no movie yet for the TV series.

But literally speaking, Brad Pitt was indeed in 21 Jump Street as a guest.

Just saw this video which I am sharing with you. Brad Pitt was so young then, his hair was so long and her hair reminds me of the blonde girl. Of course, Johnny Depp and Peter De Luise were the stars of this show.

What are you waiting for, watch the video above to find out what I am talking about.

Another blow at Philippines Medical Practice

2008-04-24T07:10:00.001-07:00

What’s wrong with the doctors and nurses at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu?

It’s damn pretty scary enough, they are just like some nutcase who will shoot your video and then upload it to the web.

They just clearly violated the rights of their patient. These doctors and nurses should be barred from continuing their medical practice. Laughing while operating, it’s like a party atmosphere at the operating room.

They may have done this thing before and they may do it again to other persons. They may have done this to the ladies who are giving birth and exposes her private part for the pleasure of some nut doctor. Too bad the video has been removed from You Tube recently; luckily I got the chance to see it before they removed it. These damn doctors and nurses were also taking the operation with their cellphones.

The Medical profession in the Philippines had just been in the bad light, the nursing licensure exam that put the Philippine Nurses in the bad picture not just locally but also worldwide.

These doctors and nurses should remember that their oath was to take care of their patient and not exposes them. Although the patient’s face was not shown, what they did was wrong.

They are not only putting themselves in a bad picture here in the Philippines but the whole world as well.

It’s already a shame that you had a canister inside your anus, but to upload it to the web. I am not pro gay or something. Of course what the faggot did is full of shame; this should serve as wake up call to other gays, doctors and nurses. Think very well before you do something.

BEE MOVIE on DVD

2008-04-19T04:19:00.000-07:00

Animation isn’t as simple as it once was when it was used as a short medium as an extra before the feature. Then when animation graduated into feature films audiences were amazed for a while before the genre seemed directed towards only children. There have always been exceptions in films that were either made for adults or at the very least contained material that could be appreciated by adults while often being missed by children. I highly doubt that many children know or care about Jerry Seinfeld or his long-running sitcom about nothing. It is also safe to assume that none of the children interested in the animated film about the importance of bees would have ever heard any of Seinfeld’s stand-up comedy, but the parents who have broken down and agreed to watch the animated film with their kids at least know of his reputation. This style transfers into the animated world with some simplicity, even making an awkward inter-species relationship somehow acceptable.

I suppose it doesn’t really matter much whether the relationship is believable, because this is a film appropriately directed at children. Adults have The 11th Hour and An Inconvenient Truth while children are given Happy Feet and Bee Movie. These movies teach children what we are still trying to teach adults; that the creatures that live on the planet aren’t simply below us on the food chain and certainly never expendable. This message is disguised within the plot as our bee protagonist discovers that humans are taking the honey from bees and sets out to sue for all of the work bees have done.

Seinfeld’s humor is clearly influenced in the script, although there is a strange feeling watching an animated character that is a starkly different age than the actor lending his voice, bee or no bee. Seinfeld is a young bee that doesn’t want to conform to the expectations of his hive, which is to pick a small job and do it for the rest of his life. Instead he decides to explore the outside world and find out what there is to offer. This is when he discovers the theft of bee’s honey. It is a strange reversal when the bees sue the humans, because suddenly the humans are the innocent ones being deprived of life’s little under-appreciated luxuries.

The “Very Jerry 2-Disc Edition” contains a ton of Seinfeld special features, as well as other special features focused on the bee character he portrays, named Barry. The second disc seems to be directed at children, with music videos and games, whereas the first disc has a director’s commentary which also includes Seinfeld. There is also a featurette about the Cannes film festival, casting and a number of deleted scenes.

Facts about Yoghurt

2008-04-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Yoghurt has been used for centuries to promote a healthy digestive system.
It is known that in regions where people eat yoghurt on a regular basis the people live longer as an average.

It is also proven that Yoghurt has a beneficial influence on the intestines which are the seat of our immune system. It also helps the digestion and protects the intestines also from cancer. All the absorption of nutrients, which have to be separated from the toxic substances, takes place in the intestines. If they are not working correctly the body absorbs the wrong "stuff" and eliminates the good. The base for a good function of the intestine is the intestinal flora.

