Brewed Attitude

I was meaning to write, write and write last night. Yes, my night was spent up and not sleeping. Sleeping has been very elusive lately. I have so many things running through my mind lately, worries, anticipation, uncertainties, regrets, worries, worries, worries...I know this is not a good entry to read especially since my blog's title is moving towards a better version of me. I am just human, I feel all sorts of emotions. My lowliness cannot be controlled at times, I feel down too. I feel sad and I feel like giving up at times. Instead, I let it all out last night by listening to some free mp3 and found good and very enlightening songs at DH's iPod. I feel relieved afterwards. Yes I cried, that has become my outlet for letting it all out and by 2:30am, I was tired and snoozing my way to dreamland. I woke up feeling less tired but still, the same feeling of lowliness. I wish that in the near future, I will wake up to a schedule, schedule to go to work, a corporate suit, high-heeled shoes, designer purse and a power meeting. But they say, be careful what you wish for. So I will be grateful of my morning, my breakfast with my boys, the house chores, the blogging tasks and the same old ME.

Okay, I broke every single item in my Lent Sacrifice and Abstinence list. Bad bad bad bad. I guess I'd just pursue on my attitude and spirituality rather than abstaining on material things. More importantly, I know God will perfectly understand why I had to give those up and where I am coming from. So with all the meat-less, rice-less and chocolate-less goals for the whole 40 days of Lenten season, I need to double up on my losing weight goal and would probably try taking Power 90.

I know that I would hit 2 birds with 1 stone had I continued to fast and abstain in the whole 40-day Lent course but no, I am just asking myself too much. Anyways, I just need to continue with my after 6 diet routine, less chips and chocolates and daily work out and I would be fine. Although, I am thinking of trying out either this Slim in 6 or the popular DVD on Insanity Workout. I have been hearing a lot of raves on how much weight you can shed off by just doing the Insanity Workout but the question is, can I do it or actually finish the whole things. Heading off to ExtremeBodyWorkout.com to check the prices.

People these days cannot be idle anymore. Everybody seems to be busy and doing a lot of things at the same time. Multi-tasking is a skill honed but every adult I met in this lifetime. I guess because with the uprising of technology, things have become more convenient and easier that we can both work and play at the same time. I know of a friend who does some serious living while doing some sports betting, you bet! He is having fun while earning a decent amount for his family.

He was so enthusiastic about this idea that he could not stop himself from raving about it. In fact, he shared this site that gives out some good set and very easy-to-follow rules on sports betting online so DH could start betting on sports as well, specifically, football because he's an ultimate NFL fanatic. I am just simply happy DH did not get hook hee hee. But, this is a fun way to kill time as well as moolah. Wanna try it? I bet you do!

I believe that my bestfriend was given to me by God to create balance in my life, to show that my problems are minute (compared to others) and to appreciate and understand the complexities of the lives of my in-laws. She truly is a blessing to me. If only you guys know my problems, maybe you'd laugh about them and tell me to my face that they aren't even huge problems. You see, my bestfriend's brother-in-law badly needs to check those drug rehab centers or alcohol rehab centers for serious medical addiction treatment.

For such a long time now, this brother-in-law has been bothering her family and no matter how many times they offer drug rehabilitation programs and information on how he could get well and get up from this addiction, he just keeps ignoring them. I guess all it takes is someone, not from the family to tell him that yes, rehabilitation centers are there to help and not to judge him. We all deserve a second chance but what to do when you yourself is no longer open to second chance.

For some, online shopping may be an understatement but for someone who sees the same corners of the room, woke up to the same people and chores, and strive to be a better person by changing her disposition, online shopping does her wonders, I mean HUGE wonders! Pardon me but for me to be able to shift my stick from depression mode to being alive again, I randomly surf on my favorite online shops and scour some good finds, read jellycat and barefoot dreams brands.

Yes, boys and girls, I am talking about Lou Lou's corner which also carries the appaman brand which I love love love especially when I shop for my boy and his cousins and yes, my godchildren hee hee. Even kids' stuff shopping lightens up my mood, so do not judge people who shop too much or what we call the shopaholics because they are trying to cover up something or just simply because they want to spice up their lives. So yes, it is a must for shopaholic parents to visit Lou Lou's corner, especially now that they've got a huge Autumn/Winter 09 sale.

For the longest time that I have been very dependent on the internet, I have bookmarked a few sites to which I am very loyal with. This so called online local yellowpages is favorite of mine when it comes to local search engine sites. JustClickLocal.com has been a favorite of mine to visit especially when we are planning an itinerary for a trip, currently, a trip to Atlanta, GA. It is much easier to navigate the site because of its user-friendly's features and of course, the high-brid and specialize categories it brings to their visitors. Trust me, we had a very resourceful itinerary when we went to Buffalo, NY last year.

Say for instance, you are looking for reliable local restaurants in St. Louis, MO with good reviews, you can easily visit the site and scour on their listings. You can also find accurate driving directions, business contact information and hours, and other aggregate of reviews of other small sites connected to your prior searching. What is nice about this is the fact that you can add your listing and make such reviews as well. So yes, I am loyal to Local and will always be.

