Attitude of Gratitude

For my first post this 2011, I'd like to talk of the simple joy of living from a grateful heart. An attitude of gratitude is the foundation of success for anything we get involved in like friendships, romance, business deals and others. Expressing a word of thanks is good manners. The person receiving it feels appreciated (and loved maybe). On the other hand, the person giving it feels happy and grateful. Thank you is made up of two simple words, but some find it difficult to utter. Others, would just say it just for the heck of saying it. Say thank you with sincerity, and learn how to genuinely say it.

I'd like to say a word of thanks to those who have been nice to me last 2010.

As always, first on my list is Mrs. Pineda, Pehpot, Pe, P of makeorbreak.com. She has been instrumental why you can read my blog. If not for her, all that I'm posting are invisible. P, Thank you!!!

Azrael is one big name in the world of Blogging, but you won't think he is, no air at all! He is nice and down to earth. Lace is the better half of Az. She is one fashionista Momma, who's not afraid in donning just shirt and shorts at an event and be super glamorous on the next.

Ashton, of course, is the fruit of Az and Lace. He could be my son from another set of parents. He's so cute and lovable...probably the busiest baby by attending events here and there with his parents. Coladilla Family, Thank you!!!

Kaye Mendez is a web designer I have met thru P. Though we didn't get to meet while I was in Baguio, I am truly satisfied and happy with my blog's new look. Kaye, Thank you!

There are many Mommy Bloggers here in the Philippines, the moms on the photo below are probably the nicest and fun to be around with during events. Mommy Bloggers community (and those who aren't in the photo because they had other events to attend to, you all know who you are), Thank you!!!

For many reasons, friends do come and go. These new set of friends I have, made my 2010 really joyful and eventful. Friends, Thank you!!!

For my hot choco mocha (though you know I cannot take much of you for health and practical reasons), you have made the last seven days of my 2010 jumpy, awake, enthusiastic and happy. Hot Choco Mocha, Thank You!!!

Finally, my Family! For the patience and understanding (when times I have to be out for events and hosting), for the love and care (when you massage me after coming from events and hosting), for being there whether the weather is good or bad...Dad, Julia, Rafael and Juan, Thank you!!!

To all my followers, readers and visitors, Thank you!!!

If You're a Rabbit

RABBIT PEOPLE: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999

Positive Characteristics:
The Rabbit can be sensitive, tactful, home-loving, refined, prudent, discreet, long-living, ambitious, cultured, well-mannered, artistic, considerate, scholarly, suave, graciously hospitable, modest and unimpeachably virtuous.

Negative Characteristics:
While Rabbits are caring and compassionate creatures, they may have a few minor shortcomings; they may be a bit secretive, self-centered, self-indulgent, self-righteous and snobbish, prone to being pedantic and punctilious, when they're not being complicated and condescending or behaving in a haughtily indifferent, judgmental or hypochondrial manner.

Rabbit Likes:
Beautiful art work, comfortable surroundings, conversation and even gossip, long hairstyles, mysteries and secrets, paying attention to detail, prefers company of good friends and family to going out on the town, privacy and solitude, romantic films, to have a routine, to solve problems,

Rabbit Dislikes:
Arguments, being forced to make a decision, complicated plans, drastic change, having to change their mind, open criticism, saying anything unpleasant, surprises, taking risks, to witness suffering or violence.

Female Rabbit Behavior:
Is not overly maternal, she is good at giving practical advice as well as able to strike a good bargain, naturally elegant and always stylishly dressed, well mannered and conscious of etiquette which means she is good at entertaining and is at home in most social circles though she prefers a comfortable to an adventurous life and prefers company than being by herself, sophisticated, tender and wistful she can also be emotional and strong-willed with a sharp sense of humor, wary of commitment and ambitious she may be a little manipulative to get her own way.

Male Rabbit Behavior:
Is not a victim of fashion, careful when spending money on necessities, careful listener as well as being happy and content, extravagant with money when buying luxurious gifts, neat and well-dressed, tendency to be flamboyant and sometimes superficial, interested in arts and culture, faithful and loving, has a traditional outlook and is protective of his need for peace and solitude, and is in touch with his feminine side but is not effeminate.

