Reviving Makeup Artist In Scrubs

The last few days got me preoccupied with my beauty blog. It caught a bug in blogger which made the dreaded server 404 error appear everytime i tried to view it.

My other blog that was supposedly made for breast cancer awareness could not be opened either, because of the gmail bug that disabled the email I used for that blog. Blogger and gmail seem to be infested with bugs lately.

While others troubled by the error are still patiently waiting for the problem to be fixed, I decided to transfer my site to a new domain. I had to take action to revive it before it drowns into oblivion. I now have to start from scratch and build readership all over again butI am consoled by the fact that I love how it looks now. I chose a magazine-like template for wider space and easy readability.

I wonder if how the number 404 would fare in suertres lotto. Would it be yield the opposite effect or would it be just as infuriating?

Eating Healthy Does Not Come Cheap

My alternative medicine docs advised me to shift into a healthier diet consisting of organic products including rice and veggies.Problem with organic food is they turn out to be pricier than their mainstream counterparts which leaves us reaching out for the cheaper alternatives.

The unpolished rice I eat costs more than the premium quality rice in the market. According to my hubby, the rice is reminiscent of the nutribun goodies distributed for free in schools before. Now, it's marketed for the health conscious who can pay for the higher price. I still find Japanese rice yummier but my body seriously needs the nourishment from the organic variety.

Another problem I see with sticking to healthy food is that they are not readily available. When outside the house, it is easier to grab a fast food hamburger than look for a filling healthy meal. It's a good thing that there are fruit juice stalls where I can order a glass of carrot juice or fresh fruit juices without much sugar. "Thirsty" and "All That Juice" have them at our local malls. But we need something to munch while drinking the juice.

With all the diseases stemming from bad diets, the trend now is leaning towards more natural, healthier options. I am hoping that they will be more available in cheaper and more palatable ways. For now, home grown veggies and fruits are my best bets.

Pushing My Luck

Why am I posting this visualization check on my blog? To attract abundance, what else? See, when I wrote about my ideal man and the elusive qualities I was looking for in guy a few years back, it came to life in the person of my husband who's just as cute. Like the atenean dream guy, my hubby was also a class validectorian in high school. I found the most wonderful husband in the world who loves me for just being me.



When I posted about wanting a dslr camera the first time, I got a point and shoot canon. Not bad. The second time around, a spanking new Nikon D40 became my latest acquisition in two days after the post. Yeah, I now own a dslr! Yipee!!!!

So I thought about taking the law of attraction a step further by posting this check on my blog. Hmm.. If I publish it for the world to see then maybe the universe will conspire to grant my wishes, just like how I found my husband and the dslr. Thing is, if this becomes a reality, you won't catch me blogging about it. But you can take the hint when I start posting my travel pics in Europe, me strutting in Manolo Blahniks, or running my own franchise of MAC cosmetics.

Conversations

Battle of The Passions

I'm in a confused state right now. I'm arguing with myself whether I should get a dlsr camera or buy additional makeup to my stash.

Both are expensive hobbies but the thing with makeup is that you can slowly build your collection and find cheaper alternatives. But computing the total cost 0f my kit should afford me a nice dslr camera.

Film Photography was my passion in college. I haven't heard of photoshop back then. I resorted to cutting newspaper prints and pasted them on my photos to make it look like an ad. Sometimes, I would cut a model's body and replaced her head with one of my friends' faces. Then I would end up laughing at the sight.

These days, I could land on billboards in a very realistic fashion, using photoshop or cool websites like photofunia. Digital photography has come a long way and I haven't taken the first step to keep up with it. I do own a point and shoot digital camera (canon ixus 55) but it's too limited to fully explore the wonders of photography.

The last time I used it on my niece's graduation, I was appalled by the blurry or dark images my camera produced when I tried taking shots during my niece's validectory address speech. I was already close to the stage and set the ISO to 400, with flash and all I got were dark or grainy pictures. Even photoshop couldn't save the dismal photos. A dslr should have been around for that very special moment. Presently, a good dslr is cheaper than the price I paid for my digital cam.


If I do get a DSLR and get hooked into it, it could be a very expensive endeavor. Passions can leave one broke. It would be another area that would get me excited and consume my time and money. Unlike makeup where I can earn from it, photography will just be a hobby to keep creative juices flowing.

