Sunny Side Up!

Is "pretty" unholy?

2011-05-03T13:28:00.129+08:00

Someone who used to go to my church once told me that women shouldn't wear make-up--or even lipstick--to church. I was shocked.

In my Wordpress blog post "In the 'kikay' of the beholder," I wrote that looking well-put together is my way of honoring God as my Father. In his bestselling book "Your Best Life Now," Joel Osteen said that how we present ourselves in our personal appearance is not just a reflection of how we feel about ourselves. It is a direct reflection on God. I liked the way he drove home the point. As a father of two, he knows that if any of his kids would be seen looking unkempt, people would probably say "What kind of a father would let his kid go around like that?"

A final check before walking out the door

We serve a God who loves works-in-progress. It's as simple as that. Let's say you walk past a shabby garden, won't you feel bad that the owner doesn't even bother to prune the trees, pull out the weeds, and water the plants and flowers? Of course you'll feel terrible, because it's such a waste. You'll feel bad because we're called to take care of what we've been given. The same goes for our body and appearance.

As we work out to get healthy and toned, we're pruning trees of dead limbs. When we apply sunblock and moisturizer, we're protecting our skin like it's the softest, most fragile of petals. When we go for a wax... Nah! That's too graphic, not to mention a metaphor overkill.

You have to strike a balance, though. Ecclesiastes 7: 18 tells us to "avoid all extremes." I must admit that there's a very thin line dividing vanity and excellence. It all comes down to your motivation. A preacher once told me, "When confused about something, ask yourself this: 'Why do you do the things that you do?'" It's interesting that the best advice I've ever gotten so far is actually a question.

Does prettifying herself make a girl unholy? NO. What makes it unholy is what you're doing it for. In my case, I work with what I have, showing my appreciation to God by taking very good care of it, and more importantly, strive to be a better person each day. After all, Proverbs 31: 30 says, "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised."

All the single ladies... in alphabetical order, please

2011-05-02T13:36:00.029+08:00

Just came back from my cousin's wedding. They called the single ladies, uh, that's us, BY NAME for the bouquet toss. There were 5 of us. The number of single men for the garter toss? O-N-E. Grammar check. That's "man." Encouraging, huh? Statistics was never my best subject. LOL

No, I didn't catch the bouquet. When it's time, God himself will hand it over to me. Or through an angel disguised as a florist. Call me idealistic--delusional even--but I do believe that the truest, most fulfilling of relationships happen when God brings two individuals together. In the book "When God Writes Your Love Story: The Ultimate Approach to Guy/Girl Relationships," husband-and-wife team Eric and Leslie Ludy encourage singles to challenge the culture of sensuality-based relationships that often lead us feeling betrayed and empty once the romance is gone.

“I had dreamed of a perfect love story for my entire life. But somewhere in the midst of the endless cycle of temporary romances, my dreams had shattered.” How can I find a love worth waiting for?

The book dishes out Four Secrets to an Amazing Love Story. It emphasizes and teaches us how to have a Christ-centered approach to relationships. One of the top-selling Christian books, When God Writes Your Love Story also aims to help readers find direction, focus, and yes, passion. It's one read that will bring hope not just to singles, but even those in need of a second chance.

What's your bouquet toss story? Please comment and share your story. Or, get a copy of the book When God Writes Your Love Story RIGHT HERE.

More precious than rubies...

2011-04-26T14:50:00.002+08:00

As it turns out, I'm rather special!

Your Personality is the Rarest (INFJ)

Your personality type is introspective, principled, self critical, and sensitive.

Only about 2% of all people have your personality - including 3% of all women and around 1% of all men.
You are Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging.

How Rare Is Your Personality?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Disappointed much?

2011-04-20T14:19:00.002+08:00

You bet I am. I've been counting days 'til Lent, thinking I'd be contemplating the ironies of joy and suffering and meditating on my life choices on idyllic Aglicay Beach in Romblon. Around lunch time today, I found out that we'll have to postpone the trip. The reason, which I can't disclose, is quite valid, but still, it doesn't make disappointment much easier to handle.

Photo credit: aglicaybeachresort.com

My antidote? As Elle Woods used to say, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands. They just don't."

Elle Woods' famous Bend and Snap
Photo credit: The Purse Forum

So, I finally made good on my promise to try raqs sharqi all over again. Don't be too fazed. I'm only on a bellydancing fat burning program. The funny thing is... if it's called "bellydancing," how come it's my calf muscles hurting? Ow!

Does it work? I don't know just yet. I've tried this program out a couple of years ago, but I stopped too soon. I hope this time I'll be more consistent. Patience is a virtue. If interested, here's a DVD you might want to check out:

Hello, stranger!

2011-04-14T13:49:00.000+08:00

Long time no see.

It's been a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time.

I've been busy with lectures, exams, and finally, I managed to submit the students' grades at the university registrar ahead of the deadline. Summer's finally here!

Now, I can catch up on my blogging duties. *Fingers crossed* That's if I can take a break off Skype every now and then.

The Job-Waistline Equation?

2010-09-21T12:06:00.000+08:00

Whoa! My last post was dated May 25th! I've been off the blogosphere long enough. Upon visiting Sunny Side Up today, I saw something that made my day a little less sunny: my Comments and Recent Posts RSS are messed up. On the bright side, however, I came back with 3 inches off off my waist! Some people even wonder whether I'm on weight loss patches (they work like nicotine patches except that they help you curb your appetite for food instead of a cigarette). I don't know whether they work or not, as I've not tried them yet. What I do know is that my waistline went from 29 to 26.5 by taking on three jobs.