IDEAL OCCUPATIONS FOR RABBITS:
Accountant, Actor, Administrator, Adviser, Antique Dealer, Art Collector, Chemist, Cosmetologist, Counselor, Diplomat, Doctor, Fashion Desiger, Historian, Interior Designer, Judge, Lawyer, Librarian, Masseur/Masseuse, Musician, Ophthamologist, Pharmacist, Politician, Property Manager, Psychiatrist, Public Relations Consultant, Publisher, Secretary, Teacher, Therapist, Writer

OTHER IMPORTANT FEATURES AND ASSOCIATIONS:

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 19, 35

Equivalent Western Astrological/Sun Sign: Pisces

Fixed Element: Wood

Fixed Season: Spring

Flower/Plant: Queen Ann's Lace/Fig Tree

Food: Wheat & poultry

Climate: Windy

Colors: Green or White

Taste: Acid

Yin/Yang: Yin and Yang

Fixed Direction: East

A WEE BIT MORE ABOUT THOSE HARE-BRAINED FOLKS

Those born under the fourth sign can anticipate a long life, as the Hare symbolizes longevity in Chinese mythology.

The Rabbit reflects all that is gracious, refined, and traditional. A kinder heart could not be found, except perhaps in his good zodiac friend, the Sheep.

While unassuming and soft-spoken, the Rabbit is also known for his talent as a shrewd businessperson and a nimble negotiator who usually gets the better end of the deal. His or her success in this area could be attributed to his exceptional organizational skills and ability to avoid conflicts. Rabbits are rather clever and let everyone know it, but they can also be a tad moody or self-indulgent at times.

People born under the sign of the Rabbit are most compatible with Pigs and Dogs followed by Sheep. However, they should avoid relationships with Tigers, Horses and Monkeys but particularly keep well away from Rats and Roosters.

The fixed element of the Rabbit is Wood, which is why it is also important to pay attention to the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) that influence all zodiac family members (including rabbits) - a special sequence that is repeated every 60 years.

Metal Rabbits - These are individuals born in the years 1951 and 2011. Metal gives Rabbits more strength, resilience and determination. On the plus side, they tend to be forthright, self-confident and perhaps visionary as well as being more ambitious or intense in their actions, be it in the field of work or personal relationships. On the negative side they are often conservative creatures rather inflexible and often loners; they can be polite and charmining on the outside but may exhibit a cold or indifferent to the feelings of others.

Water Rabbits - These are individuals born in the years 1903 and 1963. Like the water itself, these Rabbits prefer to go with the flow, avoiding conflict at all costs, even in situations that are stretch their patience. While they have a strong tendency to support others, that strength can become a weakness sometimes when others may take advantage of their good graces and goodwill. Their natural passivity combined with a contemplative nature can make them victims of remorse and "If Only" thoughts.

Wood Rabbits - These are individuals born in the years 1915 and 1975. Wood Rabbits spend a good deal of time doing things for others, always trying to please their family members, friends and colleagues. They also have a strong aesthetic taste and hence have a natural desire to pursue artistic and creative enheavors. Unknowingly however, their generosity and easy-going nature somestimes makes them an "easy touch" for those with another agenda in mind.

Fire Rabbits - These are individuals born in the years 1927 and 1987. Fire Rabbits are know to exhibit a special spark in their personality which is why they have so many friends and admirers. It's no wonder that they're natural born leaders who enjoy getting all fired up and ready to go ...be it climbing moutains, forging great bodies of water, or finding new adventures to occupy their interest. While Fire Rabbits are prone to temper tantrums, if truth be told, they prefer to avoid tempests in teapots at all costs, which is also why they need to learn to let reason control passion every now and then.

Earth Rabbits - These are individuals born in the years 1939 and 1999. Earth Rabbits are very practical and grounded in reality, and are more able to deal effectively with the ups and downs of life than other rabbits. They tend to be humble and aware of their limitations, are fond of being independent and enjoying solitude, and make decisions only after great deliberation which is also why their advice can be counted on in a pinch. Besides working diligently to make make money, Earth Rabbits also put a great deal of stock into their material comforts such as their homes as a place of security for their loved ones.

Trivia:

1. Rabbits are not rodents, they are lagomorphs.
2. A male rabbit is a buck, a female rabbit is a doe and a baby rabbit is a kit.
3. Rabbits have 28 teeth that never stop growing.
4. Rabbits can be litter trained.
5. A pet rabbit can live as long as 10 years.
6. Adult bunnies can weigh between 2 lbs - 20 lbs depending on breed.
7. Rabbits can purr similar to a cat.
8. Domesticated rabbits are born without fur.
9. Rabbits groom themselves.
10. Rabbits cannot vomit but need hay to assist the digestive system and prevent fur balls in their stomach.
11. A group of rabbits is called a herd, and the herd lives in a warren.
12. Rabbit meat is all white meat and is lower in fat, cholesterol and calories than chicken, pork and beef.
13. Rabbit droppings make an excellent garden fertilizer.
14. Rabbits can suffer heat stroke, and a 4-pound rabbit will drink as much water as a 20 pound dog.
15. Rabbits do not hibernate.
16. Rabbits can see behind them, but have blind spot in front of their face.
17. When rabbits are happy, they can jump 36" or higher and twist, this is called a "binky".
18. Predators can literally scare a rabbit to death.
19. The only place a rabbit sweats is through the pads on its feet.
20. Rabbits eat their own night droppings called cecotropes.

