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Monday, October 31, 2016

Home Decorating Ideas for a Small Flat

October 31, 2016 0 Comments
If you are living in a small flat and you think you can't place the "deck the halls" around your dwelling. Think again.


It doesn't mean that living in a small places, you cannot enjoy the big seasonal cheer!

USE YOUR WINDOWS and DOORS


  • Take advantage with the windows and doors if you don't have enough space to hang your Christmas decor. It's a perfect place to hang wreath, ornaments and garlands.


TAKE THE PARTY OUTSIDE YOUR PLACE

photo credit: Maria Eklind Ljuskaskad/ Cascade of light via photopin (license)

  • Dress up your balcony to a party atmosphere. You can add string lights and lit it with different colors.
PREFER MINI TREES or SHELF THE TREE THIS YEAR


photo credit: NSCALEFUN Christmas trains n-scale via photopin (license)

  • Take the tree to the wall, or you can have a mini tree that can be put near the window, as a nightstand raise it up on a platform.

A D-I-Y CHRISTMAS TREE MADE OF BOOKS

photo credit: Phil W Shirley Christmas Twee via photopin (license)

  • If you have plenty of books that you can pile and form a tree, then have it like this (see photo above). It's a perfect space saver because you can take away for the meantime your book shelves. Don't forget to add Christmas lights (make sure that the lights you use are 100% SAFE and follow the standard quality). Decor it more!

USE CHRISTMAS THEMED PILLOWS


  • Instead of using ordinary cushion, why not swap your normal pillows to a Holiday themed-pillows. Make it colorful to add more cheers!

Here are just some of the ideas you can have to decorate your small flat.

You will be welcomed by a holiday atmosphere whenever you come home. And if you will have visitors and friends with you, they will never doubt that even you have a small place you can still make it to a party vibe for this season. 
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Thursday, July 14, 2016

Helena Benitez: The 102 years old former Senator of the Philippines #HealthyLifestyle #Goodlife

July 14, 2016 0 Comments
Image Source: PHILSTAR
Senator Helena Zoila Tirona Benitez was born in Manila on June 27, 1914 to Conrado Benitez, a pensioner to the Unites States and a member of the 1935 Constitutional Convention and Francisca Tirona, who was an educator and co-founder of Philippine Women's College in 1919.
Helena Benitez was elected senator from 1968-1973 and has authored laws on education, manpower and youth development, family, housing and environment. She served as Senator until Congress was closed when martial law was declared in 1972. And also work at Batasang Pambansa from 1978 until it was abolished in 1986. And also founded the Bayanihan Dance Company. 

 She hold several university degrees and receive awards and citations from many government and non-government entities for her contributions in EDUCATION, WOMEN, ENVIRONMENT and HABITAT, CIVIC and CHURCH work and international affairs.

WHAT KEEPS HER BUSY? She keeps herself fit everyday by going to a gym until she was 96 and use stationary bike until she turned 100 years old. She always want to keep her slim figure by eating less meat, eat more vegetables and fruits.
Image Source from PHILSTAR

 For more about Senator Helena Benitez, visit PHILSTAR Lifestyle post by Frannie Jacinto: Eat less meat, says 102 years old Helena Benitez

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Monday, June 20, 2016

GAME OF THRONES Season 6 Episode 9 Battle of the Bastards #GameofThrones #GoTSeason6 #BattleofBastards #Recap

June 20, 2016 1 Comments
Image Credit: Helen Sloan/HBO

"GAME OF THRONES" deliver a deceptively high stakes of season 6 that was truly satisfying and much more awaited for upcoming episodes.


If we go back from the previous episode, many disappointed fans got to see the severely wounded Arya, Blackfish was reportedly killed off-screen, the dead and resurrection of Jon Snow which just make the "BATTLE OF THE BASTARD" the episode of the season. For this will be the most awaited scene between the resurrected Jon Snow with his thousands of Wildlings plus the majority presents of the Northern houses verses the ferocious villain Ramsay Bolton with his elite people forces and several powerful families.

 Sansa Stark, full of vengeance in her appearance but not noticeable.
If you're asking why you see this in every episode of the Game of Thrones and whether it has any significant to the plot of the books or if it appears anywhere in the books, the answer is NO.  "QUIET IN THE REALM", it's basically their version of "shut up, stop what you're doing, turn your phone off and watch the show." 
After seeing the Season 6, Episode 9, well the entire episode wasn't set in the North of Westeros, as many had expected. It begun at the Slavers Bay, where Meereen is attack by the slave master. And when Tyrion's deal is under intense scrutiny from the Mother of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen.
CT Vanity Fair

 Though he defend it very well and they had a negotiations with the slave masters, but Dany just wants to burn all her enemies down.

