A FAIRY TALE POST-"50 SHADES OF GREY" ERA

Before you proceed, make sure you're over 18 or that you own a mature adult mind.

For my #laidbackTuesday video, I aim to keep it in balance and send some humour waves to those who are in need. Like and share if you agree about how today's fairy tales pretty much end up the same way. Comments are welcome too.

It's so funny because the storyteller sounded like a dainty Anna Faris. Hahahaha!!!!

Soul Searching Events

5 TIPS IN PREPARATION FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

A job interview could both be a blessing and a curse.

A blessing because you are reaching the final stages of getting employed and the employer is actually interested in hiring you that seeing you face to face was necessary. But a curse if you suck at selling yourself and your capabilities.

Keep in mind, 

"SELLING"  in its truest sense,

isn't an act of manipulating,

pressuring, or being deceitful.

Selling is explaining the logic

and benefits of a decision or point of view.

Selling is convincing other people to work directly with you. Selling is overcoming concerns and roadblocks, and calming other people's unwanted fears. Selling is one of the principal foundation of both businesses and personal success. It's about knowing how to negotiate, how to deal with a "no" when you receive one, how to maintain confidence and self-esteem in the face of rejection, and how to communicate openly, honestly and effectively, with a wide range of people so that you could build long term relationships that garner long time trust. When you truly believe in your idea, or your business, or yourself, then you don't need to have enormous ego or an overly extroverted personality. You don't need to "sell" in the traditional sense. You just need to communicate your point of view clearly, cordially and confidently.

- Marc and Angel

Switching careers after being employed for over 5 years with a company may somehow give you cold feet if scheduled for an up close interview. You may have been too relax to update that resume even.  So in general, you would need a refresher. It's alright to almost feel like a first timer once again. Here are some of the things you need to get reinformed of as you prepare for the big day.

1. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCHEDULE, THE LOCATION AND ANY DIRECTIONS/INSTRUCTIONS THAT YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW AT LEAST A DAY BEFORE THE JOB INTERVIEW.

Whether the notice was given to you thru the phone, email, or post, you should take note of the time and day of the appointed interview. You should know that it's not only you that a company may be considering for a position so give importance to being "ON TIME". It's better to be there at least 15 minutes to give yourself some time to look for the location in a calm manner and to respond efficiently to any unexpected changes or instructions that may be required. Some companies ask your documents before hand for an easy breezy flow when there are other candidates present. Some interviewers need some time to review your resume too so that they could gauge what questions to throw at you. In consideration of all of these, you may want to familiarise yourself as to where the location is, how to get there and which is the fastest option. It wouldn't be too bad if you have a Plan B at hand just in case your car breaks down or what not.

2. DRESS UP APPROPRIATELY.

Don't take the second tip literally. Dressing up appropriately means considering your total look. You have to consider the aura that you give out from how your hairstyle looks to how polished your shoes are. The colours that you choose for your corporate attire somehow affect the interviewer's mood too so they say. The illustration above could give you the things to take note of. Click here for some info about the clothes. 

3. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF THE COMPANY YOU'RE APPLYING FOR.

There are some companies that are very much precise about their mission statement. It would be at your own advantage if you'd make yourself abreast of this. In addition, it's better for you to research about the latest achievements of the company to support your intention of getting hired by them. Because one of the most common question is: "Why did you apply for this company?"

Another plus is if you are fully informed of the job description of the desired position you opted for. Find the distinct quality about it above all positions and work your way into convincing your future boss into making it more efficient. 

Tip: Never talk wrongly of your previous employer because this will give the interviewer an impression that you will talk the same way of their company once you're over and done with them.

4. BE KNOWLEDGEABLE OF YOUR OWN RESUME.

My own experience of preparing for a job interview had led me to spending one whole night just to edit my resume. For 7 years, I didn't update it and it's quite beneficial if you'd at least pay attention to it every 5 years. Besides the fact that you may have married and added your spouse's name to your CV, your experience and current job may need some updating too. Why is this important? It would be quite embarrassing if the interviewer would be talking about a past seminar that you've attended and then you totally are lost of what was that about. Or, maybe you have upgraded your skills and learned new ones that may be needed to be written down to support your desired position.

