green pumps

I needed a break from my school readings, hence here I am again blogging about Mrs. O :). It's becoming to be my pastime and addiction. As reported HERE, Mrs. O had lunch with the Mayor of D.C., his wife and the vice-president's wife, Jill Biden. This is what Mrs. O wore on that day. Her flair for color combination is lovely :). But, could it be that those pair of pumps were the same Jimmy Choo pumps she wore on the Inauguration? I see a slightly difference in color, though. And yes, her patent bag is pretty!

liquid over luxury

Things are getting tougher each day, economy-wise. There are days when I do not want to turn on our tube and be bombarded by sad news on this huge economic crunch. Even when I checked my Google reader, feeds on retrenchment, lay-offs, companies shutting down etc... are just all over the world wide web. I mean these things are inevitable these days, one must be able to adapt to it and move forward despite all these letdowns. A cousin who is into stocks trading, is still optimistic and is trying to live as if there was no crisis. I think that is the best way to go because his Stock Trading seems to be getting up and ahead. I do not hear any sort of bad news on his stocks investment or he is just so good at it. If you are looking for a reliable Online Broker, you might want to check out firstrade.com. The site has Online Trading features that allows customers not only to trade Stocks, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs and Fixed Incomes at competitive costs but the site also offers wide and comprehensive information on stocks option and trading.

Sunday Stealing: The Super Sunday Stealing Meme

1) What was your dream growing up?
>>>That I could turn into a princess someday and when I need money, I'd be the most famous dermatologist :).

2) What talent do you wish you had?
>>>DANCING!

3) If I bought you a drink what would it be?
>>>A shake hee!

4) What was the last book you read?
>>>My school textbook, you'd rather not hear what it is about.

5) Worst Habit?
>>>Overanalyzing things.

6) If you saw me walking down the street would you offer me a ride?
>>>If I know you yes and if you are disabled :)

7) What is your favorite sport?
>>>Swimming.

8) What would you do if you were stuck in an elevator with me?
>>>Talk and figure out how to get out.

9) Worst thing to ever happen to you?
>>>Poverty and being homeless yay!

10) Tell me one weird fact about you.
>>>Ahm, there are days that I drink coke and eat chips for my breakfast?!

11) What if I showed up at your house unexpectedly?
>>>I'd rather not answer the door bell lol!!

12) If you could change one thing about how you look, what would it be?
>>>My hair. I want it straight.

13) Would you be my crime partner or my conscience?
>>>Conscience :).

14) Ever been arrested?
>>>NOPE.

15) If you won $10,000 today, what would you do with it?
>>>Pay debts, give a portion to charity and save the rest. It's crisis for pete's sake!

16) Favorite thing to do in your spare time?
>>>Surf and cook.

17) Biggest pet peeve?
>>>Self-righteous, grumpy and people who bash a lot of people they know tsk tsk.

18) In one word, how would you describe yourself?
>>>Charming! :)

19) Do you believe in/appreciate romance?
>>>YES!

20) Who wins today: Arizona or Pittsburgh?
>>>IDK.

toned arms!

It is becoming very obvious that I am a fan of Mrs. O! There's something about her that makes me want to keep checking and be updated with her fashion style, 1st lady duties and mommyhood journeys.

But for these 2 photos, I take particular look at her toned arms! I have relatively small arms but they're flabby because the least exercise activity I want to do is anything dumbells-related. But hers seem very naturally-toned and the olive-skin is very radiant-looking.

And yes, I still can't get over how beautiful her gown was during the inaugural ball.

ALL PHOTOS SWIPED FROM http://www.mrs-o.org/

Also, whoever does her make-up is a genius or must have enrolled her or himself in a cosmetology school, hmmm.

clean up day!

Saturdays in the homefront are spent cleaning up. That is my vacuum day. Also, if there are any fixing that needs to be done, hubby does them on Saturdays as well. But today is a different clean up day, our toddler who is 3 peed on his mattress!!! He has been toilet-trained since before turning 2 years old so I was shocked to see the bed wet! He apologized for doing see and told me it was too chilly to get up. He was just lazy to get up, in fact he was still asleep even with a wet bed. I told him the next time he'd be lazy to get up, the bed bugs bite and they would come out in his bed! LOL! I think I did a great job telling him that :) Speaking of bed bugs, if you do have doubts your bed has, check out bedbugsguide.com for any information related to this topic.

a sneak peak of the sculpted DKNY

Here's a sneak peek of the sculpted jeans collection of Donna Karan. I did not know that flare is back. Anyhoo, here are sculpted flare, sculpted skinny jeans, sculpted bias jeans, respectively. I could not help include the cross dress, it is just so pretty!

