Color Child

Aside from cooking and baking, one of my past times is some fun time with coloring books. Coloring has always been there since I was a kid. My mom loves to color and it's one of the things I shared with her and inspired me to join Art Club in school. Through the years, both me and my mom has been buying coloring books even if its more for kids.

So when the adult coloring books came out, we got really excited. I mean, this time, the drawings are more for our age. I like floral patterns more than anything else, but I still opted to get the coloring book which has all the patterns. I saw several themed adult coloring books, but the drawings didn't really catch my attention. If not too small, there was just too much going on.

There are several adult coloring books being sold in almost every bookstore and gift shop. Most of them costs from 350- 500php. But when I went to the SM Store, I found a bunch for just 150php each. Let's see... same patterns, the size is just right, not too big, not too small. A book contains several drawings from florals, mandalas, animals and random patterns... why not, feels like I hit the jackpot!

Whatever coloring book you're using, the important thing in this whole experience is to meet the purpose. Coloring has become a therapeutic thing for me. It relaxes and gives me a chance to become a kid again even by heart. I found a coloring material fit for my age, but it doesn't mean I'll let go of the old- fashioned kid's coloring book.

This is my 5th floral pattern: I call it the "flower child with a rock n' roll soul"--- I got the caption online, which also inspired the title for this post. My husband told me that it reminds him of a Jimi Hendrix concert.

24 Maped Color'Peps 185php

2's Awesome!

Just this Saturday, 4 things in 2 sets came by surprise. 

1. A dvd box set of 28 Days and 28 Weeks Later. I have been looking for this set for a very long time. Finally, I was able to find one, and if I didn't ask the sales lady, I will never know. It was the only copy left on the shelf, so I think it was really meant for me. These 2 Zombie movies are my favorites among the long line of Zombie flicks made. The thrill, the unexpected surprises, the zombie attacks, stories of different individuals working together and against each other... it was just too good.

2. Feeling all sluggish and lazy this morning, the 2 Blackberries I saw on my computer table woke me up. My husband started using a Blackberry when he moved to a different company 2 years ago. He was required to own one, so he got his first Blackberry then.  The other one? Hmmm... What do you think? As always, one of those is the old BB of  my husband. This is what I'm talking about they just come. The other one may not be as new , but with proper care, still looks good. Let's just put it this way, I'm officially carrying 3 cellphones in my bag right now.  My Sony Ericsson P990i, my tiny Nokia from SMART (which I got recently) and now a BlackBerry® Curve™ 8320. Honestly, I don't need it, but in times like these... WHO CARES!
Smiley Face

GT: I Love My Body

GT I'm back! It's been a long time that I didn't even know that it has a new host. Congrats Kaye for the new development. At this time of the day, I am pouring everything to have a "me break" so I am going to use it by sharing a blog about myself. As for my first entry for the month of July, I am going to share a photo that boosted my confidence to next level and that I became even more appreciative of what God has given me.

This photo was taken last June 26, 2010 in a Hotel- Observatory. A photo by a very good friend with the same interests in photography. These photographs are not edited, in came out from the camera's lcd in an instant, and yes ang galing! Talk about pure creativity. The photographer used another instrument for the angel wings.

Why this picture if you're going to ask. This was my first time when somebody actually asked me to model. Well, not really model MODEL like we see in the magazines. Usually, it is me who asks people to model for my portraits, so this is something new for me.

I may not look as good or pretty, fit or even dressed properly. But the experience was a confidence booster.  I even told my friend "Jon, make it work, I'm not good at this" :D

I maintained a very slim body when I was a teenager until I got married. After giving birth, I tried  bringing  my old body back. And to be honest, I struggled hard.  I guess it runs in the family ---inheriting  a big bod after giving birth, my mom's body acted the same. I struggled, I tried all options but I didn't get frustrated. I embraced it and adjusted. I have a different life right now. If I need to upgrade my size and wear bigger clothes then be it.

Like what Peachy shared in her GT entry, the most important thing is we have a healthy body. So girls, we are all unique both body and mind. Being happy plays a very big role on loving your physical.