My makeup stash wouldn't fit in my traincases anymore but I still crave a few more high end items for looks I'm planning on. It's far more affordable than a dslr camera.

Maybe if I had the money for both, that would be a no-brainer. For now, life is teaching me the value of sacrifice by choosing just one passion.. for the meantime, that is.

Archie is #1

David Archuleta's single "Crush" was released for digital download yesterday and it's currently occupying the top spot in the itunes charts.

The song can be downloaded through :

itunes
amazon

Go, Archie!

Perfect Lie

When you're a kid with a perfect voice but with an uneven teeth, you're not allowed to show your face before the world.

That's really mean, bordering on evil.

The kid who sang at the opening of the olympics (right) turns out to be a front. She lip synched to the voice of the girl who officials believed was not pretty enough to represent China (left).

For them, the poor girl's uneven teeth were potentially damaging to the international image of their country. So does that make faking a good way to uplift a nation's reputation?

I think the girl with the golden voice is cute enough. Her teeth are bound to be replaced by a nicer set when she grows up. I am bothered at how they mercilessly crushed the kid's self esteem and taught the other kid to cheat to protect a nation's interest. I feel for both girls.

It's a strange, cruel world.

Cooling Down

Wanna test your patience? Try driving. It can be one of the most stressful daily activities leading you to unintentionally blurt out profanities. All the more if your car air conditioning system is acting up. In the heat of the summer, this could put your temper to a boiling point.

Save yourself from your violent propensities and your face from premature wrinkles brought about by a faulty air conditioning system. Once it shows signs of deterioration (the air con, not your face), scout immediately for a good a/c compressor. You need not waste your gas roaming the city for it. I got two words for you: browse online.

Yes, the power of the internet got almost everything you need at the tip of your fingers. The best part is you can get them cheaper buying the parts directly. Driving a Honda Civic? A Mercedes or a posh BMW? The hunt for a bmw a/c compressor should be worry-free because the catalog gives you the ease of use browsing the match to your specifications.

If technicalities on air conditioning compressors are making your head bleed, be sure to check out the automotive a/c learning center for dummies, err, for easy reading on how it works. Learning something new each day won't hurt.

Taming The Beasts

Come to think of it, the movies have depicted the ugly as the underdog, meek and ultimate temple of kindness. Whereas the pretty one is stereotyped as an airhead, with the tendency to persecute those not of her kind.

This may be true for a few but I noticed, most nasty people look the part. Their ugly characters manifest in their physical appearances. These people have issues stemming from childhood who allowed their insecurities get the better of them. They are wrapped with negative perceptions of life that they think the world owes them what they lack. Instead of striving to be better, they derive satisfaction from putting other people down. That way, they feel they are somehow superior.

In all fairness, the pretty airheads do exist. They got too preoccupied with their beauty that they forgot to develop other substantial aspects in their lives. They think the world revolves around them and that they carry a license to bitch. While they are admired for their appearances, they have unresolved personal issues and struggles which their looks cannot compensate. We have a bunch of actresses as sample cases.

Bottom line is, personal issues not handled well may result to life-long personality scars that can hurt relationships and become a societal concern. Unfortunately, we cannot exorcise the demons lurking in their pathologic personalities. We can only hope that in time, they will see things on a more positive note and give rest to their bullying tendencies.

Moral lesson: if you look and act like a beast, you probably are. If you're a beauty who acts like a beast, you're a beautiful beast but a beast, nonetheless.

Don't mind me. Just rambling.

David Archuleta's "Crush"

Dang it, I missed it for over a week. David Archuleta's fans are all raving on his single, "Crush". Archie has just released his debut single which has been hitting the airwaves since August 1st. A teaser to keep us excited for what's to come in his most awaited first solo album.

His album is scheduled to be out in the market on November 2008 but pre-orders are available through amazon.com at $9.99.

I listened to the song from davidarchuletafans.com audio player and I must say the melody is catchy and the lyrics, swoon-worthy. With all the girls professing their crush on Archie, finding it on top of the charts won't come as a surprise. Oh well, it ranked #1 in the latest interactive 9@9 Countdown Results. Way to go, David!

"Crush" is written byJess Cates, Dave Hodges and Emanuel Kiriakou. The digital download of the track is due for release on August 12, 2008. Get it from amazon it for $0.99.

