Cut the pants so that it becomes a pair of shorts. Cut the middle part so that it will flow like a skirt.

The trimmed long pants should likewise be cut in order to use it as a strap.  Cut  only a thin portion like 2-4 inches.  You should be able to produce at least 4 strips as this will be used as the strap of the backpack.

sew the edge of the trimmed pants in order to make a balloon effect as this will be the main b

a preloved printed cloth maybe used as a design or an accent, choose where you want to place them:)

sew in order to connect the short strip of cloth from the trimmed long pants in order to make them lengthy and good as a strap

sew the edge of the strap in between the corner of the opening of the body of the bag while the other one on the edge of the bag in order to make a backpack strap. do it again for the other side.

THE FINISHED product.  there you go!  simple yet stylish and functional.  You can use a sewing machine or bring it to a tailor shop so they can  sew it professionally:)

promise it will look good and make it more sturdy!

September 14 DAY 2: "You Know It Is Worth It"
Juiced for breakfast:
Parsley
Celery
Carrot
Green Apple
Beetroot
Ginger
Training Done: sit ups, jumping rope, shadow boxing (30 mins)

I woke up kinda late compared yesterday so i prepared my ingredients at 8am and took it 30 minutes after.  haha. I take too much time preparing I know, hey! am a newbie on this okay? hehe.  anyway, instead of just having parsley i decided to try the celery with it and then the green apples since i ran out of the red ones.  The result?  well it is 30% less sweet than the juice i made yesterday because the green apples gave it a tinge of "ooh-sour-y" kick. :) Second day juicing still scares me, but only until i take the first sip;)  my juice was yummy! (though ginger still challenges my taste buds!) bigger hinger knuckles next time 0.o

September 15 DAY 3: TRY GREEN:)

Okay for two days i have produced red juice because of the color juiced from carrots, fuji apple and beetroot. Today is something different:) My recipe included:
celery leaves
green apple
cucumber
ginger
beetroot

the green apple didn't come out as sour as it was yesterday, im guessing it's because of the cucumber juice:) in totality i still like it, i drunk about 3/4 glass---all my produce actually since my tita did not join me today.  Still I did my ritual at 8 am.  Need to go to the market though for my supply of carrots and apples. Yay!

September 16 Day 4: For Heartburn Recipe

I got this recipe from Drew canole's page Juicing vegetables and i thought that i really need this since i have been experiencing heartburn as well.  Yesterday was grocery day so I was so happy my carrots, apples and green supplies are back!

Today's ingredients: for Breakfast

spinach
carrots
apples

Powerful three indeed!  I would give this juice a rate of 10 (as the highest), it's sweet though the after taste of the spinach lingers quite well.  

September 17 Day 5: Sour Juice!

Today's Breakfast:
lemon
ginger
cucumber
apple

I tried the lemon this time as base and it resulted to something so sour that I guess I didn't really like it at all considering I took it for my breakfast juice. (huhu) I'm not sure if i will use LEMON ever again as my base since i really had a hard time drinking it. How about you, how does your lemon fair?

September 18 DAY 6: Celery and Parsley Overload

Today's recipe i tried to put two strong tasting vegetables: celery and parsley. the result is not bad however, you should be warned as the after taste is really strong.  the sweetness of the apple juice has been diminished causing it to taste a little bitter.  Next time I won't put the two together or maybe an additional apple can neutralize it:)

Recipe:
apple
carrot
beetroot
ginger
celery
parsley

Quezon City---Cosplayers have indeed found a second home in the jungle of Ninoy Aquino Wildlife as it comfortably provides a natural venue to satisfy the lens of many photographers as cosplayers pull off their costumes and internalize their character roles to altogether perform that brave act of “cosplaying.”

I say brave because, as a fan of anime, I admit that I haven’t got that confidence or probably explored on that skill of cosplaying. 

You may regard this blog then as my way of extending my appreciation to cosplayers’, anime lovers’, and even art lovers’ respect and passion to the realm of cosplay.

Cosplay 101

Cosplay or kosupre is short for costume play says Wiki, which refers to an “activity which participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea from a work of fiction.”

However based on my observation amongst cosplayers I’ve interviewed and I’ve seen, this definition of cosplay goes beyond just merely wearing it and projecting a character for another picture.

Cosplay is about the craft, the talent, that passion to justify a character from a fiction story, a world conceptualize from an imaginative mind, an art itself.