(Source: SQUIDOO)

Yellow

(Chris Martin of Cold Play wrote this song for American actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Martin met Paltrow in 2002 backstage at a Coldplay gig after the death of the actress's father, Bruce Paltrow. The couple married a year later on 5 December 2003)

Yellow Lyrics

Look at the stars,
Look how they shine for you,
And everything you do,
Yeah they were all yellow,

I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called yellow

So then I took my turn
Oh all the things I've done
And it was all yellow

Your skin
Oh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know you know I love you so
You know I love you so

I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh all the things you do
Cause you were all yellow

I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

Your skin
Oh yeah your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D'you know for you i bleed myself dry
For you i bleed myself dry

Its true look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine for you
look how they shine
look at the stars look how they shine for you

Most little girls I know are into color pink. My daughter Julia, when she was 2 years old had an affinity to color pink. From head to foot, she'll wear all things pink. Most of Julia's Godparents, Aunts and Uncles gave her gifts that have color pink in it.

When I was young, I'm not into girly stuff, meaning, I don't like pink. I was into color yellow. I used to draw stuff and color them all yellow. A friend of mine has a closet with clothes that comes in different shades of yellow. When Julia reached the age of five, she spoke to me and said, "Mom, I don't like pink na, I changed my favorite color to yellow". Even my sister-in-law, Gaye, is so much into color yellow.

Getting older have changed my color preference. Nowadays, I'm more into black (to hide the flabs here and there), white (makes me feel really fresh and clean) and red (for that intense and dramatic moments when I like to be).

I dedicate this post for fellows who like the color yellow...

COLORFUL FACTS ABOUT COLOR YELLOW:

History and Lore: To the ancient Greeks, yellow denoted air. Leonardo da Vinci wrote that yellow represented earth. To the Navaho, the western mountains are yellow and bring the twilight. To the Hopi, yellow is north. In India it is the symbol of the merchant and farmer, although at one time it was considered the dress of the ascetic. In some countries Jews were ordered by law to wear yellow clothing because of their alleged betrayal of Jesus. Judas was often depicted wearing a yellow robe signifying inconstancy, jealousy, and deceit. In 10th-century France, the doors of felons, traitors, and criminals were painted yellow.

Daily Uses: Because yellow has good visibility qualities, it is commonly used to denote caution; for example, in the yellow light before the red light signal and in traffic-lane dividers. It is also used to emphasize areas where hazards are apparent and as the symbol for quarantine. Yellow is an appropriate color for a room used for studying because it has a stimulating effect on the mind. Its intensity is also good for stairs and corridors that don't receive natural light.
Yellow is found in such foods as banana squashes, corn, yellow peppers, sweet potatoes, bananas, lemons, grapefruit, and pineapples.
Colorful Phrases: Yellow fever, yellow journalism, yellow streak down your back, yellow (cowardly) (Source: Trivia-Library.com)

(Here's more trivia about color yellow from Qouteland.com)

The world yellow has been a part of the English language since about 900 A.D., coming from closely related words in Latin and various Germanic languages. It is derived from the Anglo-Saxon geolw- and the German gelb meaning yellow and "geld" or "gold". Yellow was also the color of the medieval fool. For Shakespeare, yellow was the color of love. The Greek chloros idea of yellow indicated lust and medieval German streetwalkers even wore yellow. Geolw- slowly developed into the Old English geolu and Middle English yelwa. The Indo-European root ghel stood for “to shine”, especially in reference to bright materials such as yellow metals. The old Norse term gulr gave us ”gull” which survives in Middle Dutch as gulden (golden) and in the monetary unit, the Guilder. Yellow is the hue of that portion of the visible spectrum lying between orange and green. It is one of the month’s colors in February (along with light blue), April (along with red), May (along with red), and October (along with white). Over time, yellow has meant many things to various cultures, mourning in Egypt, courage in Japan, hazard and warning in many countries, friendship (as in giving yellow roses), and peace, hope, remembrance, and support (as in hanging yellow ribbons).

