Justin Timberlake - Suit & Tie (Official) ft. JAY Z

Here's something to sing along as you strut to work! Take it easy on a TUESDAY with JT. His album had been released just recently. And I can't get enough of this triple threat. Still abreast with how he started in this industry as he keeps up with the demand of his fans for more of his music; Dancing and performing effortlessly in the show "Late Nights with Jimmy Fallon" and "Saturday Night Live"; "SOCIAL NETWORK" - need I say more? I am a fan. Keep it up!

Different Ways of Wearing your Scarf

Dressing up is a good way to express yourself. Fashion gets innovated over time and it gives you an opportunity to recreate yourself thru it. To some people, SPRING is a season where you can play more with colors and layers. Personally, I find Spring to be a breather from the constricting months of Winter.

Lately, as we were bound to transfer to a different room apartment, I have been reintroduced to a number of scarves which I had forgotten that I've had while I was packing up. There was just a lot of them that I thought of how should I deal with this much. After learning the art of letting go thru the book, "Happiness Project", I kept my favorites that could help spice up a plain shirt or an old purse, or simply make a difference to a usual get up.

What we don't know is that scarves can be used in a lot of ways.

Rules 1 to 4 suggests using your scarves as a HEAD PIECE. Check out these fabulous styles that may give your long hair or the usual "pusod" a.k.a. (bun) an "umph". Just remember to take note of the different textile materials scarves are made of. Silky ones usually could easily slide off your soft long hair.

Rules 5-8 suggests scarves to be used as a NECK PIECE.  The secret to this style is to keep everything simple and to let the scarf alone be the highlight of the whole outfit.

Rules 9-12 could be tricky. The scarves here are used as part of the wardrobe, or can be the wardrobe itself. I consider it tricky as you should be able to mix and match it with the right accessories and colors. Be careful in tying them as well as it may glide down or get untangled easily. It depends on how you want to wear them too. If you will look at Rule 11, at the back, it may be a little bit revealing. If you're in this kind of situation, opt for using a bandeau and or double-sided tapes to keep everything in place.

  Rules 13-16 show more of a versatile way of wearing your scarf. For me, Rule 14 is the best.

There you go, I hope these 16 simple ways could help you out in continuously getting in touch with your creative side thru fashion. I never thought that scarves could be hidden treasures until I came across this featured article in Fashion and Beauty Magazine, HK last year so I thought of sharing it to you.

 Enjoy SPRING!

15 TRUTHS ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL DANCER

LA KAFFA CAFE

Hogan and I love eating. As much as we can, we cook our own food and skip on fast food. Besides the general fact that it ain't healthy, we are very particular with the taste, presentation and ambiance. On rare occasions like having a day off together, we see to it that we satisfy our taste buds and explore together our cravings for different, zesty food. Today, we tried the La Kaffa Cafe that newly opened in the Kingswood Ginza Mall that people who live around here in Tin Shui Wai have been waiting for.

We were so surprised that on a Sunday when most restaurants are packed, this one, particularly wasn't. That invited us more to get in and check the menu. It looked so inviting with the images they have provided of the food. The breakfast selection was the most tempting with the big label, "ALL-DAY BREAKFAST" starting the run down. But then we decided that for dinner, we would skip to the MAIN COURSE. Here are the choices...

The deal isn't that bad. We salivated instantly and ordered right away as we got excited. I ordered steak and Hogan, his ever favorite, roasted lamb chops. In addition, we ordered Tomato Pasta with Mushrooms on the side. But were our expectations met? This was how our orders were presented to us.

Hahahaha! I was overwhelmed with how much sauce our food can swim in. Don't get me wrong, I'm very aware that at least, I have something to eat but being a food critic, and working hard to be able to pay for what you wanted to order is another thing. Hogan looked for the roasted potatoes on the side for his lamb (as how the menu looks like) but like how the label goes, it did just say "Premium Lamb Chops" while my steak specifically indicated "...with roast potatoes, salad and bell pepper sauce". They did give us a generous portion of "the sauce". Uhmmmm..... Just that. So he ordered a separate portion of roasted potatoes and comparing it to the image once again in the menu, we were disappointed. The photo on the left is from the menu and the one on the right was how it came to us.

What a total rip-off!!!! I wish I owned the place and for sure every customer that would go out of this restaurant will be satisfied. I ordered hot milk tea along with my meal and Hogan had the cold one. It lacked sugar and tea. I asked cheese for my pasta, all the people behind the counter seem to not know that cheese had to go with pasta. I mean, it wasn't available in the condiments section which I think is a must. Salt was put in a pepper container. Can you imagine how much we had to stand up for all of these? I mean how ridiculous is that! Hahaha!

