Charmed

My sister is NOT excited about her coming graduation, but is excited about our coming trip... Also, she is more than happy with the Charms that I told her to buy. One that we saw at the mall two weeks ago. I guess the said Pandora Charms are all too pretty, nevertheless, exudes some hint of glamour should she wear them...

A lot of people these days are into charms and crystals, and my sister and I often would look into the many trinkets to behold.. They are indeed nice. But our mom would always tell us to get legit jewelry pieces as investments. Ones that we can use in times of emergency.. For, according to our mom, it will be useless to pay a price for something with less investment value... For example, buy a gold jewelry that can be used during hard times. So the charms that we looked into should pass the test of investment value.. and not just for aesthetic pleasantries..

But of course, if we are to buy the charm watches on display, we must make sure we are buying the exact brands that they represent. It helps to be cautious as there are lots of fakes that have swarmed the nation.. 

On the lighter note, it is indeed a good idea to go around the malls during graduation season as there are lots of sale going on. From the practical stuff to cutesy items and glamorous wares.. I so love them all.. My sister even said she is going to buy a new hair iron as the one she liked is on sale at one of our favorite shops.. But of course, understanding how marketing strategies work, I am sure they are NOT totally a good SALE price.. I am sure the store can still get a hefty profit despite the SALE prices that they now have.. 

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Video Found...

What do you think? All I can say is that, when I am far away from home, I always want to go home, but when I am home, I always feel like leaving--- ironic as it may seem, but that's just how it has been over the years.. whew.. That is why it is important for me to live in another house, Lili and I.. breaks the monotony, I guess...

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On Lights and Lighting...

My father bought a new tube fluorescent led for the dining area as the old one was busted the day before.. Fluorescent tubes and ampule led bulbs are quite expensive these days. Much more for ampule base consummation.. But guess what? If you buy them in bulk at the Chinese shops, you will get a huge discount. 

It is very important that a house is well lit, and the said lights provide the best lighting by far... 

I thought at first that such lights and bulbs will not last long, but they do. We have been using the said name brand and they are indeed cheaper by forty percent than the usual brands in the market... The savings go a long way.. at least we can use the savings for something else.. and the best thing by far, is that, you do not get to replace bulbs every so often.. Another bonus, don't you think so?

This trusted brand gives my father lots of security when it comes to lighting needs. It is not only economical, it is also safe.. I have seen the seal of guarantee. So I think it is not at all "made in China", as they are durable lol.. Kidding aside, I think they are indeed amazing products that are worthy of notice..

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Postponed

Our trip to Camiguin was canceled, actually postponed since our hostess came here in CDO. We went to visit relatives in Butuan and had our historical tour, me and Lili. We would not have come home if not for the call I received that I should update my portfolio for teacher's ranking, which I did. So I finished everything yesterday, after having told that I need not take the examinations and interview again.. Now I look forward not to have Kitty Hawk vacation rentals, as there are none when we go to Camiguin. Well, next week anyway.. My aunt and cousins will be going there too. We may go back to Butuan together with our parents should they push through with the intended trip, but definitely, our next stop would be Camiguin..

With the postponement of my sister's graduation, I do not know if the trip to Butuan will be postponed as well..

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Gifts

With prices going up, I wonder if people who smoke will still buy expensive cigars, Acid cigars or those Brazilian Cigars...Surely, if one can afford to buy these things, then they will surely buy. But if it's already too much for the budget, then I wonder if they will still buy..  For sure, important personalities can still afford to smoke them as some of them are given as gifts. It is usually expensive wines and cigars that are given to important people. Although some would normally buy for themselves to offer their guests when they do parties and such.. 

As for me, I will be left with no idea as to its alternative should I give someone of high stature.. Wine will always be a choice, but as to the kind, it will still depend on what the receiver will prefer.. So in the aspect of gift giving, it is always a good idea to get to know the receiver before giving the gift..

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How To Avoid Pimples

Do you know how to get rid of pimples? If you ask me, I do not. Simply because I have not had a serious case of pimples, thank God. But I have friends who have been having said problems, and their only solution is to visit the dermatologist.What I know though, is how to avoid having pimples. 

If you are interested, they are as follows:

1.) Do not eat foods that are too oily. Although, I read in some materials that this is not at all true. But hey, it works for me.. 

2.) Do not stay up late. Although, I can not vouch for this, since I sleep really late, but I read from a lot of other people's experiences that it does wonders to the face and skin.. Of course..

3.) Always wash your hands before touching your face and skin.. Dirty hands will most likely be the culprit to having pimples.. 

4.) Lastly, at the occurrence of simple bumps, do not prick them.. Wash more often and take in lots of fluids.. Vitamin E will give an advantage..