Tip: Being a minimalist when presenting your CV is the best way to go. Choose a clear font, be specific with your timeline and attach a recent, decent profile photo. 

5. BE WATCHFUL OF THE WAY YOU EXPRESS YOURSELF.

Of course, we are always encouraged at all times, to embrace our unique abilities, qualities and attitude. But there are some of those that may leave your interviewer annoyed and/or ambivalent so it's important to stay composed, prim and proper.

a) Communication is a very powerful tool in selling yourself. Yet some people get overly excited in using some words that they really don't know the definition of. I hope you'll find this list useful.

In addition, avoid usage of the following words during the interview: LOVE, PROMISE, GOOD

Such as describing this way: "I love team work." Or, "I promise to be the best." Or, "I find the job offer good enough for me." Tsk, tsk, tsk! Total No-no!

b) Non-verbal communication talks a lot about who we are as much as the real verbal communication does since the interviewer is not only there to listen to what you have to say but they are there to gauge you if you are even qualified to represent the company with your looks alone. The way you walk, greet, stand, sit and give out that hand shake could leave an impression.

There would be some questions that may trigger you to become uneasy and tense. Expect that you will be in a hot seat. Of course, normal responses may be forgiven but all in all, just be able to compose yourself as much as possible. And no matter how comfortable the interviewer makes you, never express yourself to him/her as a friend with your natural swearing self.

c) It's not important that you get noticed, it's more important to leave an impression. Most especially if you leave a good one. At the end of an interview, you're always welcome to ask your interviewer a question. Here are some that I have encountered that may quite leave your future boss something to ponder. And because of such gesture, you'll be remembered.

There goes your tips. Remember, your fate is in your hands. These are but a few of everything that you have to consider. If you wish to add up something to the list, please don't hesitate to leave a comment below.

Related posts:

1. CORPORATE ATTIRE? NO PROBLEM - a guide to what you should wear in a job interview.

2. 15 CELEBRITIES WHO ARE SMART WITH THEIR MONEY, THIS IS WHAT THEY DID - a repost of some of the celebrities who actually take time in maintaining their finances well invested.

3. FOR OUR OWN GOOD - what we ought to know about the people playing God taking over our food, money and medicine.

HK DISNEYLAND AUDITIONS THIS MARCH

Find your light. Come for an audition!

Disney Princesses Drawn Perfectly For VOGUE

Walt Disney Pictures had touched a lot of girls' lives

planting a seed in them of how to be hopeful that dreams do come true.

And then HBO gave birth to the Sex and the City series

that brought glamour to the hopeful.

Now what happens when we combine the two.

Take a good look of the following couture designs drawn for Vogue covers

where each princess is presented with style and some umph!

POCAHONTAS

ARIEL

MULAN

CINDERELLA

BELLE

AURORA

QUEEN ELSA AND PRINCESS ANNA

JASMINE

MERIDA

SNOW WHITE

TIANA

RAPUNZEL

Such gifted designers, like Hayden Williams,  illustrating their creativity, becomes an inspiration everyday to many. As how princesses have established their character thru the movies they were featured in, these alterations dare every woman to go beyond what's usual. In the name of fashion, innovating one's self becomes socially accepted as a form of empowerment. This becomes encouraged by the knowledgeable fashionistas since it highly speaks of confidence.

As a Cosmopolitan fan, I wanted to share these photos because I admire how it treats indifference.

Disney DIVAS by Hayden Williams

Related posts:
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2. PRODUCTS I LOVE - a good read about beauty products for those who have dry and oily skin before purchasing it.
3. NO MAKE UP SELFIE - an entry to my 100 Happy Days Project

15 Celebrities Who Are Smart With Their Money.... This is what they did!

This is an article that I'd like to repost to keep my readers inspired, driven and mindful of keeping financial resources saved and secure. Some of the notes, I may change yet, it's still based on the original released by goodtipsforwealth.com.

We have seen so many celebrities who've risen up to fame but only a few maintain a habit of saving it for a future storm. For them, nothing's permanent most especially, earning a lot of money. Read away to get some smart tips from these mindful stars.