Check out the rest of the collection HERE.

GAP's Spring Must-Haves

When I think of Spring, I think of layering, light and pastel clothings, totes and flats and when I think of these things, I think GAP!

Here are some of my favorite GAP's Spring must-haves. You can check out the rest of the collection HERE.

THE CAMIS

COATS

TOTES

PLAID SCARVES

FLATS, SNEAKERS & SANDALS

moving her baby

I am just happy with how things are going on with my nurse/friend in Chicago. You see, I have been a witness on how she focused all her energies on this dream of hers and now that she has successfully planted her roots, she is now picking up the fruits of all her sacrifices and labor. She is thinking of moving to the warmer state of California. But, since she already invested on her SUV, she will most likely hire an Auto Transport services. She asked me to help her research on this as her schedule can be really hectic (as if mine wasn't hee). Anyways, this was what I found out, the American Auto Movers auto transport company has high customer satisfaction. I ran through the testimonials and was in awe with the positive feedback from their clients. They guarantee you with worry-free move :). So, I guess I just found an auto transport company for my friend. I wish her luck in her move and with her medical degree and background, I know she will make it in the competitive world of California. I just hope she could visit us here or we visit her in Chicago before her move.

you can still wear your boots and more!

Despite the snow storm in other parts of the U.S., there are days that we already turn off our centralized heater :). Yes, it is getting warmer in my part of the world and I just love it! I have enough of winter and I can't wait to just laze around the park on lazy days.

One thing I love about winter though is how I could bundle up and cover my flabs and a very good opportune time to wear my boots! But who says boots are for winter only, you can still wear them till Spring. In fact, UGG Australia has a new line of Spring Boots collection called the Cardy colored boots and they are just pretty! You can wear them in 3 ways. Check out HERE.

too flowery for my taste

Dooney&Bourke is continually surprising me with designs that do not fit my taste. Ever since, they started out with their 'Hearts' collection, I stopped checking their site. But, I am subscribed to their newsletter and they would even send me collection books on mail and so I still know what's new on this brand, which used to be my favorite bag brand. I am grateful to have some of their classic pieces which are way way better and far more elegant than their new designs. I just had to react on their Spring Collection because I find it too flowery. I am sure the material is still quality but the designs are really off? Don't you agree?

If you like this collection, check it HERE.


Oh and by the way, you might want to check out these cosmetology colleges, a friend told me she is enrolling in one :).

be careful

One of the news that I do not want to hear is anything related to car or any automobile accidents. I find them really devastating. You see, most of the time, the drivers are under the influence of alcohol or they are just careless and reckless drivers. I have a couple of friends who were in a very bad car accident but gladly survived the whole thing. If you need any representation on similar accidents, check out this Nebraska Car Accident Attorney and they could be of help to you.

This is one of the many reasons why I do not drive, I am just oh so scared with the many accidents that I might encounter in the road.

4 Qs.

Q1 - Ouch, That Hurts!: Who do you think hurt the United States of America more… Osama bin Laden and Al-Qaeda on 9/11 or the people responsible for the current state of the economy?
+ I guess 9/11, because that is all where it started to crumble everything.

Q2 - Advice: If you were asked to deliver the commencement speech at your high school: A) Would you do it? B) What would you talk about?
+ If I was a good speaker, I would. I'd be likely to say some inspirational speech.

Q3 - Event: “Hello! Is this [insert your first and last name here]? My name is Peter Gadwa and I’m calling from Ticketmaster. By a strange twist of events (pun intended), your name has been chosen to receive four tickets to any event in the world — past, present or future. What event would you like to attend and who will be joining you?”
+ A Concert of say MADONNA! How I would love that!