"CRUSH" LYRICS:

I hung up the phone tonight, something happened for the first time, deep inside
It was a rush, what a rush
Cause the possibility that you would ever feel the same way about me
It's just too much, just too much
Why do I keep running from the truth, all I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized, and I just got to know

Do you ever think, when you're all alone, all that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush
Do you catch a breath, when I look at you, are you holding back, like the way I do
Cause I'm tryin', tryin' to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away

Has it ever crossed your mind when we're hanging, spending time girl, are we just friends
Is there more, is there more
See, it's just a chance we've gotta take, cause I believe that we can make this into something that will last, last forever, forever

Do you ever think, when you're all alone, all that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush
Do you catch a breath, when I look at you, are you holding back, like the way I do
Cause I'm tryin', tryin' to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away

Why do I keep running from the truth, all I ever think about is you
You got me hypnotized, so mesmerized, all I just got to know

Do you ever think, when you're all alone, all that we can be, where this thing can go
Am I crazy or falling in love, is it really just another crush
Do you catch a breath, when I look at you, are you holding back, like the way I do
Cause I'm tryin', tryin' to walk away
But I know this crush ain't goin' away, goin' away

No More Nadia Comaneci Moment?

The chase for the elusive perfect 10 is a thing of the past. Try16 or 17. Olympic gymnastics scoring has been changed after the controversial judging flaws encountered in the Athens games 4 years ago.

Ten used to be the perfect score in gymnastics, a feat which Romanian Nadia Comaneci will be remembered for, in the 1976 Montreal games. Following Nadia with the perfect 10, were Mary Lou Retton and Tim Dagett, among others, but no one came close to the record of 7 perfect 10's as Nadia did, in a single olympic year. It is a figure waiting for a reprise in Olympic history but that won't be happening again, apparently.

The coaches and gymnasts aren't too happy with the new scoring method. It's a little complicated, that reading greek or chinese characters will be easier to comprehend, according to gymnastics pundits.

Spin Your Life With Cisco

Working on my beauty blog lately, I spent a lot of time tweaking the template and transferring the site to my own domain. It consumed several hours of my precious time figuring out how to do it right which could have been no sweat if I had a background in IT.

I have no regrets finishing med school (uh.. don't I?) but sometimes I do wonder what could have happened if I took an IT course to make use of my tireless internet hours. I'd probably be earning big bucks, as it is an in-demand job these days. My cousin in the IT industry was sent abroad to train further, with his allowance bigger than what I make as a doctor. Imagine how much he'd be earning after the training. But nah, I don't have plans of going back to school anytime soon. It might put me on nosebleed learning the ropes of the technology at this point in my life.

However, if IT is your thing and you want soar in this field, Cisco certification may be the answer to your dreams. I have heard stories of how much this is valued for career advancements. From landing a lucrative job to getting promoted, a cisco credential was their passport to it. It puts you a cut above the rest. You can check out the their website for the modules and certifications they offer.Whether you are a newbie or an expert, they have programs to match your level.

At your own home and own pace, you can be recognized globally and earn a ticket to a 6 digit income. Sounds cool? Darn, I might have to eat my words. It isn't too late to learn, right?

Young Angie and Shiloh

Will Shiloh grow up to be as gorgeous as her mommy Angie? Highly likely. Little Shiloh has striking similarities with her mom. Maybe Vivienne Marchelline, too. We'll see when she grows up a little from being the cute bundle of joy that she is. Big sis Shiloh will be taking care of her and their baby boy, Knox Leonne.

Dressing Up Your Little Girl

I was browsing through old pictures and noticed my fashion style when I was little. My mom was always updated with the latest. Knee-high socks, denim all overs, big shades (which is making a comeback), tubes, etc. I was amused at how my mom dolled me up, which is probably how I developed a flair for fashion.

Seeing kids these days dressed like miniature adults can get annoying to the point of being whore-ific. Kids are supposed to be cute, not sexy. I don't get the point why they are made to wear heels when it puts them at risk of spraining their ankles. Heels should be for the adults who can sacrifice comfort for fashion and don't run around in them. Let kids be kids.