1. ZOOEY DESCHANEL

Found on: jadorelucy@blogspot.com

TV: New Girl
Movies: 500 Days of Summer

Despite the fact that she plays a flaky free spirit on TV, Zooey Deschanel is one financial whiz. She saves 76% of her income and zero debt. She has well over a million dollars in the bank and even more invested. So the lesson from Zooey is to aim to save more than you spend.

2. SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Found on: tomandlorenzo.com

TV: Sex and the City
Movies: Sex and the City 1 & 2, How Does She Do It

The light bulb eyed Sarah Jessica Parker came from humble beginnings and despite being wealthy, she wants her son to have that same mentality. In fact, her son wears only hand me downs from her older nephews. She prides herself on teaching her son that he owes something to the community and that he is not entitled to the money his parents earned. The lesson is to stay humble and save money even when you have plenty.

3. WARREN BUFFET

Found on: Forbes.com

Known for:

- being the world's most successful investor of the 20th century
- being the chairman, CEO and largest stockholder of Berkshire Hathaway
- "Oracle of Omaha", "Sage of Omaha", "Wizard of Omaha"

This one might be expected and yet the facts might not be. Sure Warren Buffet is famous for being well rich beyond your wildest dreams, but he certainly doesn't live like it. He lives in a very modest five bedroom home that he purchased for $30,000 forty years ago. He also buys used cars, nice cars but still used cars. So the key is that even if you are very rich you can save that money and find ways to do more good with it.

4. ASHTON KUTCHER

TV: MTV's Punk'd, That 70's Show
Movies: Spread, What Happens in Vegas

This jack of all trades may play goofy guys in TV and movies but he is a very smart investor. He has taken to investing in startups and his hunches are usually right. He is so good with investing that he now runs Grade-A investments. So if you have money just lying around, use it to make smart investments.

5. WILLIAM SHATNER

Found on: s747.beta.photobucket.com

TV: Star Trek, Boston Legal, The Practice
Movies: Star Trek 1,2,3, Miss Congeniality

William Shatner may not be in the public eye much beyond Priceline commercials are proof of what a smart investor he is. Priceline was a small startup that approached Shatner about doing radio spots. As the company grew they wanted Shatner to do television commercials but could not afford to pay him. Shatner believed in the company and offered to take stock in the company as his fee. His gamble certainly paid off.

6. SETH GREEN

Found on: s364.photobucket.com

TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, That 70's Show
Movies: Italian Job, Can't Hardly Wait

This actor, producer and director is very smart with his money. He spends wisely and makes sure to save plenty. He is so dedicated to being smart with his finances that he tries to help his fans follow suit. He even had a one hour special on ABC entitled Un-Broke and he has a you tube video that openly mocks Cribs. So follow the financial advice of someone who is wealthy and successful, chances are they know what they are doing.

7. WILL SMITH

Found on: telegraph.co.uk

TV: Blossom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Movies: I am Legend, Pursuit of Happyness, Seven Pounds

Will Smith has become something of a financial celebrity on top of his acting and music career. With quotes like, "Too many people spend money they haven't earned, to buy things they don't want, to impress people they don't like." He knows how to spend and save his money. He learned the hard way too when became nearly bankrupt in 1990 after underpaying his income tax. That experience gave him the discipline to keep his money.

8. MARK CUBAN

Found on: zimbio.com

TV: Mark Cuban (Shootout)
Movies: Shark Tank

Here is another man who is famous basically for being rich. He is also known for his role on Shark Tank (which he has because he's rich) and it is that role that shows why he is so smart with his money. Mark Cuban has a very diverse investment portfolio to decrease his risk. He has real estate, computer companies, the Dallas mavericks and a number of startups. So having a diverse portfolio is a good way to make money from investments with minimal risk.

9. SARAH MICHELLE GELLAR

Found on: self.com

TV: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Movies: Call of the Dead

You might not expect someone with a net worth like Sarah Michelle Gellar to be much of a bargain shopper but this celebrity prefers to put her money toward charitable causes like Habitat for Humanity. She has been seen using coupons for her dry cleaning and shopping at department stores on double reward days. The key here is that even if you have money to pay full price, there is no reason to pass up a sale or a coupon when they are available.