It was then a pleasure to attend a cosplay event of one of the most active and respected cosplay organizations in the Philippines, the Otaku Urule.  A non profit organization that opens opportunities for cosplayers (amateur, professional/ and interested ones) to gather and play.  Otaku Urule’s members meet on a regular basis to know each other, familiarize themselves with each other and learn from each others’ craft while growing in a productive and progressive family of cosplayers, photographers, anime lovers, followers and enthusiasts through a series of invitational photoshoots.

Last Sunday, (Sept 2, 2013), was their 8th Otaku Urule Invitational Photoshoot (IOP) special edition in which the twist was “animarriage.” I was told that before the day ends, there will be couple/s who will get married as they have mounted their animarriage booth.

According to Chairman and Co-founder of Otaku Urule, Rg  Gamurot II (kuyawajie), Otaku Urule has 200 participants who attended that day which is composed of cosplayers and photographers mainly. Otaku events however, are planned and implemented smoothly by the 30 core people working together to organize thebeneficiary is Red Cross particularly aiming to help the recent Habagat victims. 

In fact Otaku Urule has been doing chartable works since 2003 with which amongst institution they have helped include Child House Foundation Ricky Reyes, Philippine General Hospital, Red Cross and Asociacion de Damas de Filipinas.”

Another purpose of cosplaying is to create a venue for the youth to express themselves through this art and use their energy to something worth their while. 

Based on research, the term otaku in fact has a rather negative meaning as it pertains to a person who stays at home all the time and doesn’t have a “life” ---“no social life, no love life, no dreams, no plans”---somebody who is kind of boring in a sense.  However, they are likewise described to be as individuals who consume too much of their time by watching anime, playing video games or surfing the net as according to urban dictionary, otaku is likewise used top refer to a nerd, a hacker, or a programmer.

This is personally find very interesting, well you see, a nerd or a hacker or programmer for that matter actually has got themselves really bright ideas right? (haha) I meant, programming and hacking needs a lot of thinking so I don’t think an otaku person is indeed boring. 

Anyway, otaku, the term, is given a new and more positive definition by this community of cosplayers through Otaku Urule.  Chairman Rg shared that Urule literally tells their audience that “Otakus* actually Rule” and in the positive sense, they are individuals that are leaders themselves, masters of their own crafts, and visionaries of their goals that are actually one with our society’s.

Allow me to introduce you then to three lovely Otaku Urule participants I have interviewedJ

Carla Conejar, 29, senior technician by profession

Carla is cosplaying a Japanese fashion known as Lolita. She is one of the 30 core officers/ event organizers of Otaku Urule. According to her, Otaku Urule community provides a sense of belongingness or a family to its members that is why many participants have been really active in attending the organization’s events.  Through the events, first timers or newbies get to mingle and be grouped with professional ones (both cosplayers and photographers) in which they fill in the gaps in their respective fields.  For instance, new cosplayers are able to interact with older ones whom they can get tips on where to buy cheaper materials for their costumes, how to choose 2nd hand quality costumes and the like; meanwhile photographers share their skills in capturing photos especially when you are doing it outdoor and using natural light. 

Being a mom to a six year-old, Ms. Carla impressed me with her youthful and vibrant attitude.  I guess her love for this craft brings out the natural youthfulness in her.  

Leilanie Miranda, 24

Ms.leilanie is cosplaying a casual Mikuhatsune game character.  According to her she started with this craft in 2005.  Leilani mentioned that part of the obstacles in cosplay would be the budget for the costumes especially when the person intends to cosplay a character that would need too many resources.  Her tip?  Study your chosen character, look for a couple of them so you can choose which one is practically appealing to your budget.  Cosplay doesn’t have to be expensive. There are ways and there are a number of diskarte you can apply.  Cosplay is for everyone.  

CK Soguilon, 19, ICCT Colleges programming student

Ck is cosplaying Nidalee of League of Legends.  According to her, the love for cosplay craft started when she was younger--- actually, when she saw SailorMoon TV show and wanted to be like “Sailor Mars” at some point back in 1998.  But only 10 years after, in 2008 when she saw a cosplay event in Megamall that even reinforced her childhood dream.  since then, she has established herself as one of the professional cosplayers as she have earned a number of experience participating in cosplay events, competition and the like. 

I was surprised as this girl is really talented, she knows how to paint, sew and literally make the costumes for herself and for other cosplayers as well.  She disclosed that she and her boyfriend were able to make costumes for other cosplayers (real talent I must say!)

