Detox

Alright don't panic... I may have been away for many days but I am still here never forget to check my blog site and continue talking with myself though.

Today , I was out hunting some kinds of vitamins in a new shop I found the other day. I take a lot of vitamins- Omega-3, B-12, Zinc, you name it, I have it and even when I seldom take any of them. Times when I feel like am in the mood of covering distances that goes nowhere and lifting pieces of iron that weighs enough for my cat to play and roll on the floor. Followed with vitamins , I thought everything will go just fine. But they don't usually lasts long. Usually, I'll do that for 3 days then I will discontinue for months.

I'm about to turn the menopausal period within a few years, I may guess so, which is considered an old lady in Chinese years. That would anger my boss, because then I wouldn't be able to work. Suicide is illegal not because it is immortal or criminal or wrong but because it deprive a boss a worker.

I don't smoke , never try , not even once. But I am sure have my whole life in danger of second hand smoke at work. My bands table were situated beside the stage and unlike Chinese people who smoke anywhere, even on places where they have to use a drinking glass as an ashtray. I tried to be away from those toxins as much as I can.

I don't know if its right. At times I think I am the healthiest unhealthy person I know. Or more accurately, I am the most unhealthy healthy person I've come across. There might be healthy healthy people out there but I haven't met them. If I get a cut, or bruise, it disappears in a day or two r three the longest/ Since I had my yearly flu shot, I rarely catch cold now a days, sometimes they catch me, but not for long, thanks to the combination of vitamins, excessive hand washing and a 10 hour disturbed sleep everyday.

So now I decided to detox, to purify my body. I opt for a lemon-honey-cayenne-pepper recommended by a friend. I couldn't find a cayenne pepper so I decide to substitute it with rare earths- which was also recommended by another friend. Little did I know that rare earth is harder to come by than cayenne pepper these days, I don't follow directions well, so when I couldn't find cayenne pepper at the expensive Japanese store, I got a chocolate instead. I bought a juicing machine, lemons and raw honey and drink cups of this concoctions throughout the day limiting my dinner to one organic cucumber. and wheat bread when I badly need something to eat.

I've started that a few weeks ago and still do these days. I noticed I began urinating a lot more than usual. Was the lemon juice cleansing my body of its toxins? The cucumber too was having a beneficial effect though I would ask my colon about that. I began to feel more energetic and I feel anew. And one thing so surprising of all is, afterwork, I can dose off easily within a few minutes. Almost no time on checking my e-mails or read news. Once I lay down in bed with my laptop beside me, I 'll be snoring on a high notes and will have an undisturbed sleep for straight 8 hours.

Hope it will continue at least a few more days. If its giving me a good result, this could be a nice end of the year resolution.

Approaching Winter

Its getting colder now. Summer has ended and this autumn weather brings chills to my spine, even during daytime. I grew up in a tropical island and even with my long years of experience at any coolest temperature abroad, I still not used to a numbing coldness of winter. I do love "summer.

This is my 9th autumn/winter In Shanghai and you can imagine how many jackets and warmers and thermals I'd have in my entire life in China. I've spent so much to fashionable and some outdated warmers already and this year I will dig up some old jackets on my storage room and am not going to buy anything anymore.

That was a promise three weeks ago. I checked my spendings yesterday and I was shocked to find out how much I've spent for the past weeks, all for autumn/winter 2010 season. Not including bags and make-ups and dont' forget a few pairs of shoes. I still didn't get the box of old and some not really old jackets at the storage room. I was planning to give up some clothings to friends but I'm a little bit sad to get rid of such big collections of winter clothes I'd been keeping for the past 2 to 3 years. But I think I will feel much better once they were gone. They're so much of them to keep. If we have winter in the Philippines, I don't mind paying a cargo or courier back home so they can use those thick jackets there, but they'll be useless as we don't have winter in the Philippines.
So now I'll use some in the next 6 to 8 months , get rid of old , and of course, get new ones.