10. TYRA BANKS

Found on: matthewjordansmith.com

TV: America's Next Top Model
Movies: Coyote Ugly

Chances are, you know Tyra Banks because she's beautiful, but that's one of the last reasons why you should know her. She enrolled in Harvard Business School in 2011 and graduated three years later. She has since used her education to start a number of companies and she is currently the CEO of several. So, the lesson is to educate yourself in business as much as you can and never limit yourself.

11. KEANU REEVES

Found on: keanuquotes.tumblr.com

TV: Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color
Movies: The MATRIX, Constantine, Devil's Advocate

Keanu Reeves has been ranked as one of the most generous celebrities alive today and he can be that generous celebrities alive today and he can be that generous because he lives solely off the income from his past movies. He lives in a modest apartment and rides the subway to work. The money he earns from his current projects he gives to the movie crews so that they can pay off their debt. The key is not to spend money as you get it and make a budget. Since Keanu can live off the wealth he gained from past movies he can now take projects he enjoys and be generous with his earnings.

12. JAY LENO

Found on: squidoo.com

Jay Leno lives off a very unique philosophy, work two jobs. Live off the money you earn from one job and save the money your earn from the other. When Jay Leno was the host of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno for two decades he made $25million a year. He NEVER spent any of that money. Instead he lived off the money as a comedian and saved everything from the TV show.

13. MARISKA HARGITAY

Found on: shape.com

TV: Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, Chicago P.D.
Movies: Lake Placid, Leaving Las Vegas

Mariska Hargitay is the face of the very popular and successful Law and Order: SVU and she became one of the highest paid women in network television earning $500,000 an episode. However, she came from humble beginnings and says that she constantly worries about money. She's stated that she's been without money longer than she's had it, so she budgets and plans for a future for when she doesn't have money.

14. KRISTEN  BELL

Found on: flickr.com

TV: Heroes, Gossip Girl
Movies: Frozen (Anna's voice), Veronica Mars

Kristin Bell has often joked about being frugal and wanting to save her money. She and her husband Dax Shepard have a net worth of $18 million and yet the pair will never be seen living a lavish lifestyle. Their wedding was not one for a television special and Dax jokes that their wedding cost a mere $142 (including gas!) at the courthouse. Kristen Bell says that she is always using coupons and loves coupons, her favourite is a Bed, Bath and Beyond coupon.

15. DAVE GROHL

Found on: flickr.com

Band: Foo Fighters, Guitarist

Dave Grohl is a famous drummer that has a fortune of a $225 million and he remains the drummer for the Foo Fighters. Despite having a large home with a built in recording studio he says that he's afraid to spend his money. He keeps a large savings because he says without a high school diploma he has nothing to fall back on. So he wants to make sure his current fortune will last him the rest of his life if it has to. Planning for retirement or the future is a good move to make, no matter how much money you have.

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2. SAMANTHA ROSE SCOTT FEAUSI - a post featuring a powerful Rugby Player of the Year
Awardee
3. 15 THINGS TO GIVE UP - some of the worst habits that you just have to let go.

2014 BEST PICTURES

I always start my year with a post about my most favourite pictures that I've come across during the previous year. But I had to dedicate the first post for this year with the most important lesson I have learned in 2014, "Life is too short". So I was attracted to a lot of excerpts, articles, clips, stories and most especially pictures pertaining to life.

As I spent time in compiling my best pics for 2014, I have noticed that I had put a high regard on life and so, almost all of the photos are about it. In addition, personal, original and authentic ones (not undergoing any form of filter) had more impact than ever.

Here you are, my yearly photo diary.

JANUARY

"START"

1. A project, a plan, a journey... They all have one thing in common. It all requires a huge step. And it's usually, the "START" that is the hardest to do. Though they may say that once you are able to surpass it, everything becomes alright, the starting point could also be a precursor to which outcome it may lead to. Once you start something wrongly, 90% of the outcome would also end up faulty.