Here is where yoghurt has its function. The probiotics in the yoghurt help the good flora to grow and keeps the bad in its place. This balance can also be destroyed by unhealthy food (too much sugar for example) or after the use of oral antibiotics which destroy the intestinal flora. Here the right use of yoghurts can do a whole lot of good. Unfortunately a lot of probiotic yoghurts are not very efficient because the probiotics are very fragile and get lost on their way through the stomach to the intestine.
Here lies the importance of the prebiotics which protect the probiotics so that they reach the intestine. A Good high quality yoghurt has to have a great number of both pre-and probiotics

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS DVD

2008-04-14T09:09:00.000-07:00

Three talking chipmunks, Alvin, Simon and Theodore , are singing Bad Day and piling nuts into their pine tree for the winter. Their tree gets chopped down and put in the foyer of Jett Records for the holiday season Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is trying to sell one of his songs to Ian Hawke an old friend and executive at Jett Records. Hawke, in friendship, basically tells Seville that he doesn’t have a chance (doesn’t sound very friendly does it?). On the way out Dave swipes a muffin basket from Hawke’s offices in retaliation and as he goes through the foyer the Chipmunks hop aboard.

Dave then discovers that he’s got some talking Chipmunks in his house, not only that but he also discovers that they can sing. Soon he’s back in Hawke’s good graces and the Christmas song the Chipmunks sing is a big hit.

I got drug along to the movie with my kid and his cousins and really didn’t have high hopes since the last kid-friendly movie I watched with Jason Lee turned out to be a dog (Underdog, that is).

I was pleasantly surprised that Alvin and the Chipmunks really turned out to be an entertaining little film. Sure they’ve updated the ‘munks look and sound for a modern age but I thought the film was still very family friendly and enjoyable for all ages within yours (though expect higher ratings from the younger crowd). I liked it. Alvin and the Chipmunks isn’t exactly going to promote world peace or a cure for cancer (though I doubt it will cause it either), but it was a fun family film. Go Buy it now and add it to your movie collection of family film.

ANYONE ELSE BUT YOU: Juno End Credit

2008-04-09T08:42:00.001-07:00

Juno's end credit song

2008-04-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

I am finally going to share to you about the song that I've talked about when I posted my review about Juno.

During the end of the film, Juno and her boyfirend were singing a song which seems to be nice and kinda refreshing. I don't know if it is a remake or not.

Watch the video above so you can relate to what I am taking about.

Mariposa, Barbie's new Adventure

2008-04-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

Barbie Mariposa starts as it means to go on, with the famous doll’s gentle greeting: “Welcome to the world of butterfly fairies.” There are no surprises in this straight-to-DVD film, which is crammed with pink and purple, pretty dresses and, of course, all things Barbie.The film opens in the magical kingdom of Flutterfield, where butterfly fairies go about their daily business, flitting about the trees in a haze of sparkles and light.

Everything is perfect, providing they don’t leave the kingdom: beyond the protective city of lights, the ugly (and somewhat stupid) Skeezite monsters lurk to eat any fairies who may stray.Mariposa, the film’s heroine, wants to see the rest of the world, but her time is taken up with attending two demanding butterfly fairies, Rayna and Rayla. In fact, between keeping her friend and fellow employee, Willa out of trouble, and getting the fairies’ dresses ready for the never-ending round of balls, Mariposa barely gets a moment to herself. Taking some time out from a ball, she bumps into Prince Carlos and ends up hiding him from the Royal Guard, who want to lock him up “for his own protection”.

Clearly all is not well in Flutterfield.The Prince manages to pass on news of the Queen’s poisoning to Mariposa, along with a map locating the antidote. The shy butterfly fairy has two days to save the Queen and Flutterfield. When Rayna and Rayla find out about Mariposa’s contact with the handsome prince, they are determined to join her in an effort to win his hand. And so the three set off into the Bewilderness to find the elusive white flower that will cure the Queen. On their quest, they come across a host of magical creatures, some cute and cuddly, others less amiable. Using knowledge acquired from reading, it’s up to Mariposa to outwit the monsters and save the day.

Barbie Mariposa will tick all the boxes of girls aged six and under. They’ll be enthralled by the pretty fairies, the burgeoning romance between Mariposa and the Prince, and the sugary sweet sentiment. At 70 minutes, the film might lose the attention of the very youngest viewers, but those in primary school will have no trouble watching to the conclusion. There’s no need for parental supervision during the film’s more dramatic moments: the monsters aren’t remotely threatening and the peril is, to say the least, mild.

Patrick Dempsey's MADE OF HONOR

2008-04-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Bubbly by Colbie Caillat

2008-04-02T09:14:00.001-07:00

Something with Bubbly

2008-04-02T09:14:00.000-07:00

If there is one song that keeps me humming these past few days, it is the song Bubbly by Colbie Caillat. Ever since I heard that song, I just felt some great mood flowing in my surroundings and it also kinda bring some positive energy and atmosphere.

