A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

I have always encouraged my readers, most specifically moms out there like me to embrace their lives by building or finding a community of life lovers. Today, I was able to practice yoga under Ms. Elise Hamilton in front of the Lido Beach . I will touch how yoga helps holistically in another post but today, I'd like to focus on a basic reminder that crossed my mind  seeing this photo that was taken of us dedicating an hour of practice early this morning. I forget it most of the time so today, I am thankful that it never fails to be recognised.

It's this:

"Sometimes, you need to challenge the usual to be able to see beauty from another angle. Today, as I was asked to go into this position and while looking at the palm of my hand, my vision focused on the hand goes blurred and a beautiful scenery of the bridge from below landscaped by the clear blue sky, the trees and vaguely forming clouds were concomitantly revealed. I had to sit on a split, bend towards my right fully  with right elbow on the floor and an extended left hand up with the left shoulder rotated outward. If I had shown resistance to this, I would have never seen such a beautiful picture.

So much so, if we apply this mind setting in real life, stimuli, circumstances, change, growth... if we resist on the process to leads to any of these, we might miss out what lesson, truth and beauty we had to see.

I bet so many people who have lived here in Hong Kong specifically around the area, have not been able to see it this way because they are so into looking from a man's point of view, the ordinary eye level glancing."

Today's weather was the best for a good lengthy practice. Just a little bit windy but it made us more aware of how deep breathing could ease us from attaining and holding one position to another. Not to mention, the energy and vibe each exudes are supportive and fun. Just how I wanted to start my week.

Namaste!

Related post:

1. 11 THINGS YOU SHOULD LET GO OF TO START ANEW - do these 100% no regrets

2. HOW TO BE CONSISTENT IN GOING TO THE GYM - it's hard for anybody to form a habit of going to the gym most especially amongst moms. But, here are ways for you not to stay motivated.

3. 2015 BEST PHOTOS - Check out some of the meaningful shots I collected to represent every month of my 2015.

FOCUS ON THE 1%

Have you ever counted how many times you make a decision in a day? From whether you're going to go for another snooze alarm, if you're going to linger on the bed for a while or not after you wake up? Should you read a book first or check your Facebook page or turn the coffee maker on right before you do all that so that the water is boiling already while you browse? How about the clothes you're going to wear? Are you going to work or ditch work? What time should you eat? What would you want to come first? Eat or shower? Are you shampooing your hair today or not, do you want to brush your teeth from there or eat first before you brush your teeth. I think what I've shared is just one to fifteen minutes upon waking up.

Let's scale it up.

Decision making when it comes to which doctor you'd prefer for general check up, which car to buy, which insurance company to go for, which business to put up, have a divorce or not, which country to go to for a vacation. Yes, you're already about to go on a vacation and yet you still have to work on deciding where. These things are just examples of the thousands and thousands of decision making we do. It is quite immeasurable and it does require a great deal of energy.

Most often than not, when the desired outcome is not achieved because of certain reasons, it gets to a point that it upsets us. But let me remind you that you are your only reason why you would not be achieving a goal, nothing and nobody else. So let me empower you with the 99/1 rule.

There are a couple of concepts that I learned reading about the 99/1 rule:

First, it is about the 1% that is composed of the extraordinary. It is considered so to give emphasis on the minority in number of people who chooses to be one. You see, not many people practice a distinct way of thinking different from the rest (the 99%). Out of comfort and familiarity, people tend to go with the flow and do a series of activities that preserve this (a routine). But there's always that 1% that is pro counter flow. They are the ones who use their minds that questions the flow, they are the ones that question the system and are curious why there is one in the first place and what is it for? Better yet, they are the ones who think of challenging an outcome into being extraordinary by outperforming the other 99%.

A good example of this would be in sports as explained in one of the articles of www.secretentourage.com. Nobody would ever think that running a 3minute 3mile marathon, which is extraordinary, could be done because nobody has ever done it yet. But once, somebody would actually aim his or her efforts into achieving that, it may be possible 'til its proven by getting it done. The impossible idealism now becomes possible. So, in applying this rule to your goals tapping on your decision making capabilities, the 99/1 rule would be a good help in making desired outcome happen.

Secondly, the 99/1 rule may be accounted for assigning your biggest why as the 1% and the 99% as "noise". Whatever difficulty you may encounter when it comes to decision making on a grand scale like, moving houses, shifting from one career to the other, giving up a bad habit, assign that big emotional why as your 1%. If it doesn't conform to your 1%, don't do it. If it puts your 1% into a compromise, don't do it. Simple as that. This will serve you good in keeping yourself sane and composed. This can be very helpful if you are torn into making a decision based on your emotions. Awareness is the key to identifying such a moment but as a matter of fact, we often do rash decisions when extreme emotions come at play like anger, sadness, despair and lust. And then we suffer from the outcome it gives in a form of consequence. For example, if you are on the verge of cheating, and with that little voice in your head that whispers to you don't do it and you are driven by a strong emotion (lust), you may apply this 99/1 rule and tap on that 1% (your family) of a big emotional why and the circumstance being treated as noise (the other 99%), I think it'll give you a clearer understanding of how you should decide on matters. Another example would be going against your boss. Take a step back and apply the 99/1 rule. Whatever the other people invokes you to do (99% noise), consider the outcome first and how it will affect your family (the only 1%). Yet again, interestingly, it satisfies the first concept explained earlier, making the extraordinary happen, which is not giving into your emotions. Instead, you come up with other forms of resolution which doesn't involve violence.

I was inspired to share this because a friend expressed jitters yesterday in joining the first Spartan Race here in Hong Kong.