Another blessed Monday

This Monday begins at 3PM. Very accurate alarm I set last night and I am wide awake in an instant. I'm up and out of bed , had a hot shower, logged on , checked my daily subscriptions, while I dry my hair, apply a lipstick and little blush on, Gaying got herself a muchy bisquits on my side. How nice it is to have this creature staring and watch me do things with my face.

Its almost 4pm. I rushed outside and rode a taxi and headed for my Monday church visit. Noone's in there but two old ladies and me. After that, I came back to my favorite street of all. Huai hai lu. One of the joys of living in a downtown area was the easy access to shops and restaurants plus a subway station blocks away. A new Japanese restaurants at the basement of Hongkong Plaza was one of the places to dine at. I passed by at that building and I suddenly felt hungry when I saw some inviting pictures of Japanese noodles and yakiniku. I didn't get my breakfast, just a glass of water and I thought I might get my early dinner. But I decided to wait a couple more hours before I get down on that basement. So I walked some more.

I got in to one of my favorite shops selling things from 1o to 15 kuai. While browsing the shelves, these beautiful jars caught my eye and remembered about an old tradition my mother has taught me. She said , one household must keep 3 jars containing things like, water, sugar and rice for luck. Since I was a kid, I remember her keeping 3 jars on one of our kitchen cabinets. So today, I got 3 cute jars and i'll put them on one of our kitchen cabinets. I might get more good luck too. I'm blessed , were blessed and I'm thankful.

My very first LV

That's right. I'd been super busy for the last two weeks. Now's the only time I can breathe and move freely without worries about schedules. And so todays a very calm day for me. I don't have much on my to-do-list as I already did most of the tasks these past weeks. Today's plans are not really very important but I am as excited to go out and use the bag that I'd been begging to have years and years ago.

Over the past years, I have purchased numbers of bags. Most are "no name" , not famous brand though leather of varying sizes and shapes, I find them very good and long lasting. I have bags that I still use for almost 10 years now and they are very durable and not outdated.

I am nt really, actually into any of those luxury bags I see women are carrying. Except for one brand called, Louie Vuitton. I always have the feeling that I should get one high-end bag myself especially of that monogram style. Just recently, a new LV store opened in a near by mall. Few meters away from our apartment building. Curious and brand consious people check the said place and I am one of those people trying to see which one is the best style and what is the latest and most expensive. Going to work, I can't help but sigh and pray that someday I will be able to own one of those bags at the display windows.

Although things have gotten better and better, the thought of buying an expensive bag was never on my plan. Even when I have an extra money to spend, I still have to think a hundred times as one bag might cost the same amount of my son's whole tuition fee.

But its true. There's always an excuse or some good reasons to have one's dream come true. I had an unexpected windfall thru extra earnings ( just recently) and one of the lands we never use which is up for sale has been sold few weeks ago. That must be a few valid reasons to own that dream bag I was eyeing for a couple of months.

I understand that not everyone has luck to afford costly things like that. I know I have to save more for the future and I exactly know I have a family who always need financial from time to time. But would it be nice if I get myself a gift that I'd been longing to own after years of hardwork? Ok thats too much, I may afford to have it, I'm just being thrifty. Some can get them, some can't. This time, I am one of those people who can, at least.

I count my blessings and I am really thankful that I was able to buy whatever I fancy. Bags, shoes, clothes, anything I can afford and not beyond my limits. Of course, saving is still my priority. I am now trying not to be guilty with the recent purchase, but can I be happy? Can I just say, "Don't worry, don't be guilty, just be happy".

And for now let me be a little fashionable . Think I deserved an LV? "Yes you do", my husband said. He's always as glad to see me happy.

Be Thankful

My apology ( to myself ) for not writing anything these past few weeks. I was carried away by my hectic schedule at home and mostly at work. Family are sure my life and so are my friends but I sure have pure time for myself, and myself alone, that should be taken care of.

You see, I have this daily routine that exactly eating the whole 24 hours of my day and I really cannot complain as I see that I am very blessed to have this kind of life. I have no rights to complain, really.

