Get More Volume

Is your flatiron causing your hair to go limp after a while? The trick I found will help you create more volume.  To do:  Place a round brush beneath a section of dry hair, then run the iron down the section to the ends, trailing the brush behind it.  The hair will take on the curved shape of the brush, giving you smooth and bouncy hair.

Cool Stuff

There was nothing much to do last night and instead of heading early to bed I have decided to surf the web. I stumbled upon a home improvement web site that made me drool! I found a cute sofa and an oh so cool home lighting.

The old chair that I use when reading is  already soggy, that one would definitely be a welcome replacement.  I found a lot more on the website so if you're on a hunt for classic or modern furniture, click on home furniture search to be directed to the site.

RT|WW - An Apple A day...

Weight Woes

My friend Chichi had always been a big girl, but her weight woes escalated after being diagnosed with Goiter.  Exercise was too tiring for her, and the meds made weight loss virtually impossible.  She is asking her doctor if he can recommend slimming tablets to help her lose a few pounds at least.  It's hard enough to worry about her ailment but it's even harder for her to physically lift her body off the couch. I really hope something can be done about her weight woes.

Movie Marathon

Mai is now on her 500 hour OJT.  As a mom, it pains me to see her waking up too early and coming home late and spent.  We barely talk to each other since she started with the job.  But she has to learn right?  What would happen to her if I don't let her on her own?

Although tired, she seems to enjoy what she's doing so it's something I should be happy about.  The only thing she misses are the late-night shows she loves to watch, HBO and Star Movies.  Her dad promised her he'd order for blu ray movies so she can watch the films she missed on her day off.  Her first day off is on Thursday so I expect a marathon on that day.

RT|WW - Roasted Duck

Get Vibrant Skin with this Facial Scrub

Here's another DIY scrub I found to clear your ashy complexion.  In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1 tablespoon of grated ginger root and a splash of milk.  Then gently massage the mixture into your skin, using a circular motion and avoiding the delicate under-eye area.  The mildly abrasive cornmeal will polish away dead skin cells, allowing the milk's lactic acid to penetrate pores.  And the ginger will stimulate circulation to create a radiant glow.

Burn Fat Naturally

If you want to shed some of those excess pounds without feeling deprived, I have read somewhere that you should eat fast food.  But before you picture those half-pounder burgers, extra large fries, super loaded hotdog sandwiches, stop!  That's not what I'm talking about.  By fast food I meant natural fat burner foods like oatmeal, milk, whole-grain cereal, fruits, vegetables, jalapenos, habaneros, cayenne chiles, green tea, chicken, coffee, lean pork, salmon, lean beef, tuna, turkey, and sardines.  These yummy foods function almost like amphetamines, helping the body burn calories without even exerting any effort. So who says, losing weight means not eating delicious foods?

Get Rid Of Belly Fat

Did you know that one of the major causes of belly fat is stress?  Yup, because that's when our body releases cortisol, a hormone that helps our body survive in times of dangers. The bad news is, this  "automatic response" comes with an ugly side effect, belly fat. One of the best ways to get rid of belly fat is to follow a few timing tricks.

Don't eat breakfast immediately upon rising.  Do it after an hour. The body produces just enough cortisol to keep you alert when you wake up in the morning. Consume a protein-packed bite. A healthy, satisfying breakfast can ward off overwhelming cravings later.

Snack three hours after lunch. Notice that you feel hungry again by 3 pm?  That's when cortisol levels begin to fall and the tendency is for you to crave for sugar for a quick way to recharge. Have a filling snack a few hours after lunch before fatigue sets in.

Eating Less

I have never believed in quick weight loss programs before, because I have tried several of them in the past and nothing really worked.  But when my friend tried one of the top rated weight loss supplements and lost 30 pounds in a matter of  three months, I am now thinking of trying it too.  My friend said she eats less than what she used to have and only when she gets hungry.  But I'll wait for another month and observe before I take the plunge. 

Would Love to Exchange Places

Mai's boyfriend will be working on a cruise ship soon.  And while he is waiting for his deployment, his mom enrolled him in a nearby gym for a weight gain program.  Mai also bought him muscle building supplements to help him achieve his target weight easily.  What amazes me is that this guy eats like a construction worker but he never gained weight.  It should have been a great advantage, but the problem is he is too thin.  Oh, what do I have to do to be just like him!  Sighs.

