Laughter for the Day

It's Friday! Ain't we all glad it's Friday? I sure am and I'm hoping to have a quiet and relaxed weekend in the office (right, I'll be working!).

So anyway, I'll break my routine and won't get too serious today with my post. I'm gonna talk about how to make tv stands. Hahahah *wicked witch laugh* Okay, I'm kidding! (You know my son would be confused with that and I could almost hear him ask, Mama does a TV have feet now? Lol).

Now, remember the old adage that says laughter is the best medicine? Oh well, forgive me but I'm gonna make that my tip for the day. And this illustration below is making me laugh my head out! Really made my day.

Here's a picture of the world without Electronics Engineers. *chuckle* Look at that TV and that makeshift stand. I couldn't imagine what my son would do with this setup.

Understanding SPF

So, what does SPF stand for? I don't blame you for not knowing. Really. My gawd, if you only knew that I've been talking about SPF long before I actually learned what the acronym means. But okay, if you still don't know now, Google it. *kidding*

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The higher the SPF, the more effective it is (since it would mean that more sun protection is offered).

What does SPF really mean?

The SPF indicates the time a person with sunscreen applied can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn relative to the time a person without sunscreen can be exposed. For example, someone who would burn after 12 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 120 minutes if protected by a sunscreen with SPF 10.

Now you may want to ask if all lotions or creams or products with SPF will be effective to protect you. Definitely not. From experience, I found that there are products which are not really that effective (but the price would somehow be an indicator *smile* and then experimentation -which is risky- can lead you to a good finding). But this would be beyond our control.

That said, allow me to share something I found today about controllable factors affecting sunscreen effectiveness:

• The skin type of the user.
• The amount applied and frequency of re-application.
• Activities in which one engages (for example, swimming leads to a loss of sunscreen from the skin).
• Amount of sunscreen the skin has absorbed.
  

The latter is actually uncontrollable if it has something to do with consistency of the ingredients used.

Do you know that?

The first effective sunscreen may have been developed by chemist Franz Greiter in 1938. The product, called Gletscher Crème (Glacier Cream), subsequently became the basis for the company Piz Buin (named in honor of the place Greiter allegedly obtained the sunburn that inspired his concoction), which today is a well-known marketer of sunscreen products.

He is credited with introducing the concept of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) in 1962, which has become a worldwide standard for measuring the effectiveness of sunscreen.

My tip of the day: Apply sunscreen daily. Not only will it prevent uneven skin tone but it will also help prevent early skin aging.


Related topics:
Cheap Sunburn Remedy


Source

Yehey! Offline Gmail is Here!

GMAIL is making your email available offline. It's called the Offline Gmail and when it's enabled, you'll be able see a new "Offline^0.1" link in the upper righthand corner of your account, next to your username according to the Gmail blog.

On how to enable this setting, read this post.

Time-tested Beauty Tips

By Sam Levenson:

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair, let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day.

For poise, walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone.

People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; Never throw out anybody.

Remember, If you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

BTW, others have mistakenly claimed this to be Audrey Hepburn's Beauty Tips but this actually Sam's.

Click me, click me for other quotes from Sam Levenson

Opt For "Green" Nailpolish

I was reading our company's online new bulletin of sort when I chanced upon this piece of tip which I found so practical and environment-friendly that I had to snatch it and post it here verbatim.

Tip of the Day: Try a "Green" Nail Polish

A number of companies now offer more natural alternatives to conventional nail polish that are gorgeous and fun, as well as safer for you and the planet. Examples include soy-, corn-and water-based nail polishes. You may not have realized it, but your nails are porous and can allow toxins to enter your bloodstream. So why not play it safe and pick a great new "natural" color.

I honestly didn't know that there are "green" nail polish out in the market already. "Green" weight loss pills maybe but "green" polish? I'm so not updated! But that must be because I rarely color my nails. *smiles* I really am not so fond of coloring my nails. Nonetheless, I always believe an environment-friendly product is a better option. Much, much better option. Not to mention that it's must be much better for the health too.

More About Foundation

I'm back with more about foundations. *smile*

If you've found a foundation with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) that perfectly works for you, then you're one lucky b*tch, este babe. I mean it, really - because foundations should not only improve your look by providing a smooth and even finish but protect the skin as well. So if you're still looking and experimenting for a foundation that suits you best, make sure it has an SPF.

