I've been dying to make new posts on my blog, for there are a few things I'd like to share. But I've been trying to restrict my internet time so I could allot more time and try to focus more on studying .

Now, the Final exam week is over, and I'm still waiting for the results. I've been having a positive perspective the last week of exams. My extra time studying has been paying off since I'm pretty sure I got decent grades.

So, I'm still waiting and hoping and praying everything I did worked. I will find out next week..

I really missed writing and making posts. Sorry if I've been AWOL for a long time.

Hopefully I'll be back to regular blogging next week..

I'll keep you posted..

Wish me luck!!.. ;)

When we went to the AloYouth booth at the Cosmo bash, the usherettes have mentioned that they have an ongoing promo, inline with their new FB page. Our photos taken at the booth will be posted on their page, and the picture with the most number of likes get to win an IPAD.  

This is my photo entry with the Lychee Model

How to help me:

 
1. Like the AloYouth Fanpage...
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alo-Youth/123633847686712?ref=ts

2. Like my pic on this link..
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Alo-Youth/123633847686712?v=wall#!/photo.php?pid=183949&id=123633847686712&ref=fbx_album

Your help would pretty much appreciated. I'm taking a chance on this one. I do hope I snagged the IPAD..

For movie buffs who wanted to appreciate movies from Europe, European Commission in partnership with Shangri-La Cineplex is hosting a free movie viewing of 20 selected movies all across Europe. For more details and film schedules, please refer on boykuripot's post or the European Commision's site.

If you missed these guys on the Cosmo Bachelor Bash, you can still meet them (in the flesh) at selected GUESS store locations.

My birthday has passed and another year had been added to my age. I'm so happy that this year, I get to celebrate my birthday with everyone I loved. I'd like to thank my father for hosting and arranging the gathering. It was a blast!.

*I know it's kinda late, but i was having a hard time rummaging all of my photos. I had many photos that needed to be organized. BTW, this is my first haul post.

With me being so frugal, it was a shock that I've ordered and bought several things this month. (Good thing, the other things I wanted to buy out of whim was out of stock.. hehehe..)

Here's what I got: (though it's not much)
(More info on the products after the jump) 

1. 5 piece brush set
2. Avon Simply Pretty Face Powder with Refill
3. Avon Simply Pretty Lipstick in Cool Coral
4. Maybelline Volume Express Hypercurl Mascara

Here's the songs on my Playlist:

1. Teenage dream- Kate Perry
2. Just the Way you Are - Bruno Mars
3. Birthday Sex - Jeremih
4. Love the Way you Lie - Eminem feat. Rihanna
5. Send it On - Disney Stars
6. Mine - Taylor Swift
7. Airplanes - B.O.B feat Hayley
8. Nothin' on You - B.O.B feat Bruno Mars
9. Billionare - Travie McCoy feat Bruno Mars
10. Somewhere in Brooklyn - Bruno Mars

**Notice that almost half of it are from Bruno Mars. I'm so digging his music now. :)

Here are the Cosmo Centerfolds 2010 (in no particular order.. and with their shirt on..)

September is just around the corner. Aside from my birthday and the cool -ber months coming soon, there's been something that is keeping me excited to celebrate in this month.

Every year, I've been anticipating Cosmo's Bachelor Bash. It is the time where male species are deeply appreciated and being adorned by women. Cosmo selects new and fresh faces for us women to drool on. Luckily, I was able to go to the bash last year (refer to this post).

Old Moisturizer:
Nivea Visage Sparkling White Day Care Moisturize 

• Coffee for Geeks

I just want to share the new nail color I sported.

 
Divine ice cream pleasure is HEAVEN Ice Cream.

    Give in to the richest, smoothest, and creamiest by NESTLÉ Ice Cream. Revel in the exquisite goodness of its four sophisticated flavors---Belgian Chocolate Bliss, Strawberry Dream, Vanilla Almond Secret and Butter Pecan Obsession. HEAVEN Ice Cream is made with only the finest ingredients and contains no artificial food colors. Available in 800mL(Php 175) & 450mL(Php 115) tubs across supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores nationwide.

