Thursday, April 30, 2009

Been Beezzzzeee

There are so many things that kept me on the go these past few days. First, I was monitoring the construction of our garage. Second, my car broke down so I was busy contacting the mechanic to fix it. Third, I had my eyes sunk deeply into the book entitled ECLIPSE. *wink* busy? you think so? h

Monday, April 27, 2009

Five Facts Abuout Me!

I was tagged by my very thoughtful friend Meryl. Thanks for this one ryl!Rules:
1. Post these rules on your blog.
2. Share 5 facts about yourself.
3. Tag 5 people at the end of your post by leaving their name as well as links to their blogs.
4. Link the person who tagged you.
5. Leave a comment for each blogger.

Here is goes....
1. I am a full-dominant right sided brain. Meaning, I use my left hand in everything I do!
2. I've always loved ballet, it fascinates me so much. When I was in elementary, I studied ballet but ended up quiting due to my academics. :< Now, I would still love to learn ballet, sigh! if there's any school offering adult ballet, I would gladly enroll. 3. I am not a purebred musician. It just so happen that I know how to read notes. After ballet my dad enrolled me in a piano class then an electone organ class while in high school. At present, I'm the organist of the choirs in Assumption Parish. 4. I loved to bake! I'm learning how to cook! 5. I have many addictions!!! to name a few... Ronald of course! then chocolates, sushi, blogging, heroes, grey's anatomy, gossip girl, heroes..... I could go on forever!!!!


Now, I will pass this tag to: Grace, Augustinians, Kezza, Lizzie, Bonita

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Belly Dancing It is!


I only tried it once but I must say it is worth it! Belly dancing classes are expensive here in Davao City but I really learned a lot from it. This kind of dance will surely burn your belly fats in no time. It will also help tone our abdominal, thigh and upper arm muscles. This dance needs a lot of coordination and precise movements. In addition, belly dancing make you feel sexy and feel good about your self.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Sushi!!!!

It's been a long time since I had my last bite of sushi and now, I'm craving it big time!!!! I wish I could make my own so that I will not have to buy it in some expensive restaurant here in Davao.
Here's a sushi recipe that I'm dying to try but I need to gather the ingredients first. I heard that they are kinda expensive. *wink*.... So, Enjoy the Sushi Experience

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Yummy Adobo!


One of my favorite Filipino cuisine is Adobo. I love the adobo my husband cooks for me. No special add-ons on the recipe, just the right proportion of the ingredients. I challenge myself to cook adobo with a twist and have my hubby do the taste test. *wink*

here's the recipe I am going to try

What you will need:

1 whole chicken, cut into serving pieces, bones intact

1/2 head garlic, peeled and crushed

1 large onion, sliced

1 tsp. peppercorns

4 bay leaves

3 tbsp. brown sugar

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup cane vinegar

3 cups of water

3 tbsp. oil

Salt and pepper to taste

The How-to:

Put all the ingredients into a large pot, and mix them well.

Cook under medium heat and bring into a boil for approximately 30-45 minutes or until chicken is cooked and tender and the sauce is thick. After that, add oil and mix it with the chicken.

You can choose to “adjust” the flavor by adding some more spices used for this recipe’s ingredients or you can add stuff to put a twist in your adobo! All time favorites would include hard boiled eggs cut in slices, pineappled tidbits, and coconut milk.

Adobo is best when served hot and with steaming white rice. A soda would complete this delectable warm meal!

http://www.bukisa.com/articles/39330_filipino-chicken-adobo

Monday, April 20, 2009

Crocs


At first I was not really a fan of this superb footwear. I thought it was just one of those expensive shoes and sandals that would later be replaced with a better and more expensive footwear brands. When we were in Hong Kong, my feet got sores from the shoes I was wearing. I have no choice but to buy a new footwear that would give a comfortable feeling to my aching toes. I found a crocs stall in one of the malls there and bought a pair of brown Olivia slip-on. I must say I had no regrets buying it because it wall all worth it! It is very comfortable and trendy. Two thumbs up for Crocs!!!!

