My Nail Salon Haven: The Nail Loft

I love manicures and pedicures. I love hand and foot spa more. I love massages. I love pampering myself and treating myself to these services after a hard week's work. About a couple of weeks ago, I read Brenda's blog about The Nail Loft and got really curious. I was anxious to try it there so last Saturday I had to ask a friend out to Jack's Loft in Greenhills which is near Nail Loft so we can have a look-see of the place first. We went inside and we were greeted by its courteous staff and the therapeutic smell of the place. There were scented candles and relaxing nature music in the background. The sofas looked comfy, too. Since it was already past 9pm, I just asked for their flier/brochure/pricelist. The price of their services are unbelievably low! Check them out:

I went back the following day. They have packages available depending on your choice. I had a Glamorize Me package with hand and foot spa at P550. What's more, they have complimentary tea and eyemask with cucumber. Their sofas are really comfy. It's really relaxing, I fell asleep. I think I am going to be a loyal client.

Bomb Attack in Glorietta

Friday...It was supposedly a fine day for me... but then an hour after lunch in the office, we received a news that there was an explosion in Glorietta caused by a gas leak. I thought it was nothing outrageous but then after a couple more minutes I received phone calls and text messages from friends and family about the explosion. Our office building is a 5-minute walk from Glorietta and there are times when we go there during/after lunch break to buy things or eat. It's a good thing I never had plans to go there that day.

When I arrived home from work and watched the evening news on TV, I saw what just happened and it was only then that I realized how cruel and shocking it was. And then I remembered, I was there in that Starbucks coffee shop the night before! If you've been inside that branch, you will notice that the place is quite small and boxed inside. Anyone who's inside when the explosion happened would have suffered much and I'm hoping that they were not those among the 8 who passed away. And if Joy hadn't reminded me, I almost forgot we were just in that Luk Yuen branch the week before, too. I think I made an entry here of our delicious dinner. To this day, they still have no clue as to the cause of the explosion. Some say it's a gas leak, others say a bomb explosion. Whatever the cause may be, justice should be served.

Looking at the brighter side of things, I'm glad that none of my friends and family members were there during the incident. It's also good to know that because of the incident, people are more cautious now. And most of all, I'm so glad that before the explosion took place I was able to dine in Luk Yuen and got cozy in that Starbucks branch.

One Dog Sold

I posted an ad in Girltalk for my shih tzu puppies to be sold. It was actually a bargain price but I just wanted them to have new loving owners and homes since we can't really give special attention to them all at the same time anymore. After two days, I was on my way to Baclaran to meet the buyer of one of the puppies. She was actually a cousin of the real buyer who is based in Iloilo. The transaction had to be done immediately because they had to arrange for the airline documentation so they can bring her with them to Iloilo on Sunday. I felt happy and sad at the same time seeing my puppy being carried away by the new owner. *Sigh* I hope she stays healthy and loving and playful forever.

Frigadee, thanks for your constant communication. Please don't hesitate to message me anytime for updates and feedback. I know you'll take good care of her. Please share her pictures with us.

Blog for Money, Blog with Smorty

I am quite new to the new trend today: Blog for Money, Get Paid for Blogging, Blog Advertising, whatever they call it. Isn't it just amazing? I recently tried it and so far, so good.

After reading testimonials from online friends about Smorty, I was convinced that I have to give it a shot. So I registered and after a few weeks, my application was approved.

You can select what interests you and write about advertisers' products and services on your blog. What I like about Smorty is that it is different from other paid post companies in terms of the review opportunities. It connects you to the appropriate campaign to write on. Once you accept the offer, you will be given an ample time to finish the write up. Only after you have finished the job are you allowed to accept another job. For every approved blog you make, there is a corresponding amount in dollar equivalent that you will receive not on a monthly basis like other companies, but on a weekly basis.

Try it and be amazed.

Angels

Do you believe in angels? I never really have taken special attention to angels, especially to my guardian angel until today. Thanks to Anabel for bringing her friend over and we had quite a "session".

Like I always say, I am touched by the shallowest of things and I think I was teary-eyed the whole time I was listening to Bel's friend. I have always felt lucky my whole life and now I think "lucky" is an understatement. I should say that I am so blessed... and one of the greatest blessings I have been given is my guardian angel. I never really thought of those times when I'd rather stay inside my room doing nothing but talk to myself that my angel was there with me all along listening to me, laughing with me, crying with me... I have always wondered why I find joy in solitude and now I have it all figured out.