Today, I threw fitS, that is the best term I could ever think about because looking back with what happened, I acted like a kid. Gosh, I must be really overwhelmed and on some depression stage right now. I need to go out, I need my girlfriends and sadly, I miss my old life back...I know all that I could ever do now is complain (silently) because honestly, I have no choice. I don't drive and I do not know if I'd be ever ready to drive again. I am dependent on DH's car and driving skills and yes, even decisions and his schedules.

It all started when I craved for this seafood dish (a squid and octopus to be specific) after not being able to enjoy my dinner on a Sunday party. I do not know if I am pregnant or what but the craving grows on me each day. So it's Wednesday now and I am craving so bad and as expected, DH said no. Not really no but indirectly NO. And then there's this demanding and very cranky little boy I had to tend to the whole day which again I have no choice. Reading this story made me feel better. Ahh the perils of stay-at-home moms with very little or even no social life around.

It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way one of the kids will walk into the room while I’m on the phone and ask to Be taken to the store. Inside I’m thinking, ‘Can’t you see I’m on the phone?’

Obviously not; no one can see if I’m on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping the floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see Me at all. I’m invisible. The invisible Mom. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more! Can you fix this? Can you tie this? Can you open this??

Some days I’m not a pair of hands; I’m not even a human being. I’m a clock to ask, ‘What time is it?’ I’m a satellite guide to answer, ‘What number is The Disney Channel?’ I’m a car to order, ‘Right around 5:30, please.’

I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes that studied history and the mind that graduated summa *** laude -but now, They had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She’s going, she’s going, she’s gone!?

One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, And she was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to compare and feel sorry for myself. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a beautifully wrapped package, and said, ‘I Brought you this.’ It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn’t Exactly sure why she’d given it to me until I read her inscription:

‘To Charlotte, with admiration for the greatness of what you are building
when no one sees.’

In the days ahead I would read – no, devour – the book. And I would discover what would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals – we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives for a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and expected no credit.

The passion of their building was fueled by their faith that the eyes of God saw everything.

A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the Cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird on the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, ‘Why are you spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by The roof, No one will ever see it. And the workman replied, ‘Because God
sees.’

I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall intoplace. It was almost as if I heard God whispering to me, ‘I see you, Charlotte. I see the Sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does.

No act of kindness you’ve done, no sequin you’ve sewn on, no cupcake you’ve Baked, is too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great cathedral, but you can’t see right now what it will become. At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is Erasing my life. It is the cure for the disease of my own self-centeredness.

It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride.

I keep the right perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something that their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are so few people willing to sacrifice to that degree.

When I really think about it, I don’t want my son to tell the friend he’s bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, ‘My Mom gets up at 4 in the Morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for 3 hours and presses all the linens for the table.’ That would mean I’d built a shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home.

And then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, ‘You’re gonna love it there.’

As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we’re doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

Isn't it quite amazing that Bags and Purses have been quite a huge trend and following for the past years. More and more people in my circle have been very much conscious and aware on their bags and purses. Some would even go the extra mile of collecting designer purses. Yes I am guilty about this and sometimes you would think, it can lead to some form of addiction. You get to be one notch level higher in terms of brands and design.

I have more than 20 purses sitting silently in my closet. Believe it or not, it has become a stress-reliever for me to just look at them and try them out infront of the mirror. Ahh, I can go on and on talking about it but one thing's for sure, only a baghag can understand me. On the other hand, DH is gaga over collecting camping backpacks and other laptop bags, seriously! He might not buy as often as I would but he can be the most meticulous when he decides to buy. If you are just a newbie on collecting bags and purses, you might want to visit ShopWiki for guidelines on what to pick and what not to pick.

I have been very vocal on the fact that DH and I have been seriously saving up this year. If 2009 was a year of expenditures and purchases, 2010 is the year of stability and savings. Admittedly, we have slacked off on the saving side for the past years because we are still settling in a new city and we needed to buy more stuff that would make our lives more comfortable. However, for the past almost 2 months of 2010, we have not really considered any wise and big investment such as opening up IRA Accounts or do some Online Trading that would eventually increase our savings investment money.

After I finish a few more articles online, we are going to meet a cousin of DH who has also been an Online Broker for a few years already. He told us about First Trade, which is an online brokerage firm that allows customers to trade Stocks, Options, Mutual Funds, ETFs and Fixed Incomes at competitive costs. They say Mobile Trading and Stock Trading are just 2 of the terms we need to learn and fully understand if we are considering this investment. For all of you who are interested, you can head on to their site for more information.

...and the snow has never left and has never got tired on showering us. You see, yesterday we opened the windows and has finally turned off the centralized heater, thinking, we are already ready to welcome Spring because of the sunlight and somewhat warmer weather. Only to find out, after checking the weather forecast today that yes, tomorrow and on Thursday, there are chances of snow again! Just when we are dead set to visit the beach tomorrow afternoon after dear hubby's shift argh! Now, how do I explain that to my son? He has been counting his sleeps and days till next beach visit. Now, as DH and I were having breakfast just a few hours ago, we were talking about our plans on booking on one of these Oceanfront Myrtle Beach Resorts.