A Spartan Race is an obstacle race that has a mission of empowering the human race in accepting transformation into being resilient to any kind of challenge, physical or mental. It involves cash price in the end to kick start it with a little motivation. But the achievement lies more on being able to push thru the limit. A little something about how it works was cited in their website:

"Reebok Spartan Race is innovating obstacle racing on a global scale. With more than 130 races around the world annually – we offer three core races each escalating in distance, obstacle count and challenge level. The Spartan Sprint (3+ miles/20+ obstacles), the Spartan Super (8+ miles/ 25+ obstacles) and Spartan Beast (12+ miles/ 30+ obstacles). Courses are riddled with signature obstacles: mud, barbed wire, walls, rope and fire. Challenge yourself to complete all three and become part of the TRIFECTA tribe."

This is how you do a burpee.
Doing this after running 3 miles is hard!

My friend mentioned about having to complete 600 burpees. I sensed self doubt so I encouraged her by using the 99/1 rule. The 1% which is her aim to finish successfully is the goal. Everything else is noise I reminded her. The muscle aches, the heat, the other contenders, all of them are noise (99%). "Focus on that 1%. You trained for this and your are bound to becoming extraordinary. You're the only one from this workforce that we're in (because I work with her) to be doing something out of the usual. Keep that fire burning!", I told her with a tap on the shoulder. She is an extraordinary mom who is bound to make extraordinary results today together with our friends since this is the first of its kind to be held here in Hong Kong. So, a shoutout to my girl, Lhelai Centeno,  and to the rest of you: Danielle Gross, Keith Gross, Lady Dazha Dacanay, Bobby Manalang, Joanne Marie Baldonado, Steve Kimm and PJ Montemayor! Make the impossible happen today!

Related posts:

1. 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND STILL DANCING - this extraordinary woman is committed to her craft that she starts introducing it to her baby at a very young age... while still in her tummy.

2. MY CROSSFIT EXPERIENCE AT FITNESS ACADEMY HK - this is an extraordinary experience for me since I am a mom and I thought that would be limiting but it's the opposite. It's more of liberating.

3. 8TH INTERNATIONAL SIVA AFI COMPETITION: CHAMPION, HOGAN TOOMALATAI - Know about an extraordinary sport, the fire-knife dancing that used to be a Polynesian warrior's way of protecting their land from conquerors.

Credit to somebody who had commented about my burpee gif.:
I was told that this it was not the right way of doing a burpee. Thank you for such insight. But here's a website where it could elaborate it more since there's a 4-count burpee which is that one above and the one you pinpointed was the 6-point one.. http://blog.paleohacks.com/burpee/#

I'M A WARRIOR OF THE TERRIBLE TWO'S!

As my daughter turns 2, I found out that the first two years from giving birth was all about your kids' survival. You may find the other mothers' experience and expertise handy due to unexplainable and unexpected situations. Don't worry, your instincts as a mom will kick in and your own skills will come as for an automatic response.

All mothers want the best for their child.

My husband is a Samoan and I am a Filipino. My child's genes has quite an interesting mix. She grows taller than expected and is physically strong. She loves cherry tomatoes and string beans. She prefers noodles than rice or potato at all costs. She has a great hearing capacity which helps her focus tremendously. She is a first child so everything to me was new.

For first-time expecting mothers, there are several websites that you may stumble upon giving you advice after advice after advice. But this post will lead you to a list of handful things to stash as you nest for the upcoming bundle of joy.

Every mom provides what they think suits best for their kid. Every kid is special and I believe every parent's approach on taking care of their young ones should be respected. But I would like to give a fair share of how we survived for this first two years considering costs, efficiency and benefits it gives both my baby and me, together with my husband.

1. GOOD QUALITY MILK BOTTLES

 - At first, I was hesitant to buy only just 4. Initially, I bought 2 milk bottles and when my baby came, my husband had felt quite tired in washing every time.

This was the exact set my husband got
and I can't help but credit him for such a good pick.
He was advised by parents too.
Even this cleanser is still good up until now.
Worth of your money!!!!

Babies are expected to eat more than 3 times a day since their metabolism is high. Their stomach is small to stock a lot of milk to last them 4 hours in between meals as compared to adults. The expected digestion of the food they get from breastmilk or bottle feed gets easily used up.

At every meal, my daughter finishes up 20minutes for each breast and a little of bottle milk since she would shriek if I don't conform. By instinct, I suppose it's not enough for her. (Whoops!) Result, we have to wash and then sterilise a good 6-10 times daily.

Because of that, my husband decided to buy a bigger steriliser and had added 2 more with 2 little ones since newborns don't need an 8 ml amount just yet. We had purchased AVENT bottles and up until now (2 years later), they are still in good condition.

Wondering why bottle milk teats are marked with numbers?
These numbers represent their flow. Take note!!!

I had breastfed my baby for 8 months and the rest of that was bottle feed. It's important that you help them get preserved for use by choosing the right match for a steriliser.

This matches the milk bottle set
my husband bought.

2. GOOD BOTTLE STERILISER

- The idea in choosing the right steriliser is to follow the instruction manual that it comes with. I've used two kinds: the one you may put inside the microwave and the other one is the 3-in-1 electric steam steriliser, both from Phillips' Avent.

In purchasing a steriliser, remember its primary purpose:

1. to make it easier for you

2. to assure the sanitation of your baby's milk bottles.

If one of these are compromised, I assure you, that's not a good buy. I'd like to credit my husband with the latter one that we are still using it up until now. It was handy, space saver, light and most of all, efficient. Since it gets turned off automatically, this truly saves me time in checking on the sterilisation process thinking if it was thoroughly cleaned.

3. STROLLER - It was funny how my husband and I had talked about buying a stroller not until our daughter is at her 6th month. We thought that, by that time, our little one would be needing more sun exposure or we could take her for a walk without worrying that she might be too sensitive to allergens. I ate my words and nearly 3 months, I had to buy one already since the carrier's can't hold my baby anymore at this stage. And I have a hard time dealing with her actual weight as we spend time outdoors.