Q4 - Commute: If a high-speed or local rail line was available to take you to and from within seven blocks of your home to work or shopping, would you use it at least four times per week or are you too attached to your automobile?
+ I'd love to! I never love driving :) I'm pampered on this aspect.

Q&A

This week's Q:
What do you want to do this weekend?

If I had a choice, I'd rather drive around the city with my boys. Check out the city zoo and a quick trip to Chuck E Cheese's. A whole Sunday just lazing around my in-laws' place while pigging out Filipino dishes. But no, I do not have a choice, I have a swamped sched. I have to finish four articles and 3 homework for School next week,.

Oh well, I'd probably devote Sunday for family time.

detox.

I have been slacking off with my health New-Year's resolution. I know I do not have an excuse for this because I have to prioritize caring for myself and my health, in general over other things in my to do list. But I am overwhelmed again with all the things I am juggling in my hands right now. My current quarter's subjects are what is taking my time most of these days, everything seem so fast and full of homework, case studies, presentations etc... etc... Anyways, the least I could do is eat right. I have not been taking any meat, pork, chicken and beef for almost a month now. I have been stuffing myself with fruits and vegetables but I have not exercised or re-started with old workout routine. Also, I see to it to cleanse my system over a green tea every night. However, this Wu-Yi Tea got me really interested and I want to change the brand of tea I am taking now. This wuyi tea is known for being a weight loss tea or diet tea, as well. This tea is highly organic and promotes the natural way of losing weight. I am going to research more about this tea and will order a few packets online just to try it out. I will update you once I started taking it :). Here's to a healthy Chinese New Year everyone!

sweet, lovely, hearts!

Have you seen these cutie patootie Louis Vuitton Vernis coin purses??? Aren't they so pretty :))) Vernis has come out with more colors to match the Spring season. The cosmetic purse is so nice :). But at times like this, we should not be thinking of buying any lucrative item, right? Well, if you can afford, why not?

Let's all drool! Altogether now.

discussion.

I was immensely occupied by our class discussion last night. Everyone in the class were into it. We were, of course, talking about current issues and how the new President is doing what he can to save the economy as quickly as possible. Most of my classmates were working for the government and I was really interested to hear what they have to share. Anyways, one of them said that if we had the money, now is the right time to buy a house and car. These investments are down 70 percent! Apparently, she also shared these Schumacher Homes Reviews as Schumacher homes build custom houses all over the country. Some got really interested while others would opt to just stay put and keep themselves as liquid as possible. How do you cope up with the economic crunch?

Yen's QOTW

1. It’s really funny when YOU'VE GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED.
2. What’s your story? My story will have a beautiful ending :)
3. How often do you awaken remembering your dream/s? I don't dream a lot.
4. Would you have a baby to save a relationship? NEVER.
5. Is it acceptable to kill one man in order to save a million? NOPE.
6. If someone calls you and asks for your name, do you tell them? I'd ask who is on the other line and why he/she needs my information.
7. In the past days/weeks, what piece of mail made you the happiest? None, they were all bills. Although, I am looking forward to Glo's package hee hee.
8. Would you want to live forever? nope. But I want to last till my 90s!
9. Is sitting around doing nothing inconsequential? Depends.
10. What does whispering makes you think of? Depends on the place. If the person is in a religious place, I don't really mind. But if it happened over a gathering, I find it unethical.

back to blogging mode.

Sorry for the lack of updates, been pretty busy lately with school. Also, I was helping out a classmate check on some drug test kits for her cousin who is applying for work abroad. Not that she is taking drugs or anything but it was part of the employment requirements her employer requested of her. Anyways, we found this online site which offers this kind of kits, onlinedetoxstore.com. Check them out, their other products are pretty interesting. They also have other detoxification products which I have not seen anywhere else. Oh well, I hope my classmate’s cousin get the job abroad.

warmth

This photo made me smile when I saw it HERE. Obviously, I have been an avid follower of the first lady, I am just in so much awe with her intelligence, composure, grace and fashion style.