It's a fresh new song, no wonder it is staying at the top on the music chart. If you haven't heard it yet, Don't worry I'll embed its music video, so you can hear and feel what I am talking about. What are you waiting for watch the video above and start singing along. If we get together, We'll both sing it. Enjoy and Have Fun!!!

Get your Copy of Enchanted DVD

2008-03-27T07:36:00.001-07:00

While it walks cautiously in the shadow of self-referential monstrosities like "Shrek," Disney's latest princess feature "Enchanted" is an amusing romp that plays more happily to the all-important four quadrant ideals than anything else the studio has released this past year. However, it's a charmer with severe reservations.

"Enchanted" marks a return of sorts to the 2D animation fold for the Disney company, choosing the opulent art form to illustrate the storybook life in Andalasia and cozy the material up to the legacy of princess movies. In fact, "Enchanted" is nothing but a valentine to the princess lifestyle; a full court press by the studio to find themselves a new glittering heroine in Giselle, using such devices as Julie Andrews's narration and cameos by the voices of past Disney royalty to make it a welcoming family affair.

Once the action heads to New York City and live-action photography begins, Lima finds rougher execution waters. Taking a cartoon out of the cartoon realm is always asking for trouble. Luckily for this movie there's Amy Adams, who simply owns the film as Giselle. It's one of those mesmerizing performances that keeps a mediocre movie afloat; a pitch-perfect effort that benefits from the actress's complete commitment to Giselle's sense of purity and wonder without ever winking at the camera. Her enthusiasm is phenomenal, even throwing off costars such as Dempsey who can only marvel at her energy. Giselle has the poise and kindness of a true Disney princess (along with great forest creature shorthand and a golden throat), but it's Adams who lends the role a heart bigger than the frame can contain. I defy anyone to watch this movie and not fall hopelessly in love with her performance.

"Enchanted" tap dances on the edge of the self-referential abyss, sporadically permitting itself a little merry awareness, but hardly loses itself to outright (and quite loathsome) satire. That is, until the end of the film, when Narissa begins to point out how the script is subverting storybook formula instead of allowing the audience the delight of discovery. I also wasn't thrilled with the use of bathroom humor throughout the picture; forever a crutch used by the fraidy-cat studio suits paranoid that kids won't respond to a joke unless there are feces or urine involved. The slumming greatly tarnishes the polish of the piece.

"Fantasy Comes to Life" are three featurettes breaking down the "Enchanted" production experience. "Happy Working Song" (6 minutes) exposes the difficulty of working with live rats and pigeons while running through the demanding choreography the musical number required. Entailing less visual effects than you might think, it's interesting to see how this complicated section of the film made it to the finish line. "That's How You Know" (6 minutes) brings the problematical world of "Enchanted" out into the open in Central Park, where the centerpiece of the film was shot. Here, an army of dancers, singers, and street life were thrown together to capture some classic Disney musical magic. Finally, "A Blast at the Ball" (5 minutes) explores the obstacles involved in the creation of the film's finale, where visual effects meet live-action photography in highly intricate ways.

It's a short, fluffy peek at the production of "Enchanted," but there's some wonderful on-set footage that shows up now and again, making these three featurettes worth a look.

Bloopers (2 minutes) are included, and while it's a standard-issue mistake montage, there are few things more adorable than Amy Adams flubbing a line.

Six deleted scenes (8 minutes) are mainly comprised of sequences the film didn't need; pieces of fat that were trimmed for time and redundancy. They are viewable with introductions from director Kevin Lima.

"Pip's Predicament: A Pop-Up Adventure" (5 minutes) is aimed at younger "Enchanted" fans, following a new story with Pip in pop-up book form. A little too CG-slick, but the little ones will dig it.

Finally, no theatrical trailer for "Enchanted" is included, but looks at "The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning," "Minute Men," "Jungle Book 2: Special Edition," "Hannah Montana: One in a Million," "National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets," "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian," "Sleeping Beauty," and "Tinker Bell" are presented.

Even served in small bites, "Enchanted" is too self-conscious to be a true return to "Classic Disney" standards, but it's their most entertaining family film in a very long time. A real surprise.

Check this very Funny Video

2008-03-27T07:36:00.000-07:00

Ken Lee's Performance

2008-03-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

Baguio's Historical & Cultural Attraction

2008-03-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

Historical Attractions

1. Kennon Road
Kennon Road is the shortest and the most scenic highway linking Baguio and the lowlands. This was named after Col. Lyman W. Kennon who was its final builder. The industrious Cordilleras and foreign workers assisted him. The road was substantially finished in 1903.