She was also gaining weight rapidly that I find it straining to carry her around with the baby carrier alone. I bought the stroller then and it served as until now. We opted for a pricey but worthy Combi.

________________________________

9 factors you should take note of when buying a stroller:

1. It's got to have a stopper on the front wheels and back for ensured safety.

2. spacious enough for your growing baby

3. must have a cover to shield your baby from the harmful UV rays

4. must have a breathable harness that would ensure your baby's safety and not compromise the blood circulation to the limbs

5. the weight should be able to support it from falling back when you put stuff in the compartment

6. must not be poking the baby by additional weights from the back, the sides or most especially at the head part.

7. must be storage friendly

8. must be user friendly in terms of putting out, pushing thru a number of people in tight places

9. wheels should be easily manoeuvred; helpful if the wheels at the front could cover a wide diameter as you stir.

______________________________________________

4. A COMPLETE SET OF NEWBORN CLOTHES

This could be a very basic list:

a complete set for the newborns
Photo credit by: OLX

* wrap around white cotton top (long sleeves and sleeveless)

* wrap around binder for the healing navel

* a pair of socks

* a pair of mittens

* cotton pyjamas

* cotton wiping material

* a bonnet

* bib

In the Philippines, you could get these sets at a friendly price if you hit Divisoria. The cotton ones are the best burp cloths. I'm sure it could go handy with many more purposes than being a burp cloth. It serves me very good up until now.

The wrap arounds come in long and short sleeves. This helps ease in putting clothes on the newborn without making it pass thru the head. The newborns are very delicate during the first months but this kind of tops will help you a lot.

I skipped on using the belly binder that helps to protect a newborn's delicate belly button (since it needs drying up) because my own baby's dried up quicker than expected. But this is very important most especially if the baby has toddler siblings that may get curious and bothered why their baby brother or sister has a wound. To protect the drying navel, this filters it from dust and other lint forming materials that may induce infection.

These burp cloths can last a long time.
After your newborn grows thru the burping stage,
this may be used as towel to wipe sweat, mucus, saliva and many more.
It is very absorbent, it can be your go-to material.

5.   THERMOMETER FOR A NEWBORN

The battery of ours lasted for 2 years.

It is challenging for a new parent to discover the best routine in taking care of the newborn. Feeding, burping, bathing and then putting your baby to sleep could come easy one day and a struggle to the next. Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it. And as time would pass, you'll be able to understand your baby's expression when it's hungry, when it's time to play and what reaction to anticipate when poop is coming.

But there are things that your baby may have a hard time expressing specifically such as colic, headache and fever for that matter. That's why one of the basic tools you should have is a thermometer. How would you know that it's the right one:

a. It should be newborn friendly. It doesn't come invasive nor physically annoying. If it has to go under the tongue and into the rectum, it poses danger in an instant. My husband was the one who purchased a Combi thermometer. He has zero knowledge regarding the best one but it helped when he asked the parent owning a baby store he went to what else he should have at hand with our 1 week old baby at that time.

b. It should be readable. The Combi thermometer we got was digital and was set to degrees Celsius which we understand more than using Fahrenheit.

c. It should be easy to bring. Enough said if you have glass thermometer at hand. It is not battery operated which makes usage a life span but it may break anytime in your bag once its container is not sealed well. Let me tell you, with newborns, you have to develop speed and agility with your hands and fingers because you'd be surprised at how you would need to prepare the bottle, wiping saliva and swaying your baby all at the same time. So, I hope you get what I'm saying is that being able to take that temperature in a jiffy may come in handy.

6. A PILE OF DIAPERS/NAPPIES - Whether you decide on putting your baby onto disposable ones or not, make sure you got a decent number of supply at hand. Some of your friends may be new at attending baby showers or 1st birthday, advice them to buy these for a present if they are having a hard time finding or choosing the right thing to give because I assure you, there would be a time that you wouldn't be able to go out to get a pack. So it's better to stock up.

These diapers and wet wipes lasted only for 3 months.

7. A RATTLE - You may find this particular toy silly but it can stimulate your baby in a lot of ways. Your baby's vision, sense of hearing and touch are enhanced by this. Their hand coordination, grip, focus and object permanence may all be developed with just one toy. It's truly a good buy so get your baby a rattle when they're ready and make sure it's of good quality because cheap ones may break and may choke your baby if it contains little things to make it jiggle.

8. GOOD SET OF BOOKS - Invest on your baby's knowledge thru books. Start them young by giving them handy books like mini board books and illustrative ABC's. Establish a mini library as your baby grows because this may serve you until the next babies come.

Books that were loved by my baby was the "Gruffalo's Child", "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and the fingerprint ABC book my mom got her from Taiwan Airport called Alphaprints. 

This particular book, Alphaprints, is special because it doesn't just offer the common visual stimulation. It challenges my daughter's senses  by giving her hands something to touch too as she reads every page. This way, her visual depth paves the way into developing a three dimensional perception. 

Along with her sense of touch getting heightened up, the brain is able to distinguish different kind of texture since the picture is composed mainly of huge finger prints.

Apart from that, the picture is designed with different elements which makes it interesting for kids as they look closely in the picture. As a whole, these elements form a picture suggested by the letter it stands for. It's simply amazing.

Alpha prints may be ordered online via www.priddybooks.com.

In addition, Baby Einstein books are also superb in making their books come with tickling sounds as you read their book. My baby has one Play-a-Sound book called, "Under the Sea with Me!" written by Susan Rich Brooke.

This was my baby at 10 months.
We are waiting for a Frozen stage
show in Disney and she enjoyed
every minute because she was
comfortable with her GAP sandals.

