Asiana Airlines ...I am travelling yet again...an excellent airline, Asiana.

 Well, here we go again..I am travelling again and this time, I consciously decided to fly Asiana Airline. Oh, yeah, I heard about the landing mishap that happened in SFO but wanted to go ahead and fly to Asia using the much lauded and praised Asiana Airlines. And let me say, this airline is the best I have flown to and from Asia as far as I can remember. The service and hospitality from the check in counter in LAX , the flight crew until I landed in Iceheon Airport in Seoul Korea surpassed any expectation I had. They are great!

 The meals were generous and for a change they use silverware. They had veggies in every meal. Lots of fruits and a little bit of sweets for dessert. The rolls were warm (not hard!) and butter was real butter. They gave me a can of ginger ale upon request. Service was efficient and very friendly. With the flight leaving at the wee hours of the morning from LAX, the crew were in very good mood and very nice. A change from the usual "attitude" passengers see from other airlines.

 This is a photo of the lunch I chose, fish with rice. The rice was cooked perfectly and the fish was meaty and cooked just right, meaning not soggy or swimming in sauce. It was very good. Surprised that if Asiana can do this how come other airlines feed us "crap".

Any drink you might want they have and they serve them frequently like water, coffee and tea. Service with a smile, that is how I see Asiana Airlines.

 This is a photo of my purse as I used the restroon in Icheon Airport. Very clean and properly maintained. We landed in Seoul very early in the morning and yet the restrooms were clean, spic and span. Nice, thank you.

 This is a photo of  B777. It was raining so heavily when we landed. A perfect time to get coffee and a nice breakfast sandwich. So sorry I forgot to take a photo of my breakfast but I went to a Dunkin Donut. Very good coffee and fast service. I enjoyed the breakfast so much I forgot to get my camera out to take a photo.

 Here is the photo of the Asiana airline lavatory. Is it roomy? Oh yeah! I have never seen a lavatory so roomy in other airlines, not even those that are Europe bound. Very nice.

Again here is my purse, next to the sink in the airline lavatory. They place toothbrushes and toothpaste, should you need one. And the liquid soap is very moisturizing, not the strong and drying kind. It is a small thing but I remembered how good it felt after washing my hands.

I will fly Asiana Airline again. I highly recommend it. This is how airlines should treat their passengers. I love, love it. To the flight crew of Asiana Airlines, thank you for the great service. If you have the option of flying with Asiana try it, and I am sure you will love the experience.

Three cheers to Asiana Airlines !!!

Travelling to the Philippines..must haves beauty items and others

Hi everyone.

One thing I noticed something on all my posts here is I always mention my never ending travels yet I never post anything that I take with me...so I thought let us start with a very common destination and what I bring or take with me to the Philippines.

First let us make it clear that no matter what time of the year it is, NO MATTER, it is HUMID in the Philippines. And no matter what part of the country you will be in, it will be freakin' humid. And it is one of its "charm". You just have to work around the humidity, and that is a fact. 

As a must-have makeup person, I bring all those products that will stand the sweltering heat and it could rain any part of the day and it could last for days. Highest SPF containing sunscreen is a must. Bring all sizes and stick them to your purse, your luggage wherever you think you can stick it. Take two if must. But bring one, at least.

Second, if you can swing it, use a tinted moisturizer or take a nice industrial strength concealer (MAC, is my go to one these days). You will sweat! So take blotting paper or a nice refresher spray like Caudalie (refreshing and smells great, not the ones that are fruity smelling, they will attract bugs!).

Third, lipstick, use matte ones and a quality lipgloss. Take a lipbalm to condition your lips at night.

Pedi and Manis are inexpensive there, just bring one or two of your favorite nailpolish. 

Use waterproof mascara and eyeliner (be it liquid or pencil).

Hand cream (L'Occitane is a fave). And for an evening out, use a mild parfum. Nothing too strong, again to avoid the bugs. I take one quad of eyeshadow for night wear and a handy neutral palette for the plane to touch up before exiting the airport. Gotta look good, right?

When travelling, I usually stash a bar of chocolate in the purse, for those I need a sugar rush moment. Or anytime you feel like a pick me up choco moment. Toblerone or the Japanese KitKat is always does the job.

And bring cotton wear, you will thank me for it.

Deodorant or antiperspirant is a must. With all the sweating going on you can only stack the odds on your favor not to smell like a dying gardenia or worst, like a sour Victoria Secret lotion with vanilla or somethin'.

I wanted to post my latest travel plastic bag that I present for the security inspection before airport boarding but somehow my photo files is acting up (ARGH!!).

Maybe next time. Bring a lot of sense of humor and remember this is a vacay, so ease up on the must haves and take the basics of all basic needs. Cosmetics is not something you want to buy in the Philippines, they cost a lot there. Bring your own makeup and between the toothpaste and the NARS stuff you want, bring the NARS; you can buy toothpaste there!

Have fun and remember, write a postcard to send home. They will love you for it!

A trip to San Francisco..and Oakland

It has really been a long time since I went to San Francisco,  I mean eons!

So when a very, very dear friend of mine invited me to go to SFO and attend her parent's 50th wedding anniversary (and some encouragement from R, thanks R!) I went. I am so glad I did. I had the most marvelous time catching up with friends and adopted-family (long story, but FAMILY, never the less).

I flew into Oakland and rented a car. I stayed at nice places and saw wonderful things and places. 

I will share pictures and make notes as we go along, okay.

Since I was only going to be gone 3 days, I took a large hand carry bag (mango orange here) and a small hand carry suitcase (black). It packed more than I actually ended up using.