• With the frugality in me, I couldn't bear splurging all of my moolahs on clothes and other things aside from food.
• I know I'll be too lazy to think of witty things to day on how my day went.
• I have a very limited wardrobe and there are some days that I look sloppy and unattractive (or I was too lazy to get my hair fixed, put on make-up and my contacts, mix match my clothes, etc...)

Hope you enjoyed the slide as I have enjoyed making it..

I'm looking forward to more team outing activities..

Eiga Sai



For the Film List and Schedule, click here.

Cinemalaya



For the list of films, click here.

*photos are taken in their main sites.

I'll just sum up what I did for the whole 3 days of easing out the Master Cleanse..

Day 2:
I had an examination in the morning, so I prepared and bought with me a jug of orange juice. After the exams, I went grocery shopping for greens that will go to my tamarind-based soup. I bought some kangkong, sitaw, green peppers and some spring onions. I have some left over uncooked cabbage and tomatoes at home. Luckily, I found a mushroon bouillion which serves as vegetable seasoning for the veggies. I bought it together with some tasty looking melons. I  was really taking my time browsing every food aisle in SM. I have developed this habit of drooling over pictures (and smell) of food.

Here's my recipe for the tamarind-base soup (it somehow resembles the Sinigang but without the meat.)

green vegetables (kangkong, cabbage, sitaw, carrots and tomatoes)
tamarind broth
green pepper
salt, pepper and mushroom bouillion to taste

(measurements are not used for I'm just trying out this recipe)

At last, Ease out finally commenced. First thing before I went to work was to drink the orange juice which was squeezed and refrigerated yesteday night. I took a sip on the pure concentrated orange juice and I find it too sweet.  So I placed half of the concentrate in a glass and filled it with water, I drank it and it suited my taste. I brought the orange juice mixture to work so I could sip some in between dials.

I liked the orange juice, I often find myself gulping it down in a flash (though it us not recommended). I hope I wont get an upset stomach. So far, so good. I can't wait for the soups for tomorrow. I need to concentrate for my exams tomorrow morning..

Alas, the last day I've been waiting for, the last day of the cleanse. Finally I'm about to have something other than the lemon juice with cayenne. I was really looking forward to the ease out process. There had been precautions on what to do days after coming off the cleanse.

Easing out the Master Cleanse:
After doing the minimum 10 days on the cleanse, one must not jump on resuming their normal eating patterns. While the digestive system had been used to having just the lemon juice, there had been tendencies that the lining on the stomach thins out. If one resumes normal eating habits right after the cleanse, there are tendencies for an upset stomach and other complications. It is important to undergo the easeing out process in order to prepare the newly cleansed organs for normal eating.

Day 1 (Ease-Out)
Drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the morning while on an empty stomach. Though some may be horrified with this idea because of the acidity of the orange juice. But for me, (I had been hyperacidic before doing the cleanse) it went out just fine. But be careful to drink the juice slowly to avoid an upset stomach. Drink orange juice for the whole day. The orange juice will prepare the digestive system for the food intake.

Day 2 (Ease Out):
Continue drinking the orange juice for the whole day. One may also continue drinking the lemon juice concentrate. For lunch or evening, vegetable soups may be added. The vegetables can be eaten but in fewer concentrations.

Day 3 (Ease Out):
Same as Day 2, but vegetable salads may be eaten for dinner.

Day 4 (Ease Out):
Normal and healthy eating habits may be resumed.

After the ease out process, one can employ other diets to maintain the healthy lifestyle. Some had observed gaining some weight after the ease out. For me, after the ease out, I'll definitely do South Beach again. I have loved the results, though there are some certain restrictions. I would also try to do some cardio-vascular activities. Now that my metablism had been a bit active, I'll make sure to burn off those stubborn fats on my hip and thigh area.

Day 8:
I was busy the whole day at school, I haven't got time to drink the tea so as soon as I got home, I took the tea and it was around 7PM already. I regretted drinking the tea that late because around 12 midnight, while I was about to go into sleep, my stomach began to ache that I knew the tea was working its magic. But it wasn't until 2AM before the movement commenced.I was pissed off because I wanted to catch more sleep for I will be at school the whole day tomorrow. Darn.