These past few weeks have been tremendously busy. I sure don't want to elaborate as some are not really "printable" here. But I may say that those extra super busy days are fruitful and positive. I thanked God for all these blessings.

No problem Gaying

Look at her eyes, she seem to have a real big problem. Its been weeks since our cat had her on and off monthly "period problem", as what they call it. Both my husband and I were having a disturbed sleep and was fully aware of this cat's problem. This must get tackled or at least we have to find the best solution. A vet.

Back home in the Philippines, We used to have lots of dogs. My mother was fond of keeping pets. We actually did not set to have 9 dogs. Yes 9 to be exact. It all started when we brought home a pair of dogs from China. As far as I know, The female dog bore at least 15 to 20 cute puppies and those puppies made 10 to 15 more, most are given away and some are sold to close friends. When my mother passed away, we chose to give away 6 to friends and relatives. Only kept 3 now. Fewer dogs lesser obligations and are all well taken care of.

Before, we got lots of raised eyebrows and strange looks when I tell people how many dogs we have. Usually I get a little nervous about it because I think lots of them think we are crazy. Most of the questions I get have to do with are, where do they sleep, who takes care of them, and how much food they eat. I answer them, or my family answered them with a smile, showing them how fulfilled and happy they are having those little pets roaming around the house who normally leaves smelly and accidental "things" on the floor. Know what I mean.Though I can't really answer well because I am away from the Philippines and only sees them during my yearly month long vacation which is the only time to see , cuddle, bathe, and play with those creatures who brought joy and fun to the whole family. They are whole bunch of happiness we can't just give up for a few thousand pesos. Maybe if one costs 20 to 30, fine, we'll sell.

Now back to Gaying ( our cat ). She used to be taken care of by the people from both apartment doors, us and the other side. Until two more cats was added a month ago. ( We're planning to put up an adoption business next.) We all thought Gaying will be very glad to have an additional good eater and playful baby cats around. To our dismay, she doesn't like them, yet. So here, Gaying finally resides in our room, forever. Maybe she's not used to playing with her specie. People are what she's used to.

I am lazy when it comes to tidying our room. I just love to sleep the whole day and when I am in the mood of de-clutterring, I'll move. Gaying isn't a burden on my daily arrangements. Although she loves to lay down on our bed! Yes, she loves it clean and neat. I have the simplest solution for an allergy symptoms. Her fur was always the culprit, only I get to minimize the harm it can give to an allergic person like me. I don't have much time to change sheets every other day, so the best solution for that is vacuum. Vacuum every other day or at least thrice a week.

I won't get drained with lots of things to tell when it comes to Gaying's little funny behavior. She wants to be combed.Yes she loves it when I put her some blush on. Her eyes will be that round just like the picture above when she watch me putting on my make-up and seriusly all eyes when I'm gliding lisptick or simply putting my mascara. I played her with those and she seemed to like it.

Her toys? Aside from her torned in half little mouse stuffed toy tied in a string and some few wires she gets anywhere, she likes to play with threads. I can find rolls and rolls of threads under my bed, in the kitchen floor , anywhere she can play with. I don't know if she swalloed the needles inserted on those thread rolls. Maybe not, shes still here.

Some more funny stories. She will not stop complaining if I didn't change her "over used" cat sand. There I should replace it every three days. Her glass must always have a refill or she will come to me and complain that too and don't forget that she loves Evian water. Dah! Not forgetting her cup full of "biscuit's". That must be always fresh. And one thing more. She doesn't want to eat any "table food". Even if its the best pork knuckle in the city, or the best salmon in the whole China. Her only favorite is Whiskas. Don't get anything, just tiny fish shaped Whiskas. I tried to boil her some chicken , just like her mommy Joy used to give her, No effect. She still wants her mommy's best chicken from Fenyang Lu. Mine? She just looked and smell the bowl of that thinly diced boiled chicken breast. She prefer her bisquits, from breakfast to lunch to merienda to dinner until supper. The same thing, thats why she's like bone and skin now.