Rubber sheets and EVA foam are cosplayers’ favorite material for making costumes according to her.  For those who are not aware, you can get more supplies of these in Marikina, after all, this is where durable shoes are made right?:)

Reycelle Garido, 15, UST HS student

One of the youngest I have interviewed and probably considered a not-so-newbie in the cosplay realm, Reycelle gave justice to Akazukin Cha cha! (a favorite of mine too!) This gal admits that she thinks her costume isn’t the best version yet but I can say that the way she projects herself wearing the costume actually gave that “akazukin-impression” real good. I admire her truthfulness and her being humble about her experience as a cosplayer especially when she shared that yeah of course considering her age and resources it would be quite hard for her to come up with more quality and detailed costumes to wear.  After all, her cosplay journey just turned 1, since she started it just last year.  Reycelle hopes to do more cosplay gigs and probably join competitions.  I asked her whether she will sell the costume after using it, she said she plans to keep it, when she gets more resources she might probably sell it and replace it with a better version of Akazukin Cha Cha costume. 

Shaira Villagarcia

Shaira is cosplaying sakura Miku, she started cosplaying 2011 of April.  According to her, she chose the character since she had traded her wig for it and so she plans to wear it for that event’s shoot.  Shaira and Reycelle were of the same group when I found them.  At first I thought they were long time friends but actually they just met there!

Aside from hair and skin care, nail care is of primary importance amongst women---students, housewives, and career-empowered ladies.  In fact most ladies (and some men too) deliberately give time for some self relaxation, pampering and maintenance to project a good image of one’s self amongst significant others—friends, colleagues, strangers we meet.

This image doesn’t just entail the physical aspect.  While it is true that caring for our hair, skin and nails through availing hair spa services or perhaps body scrub and some classic manicure and pedicure services can help us enhance our looks, these services when done on a regular basis (like once or twice a month) can help us mitigate stress and overcome anxieties brought about by the daily problems we encounter in our lives. 

 This is true as the very idea of seeing yourself given care or being pampered makes you feel good about yourself in an instant! 

Perhaps the only problem is, we do not want to be spending too much on these right?

Good thing that there are spa centers that offer services at a very reasonable rate without having to sacrifice the quality of service and the presence of good available options to help us achieve that goal of pampering ourselvesJ

Being a single mom, I consider this a major concern.  Having a baby while thriving to succeed at work, juggling the two while maintaining a good positive image is in fact a tough work. 

I am working on something that I owe to myself—to my body, including my nails!

“Mad About Nails”

I have been staying in Bulacan for two years now.  Bulacan being a province far from Manila ( I meant San Rafael Bulacan; 2 hours away from Manila under normal traffic conditions), gave me a hard time looking for the places I used to go to such as my favorite/ trusted salon, waxing station, nail spa center, body massage center or facial care center. I figured out that, I have yet to explore the nearby towns such as San Ildefonso and Baliuag, Plaridel and Pulilan to check out the available establishments I can go to for my pampering needs.

There are a number of centers actually but only a few I can trust.  Mad About Nails is one them!

Today was my fourth visit to this nail spa center and they haven’t failed me since; I even referred them to my relatives.  Here are some points why I LOVE this nail spa center that it made it to one of Everything Lovely’s top picks!

1.     Mad about Nails offers reasonable rate for manicure and pedicure and foot spa packages, with no additional cost for the type of nail polish brand you want to use.  I always avail their manicure-pedicure-foot spa package because it is budget friendly especially to a single working mom like me!

2.     Unlike in other mall-based nail spa centers, Mad About Nails carries sophisticated and high quality nail polish brands, all imported and have complete collection. Check out the photos!

 I tried OPI lacquer limited Edition Mariah Carey Collection. The liquid sand texture is lovely and suggests sophistication. I’m happy with my pick!

3.     Friendly staff, competent nail technician.  Like other mall-based nail spas, Mad About Nail’s (nail techs) trim toenails and finger nails in a gentle manner. They remove only the dry skin unless you ask them to remove your in-grown.  In this way, the toenails do not look off and unsophisticated.

4.     They offer waxing services at a reasonable rate compared to mall-based spa centers!  I have tried their underarm waxing, the brand that they use doesn’t contribute much to the darkening of the skin. 

5.      Cozy place! I love the ambience.  The interior design gives you that ohh-factor.  You’ll think you are in a city mall or something like it, when actually you’re in Bulacan! Nice interior, whoever designed it, good job. 