2. Teachers Camp
It was through the vacation normal school that teachers from all over the islands were able to have a respite and have some time for studies. In a letter to the Secretary of Public Instruction, Governor William Pack outlined his plan to set up a camp in Baguio where teachers can be accommodated. The plan was approved on January 8, 1908 and was opened on April 6, 1908

3. Mansion House
The imposing and majestic Baguio Mansion House has housed a long list of Filipino presidents and American governor-generals. It has an elegantly structured building and guesthouse. Its gate is patterned after that of London's Buckingham Palace.

4. Philippine Military Academy
The Philippine Military Academy is the Philippine's premier military institution. True to its mission to "instruct, train, and develop the cadets so that they shall possess the character, the broad and basic military skills, and the education essential to the pursuit of a progressive military career", the PMA, as it is more popularly known, has honed the best military officers in our country today. It has complete training and educational facilities to mold the future officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Cultural Attractions

1. Woodcarvers Village
Along the way to Asin, about 5 kms from the city, is an Ifugao wood carving village, which sells beautiful carved curio items at very low prices.

2. Saint Louis Filigree Shop
A handicraft shop specializing in silver jewelry and other filigree products. Some of the craftsmen are only high school students. This shop is in the center of the city and was established in 1916.

A trip to Baguio would not be complete without a stroll down Session Road. Drop by Star Café. Check out the stores. Drink some Chinese tea. Grab a sweater. Enjoy all the ukay-ukay stores. Watch the locals. At one point or another, you’ll meet somebody you know, who just happened to be haggling with a woman selling knitted hats. Many times, I’ve bumped into some celebrities and just recently, I got the chance to see Mr. Mike Enriquez and have a picture with him. You may also bumped into people you haven’t seen in years in Manila at Session and it’s always a happy occasion. If you hang around long enough, you’ll see the world.

It's time to revisit Baguio City..cont.

2008-03-16T02:50:00.001-07:00

For the Religious Attractions, Baguio Cathedral this place is one of the familiar landmarks in Baguio. The structure with its twin spires and one hundred steps sits on top of a small hill in the heart of the city, offering churchgoers and visitors a chance to get a bird's eye view of the entire commercial hub. It was opened to the public last November 25, 1990 during the Christ the King celebration.

Bell Church This cluster of temples is located on the border of Baguio City and Trinidad Valley. Its exotic oriental architecture features pagoda roofs, an ornate gateway, dragon ornaments and Buddha guarded windows that gaze from atop a hill. The Bell Temple priest practices a mixture of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. One may even try having his fortune told.

Lourdes Grotto. This is a religious shrine housing the image of the Lady of Lourdes. About 252 steps lead to this shrine where pilgrims brave the steep climb to offer sacrifices, devotion and prayers. One is also regarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the city.

It's time to revisit Baguio City..cont.

2008-03-16T02:50:00.000-07:00

It's Time to Revisit Baguio City...next

2008-03-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

There are so many places in Baguio that you and your family would really enjoy. Like the Botanical Garden it is also called the Igorot village, which used to feature native huts typical of Cordillera architecture. This village captures the ethnic spirit and cultural legacy of the Igorot dweller. The garden is also a site of cultural presentations and other tribal meetings.

Burnham Park It is the oldest of all Baguio parks. One can unwind from the tension of the day-to-day bustle by biking, skating or simply reflecting on the day's experiences amid a soothing backdrop of colorful flowers. It is wooded and is great place to have picnics and concerts. There are tennis and basketball courts, a football field, athletic oval and an orchidarium.

The Camp John Hay It is still the extraordinary beautiful base, which the American forces turned over last July 1, 1991 to the Philippine government. It is now open to the public. Its excellent cottages, golf courses, bowling lanes, dining places and natural ambience are all preserved and maintained.

Mines View Appropriately named for its breathtaking views of mountain ranges and Baguio's "mineral bowl" where gold, silver and other ores were once quarried. There are now numerous souvenir shops around the park offering such items as woodcarvings, woven cloth, ashtrays, shell products and other curio items.

Wright Park It is sometimes mistakenly called "Ride Park" by some who identify this pine tree park reserve for its kiddy horse rides. A long stairway leads to the "Pool of the Pines", a 100 meter long pool of water lined on both sides by the famous Baguio towering pine.

It's time to revisit Baguio City

2008-03-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

Its vacation time once again!

What is your memory of Baguio? Like most Filipinos, I have plenty. I remember eating strawberries while enjoying the scenery in mines view with my parents when I was ten, walking down Session with my Barkadas when I was 16, discovers all the cool place there at 25, and going ukay-crazy at 30.

Baguio has always been the favorite vacation destination, especially to those who long for cooler climes, and now that summer is already here, city folks just have another reason to go up the mountains again.