Living with her is a little task-y. But we love her even when shes moody and at times unfriendly. Having her is still rewarding and would not trade her for the world. OK that's a little OA , but I think she really adds color to a sometimes boring life of us OFW in room 2002 and 2003. If you happen to live with this fuzzy cat, you will definitely say, "I would love to have a cat like Gaying as well." A cat who can talk when asked, and the one who welcome you , rolling , right at your door step saying , Bulaga!

Switched Off

Rainy Sunday again. For this week, our off was switched from Monday to Sunday. My plan was to see one shopping area called Xifu Lu when I wake up, set my alarm clock at 1PM. I didn't get to sleep early last night but still managed to get really late this afternoon.

I went out at almost 6PM and did a little walk at shops few steps from our apartment building. Spotted Muji alone. A shop who sells organic items, from clothings to kitchen utensils to cotton buds. I'm addicted with Muji especially now that some of them are 50% to 70% off. I'd be able to buy few more blouses on a half price I admit that things are a bit costly than those ordinary organic things and the only chance I can afford them was during Sale period. Even when I don't need to buy anything, just browsing around Muji shop is kind of enjoyable. I frequent the place almost three times a week as it was just a few meters away. Husband must be somewhere around the area. Thought I'd do a little more checking on the racks of unique items while I wait for his call.

I'm fond of wearing things cotton. It is one best material to wear during a very hot summer like this. I only have two or three months to wear them and I am grabbing all the opportunities to fit in with these easy clothings. Summer was always the best time to wear them. Fall will approach soon and everybody will go back to basic clothing's for a cold season. By then, these cotton things will be kept on my cabinet and when vacation time somes, I will bring them back home to where I can wear them the whole month or a whole year straight. I love my country.

Missing Luneta, we decided to visit the place and have our weekly dinner as we did every day off. Ordered Chicken Inasal, Chicken Binacol, and Sizzling Bangus. I forgot to take a snap of those food as I am busy taking my Halo-Halo. Had a chat with few long lost friends we found there. Finally got home almost 10AM. Washed my laundry, changed my bedsheets and de-clutter a bit. Cooked Pork Sinigang while cleaning.

That was a very common, simple weekly routine I have. Not much changes. Am I happy? I do the same things over and over for nearly 2 decades and I considered having these rhythmic boring routine for some, a real blessing. I love life as I've said and I fully understand that being this simple and having a very simple life make things easy, blessed and uncomplicated. God is so good.

Time for Bedsheets

I'd been very busy with lots of things these past week and I seldom touch my keys. Trying to rearrange things from my closets and all and I have plan of getting another white linen, bedspread and pillow cases anywhere available. My bed been a bit boring these days and although I have few printed bedsheets to change for a boring white colored sheets, I still want to get my bed dressed like the one below. ( See the picture down below )

No more procrastinating, putting things off, wavering with my decisions, and most especially, no more lazy days and Mondays. Its time to get my bedroom looking organized and crisp. Like the next picture.

That bed will be a beautiful transformation from my old bedding's. Minus the bright sunlight from the window, it looks so inviting. I'd been looking at this picture and even put this as my desktop screen saver. It really is very cozy and clean. Bedroom and gardens are always the best part of my Home sweet Home, and as I work hard for the money in this distant place, I want to experience the feel of being "at home". And that starts from my bedroom.

Now time for bed.

Thrifty percent off

I usually have some obsession for the week. I will write them down and will bring them with me to shopping malls, eager to find something new, or something on sale. But this week, I've got nothing but another blouse and pair of shoes from Zara which I actually bought by impulse and some few items that eventually broke my record as a ga-ga over unnecessary items.

Time square building was located right in front of the building apartment we stay. Just a few steps away across. I don't use the main entrance when get in on that building. The first door will be the Zara boutique and it will save me some steps whenever I need some groceries at the city shop which is located on the basement.