 A look of madness that she wanted to revenge all of his people, even Tyrion could not stop her. She relents for a moment and while listening to all the demands of the masters, still Dany isn't taking it though. She said: "My reign has just begun" then appear Drogon perches beside her mother. She climbs aboard and they both soar high while other two baby dragons follow them over the heels.
Screenshot from HBO

While the dragons set the masters boat blaze on fire, Tyrion and Grey Worm give the masters the ultimatum, and just like that, two masters killed by Grey Worm and one was left in order for him to tell the other slave masters about the new demands.   

Credit Photo to  Game of Thrones

   

 So here is the real deal, the "BATTLE OF THE BASTARDS". When Ramsay negotiate Sansa and Jon, and tell Jon that he is a Man of Mercy. Jon in return, offer himself to have a one-on-one fight in order to prevent the slaughter of thousands. But Ramsay just shake his head, did not take the bait and  remind Jon that he has his brother, Rickon Stark, the youngest of the family.

 Jon was very confident to fight with Ramsay, but Sansa remind Jon how wicked Ramsay was. She knows from the fact that Ramsay will make a trap. And she also reminds Jon that she won't come back to Ramsay alive. But Jon told her not to worry, because he vows to protect her no matter what. But what makes this episode standing from others is the devastating line Sansa uttered: "NO ONE CAN PROTECT ME".

 In another scene, Davos and Tormund having a conversation about believing in kings. "Maybe that was our biggest mistake", Davos concedes. And as if Jon is a king either, both have a glimmering smiles as Tormund goes to drink and Davos walk before battle.

 Jon visited Melisandre, and order her not to bring him back alive if he falls to the battle. But Melisandre says, she only takes order only from the Lord of Light and that she might bring him back if the god demands it. And Jon ask, is this his will to bring me back and see me die again, what kind of god would do that? "The one we've got", she answered.
CT Vanity Fair
As they face the battlefield, Jon and his giant and his Wildling forces out to see burning crosses with flayed bodies. And on the other field is Ramsay at the front and Winterfell at the back. 


          


Ramsay bring Rickon by a rope and shout out loud and say, "You like games little man? Let's play a game", he tells Rickon and cuts his rope. He order the poor kid to run as fast as he can. As he prepares an arrow at Rickon. Jon quickly get his horse and get his brother. As Rickon about to reach him, an arrow pierces his heart and died.
CT Vanity Fair
Jon as the leader of the House of Stark's cannot accept that his brother was killed by Ramsay just like that, all his hopes vanish -- what remains is the word "REVENGE".

 He jump and hug his little brother. And face Ramsay and his men as they are all going to kill Jon, but Jon force of man are there to help him fight his battle. 
CT Vanity Fair

 Snow forces charge. But loses his mount along the way, and Ramsay got all his planned done. He even challenge Jon by saying, "You really now nothing, do you, Jon Snow?"
CT Vanity Fair
Carnage is everywhere. You may say, that this looks like the bastard of Winterfell's last stand. Ramsay order his archers to fire, even to put his own soldiers to die. While Davos decline to do it to his side.
CT Vanity Fair

Jon together with his people cannot make it anymore, all are exhausted inside. Then heard a sound of a horn and here comes Littlefinger and the Knights of the Vale to the rescue as Sansa bailed out Jon with her letter to Littlefinger. That is why the Vale forces comes to knock down the Bolton forces.
CT Vanity Fair

 Now, as Ramsay sees his fate he runs out and Jon, Tormund and the Giant pursue after him to Winterfell.

 Too bad for the Giant, after knocking the gate down and having all the arrow pierces in him,  he finally rests and take his last breath facing Jon. And while Jon witness the Giant's death, thanks to Ramsay arrow he finally get his real opponent.

 Facing together, finally it's time for them to have a one-on-one fight as Jon asked for. After getting all the fight and as he see Ramsay is about to give up, Jon stop and decides to leave him there as Sansa is watching the fight.  

 RAMSAY BOLTON MET HIS END 

 The Starck banner is hanging in the wall of Winterfell again, but not all are happy, Jon order Rickon to be buried right beside their father.

 While Sansa wants to have a private conversation with Ramsay, who is bloodied, brutally wounded and bound to a chair behind the bars in the kennel where he keeps his dog.
The titular bastards - Ramsay Bolton finally met his end. As he said the name of Sansa and as he uttered the word that his dogs are loyal to him. Sansa just added, there will be no more loyalty if they are all hungry. They are all starving for days to prepare them for battle's aftermath. And as hungry trumps loyalty comes death, the hounds tear him apart. He cried for help but Sansa turn her back and have that smile on her lips.

 Sansa has been through a lot, so it's understandable, but that was still hanging, there's a dark moment of her to come.

 Is Season 6, Episode 9 the best season of the Game of Thrones? What you think?     