Feeling Tired and Heavy

I have tried making smarter choices and eating healthier to at least maintain my present weight.  I've been resigned to the fact that I will not lose those excess pounds if I didn't work out. But what I cannot understand is, I still kept gaining.  I know whole-wheat crackers are way much better than potato chips, but that didn't work either.  Been looking up for some of the best weight loss products because a friend says, they might help.  I found a product that I think would work for me. But I'd like to ask my doctor first if he would recommend it.  I am not so brave when it comes to these things.

RT|WW - Red Ginger

Smile Makeovers

It takes a greater number of muscles to frown and only about half of it to smile. Smiling is easier and conserves a lot of energy... that's if... you have beautiful teeth. Your smile says so much about you and how you feel about yourself.

There are new trends on cosmetic dentistry -- porcelain veneers, teeth whitening treatments, and dental crowns -- and cosmetic dentists will be glad to help you restore your smile with their cosmetic solutions. Whether you have stained or discolored teeth, uneven gums, missing teeth, replacing silver fillings and straightening crooked or crowded teeth consider your problems solved. There are so many ways to have these problems fixed. All you have to do is set up a consultation with their experienced cosmetic dentists. There's no need to worry about the high costs of treatment because you can easily apply for a dental plan from Ameriplan. And what's great about it is there's no paperwork to fill out, there is no waiting period, there is no limit on services (you can use your discount plan as often as you need it).

Why would you suffer and be unhappy with your smile when you can have a make over and improve it?

The Tropical Treat

Want a beautifying scrub that's sure to leave your skin glowing?  Here's what you should do:  Slice 1/4 of a fresh pineapple into 3"- or 4"-inch wide strips with coarse salt or sugar.  Next, stand in the tub and gently scrub your skin, including rough spots like knees and elbow, just as you would with a sponge or loofah.  Wait two minutes, then rinse well.  The active enzyme (bromelain) in pineapple acts as a natural exfoliator to leave your skin baby smooth.  Plus, the sweet smell of the fruit stays in your skin for hours.  So go ahead and pamper yourself with this tropical treat.

Running? Of course, dear!

Having a former athlete for a husband and me having bowled for as long as I can remember, it's frustrating to think that none of our kids liked sports.  We encouraged them to try all sorts of sports but the interest just wasn't there.  Hubs and I were resigned to the thought that they will ever try.  So it came as a surprise when my youngest announced yesterday that he'd like to run. Excited, I started looking for shoes and  running shorts online (haha!). Maybe all he needed was time and to find out what he really likes.  Maybe the school intrams helped also.  They have been practicing for the sports activity for more than a week now.  It may last or it may just be for a brief period of time but at least it's a start.  We're not expecting to have an athlete though.  What we want is for them to be active and to have extra activities.

RT|WW - Red Rose

Rid Feet of Calluses

This one's a bit pricey but according to the author of the article, this scrub is really effective at eliminating unsightly calluses.  Here's how to do it:  In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of finely ground walnuts with 1 cup yogurt.  Then use a damp cloth to gently rub the mixture into hardened areas; rinse with warm water.  Walnut's mildly abrasive quality will help slough away the dead cells while yogurt's milk fats replace lost moisture, leaving your soles really soft.

MIL's Party

On September 27, my mother in law will be celebrating her 74th birthday. We don't usually have a party on her birthdays, because she likes to go on retreat during her birthday week. But since she's already decided she won't go this year, all her children decided they'd want to surprise her. With only a few weeks away, everyone of us have been busy preparing for it. I am in charge of the party supplies and the flowers. My sister in law is in charge of the caterer and the invites.

Mil has no idea we're cooking up something for her birthday. She'll be very surprised I'm sure. She's always been the one to prepare for parties but this time she'll be the star of the night. It won't be an extravagant party, she'd hate us if it is. She likes things simple but elegant and that's what she'll get.

She'll be very happy to see some of her closest friends and relatives. According to my sister in law, her best friend arrived from the States last month and she's going to be at MIL's party. Her grandchildren are also coming up with lots of fun party ideas. I asked them to list them down so we can discuss it next week with my brother and sister in law.