I stayed at an Inn that had this bench by the courtyard. Loved it! I had my evening coffee and morning java there as well. Nice.

I rented a Jetta and loved driving it. It was just the right size for me. It handled so well and so gas economical. The AC was fabulous and the sound system was great the CD panel was so easy to operate, oh yeah, I brought my own CD to play while driving there.

I drove west over 580 Richmond San Rafael Bridge. Let me assure you, it is an easy drive to make. I was apprehensive at first (considering the Golden Gate was a scarier alternative for me!). I recommend crossing this bridge at least once. The light and the beams were so memorable for me. Loved it!!

After the wedding anniversary day, I headed to Napa Valley. My trusted Jetta was a delight to drive in.

I even took a toll road...

As you can see, I went there on a Sunday, roads were empty..loving it!!

Must have when at the Oakland International Airport, Fentons Creamery. Delicious! Regardless of what reviewers say anywhere about service at this ice cream stand, GO!! Smile and place your order with the lady, she was very nice to me. It was a HOT summer day, and this cup of deliciousness hit the spot right on!

I was having loads of fun while I was there and just wanted to share some pictures.
I hope you all have a great weekend...and when in Oakland, SFO check these places out..

See you all soon...

Update on Keratosis Pilaris

I am very happy to say, I have no more traces of KP on any part of my body.

 

One thing that I am certain about is that the combination of lotions and exfoliating with a drastic change in my diet, helped tremendously in the rapid and effective reduction of KP rashes.

 

I still get the itching every now and again, but nothing a handful of moisturizing lotion concoction can't cure. My hairs have somehow hastened in its growth (armpits and legs) but it has left a nice smooth complexion all over my body. Any excess lotion I have on my hands and between my fingers after each application I run it on my glutes and I might say it leaves me with buttocks that are as smooth as a baby's bottom. No kidding!

 

My elbows have also smoothened and the change on my knees are remarkable. The wrinkles are gone and smooth. In the wake of my KP, I have also to the best of my ability avoided eggs and cheese, the salty ones are the culprit. I can feel the itch almost I as consume these products.

 

So far my diet is still gluten-free.

 

I am not sure I am going to be turned into a vegan because of this but again so far my gradual return to my "normal" diet has had no adverse effect on my skin. I am staying off the cheese and eggs as to just not push my luck on that department.

 

I am not sure I have cured myself of KP but I will manage it the best I can. If it means lotions and exfoliating, I do these anyways, I just need to use specific products to avoid break outs. And the diet, I was due to live healthy anyways, so I have a better reason to have started it early rather than just thinking about it for the future. The time to change is now, so for my skin, I make the needed changes on what I put into my body, now.

 

It is not to say, it is easy. R loves his cheese and eggs. So I decided to just eat something different than what he is having. I stick to what I want and he can have whatever he likes. We both are happy with out food choices, and that is that. No need to over think this really. Only I know what makes me breakout and tempted as I am to have a small piece of what he is making, no I prefer to just go about my diet as I see fit. It could at times be bland so I throw in a salad. Everything takes good with salad.

 

I hope this is my last post on KP and to those who are going through it, let me say, find the right solution for you. There is no set or prescribed way of dealing with KP. It is a case to case basis. Read as much as you can on the subject and make some changes on your diet. You migh think it is so small of a change to make a difference, it will only help.

 

And no matter what you do, do not scratch it! Scars are harder to get rid of in the end. It will get better. It will disappear. But in the meantime, find that cure to relieve the itch and for women, we need to get rid of the unsightly rashes.

 

Now, I can wear sleeveless and backless halter neck dresses, being summer and all, without worrying about any nasty rashes showing. It did not feel like I was going to 3 weeks ago, but because I stuck to my regimen of skin care and diet changes, here I am wearing a tank top.

 

It may seem bad, but KP is not as bad as it looks. The cure is within you. Find it.

I am looking forward to posting about my trip to Northern California this past weekend. Pictures included.

 

I hope this helps.

 

 

 

Keratosis Pilaris - update after 4 days of treatment with my method

    Above is a photo of my KP on its third day. It might not show much but the itch was intense, irritating and frustrating, the redness was severe and the texture was very rough. I guess the key to treating KP is getting at it as soon as you see the blemishes but the tell-tale sign for me was the itching even before any bumps showed up.

 

   And since I am allergic to numerous things, my diet is always suspect when rashes similar to this appear. You know when something is not right especially with the skin. Ladies, we apply lotion to our skin several times a day so we know when a little roughness is nothing and when it is not.

 

   Always have a nourishing lotion for dry skin handy. Use or not use, keep it handy. The first thing I actually applied on my KP was calamine lotion. Sensible decision I thought at the time, but since it was not an outside irritant that caused it, the calamine did not work. So I went through the usual process of elimination process. Allergens and such, but in the end a professional opinion will be needed. And stick to the regimen, it is time consuming but effective.

 

   I did not do the dry scrubbing/exfoliating process because I know that it will make my skin raw and it was not just something I was advised to do. So I scrapped that idea (though I see alot of that being recommended on youtube) and did a more scientific approach to addressing my KP.

 

   Diet is also key in this.  I eat healthier now and no sweets, no artificial and processed food. I took out white rice, meat and nuts. I love it! I also cut down my exposure to sunlight and sweating has been very helpful.

 

   I was thinking these bumps, itch and redness will last 2 weeks or so but on the fourth day, I have almost eliminated 96 percent of the rashes. Stick with the regimen though time consuming, it will help.