That's about it.. If you have other tips, do tell me, okay?

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Drugs and Other Vices

Graduation programs are everywhere. New graduates everywhere too. From pre-school to college, even to specialized classes and so on and so forth.. We are drowned with newly graduates here in the Philippines. Well, it may be a good thing as educating the young is better than sending them for Colorado alcohol treatment or a drug rehabilitation facility. But of course, when they take up medical degrees and graduate and become professionals, there is a great chance that they will be employed at the Colorado alcohol treatment center.. If  I am the parent, I would prefer the latter than being admitted for alcohol treatment Colorado in a rehabilitation facility.. Medical professionals are slowly becoming extinct in our communities.. most of the good ones are migrating..

No parent would allow their kids to become a problem in society, or even a struggle for the family. But sometimes, it happens. Drugs and other vices can be avoided should there be proper guidance from the parents all others in the community.. It is an obligation for every one, not just the parents..  If we all can work together for the good of the youth in our communities, then we can live in a better and safer environment, free of addicts and criminals..

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The Best Birthday Present.. Thanks Lili..

The best birthday gift, as always..

My little girl of 5 graduated with Academic Excellence... Rewarding, fulfilling, whatever you describe it, it just makes me a happy mommy.. 

Lili's gift, as what she says, makes mommy strive harder for she will soon be in Grade 1.. a much bigger, tougher challenge for her to go through.. and i have to make sure I will be there every step of the way.. 

But for now, we are going away for the summer..

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A Must!

I always believe that students should learn something in every deal, be it in a class or on one on one study or otherwise known as tutorials.. And in terms of term paper writing, my stand is always the fact that students should never buy a term paper... Of course! Buying a term paper would mean like cheating.. But of course, if we do not allow our students to do that, we must insist to help writing term paper but NOT to directly write them..

The student need to undergo what every researcher should go through, for each phase teaches a valuable lesson for every one who undergoes them.. If one did not do any work on his or her paper, it will still backfire later on, especially during the time for the defense. Obviously, one who does not know anything about the paper will be found out, and worst, could lose whatever valuable he or she has in the academe.. 

So as early as now, I am emphasizing to Lili the value of hard work.. True, there are materials that can make lifde easy, but they can also make life boring.. and less of a challenge and the enjoy successes over them is totally lost... 

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Yay..

My sister and I went shopping for clothes and shoes this morning.. Well, we were supposed to buy shoes only but we saw lovely dresses and blouses on sale-- 50% off! So we ended up buying three blouses each.. And I thought there were also wholesale designer handbags on sale, but when we got near the items on display, they were just imitations and well, not really good looking.. I wish boutiques at the malls would also sell wholesale western handbags as wholesale is cheaper and more affordable compared to a per item buy.. Of course, I no longer expect wholesale western jewelry to be sold at the malls.. Of course, they have to set standard prices as their rent is something they need to make sure would fall in place every month..

Anyway, enough of that.. I am so excited about the shoes I bought. It matched perfectly, the new blouses I bought, including the one I wore during Lili's graduation..  so the new pair truly are a pair made in heaven.. 

Hey, I always have problems fitting into shoes at the malls, but the one I bought truly has a remarkable fit--

Perfect!!!

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My Birthday Wish

I wish for PEACE! Yes, that is my birthday wish. But of course, if someone will give me a Sferra collection, I will definitely accept with open arms, hahahha.. well, anything given with love is quite an amazing gift.. It's always the thought that counts. Besides, even if I wont be given a thing, for as long as I am remembered is flattering enough. 

Last year, I wanted to celebrate my birthday, though late, with select people, so I told them that I am donating an amount for a get together. Well, that is not supposed to be the entire amount for the get together, just an addition for the get together expenses--- It would have been a fun summer for us.. But then, our planned day arrived, and I am not able to go because the window frame at the orange house collapsed and needed fixing. My house-help went home to give birth days before that, so it was just me and Lili left. The workers I hired didn't arrive until three days after that day, and I could not leave the place as robbery at that time was rampant in our place. In short, it didn't push through. It could have, if they wanted to push through with the plans.. And because it didn't push through, I invested the money (I didn't give the money because only 4 people will enjoy it,and FYI: the four of them didn't greet me on my birthday--- silly grin** ), which earned some interest. Lucky me..

Anyway, this year, I have planned to use the money for something worthwhile.. 

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Thank God They're Safe...

The 8.9 intensity of earthquake that hit Japan may have destroyed a lot of properties and curtailed communication through the phone lines, but it has not cut off communication online. As a matter of fact, Conference call services of Skype and all others have become the medium for communication of relatives and friends between Japan and all other countries worldwide.