Hogan and I had almost finished our bowl of pasta before his lamb chops came. And around 15 minutes after he finished his lamb chops came my steak. Hogan told me maybe it's the breakfast that's really their specialty. So, I asked if they were serving breakfast anytime in between their opening hours but I was surprised that the label, "ALL-DAY BREAKFAST" was the name of that specific choice. Like how McDonald's has a "BIG BREAKFAST" complete with the works. So don't be fooled! This cafe is no different from the rest. Don't ever think that they serve breakfast all day. It's really served just during breakfast. And so I studied the breakfast menu again and I saw the picture having a sausage, a portion of scrambled egg and many more. I was doubtful that it's going to be the same as how the picture goes. Hogan wants to give them another try tomorrow. He said he'll try their breakfast.... for a second chance. Good luck!

So, what I must say: It's too costly for such small serving, bad presentation and confusing taste. I wish they had put the sauce in a separate saucer or small bowl. They didn't even have a background music. LAAAAMMMMEEE!!!!! It's very unlikely that I'd come here again. No wonder, it wasn't packed.

GENTLEMEN, HERE'S SOMETHING FOR YOU!

There are a lot of things that men don't know about women - TRUE! Or, should I say, they choose not to understand - TRUE!. Or, ok! I don't know maybe there are things about women that are just too much for them to comprehend. And the one question that is most outstanding in their little black book of "What Brings Out the B-I-A-T-C-H??????!" would be of course .... it's the... How to survive "THE" time of the month.

What they need to know first is, it's not the actual time of the month that they should be cautious about. It's actually the time of "PMS"-ing. (PMS stands for Pre-Menstrual Syndrome.) According to the online urban dictionary, this is a powerful spell that women are put under about once every month, which gives them the strength of an ox, the stability of a Window's OS, and the scream of a banshee. Basically, man's worst nightmare. That is putting you into a mindset using the layman's terms.

WIKIPEDIA defined Pre-menstrual Syndrome as a collection of physical and emotional symptoms that usually happens during the luteal phase of a woman's menstrual cycle. To make it easier to understand, it is usually observed 10 days before the ladies have their period. But shortly before or after menstrual flow, it seizes. Considering the clinical condition seriously, it would be helpful to know what the symptoms are because let's face it! It greatly affects relationships which may lead to serious consequences. Literally and figuratively!

1. DYSPHORIA - Unexplainable and unpredictable emotional breakdown, unhappiness, dissatisfaction
2. Unbearable mood swings - super irritable but is needy
3. Heightened cravings for sweets - usually, once not satisfied, for sure, there'll be war
4. Physical discomforts - migraine, abdominal cramps, insomnia
5. Common and non-specific symptoms - stress, anxiety, fatigue

There you go. It's not just the women who should familiarize themselves with these symptoms but also the guys too. Getting informed of these would help you find some hints on how to juggle them and still have a good night together as this phenomenon occurs. Hints like "Oh! It's the time of the month! Maybe I should get her something like chocolates!" or sweep her off her feet again by giving her roses to simply show how you appreciate her. Both would satisfy her one way or another. It may be fun to come up with your own pleasant surprises for her if you may. It's on you if you want to take advantage of this negative thing to turn it into something positive. But let's put one thing straight, she just needs to get satisfied. A lot of understanding, patience and love are needed from the men, most especially during this time. You may go expensive but cuddling or just mere attention is better and less costly.

On the other hand, the ladies benefit from the knowledge of these symptoms by acknowledging which symptoms they may be having every month, and then identifying the pattern (as there are different patterns for every woman) so that they could manage it on their own. If you know that you're the kind who craves for sweets so much, bring a chocolate bar at least. If you think that you easily get bored, download an application on your phone that would keep you distracted. Simple things that would do wonders with your PMS.

But most importantly, identify the basic needs you should never neglect. Get ample sleep, avoid strenous activities and keep yourself safe. PMS could be so severe that it may end up fatal if attention is not paid.It may lead to depression and psychotic disorders that could make someone commit suicide.

Personally, I dread this time so much because it accounts most of the difficult times i had physically. I get abdominal cramps that it may make me cranky, needy and unbearable because of the dull pain i mostly experience. In fact, almost every month. I wouldn't deny it that it's also every month that my boyfriend and i get into petty fights because of it. I'm sure it's not just us who are experiencing this so I thought of sharing these to you. It's not like there's a remedy or health intervention that you should do but, prevention of these symptoms might be the only way.