9. GOOD PAIR OF SHOES - Why? Your baby will be dealing with a lot of balancing so you have to invest in a good pair that fits according to your child's weight bearing stance. Also, the baby should feel encouraged in walking with them on. If the shoes hurt, that could discourage them initially. Of course, to walk is an instinct. But the main point is to help your baby take advantage of the momentum.

My baby started standing up independently and walking little steps when she reached her 10th month.  She had used a crocheted sandals from GAP, a gift from one of her aunties, and it was the best walking sandals for me. It doesn't limit the feet of my baby, it doesn't have unnecessary restraints except for a strap that is gentle enough on her skin to just follow thru every moment her feet was doing.

It's also advisable to invest on a good pair of trainers once your baby gains that balance and immediately tries to run. If it's just a slipper they have, it may lead to serious falls and injuries. Some of the best ones are Crocs and Dr. Kong.

In buying shoes, take note of the following:

* Size - Give an allowance of 1 or 2 cm for socks.

* Comfort - Make your baby walk and try asking if it's ok. Usually can be done with toddlers.

* Durability - They will be using it every time. It must be durable enough until their feet increase in size again.

* Style - Thong sandals and slip on's may not be helpful from 0-18 months unless it got a secure strap.

* Weight - This should be under comfort already however it becomes a separate entity when it greatly affects your baby's walking ability. If it's too heavy, he/she might appear to be dragging his/her feet when he/she walks. In that case, your baby might get tired easily and by the time you decided not to bring the stroller, that's also the time your baby might be asking you to carry them because they don't feel like walking AT ALL!

10. POTTY - A potty or a baby toilet seat may be needed as you anticipate bladder training coming up. When a baby starts to walk and gain balance, their pelvic muscles are getting active and their sense of control is also coming to life. Meaning, bladder control is coming soon. 

The one that I bought was a 3-in-1 that are detachable.
The first set is the usual potty. The yellow handle along with the white
toilet seat can be put on the adult one once your baby is ready
and ultimately, it becomes a stool when your baby can express
the need to go to the toilet.

This particular potty trainer is around HK$399. Before my daughter reached two, she was able to tell me when she has to go or not. The funny thing though is that even passing gas needs to be at the toilet. She's a lady in the making alright.

11. A KIDDIE DINING SET

- To facilitate your baby's weaning process, introduce safe and fun dining set. Initially, we had a tommee tippe set. One for the house that sticks on the table so that no matter if the baby tries to grasp it, it doesn't get knocked down avoiding spillage. It comes with a spoon that guides us in knowing if the food is too hot to put in a newborn's mouth.

On the other hand, we have a set that we can bring out whenever we are going for a day out or if we're going to travel.

Both comes with a lid that gives room for the spoon and its lids seal the container tightly.

Kiddie dining sets are made of plastic most of the time. So be careful in pouring very hot food into it. It's better that after cooling the food, you let it cool off for awhile before pouring it in to your baby's bowl. This is for additional precautionary measure not trusting that plastic will always be non-toxic. Of course when exposed to extreme temperature, I'm sure it's not 100% safe.

Besides the safety, eating should be introduced in

a fun and interesting way for the baby. As they graduate from milk, they express preferences that may leave out vegetables because of their bitter taste. As you shape up the carrots to a flower and decorate the rice with a smiling face, make each meal even more interesting by buying utensils that are the characters on TV that they are fond of.

My daughter when she started to eat on her own, she looked forward to her FROZEN set. She always looked giggly whenever it's meal time because then, she would be together with her favourite characters. She is also at tune with her feeding because the treat after she finishes eating would be seeing Elsa's face, the design at the bottom of the plate. All in all, it worked out. I can't be more thankful to Elsa. LOL!

One of the most wanted character of all is Elmo.
So, if you're to attend a baby shower and the parents aren't
sure if it's a boy or a girl, get this unisex set.

12. TEETHERS - Don't forget also that as the babies wean, they are experiencing teething at the same time. And it's quite a pain when you can't do anything to ease that troubled feeling. But inventors had come up with a magical teether where you can put frozen fruit juice or frozen fruit that can help babies big time.

The only thing difficult with these teethers
would be cleaning them up after because the fruit
gets stuck in between the net holes.

The actual biting and sucking reflex aids the itchy gums and helps it in letting the teeth erupt. The cold block of icy fruit juice can numb the painful gums so the baby would be concentrating on acting upon their oral instinct instead of the pain.

These were what I used for the first 6 months.
But the blue brush at the bottom free from the AVENT bottles
we purchased along with the AVENT steriliser,
we're using it until now (my daughter turned 2 already).

13. MILK BOTTLE BRUSH - Regardless which milk bottle cleanser agent you use, it's important to choose the best bottle cleansing brush for your set. This is to ensure that your bottles would be preserved until its maximum usage. Also, the main reason is to clean the bottles throughly avoiding rotten milk by any chance to stay and get ingested.

Understand that a newborn's stomach is sensitive still since it doesn't have the normal flora we adults have yet. So, sterilising the bottles right after cleaning them is a must. Invest on a good brush and take time in checking the bottles and the bottle nipples.

Baby bottle cleansers are very useful removing the oily casein. I just finished using NUK when I was convinced that my daughter's gut could take the foods that she eats and after I am assured that she has no allergies.

14. BLANKETS - I had written it in its plural form because you need to have two. One for a summer breezy afternoon walk and one for a chilly autumn stroll.

15. NEWBORN NAIL SCISSORS - The newborn's nails are very sharp and soft. But since the newborns are too young for a nail clipper, they have a special kind of scissors, invest in one. Because during the first year, their fingernails grow so fast. It's just out of this world!

There you go folks!!! If you have an additional item or two, let me know by commenting down below to complete my list. I'm still looking at having another baby so maybe I can learn from your own experience too!

Related posts:

1. BABY SHOWER TIDBITS - Check out how my friends had managed to help me out with a full DIY baby shower! It's cheap, it was fun and it was full of love!