Mad About Nails also offers Hand Care, Nail Extension, nail art, foot care, paraffin spa treatment, Mani and pedi for kids, eyelash enhancement, threading, waxing, whole body scrub and ear candling.  Avail any with discount when you get a pampering card! 

They likewise accept nail spa parties.  Visit Mad About Nails at 2nd floor PLM building DRT hi-way corner Benigno Aquino Ave, Bagong Nayon, Baliuag Bulacan.  The building in front of Jolibee flyover across Puregold Bagong Nayon Baliuag.

What’s your mad nails story?

Xoxo
Caroleen

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#everythinglovely #everythinglovelybycaroleen 

I didn't expect that this lipstick can be as dry as an old pastel crayon stuck in a drawer for years.  

This was really the initial reaction i had when i first applied Mac Ruby Woo on my lips.  The first aplication didn't even seem to cover heavily on my lower lip as the dryness refuses to color my lips fast and solid-strong.  

And yet, I still find Ruby Woo as one of the sexiest red red red lipsticks there is:)

My recent purchase of Mac lipstick has got to be Ruby Woo, I said to myself months ago after purchasing Mac candy yum yum (click on link for my write up on lipsticks and some tints _) which has neon pink shade.  

Though I met Ruby Woo during my first Mac purchase, I still chose Mac Russian Red as it was very well-recommended by the Mac booth attendants.  Perhaps as a first time user of the brand Mac, they knew that Ruby Woo would quite surprise me (and perhaps turn me off!) But it didn't. 

After reading few reviews about Mac Ruby Woo, I decided to give it a try and see what they really meant by Ruby Woo causing the lips "dry."

Ruby Woo: How was it then?

My verdict: well. It-is-dry. Mac Ruby Woo has a matte-finish just like Russian Red except that Ruby Woo is seriously FLAT and DRY.  Russian Red, though matte and likewise dries my lips a lot, has a shinier finish and thus smoother effect (like by 2%) compared to Ruby Woo. 

Mac Ruby Woo costs 1000php in Mac Trinoma.  You can check it out and apply it on your lips to see if it fits "your kind of lipstick." 

I can say that I'm a little "sadista" when it comes to my lips as i do not have the habit of putting on lip balm and/or lip gloss to smoothen it.

I like my lips dry and chapped.  I don't feel comfortable with sticky, shiny lips (don't ask me why, I really do not know why I have that kind of preference).  
 i supposed this is the very reason why I fell in love with the brand Mac, especially their matte lipsticks as it is the only brand that makes my lips real dry compared to other brands that have matte-labels but produce satin-finish on the lips. 

Shown here in the picture are MAC russian red, retro and ruby woo swatches:
 top pictures shows  ruby woo (first application).
left picture: 
first line is russian red
second line is retro
third line is ruby woo
on a pale/ fairer skin (white complexion).

Meanwhile, the right side of the picture shows the same order of lipstick swatches only applied on a medium-skin complexion.

So far, Ruby Woo completed my most coveted Mac top finalists!  

(1) Russian Red though is still my favorite. Classy and lovely. first application, you get the red red red that you want!
(2) Creme Puff (not on the picture) is the least of my favorite because it has a pale pink almost nude effect that makes me look sick when i apply it.
(3) Candy Yumyum is the most girly and fashionable barbie pink lipstick that I have so I carry it with me whenever my mood suddenly swings.... :)
(4) Retro is perfect for laid back style as it is simple and offers a sub-fashion statement that gives lovely look in a photo. It is not daring so i love wearing it in an ordinary day. (it was given to me by my loving auntie, Tita Ann).
(5) Ruby Woo is now my second favorite Red lipstick. i love the way it creates smudge, it gives me a rockstar bold red attitude.  

"it's red, and hell i care if it smudges!

Mac Ruby Woo is flat and hence it is perfect even worn in a bright broad daylight.  It doesn't look off yet it still gives that classy smeared or stained-look.  If you are planning to purchase Ruby Woo, i hope you are warned about it.  As for me, really, am enjoying it:) 

Tell me what you prefer: dry lips or shiny/glossy one and why? I'm not closing doors to that glossy pout:) C'mon share! :)

comment below!:) xoxo

caroleenish:)

caroleen wearing Mac Ruby Woo.

And just like that, Palawan had me wanting her so bad.