Something New and Old I Like: My Mp3 Player

I practically have everything in terms of basic essentials when it comes to gadgets. Why am I sharing this?

1. Point Of View.  It helped me stop from going from one store to another. Through the years I was able to acquire all these essentials. At the same time, I got very satisfied that I don't have the urge to upgrade all the time.  It is always important for me to  stick to it's real function. For surfing the net and instant documenting, a laptop it is. Calls and Text, a cellphone. Pictures, camera. Videos, video camera. Music, an MP3 player. We all have our own preferences. Some wants an all-in-one machine, some wants to get whatever is new in the market, some as a collection, for the rest, one is enough.

2. Suddenly I need an upgrade.

3. Justification: If there's an upgrade I need...

That's for my old MP3 player. It's so small, and tiny (L2",W1") I have been using this MP3 (Creative Stone Plus) for almost 3 years now and still works  perfectly fine. At first, I was just thinking of getting new earphones (a super duper nice one). But then again, why not upgrade the whole set. My husband's been using Creative even before we started dating. I took after his choices. If we're going to talk about durability and function together, Creative has it. The other night, as we were browsing in an appliance shop, I was able to take a good look at Creative's latest product: The  Creative Zen X-Fi2.

-photo source-

The specifications are exactly what I'm looking for: an upgraded MP3 player nothing more, nothing less. It's like putting the functions of my old player to a bigger body with upgraded features, updated programs in a slick new look.

We were in the appliance center to buy new electric fans. We went to the Creative stall instead. By the way, it was a choice between the Creative MX and the X- Fi.

Great Finds: Summer!

I rarely share stuff on my latest finds on my blogs. But sharing on the personal side adds color to my site. Well, at least once in awhile, but not too much of it though.

This post has something different in it.

1. I found a pair of native slippers at KULTURA Mall of Asia for only php99. It is made out of "banig" I don't actually know if I'm describing it right. The slippers are very comfortable, the fit was perfect, considering that I didn't have the chance to try before I bought it. It's a great  pair in substitute for my Havaianas this summer.

2. It's very seldom I fall in love with the color purple. But I gotta make an exception. The size and the design of this Kenneth Cole bag are enough to convince a person to buy it. When I first saw it all I blurted out was: "gusto ko niyan!" ( i like it!)... 

The color is nice for summer.Perfect for roads trips, as a carry- on, mommy bag, school bag for the kids and even as a shopping bag. Just take it anywhere you go. All we need  now to complete the set is to go and take that dream vacation of ours ;)

3. I also bought a new pair of sunglasses. I always make it a point to have at least 2 pairs. When our car went under water  during Typhoon Ondoy, it ruined both my old sunglasses in the car compartment. Good thing my sister-in-law sent me a new pair. It's a very nice set actually.  To preserve it, I finally bought a second pair so the other one can rest. Now I have choices again. The price and the brand? Let's just put it this way, when it comes to protection, I spend.

Summer is one season when I consider to do some major shopping. Change of clothes to lighter ones, more colors to add, big bags, and nice slippers. All these (shopping) on different occasions and as needed only, and most probably stuff that I can still use all year long.

Tuesday STING

For one whole day or 2 I can listen to one song over and over again. May it be old or new, as long as it's part of my favorites list. Today (Tuesday) Sting kept me company.

Seven Days lyrics

"Seven Days" was all she wrote
A kind of ultimatum note
She gave to me, she gave to me
When I thought the field had cleared
It seems another suit appeared
To challenge me, woe is me
Though I hate to make a choice
My options are decreasing mostly rapidly
Well we'll see
I don't think she'd bluff this time
I really have to make her mine
It's plain to see
It's him or me

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday
If I make up my mind
Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind
Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait
But Sunday'd be too late
The fact that he's six feet ten
Might instill fear in other men
But not in me, The Mighty Flea
Ask if I am mouse or man
The mirror squeaked, away I ran
He'll murder me in time for his tea
Does it bother me at all
My rival is Neanderthal, it makes me think
Perhaps I need a drink
IQ is no problem here
We won't be playing Scrabble for her hand I fear
I need that beer