Teacher by day. Teacher by night.

This June, I started teaching Management at a university in my city. The classes are from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only, but some students are as cooperative and as enthusiastic as glaciers that I have to work my backside off to get them to study and participate in the discussion. So, I guess, if you want to lose a few inches, a monologue and getting your creative juices to gush out (gush not flow) would be in order. Every night, I also teach ESL at an online language academy, and what with the power fluctuations in my city for the last couple of months, the stress should keep the inches at bay.

And an administrator in between.

On days that I don't have classes, there's paperwork to complete, errands to run, bills to pay, and yeah... events to organize at my mom's preschool. My fuchsia Sanrio organizer is simply running out of space, and it's only the 3rd quarter of the year. (Note to self: Since I can't afford a Blackberry--preferably unlocked--just yet, maybe I should just go for the Hello Kitty electronic organizer next year hahaha.)

To sum it all up, pun intended, there could be a job-waistline equation to slimming that is waiting to be deciphered. If I lost 2.5 in with 3 jobs, and my desired waistline is 24, how many more jobs should I take on to get to my desired waistline?

n = no. of jobs you should have = no. of current jobs x (current waistline - desired waistline)
(previous waistline - current waistline)

Is your answer also 2.4? This means I should get at least 2 part-time jobs. If my equation and answer is wrong, then that means I should stick to teaching English, because I totally suck at Math.

In honor of Geek Pride Day*...

2010-05-25T11:25:00.020+08:00

... I'm posting the 4-year-old Geek Manifesto and my list of the hottest geeks. To the self-confessed geeks out there: Wear your royal geekness loud... wear it proud! If I miss tagging you, feel free to tag yourself ;)

*Geek Pride Day is an initiative which claims the right of every person to be a nerd or a geek. It has been celebrated on May 25 since 2006, celebrating the premiere of the first Star Wars movie in 1977.

Basic rights of geeks:

1. The right to be even geekier.
2. The right to not leave your house.
3. The right to not like football or any other sport.
4. The right to associate with other nerds.
5. The right to have few friends (or none at all).
6. The right to have as many geeky friends as you want.
7. The right to be out of style.
8. The right to be overweight and near-sighted.
9. The right to show off your geekiness.
10. The right to take over the world.

Basic responsibilities of geeks:

1. Be a geek, no matter what.
2. Try to be nerdier than anyone else.
3. If there is a discussion about something geeky, you must give your opinion.
4. To save and protect all geeky material.
5. Do everything you can to show off geeky stuff as a "museum of geekiness."
6. Don't be a generalized geek. You must specialize in something.
7. Attend every nerdy movie on opening night and buy every geeky book before anyone else.
8. Wait in line on every opening night. If you can go in costume or at least with a related T-shirt, all the better.
9. Don’t waste your time on anything not related to geekdom.
10. Try to take over the world!

THE 5 HOTTEST MALE GEEKS I KNOW

#5

Playing Prof. Charlie Eppes in Numb3rs, David Krumholtz is one of TV's hottest geeks. He has appeared on, uh, FREAKS AND GEEKS and played Joseph Gordon-Levitt's nerdy friend in 10 Things I Hate about You. Unfortunately, he got married 3 days before Geek Pride Day 2010, and THAT would be the 11th thing we hate about him.

#4

Pete Cashmore!!!!!!!!!!! Aaaaaaa! Social media blogger, web consultant, and founder of Mashable. Aww... don't you just want to mash him with amorous rapture?

#3

CSI: NY's Hill Harper is caramel fudge in eye-candy heaven! He's not just an onscreen brainiac, though. He graduated from Brown University and also graduated with a J.D. from Harvard Law School, and a Master of Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. Aside from playing medical examiner-turned-CSI Sheldon Hawkes, he is also an NY Times bestselling author.

#2

Matthew Gray Gubler was a fashion model. Okay, I admit that's not geeky. Allow me to continue... He is a sketch artist (ta-dah!), film director, and actor--best known for playing the near-schizophrenic, genius, and autodidact (that's someone who teaches himself) Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds. His self-promoted work as a director (via YouTube) is pure genius. Oops, I almost forgot... As Reid, he has eidetic memory, allowing him to quote 6th-century European literature verbatim.

and #1

my boyfriend

2 Reasons:

Because his thesis should have this disclaimer: The writer does not accept liability for any injury, which may arise as a result of reading the thesis without a respiratory support system.
Because I have to :P

Will it help if I say that he does perfect Darth Vader impersonations?

Gaga over Mineral Make Up

2010-03-04T16:29:00.002+08:00

In the cosmetics industry, "mineral" is the buzz word of the decade, and I believe that most women agree with me. Call me a late bloomer, but it's only just recently that I started using mineral makeup. At first, I thought that it was just all hype. Now, I'm completely gaga over mineral make-up. Instead of simply telling you why, I've decided to show you. What you see below is not a BEFORE and AFTER shot. Using only the webcam, I took different shots of myself wearing conventional pressed foundation (LEFT) and mineral makeup (RIGHT).