 

  The itch is almost all gone, I hardly itch at night now and it does not wake me anymore. Four days of this was about enough for me. The lotion that I have is with me or near me 24hours a day. As soon as I feel an itch coming I just slather that on all over my arms or legs.

 

   Again, this worked for me. You can give it a try but no guarantee. I am just so fortunate to have a doctor handy to monitor my progress and encourage me when I am doing so well. Good ol' Dad.

 

   And R, even said my back looks much better than it did before. He even volunteered to put lotion on me, like he used to before my whole body became so eeky with rashes. He missed doing it, he said. Aww..a sweetheart, I know.

 

   Well, again. If you happen to pass by this update and want a photo of the products that I used, just comment below and I will post pictures.

 

  BTW, this is how my skin looks now after 4 days of doing my treatment of my KP. Today, is the fifth day that I am doing my treatment. See below.

 

   

Again, this worked for me.  I am sharing only because I want others who have KP to know that there is hope in achieving smooth skin again. Just stick with the regimen that works best for you. It will be a constant struggle with skincare and diet. But I can do this. We all deserve smooth skin and anything good takes lots of work. Smooth skin you can be born with but maintaining it is a personal choice. Work your way to smoother than ever skin.

 

Good luck. And if I can be of help please comment below and I will reply.

 

Thank you for visiting...tomorrow, is another day.

Keratosis Pilaris (aka chicken skin) ...how I manage the itch, redness, bumps...etc.

   I remember how I had such smooth skin two weeks ago.

   But for the last week or so, it has been rough as sandpaper, bumpy with blotchy little "goosebump" like rashes. It itches! And since I am a well-known scratcher, I scratch away leaving my skin raw and red. Unsightly! Argh!

 

   First, I did not panic since I try all sorts of cosmetics all the time and being allergic to almost everything that is tasty good (not necessarily good food), I thought I was having a more than my usual allergy. After two days of intense itching, I thought, this is not normal at all. I took a couple of OTC allergy medicines and it did not help at all. Now what? The redness has now covered not just my arms (inside and out) but has gone down to my upper thighs and lower back part of my legs, down to my ankles. Horrible! The itch continues. I thought, dry skin, it is summer time and I thought maybe I just did not apply enough moisturizer. I tried a more enriched and total moisture lotion. Nothing! All the time, I thought I should look at how the rashes are...they are not like any other rash that I have had in the past. They do not look like something that I would have after maybe rubbing against something in the garden or too much sun exposure maybe. They are mostly concentrated in parts of my body where muscles are located, namely biceps and thighs, lower buttocks and just  above the calves. In the beginning, there were spots on my chest are and upper breast area, but that went away as soon as the rashes have covered my entire thigh.  The itch is driving me nuts!!

 

    I was frustrated with the itchiness more than the appearance part. I am vain but I am never so full of myself. Appearance is something we can do all sorts of things to work arount it but when it itchess, I gotta scratch and that is the devil that I have to keep away from me.

 

   What do I do  now?!

 

   Next, I called my Dad (in the medical profession) overseas and detailed the symptoms and appearance of these rashes. Of course, knowing me the first order was NOT to scratch, they will leave marks and scars, he said. Great, I thought, easy for the doctor to say DO NOT SCRATCH, when it itches like hell!! Anyhooo....So there I was describing in detail what I thought triggered this, I knew it was partially due to bad diet but what do I do about the unsightly appearance of this bumps and itching.

 

   Then, he said Keratosis Pilaris. Also known as, chicken skin. Excessive production of keratin of the body and is lodges underneath the epidermis and under the hair follicles. No medical literature to back up the theory but it is believed to be in the genes. A family history of KP can be a big contributing factor why I am experiencing this. No known medication can be given to make this go-away. No "poof" the blisters and redness with the itch is known. What he described as a derma condition that I will need to manage with diligence. My diet has to be changed immediately and drastically as well.

 

He prescribed:

  Main Mantra: DO NOT SCRATCH!

  Itchiness: Take Over the counter antihistamine.

  Body care: Exfoliate with Acne scrub exfoliator. Use lotion with AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) twice a day, preferably after the shower. Apply lotion numerous times a day. Let these dry before putting clothes on. Reapply lotion all day, even if skin looks hydrated, apply anyway to avoid dryness and itchiness. Use plain soap that do not have perfumes or anything unnatural in it. Shampoo with gentlest kind or skip this altogether and use conditioner only.

  Diet: changes were more involved than I thought it would be. I am converting to no meat, no eggs, no dairy, no grains, no sugar, very little to no soy, no nuts, gluten-free diet. So far, I have been on this diet for 4 days and I have no complaints. I spend more time reading labels now when I do my groceries but it's okay, I really should be reading labels of the food I eat anyways, so no biggie there. You will be surprised how many good selections are out there for a diet like this. I would prefer to take the time to cook my food at home than spend another hour scratching my skin and scalp due to allergy and KP. All the wholesome and natural foods out there is an unexpolored territory for me, and I love the challenge. I now sleep better when my dinner is on the healthier side. I eat loads of veggies and fruit.

  

   When I used to hear people say "You are what you eat", I never thought the day will come that it would apply to me. Now, I do undestand that what you put in your mouth, will show on your skin.

 

   Nobody likes rough skin and scratching makes me feel like I have some communicable disease (KP isn't communicable!). I took my smooth skin for granted when I had it, I know better now. I am working towards managing my KP and good health through diet.

 

   R, has been very kind in letting me fix my own meals, knowing I have lots of restrictions. He does not make silly comments about my skin, he continues to love me, smooth or rough skin ( I am sure he prefers the smooth skin though..hahaha..) and he encourages and supports me when he sees that my skin on my arms have improved even just a little bit. Gotta love a guy who sticks by you, smooth or rough skin.