It was just last week when I explored Palawan Philippines with my family.  After so many years, a family get-away finally transpired---the Iletos and the Macaraegs (my dad's sister and her family from California) enjoyed a four day trip in such a beautiful place as Palawan.

In fact until now, I am so confused on what to write about this trip, I just felt there are so many things that are worthy of sharing that I really do not know where to start.  Do i post pictures? Do i discuss the place? My personal experience with my son? Write a travelogue perhaps? Really this has made me thinking for days that only NOW I sit down and write down my thoughts.  

Perhaps to sum up my experience, I felt like I was a "lakatsera sa Palawan" for a time.  From beaches and river to restaurants and churches, to wet and dry market tours, I can say that I have conquered Palawan pretty well:)

I know very well that Palawan is too famous already that every Juan knows about the wonders of nature you can find there.  So, I will not write about that.  Perhaps I just want to share some points I learned about Palawan and why it became so memorable to me:

First: It's our first travel destination! Me and my little bieny!  I enjoyed him so well from our flight going to PPC and then our adventures in the city and then back in Manila. My son's smile is priceless.  I know he learned a lot from our trip!

Second: I learned that Palawan is the safest place in the Philippines when it comes to natural threats due to erosion. earthquakes and the like. Palawan has no fault line, therefore no quakes can rattle this place.  I'm actually considering buying a lot here where I can build my dream house!

Third: People are very hospitable, kind and soft-toned.  I think they will make great neighbors! hehe.

Fourth: Of course I love the beaches!  I love the salty air! I love the beautiful rock formations, the place is just jam+packed with many wonderful things to see!

Fifth: Tourism is good, I don't think there is a dull business operating in this place. I would consider opening a travel agency, or a hotel or a canteen of some sort!

So there!  If you haven't gone to Palawan, it's about time to think about saving some of that allowance for this heaven!  

Id definitely go back to this place.  El Nido and Coron will surely rock my world.:)

Travel with your loved ones. Explore Palawan. Explore Philippines:)

Humorous. Fun. Exciting. These are just some of the adjectives you'd probably associate with Benefit when you get to discover the looks and the tricks their products can give you!

I'm talking about the no-boring make up brand, Benefit Cosmetics!  A wonderful invention from San Francisco,  USA. Benefit Cosmetics totally changed the way I shop for cosmetics! As the original Bene-gals, the Ford twins would always say " Laughter is the best cosmetic.." so true that you'll find yourself buying their products not just because it totally works but because you find yourself smiling at the gift you give yourself.

Perhaps, what makes Benefit Cosmetics popular is the way they style the packaging of their cosmetics.  Creative, lovely, daring and brilliant, Benefit has got me obsessed with their products that honesty, I would really want to try everything! (Warning: you really have to save a lot since Benefit is not just a typical make up brand). ^_^. Then think of it as an investment! A gift to yourself, a piece of collection:)

My first purchase of benefit products started just last month when I finally gave it a try.  Since I don't really look for complete make up, I mean with all that concealers, foundation, etc. I never gave it a chance until I passed by its newly opened pop-up store in Trinoma and was invited by their bene-babe assistants to try on POREfessional.  

Velvety and amazing. I was like, "really?" There is a product like this??? LOL. As funny as it was, I have realized that yeah, I have not really given it a try.

Let me guide you through this kit.  If you haven't tried on any benefit products or if you are new to this brand, I advise that you buy the Primping With The Stars Kit as a good starter!
It is easy to use and really BENEficial at 1700 php:)

What's IN it?
Let me give you a basic product decription based on what I have researched and what I have experienced:) All photos were taken at the same area, same day, and under the same incandescent light:)  TOTALLY, NO FILTER or any effects to let you see how it is really when applied:)


Let's start with this clean, bare and NO make up face:) this is me, without any thing on:)

Now let's start!

a. Stay Don't Stray is an eye shadow primer.  A primer is the base that holds your eye make up/eyeshadow and makes it stay/last longer.  It likewise brightens the eye area.  How to apply it: Using the brush, make three dots around the eye area and then gently spread it using your finger outwards.

b. POREfessional: this product puts Benefit on top of the game together with Benetint as POREfessional is a beauty invention that minimizes appearance of your facial pores as it gives it a velvety feeling and acts as a primer as well.  The product gives you an INSTANT result, NO Kid!

c. Some-kind-a-gorgeous!  is a foundation faker. You apply it all over the face using your fingers. Apply it after POREfessional:)  The packaging is cute and the quality of the foundation is excellent. You should try this!