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday
If I make up my mind
Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind
Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait
But Sunday'd be too late

Seven days will quickly go
The fact remains, I love her so
Seven days, so many ways
But I can't run away

Monday, I could wait till Tuesday
If I make up my mind
Wednesday would be fine, Thursday's on my mind
Friday'd give me time, Saturday could wait
But Sunday'd be too late
Do I have to tell a story
Of a thousand rainy days since we first met
It's a big enough umbrella
But it's always me that ends up getting wet

A Colorful Start

December 30, 2009 My husband took us to Manila Ocean Park and had dinner at the famous Harbor View Restaurant.

Even our view of the harbor was already pretty colorful.

It was a relaxing night and our moment to talk into details of our goals for 2010. Very excited on what's waiting for us...

Last time we witnessed some fireworks on New Year's Eve was 2 years back, welcoming 2007. Opening our arms in welcoming 2008, we decided to stay indoors, but we made it super memorable with my father-in-law. And with 2009, it rained hard. Looking back at the events that made news this past year, the rain that poured welcoming the 2009 was a sign that a great trial will come for the whole community. But with faith and hope we're all able to stand up once again and were able to celebrate the holiday season.

We Filipinos, "we never give up, we never let anything stand in our way to spoil our precious moments".

It took 2 years for us to finally watch some colorful fireworks. We gladly accept whatever is in store in this brand new year and the start of a new decade. Watching the fireworks made us feel that the years to come are going to be delightful.

It was very timely...

• Was able to watch fireworks--- more fireworks welcoming 2010 compared to the past years

• New Year

• New Decade

• New Chapter

Rizal Fireworks

Quezon City Fireworks

We're going to take this colorful celebration as a good sign. When or How it's going to be a good year? We'll never know... It's up to us to look at things positively. It's up to us to make it work. Hopeful that it will result to something good.

On the other side of our New Year's Eve celebration...

Since this color symbolizes both good and bad, we decided to wear clothes that has a hint of it. Over-all, this color possesses good. According to Henry Dreyfus, it is popularly felt that red, the color of blood and fire, represents life and vitality. Red also signifies the color of the sun: a symbol of energy, radiating its vitalizing life-force into human beings.

Before and After ending 2009, my family and I spent quality time together. We went to places in the city which we haven't visited yet.

January 1, 2010 After spending New Years at my parent's house, we went up to Antipolo and took Franky for some sightseeing.

Overlooking Manila--- Leaonardo's Antipolo City
Another colorful sight.

Welcoming 2010 shed some light that no matter how colorful or dull life may be, staying positive is key to everything. It's the strong force to enjoy a new year and a decade for us to fill with fulfillments.

Playing Dress Up With My Favorite Toy

Photography is a very expensive hobby. A good lens may cost as much as buying a new and upgraded DSLR, & I wanted one for my birthday and for Christmas.

But since I still lack knowledge and the proper skills, somebody advised me to take lessons and join workshops first so I can improve.

Taking pictures has always been just a hobby for me. Later on, I saw both the serious and lighter side of it. It's not just a hobby that can open one door. It opens all doors and windows in the field. The wide range of opportunities in store... so why not get into it 100% right?

I will get to gain a lot. Like discovering new things, make new friends, enhancing creativity and imagination, learning from other people. At the same time, I already have the heart for it and I enjoy doing it, which settles everything by the way.
Finally, after contemplating for months, I decided to take Photography lessons before totally upgrading to a more specified set of tools for my photographic experience. Basic to Advanced. After finishing my Basic Photography workshop, that's the time I plan to get a good set of lenses and a speedlight of course. Immediately, I can proceed to Advanced Photography.

Thinking on how I will go about it kept my mind blocked from blogging. My mind was totally blank for the past weeks.

Anyway, yesterday I bought myself a new lens. Something that I can use so that my old one can rest.