2. 9 MONTHS PREGNANT AND STILL DANCING - They say, men are stronger than women in so many ways. But as far as carrying a baby for 9 months is concerned and then giving birth to a child, rearing and nurturing it as it grows, physical strength in favour of the male species may have found its greatest challenge!

3. 10 THINGS YOU OUGHT TO KNOW ABOUT THE WHOLE SHENANIGAN - An on-pointe post about the reality that exploded on my face in giving birth to a half Samoan.

THE 3 BASIC LAWS OF MONEY

having a photo opportunity with Sergey

Almost 7 years ago, I had a Russian friend named, Sergey, who poked me regarding a romance novel that I was reading one day. We were on our way to work and he asked me why I was reading it. I said I just like to read. So I read whatever I get my hands into. And then he told me, "You are young. Take advantage of your time and read this," and he showed me a book about stocks. My first reaction went, "Isn't that gambling?" And then he simply answered, "That's why I asked you to read it first."

I know I've shared this more than once, that there's no other greater investment than to educate yourself. Last year, I am thankful to have found out an interest in pursuing financial education. Now, I am aware of the importance of "how to" handle money. And that's what I aim to share today. I never knew about the 3 Basic Laws of Money until then.

I read a shortened version of George Clason's book, "The Richest Man in Babylon" and it was a story of how a lowly man had become rich and how he multiplied it further. From it, the 3 Laws were simply put this way:

The first law talked about SAVING.

The second law talked about INVESTING.

And the third law talked about RE-INVESTING.

In today's setting, many people who had been working in Hong Kong for more than a year don't realise that they are actually doing these three laws thru their MPF Fidelity Accounts already. By law, an employee, contractual or not, after having completed a year of employment here in Hong Kong, and is still expected to work thereafter, is required to open an MPF account and to contribute monthly afterwards the 12th month to their MPF's. This MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) becomes compulsory amongst employees who are working more than a year in Hong Kong. But you can start as early as possible. The Mandatory Provident Fund forms an important role to your retirement planning. To ensure that your MPF funds are handled well, it's good to choose an MPF scheme provider that has a secure and proven investment management track record and extensive global investment experience.

My interest in the proper handling of money got ignited and I pursue getting informed about it. Before, I would always just go check out nonsense stuff in the internet. Right now, I receive newsletters from ColFinancial for my dividends from the stocks I own, The Rich Dad Company that pings me when there are free upcoming webinars and I am now a pathfinder for www.spearheadmission.com, a platform that aims to help people become successful by empowering them thru financial education. I know it's not that much but these sites lead me to researching deeply.

I aim to learn as much about each related topic as possible because I would like to claim and pass the abundance in God's blessings bestowed to me everyday. That sounds corny, right? It's undeniable that personal gains are present but in addition, I would want to help others, most especially, those who are helping themselves while I, myself, am learning. To make that purpose short, I want to be rich. And in helping others, I "need" to be rich. This is ambitious in all its actuality but imagine a financially educated world. 'Nuf said!

Making good use of such investment, the knowledge earned from self help, is an achievement for me. Moreover, this education would be at its utmost potential if it is shared. Once it's shared, it may even earn more clarification from other people, that means further learning for me. I am aware that learning from other people is inevitable. I embrace this moment.

The topic about saving is almost "always" taboo to many people. They consider it too personal to be talked about. Some take it offensive even. But you would know those who are truly rich, they don't mind talking about this subject. In fact, they are open to views, opinions and discussion about money. Because for them, there's opportunity everywhere and in everything. They would even be willing to  help you out if they sense potential in you.

The thing is, upon getting hold of empowering books in becoming rich, I've learned to create a team in my mind for a moral boost and a push at challenging times. I've learned that, when a person is actually blunt enough to tell you to save up, include that in your team. When there are people who aid you in opening yourself to embracing "good" habits that will lead you to having more "savings", put that in your team. In addition, having a trusted financial adviser eases the tension between your limited knowledge and the drive to pursue your financial goals, put one in your team. Having a professional advice is another option to be considered if you want to keep your financial standing discreet. You want to manage your loans and not be judged by it so having a financial adviser is one of the most sufficient moves for that. And last but not the least, the people who are actually inclined to doing the same thing, "saving"? Surround yourself with such if you aim to be rich. If you are saving up, and you are surrounded with one day millionaires, I don't know how you will survive.

Going back to the MPF. Here in Hong Kong, Fidelity is a partner of the Hong Kong government. They see to it that every Hong Kong resident has something set aside for their retirement. It's such a great law to impose as this takes care of the Hong Kong residents' welfare regardless of how long they would want to stay. And as for a general overview, this makes the country's reserves kept and are put in to work for the entire country. What does that mean?

People trust the investment schemes so they will be more than willing to fund for their retirement. This act alone saves a country from being under debts, saves it from a lot of crimes and gives it a sense of stability with its finances (gross national product). People have savings and at the same time, they have money to spend. This balance is necessary for a country's economy for cash-flow to be generated and spent. The laws of demand and supply are in balance. The producers earn and the customers are satisfied. Hoarding is minimised, small businesses are not crippled and most importantly, nobody becomes homeless or hungry upon reaching retiring age.

The beauty of it being compulsory is that I am saving (whether I like to or not) and it is being invested. The investment part can be diversified by the account holder himself/herself. Fidelity had assigned the account holder eligible to do so based on how they manage risks. It is lenient in a way in letting the account holder manage the percentages anytime. But as far as withdrawing the funds go, denouncing residency to the country needs to be done before they'd allow processing of these funds getting transferred to you. If you decide to come back to Hong Kong for another gig and then you work for another year and had to open an MPF account once again, then you can only withdraw those funds when you reach the retiring age of 65. But with its main purpose, why would you withdraw it if you need to leave the country when that was supposed to be for your own retirement? Why not just let it compound?