d. benetint is a lip and cheek stain that has a rosy smell and tints naturally on the skin. Benefit Cosmetics actually started with this product back in 1977 when "an exotic dancer ordered nipple stain to Ford sisters."
Using your fingers moving circular in motion to your cheeks, you create a wonderful blush stain that is gorgeously natural.

e. girl meets pearl is a liquid highlighter you dab with your fingers on the cheeks to give a luminous rosy pear effect on the stain you previously created.  I love the smell of this product! Try this and complete that glowing look:)

f. They're real.  Last in this kit is they're real mascara.  This one is highly recommended especially if you are the type that doesn't like smudges, bludgeoned-looking-eyes after wearing a mascara for an hour or so!
I swear, amongst the mascaras I have tried, this is the only one that does not fail you in terms of its water-proof and volumizing/lengthening effect.  Max factor, Revlon, Estee Lauder and other mascara brands have failed me a number of times:( But with They're Real, I found hope! HAhaha. Imagine I trained kickboxing and got sweat all over my face but it was still there with no mess!  Imagine the sweat--really dripping and even as i wiped my face with a towel, the towel got mascara stains but not on my face/eye area.  Cool huh! My sister gave it a try (as I was making "kulit") and she got herself convinced! Now she owns her own Primping with the Stars kit, initially, because of they're real! hehe

There! I'm ready to go:) Bye girls! thanks for reading. More posts to come:) If you have a product/service/event that you want me to blog about, just email me:) Go to Connect with Caroleen page and send me message:)

Let's celebrate being us--girls:) everything lovely is about beauty that is shared. 

Muah! 

I first heard about Muay Thai from my college rhetoric professor Maam TP De Luna in 2005, when she narrated how she enjoyed her kickboxing class and how it gave her "that" high-feeling knowing that she can kick with such power/ strength.  As a student I wondered why women like my professor consider boxing and kicking when they can actually choose playing badminton or swimming or belly dancing--- something more "feminine."

Perhaps as a 19 year old, I was too worried about engaging in sports that are famously played by men.  A little shy perhaps to serve that punch or even raise my leg for a kick.  

But everything has changed now, especially with the way i view sports for men and for women.  I have realized that sports has no gender and anybody, even that shy lass in your class can be a badass kicker in that boxing ring!

So, while doing aerobics for almost a year at Jessica's gym in San Ildefonso Bulacan, last May 4, 2013 I finally decided to give myself a new kind of training for health, self-defense and personality development. I thought "I'm ready to kick some butt:)"

Kidding aside, I was really into this because I wanted to bring back my weight :)  But more than that, I wanted to train because I wanted to be really fit--by "fit" i mean, not just achieve an ideal weight, but achieve right endurance, strength, flexibility and body and mind coordination through self-defense/ exercise.

Kickboxing

Muay thai is a combat sports from the muay martial arts of Thailand (wikipedia). It combines a physical and mental discipline as it includes combat on foot referred to as "the art of eight limbs":  use of fists, elbows, knees, shins and feet (wikipedia).

Third: acquire self defense moves
more than just a form of exercise, kickboxing lets you acquire additional valuable knowledge of self-defense. This is particularly ideal for women and even little girls, pre-teens, and teens. 

Fourth: get rid of stress and aggression, consider anger management therapy

Kickboxing lets you release tension, energies that may be negatively disturbing your mind and your focus that somehow affects the way you move.  As you train, you would eventually feel a good sense of relief.  It lets you focus or concentrate on what you should do and gives you time to think about what you feel:)  

Fifth: Confidence from Within.
You know you can.

With kickboxing, you get to give yourself another level of experience and knowledge that adds up to that confidence not just in facing a dangerous situation, but with the things that you fear or situations that you think you are actually scared of.

Plus, it makes you feel good about yourself, your body---knowing that your muscles are not lazy and that you are sexy and beautiful from within:)

Fight factory Manila offers muay thai, boxing, MMA, jiu-jitsu and the like to men and women.  the gym is located at Thompson's Square in Tomas Morato, Quezon City.  The rate is 350php per session.  At first I thought that Muay thai training is much like aerobics where you can train for an hour and a half.  However, with muay thai, especially for beginners like, 3 hours would just be right per session as you would really have to take a couple of rest in between your warm up exercises, actual kickboxing training, abs work out exercises, cooling down, and finally, stretching.

