Music To My Ears: Rocketeer

The kids are still sleeping on this summery Wednesday morning, I'm all by myself preparing breakfast...I just love it when I start my day with some music... listen to the beat of the Far East Movement and have a great day ahead!

Here we go, come with me 

There's a world out there that we should see 

Take my hand, close your eyes 

With you right here, I'm a rocketeer

Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go Up, up here we go, go 

Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go 

Where we stop nobody knows, knows

Where we goin' we don't need roads, roads 

And where we stop nobody knows, knows 

To the stars if you really want it 

Got, got a jetpack with your name on it 

Above the clouds in the atmosphere, phere 

Just say the words and we outta here, outta here

Hold my hand if you feeling scared, scared 

We flying up, up outta here

Here we go, come with me 

There's a world out there that we should see 

Take my hand, close your eyes 

With you right here, I'm a rocketeer,

Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go Up, up here we go, go 

Let's fly... Up, up here we go, go, 

Where we stop nobody knows, knows

Baby, we can stay fly like a G6 

Shop the streets of Tokyo, get you fly kicks 

Girl you always on my mind, got my head up in the sky 

And I'm never looking down feeling priceless, yeah 

Where we at, only few have known Go on the next level, 

Super Mario I hope this works out, Cardio 'Til then let's fly, Geronimo

Here we go, come with me 

There's a world out there that we should see 

Take my hand, close your eyes 

With you right here, I'm a rocketeer

Nah, I never been in space before 

But I never seen a face like yours 

You make me feel like I could touch the planets 

You want the moon, girl watch me grab it 

See I ain't never seen the stars this close 

You got me struck by the way you glow 

I'm like, oh, oh, oh, oh I'm like, oh, oh, oh, oh

Here we go, come with me 

There's a world out there that we should see 

Take my hand, close your eyes 

With you right here, I'm a rocketeer

 [ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/rocketeer-lyrics-far-east-movement.html ]

Me Time Is Nail Time

Me Time is very seldom for the past months. I greatly consider any small situation spent by myself and one of them is painting my nails.

Chosen shade for the week: Bobbie's Premium Glaze Terracotta

Glaze Terracotta is the combination of the shades I often use. The color in- between red, brown and bronze. To make the reddish part come out, I tweaked with it a little and had 3 applications. Don't worry, even 2 coatings isn't enough with the light texture of the nail polish.

I like red for my nails. You will never go wrong with any shade of red. The glazy part made it more captivating, and it dries faster and it's easier to apply. The color is perfect for summer. Please bear with the nails though, I keep it short for my babies :D

Have A Great Day!

Braided

Ever since I've grown my hair long again, one hairstyle I've been loving to wear especially on a hot day is braided. Braided hair isn't really damaging as long as you handle your strands lightly. A couple of months ago, I shared that I wanted a permed hair. I grabbed the inspiration for a permed hair when I saw the results after untangling my braided hair once, it was so nice.  It made me look different, like far different from having a straight hair.

Going back to perming. After having my hair assessed by 3 salons, I found out that with the length I have, it will most likely cost me 6K-9K with digital perming. The price alone, made me hold the decision to have my hair permed and will just go braided.

Last night, I went through braiding tutorials on Youtube. I got the tip from my sister Les who's very good at braiding and doing her own hairstyle.

1. Waterfall Braid

This waterfall braid I followed was from the bangs area. The result was really nice. It was very neat to look at, chic and it can be worn to formal events.

2. Fishtail Braid

I like the Fishtail Braid because it's really extraordinary to look at. I often see celebrities wear this kind of braid. The Fishtail like any other braid, can fit both casual and formal occasions. The results in my photo above didn't get the exact look from the tutorial, thicker bundles of hair were used. But I saw the difference from a regular braid. I love it!

With several other options to consider to get a different look on an ordinary day and aside from spending $200 just for a hair treatment, I look at braiding as a great choice for all seasons.  Summer is here, it's perfect to make us ladies look fresh.