After seeing my cousin's photos on his recent North Carolina trip, I told DH that we should visit Myrtle Beach Resorts, regardless of whether we take Oceanfront Beach Resorts Myrtle Beach or not, we better visit this resort in summer. After all the too much snow and cold we experienced on this extended winter, we deserve to enjoy Summer at its fullest.

Do you have a hater? I think we all do, just remember these things whenever they get into your nerves :P.

Some people envy you because you can:
a) Have a relationship with God
b) Light up a room when you walk in
c) Start your own business
d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn’t about the right thing)
e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can’t stand to see you happy.
Haters will never want to see you succeed.

Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side.

Hater/ By Maya Angelou

Resilience, Flexibility and Balance are 3 very important words that we should have and incorporate in our lives. Sadly, I lack on those 3 qualities but I am never too late to harness those and improving my areas of concern. I have started to be more resilient and flexible these days and also, have practiced balance as I juggle my many roles in life. In time, I will attain this very much anticipated Maturity that we all want to reach.

Now read these quotes from my favorite: Dr. Seuss.

"You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left."

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains."

I am a late bloomer, I want to think of me that way.
Seriously though, I really think I am.

You see, when I was in my teenage years, I was not really this expressive when it comes to dressing up. I am not the kind of girl who will try every fashion trend just so to fit in a group or cliche. I just dress up to make my self feel better and look good, not for anyone else but me. However, when I became a mother and a wife, I started to check my look and try out my outfit a hundred times in our bedroom vanity before I attend an event, go out or simply leave the house.

Now, there's my booming and very addicting online shopping. I started to try out cropped denim jacket and would wear variety of shoes from an avant-garde Jessica Simpson Clancey Boots down to ralph lauren sneakers whenever I feel like dressing down. However, when you are shopping online, make sure to always check Become.com for their online shopping reviews. You know, it would help you a lot before you push that purchase button.

Do you know that you can earn so much and be highly-marketable if you speak more than 1 language, become bilingual or even multilingual if you can?

Learning advance French has proven to be one of my greatest frustration. I know the basic french both in reading, writing and speaking but I have not been able to do professional translation services more so be one of those professional translators in the market who are paid lucratively because I was stuck in basic French for the lack of practice and dedication.

But translation services these days are available 24/7 online. You can easily translate those blogs, essays, and other correspondences in just a click of your finger through Translia. Translia is proven to be one of the most innovative translation service platforms available online. They have gathered only the experts in this field to provide their audience and clients with the high-quality and most reliable translation services they need.

But yes. I am not giving up and will learn advance French when I have the time :P.

A dear friend has confided to me her difficulty in raising boys. Yikes! I know I am heading there as I have got one mischievous but very loving 4-year old son. Seriously though, I have been hearing a lot of comments from my mommy friends who have boys too. I guess it is true what they say that daughters are easier to raise up in the early years because of their maturity. The problem that my friend has been facing is academically related. For the longest time, she has been looking for an effective Online Tutor or those which offers Free Online Tutoring services that would provide her and her sons the necessary Math help and Math Tutor they need because her kids have always failed in their Mathematics Subjects.

I told her about this Math Problem Solver website which provides a reliable and efficient Online Math Tutor services called Tutor Next. Apparently, an Aunt recommended this high-quality Math Tutors Online service for another Aunt who does not have time to assist and give tutorial services to her kids. Check out the site for more information as they cater to students in Kinder up until Grade 12.

Wowowee to a better 2010.
There may be hurdles and bumps and big rocks I have been meeting for the past weeks, but I won't hit the downfall. I just won't, that I promise! I will keep striving to be a better version of me.

For the longest time, I have been battling with my sleeping hours, nope I do not really oversleep because I end up sleeping late doing well err sometimes productive things such as online tasks. But, who wants to wake up late right? Especially when you are a Work-At-Home mom with so many house chores and online jobs waiting for you for the rest of the day. DH told me to sleep early for at least 6 weeks and so my body clock will be changed and I will start waking up early. True to his word, I sleep in when I can and for the past 2 days I have been waking up extremely early with 6:39 and 5:31 clock-in, consecutively. I am alert when I wake maybe because my body is used to the 6-7 hour sleep.

So yes, waking up early changes my mood, my perceptions, my decisions and my choices.
I hope to be more consistent for the next 5 weeks.

And yes, coming entry will be what I will sacrifice this Lenten Season. I have yet to make a commitment. Have a cheerful Thursday y'all!

I woke up despising this certain brand of bacon because it come out stale and lacking fo volume. But then again, I do want to waste my energy on something I do not have control of and just spend that energy on something useful, say signing up at this particular consumer forum. You see, I have a friend in India who has been telling me about this consumer court India that come out to be very reliable on her part.