Market! Market! Here you could find the most affordable prices of broccolis, strawberries, cauliflower, peanut brittle the pickings are endless. What I love about the Baguio Public Market is the freshness of it all. Everything is screaming green and fresh and best of all, clean! And oh, lets not forget the “walis tambo” you can buy a bunch of it to last a year.

To be continued...

Choosing the Right Perfume

2008-03-10T07:03:00.000-07:00

Are you figuring out what perfume suits you, Here are some tips when buying a perfume.

Figure out your preference when it comes to fragrance. Some like a citrusy smell while others prefer a more floral scent.

Each scent has a top, middle and base note. Remember that the top note is what you first smell and that citrus and light spices are the first to evaporate.

Focus on your favorite smells and ask a sales attendant to let you try perfumes with those scents.

Apply a scent and wait for 10 minutes. Be sure that you spray on pulse points, such as the back of your wrist and on your neck, where skin is the warmest, so that the scent will easily diffuse.

The perfume you still like will likely be the one for you. Just remember when the top base and middle base evaporate, you are left with the heaviest oils that make up the base notes.

Hope these tips provide some insights to you.

Mc Dreamy's Look Alike Leaves American Idol

2008-03-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

I was saddened by the elimination of my favorite contestant in American Idol, Luke Menard had just been eliminated from the show.

He has the star quality to make it a big star, good looks and good voice and I disagree with Simon Cowell that he had a weak personality. He is my crush on the show, Patrick Dempsey look alike. Wow !!!! What else could you ask for?

I think America had a made a wrong decision on this one. Luke should have at least made it to the Top 12. He's the top reason why I watch the show.

e it to the Top 12, the show would have been more interesting and funny to watch. Just look at how funny every time he answers Simon’s comment. I think Danny is gay, the way he acts and performs, so gay.

But anyway, I’ll still watch the show but I will surely miss Luke Menard’s performances.

Financial Strategy Tips

2008-03-04T07:48:00.000-08:00

Starting a budget may seem like an impossible task, especially when the numbers just won’t balance (which means you have less money coming in each month than you have going out) and this continues, year after year. Our family faced the same challenge for many years due to an unfortunate combination of job losses and medical bills.

Our family is living proof that even when your numbers don’t add up you can not only SURVIVE it, but you can also get out of debt, get back on track and finally start building your savings! I suppose that old saying we dread to hear... "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!" is actually very true.

We also relied heavily on our personal gifts of faith, patience and determination to persevere when we could have easily given up and thrown in the towel. If you're facing difficult times of any sort or have in the past, I'm sure you can relate. I think these virtues are not to be overlooked and can make the difference between success and failure. You have to hold on to your faith and know you can make it, giving up is just not an option. Accepting that things are never going to get better, is not an option either. Your finances can get better, your life can get better, and you can help make it happen!!!

What is that other saying about when you're at the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on? Maybe you feel like that's where you're at right now; like you have to just hang on and survive. I understand that, we've been there! But while you're hanging on, you can also start planning, start making changes in your life to get your finances to get back on track. And pray, pray a lot! Everything you do (no matter how small it may seem to you right now), can make a difference. You can do this!

Managing your money well does not happen overnight. It is a process that can take many years to work through, but one that is well worth the extra effort, commitment and determination that it takes to succeed.

The changes that each family will need to make to get their budget balanced may be different, but one thing that will likely be the same is the need to take things one day at a time... ONE STEP AT A TIME.

And all you have to do right now is begin!

THE RIGHT FOUNDATION FOR YOU

2008-02-27T04:39:00.000-08:00

Finding the right foundation is a never ending concern of most women. When looking for the right foundation, always put the product on before buying it. The shade of the foundation when tried on the hand will have a different effect when applied on the face. The right way is apply the product an inch up from your jaw line down to your neck. If the product blends well in this part of your face, then that’s the shade for you. If it’s too white and does not “disappear” on your skin, then get a few more shades close to your skin tone and line them up on the side of your face down to your neck and choose the right color of your skin. Of course, you want the color of your face to match the color of your neck.

Tips for choosing a foundation for your skin type:

If you have oily skin, then it is best to use a dual finish powder instead of liquid oil-based formulations. This way, every time you go to the powder room to retouch your face, you will find it easier to add the powder where the oil from your face has removed the product. If you have oily skin, the key is retouching, Oil removes make up so you will have to keep on removing the oil first by dabbing with an oil blotter or facial tissue before reapplying the powder. This way, it will be easier to maintain your makeup look all throughout day or night if the product accumulates on the certain areas such as on the side of your nose, simply blend it with your fingers and dab the oil before reapplying the powder foundation.