See the difference? You'd have to be color-blind or just pessimistic not to. I absolutely love its "candle-light glow" effect on my face. Plus, it gives me full coverage with a barely-there feel.

Mineral makeup may be described simply as loose powder in nude shades. It is made from mineral pigments, such as bismuth oxychloride, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or even talc. Typically, makeup of this kind don't contain the common skin irritants found in most cosmetics, such as fragrances, preservatives, and synthetic dyes. As there are no approved standards as to what constitutes "mineral make-up," however, some cosmetics are sold as "mineral make-up" with only 1% mineral content. So be very cautious and read the label!

Mineral makeup pros and cons

On the one hand, experts say that it is kinder to the skin than most cosmetics. It is also non-comedogenic, which is a fancy way of saying that it won't clog your pores. Hence, it is more suitable for women with acne-prone skin. Its base ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also naturally anti-inflammatory. Some brands of mineral cosmetics may have "auto match" qualities that adjust to your natural skintone for a more even complexion. As it has gentler and long-wearing qualities, it is ideal for day-to-day use. On the other hand, wearing mineral make up does not and should not make sunscreen unneccessary--no matter what the ads say. It is also more expensive than conventional make-up.

How to get flawless, model skin with mineral makeup

Before applying makeup, make sure that you give the make-up bottle/package a good shake, especially if you're using it the first time. With a swirling motion, dip the kabuki brush into the container to get a very small amount of powder onto its tip. Work the brush around your face with the same swirling motion, starting from the outside of your cheekbones, around your cheeks, and onto your forehead, nose, chin, and jawline. Start with the tiniest amount of powder, and just add more powder for the kind of coverage you want.

Bear in mind, though, that mineral make-up will only enhance your complexion. To ensure a healthy, beautiful skin, wash your face with mild soap or facial foam and water before going to bed. Ads may say that mineral is "make-up you can sleep in," but it doesn't mean that you should.

What's your animal sign?

2010-02-14T14:18:00.003+08:00

Xīn Nián Kuài Lè!!! That's "happy new year" in Mandarin. Contrary to popular belief, what Westerners pronounce as "kung hei fat choi" (gōng xǐ fā cái) does not translate to "happy new year" but "congratulations and wishing you prosperity." If you want to get a red envelope (hong bao) filled with crisp bills, say "Gōng xǐ fā cái, hóng bāo ná lái," which literally means "Congratulations and prosperity, give me a red envelope."

Enough with the pinyin. In China, asking a lady about her age can be done surreptitiously. All you need to say is, "What's your animal sign?" Here's a guide to the Chinese zodiac for discovering your own animal sign, identifying characteristics that you likely possess, and finding people that you are most compatible with:

If you were born in the Year of the Rat(1900, 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)

You are imaginative, charming, and generous. You have big ambitions, work hard to achieve your goals, and are a perfectionist. You tend to be quick-tempered and can be critical of others. You get along well with Dragons, Monkeys, and Oxen.

If you were born in the Year of the Ox(1901, 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)

You are a born leader and inspire confidence in others. You are methodical and skilled with your hands. Although generally easy-going, you can be stubborn and hot-tempered. You are most compatible with Snakes, Roosters, and Rats.

If you were born in the Year of the Tiger(1902, 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)

You are sensitive, emotional, and loving. You are a deep thinker, carefree and courageous, but you can be short-tempered and often come in conflict with people in authority. You find it hard to make up your mind and then make hasty decisions. You get along well with Horses, Dragons, and Dogs.

If you were born in the Year of the Rabbit(1903, 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)

You are talented and affectionate, and admired and trusted by others. You like to gossip, but are nonetheless tactful and kind. You are wise and even-tempered, and tend not to take risks. You are compatible with Goats, Pigs, and Dogs.

If you were born in the Year of the Dragon(1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)

You are energetic, popular, and fun-loving. You are also honest, sensitive, and brave. You appear stubborn but are soft-hearted and sensitive on the inside. You are compatible with Rats, Snakes, Monkeys, and Roosters.

If you were born in the Year of the Snake(1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)

You are a deep thinker and very wise. You are sympathetic and try to help those less fortunate, but sometimes you can also be quite selfish. Although you are calm on the surface, you are intense and determined in whatever you do. If you are a Snake, you are most compatible with the Ox and Rooster.

If you were born in the Year of the Horse(1906, 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)

You are popular, quick-witted, and adventurous. You are hardworking and very independent. You are wise and perceptive, but can be impatient and selfish sometimes. You get along with Tigers, Dogs, and Goats.

If you were born in the Year of the Goat/Ram(1907, 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)

You are creative, artistic, warm-hearted, and timid by nature. You are also gentle and compassionate. You strongly believe in what you do, but you can be pessimistic at times. You are compatible with Rabbits, Pigs, and Horses.

If you were born in the Year of the Monkey(1908, 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)

You are clever, skillful, and lots of fun. You are well-liked and make friends easily, but sometimes can’t be trusted (ouch!). You are strong-willed, good at making decisions and want to get on with things straight away. If you can’t you quickly become despondent. Monkeys get along with Dragons and Rats.

If you were born in the Year of the Rooster
(1909, 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)

You are hard-working, capable and talented. You like to be busy, are devoted to work and skilled at what you do. You are also good at making decisions. You are a little eccentric, outspoken, and sometimes selfish. Roosters are compatible with Oxen, Snakes, and Dragons.