Thank God for the Internet! At least mothers and fathers who have spoken with their kids can now feel better. And I am most thankful that friends and relatives are safe. I hope everyone else will be safe as well. Of course, we have also monitored the tsunami warnings given.. and now, it was reported that alert was lifted..

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Pink Friday #2

My second attempt at this meme.. Hope I can keep this up.. 

This was the cake and ice cream that my mom's office mates enjoyed last year, on her birthday while they worked at the office..  Actually, it was a surprise that truly touched my mom.. Well, she was busy last year with Lili's and River's K 1 closing activities-- we all were.. And speaking of her birthday, well, we are thinking of a way to surprise her too.. Next week that is..

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Green Monday #1

My first entry for Green Monday (late post)...

My parents and aunts posing on a Christmas Tree at one of the busiest streets in Singapore.. followed by this one below:

Then at the airport before take off..

And finally, after check in, posing with the Magician who gave us lots of lollipops..and a FREE magic show:

That's their last day in Singapore..

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Would You Study Nursing Online?

How many here would agree that Nursing as a course should be stopped or put on hold until all Philippine nurses have work after graduation and passing the board exams? I mean, yeah, there are tens and thousands of jobless nurses, even when they have already passed the Nursing Licensure Examinations. But outside the Philippines, I just found out that bsn online is offered. Which is quite unbelievable because when one is enrolled in nursing, one will undergo hands-on training, and return demos, that will be given much weight to pass the nursing course. But then again, maybe, bsn online has another method of learning the course. Maybe they will also have online return demos.. That I need to investigate, as I do not have much input about that..

Anyway, I think the government should look into this, including the education degree as there are also lots of jobless teachers... 

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Are You Ready for the Wedding Season?

June is almost here.. I am sure many will be buying Wedding Bands or even Engagement Rings as early as now.. Well, if you are one of the many who are are looking, 25karats.com is a good place to start your search. So far, they have a great 2011 wedding bands collection ready for the Wedding season in June.. I heard that people who have been married for some time also buy Anniversary Rings from them.

Aside from jewelry shops and jewelry makers, I am sure caterers, make up artists and hairdressers shall also be busy during the wedding season. So will the photography artists.. And of course, wedding coordinators who happens to make sure the bride and groom will enjoy their wedding, hassle free...

Now, if you are the bride or the groom, are you ready for your big day? Because that is the most important question of all.. Are you ready to be married and eventually become parents? are you financially equipped to do that? Psychologically, are you prepared? It's not a game that entails simple play-- it's a lifetime and a commitment.. Are you ready for that journey?

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Goodluck

We just met our neighbor from the oldest place we lived in here in Cagayan de Oro City at Facebook. Actually, I saw him and his sister at a group site and added them. Then he and my parents were then connected as friends. After that, the chatting continued. It was as if they never left the city. It was as if they are still our neighbors. I learned from them that the US economy is still not at its best, and they in Texas, are anti-Obama because of that. I also learned about shari's coupon online as they are really useful but of course, they are not dependent on those as they have jobs. But for most people who do not, coupons really do wonders..

I wonder why so many people still want to go to the US when there are other countries to go to.. The American dream never really dies--- well, I hope everyone will find what they are looking for in this lifetime.. regardless which continent they explore.

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Congratulations..

My sister is about to graduate from Nursing this month. Well, I am happy for her. She is now getting ready for everything to come. But I think she will be missing hospital rounds and wearing her uniform. Or doing the charts of her patients or bumping into medical carts or simply the usual activities that they have had.. After all, after graduation, it will be a different set of activities to do.

I do not know if she will pursue a hospital job after she passes her licensure examinations, or teach. Well, she told me she misses teaching.. as she is after all a licensed teacher too.. Well, anyway, everything will work out fine.. I am just happy she is going to graduate at this second course.. 

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Date Some

Valentines Day has come and gone, still there are people who feel the spirit of Valentines Day every day of their lives mainly because they are with their loved ones. But for those who are until now, loveless, the free online dating has become a great consolation. Well, not only will it give the Chance to meet Mr. right or miss perfect, but will also give many a chance to discover great friendships and even business partnership.

Well, that's what happened to a friend of mine who is forever grateful for online dating sites.. She did not marry, but she gained an avid fan of her foodies. A consistent good paying customer he had become.. 

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Right?

I saw this really beautiful Korean movie about a mother who was dying of cancer. Well, she prepared everything for her daughter before she died. From the minute details to the child's wedding in the future. In fact, she designed and sew her own daughter's wedding dress, prepared all her insurance papers and her daughter's future claims. She was so worried but then, she had her brother and sister-in-law who cares for them both. So when she died, everything was okay..