Day 9:
Still busy at school. We had lectures the whole day. During lunch break, I took a nap at the classroom while all my classmates are having lunch (gosh, I really miss eating). All of them asked if I would join them for lunch, I refused saying I just wanted to sleep. Poor me, I had to sit through a 6 hours lecture feeling sleepy and a bit hungry. I was hungry in the sense that I could smell distinctively what my seatmate was munching. But the juice had eased up my hunger. Everytime I drank the juice, I wouldn't feel hungry anymore.
BTW, I have known the best recipe for the lemon juice that suits my taste. I followed the recipe diligently (without adding more cane sugar) and I always make sure to finish off the whole liter before the day eds. Also I make sure that the cayenne doesn't sit for hours on the juice for it will taste bad. I estimate always the amount I would be consuming for the day. And it turned out quite well, I did not have the feeling of gagging whenever I drank the juice.
Tomorrow will be my last day, I am looking forward to the orange juice and soup (I even researched some tasty recipes). After the ease-out, I'll start doing the South Beach Phase 1 to shed off the stubborn fats. I'll also start doing the Hip Hop Abs Exercise to tone my tummy and legs.

Day 6 and 7 of the cleanse went well for me. My cravings for foods are diminished. Seeing food is much bearable now (though aromatic foods are hard to resist). I just cannot kick this habit of drinking less liquid. At the middle of the day, I felt dehydrated. I was supposed to finish 6 glasses of the juice but I just managed to finish 4 glasses a day. I have read in a forum that if you wanted to lose more, I have to increase the juice intake. My sugar cane juice tasted bad because it was spoiled already (that was the reason for the gaging taste of the juice). I bought a fresh supply and the guy in the stall told me that the juice should be placed in the freezer to ensure it's freshness. The sugar cane juice lasts for two weeks if placed in the freezer. (oh, my mistake, I just placed it in the refridgerator)
I bought a sea salt with the shaker and will try the salt water flush tomorrow. (I hope I could gulp down the whole 1 liter). Feeling abit sluggish (maybe because of dehydration). Tomorrow, I will try to drink more juice in order to lose more weight. There is still a sag skin on my tummy that I wanted to remove (maybe some excercise will do the trick).

I woke up feeling abit groggy (maybe because it was lack of sleep). I only slept for 4 hours (I must try to sleep early now). I manage to drag my body off to work. Everthing was fine when I was taking calls, it's just that I feel really sleepy but not too sleepy that my lids are falling off. We did another training for about an hour and clocked out. I did not roam around Glorietta anymore for I was feeling kind of exhausted. I went directly home, finding Joel and his group working Robo-SVP.(They still are not sleeping!!) I did my usual routine, I drank my tea and went off to take a nap before the movement comes. I manage to finish 1L of the juice mixture (it's minimum but still I have to drink about 6-12 glasses). I increased the sugar cane juice concentration because I needed more calories to work out my activities for the day (I tend to lick off the spoon and sip a bit of the sugar cane juice). I'm happy because I'm halfway through the cleanse. Yay! I managed to last this long. 5 more days and I'm off the cleanse. I'm feeling a bit confident about my body because my stomach is soooo flat I'm liking it.

Not much activities this day, I must start studying for my exams on Friday. I hope the cleanse will help me focus more on studying..

I have been setting my mind every now and then to some goals that I need to achieve. Some may be long term and had been drifting into dreamland, there are also some short term ones that needs more attention. I don't have difficulty setting goals, what had been harder from my past observation is following up with some of my activities in order to fully accomplish the goal. I am always good in getting down to business when it comes to accomplishing goals, I am just having a hard time, following up in order to actually finish the goal. I end up with pile of things to do, and had been rushing to get the goal done. That is one thing that really pisses me off, and left me having full of regrets. I know that I am capable, it's just that the motivational part has been always scarce. Beside from lacking motivation, there had been many small things that are more fun to do rather than getting it done. So now, I'm now starting taking the first steps, and hopefully I could follow up and accomplish these short term goals of mine.

AFTER JANUARY:

• I must finish my lecture notes in Algebra, Trigonometry, Solid Geometry, Analytic Geometry, Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus and Physics.
• I must be able to provide some study guides or formula cards on these same subjects. (It would be helpful for my review towards the licensure exam)
• I must be able to save up (at least one third)  my remaining thirteenth month pay. I must be able to save up also a third of my monthly salary (for the rainy days..)
• I must finalize my Diet and Exercise Regimen. I have been preparing my body for this by eating less now. Also, i need to start on it before the month ends.
  