With that being said, this photo of mine finding out that I was more than 3 weeks pregnant was the start of a beautiful journey to motherhood. Excitement, Anxiety and Gratitude filled my heart as I read the result. I was excited that we are expecting, anxious because of the long 9months (plus recovery) that I may be facing sans the previous experiences and diagnoses) and lastly, gratitude that God had blessed me.

FEBRUARY
"NURTURE"

2. Many in our society nowadays are offended when seeing breastfeeders in public. A lot of people don't accept post birth bodies of women to be described as "beautiful". And never would you see a billboard featuring a mom's extra skin on the tummy "ANYWHERE". This is how awful most of the people's perception of beauty had become. Despite the fact that post birth bodies of mothers are what nurtured the entire population, they remain hidden from the mass and are labeled "UGLY".

Reading about Jade Beall who had started a campaign in addressing the beauty behind stretch marks and extreme bodily changes amongst women partaking the journey of being a mom, the more I admired every single mom I know. To pay tribute to the guardian angels who we call "Mama", I am supporting her in hailing the wonder women's bodies could make.

MARCH
"ACCEPT"

3. A follow up to that comes as I choose this photo for the month of March. It is a planned project and this photo is for future reference.

I would be one of the supporters who would be more than thankful and boosted of self esteem if I see a billboard like this someday in the city.

You see, living in Hong Kong (and I believe it's not only in this country) makes this dream far fetched because culturally, they hail being skinny, flawless and white as the only traits one should have to be considered beautiful. Most of the products' models are so. Once that changes into accepting diversity in every person's perception of what's beautiful, including considering the reality behind the "excess skin" in which lives had been held protected for 9 months by every mom, a lot of women's self esteem would be empowered with respect to their bodies ability to procreate and nurture.

4. All these resolutions and bucket lists call for one thing and I'm going to say it out loud. It's nothing but that huge CHANGE. The change that you'd been longing to do, the change that your soul calls for and that change that's calling out the real you to get unleashed. It is also the change that you've been delaying, the change that has to be done and the change you believe will make a difference. For me, being a mom "transformed" me into a new individual as everything becomes clear to me in terms of living with a purpose. I have earned skills that you wouldn't be able to acquire if you're not a parent as far as effective prioritisation, practicality and spending time wisely is concerned. I have a reason to stay home and  I now have a purpose instead of just going with the flow. My daughter is the best CHANGE that happened in my life.

APRIL
"CHANGE"

This photo grid reminds me of how my body had adapted to these changes. Seeing the effects of pregnancy like stretch marks and widened hips remind me of battle scars that had aided the only way to assist for a miracle to come forth to this world. I may not have tattoos that could remind me of an experience but I have these as proof of bringing forth life. It is a good change.

5. In the Philippines, one of our customs is acquiring your husband's surname for your own when you get married. I intend to carry Filipino customs with me even when I'm abroad so my featured photo for May is having that change of name applied to my identity card.

MAY
"ACCUSTOM"

The funny story goes, I didn't know I had to change the former one to the latest one right away.  The "lady" in me called for a powder break at least. Ending, I had my fat pregnant face on it.... Hahaha! But the immigration officer was so nice complimenting on my pregnancy, saying Congratulations and all. And right before he clicked the button for the photo to be taken, he said, "Don't worry about it, it's a good change." Bahahahaha! He was right.

6. I never knew how mammary glands could be such powerful tools. It feeds, it soothes, it heals and it puts babies at peace. Breastfeeding had been such a great accomplishment for me since a lot of mothers aim to do so but not all are privileged to attain success. For the first 2 days that I was in the hospital after giving birth to my baby, I, along with more than 40 moms line up per feeding schedule to introduce colostrum to the newborns. Colostrum is the first yellow-thin fluid produced by the breast as you give birth and usually precedes lactation. It is packed with maternal antibodies that could help your newborn to be protected during its first months as they develop their own.