If you have dry skin, using liquid foundation is your best bet. Simply apply the foundation using your fingers on your entire face and make sure to blend it into the skin. Remember, you are creating a nice clean smooth base for your make up so blend the foundation well into your skin. Next step is to set the liquid foundation with loose powder, the loose powder will “hold” the liquid product on your face. After setting the liquid foundation with loose powder, then you are ready to complete your natural look by simply grooming your eyebrows. Curling your lashes before applying your mascara then applying your blush and finishing your look with a lip color.

The simpler and more natural you apply your make up, the better. You cannot go wrong with an understated look. Now, all you need is to practice. When you have perfected this natural look, then the rest will be a piece of cake. Why? Simply because any makeup look start with a clean, perfect base. So once you have perfected your foundation, then rest will follow. Start it simple and clean and then slowly add more color if you want to emphasize your eyes or lips. It will always take practice to perfect any look you want to create. Just remember that in any look, it will always start with a good foundation. So girls what are you waiting for? Go to the mall and find the right foundation for you. Happy Shopping!

JUNO might be the dark horse in the OSCARS

2008-02-24T22:07:00.000-08:00

I have just seen the movie Juno, and I am quite surprised that the film was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Juno is not that kind of epic or grand. Juno is just a simple movie and short with a running time of less than two hours. It’s kinda fresh, intelligent comedy with an outstanding performance by its lead character Ellen Page (Who I heard was nominated for Best Actress)

Juno is a Mid-Western, who decides one day, out of boredom and curiosity, to have sex with her friend Paulie Bleeker ( Michael Cera of the movie Superbad ), a member of her school’s track team.

This one time encounter results in Juno’s pregnancy. She decided that instead of aborting the baby, with the help of her best friend Leah, looks for adaptive parents. Juno settles on seemingly the perfect, affluent couple Mark ( Jason Bateman) and Vanessa Loring ( Jennifer Garner) who is desperate to have a child.

Juno’s sensitive father ( J.K. Simmons who I didn’t recognized at first, but after awhile I remember that he Jamison Jonah of the Spiderman movies, he has no hair in this film) and stepmother are very supportive of her ad help Juno with her decision to give up the baby for adoption. Juno and her father check out Mark and Vanessa if they are the right couple. As time moves closer to having the baby, Juno grows more into a woman, yet she is still a stranger with all the same problems and few more.

As I am writing this, the Academy Award is on going. But this is my bet for Best Picture and Ellen Page for her acting which seems natural every time she appears on screen. The movie tackles current and social issues with teen pregnancy. Oh and one thing more, the acoustic songs being played in the film are worth hearing and being played over and over your CD or MP3 player, Go check it out if you haven’t seen it yet.

Ear Wax Build up

2008-02-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

While you may think it's gross, earwax (also known as cerumen) is actually quite important in keeping the ear clean and healthy. The ceruminous glands in the ears secrete it as a way of trapping dirt, dust, and other particles that could damage the eardrum were they to travel inside the ear. Normally, wax builds up, then dries out and moves to the outer ear, where it washes away. In the process, it traps foreign debris and brings it along for the ride. Sometimes earwax accumulates faster than the body can expel it, though, and that's when earwax buildup can become a problem.

Can earwax buildup interfere with my toddler's hearing?Absolutely. When a child's ear canal is plugged with wax, his hearing becomes muffled. (Fluid trapped in the middle ear can also cause hearing loss during or after an ear infection.) It can also cause an earache.

How can I tell whether my toddler's ear troubles are from earwax buildup or an ear infection?Sometimes it's hard to tell, since a child with earwax buildup may rub or tug at his ears, or dig in his ears with his fingers, just as if he had an ear infection. However, earwax buildup does not cause the fever and sleep troubles associated with ear infections. If there's a large amount of wax, you may be able to see it just by looking into your toddler's ears. There may also be some yellow or brownish drainage. (Drainage from an ear infection, on the other hand, could be clear, milky-like pus, or bloody.) If you're at all concerned, make an appointment with your child's doctor so she can take a closer look at things.

Anti-aging Tips for you

2008-02-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

I just like to share to you of what I’ve read in the broadsheet lately. We always wanted to look and feel young to remain attractive and beautiful. Here are some basic facts how to prevent aging.

Exercise delays aging, especially the onset of osteoporosis and arthritis.

Staying out of the sun prevents wrinkles, so stay out of it if you don’t want to age fast.

Relaxation and meditation are stress busters and can prevent disease.

Do some crossword solving and regular reading can delay or prevent memory loss, so keep on reading my blog.

Persons who are active, outgoing and pressure driven individuals age faster than those who are calmer.