Much Needed Short Break

Let me put it this way, speaking of the word "much" March is going to be a busy month for me and my family. It already started last week that's why I wasn't able to make posts and even declined ads. Summer is here, we're preparing for activities with friends and families and of course, I find it healthy to skip a bit of what I do regularly. Blogging is an interest of mine that I consider as the most flexible. So far, it has been a smooth year for me in the blogosphere. Meaning: less pressure. Usually, I make it a point to post something at least once a day. Now, whenever I feel like it, that's the time I start doing something with my websites. 

Going back,  the 3rd month of the year is going to be spent with friends. Aside from our summer prep, we've been onto something big for the family. It's going to be huge and  definitely, a very exciting one. I will be dedicating my time for the next 2 months with my family and friends. 

Personally, I also have something for myself too. Can't wait for my much awaited make-over.

Dial A Massage

Our new location may not be accessible to public transport but I can still say that everything we need is just around the corner. Today, my husband and I called for a massage. We all know what this means. They call it Phone- A- Massage. Health and Fitness Articles has been very particular when it comes to physical and health awareness. Believe me, regular spa visits and massages enriches not only the body, but also the mind.

Here are some benefits from Massage Therapy:

Helps relieve stress and aids relaxation
Promotes deeper and easier breathing
Strengthens the immune system
Improves circulation of blood and movement of lymph fluids
Reduces blood pressure
Reduces muscle spasms
-source-

Now, a good spa treatment is just a dial away. The location is across our subdivision. They will bring the Spa to the very comforts of your own home. Regular pampering helps you be in your best mood ever. With a relaxed body and an open mind, it will make work easier to deal with, makes it get rid of stress, it makes you sleep well and eat well. My husband and I would often go Spas located in a mall. It's a bit pricey that's why we're very happy to discover Phone- A- Massage. We pay half the price for 1 hour of Swedish Massage. They have 3 branches: Makati (South Super Hi-way), Quezon City  and Paranque. They also offer other home services such as: Body scrub, Foot Scrub, manicure and pedicure and more!

I recommend regular massages not only when you're stressed out or you feel some body pain. Massages on a regular basis makes you be in control when it comes to acquiring stress. It may be a form of prevention from getting too tired.

A Short Getaway

Hey everyone! Its been a long time since my last post. I took a time out and went on a short vacation on blogging. I must admit, since my son started going to school, everything changed. From our line of priorities, time management, load of work. It has been hectic not hard. As you may have noticed, I don't post that much or make drops like before. I sure do miss doing my regular online. But that thought brought good news too. I found out that I can still survive without checking my blogs in a day.

With all the load of plans, and school at hand. I immediately went on a short out of the town trip with my parents. I arranged this trip with my mom. Yup! welcome to the housewives club! She felt that she needed a little getaway too.

Seeking for my Dad's help, (who was our only hope to drive for us), we were blessed that his schedule was open. Plus, a long weekend was ahead of us.

Our short vacation started with a mass at the Carmel Shrine in Lipa Batangas. Few of you might have known that I am a devotee of the Miraculous Mediatrix of All Grace of Lipa.
Since I started hearing mass in Lipa, my spirituality was renewed to something better. And it just keeps on coming. It brings me inner peace all the time. (a different post to follow)

Later, we went to look for some beaches. We would usually go to Laiya, Batangas. But this year, we wanted something different. We landed in Sariaya Quezon.
The waves are bigger and stronger in Quezon. The beach was very clean. Its another 1 hour drive from Batangas. With good roads and some green scenery, you will never notice the long drive.
It was perfect to just sit around, enjoy our lunch and go on a stroll by the beach. It was the moment for some "me time". My dad took over watching my son. I went along walked by myself taking pictures.
Good life is indeed spent without spending too much money. This simple trip, is enough for me. I got rejuvenated. City life is very stressful even if I don't do regular work.It feels so weird to wear shorts and jacket at the beach.