AFTER FEBRUARY:

• Changes must be noticeable on my health (specially on weight). I must be able to stick to my Diet and Exercise Regimen.
•  I must be able to save up (at least one third)  my remaining thirteenth month pay. I must be able to save up also a third of my monthly salary (for the rainy days..)
•  I must finish my lecture notes in Analytical Chemistry, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Organic Chemistry and Stoichiometry.
  

AFTER MARCH:

•  I must be able to save up (at least one third)  my remaining thirteenth month pay. I must be able to save up also a third of my monthly salary (for the rainy days..)
• I must be able to pass my remaining units and be at PICC for the GRADUATION!!!
• I must be able to fully accomplish our Plant Design, complete with book bind and grade. (Though I could accomplish the latter goal, this one can still be a hindrance for me on moving on from the college phase..)
• I must achieve the body I really want ( a beach-worthy body!!). I always have this trouble sticking to a certain food habit. All the skimpy clothes that I have back when I was starting college must fit me this time (although some of them may we worn out or have stretched already because of my erratic weight

After having just four hours of sleep, I was amazed because I managed to woke up with much energy. I was dreading to go to work thinking I wouldn't have enough energy to take calls. I went to work feeling happier because I can flaunt my flat stomach. I bought a tea with me to drink at work, I was worrying not drinking anything hot on an empty stomach. My juice was better now, I added 2 tbsp of the sugar cane juice for added taste and also energy. And it tasted good, I managed to drink everything without having the urge to gag (although there is a sour afertaste, but it was bearable).

I went training for four hours with a breeze. I did felt sleepy at times (maybe because we are not doing anything, just listening). My day went fine until I clocked out of work. Before leaving work, I went to the clinic to check my weight, and I was amazed! From 119LBS, I am now 113LBS!! I was so happy, I lost 6LBS in four days! (I was hoping that after the 10th day, I lost a total of 20-30LBS!!) I went to Landmark to buy my lemons, and I was shocked that the prices of lemons have dropped (from Php12.75 to Php9.50). I bought 10 lemons for the remaining days and decided to continue doing the 10 days cleanse because I seem to have more energy now to do normal things. I will manage to go through the remaining 6 days.

When i was going home, I was exhausted. (maybe because I was lacking some sleep and my heavy bag was an added reason). I asked Joel to meet me at SM to assist me (He was really worried that I might collapse because of hunger). I napped for a while. I  made graham cake for Joel and Iris, it was hard resisting licking off the cream and chocolate off my hands. I managed to make Chloe (my cute dog) to lick it off for me.

Dinnertime came, and I can smell Joel cooking eggs. I miss eating eggs!!. I was salivating while he ate beside me. I was teasing him, asking if i could watch him eat. Dinnertime was always a torture. I miss cooking, and also eating.. Just a bit more and I'll be eating soon... I'll just sleep early tonight..

12:00NN
I was getting lazy to get out of bed because of  the hunger pangs. But I managed to get out at 11am. I'm feeling weak and a bit dizzy. I need to take my herbal tea for added energy. As the day progresses, the things I'm drinking is tasting ikky. I don't know why. Some of the people that did the Master Cleanse claims that the juice tasted nice. How come it tastes worse for me??.. Maybe I need to add some sort of natural sugar. My body is repelling the lemon and cayenne powder mixture. I found a store in SM that sells freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. I think I'll buy that one and add it in my juice for added calories.

We are planning to go to Shopwise for our weekly grocery shopping this afternoon. I'm just waiting for the bowel movement before we go..