To my dear angel,

I know that a simple thank you is not enough to tell you how much I appreciate your "presence" but still, I want to say THANK YOU and know that it's from the bottom of my heart. Please don't ever give up on me. hahaha! Also, I want to give you a name... Any preference? Tell, tell, tell...

yours forever,

Louisa

Save Mother Earth

Today is BLOG ACTION DAY with the theme ENVIRONMENT. For weeks now, I find myself incorporating the line "Save Mother Earth" in every applicable situation. If you have seen the documentary of Al Gore, An Incovenient Truth addressing the issue of global warming, you will be freaked as I was when I first saw it. It is alarming how we take little notice of our environment when every little thing counts.

What can we do to help? Here are some of the things I do:

1. Recycle. From used paper to paper bags to plastic containers to water.

* Used paper - My desk looks like a junk haven with all the used paper I keep so I can re-use the clean side for photocopying, as scratch paper, as fax paper, etc. When both sides are filled, I shred them so one of my bosses can use the shredded paper in his farm.

* Paper bag - I have a space in my closet for used paper bags and plastic bags. I promise to bring an extra paper bag when I go grocery shopping next time.

* Water - When washing dishes, make sure there's a basin in the sink so excess water can later be used to clean the bathroom floor or toilet bowl.

2. Unplug electronics from the wall socket when not in use. Did you know that even when appliances are turned off, they consume energy when plugged?

3. Minimize air conditioning. It's a good thing I can't stand a cold, cold room. When the room is already cold, I shut off the air conditioning and use electric fan instead.

4. Walk. When going to a place nearby, walk instead of riding a car. You save on gas and help eliminate carbon dioxide emission, you even burn calories!

5. Spread the word. Even to kids like my young cousins, I teach them to learn how to save and be earth-friendly.

How about you? What do you do to help?

I hate Sony Vaio.

About two weeks ago, my Vaio freezed up on me while I was surfing the net and playing. After that incident, I promised never to play with my laptop ever again. I thought the problem was just simple but when I asked Joy to bring it to Gilmore to have it fixed, I was told that I have to bring it directly to Sony. It won't boot anymore. Then I searched online and found this. Boo!

Birthday Greetings!

to Tita Tess.

You are one of the few aunts

with whom I can tell and share all my raves and rants.

They say that being on the receiving end is something to be grateful for,

but the truth is the joy is in the giving!

You make sharing an accomplishment.

I wish that all your wishes come true...

Crazy day!

Did I wake up on the wrong side of the bed or am I just sick? Today has been a terrible, terrible day for me. I was sick since last night. I never felt my fever shoot up in a loooong time. I have really heavy colds... I cough like a dog... I have a terrible headache... I didn't feel like going to work but I had to and it made me feel sicker. Funny thing is I still have the same HUGE appetite! I craved like a mad cow for anything I could think of. First thing I had after coffee this morning is a bag of dried mangoes. I ate half of it in the car on the way to work and finished the rest in the office. I savored all seven (yes I counted!) pieces of shanghai roll that I had for lunch. I even craved for my usual "lunch dessert" ==>> Mc Donald's french fries with mayo and brewed coffee! I originally planned to go home after lunch but I couldn't so I stayed. I met Joy by 5 at Luk Yuen where I had a delicious lapu-lapu fillet congee and hakao. I don't know anyone else who eats the way I do when sick. After our early dinner, I went to Mary Pauline and had my eyebrows threaded. I am sick as it is and I don't want to look sicker with my bushy brows. Then, I wanted to buy some fruits so we went to the supermarket and ended up putting extra grocery items in our cart. My favorite and best buy for the day is an Elle & Vire unsalted butter. I love it. And guess what, I had two servings of pandesal with my fave butter the minute I sat in our dining table.

It's a good thing tomorrow is a non-working holiday in observance of the end of Ramadan. I have the whole day to rest and crave and eat!

For Sale: Shih Tzu Puppies

Time flies so fast. I can't believe it's been over four months since Louise gave birth (second time) to four puppies. I had been busy all this time I never had time to even pick names for them. In a couple of days, I'm going to PCCI to have them registered. They are also due for their check up with the vet. Argh! I wish I'd feel better tomorrow so I can make things done.

I will be selling some of the puppies at a very reasonable price. If anyone's interested, please contact me.

It's joke time!

