Posh Nails Anyone?

I love painting my nails.

I just buy the shade that I like and do my own manicure and pedicure.

Yes!

You can also do it yourself.

First, I use the cuticle remover – I am using the regular one from the beauty shop, then I would trim my nails.

I would “buff” them and wash with warm water.

After that, it’s time to paint!

I normally do the pedis only as I have a lot to do so my manicure is always, most of the time, removed.

I was trying to look for a new nail polish color on the web and I found a light blue colored one!

After the pink one from Maybelline, I want to try another shade so I had taken a photo and sent it to Bugsy.

He hates it if I put dark colored or odd ones so I let him choose the color for me.

He got me these minis from OPI.

Can’t wait to try them on!

You can also visit their website and actually try them.

You can adjust the skin tone and look for a perfect shade!

Who said that posh nails need to be expensive?

Remember Emma?

Do you still remember Hermione from Harry Potter – the uber-bright girl played by Emma Watson?

Yeah.

The thick haired girl in the first movie had grown up so fast and beautifully.

She had started a modeling career too and is now an endorser for Burberry.

Ooohh. I just adore her.

Here are some of her ad campaigns.

Game of Thrones

This is the new series by HBO which is also based on a novel.

The trailer was quite intriguing and so is the show.

It reminded me of The Lord of the Rings as there are also different kingdoms in this series.

I had seen the pilot episode and it was fantastic.

I love the wardrobe, something like the ones worn during King Arthur’s time.

The beginning of the series is about a group of men who had traveled the forest in search of another tribe but two, out of the 3 men, were killed.

The one who had survived was then beheaded when he came back to his Kingdom, Winterfell (I don’t know why he was beheaded but I think it has something to do with the law in the said kingdom).

It is a series about battle for power and control of the kingdoms, love and lust, family and loyalty.

I am looking forward to the next episode and hopefully, I can learn more about the characters and the complex stories of the kingdoms.

Things I had learned from Steve Jobs

A fellow blogger had posted Steve Jobs Speech during one of the Commencement Exercises at Stanford University in the US.

Steve Jobs, the man behind Apple and Pixar, had shared three stories from his life.

I was touched by his humility and moving speech.

Who would have known that he also came from no-one and nothing to the man that he is now?

Months back, my mom told me that my teachers from Grade School sent me an invitation, requesting if I could deliver a speech during the Graduation Ceremony.

To be honest, I would love to but unfortunately, I was already out of the country that time.

I would love to share what I had achieved in life so far, what things I have to give up in pursuit of my dreams and all other stories.

Suddenly, I remembered when I used to practice the speech for my own graduation rights in Grade School.

Since I was the 2nd placer only, I will need to deliver my speech in pure Filipino and our First Honors will have hers in English.

I really had a hard time memorizing it and the bad thing is, I can no longer remember anything, any line, that I had delivered nowadays.

I had spent hours practicing it and even cried during the last one as I have this accent, which according to my mentor, should be dropped.

I also have stage fright – I am pleased that nowadays, I am not that scared anymore.

During the ceremony itself, I was able to deliver my speech well and I was so relieved.

It was the longest 30 minutes of my life and I was very thankful that it all ended well.

Anyways, let me share the things I had learned from Steve Job’s speech.

“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards”.

I believe we all know how to connect the dots.

You have to follow the number or the letters at least, to see the picture.

But the point is, you have to start from somewhere.

You have to start from No. 1 or Letter “A”.

We all have to start from the lowest step of the ladder and move our way up.

We may have missed something so we have to move back.

“Even people who want to go to heaven don't want to die to get there.”

What will you do if you’ll find out that this day is your last day to live?

I oftentimes get this question and I would normally ask them back: why would you wait for that time to do what you would like to?

As Steven Jobs put it, “Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die yet to get there”.

But you know what really matters? It’s the journey – how well you live your life, how many lives have you touched, how many souls were you able to heal.

I am always thinking that I only get one chance on every thing thus I grab each and every opportunity that I can.

There are times that I don’t get what I want but I will never know if I will not try.

“You've got to find what you love.”

When I had seen Steve Jobs' video, I was in a sad point in my life and I don’t know why.

Maybe because of the stress – I had recently changed my work shift to evening and I think if people don’t get enough sleep, they get emotional.

My Dad had had cardiac arrest and Thanks God, it was not a fatal one but he is under medication.

My Grandmother just died a few weeks back.

My Boyfriend faced some challenges at work.

I am thinking about career moves and the like.

And there is Steve Jobs saying “You’ve got to find what you love”.

I love my job now – it’s my meal ticket, my bread and butter as they say but what I like the most is that, I feel at home and not working but I still feel like something is missing.

I am trying to look for that missing piece or pieces.

I remember the days in my old company, when I was crying before I go to work and really drag myself to the office as I cannot take it anymore.