A lot of my friends have convinced me to buy guaranteed acceptance life insurance, but what I am not convinced at is where to buy or get it. It seems that there are lots of insurance companies sprouting every where.. Hmm.. Got to decide sooner.. Not that I am about to die, but hey, it's the most practical thing to do: to be prepared. Right?

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Pink Friday #1

This is my first entry for Pink Friday, and on the photo is Lili holding her  kid doctor Barbie I bought on sale in Malaysia.. This is her latest addition for her Barbie collection.. and another one is going to be added come K2 graduation ..

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Crazed Over Cinderella's Sister..

Yeah, I have been crazy about this Korean soap opera entitled Cinderella's Sister (Step Sister) which is now adapted in Philippine television after its success all over Asia last year.. I just love how the story is winding.. and tonight, I decided to look for save videos online and gladly found many at You Tube.. I just love all sound tracks used.

Below is some of them:

Zaren, as how the Philippine adaptation called the female main character, is always running away from her brokenness. She had been having issues on trust and mistrust, and well, who could blame her? She grew up with a very painful, not so happy, frustrating childhood, brought about by her very ambitious mother, who ended up marrying the father of Brianna, the second female character. Then there's Timothy, the guy who Brianna is in love with, but remains to be in love with Zaren.. And of course, William, the little brother of Zaren, son of her mother's ex-live in partner, the drunkard who they run away from, which led them eventually to meet with Brianna's father and well, ended in the marriage of Brianna's father, David, and Zaren's mom.. The story is quite complex, but I love every scene..

Anyway, what I am amused about is how William has transformed after eight years. From a chubby kid to macho guy. I wonder, if the story is ever real, did William ever use wrestling singlets to transform his body?

Here's my favorite video:



And of course, the finale, which made me cry... I so love this Koreanovela..



Anyway, I will still continue to watch the Philippine adaptation...

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Have You Heard Of Cornwall and its beautiful cottages?

Visiting the UK has always been one of my dreams and when I finally managed to save up enough to buy a plane ticket I was the happiest person in the world. Since I was a kid, England had always been into my life one way or another; the kings and queens, the princesses, its castles, its naval fleet . And then the dominance of the English language as one of the most widely spoken in the world.

During my visit I was lucky enough to visit so many great places of tourist interested, predominantly in London as one would expect. All those typical landmarks of aspiring architecture such as the houses of parliament at Westminster, the Big Ben, the majestic London Castle - all were looking incredibly real! However, all that was pretty much expected but what I wasn't expecting was to fall in love with other not so well-known parts of the country.

One of my English friends asked me one day whether I was tired of strolling around London's busy roads and squares and he offered to drive me to his homeland, somewhere in the remote county of Cornwall. I certainly agreed even though I have to admit that I wasn't expecting much out of that three-day trip. After a six hour drive from London, the whole surrounding changed completely; green, lush hills were surrounding us while the cliffs by the sea were looking so dramatic. When we arrived in Penzance it was clear that we had just arrived to a special place with different architecture and up to a certain degree, people.

I didn't know that Cornish people used to have their own language and I found it sad that they lost it because of the dominance of the English language. When we arrived a my friend's place somewhere in the country side I couldn't believe in my eyes. It was a typical place that I thought would only exist in the fairy tales but apparently cottages are typical stone-built dwellings in the South West of England, still used to be inhabited by people. I later found out that Cornwall holiday cottages were popular among British family holidaymakers.

My time in Cornwall was definitely unforgettable and I enjoyed every single minute in beautiful towns such as St Ives, Penzance. Marazion with the impressive St Michaels Mount castle. I feel blessed to have experienced so many Cornwall highlights during just three days. The county is rather small but very scenic and every few minutes you feel you are in a different place. So, England is not just about London and its countryside is equally beautiful and definitely worth a long visit.

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It's On The News..

Well, all I can say is that, I never ask to be paid for a good review.. I do not even write a review, but simply blog about what I have experienced.. and most of the food featured here are bought or prepared by thy hands, or given by relatives and friends.. My take on the issue of the BIG BAD BLOGGER is actually more about competition between journalism and citizens journalism. It's just a scenario that may have been blown up a bit to stress a point..

Still the same, this issue will not stop me and my fellow bloggers to blog about what we feel, think and experienced.. And for the record, we may accept paid posts, but they are from legitimate companies abroad like Payu2blog, IZEA, Microworkers, Loud Launch, Sponsored Reviews and many others..  Usually for text linking, more or less..

If there is a company that I blog about, and it is darn negative, it may be because I, as a customer, was not treated properly... We all deserve the value we pay for our hard earned money.. Don't you agree?

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