If you were born in the Year of the Dog(1910, 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)

You are born to succeed. You are loyal, honest, intelligent, and inspire confidence in others. You can be sharp-tongued and stubborn, and tend to worry too much. You are compatible with Horses, Tigers, and Rabbits.

If you were born in the Year of the Pig(1911, 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)

You are honest, reliable, and extremely loyal. You are quick-tempered, but you don’t like to argue. You are kind to those you love and make a good companion. You like to set goals for yourself and carry them out, but you can be too impulsive sometimes. Pigs will get along with Rabbits and Goats.

Gonegaga's Notes:

This chart was lifted from Chinese Cinderella and The Secret Dragon Society. It's a children's book written by best-selling author Adeline Yen Mah about friendship, loyalty, and personal destiny. While Adeline denies that the character (and title of her first best-seller) Chinese Cinderella is not her, she admits that Chinese Cinderella and The Secret Society was based on a short story that she wrote when she was a child to entertain her friends. She called her story The Ruptured Duck. This Chinese New Year, I read this book that children--especially those fascinated by martial arts--will surely love. While this is children's fiction, it is based on a true incident which took place in China during the Second World War. Aside from the Chinese zodiac chart, it comes with an English translation of Chinese words and phrases written in both pinyin and Chinese characters.

If you want to learn more about the Chinese zodiac and how you can use it in your personal life, a good material that comes highly recommended by readers is Chinese Horoscope Guide to Relationships. Since the Chinese New Year coincides with Valentine's Day, the book is an apt read. It discusses the Twelve Earth Branches in the Relationship Tree, the triangle of affinity, the circle of conflict, and how the animal signs relate with one another as teacher, lover, business partner, boss, friend, colleague, opponent, and mediator.

Happy Year of the Metal Tiger, everyone!

Do-It-Yourself Oatmeal Facial

2010-01-23T15:24:00.004+08:00

Oatmeal is not just good for the body. It's great for your skin, too. Oats are rich in Vitamin E and zinc. Vitamin E plays a major role in fighting off the early signs of aging on your skin, such as fine lines and wrinkles, while zinc is a nutrient that helps prevent acne and oily skin. To be honest, if it weren't for these many benefits, I wouldn't want oatmeal for breakfast EVERY DAY.

If you can't eat it, wear it

Fortunately, there are other ways I enjoy my oatmeal, like turning it into a beauty mask, for instance. I try to exfoliate once a week to get rid of dead skin cells and sport a natural, healthy glow. Although there are great exfoliating products around, I like to indulge in homemade beauty regimens because I don't have to spend much and I know exactly what's in it. One of my favorites is my sister's recipe for oatmeal facial mask. It leaves my skin feeling fresh as well as smooth and supple to touch.

My sister's oatmeal facial mask recipe

1-2 tbsp dry oatmeal or oatmeal powder
1 tbsp egg white
lemon juice

Mix the oatmeal and egg white together in a clean bowl. Add 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice. If you're within Southeast Asia, you can use calamondin orange, also known as calamansi (Citrofortunella microcarpa), as this is more common in the region. Mix all the ingredients together and set aside for application.

Instructions

Wash your face with mild soap or facial wash and lukewarm water. Pat dry with a towel. Slather on the oatmeal facial mix onto your face, making sure that it's applied evenly. Leave on to dry for 20 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.

gonegaga's Notes

Calamansi has skin-whitening properties, so if you have dark elbows and knees, you can use the mixture to exfoliate these areas as well. If you have dry skin, include the egg yolk in the mixture because it's great for moisturizing. I'll share variations to this recipe in future entries. Try this at home!

Photo credits:
www.dkimages.com
www.bellybytes.com
americanindavao.com/blog/

Finding your own style

2010-01-08T16:21:00.004+08:00

"All dress is a fancy dress, isn't it, except our natural skins."

- George Bernard Shaw

According to InStyle, "All fashion is about seduction." If so, personal style is a love affair. Finding the style that works for you requires intimacy--knowing who you are and what you are most beautiful and comfortable in. I'm not saying that we should get stuck in a fashion comfort zone. On the contrary, I believe that just like in a fulfilling relationship, our sense of style should evolve as we do so.

As you can see, I'm no fashion expert. Neither am I someone schooled in the art and science of style. In fact, the closest thing that I had to education on this subject is reading Cosmo--and even then, I had to call on my style-savvy little sister for help all the time. She would take one look at what I had put together and give me a poker face, which, by the way, is her subtle way of asking, "Are we really related?"

Before she left to embark on her personal adventure, we had taken so many trips to the mall together. In fact, we did it on a weekly basis as part of my "training." Whenever we had our budget prepared for shopping, we'd each buy pretty and versatile items. If we didn't have the money for it, we would window shop but do it with a twist.

We'd pretend that we were really buying an entire outfit, and she'd make me pick my items without her help. Only after I've made my choices and managed to put together a complete "look" would she share her insights. She would tell me which of the items work and which don't. More importantly, she'd explain why. It's as if I was a makeover guest on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style--talk about teaching someone how to fish to feed her for a lifetime!

Now, I feel quite confident about my choices and sense of style--just like what happens to the guests on Tim Gunn's (of Project Runway fame) show. It's not because I can now snag what appears to be a good bargain (with an "okay" fit to boot), but because I've found the style which is a genuine reflection of me: feminine but low maintenance.