 

   So far 4 days into this regimen (skincare, diet and antihistamine) has been good. I see improvements. I just have to remember NOT TO SCRATCH.

Easier said than done.

 

  One day at a time is the way to go. I am determined to have a normal life regardless of KP. I have made changes in my choices of clothes, and believe me it is not all long sleeves and long pants for me. I now understand that it takes a lifetime of caution in diet and skin care if you want good health and good skin. You can only better the odds by doing these preacautionary measures as early as you can. And no one can prevent KP, if can hit you when you are a weeks old or even when you are 70 years old. But to improve the quality of living with KP is attainable. Itching, redness, unsightly bumps can be kept at bay, you just have to know what works and what works best for you. And stick with that.

 

  If you want photos of the products that is working for me, please post a comment here, and I will post the pictures.

 

Disclaimer:

Please note that these are the products that works for me and my KP. What works for me does not guarantee it will work for you. I just wanted to share my experience here, just like anything else that I do, this is what my experience is. Learn more about what you eat, and if anyone had KP in your family. I am fortunate to have a doctor as a father, and he knows my eating habits, allergies and family medical history.

 

Will update next week...thank you for listening. My sharing here is to tell others that are googling KP and chicken skin, that they are not alone. I thought I should throw this little tidbit out there, I am thankful it is not on the back of my hand, that area of my arm is soft and luscious looking with all the lotions that I am applying to the rest of my body. Gotta stay positive about these things you know. :-)

 

 

  

 

 

The best of Southern California Food

   Being in Southern California during summertime, can have its upside. No, I am not talking about the rise of mercury on the temperature - silly! I am talking about being able to wear nice bright color tshirts and cotton jeans, sport a short hair but most of all the glorious food available in Southern California.

 

   Given we do not have an abundance of seafood (good quality) at an affordable price albeit we live so freakin' close to the "el mar" we make do with the best the market have to offer. We have a plethora of good veggies, good fruits and sometimes if one is creative and resourceful, we can prepare something very good at home.

 

  Let me post some photos here, to show you what I mean. I will place captions under each photo. Enjoy!

 

 Empanadas ala R! My R makes the best empanadas ever. Homemade and delicious. I wish I can say, come and try them. But you if you must know, I share empanadas el horno, to no one! YUMMY!!

 In Southern California, land of exotic heritage tomatoes, let me present to you Brown Tomatoes, aka kumato.

 Asado on Sundays, for me means, homemade hamburger patties and wedges of pineapples on the grill. Delicious!

 Cauliflower is usually white. These ones are orange-y in color. More on the reddish tint than yellow. Just saying. But still tastes like as if it is white.

 My Filipino neighbor, the good and nice one ..hehehe..made pansit and gave us a plateful. They were even so kind to include slices of lemon, in the absence of kalamansi..it was very good. The thought and kindness was highly appreciated.

 Common in most health food stores and groceries is the hummus. This one is an all time favorite when I am in Southern California..hummus with roasted garlic. Those are quinoa chips on top of the hummus.

 If you are anything like us, we plant and grow our own basil. We pick them fresh from the backyard, slice them up then add them to slices of plump tomatoes, mozza, a dash of pepper and a sprinkling of salt and drizzled with quality virgin olive oil - a spectacular salad.

 I mean, this is Southern California, right? So close to Mexico, therefore, Mexican food, it is. Rice with carnitas and guac with a side of 2 salsas - spells comfort food from heaven. Not exactly low carb nor low fat but anyhooo....it is delicious. Recommended not to eat every single day.

 Another of R's specialty, Risotto with pumpkin. Wow, I mean, what better excuse to use cheese over something for dinner - everyone say - CHEESE!! Risotto of any kind, R can make.

 R also makes spinach tarta. The crust is nice and crunchy and the filling is well cooked with egg, cheese, spinach and well seasoned, with just the right amount of sauted onions. Yummers!! This is making the most of all the best produce in Southern California and cooked by R. Winning combo anyday.

Last but not the least, shop for a good craft beer, Southern California has some of the most quirky craft beers I have ever seen sold in the market. Pick up a bottle and try it. If it is no good, go back and get another bottle to try. But make sure you drink at home and no working of heavy machinery afterwards. Cheers to Southern California!!

 

I hope you had fun during your visit to my site. See y'all soon...

 

 

Nuggets of wisdom from my father....

   It is Father's Day tomorrow. Sunday, June 16th, 2013.

 

   If you are hoping for a blog about what a father means or what it takes to be a father, this is not it. That would be too long to write and I will be subjective about it anyway. Nothing wrong with writing a very long blog, I suppose but who my father is and how great he is will just make you feel as equally proud of your Dad or worst, you will feel so bad of how a lousy Dad you have, now, what is good in that. So, we go on...

 

   It seems like I have taken a new tradition of writing about wisdoms I have learned in life from my Dad on this blog every year, I love it. And I think I will stick with doing this since it is once a year anyways...this blog will not encompass all the life lessons I have learned from my "Tatay" but what I have learned from him these last 12 months. There are somethings that only a father knows best. Considering, I am his only daughter in a family of mostly boys, there is comfort in the very thought and very fact that he is always on my side and has my back covered.

 

   I dedicate this post to him. Tay, Happy Father's Day! Someone up there must really, really like me to give you to me as my father. You are the best!!

 

 Nuggets of wisdom I have learned from my father this year :

 

. A major communication component in any relationship is listening.