I am writing this post for those who are currently holding an MPF account. You are already doing the 3 Basic Laws of Money. It wouldn't hurt if you would put time in mastering the percentage allocation based on the risks you are ready to consider in investing your retirement funds. As of the present, the allocation depends on different indexes of banks, bonds, stocks and elements (gold, silver). Sergey had a point after all. It's not bad to learn about stocks as the second and third law may benefit from it.

*In 2010, changes had happened at work. Jugglers were changed for diabolo performers to welcome a different vibe. One time, my husband was watching one of my shows when he spotted an oddly looking fella, with long hair, long beard, in shades that was watching the show in the happiest place on earth... When he had seen him, the man had put down his shades and smiled, it was Sergey.

Related posts:

1. PARADIGM SHIFT - this is how I see time, compounding interest and saving works for me.
2. HOW TO SAVE HK$5,000 IN 52 WEEKS - the concept of saving put into trial. If you want to save more than that in a year, just make the necessary adjustments.
3. A STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO STOCK INVESTING WITH THE EIP COL EASY INVESTMENT PROGRAM - follow these system of long term investment to gain sure profit over gains of a day trading's gamble.

HOW TO LOOK EXPENSIVE

I was not wrong in giving in to this book as it truly lives its purpose of being the bible of beauty secrets and tips. The title itself is truly catchy. I mean, who doesn't want to look expensive? It "basically" pinpoints most girls' aim when it comes to dressing up. I practically followed the most essential for me. 

My hair is my crowning glory. At the time I got hold of this book, I was dying for a makeover. And I got complimented on because of the change with my mane alone just by following Andrea Pomerantz Lustig's advice to keep the colours a shade or two different from your own and nothing more. This book does wonders.

The female species crosses bridges just to get the right look and often times, they are led to a sabotage just to be milked of their money. This book actually gives you techniques to be able to know and demand to serviced boutiques, salons and spas of what you need for the "better" you. It is also a huge mirror letting the reader understand that what you may want is not necessarily what is right for you. Instead of wasting a fortune in something that will make the people mistake you for another person (because of so much surgery you've done to enhance your look), being learned of what will make you look fresh and different without any invasive procedure is still the better option. The good thing is, this book doesn't limit you to just following every step. It encourages you to DIY too since that's the cheapest and most convenient way of innovating your look.

The book is worth to read from cover to cover but the tips are simply revolving around these main points:

"1. Less is always more. Cheap is often too much of a good thing. Simple looks classic; flashy looks trashy.

Emma Watson wears this cliche on her belt as her strength.
She's the best example of this mantra.
That make up, that confidence and that simplicity
plus the real her.
Who else can "actually" do that?

2. Build an edited beauty collection. By choosing the right products, you'll need less... and spend less.

3. Knowledge is priceless. If you know what you want and how to get it, you can DIY. If you're an informed client, you'll get your money's worth at the salon, makeup counter, dermatologist, or nail spa.

4. Price point isn't as important as good taste. All the money in the world can't buy taste, but once you develop good taste, you can find it for any price.

5. Maintenance is everything. Remember that a cheap manicure is a good manicure that's been on too long.

6. Expensive-looking hair and makeup doesn't advertise itself. It's understated, refined, tasteful, not blingy. It makes you look like the best version of yourself, not like somebody else.

This book is heaven sent regarding the best products.
It features products that are a lot cheaper than the original
one, yet has the same effect.
It's magic!

7. Buying new beauty products is a lot cheaper than buying new clothes - and you'll get more wear out of them. A new lipstick, eyeliner, or especially nail polish is a way to accessorise your existing wardrobe and feel fresh and stylish without stepping into a fitting room.

8. The key to a look that reads high net worth is to enhance what you've got without worrying trying to become someone else. 
"You only better" is the goal of each and every tip and technique you'll read about in this book."

- Andrea Pomerantz Lustig

While the book encourages changes here and there, may I add 2 more points in her first 8 mentioned above.

9. Get a decent amount of exercise. This makes your body regenerate in its most natural way. It helps your body overall to stay rejuvenated. When you exercise, your lungs are put to its maximum use, your body gets filled with endorphins (happy hormones) and your cells get to multiply efficiently to change the dead ones, revealing a newer, fresher you.

10. Get enough sleep. What you may have to do to your body to achieve a certain look, needs a certain amount of exertion. In return, be kind to it by listening to its demand for rest. The number of hours of sleep vary from person to person so allow self awareness to kick in. Take your time in learning your own body. Master how to say yes to optimum health and no to unnecessary engagements.

Related posts:

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WORKSHOPS AND AUDITIONS THIS MARCH

I am inspired to write this post while watching "Jobs". A movie about this millennium's greatest innovator, Steve Jobs. There are so many things in this lifetime that we ought to take for granted. Nowadays, something free is misunderstood for something that can be thrown out to trash. And a lot of people think that when they pay a high price for something, it's always worth it to have it, may it be experience or commodity. The thing is, whether it is free or expensive in monetary sense, the connection of it to achieving your goal is what it's all about. Steve Jobs was able to connect a gadget to a person. How? By following his vision of making it happen. This March, there are a lot of opportunities that may help you realise what you are passionate about.

in Hong Kong...

with TGFI's Floi Wycoco

Let me start off with my own passion for dreaming of a financially literate Philippines. This March 20, there's a free talk from non other than Mr. Floi Wycoco, the CEO and founder of The Global Filipino Investors (TGFI) whom we got to meet last year in the workplace on the side, while on vacation with his wife at the happiest place on earth. With his dedication to extending help to those who want to help themselves to be financially secure, he had made himself available that day to push our momentum into creating a Hong Kong chapter for TGFI. There are a lot of overseas Filipino workers here in Hong Kong who are neglectful of the importance of having an insurance, having an emergency fund and most of all, the importance of being financially free. To that, allow me to encourage you to attend this introductory talk about financial education. In collaboration with my good friend's own advocacy, the Spearhead Mission, TGFI and the Philippine Consulate invites every Filipino to this event. Check out the posters below and please do share it to the rest of your Filipino friends.