Entering that door is much convenient and much fun as this is the season for huge discounts that most Chinese fashionistas are waiting for. I am too are fond of Zara's fashion on clothings , bags and shoes. Chinese adrenalin will rise whenever there's a huge discount on selected items like 50% to 70% like on clothes placed on the racks of usually outdated fashion. Sales addicts will inspect layers and layers of items on display, buying things they don't need.

This week is considered as a well spent week for me. Honestly, here are my super saving great buys.

1.) Maybelline lipstick. I was actually looking for a Revlon but can't find any and I ended up with this affordable and much cheaper brand. Not really satisfied, will try to find Revlon on Monday.

2.) Zara printed loose blouse. Good for summer or a tropical climate like in the Philippines.

3.) Pair of Zara ballerina shoes. Light and comfortable.

4.) L'oreal hair color light brown forever. I noticed some tiny "highlights" sprouting slowly. The remedy? Hair colourant.

And lots of veggies and fruits, plus bread and jars of peanut butter.

I didn't spend more than 1,000rmb this week, and this calls for a celebration. Dinner on Monday- 400rmb. OK I'll skip the dinner. I will try to break my own record this coming week and that will start from eating dinner in the house.

On Viet

My off day. I woke up a little late from what I've expected yesterday. Oh I remember too, I got up and checked the weather and when I saw that its so hot and sunny, I decided to stay in bed and thought its better to go out later in the afternooon.

I finally made it downstairs at 4pm. Ready to explore the nearby shopping malls, on their Mid-year Sale.Yes its the time of the year for great bargains. I actually had a few great finds last week. Scored a Zara blouse for 50% off and a pair of shoes which I wore for 6 days straight. Obviously my "flavor of the month".

I've been thinking that after I dropped by at the Uniqlo, I'll go for a grocery at a nearby store on my way back to the apartment. I've been pondering creating a nice menu for the two of us this evening for dinner. But thinking what would be an ideal menu be like? Adobo? Sinigang? or all the repertoire of tried and tested recipes. Ahh...I'm lazy. I want to dine out.

Husband finally called and asked to meet him at Xintiandi's Aniseed. We're always curious of that Vietnam restaurant whenever we pass the area after work. And today, we decided to dine at that tiny but a little costly restaurant. The ambiance is nice, cozy but as I've said, for an appetizer, a palm juice, a coconut juice, beef , and a sauteed mushroom, 350rmb plus tip is a little costly. Or maybe I'm not used to eating such little portions of food at that price. The service is good anyway and the staff are polite, there with that, I think its worth it. And I don't forget that the preparations of food are nice too, not to mention that the small portions tastes good as well. Not bad for 350rmb. But that's the first and last.. I might try Kabb next Monday.

De-clutter

This picture looks like an ideal arrangements for clutters.

Clutter. Clutter here , clutter there, clutter everywhere. I'm not sure anybody believes me when I say this but I know I am cluttered. I admit that, its not because I am lazy ( which I admittedly I am) But I know, its really nice to lay down in bed and sleep the whole day, get up at 4 pm, eat breakfast and get ready for work at 9 until 2am. Routinely exhausted or plain lazy. Whatever we may call it, those aren't the best excuse to not to clean and be lady like.

I recently bought wicked baskets to set my unorganized dirty and not-so-dirty clothes. They are still in one corner of this unpretty or call it bedroom cum all-in-one apartment, thinking I could arrange my clutter at a time. I mean I was thinking that I could de-clutter that little corner in just a snap of a magic wand. Just looking at those mess makes me more lazy. Does people really have any idea to advise me the simplest trick on how to be a little tidy? Actually, I love the look of clutter, it looks lived-in, homey and comfortable. but at times a little stressful. So I need to do something.

Today's my off, I will try to organize my clutter , but as usual, I am for a walk at 2pm, therefore, I am not quite sure If I will have enough strength for cleaning and yes de-cluttering after malling. That happens every monday. Still, I promise to arrange those things in proper settings as I want to make sure this bedroom is liveable again. Time for bed...ngorkkk.