. Listen closer to the non-verbal language as you would what is actually being said.

. Never give advise, unless solicited.

. Wash glasses first before washing the plates.

. Have a reliable mechanic's number on your phone.

. If you ever have to judge a man's character, first check how neat he is. Start from there.

. The devil is in the details.

. If you have a cold, stay at home.

. Family come first; and second only to GOD.

. Drink your weight in water.

. Dry skin will never be in fashion.

. Always have a pen handy.

. Don't drink more than 2 drinks because you would want to avoid doing or saying something that you will not be so proud of the morning after.

. "Once a cheater, always a cheater" is B*llSh*t! Guys learn!!

. When it comes to looking at women, allow your man to look, ogle if he must. But draw the line at touching.

. Children are great. Grandkids are greater but great-grand kids are the best!

. Blast the radio in your own car but when using mine, turn that thing off when you get out of my car.

. There is good in goodbye.

. Always wear fresh underwear when going on a long drive just in case you get into an accident, you would want the EMT to see some nice undies on you. You get better treatment and stat!!

 

   Sometimes the best lessons my father has taught me are not the things he really meant to set out and teach me. Some of these lessons are often times unintentional but he always take time to share the lessons he has learned and then in the process I learn without going through the pains and angst of it.

   My father is a man of science but he never misses going to Sunday service. He believes in both science and religion. He says sometimes, faith is hard to sustain but as he lives he tries to be the best human being he can be.

   When my mother died, my father was a pillar of strength to all of us. He never quivered nor was he shaken. He always had his act together, but I saw how he cried. And grief is something that we personally experience and not for the whole world to witness. His beauty, his faith and his strength emanates from within him. I admire that about him. He can be funny too. We share our love of laughing at good jokes and good books. We love words in general. I take pride in sometimes still being able to add to his already extensive vocabulary and he likes it when he can stump me on definitions. Not an easy feat. At times, without blinking, I might know the meaning but I just give him the pleasure of thinking I don't because the smile on his face as it hits his eyes, by golly, is precious (beyond priceless!).

 

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. Do what comes from the heart and do everything with love. I guess that's a good definition of a father. No one wants a perfect Dad, I don't. For that's too much to expect of a man and hard to live up to.

 

Love the one you have and I am sure he will love you more than you can humanly imagine.

 

Happy Tatay's Day!

 

 

 

 

 

RED LIPS

Wow! Now, that is R-E-D!

This summer 2013, I am all about finding that perfect RED LIP. Summer 2013 has just been like anything that is pertinent to me, atypical. So what better way to make that bold statement than by rockin' some really RED lips. I am loving it. 

Oh and by the way, this particular lipstick has a matte finish -love, love, love it!!

Nude and beige and tan colors are fine and dandy but sometimes a nice red lip gets all the attention. And who doesn't love the attention. Ladies? Right! We all do. Nothing says come and try and get me like some pouty red, luscious and hot lips. Gotta like that!

Oh please do not think that this is so entirely out of my league. Not at all! As a matter of fact, when I was in college (at an exclusive school for girls, run by nuns nonetheless) I was notoriously known for sporting some very RED lips. I would get my stash of RED lipstick from a friend who used to travel to the USA alot. I would get one or two here and there, by the time I graduated college I have numerous empty tube of these lipsmackers. 

The rules and regulations of the college did not specify nor imply that I am headed to the hot gates of Hades by wearing some fire engine red lipstick. No siree!! The nuns tried to get me to stop using them, but that just got me determined to try even 50 shades of red. Women would come up to me and ask for not just the color but if what has the nuns have to say about my tempting bordering on sinful red lips - I say - Nothing! For I have never heard of anyone being expelled from a catholic school for adult girls who chose to wear red lipstick, so there I was. It reminds me of my better than glorious rebellious years, I guess. And the feeling and thought, invigorates me. 

Tell me NO when it comes to cosmetics and I show you how and I can do with that NO. 

I remember those lipstick as long lasting and no amount of drinking liquid, eating or kissing can erase those lipstick off. The more I tried taking them off, the more they stayed longer. At times, I thought even when I was asleep I had red lips on. Funny, but true.

When I was in college and wearing the RED LIP, my best friends in college thought, it looked good on me. Nothing was farther from the truth when it came to my two brothers. They want their girlfriends wearing them but NO, NOT me! Whoa! I said, I like it, I use it. Nuff said!!

A professor of mine once said, "Does it make you feel good that you get all that attention for mere lip color?" If he was expecting me to feel bad about such a question, I didn't. My response was I believe "Why, yes it does. It really does, thank you very much".

So there I was a freshman, first year of college and of course, everyone in school knew about me and my RED lips before the end of the first semester. Memorable. Priceless. By the rest of college, I have established myself and my RED lips in its history books. Funny how people would ask about me, not by name but by the bloody color of my lips. It would crack me up to think that lips and color, especially when it is RED can be a signature to a persona. 

I am loving the RED lipsticks and my ultimate quest for the perfect one as a way to reminisce about happy times of my life, college years. I had more fun in college than I did in high school. High school was child's play in college was when the real fun began for me. And the red lips have a big part of that.

Towards my junior years, I have seen others try to copy (imitation is the ultimate form of flattery, they say) my RED lips but some came pretty close but NAH, did I also tell you that it was not just the RED lips and the catholic school uniform that made it for me, I was also one of the first to wear the highest black high heels in that college. Talking about pushing the envelope...hahaha..