You see this consumer court forum help people exchange views and air out their testimonials on different companies who rendered their services on the members of the forum. Everything is first hand information and it will give you a certain pages of reliable reviews broken down into different categories from Business & Finance with sub forums on loans, banking, insurance, stock market, credit card etc... They have the the most diverse categories from Automobile, Computers, Entertainment, Education, Recreation and even food and government services. For more details and information about this forum, you can check out their consumer court FAQ page.

I say people who have businesses are the wisest and richest people ever to make a living. It may require more time, more hardwork, more sacrifice and even more money but if they reached their goal, they may earn more than what full-time employed people get for a living. I grew up helping in my mom's business and she started it with no cash on hand except for Business Grants she got from a relative.

Business Grants from the National Institute of Small Business Grants is the only non-profit organization that educates entrepreneurs and business owners about funding for me. They do not only provide Small Business Grants but also the vital information needed to start up, maintain and succeed a business.

Being someone who grew up with helping in the family business, it is hard to ignore the fact that I want to put up my own business someday. It has been a life-long dream of mine to put something related with the food business even while maintaining a day job. Nevertheless, despite my family business exposure, I would still be needing the necessary trainings and know-how from the National Institute of Small Business Grants to be able to succeed in the business field I will choose someday.

Funny how it is on the past several days I have been very unproductive yet, I have not watched any of my favorite shows, Damit! So what have I been doing all these time? Can you guess? Maybe staring on blank walls, doing repetitive house chores and yes, surfing senselessly on the internet. You see, staying too much in the internet is a wrong move because you can get to waste a lot of your precious time. Although, there is one productive thing that come out of all the senseless surfing, that is getting as much information on this Commercial DIRECT TV site.

You see, dear hubby's aunt is opening up another branch and they need to get a subscription of DIRECT TV Business. It would be such entertaining and luring for her potential clients to watch something while waiting for their services to be delivered. By far, this DIRECT TV for Business package I found at DirectsAtTv.com is the most affordable yet comprehensive of all. I am about to present it to her tonight and I hope my accidental research will be productive after all.

Geez, I am still on a struggle when it comes to DS' academic growth. I know he is just a pre-schooler who will turn into a Kindergartener come September but I am worried with how he he does his homework and other simple workbooks. I guess too much toys and video games may have caused him that he tends to avoid academic-related activities. I swear I have bought as many workbooks and activity books for the past months but we have only touched a few from the collection. I am worried that when he goes to a big school that require some Math help on Algebra and what-nots. He might end up being delayed in terms of his development and growth.

Thank heavens for this online tutoring services at Tutor Vista which provide Algebra help that is actually a Free Algebra help services that provides quality and reliable Math problems and Fractions solutions. So should I worry this early? I don't think so when this Homework help site provides online tutoring services from Kinder-to Grade 12. We got some help over here mommies.

February has been truly a month filled with celebration for my young family. Of course, there is the Chinese New Year, the most anticipated Valentines Day and dear hubby turning another year older every 25th of the month. For his past birthdays, he has always been such a cheapskate because he would opt out to just cook for us, laze around or visit the nearby FREE leisurely places in the neighborhood. I would often insist that he goes out to shop for himself and have a fancy dinner with us. After all, birthdays only come once a year. This year, I want to surprise him with some Gift Ideas for Men. With all the hard work and sacrifices he has been doing for himself and us, he deserved some nice new polished Suits, pants, shoes, shirts or more likely, a new wardrobe.

But then again, he can be very picky when it comes to his fashion style. This is one reason why I would just love to give him shopping money instead of doing the shopping for him. But, after many years of doing just that, I want to risk and shop for him this time. This Spring Style guide and information from ShopWiki would help me succeed in this shopping. So wish me luck as I scour many online sites for nice deals.

I hate this feeling, really. I do not want to feel guilty for things and events I shouldn't be but here I am sitting in this old, blue couch feeling it. I should just write it down to empty whatever I have inside. You see, I have been working my *ss off so hard the past year and for the last few months of 2009 up until 2010, I have given much more what is required of me. So when a huge opportunity came in January which would give me a chance to earn buckets and buckets of moolah, I thought, it would be, well, appropriate to reward myself. So I did, a couple of pair of Aldo shoes and that's it. One night, I was bored and was in my lowest moments, I turned to my release, surf purses over at eBay and voila! A beautiful designer purse was just a few minutes away for closing. Surprisingly, I typed in $175 without the intention of really winning it because I know it was an authentic designer purse and there were a lot of bidders but guess what, I WON! The bag was for me after all and I was even happier to confirm the authenticity of the bag. But bills are piling up right at this moment and yes, I feel guilty. Should I be? I wanted a variation in my everyday-full-of-chores kinda life. Call me pathetic for replacing or diverting this so-called episode with a shopping loot but yes, it helped me felt good even for just a few days. But did I have the wisdom I prayed and even fasted on when I did my eBay bid? Oh God, take away this guilt-trip in my head and please I want stability and yes, a full-time job that will awaken the old ME.