One of the reasons why I keep this blog is that I want to share information that has brought me some feel-good, look-good moments. It's my personal epiphany. Even without taking a crash course in Fashion Design, you, too, can discover the style that you can be both beautiful and comfortable in--like a second skin.

To be your own stylist, all it takes is for you to be CHIC:

Comfortable with yourself - Assess your strong and weak points and accept that not all the latest, most fashionable items will suit your shape, lifestyle, and budget. Be fabulous but keep your style true to who you are.
Humble - Be open to suggestions and take criticisms in stride. There are always new ways to improve yourself.
Independent - Know the trends but don't let yourself be enslaved by fads that only make you spend more and that may not even be flattering for you.
Creative - Play with colors, and don't be afraid to experiment with accessories, cuts, and fabrics. There's no need to shop like crazy and spend all your dough.You can bring a whole new life into items that you already own just by being resourceful and innovative.

Lastly, check your motives. Wanting to look good doesn't make you superficial; it's your motivation that can make you one. Fashion and style should tell a true story, your personal story. As the great Coco Chanel said, "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

Slim Down by Losing Inches Not Weight

2010-01-04T15:21:00.008+08:00

The holidays are over, but the effects of my bingeing are here to stay. You know what they say: "A minute on the lips, forever on the hips." Hmpf! In my opinion, the biggest downside to working from home is having to spend most of my time in front of the computer. With no road traffic and DTR systems to beat, I ended up packing in weight and inches (in the wrong places) within a year. Add that up with the holiday binge eating and drinking and ... Ew! Now the weight I don't mind that much, but the inches bother me for several reasons:

Limited choice in clothes. When I go out, I usually have to spend at least 30 minutes more trying to put myself together. (Read: I have to change into and out of a dozen outfits before I could leave my room.) For most girls, that may seem normal, but not for me. Sure, I can be kikay and vain, but I'm quick with make up and I have a knack for visualizing tomorrow's outfit today, so leaving a heap of clothes on the bed just isn't my style.
The loathsome bloated feel. Feeling and looking heavy leaves me literally short of breath most of the time. To make matters worse, I get these little beads of sweat on my forehead after a couple of outfit changes (See item #1)--even if I had just gotten out of the shower!
Feeling and looking unhealthy. Aside from the sluggish feeling, for me, the worst thing about gaining these unwanted inches is knowing that I'm not as fit as I want myself to be. It's a vicious cycle; the chubbier I'll be, the more difficult it's going to be to get back in good shape, and the lazier and more impatient I'll get in working out.

When I was in my early 20's, my weight and waistline used to fluctuate automatically without my having to exert much effort. I could eat 5 big meals a day and not get fat. On the rare occasions that I did get a bit chubby (like when I spent a summer in the East Coast), my metabolism went into an overdrive and I was back to my old size in a jiffy (Okay, I meant 2 weeks, approximately). Now, it would take a fairy godmother and a genie to make that possible. So this year, I promised myself that I'm going into an inch-loss (not weight-loss) program. I computed my BMI, and as it turns out, I'm within the ideal weight range for my height. I want to be slim but fit as well, so I'm not going to risk losing muscles instead of fat. Here are some things that I think will help me accomplish my slim-down goals:

More Diet Resources: Diet Reviews, Healthy Recipes, and Health News

Taking body measurements. On January 1st, I took out the tape measure and got my body measurements, paying special attention to my waist, arms, hips, and thighs. Believe me, it was a mortifying experience that made its way to my journal. I made sure to measure the "meatiest" parts. It was a tough job taking a cold, hard look at my bounty, but someone's got to do it! I find the measurements unfit for publication, so in future blog entries documenting my progress, I'll just say how much I shall have lost then.
Daily 30-minute cardio workout. My favorite workout is Shaun T's Hip Hop Abs. I absolutely adore Shaun T! His workout DVDs (Fat Burning Cardio, Ab Sculpt, Total Body Burn, Secrets to Flat Abs) make me feel as if I'm just out partying instead of sweating it out. Plus, since I'm into dancing, the choreography how-to session that's part of the DVD keeps me from losing my groove. This is the part that I love the most. Not only does it make me feel energetic; it teaches me new dance-floor moves.
Increasing my water intake. I know it's cliche, but this is the only way to go. Aside from giving me a full feeling and curbing my appetite for frequent snacking, water flushes out toxins. Also, our body retains water if our water intake isn't sufficient, so with our body made up of 70% water, you do the math.
Choosing what I eat. Starving myself would slow down my metabolism even more, and I don't want that. Instead of extreme calorie counting, I'll just focus on getting a healthy diet. Everything in moderation.
Reflexology/Slimming machine. I don't know how effective this is, as I'm just beginning to use it now. According to its manufacturer, my reflexology/slimming machine stimulates blood circulation and helps the body burn fat and eliminate toxins.

I'll be taking my body measurements again next month. Let's see what happens. I hope I don't embarrass myself too much then. If you have some slim-down tips of your own or tricks you've managed to pull out of the magician's hat, do let me know.

Making and Keeping Your New Year’s Resolution

2010-01-02T12:59:00.002+08:00

Happy 2010! Now that the fireworks display and the holidays are over, it’s time to face what the year has in store: new opportunities, challenges, and causes for celebration. Once again, it’s time to look into changes in lifestyle that we need to make to get there. It’s time to come up with our New Year’s resolutions and make sure that we keep them.