Smiley Face

note: We are in the wet season. And currently experiencing some rain with gusty winds. That explains why the beach is empty.

Wet or dry, it doesn't really matter here in the Philippines. Have an awesome week everyone!

Blog hopping will officially start next week. I still want to continue rejuvenating by taking things one step at a time.
I do appreciate the visits and lovely messages you guys leave. Hugs!

Photo Here, Photo There, Photos Everywhere

Let me clear that I am doing this as a hobby. As promised here is the entry from my picturesque weekend. The photo shoot was a sudden activity. Saturday morning, I went to my hometown to do some things for my mom. Went to DFA'a satellite office with them to help them get their passports. While waiting, my sister and I talked about headshots, facebook, multiply and the likes. I got excited and asked if they want to take pictures that very same day too. And so we went on with the plan called my cousin Soqui. We ordered a bucket from KFC, enjoyed a fantastic dinner and talked about stuff. It was like a slumber party. My cousin Jordon, who is a make-up artist was suppose to join us too. But he had an activity prior to our invitation, so we ended up doing our own faces.

My Mom actually lent us her new set of make-ups. I really didn't have anything. So thanks mommy!

Photo shoots for me is a fun activity. Its playing around with the camera. Only, the camera is bigger and has better features. We coached each other on the poses and copied some from a magazine. It was very fulfilling to be able to get great pictures. If not great, shots beyond the usual.

In our guestroom, I turned on the AC and I assembled my set (as if I have the real photo set-up) just some lamps, and my reliable black back-drop. Black makes the subject stand out that's why I love it. But don't worry, I do have intentions of using lighter backgrounds, natural light and more props. I started with my sister Ella.
As we all know, she's my favorite subject. There were daring shots. I'm talking about half-naked pictures (see my FB if you're my contact). It turned out nice, but since blogspot is an open network, I decided not post everything.

-My sister Les-

She was the hardest to capture. She has braces! She's not really the only one, we both don't know how to strike a pose.

 It will take hundreds of test shots for us to be able to nail a pose and a smile. Over-all, the pretty girl with braces was able to find her forte.

And finally, SOQUI. We all knew her from my last set of portraits.
If you noticed everyone was wearing their t-shirts. We totally forgot to change to our intended clothing. But I liked the color of Soqui's shirt. Its the face not the shirt. There was something I didn't like that night though... I got fewer shots compared to the first batches. I was really tired from a full day of activites. While shooting the last person, my eyes got all watery and blurry, I couldn't see clearly through the viewfinder. It was really bad. I could have gotten more. I apologize to my sister Les, for not being able to give my 100%. With this empty space that made me feel incomplete, I asked my dad to accompany me to go on location for another shoot. I will take my time, have fun, and be 100% ready.

It still brought a great feeling. I was able to bond with my cousin and sisters, we enjoyed laughing making-fun of each other's poses. It was awesome. And thank you to my blogmates who gave such wonderful comments on Facebook (you know who you are).

Self-Awareness

I am officially going to start posting affirmations every Monday. Defeating that Monday blues, let my weekly affirmation help brighten you up as you begin a new journey every week. Posting affirmations helped me cope greatly throughout my week. Battling- off stress and unnecessary emotions that tends to keep a person down. Last week, I was down with colds and flu. I can't barely talk. With this, I was still doing everything by myself from taking my son to and from school, chores, trying my very best to prepare good food, and keeping a light disposition. I've become aware on new things as a mother. Even if you're sick, you just can't sit and watch, or lay down and let the day pass without doing anything for the family. It makes us "as the light of the family" feel incomplete. On the other hand, resting and taking care of oneself is also essential in order to provide a healthy day. Being fully aware of our needs as an individual, helps maintain a good relationship with the family and it makes you glow.

Aside from family life, there are more things that inspire me everyday. 3 other reasons that makes me whole as a person.