And before I sign off, I just want to remind that the magic word with respect to foundation is "BLEND." It should blend well with the skin -and your skintone.


More about foundation?
Here's your GPS, este guide on how to apply foundation.

Video Previews Right At Gmail Chat

The tech peeps at Gmail are really doing a great job at making our life easier –our online life that is. *smiles* Sometimes, I wonder if they do ever stop working.

Anyway, if you’re fond of using the Gmail chat feature –like most of us- I’m sure you’d be very happy to know that they’ve added a cool feature for us chatters. We can now watch video previews right there and then –while chatting and yup, yup, yup, no opening of browsers needed. So when your kapamilya or kapuso sends a link of a video for you to check, you’ll immediately what it’s all about. Cool ey? Gotta thank the Gmail peeps for their dedication with their tech jobs.

Desktop Calendar

I had enough of being caught by surprise brought about by forgetting an event or a special occasion one day that I decided to download a desktop calendar, one that really stays on the desktop.

I'm still using it these day -it's a software called Rainlendar.

Now, I've read on the Gmailblog that a calendar for the Google Desktop is already available. Neat!

Try it. For more details, check the Gmailblog.

What Everyone Should Know About Applying Foundations

The Golden Rule when using foundations is to know your skintone first. Check this post to find out more about your skintone.

When using a foundation, apply it around the face in circular motion. Work inwards to your face. Repeated motions will effectively help the make-up and give a fresh looking finish to your skin.

To even out tone (and for best result), use two shades of foundations. Dab the lighter color on darker areas, and the darker on lighter areas. Blend with a damp sponge and then set with loose powder.

When applying mineral foundation, always be careful not to over-apply. Remember that a little goes a long way. It actually takes few moments for the minerals to warm up and settle.

Powder foundations provide thinner coverage that dries to a powder-y finish and help control shone in just one sweep. If you want a dewy or sheer finish, opt for liquid foundations.

Tip of the Day: Check Your Shoes

TIP: When using old shoes – or shoes kept for so long, always make sure to check, check and check it. (Trust me, you’ll be very thankful you did)

This is actually a lesson we unexpectedly learned on my sister’s wedding day.

After my sister had hopped into the bridal car, my husband and I (candle sponsors) had intended to follow her to church at once. All set for our roles in the ceremony and with my son (ring bearer) and sister in tow, we walked out of our hotel room and headed for the elevator.

And then *soft thud* it happened. The outer sole of my husband’s right shoe came off!

We all stopped in our tracks – and stood staring at the piece of black rubber on the asphalt-finished hotel floor…and then we burst out laughing!

I was so sure the shoes are in good shape when I took them out of the box. And then my father who cleaned and polished them before the big event would surely have noticed and warned us of an imminent disaster if it were in any shape other than what we expected it to be.

But there it was lying on the floor –the outer sole separated from the shoe. It’s a good thing, we all agreed, that it did not happen while walking down the aisle! That would have been an unforgettable blooper. *chuckles*

As we were not prepared for a disaster such as this, we asked help from the hotel staff, who provided us with a non-quick drying adhesive. But it was a futile attempt to put the pieces together with that kind of glue -and we had no time to spare to wait for it to dry. In desperation, I suggested for my husband to take the other pair’s outer sole off (ala Mentos! lol) and get on with the ceremony sole-less –-but he wouldn’t want to.

So what do we do now? I kept on asking him. Nowhere could we find a cement glue that's commonly used on durable shoes like those Merrel shoes. Nor is there a shoe repair nearby. As it was, we’re already late for the ceremony! I was already pulling the strands of my carefully made-up hair in utter frustration. Good thing though, there is a shoe store a couple of blocks away.

Short of the story, we all walked out of the hotel to the shoe store with my husband limping all the way (he stubbornly refused walking without the removed sole and so he loosely attached the sole using the adhesive the hotel staff provided and then limped so it (or he) will not slip off!) If you didn't know my husband and saw him limp then, you'd have thought he's got a physical defect. *smiles* But ahh yes, we made it to the ceremony though we got in late.