You can actually enroll as a group (with your friends) or one on one.  Since I went there by myself and decided to pursue it even without a friend to accompany me, I get to focus more with the training as the personal trainer assigned for me really gave his time to see my lapses.

The warming up jumping rope exercise is really challenging.  I have been attending the training for the 3rd time now (June 8, 2013) and yet I still can't seem to get the rhythm of the jump and the rope I supposed to skip.

"Nagwawala na siya oh" they jokingly tell me as I tried my best to jump---as a result, the jump was too high that easily tires me.  Plus the rope was making too noisy taps on the rubber mat. It was supposed to be done smoothly and with less sound.  Anyway, this is one of the things that inspires me to continue kickboxing.

Try it.  If you are looking for a new sports to engage yourself in with the purpose of burning those calories, consider kickboxing!  You'll even learn valuable self-defense. 

After all, you are a woman, you owe it to yourself that you can protect yourself while being fit:)

you are not just lovely, you are tough:)

A lipstick person is one that holds certain fondness for lipsticks---whether she is actually applying it on her lips, or just merely collecting lipsticks by color, texture, or brand, a lipstick person has a quite significant impulsive behavior on buying lipsticks as spotted on a make up stall or in an online make up shop.  As trivial as it may sound, there are a number of girls that hold certain fondness on this powerful tube.

In fact, lipsticks are popular even during girls' early childhood.  For instance, i can remember how i played with my Barbie doll and just stare at her lips and adore its color.  Growing up, I see my Tita applying ONLY lipstick whenever she goes out.  In a way, i grew up with an understanding that a face make up will never be complete without that stain on the lips. 
Stain on the lips brightens your face and gives you a kind of personality or character or attitude.  It can be soft and subtle, lovely as pink or bright and witty, hot as red; simple and bare as beige or nude or vibrant and eye-catching as neon orange.

There are a roster of lipstick colors you can choose from depending on your skin color, occasion to attend to, depending on your mood or probably the way you just want people to notice you (or your lips!).

Based on research, lipstick invention started during the ancient times when Mesopotamian women crushed gemstones and apply it on their lips (wikipedia.com)!

I wonder how gemstones feel on the lips. haha!  Nowadays, lipstick variety includes those that have matte-finish, glossy, or semi-matte. Matte-finish is my favorite!  Perhaps amongst the brand that has good matte-finish, MAC lipsticks stand out.  My personal choice is MAC candy Yum yum and Russian Red.  It gives you the full lip pigmentation you want to achieve as it stains and stays long without the oily/shiny effect.  However, during my high school days, I would always wear Revlon gloss, as it makes my lips soft and look pouty! (Perfect for a teen!)  Semi-matte however gives just the right color and protection for the lips.  I must admit, my lips are chapped and always dry because this is the side effect of Matte lipsticks---they make lips really dry.  Anyway, if this happens to you just take care of your lips by using a balm or petroleum jelly applied overnight or whenever you take a break from your matte lipstick.

MAC Creme Puff on my lips in this photo.  The color is pale pink, subtle and simple.  However, I think this color is quite sensitive with skin color matching, morena or tanned girls may find this more appealing.  hahah. For those who have whiter/fairer complexions, you may look a little pale when you wear this.  i guess, deep smoky eyeshadow paired with this lip color will give it an elegant or should i say, vampirish-twist:)

Lip Tricks:

Before i buy lipsticks, i make it a habit to read reviews first and look at images of women wearing the lipstick i plan to purchase.  Blogs, reviews from the official website of the brand, random images---they all help so you may execute a "wise buy" and be not sorry about your purchase.

Consider visiting the physical store and try on the lipstick/ tint first.

If you want something bold--something that makes your lips noticeable/ full or if simply you want to emphasize your lips, try Mac matte lipsticks.  Look for Russian Red, Ruby Woo, lady Danger, Saint Germaine or Candy YumYum. 

If you want something natural, more like just a stain on the lips, try lip tints!  Benefit Cosmetics' Bene-tint has a nice rosy smell, however it does not stain much especially on first application. Face Shop's My Lips eat Cherries stains perfectly and instantly and it is much economical compared to Bene-tint, if you are considering the budget:)  

With my sister Athenna!  I tried Bene-tint on her cheeks and lips. See how natural it appears, for everyday make up:)

There! I hope i have helped you guys on your next lip tube purchase:)

What's your favorite lipstick, by the way?