50mm f/1.8II ( and for about 5 minutes I was imaging myself holding a Canon 50 mm f/1.2 L USM)

I'm after the aperture for this one. It's small, lighter and gives sharper images. It's a fixed lens, so I will be adjusting if we talk about range. I also bought a set of diffusers and a filter.

Orange diffuser

The whole week, I have been figuring out whether I should buy a super- duper nice lens, I ended up toying around. Meaning, adding a little color to the kit I presently have.

Blue Diffuser

A translucent diffuser was also included which softens flash light for a consistent tone. With one of the smallest DSLR at hand, a colorful set of diffusers and a cute new lens, my camera literally looks like a toy right now.

Girls Talk! My Favorite Shoes

The girls are buzzing again. This time, its about our favorite footwear.

Shoes... every girl's weakness. Don't tell me its not. To be honest, I am not a shoe person, but when I see something that I really like, I buy it and it stays with me forever.

Two of my first favorites are these:

Peep toes from Cathryn and Charlz (2 years old)

2 inches slip- on from Parisian (1 year old)
I like it with jeans.

For every pair there is a story. I was on the look for a different kind of flat shoes. I searched for about a month. I found several nice flats, but not as sophisticated looking as the one I bought from Cathryn and Charlz. I use it for both causal and formal. Dress, jeans, pants, shorts, skirt. It fits every outfit in my closet.

We all know that Parisian is from Shoe Mart. I got these shoes just for my Visa interview. I didn't have the time to go around and look anymore. And when it comes to these kind of situations, I go to SM. They always have the answer for my dilemmas. By the way, with all the rushing on the day of my interview, I ended up wearing the peep toes.
My Adidas, and its red!

4 years old with me

If I were to buy a new one, I will still choose red. Have this old one repaired and keep it. Lastly, let me share the oldest of them all. My Doc Martens. Offcially mine back in 1997.

12 years old

It was very hot when I was in high school. Every kid has it. A friend of mine bought hers from Hong Kong. That time, I own a very nice Benetton shoes (which was also very hot back then). She liked my Benetton, and I was dying to have a Doc Martens. She thought, since she owns more than one DMs she's happy to trade her boots for my Benetton. So that's how I got my first boots. I still use this by the way. Especially on a rainy day. Plus, I want it in white! (si Jandi kasi e...)

Wanna share your favorites? Go to: Girls Talk!

Let Me Be One Wth Nature Again

Every day I wake up and am grateful for all the good things that I have in my life. I am lucky to be alive and live in joy, peace and harmony.

-Noreen-
"Turn your wounds into wisdom"
-Oprah (submitted by Jacqueline Sato)-

Just The Two Of Us...

It's our moment for some Us Time...

A few beers, some real Filipino finger food and a good conversation... we're good!

My husband and I would always spend time together this way. Its like taking a big break from a week of work. Besides this is more fun than going out head for a bar. As a matter of fact, we're both done with that (the bar thing). We need to be more practical now.

Part of our Us Time would always be playing some computer games. Over the weekend, we've been occupied with Company of Heroes gold edition. Him using his Laptop, me using our PC.

Aside from enjoying a game, we would talk about family, long time friends old memories and future plans. We also like telling jokes to each other (both corny and funny)... This way, I feel that our relationship and bond will be tighter. Believe me, for every conversation we have, I keep on discovering new things about my other half... It's very nice... I love it! I love him!

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!

Red and Chic For 199

I just recently received a white Liz Claiborne purse from my aunt in NJ. I imagined that it would be cooler to have it in Red. I found one today. But not Liz Claiborne and a lot cheaper.
I don't really care much if the bag is cheap or what. As long as I am able to use it properly, the question on how long will it survive is out. Of course, a bag this simple should be loaded lightly. It's fashion for me. I can carry this around shopping, strolling and I can use this on a date with my husband. I have been attracted to red accessories eversince, red is just so attractive. Well, here I go again with my nothingness. Have a nice day!

I Badly Need A Watch

My Dad just recently bought a luxury watch for a very cheap price. I mean, when he went to the shop, its the only Rolex in the delicate glass stand. But doubts are there if its real or not. Watches ought to be of good quality and of great value. We all know that we will never get quality for a cheap price. I am all willing to pay extra for that so-called quality time.