Make it iFLICK!

In their heyday, photobooths can only be spotted in photo shops, amusement parks, malls and vicinity near schools and offices. These days, as digital technology touches every aspect of daily life, photobooths have made a modest comeback and can be seen anywhere, finding safe haven in joyful events such as birthdays, reunions, corporate parties, product launching or what have you. The modern day photobooths are compact and collapsible, which makes it easier to transport from one place to another.

As an Events Organizer, I have come across many photobooths. One name that rings the bell is iFLICK. Not only because they provide high quality photos but also because they have friendly and courteous people that man the photobooth. I have met the owners (Ana and Cleo) twice. I must say, they're cool and nice, and super easy to deal with.

For any occasions that you may need a photobooth, why not make it iFLICK.

Even big stars wants to take home a photo souvenir

There's an iFlick Near You . CONTACT THEM!
Main: BayanTel : 482.8183/PLDT : 568.7244/GLOBE : 0917.9655278/SMART : 0919.8616638 East: PLDT : 02.5445420/GLOBE: 0915.3099376/SMART : 0922.8825983

Greenhills: GLOBE : 0905.3622589/SUN : 0922.8576113
Manila: PLDT : 02.3594032/GLOBE : 0917.8104181

As I Say Goodbye

My friends Jing, Beda, Lyn and (most especially) Jenny have been very worried why I am sad for the past four days now. Though I'm smiling, they say my eyes do not have the joyful spirit that I always have. My husband said, "you're having the year-end blues". And I guess so too!

Year 2010 was a very good year for me. I have met a lot of wonderful people and have even worked/made projects with them. So, probably the sadness comes from saying goodbye to a fruitful year.

Saying goodbyes can be extremely difficult for some (which includes me!). Some will become depressed, moody and irritable and it may take a few days or weeks to get our bearings. Then there are those people who easily get hold of their emotions, so they don't experience separation anxiety (how I wish I can be one of them!)

There are many forms of goodbyes. Goodbye to co-workers that we've grown to love like a family (I'm done and over this, last resigned from work 2003). It happens in families sometimes when someone might move to another country. I honestly find this the easiest goodbye. I remember in the 80's when my father has to live and work abroad. It was difficult! No FB, no Twitter, no YM, etc. We had to wait for weeks for the letter or cassette tape to arrive.

Then there are those people who enter and exit our lives right when we have become quite fond of. Suddenly realizing that your fondness for each has to come to an end. For practical and righteous reasons, we say goodbye to them.

Experiencing the death of family or friends is the hardest and the recovery time will be longer (I lost my mother in 1993). You remember every detail. The way she combs your hair, the way she calls you when she's mad (my mom used to call me JOSEPHINE, when I tend not to follow her orders and rules), the way she says, ingat...uwi ng maaga...wag na maglakwatsa...

How to say Goodbye in different languages:

Italian: Formal goodbye = 'Arrivederci'Informal goodbye = 'Ciao' Alternative ways = 'A presto' which means 'See you later'

Japanese: Kanji for Goodbye in Japanese and phonetic pronunciation of Goodbye in Japanese. Pronunciation: Sore dewa. (SOH-reh deh-wah)

Arabic: Goodbye (person leaving): ma'a salama
Goodbye (person staying): alla ysalmak

French: Au revoir

Thai: La gon

Swedish: hej då!, på återseende hej då! adjö (avskedsfras)

German: Lebewohl; Auf Wiedersehen Lebewohl! Auf Wiedersehen! (Abschiedsruf)

Portuguese: adeus, palavra de despedida, tchau adeus ! até logo !

Coping with Addiction

I confess, I am an addict. Addict to hot choco mocha, that is! I have consumed too much hot choco mocha for the last 7 days...way too much that now I am experiencing withdrawal bouts. For 3 days now, I haven't had a cup of hot choco mocha. Though I must admit, for 3 days now, I have dialled coffee shops number at wee hours. Good thing they don't answer anymore. Otherwise, I'll be having this vicious cycle again.

As I make this post, I feel down and out. I had to take one Biofllu to ease whatever it is I am feeling inside. It's not as if it's all hot choco mocha's fault. Of course it was mine! Hot choco mocha was just there for any one's taking. I shouldn't have started it! Anyway, for whatever it's worth, hot choco mocha made me all happy, excited, energized, enthusiastic, agitated, nervous and awake all at the same time.