To read further more about what disorders it can lead to once not resolved, click on the link below.

http://meetmypmdd.blogspot.co.uk/p/what-is-pmdd.html

BEST PICTURES of 2012

May I present to you the

2012 gallery which had inspired me,

challenged me and got me amazed.

Credits to the people who had poured their talented

hearts and minds on working on these shots.
To show appreciation, I shared my own thoughts about each photo.
Have fun reading!

JANUARY

 This always is a good start for a lot of things.

Projects that you had been postponing to start and/or finish;

Habits, good or bad that you needed to work on;

Decisions that you have been planning to make;

Resolutions in general that you had been ignoring.

With all these tasks to be done, you need to be prepared

mentally and physically.

This picture reminds me to choose to live healthily

so as to help you have a sound judgement in setting your priorities straight.

That's actually the hardest step to do but every

step takes you further and further into reaching your goal.

My friends and loved ones had been supportive on making me quit smoking and

I love them for doing so. That was the best gift I could give myself.

Next to that would be having ample rest and eating the right kind of foods.

I will take it from there and assess once again when the year ends.

I suggest to you too not to be taken aback by fear of failure.

It is the main culprit of being successful at anything you want to achieve.

 

FEBRUARY

This picture reminds me of how magically two people are meant for each

other even at the bitter most situations. For the love month,

I choose a very creative picture of two faces kissing as coffe is spilled.

With the thirty years I have in my pocket of experiencing what life had to offer,

I know it's not that much experience yet to share.

But this, I would like to ask you.

Have you ever wondered which hurts the most:

saying something that you wish you hadn't

or saying nothing, and wishing you had?

Figure it out fast. There's no right answers nor wrong ones.

Just take note of the consequences.

There maybe bitterness (coffee) along the way,

but there's no flawless relationship.

Hold on to the person who treats you right and speaks

the language of love (kiss) you speak.  

 MARCH

I've always shared the importance of balance.

Again and again, this I've proven true.

 "ANYTHING THAT YOU DO IN EXCESS

IS BAD FOR YOU."

So, may it be work or play, know the right balance.

This is a picture of Mickael and Caitanya, two people whom I have known at work,

two passionate and dedicated talents who value people 

they meet along their journey of greatness.

This picture reminds me that no matter how these two are becoming

famous and known by what they do, they take time

in knowing these kids as they perform for them.

Such humility is irreplaceable when the time comes because we,

as performers give our audience an impact that is beyond

influential. It creates dreams in young people's minds and

if nurtured well, they become contributors of a better society. On the other hand,

for those who are young at heart, they get to challenge themselves more and

more and continuously learn from what we impart to them.

As we share our culture thru a dance, as we express

emotions thru a song or basically how we become driven in doing

what we do best, we encourage them to be at their best.

 

        APRIL

As this month kicks in, we start to get accustomed to what we

had started in the month of January.

Challenges strike in and we slowly get distracted

and we start to get tired of keeping up with the task.

May this picture be a reminder for you not to give up 
on your goals, your dreams and your aspirations.

Learn how to assert yourself in daring situations.

Committing mistakes, experiencing hardships and realizing errors

should not be taken as a sign that you can never accomplish anything.

It means that you are on your way into becoming at your best.

It means that there's room for more. You can give more.

If you give more, make sure to sustain it or even make it better. 

Find that essential weapon in keeping you on top of your game. 

May it be your background music as you paint,

honest and consistent communication with your friend that keeps you abreast with your attitude,

or that latte to start you up in the morning, hold on to it. 

OWN IT.

MAY

Reconnect!

To your family, your friends, your self.

Embrace the real you. Being someone else that you're not

is exhausting and is not worth it of your time.

It is human nature to adapt to our environment.

And usually, we get lost in finding our way to full growth.

This remains true most especially when we want to belong so much

to a world in the form of peers, lifestyle and materialism.

 It's alright to have an ambition. But don't step on others to get to it.

It's alright to be competitive. But make sure it's a healthy one.  

A lot of us are in denial if I would say, 

the greatest enemy we would ever have is our own self. 

We are special, unique who deserves the BEST and should NEVER settle for less.

That goes the same with the rest of human race.

Therefore, love thy own self before wanting to be loved.

You would be the "only" way to getting treated good,
if you treat yourself good.

Give respect to yourself.

Clear your mind of guilt, speak of truth and do what is right.

You would experience yourself overcoming breaking points.

When it dawns to you that the world is unfair and is full of shit,
don't fret. It's normal. And most of the time, it's the pain body talking.
You don't mean it.
Most successful people had their darkest moments too.
  But it's life.

Learn the lesson fast and move forward.     