It's been years since I had a nice watch. It was stolen together with my son's baby bag. What is it doing in a baby bag, if you might ask. Well, so precious, I had to remove it because we had to travel with our car windows open. As we went to have some snacks in a restaurant, I left the baby bag in the car, got whatever is just needed. When we got back, the car door was open and the bag was gone. I can't believe that the thief would even get a baby bag. Well, I guess he sensed that there's something important inside.

As I was surfing the net for possible sellers, I found http://www.bestoftime.com/. You know what, they exactly have the watch my Dad bought just a few weeks back. And its on sale. I would love to have one too if given the chance. And I want this Rolex.

Its like the Rolls- Royce of watches.

My Hair Got Axed!

First of all, I'm not really afraid to try any hairstyle. As a matter of fact I think I already tried almost everything. Not to the point of shaving my head.

From super short hair...

To having some bangs...

Over-all, my hair is happy if its long. It's easier to manage in a sense that you can do anything with it. Tie it back, tuck it behind your ears, it also looks good with some bangs, and most of all, women always look best with long hair flowing around their shoulders.

In 2007, I decided to cut my hair short. But my husband didn't really like it. He's used to seeing me with long hair. As requested, I grew my hair back since 2008 up to the present. My last visit to the salon (before today) was last December. I am determined to grow my hair right below the armpit area. I had plans of having it permed by the time it reaches that length.

Today, I went to David's Salon to have an inch taken off and to get my bangs back. To my disappointment, the hairstylist wasn't paying attention to what I am instructing him. He trimmed my hair shorter. Worst of all, he gave me layers. I hate layers for my hair. Its hard to manage. I thought he knew what I was telling him, he kept on answering yes, ok, yes. By the way, he is not my real stylist, that's why... My mom's stylist is also mine. But I can't find time to go all the way to my hometown just to have my hair trimmed.

The result was ok. Its something different, something new. Its way better than having a shorter hair (as seen above). But I had goals and plans. I have been growing my hair for 1 1/2 years now. Half of it got axed even before reaching the desired length. That's the disappointing part. I had to email this picture right away to my husband just to know his opinion. As long as he is happy with how I look. Everything is fine with me.

Keeping An Open Mind

My batteries are low today...I don't know when I'll charge back. I enjoyed a cool weekend with my family. We went shopping for my new jacket, enjoyed a pan of pizza and a wonderful movie. But it seems like my brain isn't cooperating well. I think I enjoyed our weekend too much (hehehe!). I want to describe how our weekend went (like the usual), but no words are popping out at least to start it.

I'm making this blog instead.

You know what made my weekend exciting? I found a store that sells the DSLR Protector that I intend to buy on Ebay. So yehey! Because I hate making transactions online. I didn't buy it yet because I didn't bring my camera. And I already bought so much in one day.
The jacket alone, ate all of my cash (but it was a worthy buy). Its the only clothing my closet lack.
And to keep the blues away the whole week, I plan to go on some "Me Time" this week. Get a haircut, buy that cam protector, buy another jacket and some new clothes for my son. If not, ah well, I'll just save.

Hopefully by Friday, I'll be able to get my hands on some blogging money too.
More yehey! yehey!yehey!
And keeping an open mind will still make me a contented person, in case none of my plans will push through. Spending quality time with my family is good. Like really good.
So there, I ended up posting my affirmation for the week .

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-

Tag and Tutorial---Reflexology

This tag is very timely. Thanks Mommy Jac of Mom’s Special Diary! I am now occupied with this book called Secrets of Reflexology. In connection with my recent post Stress Relief , this book serves as my guide on giving the perfect stress buster for my husband.

1. Collect the book that you have most handy

2. Turn to page 161

3. Find the 5th complete sentence

4. Cite the sentence on your blog

5. Pass it on to 5 other bloggers

The 5th sentence states: "In the winter, many people experience a form of depression caused by a lack of light".