If I'm going to have my kids in the future, I want at least 1 girl that I could dress up and prettify. For sure, her closet will be full of pinks, from jammies to jackets, dresses, shoes, socks, to hats. Buying branded items like Gymboree will not be a problem as by that time, I have a feeling I'll be richer by then. :) I hope that won't be too far from now. But then browsing at the online shops for kids' clothes, they aren't as expensive as I thought. My makeups are far more pricey than a $3 Gymboree floral sundress.

I guess if you just know where to shop for affordable kids' clothes without compromising style and quality, your kid will still be in fashion. I can have my little girl flashing her signature grin in a $30 Ralph Lauren mesh polo dress which is cheaper than my Mac brush. If it's not available in one store I can always browse for another, with lower price and better deals, which is made easier by shopwiki.

Hmm.. sometimes I am tempted to click the buy button. Perhaps the kids will follow soon enough, eh?

Silver Linings 2008

After the success of Silver Linings in Shangrila Hotel in Manila last September 2005, I Can Serve is bringing it back, in Cebu this time.

Silver linings is a homecoming of cancer survivors organized by the breast cancer support group, I Can Serve. Simultaneous educational forums dealing on the updates on breast cancer, steps after medical treatment, support for loved ones and improving one's self esteem even through illness, will be conducted.

During the last Silver linings, the topic that got me excited was "look good, feel good," a makeup tutorial by Abbygale Arenas. Yes, I was just diagnosed with cancer that time but nothing stopped me from learning how to primp up despite my condition. I think it's important not to look the part when you're sick because that would be an added downer.

Of course, I learned valuable updates from medical doctors who talked about the latest developments of the disease. I was warned about soya and ginseng which are healthy foods but may have some estrogen mimicking effects that is not good for breast cancer.

The brave survivors delivered their testimonies and one of them was my kind surgeon, Doc Frankie (RIP). She invited me to the event and even tried looking for a sponsor to foot my airfare bills as a fellow doctor. Unfortunately, drug companies were apparently scrimping. But I went, anyway. My mom came with me for support.

Celebrities were all around the place, as resource persons or as loved ones who had to cope with having a family member struck with cancer. This year, it will be hosted by Pinky Marquez with forum moderators Karen Davila, Melissa de Leon, etc. Bituin Escalante will also be singing.

Cancer survivors are encouraged to attend, not exclusive to those with breast cancer. The event will be on September 6, 2008 at the Waterfront Hotel in Lahug, Cebu. The registration fee is very minimal, at P100.

For pre-registration and inquiries, contact: 6332.2439370 (Cebu) 632.6873942 (Manila) or write to silverlinings2008@gmail.com.

A Very Special Laugh

I finally got to watch John Lloyd Cruz and Sarah Geronimo's flick, " A Very Special Love." The trailer seemed corny but I was glad to give it a chance as I had fun watching the movie.

Every few minute intervals, I couldn't help giggling from the scenes of the prudish Sarah scoring attention from her long time dreamboat, John Lloyd. The "kilig" factor is up, despite that John Lloyd is not with his box- office tested screen partner, Bea Alonzo.

Sarah is one of those pop stars who has great potential in the acting arena. She portrays the role of a giddy admirer of the publishing boss played by John Lloyd in a cute but non overacting way. Just the right blend to get the audience tickled. I can see her doing more light dramas and even comedy roles. She may not be the stereotypical picture of beauty but her charm will get her going places. Her supposedly "love-struck" hair-do didn't flatter her. Apart from that, Sarah brought the house down.

Image Source: sarahgeronimo.com
I have always regarded John Lloyd's acting as one of the best in his generation. From "Tabing-Ilog " days, I find his natural style very pleasant to watch. He has an effective way of pinching your heart til it cries along with him. I applaud how he sensitively essayed the role of a son aching for acceptance from his family. As a heartthrob and the grouchy boss who terrorizes his employees, he delivers.

Matet, although playing a support role is noteworthy. After all, she grew up acting from her supertot days. All the actors including Gio Alvarez, Joross Gamboa, Al Tantay, etc fit their roles to a tee. Director Cathy Garcia-Molina should be commended for the job well done.

Rated A by the Cinema Evaluation Board, I, in behalf of the viewers who laughed their guts out and squirmed in "kilig" from their seats, am definitely not surprised why.

Christina Applegate Faces Breast Cancer

Another addition to the unfortunately growing list of breast cancer patients is star of "Married.. With Children" and "Samantha Who," Christina Applegate.