JUNE

This is Ivy Chua. A Filipino, Japanese, American Chinese mix

whom I admire for being a strong woman. I've known her since I was

a teenager and she is a great innovator of herself.

She embraces changes, feeds on culture and loves life.

She owns the 3 f's every woman should have tied around her neck since birth:

Fearlessness, Fierce and Fun.

Half of the year would be gone and by this time,

reassess the new you.

You've started well, you've sustained interventions,

now, it's time to rediscover other opportunities.

Take a leap.

  

JULY

Let those thoughts fly by. Imagine and Create.

Generate ideas with your friends, take a stroll and let nature flow into you.

Be one with earth. If you live in a city, absorb its energy.

Pay close attention to details as this may inspire you

to develop a hidden ability, skill or hobby that could later on

benefit you in the long run.

Remember, IMAGINATION is more powerful than KNOWLEDGE.

   

AUGUST

Aging is inevitable, death can't be escaped.

Thru the journey of life, you'd meet elders that would be more than

willing to make you understand about life's complexities.

May I remind everybody to act accordingly.

Later on, you'd be imparting what you have learned as well to a younger generation.

Hence, don't neglect your responsibility to them.

Yes, I have said mistakes are reminders that you were

working on being at your best. But don't make a waste out of your life.

Keep the mistakes at minimum as much as you can.

That's why we have our parents to guide us.

You are not them. Nor you can replace their existence.

You can just make it better as you live your own life.

Refrain from acting childishly with the way you reason out,

aim to be appropriate when you dress up,

avoid desperate arguments to be excused 

for being ignorant of things that you should be aware of 

(e.g. laws, simple rules of life, basic norms).

 

SEPTEMBER

Sometimes, we are pack rats.

We, human beings, tend to hold on to something

that we should have let go from the start.

This picture reminds me to let things happen.

Let the people who had to leave you in order to follow their own path go.

And if they would come back to you, then by all means, receive them with open arms.

Practice simply by decluttering your closet,

by setting things in their right places, keeping them organized.

This gives your mind a clearer perspective of say,

your living environment or your working station.

This will help you save time in looking for stuff when you need them,

or figuring what to wear right away saving you from being late to an event.

     

    

 OCTOBER

Yolanda dancing the Zombie Waltz in Hong Kong Disneyland's

Halloween Parade is worth complimenting on.

I've always been a fan of any form of shows, presentation or performance.

It's worth of my time and effort.

I know how actors/actresses, performers, and entertainers put

so much heart and passion with what they do.

And they deserved to be watched and applauded.

This month, make time in watching musicals,

reading a book, seeing a great movie or dancing to your favorite music.

ARTS plays a great role to our abstract thinking.

Other than the gifts of the 5 senses (vision, hearing, scent, taste and touch),  

there are three things that make us 

homo sapiens different from the rest of the animals.

Our ability to imagine, dream and reason out.

Appreciate a form of art, critic an article or don't hold back to an opinion.

This would benefit you one way or another.

Trust me.

   

  NOVEMBER

I have to treat "my" month of all months in a special way.

This is the month I would be giving compliments on myself after being appreciative

of others' greatness. I would find ways in feeding my self-esteem.

To that, I would identify both my strengths and weaknesses.

You might be thinking that I'd be denying of myself of my weaknesses

to attain a good self confidence but no. I'd be working on them more

with the help of what I'm good at.

You see, I believe it's not only me who would treat reputation

as an important factor to attain self-achievement.

Everybody enjoys a moment or two under the lime light.

Let's face it, we are great balls of energy, FULL OF POTENTIAL

only if we set aside FEAR. 

But don't lose the most important realization,

SUCCESS = 99% SWEAT AND 1% PRAYER.

There's a very thin line in practicing CONFIDENCE with being TOO PROUD.

And HUMILITY  should be practiced at all times.

Yes, work hard, be thankful for the credits they give you

but expect nothing in return. For the best effort given,

is the one given freely and passionately.

What you do is your own karma, what they do is their own karma.

    

You could choose "your" own birth month to make way for

pampering yourself this time.

DECEMBER

At the end of the day, make time for loved ones.

Take a holiday trip with them and experience a vacation that you'll all remember fondly.

Share what you have in excess. Realize that there are others who don't

even have one tenth of what you own. Be appreciative of what you have

and stop complaining. Ranting is exhausting. 

Listen to a friend. That is the most priceless gift you can give.

TIME.

Forgive those that have offended you.

Never forget the lesson.

Love unconditionally.
At all times when you don't know what to do,

IT IS THE ANSWER.

And live like there's no tomorrow. 

Never get satisfied with just mere existing.