I haven't experienced winter yet. We get same results with a gloomy, cloudy, rainy day. To continue---Therepies such as reflexology aid to the relaxation and improve well-being of a person.

I want to tag:

Shy of Simple Happy Life
Chris of The Mommy Journey
Mommy Seiko of Seikos Diary
Recel of Rare Ordinary Thoughts
Mommy Tetcha of Pensive Thoughts
Willa of A Life That Is Less Ordinary
Kikamz of Just About Anything

Stress Relief

Let me start my week with some affirmations. Since my husband and I got married, we never really had the chance to go on a vacation. If we plan, something more important always go in- between. It has been a goal every year to seek time to take a break.

I CAN HANDLE WHATEVER COMES
I CAN CREATE INNER PEACE

Last night I was just talking to my husband about stress. And the result of stress are showing lines and a dull glow on his face. I understand his concern. He is the only one working for the family. Since he started working, he literally never went on leave. We all have our limits. I think he reached his first. As we went with our conversation, we thought of other alternatives to make things a bit easy. Let's be realistic. Work pays high but it eats up a lot of your time. When it doesn't require so much of your service, it pay less.

Its only either of the 2...or you start a business for you to call the shots. So, we ended talking on going for a short break from our everyday tasks... we don't have to spend just to be able to say, "hey, we went on a vacation". Straying away from the usual is already big. Work off your mind, means good relaxation. Then the body reflects the good thoughts, it rejuvinates.
Over the weekend, we arranged a spa-like area in our home. We bought meditation music, scented candles and oils. We went on Youtube to watch some techniques on massaging. Its even better than the real spa, because we can go over more than an hour. :D

Try it! -photo-

I will do anything to make things easy for my husband. As a SAHM, a spa treatment is all I could ever give to make his system feel relaxed.

There are benefits behind this stressful story. My husband still wanted me to stay at home. We want to invest on a good business soon. We haven't thought of what kind, but definitely, we will be considering. Personally, I would prefer handling a business, than working. Our conversation helped tone down stress a bit for my husband.

Through stress/ challenges, we thought of new solutions, a new light--- putting up a business. we're able to have a healthy conversation, we seeked to understand each other and comfort each other.

I CAN SEE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AS CHALLENGES
CHALLENGES BRING OPPORTUNITIES

I Need Protection For My Cam

If there 's something on my wishlist for 2009, these are going to be it. A goal, that I'm hoping--- to reach before the end of this year...Hay...

One of the hassles carrying a big camera is bringing a big bag. If not, an extra bag just for it. Really, I didn't mind at first. Evetually, it became hard for my shoulders. I am talking about the smallest DSLR Canon had ever released. I can't imagine the more complex models (which are larger) and consider a tripod present. Apart from this dilemma, I also can't just leave my camera at home. This gadget has already found its spot on every outing we made. And to keep it light, I sorted out my personal bag, removed all unnecessary things in order to make room for my camera. The scenario--- I ended up carrying my camera around my shoulder and a small bag which I share with my son. I have an exposed camera with me... It could just bump into anything unnoticed, breaking the lense.

On Ebay $14

On our last visit at the Mall Of Asia, I saw a man carrying his DSLR covered with this camera protector (above). The material is "kinda" made out of foam, a very sturdy foam. It covered his camera and he carried his gadget swinging around his shoulders like he is not carrying anything at all. I thought, this could be the answer to my small situation.

A camera bag is essential when you're going to travel, change lenses or if it will take you the whole day out taking pictures. As for me, a basic, fully- charged cam and this protector will do.

0o0o

In a few months, my family and I are off to the beach again. This is an underwater protector for any Canon DSLR from Rebel XTi, XS, XSi, 500D. I am an underwater enthusiast. Last time we went to the beach, I went home frustrated. The underwater cam I brought had an expired date on it.

With this, it will give you all the fun taking pictures while on the beach and in the water. It will provide clear pictures without the thought that your cam might get destroyed.

On Ebay $120

Also perfect for capturing the lovely site of life from the world under...