So, what exactly is a New Year’s resolution?

Despite being a common--and oftentimes ritualistic--activity at the beginning of the year, making New Year’s resolutions confuse people into thinking that they are simply making wishes. New Year’s resolutions are actually promises that a person makes, especially in regard to correcting one’s habits. These are positive changes that you can make resulting in something beneficial. Although it can be about anything, the most popular themes in making these resolutions pertain to health, career, and relationships. It could be something as simple as exercising daily, getting to work early, and making time for family and friends. What about those who don’t have bad habits to break? Well, you can double up your current goals, such as increasing your running miles, organizing get-togethers (instead of just attending them) for family and friends, or raising the percentage of your savings. Cause-motivated individuals may also think of doing volunteer work or supporting non-profit organizations which they believe in.

How did New Year’s resolutions get so popular?

These commitments can be traced back to religious origins. Christians make similar vows when they fast during Lent. Jews look back to personal mistakes they might have made and then make a vow to correct these during the Day of Atonement. The general idea behind these traditions is self-improvement, and New Year’s resolutions are their non-sectarian counterpart.

Do people really keep their resolutions?

According to Quirkology.com, 52% of the people who make resolutions feel confident that they’re going to see through their promises. However, only 12% usually get to accomplish these.

How to keep your New Year’s resolutions

While thinking of and making plans to change something about yourself is easy, being consistent and getting the job done is the difficult part. To keep your New Year’s resolutions, here are some simple tips that will surely help:

Post it. It's easier to forget your resolutions and make excuses when you don't actually see them. Write them down and place the list where you see it regularly, such as your closet door or on the bureau mirror. For me, crossing the items out one by one is motivating and fulfilling.
Be specific. Instead of writing down, "save more" or "lose weight," put in "save $200 per month" or "lose 10 lbs."
Get real. While being specific is important, writing realistic goals is critical in making sure that you will accomplish them. For instance, to get to the amount of money you can save, consider computing 20% of what you make each month as your savings goal. This means that you can use only 80% for daily expenses and utilities. If you have a charity goal, you can split the 80% further (10% goes to your local church or charity and 70% is all yours).
Help and support. You don't need to join a support group for this. Just find someone you trust, such as a friend or a sister. The sense of accountability is important especially when breaking tough habits, such as quitting smoking.

As for me, my personal goal is to blog at least 3 times every week and to lose 2 inches (not pounds) around the waist, arms, and thighs within the year. So help me, God.

(Photo credits: The New Year's resolutions card above is a derivative work by Ivan Akira from the original 20th century card published by Chatauqua Press.)

Our SATC Girls Are Back!

2009-12-30T01:41:00.004+08:00

Don't look now, but Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha are back on the big screen for 2010! *Squeals* Twelve years after the hit TV series premiered on HBO (Read: Six seasons and the first Sex and the City film), Candace Bushnell's breakthrough characters are making the grand comeback in a movie sequel due for release in May 2010. This time, our favorite Manhattan vixens take on Morocco! With the tagline "Carrie on," we can expect more of Carrie's upbeat sense of style and neurotic leanings, witty lines over café lunches, Mr. Big, and--who knows--maybe Samantha getting married???!!! I don't really know for sure, but what I'm certain of is the influence that Sex and the City 2 will have on 2010 fashion trends. The trailer premiered last December 22.

Do you have a favorite SATC girlfriend? If you want to know which of the beautiful, strong, and successful women is most like you, take this quiz.

You Are Most Like Carrie!

You're quirky, flirty, and every guy's perfect first date.

But can the guy in question live up to your romantic ideal?

It's tough for you to find the right match - you're more than a little picky.

Never fear... You've got a great group of friends and a

great closet of clothes, no matter what!

Romantic prediction: You'll fall for someone this year...

Totally different from any guy you've dated.

Which Sex and the City Vixen Are You?

Blogthings: Discover the Parts of Your Personality that Have Been Hiding

Hmm, interesting! It's consistent with my result in a similar app on Facebook, but enough about me... So, which one are you?

Camouflaging Flabby Arms

2009-12-28T02:35:00.003+08:00

I must admit that my arms aren't my best assets. On second thought, I wouldn't consider them an asset at all. Since I haven't been to the gym lately, my arms aren't exactly well-toned. In fact, during "heavy days," (Who doesn't have one? Oh well, lucky girl of the gene pool lottery, you are--in Yoda-speak), they get a little too flabby for comfort. And when that happens, there's that dilemma-slash-curse which every girl has to face: A closetful of outfits and nothing to wear! Even when shopping, flabby arms limits my choices in clothes, what with halters, tank tops, and--heaven forbid--even cap sleeves dominating the scene. Either go with these choices and end up shrinking in a corner somewhere or feeling like you've grown 2 extra legs. These or hide under a baggy sweatshirt. Whatever you choose, you won't feel comfortable, trust me. I don't know about you, but when I'm uncomfortable with what I'm wearing, I don't feel confident at all--and zero confidence is negative 50 on the fab scale. And the holiday parties aren't helping, thank you very much. What's a girl to do?

Luckily, fashion is becoming more and more flexible, timeless, and forgiving these days. Why not use it to our advantage? I solved my issue about flabby arms and managed to look fab instead of flab. Don't worry, I'm not going to tell you to "sweat it, sista"--although that's really the best thing to do. It's plain and simple: camouflage--and I don't mean military wear (although the fashion gods are saying that's going to be in 2010's WHAT'S HOT). It's all in the sleeves.