Hello Everyone! I am so sorry for the lack of personal updates, things have been very busy that the very little time I have online were dedicated to completing...well sponsor3d entries. My apologies. Maybe, the very small number of readers I have, have now disappeared, err I hope not!

Anyways, 2010 has been very good so far but I have never been this homesick my entire life. DH too. We were just having this long convo while DS was choosing his Toys R Us loot and we assessed if this is still all worth it. I know whatever we are feeling got something to do with the time spent with my folks and siblings and that we are adjusting once again to the "immigrant life" yay!

To date, there are still a lot of uncertainties in our lives, don't we all have that? But knowing myself, I am so poor at handling uncertainties and I want security and sureness in major aspects of my life, if not all. To answer these uncertainties, I have committed myself to a 7-day fasting&prayer after much hesitation and fear. I am on a liquid 7-Day Fasting which means, I can only take water, beverages and soups. Today is my first day and I survived it. If you are interested, you can check out THIS SITE, this is where I get my information, bible readings and guidance as advised by my good friend, I. I may not be able to tell you everything I am praying for but generally I am praying for wisdom, resilience, strength, patience, forgiveness, tolerance and compassion.

I know God is with us and we will have a great 2010. This is our year!

1. Made a new friend: Yes. My cousin's suitor who gave DS a Christmas present.
2. Laughed until you cried: Often, especially when me and DH are making fun of DS lol! or whenever I am chatting with my MG family.
3. Met someone who changed your life: Not this month.
4. Found out who your true friends are: I already knew.
5. Is there something you want to tell someone: To myself: Stick to my diet routine.
6. How many kids do you want to have: Just 2.
7. Do you have any pets: Not here.
8. Do you wanna change your name : Not at all.
9. What did you do yesterday: Laze around.
10. Last time you had pizza: Last year hahah!
11. What time did you wake up today: 10:30 yikes!
12. What were you doing at 10:30 p.m.: Reading an online article.
14. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life? My eating habits, seriously lol!
15. What are you listening to right now? TFC.
16. Most visited web page: YMail, Facebook, Twitter and Flickr.
17. Who made you sad? my folks and siblings, I had to bid them goodbye :(
18. What made you happy? Trips/vacations and my family.
19. Who are with you right now? sleeping boys.
20. Stupidest thing ever done last week? nothing major.

Yes, it's purging season on my end. I finished making back-up copies on photos and documents in my laptop as well as DH's PC. It took me almost 2 days to complete that particular purging task. Thanks to our neighbor who accidentally pull out and cut our cable, internet and phone connection, thus making me offline for almost 4 days. Also, I was able to catch up with some unread feeds in my Google Reader. In the process, I was able to unsubscribe to sites I do not really read, I have tons of those! I finally purged websites and blogs about gossips, mostly showbiz/hollywood, hee hee. Anyhow, as I was checking my feeds, I chanced upon these 50 Fabulous Ways to Save Money from THIS BLOG, such a nice read.

1. Balance your checkbook... avoid bank fees.
2. Empty your spare change in to a jar.
3. Bring your own popcorn to the movies... forgive yourself for sneaking it in.
4. Make coffee at home.
5. Eat out less often.
6. Shop the sale sections.
7. Purchase gifts throughout the year and store them.
8. Wash your car at home.
9. Turn off the water when not in use.
10. Take a picnic to the park vs. eating in a restaurant.
11. Distinguish between your wants and needs.
12. Water your lawn in the evenings.
13. Purchase fewer "trendy" items that need to be replaced each year.
14. Carry a calculator in your purse.
15. Mow your lawn less often.
16. Pay your bills on time... avoid late fees.
17. Run your dishwasher only when full.
18. Track your spending.
19. Use Coupons.
20. Do your nails at home.
21. Only get the occasional manicure.
22. Maintain your car well.
23. Wash your clothes less often.
24. Pay off your credit cards... avoid interest fees.
25. Empty your fridge before shopping again.
26. Stick to a budget.
27. Turn off unused lights.
28. Purchase vehicles used.
29. Use your local pet store shot clinic for pets.
30. Increase your insurance deductibles.
31. Visit your state's controller office and claim any of your unclaimed property. Click here for California.
32. Grocery shop on a full stomach.
33. Maintain excellent credit... avoid higher interest rates.
34. Carpool.
35. Pay ahead on your mortgage.
36. Shop craig's list! www.craigslist.com
37. Exercise outside vs. the gym.
38. Avoid shopping when feeling emotional.
39. Complete your returns!
40. Grocery shop with a list and stick to it!
41. Simplify! Need or want less...
42. Use the mail in rebates!
43. Purchase store brands or generics.
44. Sport a low maintenance hair style.
45. Get facials at your local beauty college vs. spa.
46. Make conscious spending decisions vs. autopilot choices.
47. Shop the Internet.
48. Pay your savings first.
49. Accept "hand me downs".
50. Organize your receipts and warranties so you can find them.