Isn't this such a sweet spontaneous photo of the 1st couple? The ball gown has a coat and the coat belongs to the President. You could also have a peep of her shoes that night.

shoes for active women

I have been vocal about my intent to be physically active this year. When I say this I mean, getting myself involve in sports or constantly be devoted to my daily workouts and routine exercises. I think this is the only lacking thing that I need in order to be able to attain my ultimate goal to live and lead a healthy life. I know I cannot always say that I do not have time for it because I know I have, only if I cut down on some unnecessary stuff, mostly done online hee hee. Anyways, hubby was happy to hear this plan of mine and was even thoughtful enought to get me some athletic shoes. I have a pair of running shoes and sneakers but I do not think they would last for this rigid activity I am planning. I found this discount athletic shoes which include a line of women Adidas shoes at shoebacca.com. You better check out their site for more information as they have huge discounts and carry lots of reliable athletic shoe brands. I better check the site too and decide which pair of athletic shoes to get and take advantage of the offer of hubby otherwise, I have to pay for my own shoes hee hee.

Sunday Stealing: the Sassy Meme

1. If you could say anything you wanted to say to George Bush, what would you say?
>>>Hope he enjoys his stay in Texas!

2. If you had to be the mother of Britney Spears or Lindsay Lohan, who would you choose and why?
>>>I would rather be the mother of Britney Spears, she's more reformed and more talented. I also think she has a good heart and only needs some guidance once in a while.

3. You get to be Queen for a day. The kids are all taken care of, and you can spend as much money as you want. What do you do all day?
>>>I would shop! And then spend the rest of the day in the spa! Don't we all love to dream!

4. Is there a song that brings tears to your eyes every time you hear it? If so, which one?
>>>A lot!

5. A fairy taps you on the shoulder and tells you that you can either have a perfect face or a perfect body for the rest of your life. Which do you choose?
>>>Perfect body :) I can conceal my face imperfections thru make-up and with a good smile!

6. If you could live any place in the world and money was no object, where would you live and why?
>>>My home country. period.

7. What is your biggest regret in life?
>>>SECRET. I try to move on and not dwell on regrets.

8. If you could go back and visit one person in your life who is now dead, and ask one question, what would that question be and why would you ask it?
>>>My Dad's parents, I never met them and would want to know my dad's childhood.

9. If you had the choice to age forward (like we are now) or aging backwards (think Benjamin Buttons) which would you choose and why?
>>>I have not watched the movie yet.

10. What will the epitaph on your headstone say?
>>>Lived. Loved. Believed.

Saturday 9: What's Cooking?

1. Which meal is the one you cook best?
>>>Some Local Dishes: Sinigang & Adobo. I make good pasta too and seafood paella :)

2. Tell us what you would never eat.
>>>Exotic dishes that includes insects!

3. Is your hometown famous for anything or anybody?
>>>Yes!

4. Can you play a musical instrument?
>>>Piano.

5. Tell us about your second ever lover.
>>>Hubby is one and only.

6. What is your favorite restaurant?
>>>Japanese, Thai and Italian.

7. If it were your call, how often would you make love?
>>>Secret!

8. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
>>>Right now, the President and the 1st lady :)

9. Tell us about your job.
>>>SAHM. The most challenging, most noble but rewarding job ever.

active couple.

While hubby was checking out some North Face Jacket, he cannot help but check out some Rock Climbing Shoes too. I can see in his eyes how much he misses his lifestyle back when we were in our home country. He used to have a bunch of sports and activities lined up every weekend and I would tag along too. I remembered how he saved up for Arcteryx which he got from mountaingear.com to complete his mountaineering gears. Anyways, life is different now and I hope in due time, when the kids are big enough to be left alone with relatives, we could indulge in similar activities again.

Winter Sale @ Shoebuy.

I missed out a lot of Shoebuy sales, not that I am buying (because I am still on a shopping ban!) but I failed to inform you guys. Anyhow, here's one on the loop!

$10 off for every $40.00 purchase, just enter the promo code: WINTER SALE. Promo ends JANUARY 26. Check them out now.

security.

Have you ever imagined driving a car without insurance? Well, we could always be on the safe side and drive very carefully to avoid accidents but accidents happen no matter how safe or careful we can be. That is why car insurance are important form of security.

Hubby's Uncle met a car accident a few weeks ago, the car was in so much wreck! He was so devastated to learn that his insurance was one of the fly by night. So right now, he is on a hunt for some car insurance quotes. He was able to get some easily at carinsuranceqt.com.