Rebellious and good times, now that is what the red lips remind me of..it did not define me, not then and obviously not now. I go through these phases like, one would like a purse. Big and tote one day, then cluth and handy the next. I love switching it up a bit here and there.

So for those looking for something "small" but BOLD to do this summer, start with the lips. I know RED lips are hot for fall and winter and more coral and pinkish for summer, but who cares, try it now. You wear the RED lips, never let it wear you, is what I say.

Well, good luck to one and all looking for just that perfect RED. The best part about looking for that one that is just right for you is you have to try loads of shades of red before you find the right one. And one tip, when you find that perfect shade make sure you buy back ups. Coz if you are anything like me, as soon as I have declared something my favorite, they discontinue it!!

So gals, keep the torch of the RED lip alive. And what better to accessorize that red lip with is with a smile and a happy thought behind that smile. Best makeup one can have in your kit!

Until next time, see you all..tomorrow is another day. We'll dig up some more goodies in my bag and see what to post tomorrow.

A year after..

It still hurts...but

A year after the most horrible year of my life, I continue to put one foot infront of the other, stride, smile, breathe.... one day at a time.

 

I have found out this last year that one goes through life trying to give meaning to living. This makes each one of us unique in the process. Somethings may mean more to one person and yet it would mean less or nothing to another. One person may value a virtue much more than another person would. And yet others, have no context to that said virtue at all.

 

We want to think that everyone that is human would act with compassion and consideration to another, but in reality, we know some people are selfish and they think only of themselves without consideration to moral consequences of their action and how it could hurt another, especially ones they love.

 

There is indeed truth to the saying, "We hurt the most the ones we love".

 

 Ironic thing about life is that it is not a science, no equations, no formulas to follow and nothing is ever constant. Life, not being a science is to me then an art. Different to each and every single one and we try to give the best personal touch as much as we can and make it as meaningful and joyful as we could as we hope to "touch" another person in our simple ways of doing things and just by being ourselves.

 

 And one's life is a process of accumulation of a special "dictionary"; a gathering of significant and meaningful words to live by, words that are particular and specific to one person's life and love.

 

We learn words so we can act on them to build good character, to ourselves and others. And until we learn what that particular word really means, we keep making the same mistake and thus in the process continue to hurt others. Our lives are interwoven. What we do, not do, what we say, not say, how we react or not react affect others, believe it or not.

 

So, here I am, a year after, though better managing the pain, the pain remains. It is not easy to undo something the likes of a broken-heart. The void is there, the pain aches on worst days and as much as I try to fill the void, the mere fact is, THERE IS, a void. It takes a long time to build trust, it only takes a second or two to put a big question mark to it. Rebuilding trust is a gargantuan task. Possible or impossible, only in time will tell.

 

Absolute trust will take a long time to comeback, I reckon. Now, I question the motive of every single person I meet. I have been very good this last year about being skeptical when people I meet say something or worse when they do something for me. This last year has brought me to a place I wished I never would've come to know...being jaded in life is never a good thing. I am having a difficult time giving it to anyone now. On bad days, I think there is no way I can get out of this rut. I am stuck and as hard as I try there is no reassuring me that there are indeed happier times to be had. I try nevertheless.

 

I get by.

 

I believe I have another year to try to get over this or else there might be the remote possibility that there is no getting over it. Misery is not a good word nor is it a good thing.

 

Past experiences shape the person I am today. Good experiences better and improve me and bad experiences change me.

 

Trying to not think about the past 350 some odd days is not an easy feat. Thinking is one thing, dealing with feelings is quite another. I could get through weeks without feeling the pain but when it comes, it comes in a crash. And I am weak, I collapse and pulverize inside.

 

I go through each day trying to make it full of positivity as I can and I do succeed most days. I relish those days. I strive for those days. I have had more good days but I have to acknowledge that there are bad days and worse days as well. Reality check can do that for you. Keeping things in perspective has helped me hold on what I know is precious and worth treasuring.

 

My present state is a testament to my resolve, though challenged to the hilt, I remain strong and positive. Let's give it another year and with R's help, maybe there will come a time when I will be reassured once again that some good times are still up ahead.

 

To those who have been through the same thing, I want to say, it is not about anybody else. It never was and will never be. It is about you. This is about me, for me! Healing is for thyself. Forgiveness is easy. People talk about it all the time. One person cannot change the balance of things in a relationship and continue to believe that things will eventually be back to normal. Whatever that word normal means. The process is hell and a bitch! To say that it is never easy, is putting it mildly. There is no set timetable when things will get better. Go at your own pace. Remember to pace yourself. I would like to give you hope that in the end, victory is attainable. To think of the alternative is depressing. If anything, we improve in the process and become the best version of ourself. And that is always a very good thing.

 

This may not be easy to comprehend at this time, but it helps me on most days to think that what gloomy times I go through, just makes me appreciate the little sunshine I get after the rainy days.

 

Smile, take a deep breathe...tomorrow, things will be better. Believe in that and wait for tomorrow to come. And if needed, do the same thing all over again, for tomorrow is another day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What women want in a man...

...wait a minute, this title can be misleading..but let us see where this takes us..

   As I was going over my list of topics to blog for the month of March, I saw an on-going list of attributes women I know say about the qualities they want in a man..or what attracted them to their husbands. Ok, let's look at this list.

 

   1) the all time favorite for single women - I want a tall, dark and handsome
        man. Honestly, these are not qualities! Adjectives, yes. Qualities, No!

   2) With a good sense of humor. Ok, I can go along with that.

   3) Understanding. Sounds like a nice quality requirement for a man to have.

   4) Intelligence. This is actually at the top of MY list.