So far, I have been consistent with my "living a healthier life" New Year's resolution. This is also the first time I have counted my calorie intake everyday. My goal is to reach my pre-marriage weight (crossing fingers!) by losing 2 lbs a week. Approximately, in 3 months time, I'd be able to lose the extra weight I have without being unhealthy. Armed with these 2 plus my self-control and determination, I hope to reach my desired weight goal in no time.

The first time I heard of 30-day shred was when I was watching a Health TV show, then I began to research and so no negative feedback. Ordered one in ebay and tried it for 10 days. All it takes for you is to engage in a hard core sort of combined circuit training for only 20 minutes a day. It's hard work but you are done in 20 minutes. There are 3 levels, so no plateauing will happen. Highly recommended. Reality Check: I am still in Level 1 hahahaha!

LOSE IT App in iPhone is so cool. They will make the computation for you. All you need to do is input your desired weight goal, how many lbs you intend to lose each week and voila! Your allowed calorie intake in a day is there to guide you. Best of all, It's free!

After years of battling people-pleasing personality, a dear friend finally made me realized why I should stop people pleasing and being so overly-nice. She even said that I should learn the art of being SNOOTY, silly hee hee. Seriously, I really want to get rid that part of me because some people tend to take advantage of my friendship and because of trying to please others, I tend to lose myself too. Yesterday, we had a good chat and her wisdom was all I needed to stop this side of me. Yes it is true, out of 10 people, only 8 will like me and half of the 8 will only remain loyal to me. So whatever others may think of me or say about me is none of my business, what matters is who I truly am with people who matter :). I cannot control what others may think of me, I may get tired and even dead pleasing others but there are people who won't really like me so I might as well just enjoy my life and be myself. This is a fact of life which I cannot change.

Thank you C for your Wisdom and making me realize this reality :).
SAPUL!

People around me think I always lead a bubbly life, nope they're wrong. Maybe, because of my bubbly personality that's why they think that way. Plus the fact that I always put on a smile in every chance I can. Why hassle people with your own problems right? Everybody has their own set of bubble machine infront of them. But sometimes, problems make me really stress, sore and tired and end up me getting soak really bad with all the bubbles that come my way. You know the best thing to do when bubble machine aka problems start popping out infront of you? Embrace them! Feel the suds, soak in it, after all bubbles don't last long, they will slowly pop up one by one. And yeah, keep the bubbles coming!

Read, read read this to yourself before you welcome 2010.

Somewhere between the life you have and the life you want lies the quiet seed of potential. With each new thing you do — the friend you make, the garden you plant, the risks you take — it begins to open up. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, a new life of your making starts to sprout, taking root and fanning its damp leaves in the open air. But like all tender young things it requires attention, enough rest, enough sustenance to thrive. This year, give yourself plenty of what you need — maybe even a little bit extra. Get more sleep. Take a chance. Taste a new food. And watch things grow.

Every morning, after I say my prayer, I re-read my New Year's resolution so as to be reminded on what I needed to improve and accomplish this 2010. It helps, really. Two of the qualities I want to improve this year have something to do with WORDS. I have always mentioned that WORDS are such powerful weapons and we should be very careful with what we bring out of our mouths because we can never take them back.

The following quotes I gathered will help us to LISTEN more and TALK less. These are good reminders for my as well.

"Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens" ---Jimi Hendrix
"Fools talk, cowards are silent, wise men listen." ---Carlos Ruiz Zafón (The Shadow of the Wind)

My friend K told me 2 tips on how I could wake up early. It has been a struggle for me, just so you know. She said to keep saying these 2 quotes before I sleep at night:

• The early bird catches the worm.
• If you wake up with the sun still shining, you'd have the capability of bringing sunshine to others.

I did just that last night. And with barely 4 hours of sleep because of some DVD marathon with the boys, I was up and about by 5am on a Sunday Morning. Not a hinch of crankyness.

With that, have a Happy February 1 everyone!
Remember, if you have not held on to your New Year's resolution for the past first month of the year, there is always a new month waiting for a better you :)

image from: http://vi.sualize.us

I used to be so much into Horoscopes when I was still in College. I read them by heart each and everyday hee hee. Now that is a revelation. When I started working, I forgot and stop believing on this. But since a twitter friend shared his horoscope this month from THIS reliable site, might as well share with you my horoscope for February. Looks like February is my month yey!

Virgo Horoscope for February 2010
By Susan Miller

This month will be very special. It marks a turning point in your personal history where you can turn away from so many disappointments of the past and start out in a new direction. You will feel confident this month, for Jupiter will see that you do and that's a necessary ingredient as well. You won't have to do everything alone either - this is a "twosome" month where collaborations are not only wise but outstandingly successful. Dear Virgo, you have so much going for you now!

February's first week brings your first cosmic treat on Saturday, February 6. On this day, your ruler, Mercury, will link with surprise-a-minute Uranus, making for a very lively day that will sizzle with electricity and spontaneity. Ideas will come up so fast and conversation will be so lively that you'll wish the day would never end. While every sign will love this day, you will benefit more because Mercury is your ruling planet whose job it is to take special care of you!