The 36 year old actress was found to have the disease during a routine MRI. She is currently under treatment and is expected to recover soon. She has been an advocate for cancer research, as her mother fought both breast and cervical cancer. Christina is one of the celebrities scheduled to appear in the TV fund raiser, "Stand Up To Cancer."

Just about a month ago, her boyfriend Lee Grivas was found dead in his apartment.

Here's wishing Christina the strength that she needs to surpass this difficult time of her life. May she get well soon.

Cancer, when will you stop bitching around?

Cookies For The Hungry Soul

Did I just hear your tummy grumble? Can't blame you. Seeing these gastronomic delights will push your stomach to a hungry mode. Even I can't help drooling as I write this. It's a feel good food perfect for those nursing a broken heart and replenishing drenched up spirits. Give your tongue a break from licking your wounds and give in to your cravings for these yummy gourmet cookies.

I've been very choosy with my food lately that I have to avoid disease-causing ingredients. I'm loading up on vegetables and shying away from animal products. Living in a health conscious era, even these treats heed the call to a healthier living. Choose the all natural cookies with healthy ingredients like organic whole wheat pastry flour and dairy, heart-beneficial oats and organic butter. Feed your body right.

If you're looking for gifts for your loved ones or wanna cheer up a friend, these should liven up their spirits in no time. Accentuate these with dainty ribbons and you're good to go.

If you're the boss everyone would love to have, think of ways to keep your people enamored. These delights would make excellent giveaways as corporate gifts cookies. Give your employees a pat in the back by rewarding them with unforgettably delicious premium grade goodies.

Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar? Not me. But I definitely want to get my hands on the jar as long as they're healthy.

Olympic Gymnastics

With only 6 days to go before the opening of the Beijing Olympics, the sport I anticipate the most is gymnastics, especially the women's artistic division.

I grew up watching Bea Lucero in the Milo TV ad and followed her career til she won an olympic medal in another sport, Tae Kwon Do in the Barcelona olympics. It was a demo sport back then. She failed to join the Philippine olympic team as a gymnast due to politics but she will always be remembered as the girl who inspired other Filipino kids into gymnastics.

Gymnastics is much more than just somersaults, flexibility and grace. It provides one of the most breathtaking spectacles to sports viewers, in an olympic level at that. Will someone surpass the record achieved by Nadia Comeneci of Romania? We will be looking for perfect 10's in this year's delegates.

Strongest bets are from the USA, China, Italy, Romania, Brazil and Russia. Shawn Johnson, from the USA, won the women's all around individual title in Stuttgart, Germany for the World Championship last year.

Million Dollar Babies

Being born to famous parents translates to millions of moolah. Reuters report that the exclusive rights to the first photos of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's twins born last July 12, 2008 are sold to People and Hello magazines.

Knox Leonne and Vivienne Marchelline, the million dollar twins, their parents and 4 other siblings already had a photo session, according to Getty Images. The exact amount paid was not known but it was speculated to be around $11 million.

The twin cuties must be proud to know that in less than 1 month of age, they are already doing an act of goodwill, following the footsteps of their benevolent parents, just by flashing their toothless grins to the cameras. Oh yeah, they can't smile yet but the charitable institutions will. Their parents and Getty images agreed that the proceeds will go to charity. Fabulous babies!

Shopping With Humor

One of my favorite hobbies is shopping online. Bad for my credit card's health but there are too many stuff not available within my reach, hence I have to resort to long distance shopping from various countries.

I check out reviews of items on the net before buying them. Some will confuse you as one product may work for some, but may be a nightmare material to others. Looking for reviews may find you lurking in this unusual blog on the overlooked items on shopwiki. Who would've thought there was a "Chicken Soup for the American Idol Soul?" After being ridiculed in front of worldwide audience, this should help rebuild the hopefuls' ripped up self esteem and bounce back from Simon Cowell's notorious remarks.

Do you splurge up on cocaine? No, not the abused substance that could pass for an underarm deodorant. It's an unusual brand name of an energy drink selling for $1.99 per can. Controversial? Hell, yeah. The Overlooked blog provides an insightful background to this product.

You will be loaded with information and humor on products that you never knew existed. Their regular "Hunk Friday" feature is worth checking out too. Take this alternative shopping route along the information superhighway and have a good laugh checking out the goods.