   5) Dedicated. This response is always qualified by saying, to work and family. We know of guys

       who are dedicated to the "wrong things bordering on addiction".

   6) Passion. Again, this was at the top of MY list. Nothing says he thinks beyond himself than

       having a passion for his music (if a musician).

   7) Confidence. Shouldn't this be at the top of every woman's list? A man who is sure of himself 

      has the best accessory he can ever hope to have.
  This list as I was going down it, I thought is pure BS. Let us be honest, most single women want
   a good looking guy (arm candy, as we call them) and with money. Items one to seven are answers
   women tell me to make them seem cerebral and of quality, but I have been around a block or two
   and women when shallow never give straight answers when asked these questions.

   And the list goes on...
 

   But for me no tall, dark and handsome (or has some!) guy can ever be that desirable if he is not with good moral character. I choose good character over personality and good-looks, anyday. Hands-down.

   Now let us talk character, shall we...

 Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. - Abe Lincoln said that.  He also said, that character is like a tree and reputation is like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it, the tree is the real thing.
  Remember the legendary Bruce Lee? He said knowledge gives you power, but character respect.
 I like Mark Twain's definition of character. A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.
Let's see what Albert Einstein said about the subject. Most people think that it is the intellect that makes a great scientist. They are wrong. It is character.
Mahatma Gandhi said, The real ornament of a woman is her character, her purity. (Truth!)
 The all time beautiful woman, Jacqueline Bisset said, Character contributes to beauty. It fortifies a woman as her youth fades. A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful. (Gotta love a beautifu woman both inside and out!)
  Now from the class act of all class acts, Katherine Hepburn. To keep your character intact you cannot stoop to filthy acts. It makes it easier to stoop the next time.
  Thomas A. Edison, What a man's mind can create, man's character can control.
  Eleanor Roosevelt said, Only a man's character is the real criterion of worth.
  Action is character. - F.Scott Fitzgerald said that.

  As a football fan, it is always instilled in team members that team work is necessary to build character. Character in football is not how you handle failure but how you deal with success.

  You might not have heard of James Buchanan (google him!) but he stated that...Trials, temptations and disappointments all these help instead of hindrances, if we use them rightly. They not only test the fiber of character but strengthens it. Every conquering temptation represents a new find of moral energy.

  And an easy one to remember quote about character but so right on in definition is by JC Watts, Character is doing the right thing when nobody is watching.

  How about R.W. Emerson? Heard of him? He said, People do not seem to realize that their opinion of the world is a confession of character.

  So for me good moral character is first and foremost on what I want in a man. Enough said.

  This was fun. Have a great weekend everyone!



  

Female Pisces, I am...

   George Washington, Gloria Vandebilt, George Harrison, Sidney Poitier, Steve Jobs, Elizabeth Taylor, Johnny Cash, Levi Strauss, Jackie Gleason, Fats Domino and Victor Hugo, my brother.

 

   These are the people who share the same Zodiac sign as I do, Pisces.

 

   I was thinking about what can I post today and the thought of giving you glimpse of my trait and personality came to mine - so VIOLA!

 

   Let's start with Pisces, people born between the inclusive dates of Feb19 - March 20 are Pisces. The personal character I guess I can only talk about is me, a female Pisces.

 

   Let's get rockin'. So, born under the Chinese Zodiac Pisces, my ruling planet is Neptune, I myself do not really know what that means but I have read and heard about this iota of trivia and decided to include it here. Pisces is represented by two fishes swimming in opposite direction of each other. To me this means duality. My ever constant struggle of spiritual soul and wordly, physical body.

  

   I adapt easily with my environment. I can easily get tuned-in with my surroundings and that includes feelings and emotions of the people around me. I am empathetic and creative. What is not typical is that I am idealistic and can be impractical at times to everyday run of things.

 

   I am sensitive and intuitive and am never strictly by the book kinda person. When I choose a path or make a decision, most of the times I can focus on that and have been known to exclude everything else. My nature is to learn things by absorption.

    I am into style, luxury and pleasure, my worldy attributes. I am always "GO" when it comes to a new adventure. When I travel, I am open to everything.

   I have been told that I am sacrificing and compassionate, oftentimes to a fault.

   The negative things, I am never into structure or regimental on going about things. I abhor conventional wisdom. I am easily lied to because I so want to believe in people, that they good and would not hurt me. I keep the faith. I am a melancholy sort of person. I tend to be ritualistic about my exercise.

   As a Pisces ( a water sign) I am fluid, meaning ever changing.

   I love because it comes natural to me. Love is never a halfway matter to me.

   I am loyal and devoted. Over-sensitive and idealistic .I seek fulfilling and long, lasting friendship. I seek what I give in return. Mostly mysterious and elusive describes me exactly. I do not do this intentionally, it is just in my nature. I trust my gut and instincts, all the time; for it has never failed me.

    In a few words, let me say Pisces is called the most sensitive of all zodiac sign for a reason. Exactly.

    I love being a Pisces because I would not want to be anything else.

  

  

  

 

 

 

 







Ooh, la la Paris!

 

This is where R and I went. The City of Lights! Wow, there was nothing in there that I did not love..but the sights are indeed, glorious. This is my first post after looking over most of the pictures I took. There several food posts in the works. Some museum reviews and just "goofing off" posts. Silly ones...



   We approached the Tour Eiffel or Eiffel Tower from the opposite direction from the Tocadero Metro stop. We came in through the back. We saw the park benches, that is not too common coming from the Tocadero plaza. We saw it from this street. I took a quick shot of it and thought, this will be make a nice picture for the blog :-)

   R and I had a picture of the both of us under the Tour Eiffel taken by a group of three young men. It came out great, but sorry no personal pictures allowed here.