Best Sleeve Types for Flabby Arms

The Batwing

Sometimes called a "magyar," this sleeve has a deep, full armhole that usually starts wide at the shoulders and gets narrower as it nears the wrists. Some blouses have shorter sleeves, tapering toward the elbow instead.

The Bell

As it name implies, this type of sleeve is long, flaring from the elbow or wrist. The flare is soft and flowing, and not exactly huge and ruffled.

The Butterfly

Butterfly sleeves are actually a lot more common than we think. They are flared and wide, especially toward the end. It is, perhaps, the reason why it is oftentimes confused for a batwing or a bell sleeve. Here's how to tell the difference: butterfly sleeves are not full sleeves, meaning that it doesn't go around the arm. They usually just cover the top of the arm and flaps open underneath. It's just that we don't see this unless we raise our arms in a pose reminiscent of Titanic. Butterfly sleeves may be short or long, so for the very obvious reason, I'm referring to the long one.

Juliette

Last but not the least, the Juliette sleeve is a fusion of the puffed and long sleeves. It's puffy from shoulder to upper arm (or elbow) and then straight down to the wrist. It is derived from Italian Renaissance fashion (Trivia: It's named after the Shakespearean character who said the line, "wherefore art thou, Romeo?" No, it's not Puck).

There you have it, ladies! As a general rule, just make sure that when you go for long sleeves to cover up flabby arms, NEVER go for fitted sleeves. It's just the same as growing 2 extra legs--except that they're wearing pantyhose.

Happy Christmas, Everyone!

2009-12-25T14:26:00.000+08:00

Since I've been nice, Santa handed over his "naughty" list. He's outsourcing, too. Shhh...

How to Pick Your Holiday Outfit

2009-12-23T15:04:00.002+08:00

'Tis the season to be merry! Unfortunately, 'tis the season us girls seem to get too stressed out. What with the shopping frenzy (read: panic buying for gifts and Christmas party outfits)--not to mention being on a tight budget--and the sense of impending doom of weight gain, I can just imagine how you bite your nails and feel like pulling your hair (or someone else's!) as you read my intro. Don't fret. Since I'm feeling like I have to get into Santa's Nice List this year, I'll share some of the tricks I've learned for picking a holiday outfit.

Choosing the right outfit for office parties and family get-togethers gets half of your To-Do list done. As much as possible, I'd like to shop before December hits. This way, I don't end up grabbing the first thing that fits my frame AND my budget. Aside from being a cliche, however, that is not always possible. Even the most organized shoppers often miss their chance at stress-free shopping due to time and budget constraints, such as bonuses coming in late, blah, blah, blah... So, here are a few things that you can do instead:

Get your most recent body measurement. It always saves me trips to the fitting room. You'll be surprised how much most women's sizes fluctuate within a 2-month period.
Do a reality check and make a mental list of your problem areas, such as paunch and flabby arms, as well as assets, like shapely legs and sexy collarbone. This should help you decide which cuts and fabric to veer away from and--by process of elimination--which ones to go for. For instance, jiggly arms and a potbelly tells you to steer clear of tight fabric and halter tops.
To avoid going over your budget or maxing out your credit card--and feeling guilty afterward for being sooo superficial--pick a top or two that you can mix and match with other articles of clothing that you already own. This way, you can have different looks without worrying about running into someone who goes to the same parties that you do.
Instead of buying too many dresses, choose tops that may be worn in different ways. If you've read my previous entries, you may have noticed that I'm a huge fan of multi-layer wraps and multifunction accessories. They are handy especially when I need to transform my look from daytime to night-time partying or vice versa.
If you're on a really tight budget, scrap the notion that you need a new outfit just for the holiday season. Instead, just update your accessories. Worn with the right clothes, they can give you the boost of freshness and confidence that you need.

Lastly, feel good to look good. This year, I picked a silk tunic that comes with a belt and a camisole. I must say that I gained some weight, so I don't want to bare my arms. Aside from being loose and flowy, which is an "in" look for 2009, the tunic that I bought may be worn a la kimono (just tie the belt with an obi knot) or as an empire cut top or dress (especially if your legs are really fab). You may wear it with pants, leggings, a miniskirt, or shorts. And the best thing is that come summer, I can even wear it over my bikini (sans camisole and belt) for meandering through an exotic beach on a romantic summer night.

Wear your wrap-around as an asymmetrical top

2009-10-28T11:35:00.002+08:00

If you've had enough of halter and tube tops, one way to create a fresh look is to wear an asymmetrical top. The main reason why I love reversible multi-layer wrap-around skirts is that they give me more to work with without the added cost of a new blouse. If you have one, here is a step-by-step guide to help you re-create the asymmetrical top that I'm wearing in this picture:

1. If you have a reversible wrap-around, decide which side you'd like to wear as an asymmetrical top. Once you've made up your mind, hold the ends of the wrap-around skirt and spread it out in front of you. Your preferred side should be on the outside (I'm assuming that you'd be facing the mirror, so that should be the side you're seeing in your reflection).