No Cheap Items Now :-(

I'm so sad. I've dropped by the mall few days ago and checked the rave clothings at this thrift boutique, which I accidently discovered last December while doing my holiday shopping, and the prices of their items are all up! Hmmm, no huge discounts now. Actualy there's really NO discount now. :-( :-( There are cool blouses there and I'm so disappointed.

Guess, I'll just wait if they'd be on SALE

Gmail: Send And Archive

Visit the GmailBlog for a tip on how to activate the Send And Archive button.


Have a lovely day!

Cycling Tips

I understand it if by now you feel like you want to double time with your exercise routine. It's time to burn those calories we've "collected" during the holidays, isn't it? *chuckle*

Do you know that cycling is a good anaerobic exercise that helps burn those calories fast? Yep, yep. And alternatively, if you don't really want bicycling around the neighborhood or in the park, you can do it at home with the use of those ellipticals a.k.a treadmills. Convenient, really.

So if you are considering the option of buying a treadmill, here's a guide for you.

But for those who are into cycling - real thing or not, here are few pre-cycling stretches from the personal trainer Kim Kucher.


Moreover, I wanna share something about a new stationary bike that's unique and what others find "real fun." Here's the post.

New Gmail Tip for iPhone Users

Fresh off the press... *smile* So what is it?

If you are an iPhone and a Gmail user, you might want the new tip posted at the GmailBlog. It's about configuring your archive/deleting mails in your iPhone so that these mails, which you want to read later, would still be viewable in Gmail even after 30 days (retention period for Gmail Trash).

Very useful, I should say. So hop on the Gmail blog and read here, for more details.

Beauty and Beautification

When I said in my previous post that BeAuTy is so much more that just a pretty face and a great-looking body.

I did mean that. Despite having physical flaws -- the post -pregnancy tummy and sagging breasts perhaps?—but despite that, I honestly feel I’m still too blessed to complain about my physical aspects (although yes, there are days when I also wish I could have a smoother, flatter tummy again *smiles*. But that’s just that, I’m not in any way consumed with that wish or of any similar wish of that nature. Honest!

I have not considered any cosmetic surgery procedures –ever. Maybe because I’m not that wealthy *chuckle* and I have other priorities than that. And then even if I have the means, I’m too chicken to consider going through all of that. I just couldn’t imagine going through a procedure like the MYA breast surgery, even if I wondered all about breast uplift sometimes *wink*.

Though I understand that there are lots of competent and trusted surgeons around who could do the procedure in an hour or three, and under general anesthetic (so obviously one doesn’t have to worry about the pain) I simply just couldn’t.imagine.going.through.all.that. But okay, that’s just me speaking. There are women who feel they need these cosmetic surgery procedures though (for confidence boost etc...). I see no wrong in that and I respect them –in reality I have high regard for all these women who have the courage to go through these procedures (sadly I don’t have that courage, among other things). So if you're one of those women, please don't be offended with this post.

In closing, I just have this to say to all women out there: go for what you want when you can so long as you don’t compromise anything (or anyone). And then I’ll have to re-iterate that: Looking good means having a healthy body and a positive outlook in life.

Beauty Secret

Here's something that I've read today (actually it say something to this effect) and I couldn't agree more.

BeAuTy is so much more that just a pretty face and a great-looking body. Looking good means having a healthy body and a positive outlook in life.

Now the preceding statement reminds me about that saying from The Little Prince and allow me to quote it.

“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye.”

Have a wonderful Monday everyone!

All-in-One!

How would you like to have everything you need in just one package? Like how would you like to have an aircon, an air purifier and sanitizer in one package? Or how would you like to have an oven, stove, microwave, heater, grill, food processor, steamer -maybe even fridge- with just ONE cool product?

Wouldn't that be absolutely wonderful? A compact, all-in-one product would not only be a welcome break to our overly stressed pockets *smile* , but it would be a convenient armor for busy bodies out there - like me! It would simplify everything! It would be a must-have!

So how would you like to have a shielding lotion, a skin hydrant and a sunscreen in just one bottle? I bet you would love it. Imagine to have it all in just one application. You have to agree with me that not only can it save money but time and effort as well. Simply a must-have, right?

So for busy moms like me, here is a product that would simplify our skin caring routines. SkinMDNatural now has added a new addition to their line of skincare system - the Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion + Sunscreen SPF15.