3:00PM
While waiting for my bowel movement, I was keeping myself busy surfing the net and Facebook. I'm feeling weird, I'm feeling hot, like having a fever. Whenever I drink the juice, I'm having this feeling of puking. The tea was taking a long time to effect, I'm really leaning towards quiting because of what I am feeling, no perhaps I was thinking of cheating. My body is really a drag, I can't do anything else but just sit or lie on the bed. I finished the 1L I prepared yesterday, I will prepare another later. I asked Joel to go to SM to buy me the fresh sugarcane juice so I can add it in the juice. (I read on one site that I can use fresh sugarcane juice as substitute for maple syrup, its much cheaper here for Php35/16oz) Still waiting for the move before going to Shopwise. (I hope it will not take long its kind of getting late already).
hard doing the
11:00PM
I was so tired from the grocery shopping earlier. My energy was depleted because of the walking aisle by aisle.It was torture especially seeing those yummy foods on the isle. On the back of my mind, I was secretly planning which food to eat after the cleanse. But I managed to control myself to buy some food for myself. I wanted to quit when Joel decided to eat dinner at the foodcourt, as we are passing through the stalls, I can clearly smell all those yummy foods which was making my stomach growl. The worse part was when I had to sit beside Joel and watch him eat his Chicken Hotdog and egg for dinner. Arghh. I am literally salivating that I had to turn away in order to control my urge to taste his food. Joel was hiding his laughter when he saw my expression. I don't know why, but my sense of smell is getting distinct. I can smell anything even the unnoticeable ones. It's weird and hard because I can smell what everyone was eating and it's killing my self-control. That time, I decided I will just go for 5 days of cleanse so I can eat something already.

After arriving home, I went to bed already to rest my tired feet. I prepared the last lemons I had for tomorrow. I must buy lemons tomorrow after work.

As I am typing this down, I am on my Day 2 of the cleanse. I'd like to share my experience on trying the Master Cleanse. I know these journals are helpful for people who will be trying the cleanse for the first time. (Believe me, I've read a lot of them before I started the cleanse). I'll just give a quick narration on how I started..

I always have sweet tooth, and I always crave for something sweet. That into consideration is the reason on my enormous weight gain. I was a size 6 in high school through my first year of college. I gone size 8 when I started staying at Manila and rented a room. 2 summers ago, I became size 10 because I was getting loco over cheese when I had my OJT as an analyst at Kraft. After the realization, I tried doing South Beach, it was effective because I became size 7and I had been doing SB for 5 months, just sticking on SB Phase 2. When I eased in through SB Phase 3, I was doing well, until I lost track during the holidays. After a year of mindless eating, I became size 12. For 5 years, I have been struggling on my weight.

After the holidays, I made a decision to lose some weight and try to achieve the body I really wanted. My self-esteem have hibernated and I became unhappy of myself. Especially when all of my clothes did not fit me anymore and I actually have to buy for much larger ones. That had been the turning point when I decided I will lose all this excessive baggage.

When 2010 came, I started renovating some of my habits. To prepare myself of this losing weight thing, I cut down rice and ate a lot of vegetables. It was easy for me to eat vegetables because I did SB and I got used to eating it. The hardest thing for me was to cut back on my sweets. The first thing I did was to stop the sodas and stick to water and more healthy drinks. It was easy because there's iced tea. But now, I choose the type of iced tea to drink. I prefer the Lipton Iced Tea and C2 Green Leaf for the sugary taste is less. It was easy for me to not miss rice because stir-fried vegetables as substitute is very appealing. I cut down my pastry intake. I eat less bread and just sticked to more vegetables.

After two weeks on these kind of eating, I decided to try the master cleanse. The cleanse is a good way to lose weight but still feel healthy. The hard part was there are no solid food for 10 days, only the lemon juice. To prepare for the cleanse, I canvassed and looked for shop where the ingredients are available. I found cheaper lemons at Landmark Supermarket for Php12.75/piece (compared to SM @ Php15/piece and Rustans @ Php20/piece). The sea salt, organic maple syrup and organic laxative tea are all available at Healthy Options. Cayenne powder was easy because all supermarkets have cayenne at an okay price (Php18.00/50g). I was undecided on the Maple Syrup because it was too expensive (the cheapest one are @ Php800 for a small bottle). The Sea salt at Healthy Options mostly are iodized ones. The rock type of sea salt was a bit expensive (Php 100++ for a tiny shaker). The tea was a bit pricey too. The Organic Smooth Move tea was priced @ Php250 for 16 bags.I was really have a hard time looking for organic stuff around because there a limited stores that sells that stuff (and my budget was a bit constricted.)

I bought 6 lemons for starters and cayenne. I decided to skip on the maple syrup while I'm still finding for a natural sugar substitute like agave syrup of fructose (Healthy Options claims to have these out of stock ). I bought a chinese laxative tea (Kankunis) which was cheaper (Php35/4 bags). I'm just not sure if it's organic or not, but oh well, as long as it has the laxative effect, it should be fine.