Mercury will be positioned in your sixth house of work, so you may get a surprise phone call about a new assignment - perhaps it will be about something you'd like to discuss in more detail later the following week. If so, the offer will come from a middleman such as a headhunter or agent, business partner, or former employer - someone who will speak for you and recommend you. All month, an intermediary will be an essential element to your success and you will see this theme played over in several ways.

On this very same day, February 6, Jupiter, the giver of gifts and luck, will send a beam to Pluto the planet of power, transformation, and financial strength. It's extraordinary that two such impressive aspects should fall on the same day. This aspect can help you both personally and professionally, for your fifth house is involved, but in a way that would allow you to see financial gain from your creative ideas. You can rally people to your cause at this time, and if you work in communications, as many Virgo do, you would be able to reach massive numbers of people from what is on the table now.

You will start to feel things heat up the day prior to this magical day, Saturday, February 6, on Friday, February 5, too.

Planets have started to gather in your seventh house of partnership, so it is clear that in order to get to where you want to be, you will need to collaborate with others. You will have to rally the troops these days, rather than run with the banner by yourself.

You will get a chance to go solo in June and July when Mars moves into Virgo, but for now, it's too soon. You need to do some important lobbying first. You will likely enjoy being a team player, for Venus will start the month in your work area (sixth house), ruling co-workers and subordinates, and move into your house of colleagues and associates and partners (seventh house). Venus will link to Jupiter, the great benefactor, in this partnership house, so collaborators will help you showcase your talents and allow you to be productive.

If you have been unemployed and looking for work, employed and hoping to make a change, or self-employed and looking for new business, the new moon on February 13 will set powerful forces in motion. It will send a strong and supportive beam to Saturn, so you will find greater financial security at this time, too.

If you have no job or hope to find a job similar to the one you've had before, you can find one now that would likely inspire you in new ways. If you had hoped to move up the ladder to more responsibility than you had, you would need to wait until early June. Sometimes, though, a present job is so fraught with problems that it would be torture to stay one more minute at that desk. If that describes your situation, seize the opportunity to break out of that old job and free yourself for something more interesting. In your new spot, you may be able to demonstrate more of your talents, and move up faster.

Neptune will be prominent at that new moon, and few planets can set off the imagination as well as Neptune. If you work in the visual arts, you will be particularly fortunate, for Neptune specializes in all things considered "right brain" - creative, innovative, and very visual. Neptune will glide in the scientific sign of Aquarius, so if you work as a scientist, in research or high technology, you will find this new moon outstandingly helpful, too.

Aside from gaining work that can make you feel more financially stable, there is another completely different way you can benefit from this month's new moon! It has to do with pets - one you have now or may chose to bring home soon!

A new moon in this house is perhaps the best in the year for starting to do your research for finding the best pet for you. Mercury is no longer retrograde as it was last month, January 1-16, so you can feel confident about choosing a little dog or cat that you can care for each day.

Go to the animal shelter or pet shop during the first week between February 13 and 20 for your strongest days, but in truth you will have the whole second half of the February to take action. If your present pet has been lonely or ill, you can find the right remedy for your little creature this month. I know your pet brings you such joy, dear Virgo - here's your chance to give your pet more time and attention.

Building a stronger body will be another theme this new moon will bring up. Before long - certainly by swimsuit season - you will be looking mighty special on the beach and turning lots of heads. You need time to get ready, and you've got the right new moon to start.

With the predominant presence of Neptune at this new moon, you may want to take up water sports and thoroughly enjoy yourself. Or you might have fun working out with a very visual method, like the Wii or other game that lets you become more active with technology. Neptune is right brain and visual, but Aquarius is high tech - find a way to combine the two!

Alternatively, when it comes to fitness, of course you can do things the old fashioned way, like take a morning run in the park while listening to your iPod, or working out at the gym on the elliptical machine while you watch television (another "Aquarius" median). Nothing wrong with those methods! The point is that it might be just as well that you didn't get started on your fitness resolutions yet because now you'll have the right time to start! February 13! (If you have been working out, now's the time to ratchet up your effort!)

I should add that the coming emphasis on improving your health includes all preventative efforts you take, too, so spend a minute calling your doctor for your annual checkup, or to have your teeth and eyes examined. It really does make a big difference, having those little tests done. Now is your best chance in the year to do so with the right results. Just be sure you don't take any medicine incorrectly (too large a dose) or take pills that you might be allergic to - Neptune's predominance this month is a warning to be careful with all prescription drugs.

Now let's talk about your favorite subject - love! With Venus in your opposite sign of Pisces, and Jupiter and the moon there, too, on Valentine's Day, it's clear this day for lovers is about to be very special indeed. Your partner will lead the way, and so this year, you can sit back and enjoy having your partner make all the plans - with the planets shining brightly, you'll be blown away with what your partner decides for you both. This will be true even if you are male and not used to having your female partner make the arrangements. This Valentine's Day should be different from any other you've seen in recent years.

At month's end you will reach the biggest moment when Jupiter meets with the Sun on February 27 and 28. This will be a magical weekend, one that could change the way you see partnerships, for it will be clear that your partner is very, very good for you. It is worthy of five stars - I always call this aspect the luckiest day of the year.