Cross Stitch

I guess everybody knows what cross stitch is. I first encountered this when I was in my elementary years when our Home economics teacher assigned this as our semestral project. Back then, I was not interested in these crafts and I even asked my mom to do the project for me. I was given a high grade for the project because my mom was a pro!. Thanks mom. When I was in college, I made my first masterpiece, it was a Winnie the Pooh design. I don't know what came into me or maybe I was just so in love then that I was moved to made the piece. My second masterpiece was a guardian angel holding a baby. I made this one for almost 3 years! haha! maybe because I only remember doing it if I'm not doing anything important. Now, my 3rd masterpiece is close to the finish line, it is a wedding party design. Hoping to finish it by june..... will be posting some pics of my masterpieces soon!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

I want to try Pilates!!!

I am so curious to try pilates because everytime I turn on the cable tv, I see pilates work out demonstration and I found it very interesting to do. It involves stretching, muscle toning and posture maintaining exercises which I think is very healthy for me to do. So here are some facts on Pilates.

What Is Pilates?

Pilates is a body conditioning routine that seeks to build flexibility, strength, endurance, and coordination without adding muscle bulk. In addition, pilates increases circulation and helps to sculpt the body and strengthen the body's "core" or "powerhouse" (torso). People who do pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury, and experience better overall health.

Joseph H. Pilates, the founder of the pilates exercise method, was born in Germany. As a child he was frail, living with asthma in addition to other childhood conditions. To build his body and grow stronger, he took up several different sports, eventually becoming an accomplished athlete. As a nurse in Great Britain during World War I, he designed exercise methods and equipment for immobilized patients and soldiers. In addition to his equipment, Pilates developed a series of mat exercises that focus on the torso. He based these on various exercise methods from around the world, among them the mind-body formats of yoga and Chinese martial arts.

Joseph Pilates believed that our physical and mental health are intertwined. He designed his exercise program around principles that support this philosophy, including concentration, precision, control, breathing, and flowing movements.

There are two ways to exercise in pilates. Today, most people focus on the mat exercises, which require only a floor mat and training. These exercises are designed so that your body uses its own weight as resistance. The other method of pilates uses a variety of machines to tone and strengthen the body, again using the principle of resistance.

Getting Started

The great thing about pilates is that just about everyone - from couch potatoes to fitness buffs - can do it. Because pilates has gained lots of attention recently, there are lots of classes available. You'll probably find that many fitness centers and YMCAs offer pilates classes, mostly in mat work. Some pilates instructors also offer private classes that can be purchased class by class or in blocks of classes; these may combine mat work with machine work. If your health club makes pilates machines available to members, make sure there's a qualified pilates instructor on duty to teach and supervise you during the exercises.

The fact that pilates is hot and classes are springing up everywhere does have a downside, though: inadequate instruction. As with any form of exercise, it is possible to injure yourself if you have a health condition or don't know exactly how to do the moves. Some gyms send their personal trainers to weekend-long courses and then claim they're qualified to teach pilates (they're not!), and this can lead to injury. So look for an instructor who is certified by a group that has a rigorous training program. These instructors have completed several hundred hours of training just in pilates and know the different ways to modify the exercises so new students don't get hurt.

The pilates mat program follows a set sequence, with exercises following on from one another in a natural progression, just as Joseph Pilates designed them. Beginners start with basic exercises and build up to include additional exercises and more advanced positioning.

http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/exercise/pilates.html

Friday, April 17, 2009

Benefits of Body Massage


My favorite stress-free activity nowadays if having a good body massage. Due to hectic schedule and exhausting duty, I pamper myself with a good, relaxing, destressing massage. I personally prefer a combination of shiatsu and sweddish because of its soothing yet hard effect.

Here are some of the benifits of Body Massage. Read On!

The Benefits Of Massage

What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

  • Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
  • Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
  • Ease medication dependence.
  • Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow-the body's natural defense system.
  • Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
  • Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
  • Improve the condition of the body's largest organ-the skin.
  • Increase joint flexibility.
  • Lessen depression and anxiety.
  • Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
  • Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
  • Reduce post surgery adhesions and swelling.
  • Reduce spasms and cramping.
  • Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
  • Release endorphins-amino acids that work as the body's natural painkiller.
  • Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There's no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Enhanced sleep quality.
  • Greater energy.
  • Improved concentration.
  • Increased circulation.
  • Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

  • Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
  • Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
  • Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
  • High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
  • Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
  • Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch-which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat postsurgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you'll be and how youthful you'll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn't mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

http://abetterbodymassages.com/more-info/benefits

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Evolution Explained

One of my favorites. Read On!!!

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The
teacher was going to explain evolution to the children.
The teacher asked a little boy:

TEACHER: Tommy do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes ater) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see God?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there.
He doesn't exist.