To follow that up with certainly an opportunity to start off your journey to financial freedom, here's another free seminar in the afternoon of the same day. Trust me that there's no selling involved here. It's just pure knowledge available for all who desire to be truly rich.

in Manila...

Photography requires a visionary alright. In my own opinion, every captured moment is a timeless art. Moreover, it tells a story.

This Mar. 12, in UP Diliman, I am proud that a colleague of mine from work, Martina Manalo will be holding a photography workshop that you may find helpful as she talks about how to keep all focus to the subject and how important building an online portfolio could help you showcase your work.

Details of this workshop series are on the poster below. Do remember to register by clicking on this link: http://tinyurl.com/OPTICSWorkshops2016.

Fees are at HK$150/workshop. Do contact 0917-631-1400.

Last but not the least, you could pursue your dream of becoming a performing artist by chasing them. Get in these auditions if you think you have what it takes to be the next Lea Salonga.

Related posts:
1. HOW TO SAVE HK$5000 IN 52 WEEKS - Here is a guide in developing a habit of saving.
2. TEST YOUR FINANCIAL FITNESS - You can only say you're rich if you are complete with these.... Take this test if you want to know your financial status.
3. RAFFLES SCHOOL OF DESIGN - if you want to pursue a career in design, check my experience with their fashion design alumnus last February, 2016.

LIVING THE DREAM

Every entrepreneur's game face, no matter what!

I've listened to a #TEDtalk recently that introduced her topic with this picture. Basically, it talked about entrepreneurship and how technology and network connection enhances a business model. But what got stuck in my mind the whole 20 minutes was the impression this kid gave during the entirety of it. It's this:

"Every entrepreneur had this game face inside of them in selling their idea."

And there's no other way they would remain intact if not for their belief in making their plans into a reality. For some, a big why is in place. Actually, all of us, yes, we own determination. But it's got to be showered by guts to make it happen. Here's a few that owned them guts. Here are good friends of mine whom I continuously admire and with my pursuit to inspire others, I present to you the leap they took. Let's learn from their experiences and let's get inspired to act on our dream NOW.

in Australia....

1.  KUSINA

Jon Ora,
Kusina's executive chef

Kusina is the first Filipino restaurant in Canberra, Australia.

This was when Iya and Jon visited us in Hong Kong Disneyland.

Jon, together with my former team mate in High School, Andrea Loraine Pineda or as we fondly called her, Iya, visited me in 2014 here in Hong Kong for their honeymoon.

It was nice to catch up with her hearing about her life most especially how, she had supported her husband in taking the risk of putting up his new restaurant.

Jon had worked for Grand Hyatt Hotel for 10 years before deciding on putting up his own Filipino restaurant. His Dad had attempted the same thing in the 1970's and had lots of challenges in keeping it up. In the end, they had to close down but he did more than to revive his Dad's name because Cooleman Court, Weston Creek, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory can't contain themselves once Jon's food is out to satisfy their cravings.

Besides the usual Filipino foods, they decided to infuse his knowledge of 10 years in preparing gourmet food in putting his own show with Kusina Canberra. ("Kusina" is the Tagalog term for kitchen.) On top of the Modern Filipino Food they have in the menu, they keep their edge up as they keep Kusina classy and up to date. The trend recently in the Philippines is the boodle fight where food (Filipino barbecue, garlic rice, grilled seafood and salad) is creatively presented on a banana leaf which could be a feast for a group of 4.

Are you ready for a boodle fight in Canberra?
Try booking in Kusina for a beautiful foodie experience.

Their food price ranges from as low as Aus$8-$28. They don't rely on anything else but their confidence on Asian food. They believed on the very edge Filipino food per se got to satisfy a consumer's demand for something different, one of a kind and most of all memorable. Now, following it up with the cheerful staff, Jon's talent from graduating in Culinary Arts in Australia and overseas, dedication and a family friendly approach to their customers, they were able to make it for their first business, garnering awards and getting recognised in just 3 years. Remarkable as they had begun, Jon and Iya are about to open a new restaurant called, "Kain Na!" And I don't doubt that this will soar as high as "Kusina" did. 

the famous Crispy Pata (Pork Leg) of the Philippines
with atsara (carrot and papaya) for a side dish and
soy sauce with vinegar garnished with chilli and spices (which my husband loves)

They admit that it's not an easy road when you take people into liking your food most especially when it's out of their usual preference. People like sustenance, availability, speed, taste and you'll be surprised, most especially, CLEANLINESS. Sometimes, I admit, as long as where I'm eating is clean, it seems like the food is automatically alright. Kusina also encourages everybody to leave room for dessert as it should not be missed on a first visit. KUSINA is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays (9am-9pm) and Sundays (9am-2:30pm). Booking can be done by calling them at 02 6288 8461 or by logging on to their website: www.kusina.com.au.

"Don't lose hope and follow your dreams.
Business is not always sweet. You've got to have back up plans."

It was Jon's ultimate dream to put up his own restaurant. He's blessed to have the talent and the passion to pursue his dream on his own with minimal assistance. 

Kusina as he co-owned with his sister and Leilani Fox, was his first. He was hands on, he came up with the menu and took a lot of guts to take the leap of faith. Some of us are ready to invest in putting up the same business, but aren't gifted with the skill. In all types of business, you have to remember why you wanted to put it up in the first place. Jon's aim is to share the robust flavours of the Filipino dishes to the people of Canberra. What's yours?

in Hong Kong...