This is warming my heart to write this to you because, of all the signs, Virgo has suffered the most relationship difficulties of any sign in recent years. It is clear that by the very end of February you will be able to draw the line between the past and the future, and leave those dark days behind.

Certainly many Virgos will get engaged or married this month, for all the planets will act like loving little matchmakers - especially on February 27 and 28.

If you are single and dating, or not even able to find the right one to date, you are in a potent period, too. Last month you had a very positive, helpful eclipse in Virgo on January 15 in your house of true love.

Often an eclipse will not assert its energies immediately but rather one month to the day later, plus or minus four days. That means the January 15 eclipse in Capricorn would bring you to Valentine's Day - so watch the days that circle it. You may meet someone rather intriguing. Allow for that possibility! If you have no date, throw a party or go to one, but don't stay home. Be open to meeting others - don't feel that Valentine's Day is only for those coupled up. Thousands of people don't currently have a partner, so venture out!

The full moon will be in Virgo on February 28, giving more power to the beauty of the interchange between Jupiter and the Sun. At once you will know your own mind and the direction you want to take. It will be especially emotional if you were born on August 31 or within four days of this date. It's your time, and someone close seems to be part of all you are doing.

The disappointments of the past are now behind you. This month begins a new chapter, dear Virgo. You've weathered the storms and you've not only survived, but also thrived. This month brings calm blue skies and many reasons to believe again in the power and beauty of love.

Summary

This month brings a cornucopia of good news. Since September 2007, you have been contained and your movements limited by the presence of Saturn in Virgo. Many Virgos lived a very no-frills life, and in particular suffered a betrayal or reversal from a close partner. Health issues may have plagued you too, well. Now, all those difficult days are behind you.

This month Jupiter will align with the Sun in the very part of your chart that gave you such concern - the part of your chart ruling partnerships, serious commitment, and marriage.

It's not clear if you have a new partner or if you reconciled with a former one. Either way, there appears to be someone in your life now who has earned your trust and whom you find just right to merge energies with soon.

Venus will glide through this house from February 11 to March 7, and Venus is known to bring happiness, and in some cases, profit, too. This is all good!

Needless to say, Valentine's Day should be one for the record books this year if you have a special steady partner. With the moon in Pisces, let your significant other take the lead - you'll love what's planned.

The date to watch for developments will be one of your best weekends of the month, and possibly of the year, due February 27-28. Next month, in mid-March, your plans to couple up or collaborate may take shape, for that will bring the new moon in your seventh house of commitment, business partnership, and marriage. For now, you are seeing the truth of how different a day - or a year - makes. The coming year will bring a whole different set of conditions.

If you are single, you will have the chance for exciting love from February 5 or 6, two fantastic days, thanks to Mercury's beam to Uranus. These days will be filled with romantic surprises. You could have a very electric meeting with someone you find you really like a lot and will want to know better.

There is one other heart-stopping moment, when Jupiter aligns with Venus in Pisces, in your house of commitment, February 16 - a lovely day to go shopping for diamonds together. Actually any collaboration is likely to be fruitful, even business ones.

Your work likely will get a boost at the new moon, February 13, plus two weeks. You may get a new assignment, or gain a new client if self-employed. If you change jobs this month, you would likely do work on the same level as you have been doing. Sometimes that is fine, but if you were hoping for a step up, you'd have to wait for March 7.

In the meantime, you can generate freelance work at this new moon, and that may be good news. This new moon will reach out to Neptune, suggesting you will be doubly lucky if you work on artistic expressions for pay, or support the creative talent. The second half of February will be ideal for hiring help.

The full moon in Virgo on February 28, coinciding with the luckiest day of the year, thanks to the conjunction of Jupiter and the Sun, will bring all your desires and dreams into focus. Pluto, in your house of love, will send a special bouquet to that moon, proving to you that in life and in love, the possibility to be completely transformed anew is always possible.

Dates to Note for Virgo:

Venus will move through your opposite sign of Pisces from February 11 to March 7.

Valentine's Day brings the moon to Pisces - let your adoring partner take the lead.

If single, you have an electric set of days in store, February 5-6 - you could meet someone when you least expect to do so.

Your best day of the month - possibly of the year - will be February 27 or 28, when making a serious commitment to a partner in love or business would be ideal. Sign papers on these days, too. These are rare, five-star days. You may get engaged, or, you may merge energies in a business alliance on the luckiest days of the year, February 27-28. The day prior, February 26, will be fortunate, too.

Another day to feel your pulse race when it comes to committed love: February 16

New jobs and assignments come up February 13 plus two weeks. Look for a new job or get new equipment. You may also hire new personnel at home or at the workplace.

The full moon in Virgo will be a lovely time when you find that all your desires become clear, and that you decide to go after one with all your heart. Pluto will help you see success, either immediately or in time.

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. This blog accepts all forms of advertising and sponsorships. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer, provider or party in question. This blog does not contain any content which might harm any reader in the blogosphere.