A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions.
The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy:

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss (getting tired of the questions by this time).

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in
school, she must not have one!

"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT"
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Monday, April 6, 2009

Snap Shots

I found a new passion and that is taking pictures. I'm no pro, I just found it very relaxing and fulfilling. As much as I would like to take good, professional pictures, I only have my 8 mega pix digital camera with me. I'm wishing that someday I could own a high definition digital camera. My favorite subjects includes clouds and skies, flowers and street life.

Q & A

Was browsing thru my friend meryl's site. I found this Q & A tag. I might as well answer this one for fun!
1. What color is your toothbrush? - pink and white
2. Name one person who made you smile today? - Byngkoy
3. What were you doing at 8 a.m. this morning? - Sleeping
4. What were you doing 45 minutes ago? - endorsing our patient to the incoming duty.
5. What is your favorite candy bar? - KitKat
6. Have you ever been to a strip club? - Nope
7. What was the last thing you said aloud? -"I MISS YOU BYNGKS"
8. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? - my top 3 faves are : creme brulee, double dutch
9. What was the last thing you had to drink? - Water
10. Do you like your wallet? - Nope
11. What was the last thing you ate? - banana
12. Have you bought any new clothing items this week? - Nope.
13. The last sporting event you watched. - figured skating over espn. *wink*
14. What is your favorite flavor of popcorn? - Caramel
15. Who is the last person you sent a text message to? - my hubby byngkoy
16. Ever go camping? - yup, during my YFC days
17. Do you take vitamins daily? - Nope
18. Do you go to church every Sunday? - Yes
19. Do you have a tan? - what? I am tan!
20. Do you prefer Chinese food over pizza? - nope, I still go for pizza.
21. Do you drink your soda with a straw? -yup
22. What did your last textmessage say? - "im home na byngks"
23. What are you doing tomorrow? - probably sleep till noon then blog whole afternoon
24. Where is 24? - huh? what?
25. Look to your left. What do you see? - my sister's room
26. What color is your watch? - brown
27. What do you think of when you hear of Australia? - kangaroo
28. What is your birthstone? - Emerald
29. Do you go in at a fastfood place or just hit the drive thru? - most of the time dine in.
31. Who's the last person you talked on the phone? - My byngkoy
32. Any plans for today? - you mean tonight? sleep... it almost midnight
33. How many states have you lived in? - ooppsss im from the Philippines...
34. Biggest annoyance right now? - nah...
35. Last song listened to? - Can't remember.
36. Can you say the alphabet backwards? - hmmm... will try that one later
37. Do you have a maid clean your house? - nope.
38. Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? - yup
39. Are you jealous of anyone?- Nope
40. Is anyone jealous of you? - How should I know?
41. Do you love anyone? - God, my hubby, my family, my in-laws, my relatives and friends.
42. Do any of your friends have children? - Yep, i think almost all of them have kids na
43. What do you usually do during the day? - it varies.
44. Do you hate anyone that you know right now? - Nope
45. Do you use the word "hello" daily? - Yes.
46. What color is your car? - green
47. Do you like cats? - no.
48. Are you thinking about someone right now? - yup, my byngkoy.
49. Have you ever been to Six Flags? - Nope. what is that?
50. How did you get your worst scar? - bicycle accident when I was 5 yrs. old

Friday, April 3, 2009

Mangoes

Mangoes are my second favorite fruit, next to durian of course!. I just love the sweetness the ripe mangoes bring to my palate. This fruits is very versatile too. There are probably a hundred and one ways to serve mango. It can be made into a mouthwatering dessert such as mango float, mango cream cake, mango refrigerator cake, fresh fruit salad and mango ice cream. It can also be incorporated into main dishes such as in the japanese cuisines. In addition, here in the Philippines, mangoes are sold in the sidewalks usually topped with shrimp paste or soaked in soy sauce. Mangoes are also exported worldwide, they are made into candies, its nectars and purees are sold in gallons and they are dried to perfection to make the famous dried mango strips. No wonder Mango is named as our national fruit!

New Moon

Just finished reading the book, I might say it's just a "so so" for me. Nothing seems to interest me much except in the last part of the book. Some of the chapters are very dragging and somehow going around in circles. On the other hand, those going around the bush instances nicely explained the history of the book's different characters. Overall, the book is still worth reading and I would still say that it is still brilliantly written.