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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Covering Your Leg Stretch Marks #SkinCare #Beauty #StretchMarks #Health

June 15, 2016 16 Comments
Right after giving birth I saw many marks on my skin, specifically in my legs. As my OB-GYNE Doctor have told me there many causes why skin cause to stretch and scar - weight fluctuations, pregnancy and fast growth spurts are mostly the main reason of skin stretching. And even if I gain or loss weight stretch marks will really occur.

photo credit: via photopin (license)

The fact that I went to a hormonal changes and gain weight, pressure in the vein increases, causing blood vessels in the legs to enlarge, leaving a red, spiderlike mark.

 It's possible for swollen varicose veins to improve 3 to 6 months after delivery, but stubborn spider veins stay for awhile or be there forever. You can keep it from hiding by wearing long pants, but however if the time comes that you need to wear shorts and lighter clothing, well there are other options for you to make it less obvious. 
HOW TO COVER LEGS WITH STRETCH MARKS or SPIDER VEINS

There are no topical creams to eliminate spider veins in the face, buttocks and legs, so the best bet is to have a full-coverage. Here I will give you 3-methods I have learned 13 years ago from my OB-GYNE, hope it will help you get over those "rough" and "stubborn" veins and overcome stress and anxiety in dealing this kind of a problem and build confidence and self-esteem again.

METHOD 1 - USING MAKE UP TO COVER STRETCH MARKS

1. Exfoliate your skin - using body scrub with oats or you can use my DIY body scrub with caffeine these will help your skin appear tighter, lighten and smoother.

By the way, I use body & facial wash and scrub with oats from NINÉT.



2. Try other makeup products that will suits your skin tone. We have different skin tone, so you may have try few other products to see which is best for you. Try a body & leg cover up cream, the likes of:




BB BODY CREAMS to hide leg veins










Take note: It should have a sunscreen protection, remember sunburn can discolor or reduce the elasticity of the skin and make stretchmarks more noticeable.   

3. Try a full coverage of a concealer. If you have a cover up product, dip a flat foundation brush. Dap it gently to areas with stretchmarks, just use a very light layer of makeup. Assess the coverage that you get from a single layer. Properly layer the makeup in thin coats until you get the desire effect.

You can try also the CM Beauty Leg Magic made specifically for the varicose veins.

~ read here Concealer Made Specifically For Body Skin


METHOD 2 - USING TANNER TO COVER LEG STRETCH MARKS

1.  Choose a Leg Tanner - before you do this have a self check first if you have allergies in tanning, always remember we have different skin types (better ask your dermatologist about that). If you don't have skin allergies, proceed and continue method 2.

By the way, this method works well for older, white stretchmarks. And always choose a self-tanner that does not come in a spray bottle, instead buy a lotion self-tanning product labeled "streak-free". Like this product from Amazon.


2. Prepare your legs for tanner by exfoliating. Use body scrub the morning before you apply self-tanner. Exfoliating your skin will help tanning to last longer.

TAKE NOTE: Do not apply any skin product to your legs the day you apply the tanner.

3.  Applying the Tanner. Prepare a plate or a bowl, this will serve as your makeup palette. Get a cotton swab and dab the self-tanner. Apply along the line of the white stretch mark. Wipe off excess self-tanner with a clean end of the cotton swab.

TAKE NOTE: Be sure to tan your arms and legs for an even, natural-look. If you have difficulty in applying, ask someone to do it for you.

4. Correcting any mistakes. Let your skin dry in order to see the effect. If a spot is not yet okay have it corrected, use by scrubbing with a washcloth and water. You can use exfoliating scrub, it can erase streaks on a large areas of skin.

METHOD 3 - TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN

1. Red or white stretch marks has different approach in covering it. Red stretch marks are fresh and it can be easily minimized or reduce using certain products. White stretch marks are older and there is no cream that can change their appearance. However, if you always follow skin routine, by using moisturizer it will help your skin heal over time, and make it look less obvious.

         
2. Tone your legs. Walking is fine but if you can do some other exercising that can help your inner and outer thighs look great why not ask for assistance from a personal trainer to develop a leg routine work out. In this, it will help firm your muscles underneath your stretch marks.

*3. Get prescriptions from a Dermatologist for cream and/or makeup that are dermatologist tested.

For red stretch marks, you can ask for Retin-A, use to treat red stretch marks. The active ingredients is Vitamin A, proven effective in reducing scarring.
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Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The Best Post-Workout Beverage is Chocolate Milk #Health #Energy #ChocolateMilk #Beverage

May 25, 2016 14 Comments


You've done working out, then you see all your buddies at the GYM getting their beverages and observe what they drink ---they drink different beverages the likes of shakes, bottled water, smoothies, infused waster, sports drink, blends, and you're wondering, "What's the best drink after exercising"?

 As an average person, I prefer drinking water.

 Well, water is fine if you're an ordinary exerciser, according to Nancy Clark, a sports nutritionists. As a moderate exercise, you are just answering your body needs to avoid dehydration. You can even drink coffee after exercising for 20-30 minutes.