Graffiti from Coach

Coach has been coming up with lots of new designs for the past 2 months. And I am just loving most of their new designs. Here's their newest line, the Graffiti edition!

Don't you just love them?

following Mrs. O!

I just have to blog about this before I check on some Garmin GPS for hubby's friend.

Anyways, I know a lot of people have long anticipated what the 1st Lady, Michelle Obama will wear on the Inauguration oath-taking and ball. In my opinion, I am just glad she chose that lemon grass-colored corporate dress over the original purple dress Isabel Toledo designed for her, you can check on what the original design sketch was at BryanBoy's Blog. And the green Jimmy Choo shoes was just perfect to match the color of her dress. As for the Ball Gown, it was the perfect ivory-gown designed by a 26 year old designer named Jason Wu. What's more interesting about the designers are both were migrants :).

To follow the first Lady style of fashion, you can check out this blog: http://www.mrs-o.org/.

2009 LV Campaign with Madonna

Goshness! Do not blink an eye y'all! And watch carefully the tons of accessories!!! She is definitely, the Material girl and the perfect iconic woman for this season's LV campaign. Makes me reminisce how fun our photo shoots were back in the days were I still do make-up professionally. I miss working with gay stylists, artistic designers and of course the geniuses behind all these, called the videographers and photographers.

This, of course was chanced upon while watching a video about acne treatment, how ironic isn't it?

tis' the season

Everybody around me seems to be really early when it comes to filing their tax. Most of them do not want to wait for the last month of tax filing as it can be very 'taxing' and stressful if you rush your tax filing. Hubby's Aunt came in yesterdayfor a visit and told us how bad the business these last few months. I guess it is true what they say that it is only this year that we would feel the big economy letdown. She started out with 5 branches and four of them were shut down last year. Also, their previous accountant was so delinquent in filing their yearly tax, hence they were subject to a lot of fines and they had no choice but to seek the help of a Tax Attorney and in order for them to avail or get some Tax Relief. The problem here continuous as with the bad economy, they could no longer meet their over head expenses and is contemplating on shutting their main branch which houses most of their machines. But, filing a bankruptcy would not be an option because they still have some taxes to be paid. I guess they have to seriously talk this out with their Tax Lawyer before finally deciding. I feel for them, as this business has been more than 15 years and it will take only a few months to close it down.

custom personal checks

One of the tasks I gladly took when hubby and I got married was to balance Checks or checking accounts. Because, OC as I am, I would not miss on any single item we issue using our Personal Checks. Hubby, on the other hand, can be very busy and would sometime overlook important bills and some items he issued using our checks. I am simply aware of how high overdraft fees can be and that is something we could not afford at this time. Negligence is definitely out of my system. Anyways, aside from this banking and balancing aspects, I also get the chance to choose what design we use for our personal checks. I could be very trendy when it comes to this hee. No wonder, hubby refuses to use our joint personal checks and would rather use his own checks. You want to know where I have my checks personalized and customized with designs I want? Check out carouselchecks.com. I'm sure you will have fun choosing your design. So far this is the site where I find the most selection on personal checks custom and personalized designs. They also ship fast and come out as cheaper because of their current discount sales.

within your reach

Have you known on any item that is not available online? Well, I cannot name one anymore, seems to me every little thing we need can be found and bought online. Even medicines and other medical-related items such as kinesio tape are readily available in the internet. For this kind of stuff, you can visit allegromedical.com and search by category. Isn't that so much ease rather than going to each pharmacy and check if what you're looking for is available. You would be able to save time, gas and you would be guaranteed of a reliable product and high quality of customer service. Check out AllegroMedical.com for more information.

home services

I am pretty like a homebody kind of person. I could live for days inside the house (for as long as I have my phone, computer and internet) without going out. I am like that, I could always find things that could busy me the whole day. I love home stuff and definitely, the best part of staying at home are the chores! Call me weird but I love doing them hee hee. However, whenever something is broken at home, that's where I freak out! I need help at once and I am oh so dependent on hubby about this. The most annoying thing that I experienced breaking in the homefront is stuff that is related to plumbing services! Don't you just hate it when some faucet is leaking or you could hardly use your water faucet because it will explode all the friggin water you have in stock. Well thanks to Full Service Plumbing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Plumbing services such as Ernie's. One can call them anytime, anyday. They offer complete plumbing repair and replacement for all residential and commercial applications. So, what about you, how are you as a home maker? And homemaker may be the wife or the husband of the house, no double standards here :)

hardware.