Day 1 (January 21)
I took the tea late afternoon on Jan 21(I have classes in the morning and it will not be a good thing if I took it before bedtime) and waited for the bowel movement until midnight. The bowel movement occurred when it was a few minutes before my class. (Good thing I woke up late so I was still at home when the movement came.) After the movement, I decided to drink my first glass of juice and brought the rest to school.

During classes, my mind was telling me I am hungry. So I drank the juice everytime I felt I was hungry or when my stomach grumbles. The juice was not that good, just bearable (maybe if it has something sweet on it,like the maple syrup it will be good.) It tasted like medicine because it have a bitter aftertaste. I included the pulp on the juice, so there were some pulp and the cayenne floating on my drink.

Luchtime came, Joel and I were arguing because it seems he lost his appetite when he knew I was on the cleanse. I encouraged him to eat while I just downed my juice and water. The smell on the cafeteria of the school was tempting and it is making my stomach growl even louder. I mustered enough strength to avoid food even if Joel was eating beside me on the table. I gulped on the juice and washed the aftertaste with water. I managed to go through the day. I drank the tea mid-afternoon.

Dinnertime, Joel and his group decided to pull an all-nighter to finish Robo-SVP (their design project). Joel cooked ground meat with tomato sauce. The smell was unbearable and I was fighting my urge to taste his food. It looked tasty and I was loosing my mind. Good thing I managed to finish my whole 500ml bottle of juice and pre-occupied my mind on juicing my next set of juice. I made a 1L of juice and refrigerated it.

Nearing midnight, Joel and I decided to talk Chloe (our dog) for a walk outside.(It is much safer to let her go that time for there are less cars and people). As I was chasing Chloe, I felt my stomach hurt. I began to worry that I might be getting hyperacidic again because of the juice. And it worsen when Joel told me that it may be ulcer because I haven't eaten anything the whole day. When the pain was unbearable, I rushed home and went to the bathroom. I remembered that I had the tea ,in the afternoon so maybe this was just the bowel movement. My bowel is disgusting but I was happy because I can see some visible fats in it (yuck! this is gross..) After the bowel movement, my motivation to continue soared. I can do this 10 day cleanse, my mind kept saying.

1AM and I'm still not sleeping, my stomach is growling. I retreated for the night but I can't sleep. I read New Moon on my phone so I will get sleepy and it worked. at 2AM, I was sleeping.

Day 2 (January 23)
I woke up at 9AM, and Joel's group was already sleeping on the floor. I went back to sleep because I was worried that my stomach will grumble. I cannot drink the juice on my empty stomach because of my hyperacidity. I manage to go out of bed at 12NN. I decided to take the tea first before drinking the juice. I noticed that my stomach was so flat!. Joel told me that in the wee hours of morning, My stomach was growling too loud that they heard. I am beginning to doubt if this cleanse really works. I'm craving for my morning coffee and cereal.

After taking the tea, I just surfed the net all day while drinking water and the juice.
I happened to bumped on one site that had Beyonce's interview regarding the cleanse. Beyonce ate vegetables while on the cleanse. I was like "Was that cheating??" but then she did lost some weight even for the cheating part. So I searched of there were safe food to eat while on the cleanse, I found out that it was safe to eat organically grown fruits and vegetables. But the article was a bit doubtful because the article was stating the ways on how to cheat the diet. My mind suddenly went for the apple that was sitting in the fridge. It had been 3 hours that I'm battling whether or not I eat the apple.

I mustered enough willpower not to eat the apple. But feeling a bit grogy today, zero calories for 2 days?? I'm amazed I made it. Will sleep early to take my mind of this hunger pangs..