As Joy and I were giving the daily dose of sermon to AJ, my 12-year old cousin one night, he made a very irritating yet funny remark.

Us: Bakit ba lagi mo kinakalimutan mga tinuturo sayo sa
school?

(Trans: Why do you always forget your lessons in
school?)

AJ: Dine-delete ko. Di ba sa computer pag puno na ang
memory, kailangan magdelete? Ilang gig ba ang utak natin?

(Trans: I delete them. Just like in computer when the
memory is full we delete some files, don't we? How many gigs do our brain
have?)

Us: AJ?!!!

Havaianas...again.

I thought I was making a progress... Just when I was able to control myself from buying Havaianas for several months now, I received a mail that limited edition Metallic Logo Havaianas are now out in the market. I went to Rustan's immediately to check and there they were in their divine existence! I had no luck finding my size in the color I wanted (black). The next day, I went to Moana in Power Plant and grabbed the last black pair available in my size! Yipee!Photo courtesy of Flair in the City.

Here's what I got:

This Just In

There will be two non-working holidays for this month of October:

12 October - end of Ramadan
29 October - not sure yet of the date but it's before November 1, for sure.

Yay!

Ho. Ho. Ho.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

90 days to go...

before Christmas.

Have you decided on what to give me this year?

I'll make my Christmas wishlist

Soon.

In Her Shoes

The movie, In Her Shoes was shown in 2005 but I wasn't able to watch it then. It is based on a novel of the same title written by Jennifer Weiner. I was able to watch it though a couple of months ago on HBO and in an instant, I loved it. The fact that Cameron Diaz is in it is already a given. She's one of my favorite actresses.

There are 2 poems that were read by Maggie (played by Cameron Diaz): One Art by Elizabeth Bishop, and I Carry Your Heart With Me by E. E. Cummings.

In the movie, Maggie is dyslexic and the scenes where she was reading and reciting the poems were so moving. I had to Google the poems and share with you.

This is the poem that she read to the blind professor:

One Art

~ Elizabeth Bishop

The art of losing isn’t hard to master;

so many things seem filled with the intent

to be lost that their loss is no disaster.

Lose something every day. Accept the fluster

of lost door keys, the hour badly spent.

The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

Then practice losing farther, losing faster:

places, and names, and where it was you meant

to travel. None of these will bring disaster.

I lost my mother’s watch. And look! my last, or

next-to-last, of three loved houses went.

The art of losing isn’t hard to master.

I lost two cities, lovely ones. And, vaster,

some realms I owned, two rivers, a continent.

I miss them, but it wasn’t a disaster.

—Even losing you (the joking voice, a gesture

I love) I shan’t have lied. It’s evident

the art of losing’s not too hard to master

though it may look like (Write it!) like disaster.

This is the poem she read at the wedding:

I Carry Your Heart With Me

~ E.E. Cummings

I carry your heart with me

(I carry it in my heart)

I am never without it

(anywhere I go you go, my dear; and whatever is done by

only me is your doing, my darling)

I fear no fate

(for you are my fate, my sweet)

I want no world

(for beautiful you are my world, my true)

and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

I carry your heart (I carry it in my heart)

I'm a very bad influence

Got this while bloghopping.

If you go over 45, you’re a bad influence. If you go under 10, chances are you live under a rock and have no life… even more harsh. Total the number of things in each list you’ve done. No need to say which ones. If people really want to know they will message you.