Being a food lover. Kitchen has always been part of the family tree. Coming from a clan of Kapampangans, I learned to love the kitchen through my Mother and Grandmother. Cooking is an easy thing to do, almost everyone can cook. We become unique, with the flavors we make and the recipes we concoct.

The only passion I keep for myself right now is creating notes online. It makes my mind stay active and for the past 2 years, it slowly brought out a new person. I never knew that I'll be able to create stories and various articles. I was never a writer at heart, I never even liked reading books. I was just an ordinary girl next door.

I keep blogging as a form of outlet. As of the moment, I take time and on a slower pace, making room for one more hobby.

Photography. I am now loving it. As a contributing factor on being self-aware, I am opening myself fully to this new interest. I still don't have the time though. For now, all I can do is to equip myself with readings and join forums online to be more knowlegeable. I am very particular with Potraiture. As I was going through some readings in National Bookstore, I was happy to find out that I am moving on the right path.

Portrait photography is just so fascinating. I get to study the face of the subject, develop a close relationship with the person, and become more creative that will help enhance my skills. This book gave justice why I needed a DSLR.

SLRs gives more professional results and because of its cost, size, and speed of use, it is the choice of many. You can change lenses for different effects. Ultimately, you have greater creative control. I don't have the skills yet (how I wish I do) and the proper knowledge. I only own a basic camera kit. And I'm not saying I am good at it. But that doesn't also mean its not possible to be able to take great shots.

my sister ella (taken at the La Mesa Ecopark)

This is an opportunity for me to grow and develop more as a person. Thinking on justifying the right gadget or not, it brought me second thoughts on committing on this field. Scared to fit in the world of Photography. Another realization though, if it is really your heart's desire, just go for it! Regardless of what people might think. Take criticism as a healthy option. By the way, constructive criticism and unsolicited advices are truly different from each other. Don't listen to those who gives discouraging words. People tend to act as if "they know it all" just because they were there first, they had it first or because they studied about it. We become experts through constant learning. And learning is gained 'til forever.

Later, I plan to enroll and study Photography. I think that's the best time to invest on a new cam.

0o0o

When you look back at your life, will you remember the journey?Conscious living is about taking the time for yourself to think about and choose the life you want. It is about understanding and changing any negative thoughts, patterns and behaviours we may have.-source-

Me Time: The Family Man

Tuesday Night was another chance for some Me Time again. My husband was still at work, my son slept early, a good meal of Pork Afritada, Corn Kernels, Hot Jasmine Rice and The Family Man waiting for me to start.

I went through old piles of original VCDs the other day. Boy we had a lot. Since Dvds costs so much then, VCDs were the next best thing..

Same picture to be shown, not as clear unlike with a DVD and it goes with the trouble of changing the disc after the other. I didn't mind, I was caught between watching Blast From The Past or The Family Man. Clearly both Family movies are great, might as well go with the more serious one first.

The Family Man was shown in 2000. It was one of the nicest movies of Nicolas Cage. Jack Campbell, a successful businessman, was happily living his life. Single, rich, successful, what will a man want on Christmas Eve/Day, but to nail a big time deal as Christmas gift for himself. Christmas night, he decided to take a walk home.
Passed by a shop for some eggnogs, encountered a life changing experience that led him waking up with a new life the following day.

He's married to Kate, lives in New Jersey and has two kids. Kate played by Téa Leoni was the old girlfriend whom he left for London. Kate wanted a normal life with Jack, but he chose a different path that ended their sweet relationship.

Jack was having a hard time understanding the glimpse of his life as a Family Man. Part of it, he was trying to get back his Luxurious life as a single person, which he worked for 13 years. As he went through discovering Family Life, he learned a lot of things. The value of relationships, the happiness that a Family can give that Money can't provide, and of course, the unconditional love.

I was thinking of my husband the whole time while watching the movie. I am grateful for the life I have now. With my family...
This was a great movie. I'm buying the DVD :D