Our Cat

Its been raining on and off for days, and it seems like our cat was having the same unpredictable mood weather-like. And she does that for four days in a row. She loves to get cuddled and really needs attention most of the times. Stretching her hands out to reach mine or shall I call them feet, to touch her , She follows me anywhere around the house, in bed, in the kitchen and even when I am in the bathroom. I've no choice but to bring her inside or she'll cry. Two pandas are taking care of her, and those pandas are me and my husband. We both don't have enough sleep in order to give her all the attention she needs. It only happens once every two months and these extra obligation aside from changing her cat sand and giving her "biscuit's" and fresh water were no match to the joy she brings to the apartment hood. Everybody loves her.

At work , yes due to lack of sleep, I said I can't stand to sing for another couple of hours as I am feeling real groggy so I ordered a booster. Coffee. I asked two cups, cafe latte and an ordinary one. I mixed my husband's cofee, milk and sugar, tasted if its blend. Strong. I can't really drink that kind of coffee. That goes with my character too. I am more on sweet, creamy kind of coffee. My husband love coffee of extra strong sometimes black like with a little coffee creamer. which very much describes his personality: strong-willed at times, to-the-point, joker, efficient, funny.

I on the other hand, prefer a weaker cup of instant decaffeinated as usual with spoonfuls of coffee mate. And I like to savor it in front of my mirror facing a window while watching the traffic down below. If I ever have the chance to retire as early as I wish, I would love to drink my cups of coffee matched with bread and dairy creme in my dream patio watching the sun come up while my dogs barks and play on the garden... thank you very much! What this say about me? Well, I am slow to get going. Subtle. I like to be energized, but on my own terms. I am alert at given time but not most of. I love fine living, and I love lazy days too.

This coffee and Guying thing will make me write more.. but I think she's asleep now, so a chance for me to doze off too.

Real & affordable scents

I have this small online business, quite very small business which I am trying to spend extra more time to focus on. Posted newly updated page today. Please click the link under the header called S-cent and check the List and Prices too for a very reasonable and affordable scents and perfumes regularly supplied by my distributor from Hongkong. All authentic items on the list.

Trying to write

Another offday has passed and I didn't get to post anything in the past two weeks. Look, I am trying to write something, I was about to sleep when the renovation upstairs starts with a loud drilling noise or something. My workmates surely having the nightmare of their life --again upon hearing the most annoying sound of all. I can't even just ignore that too. But since I know that we are on our Tuesday early start again tonight, I think I must get something to eat as my stomach is crumbling like of those construction workers on the top of our ceiling or maybe two more floors away. I need to doze off . I only had my 30 minutes nap at the massage table with an "auntie" softly touched my back this evening. Sometimes the hard massage I am expecting is better be pressed lightly by a tired blind "aunt" press and pushed exhausted bodies from morning to midnight. Ive to go check my ref whats in there to munch.

Zoom...

Maxi dress to the max

I am a pants, jeans woman. I wear mostly black pants at gig, not only it is required but its because I feel much comfortable with pants matched with colored or printed blouses and sometimes a plain black blouse too. Seldom or once in a blue moon, I will try to get on mini skirts or a mini dress for a change, but it just doesn't give me the freedom especially on movements on-stage. Not to mention that dancing on dress like clothings aren't my style.Aside from that, I don't have that Tina Turner's million dollar legs. Not really confident.

Many women think that they are only restricted to formal occasions. I am one of those women.It always remind me of a long gown or I might appear too formal on the stage, but I learned that its all in what design I choose and how I wear it. With the right accessories, I can go to sleek and classy to trendy and chic. I bought two Maxi dresses yesterday and wore one at the gig this evening. I feel great and moving with the dress on-stage is very easy. I had all the "freedom" with my movements and I can say that this is one great dress fashion. I think I'll buy a couple more maxi's in the future. Thanks to my cousin Grace who gave me the idea of wearing a Maxi dress.