JUNE
"BREASTFEED"

I saw how these moms remain committed as they truly go every 4 hours to the nursery room. Even though we sit awkwardly next to each other with one boob out as we wait for our babies, you could feel that some are feeling anxious, some are feeling determined and some are feeling frustrated. I for one had felt all three. My gynaecologist encouraged me to rest as much as I can so I may have missed a couple of feedings during 2am. I was even watchful of the post partum blues as this could affect milk flow. But all I felt was the gratitude that my baby came out alive and kicking. We bonded well on the first attempt with the breastfeeding. But my heart cried when I saw one mom who was struggling with her baby who had a cleft palate. The baby was trying very hard to suck milk but the breast couldn't perceive the totality of it because of the baby's limiting condition. That very picture plus this one I'm featuring aches my heart. My daughter gets milk "on demand" and I go back to being grateful for both of us are blessed with good health. This goes for my supportive and helpful husband as well. He considers the rest I truly need to be able to take care of my daughter the whole time.

7. Since I was young, I was already drawn to the "Phoenix". As I named my daughter so, I've read and read about it and I gained some enlightenment to my unfathomable fascination with it.

JULY
"TRANSFORM"

I learned that the highest totem of a Scorpio (which I am) is the Phoenix. I do not base my beliefs solely to Astronomy. In fact, I became more interested to it because of its spiritual inclination to some religions. I have posted some of the things I've researched about it. Call it a coincidence. But it somehow speaks of a Scorpio recovering from its hardships, burning then rising from its ashes, transforming into THE PHOENIX. I chose this photo in particular because I was dreaming of my daughter's hair to be as corse as the girl's in the photo with Disney's Princess Merida. Hence, Her 3rd name is Brave.

8. I am more than thankful to my gynaecologist, Dr. Rebecca Tang for assisting my husband and I all the way from recovering from a loss the first time into giving birth to Brave.

AUGUST
"SEE"

It's amazing that she had guided us into understanding our baby's development since she was just a tiny being. Every time she makes us see the changes monthly, I am in awe with God's way of creating this miracle. With the help of ultrasound imagery, which wasn't available during my Mom's time, it had eased our worries and inspired us every time.

9. Last year, my prayer had been answered. I had a baby girl and alongside that prayer, I have always asked God to use me as a tool of His will and He did. This is one picture of my daughter and I that had made me aware of my purpose and my reason for living.

SEPTEMBER
"GRIP"

You see, it's a newborn's instinct to grip on when you put something to their palms. From a mom's perspective, it is more of a communication. When I feel her grip, I know that she lets me understand that she's thankful of her life and that she needs me in its entirety. And for some unfathomable way, it's ok and even feels honourable. You have a huge responsibility with what's holding on to you but you don't see it that way. You see it as a gift, more so, a miracle. This also marks a milestone in my life that stands up for something new. This photo reminds me that I am in a state of beginning a life of purpose.

10. Our life is challenged from time to time. Sometimes, a hardship disguises a blessing. And sometimes, we don't perceive a blessing as so until we witness others wishing the very same thing we have. This photo extremely hits me as how some people in the other side of the world could be so deprived yet I find myself complaining still sometimes when I have most of what I need in abundance.

OCTOBER
"REALIZE"

It's good to come across these kind of shots because beyond the fact they are real, it keeps me grounded and it reminds me of the blessings I should be thankful of keeping negativity about silly stuff not too much of a priority.

11.  It is amazing to see how my best and Hogan's best have come together in Brave. Everyday, my child is a delight, a source of overflowing happiness and representative of both of us. The month of November is my birth month and my wish goes for my child's health to be at its best

NOVEMBER
"REPRESENT"

12. Going back to work is a pain in the ass for every mom most especially if your maternity leave only consists of 2 months. But you know what's even worse?

Getting back in shape.

At first, I was truly in denial that I had to come back sooner. Being a dancer and being in competition with young kids are truly a bitch after gaining 25-35 lbs. during my pregnancy. But this photo got stuck in my mind and since then, I motivated myself to the best of my ability. I choose not to compete with anybody else but except myself.

DECEMBER
"STRIVE"

Everyday is a struggle to run, everyday is a struggle to keep up with the routine and everyday is a struggle because there's always somebody who'll  put you down or tell you that you can't, but once again, it's not for anything else, nor for anybody else...

Related posts:

1. PHOENIX SEILEAFI BRAVE - how we came up with my daughter's name.
2. WHICH DO YOU EAT MORE - Some of the eating disorders that you may not realise you have.
3. 2013 BEST PICS - My photo diary for 2013.