   It was freezin' cold when we visited the Tower since it was late in the afternoon and we decided not to go all the way to the top. We saw the names of what we presumed were people who helped make the tower come to be..we saw the said names on the basepoint of the tower.

   I enjoyed the visit to this romantic mecca and having R with me gave it a sweeter meaning.

   Thank you R for standing there with me.

   We even walked towards the buses and away from the actual tower to get a better picture shot of each one of us with the tower in the background. R took some pictures of me and I took some pictures of him with the tower in the back. Pretty!

   I hope one day I get to return and if weather permits, get to the very top of such a grandiose and large piece of art. I loved it! Just like anything in Paris, it will be etched in my mind and heart for the rest of my life.

   I am happy I went and experienced Paris Eiffel Tower.

   It is difficult to put the tower in to words. But just standing underneath such world recognized monument is a life experience I am not likely to forget soon or ever, at all.

 

   I dedicate this post to R. for sharing the moment with me.

   More Paris related posts to follow.

   Have a nice weekend everyone.

  

What being part of "two-gether" means to me..

   My R and I were on a trip together, or as I would spell it, "two-gether".

   I am not referring to our life-trip with each other but suitcase and airplane tickets kinda trip.

   The photo above was taken with my cellphone. I am not sure he remembers this particular shot but I decided to post it here anyway, as a gesture and testament that we are still together; and trying to travel that life-trip hand in hand or in this case, side by side, shoes by shoes.

   It is difficult to be apart from him. Recovery stands still and stagnant at times. Even worse at times, as well. Distance may make the heart grow fonder but it oftentimes the separation can leave you cold. I try my best to hold on to what really matters but to be apart from him, makes the struggle hard, lonesome and difficult to bear.
 

   I write this post hopeful as ever that in a short period of time, he and I will be next to each other again. It is difficult to forget, you see. Maybe, I just have to think forward and remind myself of that each time my heart aches and my mind plays tricks on me. It is quite a task to make sense of something that doesn't make sense.

   Oh God, I would hate to think that we are at our relationship's best when we are miles apart.
  

   The trip we took, opened my eyes to several things and what remained constant is that, I might like to think and make myself believe that I am healing, I am not. I still have my bad days and am not sure how to get past that rut!

  

   I sit here and I look at this photo as I ponder..I am grateful for the opportunity to travel with him and the chance to learn about "where I am" now - with myself and my healing process. It gets tough each passing day. I try to be cheerful and not dwell so much on negative thoughts but it will have to be the both of us two-gether that will help me get through all this "garbage".

 

   For me, as long as my heart says, I love him, I will be with him..being a part of someone means I have to face my demons and hold strong onto the years that got us to where we are now. Never giving up on what makes us both the happiest. Patience was never one of my virtues, and it is about time I start working harder on that.

 

   To me, togetherness is being there for each other during tough times and lending a hand. Good times are better times, but bad times when survived together can only makes us stronger.

 

   I am miles and miles away from him..and the miles between us compounded by time can take it's toll in any relationship. But when I hear and see his " I love you", I believe them. I do. And those words simple, gets me through most of my tougher days.

 

   I hope one day soon, a day would pass by and not a tinge of ache crosses my heart. It is never easy to heal from a broken heart..nobody had died from it, I am told, it just feels like death comes and engulfs you each time you remember and a tear trickles down your cheek. It still hurts. But as I smile and wipe that tear away, I think I am a little tougher and a little better.

 

   The trip we took, showed me how far I have gone from the horrendous point of despair and how much further I still have to go. I am ready and willing to go through the whole process not just for our relationship but also for what we have worked so hard for and fought for all these years.

 

    Two-gether means being one. The smiles, laughter and tears we experience as one. We lift each others spirit when one is down and if we must, we carry each other when one is unable to go on.

 

    Growing up is never easy. But I cannot see myself growing old without my R. It is not what happened to me that will define me, it is what I do, after I dust myself off, that will define me. Not easy but again, growing up is never easy.

    I see myself with no one else but R. He is worth the fight.
   Two-gether means, R and I. Shoes, side by side.

 

 

 

Photo upload problems

   Oh well, I am still having some trouble uploading photos here.

   Somehow the drop window where I can choose the location of my photos in file does not show up when I want to upload jpg photos. Umph!!

   R will have to help me on this matter. HELP!!

   What is a blog without photos, right?

   I have to be patient and be positive about the whole blogging experience. Be patient with me.

   I plan to post some great photos soon...I will be going on a trip, that's why.

   Stay tuned..another day. Be safe everyone have a great weekend.

Where have I been?

It is 2013 and I have not posted anything during the year-end of 2012. Sorry about that.

And now that I am online, somehow I am having some problem posting photos here. I was busy with our children's Christmas party here at home. And to say goodbye to the 2012 Year of the Water Dragon, I experienced major flood here (those were the photos I wanted to share here). Please give me sometime to figure out what the glitch is and re-post those photos.

I am excited to welcome The Year of the Water Snake!! I am ready to leave the bad things in the past and any nightmare I had that happened in 2012. The best thing that happened to me in 2012, well, I keep it dear in my heart no matter where I go and no matter where I am.

What is past, as long as we learn the lesson it is trying to teach us, we can leave in the past and start afresh.

I am happy to be posting here again for the first time and being positive. I hope you have a great 2013 as well. Good posts are coming (as long as the loading of photos can be fixed!).

Happy New Year everyone!