Don’t eat compulsively and obsessively to avoid diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart attacks.

Eat lots of nuts. Nuts are rich in antioxidants. Or Go Fruity. Nutrient packed fruits give your body power.

Load up on spinach and strawberries. Their high levels of antioxidants can boost your brain.

And finally, Add more tomatoes to your meal. Lycopene in tomatoes strengthens your immune system and makes your skin glow. There was a saying that “ A tomato a day keeps the doctor away, a carrot a day keeps the wrinkle away .”

THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES...an emotional, exhillirating film

2008-02-16T16:02:00.000-08:00

It’s been too long since I’ve updated my blog, It’s almost two months now, but nevertheless I’m back and from now on, I’ll keep you updated.

I’ve just seen the movie The Spiderwick Chronicles with my family yesterday and I am quite impressed about the movie. I had no idea what was the movie all bout cause I haven’t seen the trailer yet. All I know was its tie up with Mc Donalds, Their Happy Meal is about the toys from the movies, goblins, fairies and Ogre.

This movie belongs to the level of Harry Potter movies and The Chronicles of Narnia in terms of excitement and gratification. They also had a Griffin which reminds me of the one in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. The film is visually stimulating with all the great visual effects they’ve done.

Tells about the Grace family ( Mom with three kids, twins Simon and Jared, daughter Mallory ) who just moved in to the old house of Arthur Spiderwick. Odd things began to happen. Jared discovers the book written by his great, great Uncle Arthur. That’s where the movies thrilling scenes comes one after the other. Battling out goblins and Ogre with no magical powers but just with their wits and a help from the book, The Grace family succeeds defeating the evil ones.

Moral lesson of this movie, Have more time with your kids and watch how wonderfully they grow. Arthur Spiderwick had been searching for magical creature; he didn’t realize that her daughter is the most magical creature around him. Almost made me cry, that scene towards the end of the film, where Arthur Spiderwick met his daughter 80 years later since he disappeared. It’s an emotional, touching part of the movie.

What are you waiting for, Head to the theaters and see it.

Never a dull moment on UNDERDOG

2007-12-01T06:28:00.000-08:00

Never had the chance to see Underdog on the Big screen, but thankfully I got the chance watch it on DVD.

I was amazed and surprised that the movie was so funny and exciting. The lead character here of course is the dog named Shoeshine ( voiced by Jason Lee )who becomes Underdog. A lab accident gave this beagle some superpowers- a secret that the dog eventually shares with a young boy named Jack, played by Alex Neuberger. The movie had no dull moment. And there were a lot of cute and cuddly moment in the movie. The best scene that I loved the most is the scene they spoofed from Superman, when Underdog flies with his ladylove Polly voiced by Amy Adams of Enchanted (which I still have to see).

The DVD is full of stuff and surprises with Bloopers and three hilarious deleted scenes. It also has Safe Waif, the very first Underdog cartoon series. Sit, Stay and Act: Diary of a Dog Actor features the making of the film and it has some extra features like the Dig Deeper buttons. This features chronicles the history of Underdog which I’ve found out was released in 1964.

It also has some trailers in its sneak peek menu. Trailers included are National Treasure : Book of Secrets, Snow Buddies, Aristocats, Disney Movie Rewards, The Game Plan, 101 Dalmatian : Platinum Edition and Disney Blu Ray Disc releases.

Rent it or Buy it and add it to your movie collection, this is one great family film.

Holiday Coffee Concoction Part 2

2007-11-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here’s the second recipe for my Holiday Coffee Concoctions, It’s called Banana Split Coffee.

In a tall glass, put 1½ tablespoons chocolate syrup. Top with a layer of 1½ tablespoons strawberry syrup then a layer of 1½ tablespoons banana syrup*.

Slowly pour in 1 cup hot black coffee, careful not to disturb the syrup layers. Garnish with whipped cream and any topping you want, like grated choco chips, candy sprinkle etc.

* To make banana syrup, combine 2 tablespoons banana extract and 3 tablespoons sugar syrup.

Holiday Coffee Concoctions Part 1

2007-11-17T18:54:00.000-08:00

Want to stay awake during the Holiday season so you could have more time with your family and loved ones, I’m posting here four of my favorite holiday coffee concoctions, for the first recipe I’m sharing you KAHLUA COFFE AMORE’.

In a blender, combine 3 tablespoons almond extract,3 tablespoons vanilla syrup, 1 scoop vanilla ice cream, 3 tablespoon s fresh milk, 3 tablespoons Kahlua, 1 cup cold black coffee and about 6 ice cubes.