(Photo courtesy of Cupcake Jones)

For those of you who's experiencing the same, read on, you might find the article below helpful:

Many people rely on their morning cup of coffee to have the energy to go through the day, or sip soft drinks throughout the day to give them the boost they need to make it through. If you’re one of them, what you may not realize is that this creates a vicious cycle, creates an unhealthy dependency and can actually make you more tired and lethargic in the long run! Caffeine can exacerbate stress levels, cause energy levels to plummet after a time, and even interfere with your sleep, negatively affecting your energy levels the next day.

The following are some basic tips that can help you cut down or eliminate your caffeine intake:
•Replace coffee with decaffeinated green tea. The antioxidants are great for your health, and you’ll still get to sip something warm at times when you crave it.

•Drink lots of water. Because caffeine is a diuretic, you may already be dehydrated from consuming larger quantities of it; water will give you something to drink, and improve your overall health levels as well.

•No caffeine in the afternoon or evening. Because caffeine stays in your body for several hours, a late afternoon cup of coffee, tea or cola can still interfere with your sleep at night! And when you get a poor night’s sleep, you’ll likely want help waking up the next morning. As you cut down, if you remember to limit your intake to the morning and early afternoon hours, you’ll be less likely to want caffeine as much the next day.

•Remember that caffeine is a drug. You may have a difficult time quitting ‘cold turkey’ if you’re used to consuming a lot of caffeine; you might experience headaches and mood swings. If this is the case, maybe a more gradual approach would work best. Just have a plan and follow through with it.

(Source: By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com Guide Updated November 07, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board)

Teacher Shalli

It gives me pleasure making people happy. Surprising them is another thing.

Teacher Shalli is a fresh graduate, who now works as pre-school teacher in Angel's Institute of Learning. She reminds me of myself when I was a fresh graduate, still coy (but not anymore. I can't be, I'm too old for coyness!).

For her birthday, I made eight-layer malunggay cake, using Maya Pancake.

Teacher Shalli with Kinder 1- PM Class, namely, Bea, Joseph, Dash, Sam, Jill, (my) Juan, Nicole and Eman

Teacher Shalli with J&J (not Johnson's and Johnsons) Mommy Joy and Teacher Joy

Ingredients:

1 pack MAYA Quick & Easy Complete Hotcake Mix 200g

1/2 cup malunggay leaves (chopped)


Procedure:

In a mixing bowl, prepare hotcake mix as per package instructions. Add chopped malunngay leaves to hotcake batter just before cooking. Then cook hotcake as per desired size.
(Ingredients, Photo Above, and Procedure courtesy of The Maya Kitchen)

Visit The Maya Kitchen for more recipes: www.themayakitchen.com

Electrolux Wok-a-holics Christmas Party

Electrolux is one of the world's top maker of home appliances. Electrolux is committed to developing products that are highly innovative, yet thoughtful and intuitive. In order to design appliances thoughtfully, they must be imagined by people who are in tune with our life. This is how Electrolux make products that make you say, “They were thinking of me.”

Last August 2010, in cooperation with Mommy Academy, Electrolux held three legs of Wok-a-holics Cookoff Challenge. I was one of the lucky Mom (along with my partner Lourdes Labii) who brought home a gas range for being the third placer.


All the Moms who joined Wok-a-holics Cookoff Challenge had a blast. Come December, these Mom asked me to organize our Christmas cum Get-together Party.

My heartfelt gratitude goes to Sir Terry Sales, Electrolux Marketing Manager, for helping us make this party possible. Also, to Ms. Andrea Pionilla for all the assistance she provided. As a whole, thank you Electrolux!!!

We held this party last December 10, 2010 at The Legend Villas Executive Suite. Unfortunately, all the other moms invited for this event couldn't make it due to prior commitments. Others, like my partner Lourdes, went abroad to spend the holidays.

Christmas Parties wouldn't be complete without exchane gifts...

Kwentuhan, tawanan and kulitan was of course, always a part of any happy occasions

I brought my magic mike for everyone's delight. Star (in red, second from left), is of course, always the Star. But I was particularly amazed that Honey (in orange) sang very well. Among the wok-a-holics contenders, Honey was always the most quiet, behave (she's the only one!) and poised.

Our kids enjoyed eating Magnolia Ice Cream on stick, cotton candy flavor

The stunning Ms. Cara Del Rosario, Subic Grand Seas Resort's Executive Assistant for Operations, came to visit.

To top it all, Ms. Cara even gave four overnight accomodation to Subic Grand Seas Resort (yipee!!!)

Thanks to Ms. Billie Liboro of Body Shop for providing us Moringa Milk Body Lotion

Everyone went home with an Electrolux goodies