This product helps prevent loss of natural oils and moisture, doesn't allow irritating substances to penetrate the skin and absorbs the part of UV spectrum that contributes to premature skin ageing and development of skin cancer.

Because I'm already a user of the SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion, it didn't take a lot to get me to try this new product. And from what I've experience, it's still the same product but with an added advantage: the sunscreen protection factor. It is still fragrance-free and definitely not greasy.

Worried about Paraben? It is paraben-free and it is hypoallergenic.

So you apply moisturizer and a sunscreen separately? Try the new SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion and Sunscreen SPF15 and tell me what you think.

Cold/Wet Season Skincare

Skincare is seasonal, just like wardrobe. During summertime, think about sun protection i.e. sunscreen lotion, umbrellas, sunnies, hydrating creams...

Timely care, constant moisturizing and nutrition of the skin could help you easily avoid or cope with skin problems during the wet/cold season. In these times, make sure to use a moisturizer to hydrate your skin and keep it from getting itchy and dry.

Also, do note that moisturizers are much more effective on properly exfoliated skin. Exfoliate the facial skin with a gently scrub that is designed for the face. For the body, use a body scrub to smoothen and soften skin. Moisturize with body butter or your favorite moisturizing lotion.

As skin cleanser, stick with a creamy moisturizing cleanser that contains glycerin and skip the regular soaps as they tend to dry the skin and make it age more. Or a gentle liquid cleanser that is water-soluble as it washes off dirt and oil with less dryness.

If you have super sensitive skin, consider avoiding rinsing your face with tap water. Instead use a light skin cleanser that does not require rinsing, very much like cold creams.

For a homemade moisturizing facial mask:

Mix honey with raw milk/fresh milk and apply it on the face. Leave it on for a couple of minutes and then wash it thoroughly after it dries up.


Read about moisturizing ingredients to watch out for, check here.
Read more about honey, go here.
Read about a recipe of a homemade scrub here.
Read more about skincare, go here, here and here.

Quantify the Goal

As a follow-up to this short post about writing down goals, here's something I wanna share.

Quantify your goal. Once you have already established a goal, the next step is to quantify it. Example, if your goal is to earn more cash, think of the figures you want to come up with. Ask yourself, how much.

Or when your goal is to get promoted in the corporate ladder, note which rung in the ladder you want to go.

Quantify your goal so that you will know whether you have achieved it or not.

HaPpY MoNdAy!

In StyLe: Big Hips

When you've got those big hips, don't think of it as a "minus-factor." Consider you're just abundantly blessed. Wear your hips like one of those Fossil watches -nonchalantly. *chuckle*

But really, you can always play with your wardrobe to highlight your "other assets" (that is, if you don't consider the hips as your best asset).

Here are some tips:

BLOUSE/DRESS:

Choose dresses that show off your top half. Look for clothes with details on top portion so as not to draw attention to your bottom half. You can opt for blouses that are strapless or halter sleeved and those with neckline styles. An empire waist-cut dress would also be perfect.


Pick something that is tight around the chest/waist and flares slightly.

PANTS:

Look for upright pants which visually reduce the size of the hips.

Go for jeans without too much detail/embellishments or flaps on the pockets. Jeans with mid-sized pockets that are not too far apart are a good buy.

If you want to wear skinny jeans (which are so hot these days), you can. Just make sure to choose one that is dark in color (for the slimming effect). You may also try to cover your hips with a scarf. Or get a fashionably baggy blouse with details on the neckline to go with the skinny jeans.

sMiLe

This would be my very first post for the year 2009, so I wanted to keep this short and light -and positive. And happy... so I'm not gonna talk about liposuction and complex things like that. *chuckle*

I'll just talk about smiling. Yeah, as the song goes, "smile when your heart is aching...smile even though it's breaking." Oh well, you might think mine is breaking but on the contrary, my heart is so so HaPpY now. Lots of things (and people are making me happy) . Love is making me happy. Forgive me I just cannot help being mushy. *smiles*

Anyway, they say that everyday we make about fifteen thousand expressions which can affect the complexion. When we smile, we use 14 types of muscles but when we're angry, pissed, annoyed, we make more than 70!

So...sMiLe!

HaPpY NeW YeAr! Praying for a wondrous year for everyone.