After work, I usually wander off to malls hoping to spot something nice, but everytime I see something nice, I had this urge to buy it but then I am not financially stable to avail those items I want. What I do, I place them on my wishlist and hopefully, I could tick some of it (meaning I finally have it). Here are the list I have been wanting since last year:

• Braces (worth Php35,000)
• Lasik Treatment (worth Php100,000)
• Mac Laptop (Macbook or Macbook Pro)
• Ipod Touch (worth Php15,000+)
• Iphone or a cellphone with WiFi (Iphone-Php30,000+, WiFi Phone-Php7,000-15,000)
• Hair Rebonding (worth Php2,000++)

I know most of these are considered luxury, but then I recently learned something interesting from Joel. He mentioned that if you are wanting something, be sure that the whole package is worth the things you really want to do with it, meaning be sure to maximize the worth of an item (be it cheap or expensive). This mantra would help me which ones for me are considered disposable(trash) and a great find. My old self would really dig those cheap finds not minding their quality and other aspects. Now, I realized that I must assess an item before purchasing. It must pass the standards that I had set in mind:

• What is this worth after six months? Is the price proportional to the number of months I'll be using it?
• What else can I do with this (besides the usual)? How can I maximize it's capabilities to fully make use of it?
• Do fancy-ing this still makes me happy after a few months after buying it? or do it leaves me regretting after a few days or months of using it?
• Do I really need to buy this NOW? or I will just return a few days to see if I really like it the way I liked it the first time I saw it?

I am setting these standards for myself whenever I see something that urges me to spend my hard-earned money on. I have this habit of liking something just because it's cool or just because it's an eye candy. These are shallow reasons but enough to make me happy for a while. But this leaves me with wanting more and that is the thing I am avoiding: Wanting something more than I could chew. this is one of the habits I am considering to change or perhaps revert.

I know these New Year's resolutions are growing a bit old because almost all of us are having a hard time sticking to it and worse, remembering them all. Last year, I saved my new year resolution on my mobile phone, but the worse part is that my phone got lost so I was not able to check if I did try to adhere to my resolutions. Now, I am now jotting this down here at my blog, so I could check again next year if I did keep most part of it.

New Year's Resolution for 2010:

• I am determined to keep a healthy lifestyle. 
• I am determined to save more and spend less.
• I am determined to study more to achieve my ultimate goal: To top the licensure exam for Chemical Engineers.
• I will worry less and be more optimistic.
• I will try to organize my files and make sure to throw the things that I really don't need anymore.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)


VIRGO PERSONALITY HOROSCOPE:

Virgoan energy is paradoxical. It is an earth sign which is materialist and full of stability, yet it is also it is mutable. Governed by Mercury people born under this sign have a unique ability to be equally at home with both change and order.

The Virgoan influence is calm, rational. Virgo has a perceptive energy that is highly discriminating

PERSONALITY TRAITS OF A VIRGO:

Analyst, Worrier, Demands respect, Fair judgment, Pessimistic, Purist, Plays safe, Frequently depressed, Destructive at times, Has mood swings, Perfectionist, Easily learns mastery.

Virgo Horoscope Ruler:
Mercury - symbol of communication In ancient times Mercury was believed to be the messenger of the gods. This planet governs intellect, communication, wit, writing and diplomacy. In a horoscope it shows the way you think and express yourself.

KEYNOTES FOR VIRGO HOROSCOPE FORECAST FOR 2010:

"A busy year with good progress at work and for career prospects. Love and romance are also well starred this year." -psychics.co.uk-

"A rare alignment this year among Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Pluto occurs in the houses of your chart associated with values, challenging you to question your core principles in the key areas of finances, self-expression and intimacy. Saturn spends most of the year in your 2nd House of Resources, focusing your attention on your income. Keeping a steady cash flow would be comforting, yet when confident Jupiter enters fast-moving Aries and your 8th House of Shared Resources on June 6, opportunities to earn even more can tempt you to sacrifice safety in pursuit of a bigger payoff. Even if you're normally risk-averse -- as Virgos often are -- the call for movement is so great this year that it will be nearly impossible to resist.

The ways you express yourself in person and through creative activities are due for adjustment now, too. Exacting Pluto's long-term transit through your demonstrative 5th House of Self-Expression can force tough choices about how you spend your time and money on January 31 and August 21, when Saturn forms demanding squares. These are uncompromising reminders that you must either work harder for attention or fall back into the shadows of non-recognition.