2. SKY DANCE AVENUE

Teacher Sky with her superb students

After many days of encouraging herself to put this dance arts school for kids and teens, Sky had finally made her dream come true of doing two things she loves most... dancing and teaching.

I had worked with Sky in the happiest place on earth and the ultimate project we did together was forming the hip hop group for a show during the entire Halloween season. I knew then how hard she works for something.

For that entire project, she choreographed alongside renowned talents, edited the music to be used and worked with experienced stage managers that launched her creativity in a whole new level. Little did she know, she's being honed by fate to be one of the most sought after teachers of dance catering to the formative years of the future generation.

This dance program that Sky Dance Avenue offers was first introduced to three committed students that had very supportive parents and from then on, as she collaborated with different dance studios, her business had gone sky-rocket high!

Considering it's her first business, she believed deeply that her program of molding kids to embrace creativity through different dance genres with fun themed and skill-oriented approach classes are going to be hit. Truth be told, Hong Kong has a very strict approach in terms of schooling the kids. Sky Dance Avenue aims to balance that out by giving an outlet to the kids and allowing them to showcase the other side of them by encouraging them to excel in arts. Specifically, in dance.

For just HK$220/class for 10 session (1 term), kids are able to find their beat through Sky Dance Avenue's per term themed dance classes. 

As they get thru the term, they are to develop confidence all the way 'til they do their graduation in a form of a dance concert and/or beneficiary show for the youth which Sky most recently had done with a bunch of her students and I personally think, I would want to enrol my daughter in one of her classes as soon as she is capable (my daughter is one, but she's promising in the strength that she has). Knowing how passionate Sky is, I trust her.

And that's one important factor in putting up a business. You don't take your client's trust because eventually, any business flourishes because of the satisfied clients it had produced. Don't underestimate the power of networking. Word of mouth by reviews, recommendations and referrals are necessary to keep your business alive. So, on top of your belief that you have something to contribute to society thru your craft, treat your clients right and responsibly.

Sky accomplishes these things thinking of her Dad who had inspired her to be an inspiration to others. He had supported Sky in all her aspirations and so, she aims to satisfy him even while he's in heaven. It took her a year of preparation to put up Sky Dance Avenue and so far, she had gone international first before being able to put up the school in her hometown (Philippines). Nevertheless, her students had gone up in number and the parents and other dance institutes find her program substantial for the kid's growth physically and aesthetically. It encourages the parents to keep a healthy lifestyle too so, it's not just unique to the kids but also to the parents that watch over their children. It's like embracing a whole new healthy lifestyle together.

"It is a big help to create solid ties with the people you meet
because you could get a lot of tips from them
that you didn't know will be helpful at first."
- Sky Bautista
Sky Dance Avenue Hong Kong

So, if you're interested to enrol your kids, don't hesitate to contact Sky thru the business email, skydanceavenue@gmail.com. They will soon come up with a website so to keep abreast with this great news, follow them in instagram and Facebook.

For the mean time, here's a video that Sky and the kids had put up together for your entertainment:

in America....

3. AMELIA RY CREATIONS

With today's fast paced world, it seems like the habit of sending out snail mail had gone disappearing yet it is something that delights us every time we receive one. 

Millie Mellick, whom I had the privilege to know and to work with, was just handcrafting greeting cards for personal use at first. As she embraces the beauty of motherhood with her beautiful 7 month daughter, she needed an outlet for her creativity to flow. While her baby slept, she worked on one and it instantly dawned to her that this is something that she would want to do for a business.

Millie loves sending letters during special occasions and holiday season but every time she would buy a greeting card from a stationery store, it's either she will find a design so pretty but then there's a tacky message that she doesn't agree, fit for the card itself or it's the other way around. The message is so good but the design is crappy. She always gets disappointed and deems robbed of her money. She had an idea that maybe if she could make a pretty card and leave the inside blank for people to freely write what they would want to say then it would be a hit.

She acted on it right away and now, she has her own online shop in ETSY for handmade greeting cards. Her creations are all hand scored, embellished and cut by her own self and it's merely a layering of all the patterns that she likes to put together. She puts a custom cut decorative paper in the cards for a buyer to write their sentiments in. Here are some of the cards that she had on sale in Etsy but you can always check out the rest by clicking here.

Her cards are valued from US$3.50-5.00 individually but you can order in sets as well which is priced from US$14.00. It is remarkable how her artsy handmade cards were easily accepted by many and it is amazing how she has the luxury of time in her hands as she stays at home doing all of these while her baby is asleep.

"Keep pushing forward for you would
never know until you try."
-Millie Mellick

She had mentioned that she didn't undergo any form of training. It's solely her designs and this is her first business. She's thankful that she has a very supportive husband beside her that would always encourage her to do more and to push harder. She is her own worst critic so, her husband always inspires her. Because when you are an artist, it is always gamble with how people would take in your work.

A little trivia about her business is that the name was derived from her name and her daughter's combined. Her name is Millie and her daughter's name is Rylee.

If you're interested to buy some of these very unique cards, you can purchase it online thru ETSY or you can email Millie directly at ameliarycreations@aol.com. Currently, she's working towards ameliarycreations' to be sold in local stores and bookstores as well.

So there you are folks. So far these three are one of the most promising arising entrepreneurs I know. There are three things that each business owners have used in this putting up their propriety.

TIME, LEAP OF FAITH and BELIEF IN ONE'S SELF. Do let me know if you want anybody showcased thru my blog to help them put out their business. I can mention them here or put up a good and honest review as long as I get to try it. Leave a comment and share to inspire!

Related posts:
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2. ENTREPRENEURSHIP - what we understand about it and how do we get driven
3. CASHFLOW - my experience with the adult board game that helps you see clearer the importance of doing deals.