I had the courage to leave that company to live and work abroad.

“Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.”

If you will stay hungry and foolish – you will always crave for more.

Simply put, one should not stop feeding himself of knowledge, experience and everything else.

I promised myself, I will engage in different things – writing, reading, stock investment and how it works, photography and a lot more.

I will try my best to stay hungry. I will try my best to stay foolish.

Go Manang Mindy!

I was watching the re-run of Ellen and came across one of her segments, Mindy's Movie Minute.

At first look, I knew the lady on the screen is a Filipina and yes she is!

She had done really hilarious but this-is-what-i-am-thinking reviews of the Oscar nominated films.

She had another segment, the Mindy’s Reality Roundup wherein she had her say on what happened to TV shows during the week.

Mindy, who is Ellen’s housekeeper, is just one of the Filipinos who had appeared on Ellen’s show (remember Charice?).

It is just a proof that we, Filipinos, have a really good sense of humor!

Go Manang Mindy!

Chanel

One of the reasons why I love Gossip Girl - the clothes, fashion, Haute Coutre.

Damn, Serena and Blair look so gorgeous - Serena, with a pair of long legs and high heels, Blair, with the headbands and the locks. Wheeeww!

And now, Blake Lively is the new face of Chanel!

And yes, other celebrities graced the magazines and billboards for Chanel too...

Marilyn Monroe

Nicole Kidman

Keira Knightly

Gossip Girl

Gossip Girl is coming back and with a new girl in town!

I am excited!

Yeah, I know, I am a series addict but it’s one of my recently-found past time.

Gossip Girl is about teens that are from famous families of the Upper East Side.

Nobody knows who Gossip Girl is but she knows everything that is happening.

She has a website and SMS alerts about these famous teens and even knows their families’ darkest secrets.

It had started with Serena van der Woodsen’s (played by Blake Lively) return from boarding school.

She had caused a lot of stir when she had left and she had returned during Blair Waldorf’s (played by Leighton Meester) her best friend/rival birthday. Serena and Blair had fought a lot but in the end they still have each other’s company.

Nate Archibald (Chace Crawford) is like the “Boy Next Door”. He was Serena’s and Blair’s ex but had become a good friend to both of them.

Chuck Bass (Ed Westwick) is the playboy. He was Blair’s ex and maybe I can say Blair’s “the one who got away” – but oh, how I like their love story. The type wherein the girl loves the guy still but the guy has too much hatred on her, but who knows maybe they will still be together in the end.

Dan Humphrey (Penn Badgely) is the Lonely Boy. He is the aspiring writer,
Serena’s ex and now, her step brother.

Blair Waldorf

My favorite character of all is Blair Waldorf. Queen B – as Gossip Girl calls her, is of strong and willful personality. She gets what she wants or shall I say she tries her best to get what she wants. She seems strong but has a heart too and cries sometimes.

This series tackles Life, Love, Sex, Fashion, Family and Friendship.

Can’t wait for the latest episode!

America's Next Top Model

Wanna be on top?

I love Tyra Banks.

America's Next Top Model is one of the shows that I am really fond of.

I patiently download the episodes and watch as much as I can during my days off.

I got so excited when I had learned that a Filipino designer will be featured too.

It is Michael Cinco, a designer hailing from Samar.

He used to design uniforms for hotel employees when he was in the Philippines and had made a bold move to Dubai.

Dubai had opened the doors for him but he did not stop.

He had moved to another country to study and learn more.

Now, he is one of the notable Haute Coutre designers in the international fashion industry.

Michael Cinco had designed some gowns for Cycle 16's photoshoot.

Here are the fabulous photos of the artistically-made gowns taken by Nigel Barker himself.

Uncertainty

I am sure that there are also people out there who were so disappointed, frustrated, sad and even furious about the American Idol’s results last week.

Pia Toscano was sent home!

I’ve learned about it via Twitter; everyone’s “tweeting” that they cannot believe what had just happened.

I believe that she’s got it all – a good voice, a pretty face and a friendly attitude.

J.Lo, Randy and S. Tyler were just dumbfounded with the results themselves.

She’s one of my bets in the competition alongside – Lauren, James, Paul and Scotty.

Pia, who is of Italian descent, graduated from La Guardia High School of the Performing Arts in New York and was born a performer.

Her remarkable performances include her renditions of “I’ll Stand by You” , “All By Myself”, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go”, “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” and “River Deep, Mountain High”.

I’ve seen her in MTV and Ellen doing some guesting stints and she had mentioned that she’s doing some tours and will also go into recording some songs.

Looking at the bigger picture, it did her something better in return and for sure she’ll go places!

Goodluck, Pia!

Reference: Wikipedia, Ellen DeGeneres, MTV

Maybelline's Pink Nail Lacquer

I had tried to put on Maybelline's Color Sensational.