 For some, like runners in a marathon, Clark used different approach since we're talking about 2 hrs or more, so need to have a sports drink like GATORADE Thirst Quencher.


Further studies shows, that it's good to drink CHOCOLATE MILK after workout.

 Scientists have found that the Chocolate Milk has all the nutrients to replenish your body needs. The protein helps the muscles to recover and the calories replaced those burdened when you are exercising.

 So what's best post-workout beverage? Chocolate Milk.

 Another study made by a coach, competitive swimmer, and Indiana University Professor Joel Stager, CHOCOLATE MILK as a Post-Exercise Recovery Aid , that this old-time favorite drink is the optimal solution for a thirsty day after work out.

 That Chocolate Milk is an ideal recovery drink, for people want to boost their energy and become stronger, as a result, by year 2017 the protein product industry will have a high demand for there will be a great need for eating and drinking chocolate milk in a bars, drinks and other supplements, especially for the athletes and/or bodybuilders.


It's a real food for everyone, it has the right carb to protein and it's less expensive than many alternatives.      
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Thursday, May 19, 2016

Kathryn Bernardo Doppelganger #Entertainment #Mystery #Person #Belief

May 19, 2016 0 Comments
I am somewhat fascinated with people who look like identical twins or having a doppelganger whether a celebrity or just an ordinary person. As what the series, THE VAMPIRE DIARIES gives us an impression with Elena malevolent doppelganger Katrina Petrova  and the question of whether everyone has a doppelganger.

 A DOPPELGANGER is a look-a-like or double of a living person but aren't related at all. I thought it's just all about the series, a fictional stories that can't be a FACT. But I was wrong when this photo of a girl circulating around the social network just 2 days ago, here name is Czarinah Gania.


She really looks like the ABS-CBN Teen Queen Actress KATHRYN BERNARDO. From her hair, smile, lips, cheeks and her almond eyes. 
KATHRYN BERNARDO
Photo credit to WIKI

 And looking at her Facebook Public Timeline, she's a student from Far Eastern University taking up BS Tourism Management.

Even friends call her Kathryn as seen on this screenshot.

 I am more convince that Doppelganger does exist. And having that kind of face similarities maybe somehow strange and scary, because according to a folklore its considered a very bad luck, often heralding to death or serious illness. Well in their case, its not a bad luck, it talks more about career and success. Both of them are very active in their life, KATRYN is a promising young actress/singer and Czarinah is good in sports like sea surfing.


In famous cases, like the late President of the United States of America ABRAHAM LINCOLN reportedly saw doppelganger shortly before his death.

 Here are some people who look a like but not related at all, CLICK HERE >>> PETAPIXEL

Whatever you have now in your life make it more productive, because we don't know what lies next.
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Saturday, March 26, 2016

Lenten Diet for Lenten Season #LentenDiet #HealthyFood #LentenSeason

March 26, 2016 12 Comments
LENT is classified as a season of spiritual cleansing and self-denial, reflecting the life of Jesus during his time. In this, we go back from the time of Jesus and meditate his struggle and sacrifice in the hands of the Romans. Because of this as we observe Lenten Week, we have a so-called Lenten diet. A diet that help transform people physically and spiritually. A Lenten diet is yearly observe by the Catholic church for 40 days. It is not for weight loss, but for spiritual purposes.


Here in the Philippines, we ask to avoid eating meat on the Fridays. The word meat does not include fish and seafood it only refers to flesh meat of warm blooded animals. In short, it should be meatless!

 What are the Filipino food during Lenten Season? Well, we have the famous binignit, suman, biko, puto, and other native delicacies, but this year I change my menu plans. I want something healthy but still following the Catholic way, that is to avoid meat. And I come up with the idea to adapt the foreign way of celebrating Lenten Season. This is to change the traditional meal that been followed for many generations.

 MY FOOD SUGGESTIONS:

 March 24, 2016
Maundy Thursday
Breakfast 9AM




March 24, 2016
Maundy Thursday
Dinner 6PM



March 25, 2016
Good Friday
Breakfast 8AM




March 25, 2016
Good Friday
Lunch 3PM




March 25, 2016
Good Friday
Dinner 7PM




March 26, 2016
Black Saturday
Breakfast 8AM



March 26, 2016
Black Saturday
Lunch 11AM



March 26, 2016
Black Saturday
Dinner 6PM




All of these are just my suggestion this Lenten Season. Again this is not a diet based on weight loss. It is an act of spiritual routine of Catholic that wanted to clean and be reborn of a period of time, it happened only once a year why not follow it religiously. And maybe, this will help improve your health if done consistently.

And for Easter Sunday..hmmm..It's time to eat food with meat...hahahaha ...  :) 

 Bon appétit !!
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