A solar eclipse in your 5th house on January 15 is another sign that it's time to put more effort into presenting yourself and your ideas to others. Training in public speaking or classes in a creative art can help you overcome any shyness or insecurity. Uranus the Awakener forms a supportive sextile to the eclipse that can stimulate unexpected interest in a totally new field; suddenly you're more excited about your life -- and more exciting to others. On June 26, a lunar eclipse in your 5th house is closely conjunct Pluto and square Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus. This might provoke a crisis or produce a breakthrough in romantic matters, with children or in the ways you enjoy yourself. Still, in this transformational year, it's better to push the envelope and be the agent for change rather than futilely trying to resist it." -tarot.com-

BEDSIDE ASTROLOGER:

Your Year At A Glance:
With restless Uranus in your scope, Virgo girls are looking for unusual digs. This year, consider adding underground art shows and indie jam sessions to your must-attend list. Getting off the mainstream sets you up for the new experiences that you crave.

Your Goal:
Have off-the-hook fun. Let your hair down with your rowdiest friends (or an incredibly sexy guy) this year.

Your Luck:
Make the rounds of the social scene in March. Venus ensures that you’ll catch the eye of someone who can help you turn a dream into reality.

Astral Advice:
Peace-loving Jupiter makes it the ideal year to fix a flagging relationship, but you’ll have to keep up your resolve. When you hit a rough patch sometime before your birthday, turn to family and friends to bolster your confidence. Have your support system ready by then—it’s a good thing you’re organized!

2010 MONTHLY FORECAST FOR VIRGO:

*VIRGO JANUARY HOROSCOPE
Put your efforts into succeeding at work. Focus your energy and you can achieve success.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
Your increased feelings of self-worth give you confidence in your relationships.

*VIRGO FEBRUARY HOROSCOPE
Work continues to go well but also seek a varied and distracting social life. All work and no play will get you down so also take some time out for you.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
You are close to your partner now. The stars favour twosomes.

*VIRGO MARCH HOROSCOPE
You cannot please everyone - beware of conflicts of interest in your social life. You now have a full social calendar!
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
In matters of love try to keep things as simple as possible. You have so much going on that it's nice to have something uncomplicated in your life.

*VIRGO APRIL HOROSCOPE
Your intuition and ability to see the heart of a matter gives you the edge. You may also like to help your friends and family who may not be able to see the woods for the trees..
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
A good time for travel with a loved one. A week end break perhaps?

*VIRGO MAY HOROSCOPE
Your career is progressing well and it seems that you plans cannot fail. Do not get carried away with your ambition. Keep your feet steady..
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
You have so much energy of late that your loved ones just cannot keep up with you!

*VIRGO JUNE HOROSCOPE
More opportunities at work make you over keen to act. Make considered judgments and move forward at just the right time.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
In matters of the heart long term goals are starred as fortunate. Maybe book a holiday - of for some singles weddings are in the air.

*VIRGO JULY HOROSCOPE
You've been getting your own way for a long time so don't fret if sometimes it does not always go your way. To are still nonetheless on a fortunate trend.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
Listening to what your loved ones have to say will set you straight. Sometimes the heart knows best.

*VIRGO AUGUST HOROSCOPE
Money is stable so why not take rest and a break from the challenges of work and career. Don't let people talk you out of things you have your heart set on.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
Do some entertaining things with loved ones. take in a show go to the cinema, a restaurant - the stars say enjoy yourself.

*VIRGO SEPTEMBER HOROSCOPE
Caution is advised as regards risky ventures and hair brained schemes. Consolidate rather than take unnecessary risks. Fortune is nonetheless on your side with ventures if you are circumspect.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
You should be feeling secure in your relationship. Singles too are more likely now to meet someone who does not give them the run-around.

*VIRGO OCTOBER HOROSCOPE
Do not over state your opinions or you may loose the trust of those who are here to help you.
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
Your domestic world and home are shown as being harmonious. Enjoy this secure time.


*VIRGO NOVEMBER HOROSCOPE
You are the centre of attention but do not sit on the fence when it comes to career matters. .
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
Be careful how you try to influence the ones you love. You may encounter some resistance.


*VIRGO DECEMBER HOROSCOPE
An influential figure helps you with your plans. There are good opportunities with work and career right now. .
VIRGO LOVE STARS ZODIAC FORECAST
The areas of love and romance continue to show a steady progress towards lasting happiness.


--Credits to tarot.com, psychics.co.uk and Cosmo Philippines for the horoscope readings.. Click on the headings to link back to their site--

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