1. smoked

2. consumed alcohol

3. slept in the same bed with someone of the opposite sex

4. slept in the same bed with someone of the same sex

5. kissed someone of the same sex

6. had sex

7. had someone in your room other than family

8. watched porn

9. bought porn

10. done drugs

TOTAL: 6

1. taken painkillers

2. taken someone else’s prescription medicine

3. lied to your parents

4. lied to a friend

5. snuck out of the house

6. done something illegal

7. cut yourself

8. hurt someone

9. wished someone to die

10. seen someone die

TOTAL: 7

1. missed curfew

2. stayed out all night

3. eaten a carton of ice cream by yourself

4. been to a therapist

5. been to rehab

6. dyed your hair

7. received a ticket

8. been in an accident

9. been to a club

10. been to a bar

TOTAL: 4

1. been to a wild party

2. seen the Mardi Gras

3. drank more than four beers in a night

4. had a spring break in Florida

5. sniffed anything

6. wore black nail polish

7. wore arm bands

8. wore t-shirts with band names

9. listened to rap

10. owned a 50 Cent CD

TOTAL: 6

1. dressed Gothic

2. dressed prep

3. dressed punk

4. dressed grunge

5. stole something

6. been too drunk to remember anything

7. blacked out

8. fainted

9. had a hicky

10. didn't wear undies in public

TOTAL: 4

1. snuck into someone else’s room

2. had a crush on your friend

3. been to a concert

4. dry-humped someone

5. been called a cunt

6. called someone a cunt

7. installed speakers in your car

8. broken a mirror

9. showered at someone of the opposite sex’s house

10. brushed your teeth with someone else’s toothbrush

TOTAL: 5

1. consider/considered Ludacris your favorite rapper

2. seen an R-rated movie in theater

3. cruised the mall

4. skipped school

5. had surgery

6. had an injury

7. gone to court

8. walked out of a restaurant without paying/tipping

9. caught something on fire

10. lied about your age

TOTAL: 5

1. owned/rented an apartment

2. broke the law in the police’s presence

3. made out with someone who had a gf/bf

4. got in trouble with the police

5. talked to a stranger

6. hugged a stranger

7. kissed a stranger

8. rode in the car with a stranger

9. been harassed

10. been verbally harassed

TOTAL: 4

1. met face-to-face with someone you met online

2. stayed online for 5 hours straight

3. talked on the phone for more than 4 hours straight

4. watched TV for 5 hours straight

5. been to a fair

6. been called a bad influence

7. drink and drive

8. prank-called someone

9. laid on a couch with someone of the opposite sex

10. cheated on a test

TOTAL: 7

Grand Total: 48

-If You Have Less Then 10.. write [Im A Goody Good]

-If You Have More Than 10.. write [im still a goody good]

-If You Have more Than 20 ..write [im average]

-If You Have More Than 30.. write [im a bad kid]

-If You have more than 40.. write [im a very bad infuence]

-If You Have 50…. write ..[i’m the worst possible person ever]

Elliott Yummy, ooops!

Guess who's coming to town? The third-place finalist on the fifth season of American Idol - Elliot Yamin.

Show times and venues:

TriNoMa, Activity Center

September 21, 2007 at 7:00pm

Glorietta, Activity Center

September 22, 2007 at 7:00pm

Market! Market!, Activity Center

September 23, 2007 at 6:00pm

Ayala Center Cebu, On Stage, Cinema 1

September 26, 2007 at 7:00pm

Alabang Town Center, Activity Center

September 28, 2007 at 6:30pm

Untitled

What an interesting day today has been...

Down with the Flu

For a while there I thought it's a record breaking year for me, healthwise. Normally, I get sick twice or thrice a year but since last year I never got sick -- until today. I am down with the flu and I hate it.

I hate it because:

• My eating appetite is affected. So many food, so little appetite...
• It's deppressing knowing you eat less, yet weight is still a problem.
• I got sick on a weekend which means I had to stay home hence, all my weekend plans are cancelled.
• Smoking is not an option.

My Precioussssssss Sandwich

Back in college, there used to be a branch of Dunkin' Donuts situated right across the Dapitan gate of UST and that was when I discovered my favorite sandwich in the whole world: the BUNWICH. Seriously. And that was my fondest memory of it.

A few months ago, I had a craving for Bunwich but found out that they are not sold in most stores anymore. I chanced upon almost every store I saw but never did I find my precious Bunwich. Just imagine the look on my face when DD pointed a Dunkin' Donuts stall at the Cebu Airport last month and said that there are Bunwiches! Unfortunately we were rushing already and never had the time to buy. And then two weeks ago, after dinner in Greenhills, we passed by a Dunkin' Donuts store and decided to have my coffee there. What did I see??? --BUNWICH in all its delicious glory! I almost didn't even believe it with my two eyes. I had to ask the crew if they really sell those. And yes, they do. Wow! However, since we were already full and could not even dare to bite, we decided to go back the next day.

We weren't able to go back the following day but went the day after. We went to the main branch and had our hopes up that they do sell bunwich. Why didn't I think of that before? Anyways, we went inside and not only do they have bunwich but also croissant! Nevertheless, I ordered my long lost fave - Spanish Sausage and coffee. Happiness!

I like Spanish Sausage best among the other variants (tuna salad, egg and cheese, corned beef salad, ham and cheese, bacon coleslaw and tomato).

What's your favorite Bunwich?