2. Place the strap over one shoulder (whether you want it over your left or right shoulder is up to you), making sure that one end of the skirt covers your front well. Remember that you can only look good

when you're comfortable in and confident about what you're wearing--meaning, you're not worried about any embarrassing peek-a-boo moments.

3. Hold that end of the wrap-around in place with one hand. If it's your first time using a wrap-around, it may be difficult to continue the task with just one hand free, so I suggest that you use tape to hold the fabric snug across your chest temporarily. If you're wearing a tube or bandeau underneath, you may use a safety pin instead.

4. With one end of the wrap-around skirt secure across your chest, wind the other end under your arm, behind you, and out under your other arm.

5. Pull it snug around your body and across your chest. You are simply wrapping the skirt around your body in the same way those red stripes go around the candy cane. Make sure that when both ends of the skirt meet, one end goes UNDER the one that's over your shoulder and chest. If you want an empire-cut asymmetrical top, wrap it OVER the cloth covering your front, and pull it tight just under your breasts.

6. Most wrap-around skirts (waistline) can go around an average-sized body only twice, which is good, because your top could look bulky otherwise. Once the skirt is wrapped around you snugly--not too tight that you have difficulty breathing, but not too loose that the top might "unwind" and come apart--tie the ends of the strap together. The straps should meet behind you. You can tie the straps into a ribbon or twist them together into a single strap and secure it with a safety pin.

TIPS:

Wrap-arounds are usually designed to have slits on the waistband. These are meant for straps to go into, so you can secure the wrap well and also create different styles.

Buy or make reversible multi-layer wrap-around skirts at 2 or 3 different lengths (mini, medium, and ankle-length). Why? Medium-length skirts are good to wear as wrap-around tops or above-the-knee dresses, while ankle-length skirts can be worn as long dresses.

multi-function accessories glam up your look

2009-09-23T23:29:00.012+08:00

say goodbye to drab outfits and wasted hours trying to find the right accent. check out my fab find in cebu: a tri-color, multi-functional fashion accessory that will get you all glammed up without the usual fuss.

wear it around your neck, and sculpt away to create different looks . . .

. . . on your hair

. . . around your wrists as bangles

. . . on your arm as ethnic-inspired arm ring, or armlet

. . . go Greek goddess and wear it as a cord belt or anklet!

this is, by far, my best buy of the year. but then again, it's only september.

ways to wear a wrap-around

2009-03-14T01:12:00.025+08:00

I love summer and sunny days! For one thing, they paint me a picture of white sand, turquoise waters, reggae music, and The Beach Boys. Sunny days are made for donning bikinis, board shorts, and wrap-arounds.

Duh, a wrap-around?

A wrap-around is a piece of garment, usually a skirt, that you can wrap around yourself in various ways to create a different outfit each time. Typically, a wrap-around skirt looks like an apron which overlaps in front when worn. It is also called a kilt-skirt by some, because a type of wrap-around resembles the kilt traditionally worn by men in the Scottish Highlands. Nowadays, wrap-arounds come in a variety of designs and fabric.

Make the most with reversible wrap-arounds

The most practical choice would have to be the reversible variety, as they allow you more versatility. One side of the wrap-around may be made from plain fabric, such as silk, and when you turn it over, the other side may be printed, such as paisley or plaid. When you know how to tie, twist, and knot it in several ways around your body, who knows just how many looks you can create? With just one fashion item that you can wear as a wrap-around top , skirt, or dress, you can still be in control of your budget, which is really important especially in these hard times. What's more, you won't have to worry about having someone point an accusing finger at you and shouting, "You are an outfit repeater!" (Gee, I do feel sorry for Lizzie Mcguire).

Get your creative juices flowing

If you're the creative type (or simply one of the gene-pool lottery winners who can wear their bed sheet and still come out looking fabulousa), lucky you! If not, don't be discouraged. Here are a few styles that can help you get started:

You can actually come up with more designs using just one fashion item. All you need is a reversible wrap-around skirt. I got mine as a present from a friend who went on a trip to Mexico (although I believe the fabric came from India), but you can actually have one made for you by a seamstress. When laid out, this looks like two layered aprons, with one layer smaller than the other. It also has strategically placed slits on the band through which you can slip one or both ends of the straps to make certain designs.

And that's a wrap.

My wrap-around is made by Kariza, and although I would have wanted to say that I came up with these myself, I must admit that the skirt came with an instruction DVD. Still, you can make a few tweaks here and there and voila! You can end up creating your own wrap-around style that's not on the DVD.

So whether it's spring or summer where you're at--or maybe where you're headed for a tropical holiday--you can start practicing the art of wrapping around. For traveling light, a wrap-around would be a good thing to pack in your suitcase. Live. Love. Laugh. Create! And do come back to give me feedback... even if it reads like "How I Spent My Summer Break" back in grade school. :)

e-verything goes

2009-03-11T23:30:00.001+08:00

We're lucky folks. We wake up in the morning, and even before the paper comes (do you still subscribe?), we get our newsbreaks by the minute. We can go banking online in our pyjamas. We hear of something unfamiliar, and with the right keyword, we become instant know-it-alls in just one click. In our world, information transcends distance and time. Sure, the net can be an e-nemy to some, but we're not going there. What you can expect here is a friendly e-nvironment, where we can check out "the latest" and "the hottest" or exchange fashion and beauty tips. We would have fun with trivia and trace etymologies together. What we think, we can write. So let's start thinking about e-verything under the sun!