It's a good color to use this summer.

Try it!

It is Summer Time!

My friends, colleagues and I had officially welcomed the summer season.

We had traveled out of the city and had gone to farm/rest house of a friend’s friend (yeah something like that).

We had had so much fun.

At around 2 AM, we had reached the place and started to unpack our stuffs.

The place is nice and is huge.

There’s a vegetable garden in front and a small barn for the goats/sheep (actually we did not get a chance to ask the caretaker).

We had found turkeys too.

The indoor swimming pool is good and we found the cool water waiting for us, inviting us to swim.

It was indeed a very relaxing day – catching up with friends and colleagues; sitting by the pool and talking about possible business ventures.

Hopefully, we’ll have another chance to go back there - a paradise at the middle of the desert.

Here are some of the photos:

Salad

Foul (read as Foool - Arabic word for Beans)

A live Turkey!

Goats/Sheep/I don't really know

A Bird's Nest

That's relaxing...

Let's take a dip...

LO No. 6 - Drink Up

Wonderwoman

I am excited to watch Wonderwoman!

It will aired this fall on NBC.

Hmmm...Have to prepare for this one.

Adrianne Palicki will be playing Diana Prince aka Wonderwoman.

For those who got the chance to watch Wonderwoman before, played by Linda Carter, it will definitely be a thrill to see this one.

There will be big stars too like Elizabeth Hurley (remember the movie "Bedazzled", Tom Welling (from Smallville) and Christian Bale (Batman) to name a few.

Adrianne had acting stints in the movie "Legion" and the TV Series "Friday Night Lights".

P.S.

Photocredit: E!online :)

Bowling Shoes

What's your shoe size?

I had this photo taken when we had gone to play bowling.

Hmmmm...

I wish I could play again one of these days.

Design by Issa

Ever wondered who made Kate Middleton’s blue dress that matched the Engagement Ring?

It is by British Designer Daniella Issa Helayel.

I’ve visited her website and her designs are fantastic.

Simple. Classy. Wearable.

Here are some of the pieces that I liked.

Lentil Soup

This is one of my favorite Arabic dishes.

You must try the ones from Grand Joud and Bayt Al Shami.

Cauliflower Gratin

The first recipe that I had tried from the cookbook that I got almost a month ago is the Cauliflower Gratin.

It's easy and worth the try.

Simply boil the sliced cauliflower, drain it then set it aside.

Melt butter, add milk and let it simmer.

Add cheddar and parmesan cheese and little flour to let the sauce thicken.

Preheat the oven at 200C.

Place the cauliflower in an bowl (oven-safe) then pour in the sauce and top with bread crumbs.

Cook for around 15 minutes or until brown.

Enjoy this creamy and cheesy meal!

Roasted Chicken

Finally, I had learned to cook this one and Thank's God, Bugsy liked it.

Here's what you can do.

Boil the chicken first.

Just add garlic, onions and peppercorns to taste.

Then, pre-heat the oven at 200C.

Melt butter, add minced garlic and squeeze 2 lemons.

Put the chicken in the oven, brushed the chicken with the butter mixture from time to time.

Roast it for 1 hour and a half or 2 hours until golden brown.

For the dip, you can simply use tomato ketchup.

Try this one and you'll definitely love it!

Veggies

My Bugsy and I are trying to eat healthy.

I try to prepare vegetables in every meal.

For this one, I had sliced cucumbers, tomatoes and added sweet corn.

Golden Shoes

I got this pair of Ballerina Flats in Gold from H&M for only USD 5.

Great buy, isn’t it?

Strawberry Yogurt Breakfast Cereal

This new pink box of cereals got my attention when I was in the grocery store.

It is made from Germany and the flavor is unique: Strawberry Yogurt so I got one.

There are little bits of strawberries, strips of like yogurt candies, oats and cereals.

The thing I like about this is that it’s not too sweet.

Pour in a little milk and wallah! Eat your way to a healthy living!

Sweet-Tooth

I have a sweet-tooth.

I craved for Krispy Kreme Doughnuts the other day and thanks to Bugsy for grabbing a box for me.

I sssooooo love it as the dough is very soft and the flavors that they have are good too.

Evening Shift

I had started my work on evening shift today after 3 months of working in the morning.

I had proposed to Ate Khaty, my colleague, that maybe I can keep the said schedule for 3 months too.

Since last week, I had started to sleep late, to have my body clock adjusted too as I am normally up at 6 AM.

I am looking for some stuffs to do since I have spare time and I want to be as productive as I can.

These are some of the things I have in mind so far:

*Always update the blog to hone my English skills;

*Start listening the Arabic/English Language Guides that I had downloaded months back;

*Time to do the errands – paperworks, bank requirements, etc.;

*Try out new recipes;

*Think of any good business idea that I could start up.

Hopefully, I can make the most out of my spare time.