Can you still imagine your life before computers and internet craze? I don't! I mean, you can still make me type in both non-electric and electric typewriter but other than that, I could no longer remember life without computer and internet. People has become accustom to this kind of lifestyle, having all these kind of technology to make them accessible and make our lives more comfortable. I remembered when we moved here, hubby and I would fight over one laptop (lol) and so he had no choice but to get me one immediately. Our world was at peace every night :). So no, I could not live without computer and laptop, even if I think I could.

Going back to the time were looking for a laptop and a desktop at the same time, a friend showed us his discovery of some New & Refurbished AS/400 Hardware. You can check more on this at perfdata.com. The mission of the company is to provide their IBM AS/400, iSeries and i5 customers with a reliable source for diverse, hard to find, new and refurbished midrange hardware and to assist with issues ranging from simple device address & cabling problems to complex system tuning & troubleshooting assistance.

5-Petal Flowers

If you meet me in person, you would instantly conclude: "ay kikay yan!" (Kikay is a term in Filipino, I could not explain this word so just google what it means LOL!). Anyways, admittedly, I am. I am even fascinated on anything that has a picture or a drawing of a 5-petal flower (5 petals only not 6 or any number). I love rainbows and butterflies and any stuff that would associate to being girly. Anyways, I am trying to move over to more mature fashion taste but I guess those stuff are just part of me :).

These bags from Valentino caught my eyes, they are so Kikay or girly :). Aren't they so cute.

Now, I am missing my flower-friend! Yes I do have a flower-friend. Mac as I call her, is also into 5-petal flowers and we both sign our names with 5-petal flower drawing in the end :)

plus size lingerie

Sexiness knows no size and knows no color and race. A stylist once told me that being sexy radiates from within. It does not exactly mean one person having the perfect vital statistics. There are those who knows how to carry themselves and that's being sexy. Others find another person sexy by the way she smiles, she stares or she moves her body. While there are still some men think that intelligence means sexiness! So while we are hardly working out or trying to be fit and thin (in our own standards), one should know that we can all be sexy and feel sexy. A plus-size friend loves hoarding sexy plus size lingerie. I once visited their place and I was shocked with her collection of plus size corsets and other stylish plus size lingerie she got from flirtylingerie.com. You see, plus-size or having a full-figure does not mean you cannot be sexy at all. Some even say that full-figured women are positively hot on lingerie and corset. Like I said, sexiness know no size and we should not always stick to what the standard rules are telling us. If you are feeling sexy right now, go check out sexy lingerie at flirtylingerie.com.

lurking.

Basing on the titles of my entries (this and the previous entry entitled 'facebooking'), you can conclude that I am having a very lazy Monday Holiday :). Yes we are. Hubby decided to sleep off the day, instead of having a day out with our son. We also managed to keep our Christmas ornaments and threw the Pine Tree. Our house is now squeaky clean again.

The rest of my afternoon was spent lurking at Neiman Marcus and their Spring Fashion week preview. I am more of a clothes and make-up person rather than bags and shoes and looking at these dresses make me want to instantly buy diet pills so I could get back to my pre-pregnancy weight in no time. But, no I will be patient and will stick with the natural way of losing weight.

Anyways, here are my top 3 designers.

3.1 Phillip Lim's Spring Collection is all about Ruffles and Jumpsuits!

Alexander Wang is all about Jackets and this denim leather jacketis to die for!

And the winner is....

Oscar de la Renta! Just look at these dresses, his Spring collection is all about elegance, florals, colors and symmetry :). I LOVE!
More at NeimanMarcus.com.

PIPERLIME Spring Bag Collection

According to financial experts, this year will be a little more difficult than it was last year because we will still continue to experience the big economic crunch, fashion purchases should be reviewed a hundred times. As they say, hold on to your liquid! We do not know how long the nation's leaders will be able to restore the economy to A-OK. So if you want to have a new bag this Spring, check out these affordable Spring collection bags at PIPERLIME.