Process until smooth, drizzle some chocolate syrup in a glass. Fill with the blended mixture. Serve at once.

Voila, you now have your Kahlua coffee amore’.

Next time around, I’ll post the second one.

My Memorable Beyonce' Experience

2007-11-10T00:13:00.000-08:00

I wasn’t able to leave my office early last Wednesday to catch the concert of Beyonce’ at the Fort. But thank God, I was still able to catch it on time, I also thank God that it did not rain on my way to the venue, although it rained in that afternoon. My Husband and I met in Alabang , and rode his motorcycle, Silver.

The traffic was awful in the area, good thing we found a parking slot early. I managed to saw a lot of celebrity walking towards the venue. Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano and his wife Sunshine Cruz were among the celebrity I saw. There are a lot of teenage fans of Beyonce’

Our tickets are not that expensive so we never got that too close to the stage. Bad thing I didn’t have any good shots taken because of the distance of the stage to our place.

I didn’t know who was the local hip-hop artist who open up the show. But when the black curtain was lowered across the stage, you just cant explain the excitement that mounts up the venue. In a sexy silver gown, Beyonce’ pops out off the stage and wham, the crowd goes wild and wooly, cheering for Beyonce’. My Husband was stunned by the sexiness of Beyonce’ and couldn’t speak for a moment.

Good thing there was a big screen mounted on the stage, so I can still view her electrifying dance moves. Also there are some pre-recorded material being shown on the big screen. My favorite part of the show was when she sung Survivor, It was just so awesome, her adrenalin was so pumped up. It really moves the crowd and you can see a lot of people dancing.

Her finale, Irreplaceable had the whole crowd singing with her. And I too sang with her. Never had seen the crowd so alive and energetic in a concert. Beyonce’ surely knows how to bring down the house. This is my Beyonce’ that I’ll never forget.

Choco Chips anyone ?

2007-11-07T06:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming very soon and I'm pretty sure that you are thinking of what food or dessert to prepare. Well I've come out with a suggestion, How about about making or baking your very own choco chips ? It's easy just read on, Here are the ingredients you'll be needing :

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, lightly toasted and chopped ( optional )

Now for the preparation, just follow these steps :

1. Preheat oven to 375 F. On waxed paper, combine flour, baking soda and salt.

2. In large bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat butter and sugars until creamy. Beat in egg
and vanilla. Reduce speed to low; beat in flour mixture just until blended. Stir in chocolate
chips and walnuts.

3. Drop dough by heaping measuring tablespoons, 2 inches apart, on ungreased large cookie
sheets. Bake cookies 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around edges. Transfer cookies to
wire racks to cool.

4. Repeat with remaining dough. Store cookies in tightly covered container at room temperature up to 1 week.

See that's how easy it is to make your very own delicious and yummy chocolate chips.

Health Card...A Life Saver or Destroyer ?

2007-11-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

Health Card nowadays is a vital need for almost everybody. With a continued change in climate, our body is more susceptible to diseases. It’s practical to have a Health Card, which other Company gave to their employee thru their Health benefits.

I can almost feel the sorrow of those people whose relatives or loved ones have been admitted or confined in hospital, they are in disarray as to whom they could borrow some money from just to meet their medical needs. Thank God, that when my husband went thru operation, His Health Card answers all the bills. Also every time that my son got sick, We only pay for the medicine prescribed by the doctor, We don’t have to worry about the consultation and the laboratory fees which seem to skyrocket every month.

Although Health Card have advantages, It also causes corruption, particulary in government offices. These Health Card Company are always outsmarting each other, they tend to bribe officers handling the Health Benefit of their employees. But that’s the marketing strategy of the Health Card Company. The victims here are the poor employees, whose health benefits have been limited. One good example is my husband’s company, a government bank.

The Officers of their Employees Association got blinded by the gifts given by these Health Card, they are now the one who handles the selection of the Health Card Company instead of their Medical Office. Shame on these CORRUPT and GREEDY employees.

So to all Health Card Company out there, if you’re reading this, look back at your vision, which is to give essential health care for your clients. Stop outsmarting each other, your just making these greedy government employees GREEDIER.

My Introduction

2007-11-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Hello World !!!! Hello my dearest friends, starting today I’m gonna embark on a new world. The world of Blogging, a big influence by my husband, I’ll start on my own web page.

On my web page, I’ll talk all about the good life, recipes, some money saving tips, being a mom tip and every girl, woman or lady needs to have a good life.

But for now, this is just an introduction to my web page or as I may call it PEACHY’S CORNER, I’ll keep you updated every time I have some smart ideas and thoughts to share.

Let’s all enjoy the good life that GOD has given to us.