Saturday, May 31, 2008
How Am I Today?
Friday, May 30, 2008
Pinoy Version of My Girl
I'd never thought that I'll enjoy watching the newest tv offering from ABS-CBN right now. I am talking about another Pinoy adaptation of the defunct Korean soap opera, My Girl. This stars the bubbly and vibrant, young actress of Chinese descent, Kim Chiu and the Fil-Am young actor, Gerald Anderson. I've watched the first week of My Girl and I must admit that I got hooked. This is a feel good, comedy with a touch of a lovestory. Kim's character as Jasmine is cute and fun. She speaks a little bit of Chinese and Bisaya in this soap. Kim is so lovable and I enjoyed watching her in this show.
In Plain Sight: Meet the Cast
Though I’m not a U.S. Marshal like her, but of all the characters here, I can relate more to Mary's character. Her job entails a lot of responsibilities and she takes on different personas just so she can relate to the witnesses in some ways. I am like that sometimes depending on the kind of people I associate with. I can be a friend, sister, adviser, listener to my family and friends while I can be a wife, girlfriend and best friend to my husband.
Mary’s tough, sexy and smart traits will make her enjoyable to watch. But like any other show, there are quirky characters in every story. I find Brandi Shannon’s character challenging but quirky as well. She is Mary’s younger sister and it’s played by Nicole Hiltz. Brandi is a typical spoiled brat, selfish, no-care for the future type of girl. I remember a very well-off neighbor of mine back in the Philippines who seemed to take her family and wealth for granted. She doesn’t want to go to college because she thinks her parents’ affluence is more than enough for her needs. But fate played a trick on her when both her parents died in a plane crash and she ends up alone and miserable and no plan for her future.
Going back to the tv series, In Plain Sight, let’s all watch it on June 1st and together we will learn all the characters in the show.
The Start of a Busy Weekend
But anyway, my morning had been busy so far. I worked on 2 opportunities from Social Sparks. I'm almost done and I'm happy that I can have time for Jeff and myself after this. I'm not usually busy with blogging on weekends but no complaints there though. It's not gonna be like this always. I don't think I can bloghop today but I'll try to do it on Sunday. See ya'll!!!
In Plain Sight
But before we'll talk about the new tv series, could you take up a little picture challenge? The picture of the lead character appearing in my post can be found in the USA Network's webpage. I want you to look for Mary Shannon's picture somewhere in that site and get back to me in the comment box with the exact URL of that particular page. Let's see if you can see the hidden picture in plain sight.
The show is about Mary Shannon, a U.S. Marshal attached to the highly secretive Federal Witness Protection Program. Shannon’s character in this series is based in New Mexico and her daunting task is to provide protection for the Federal Witnesses from threats of their lives and from people who want them dead. If you want to know who joins Mary McCormack in this new show, just click the link above. Mark your calendars and don’t forget to watch the premier of this show.
It's All About You and Me
RULES:
1. Add your blog/s to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. It’s okey if you only post this questions in one blog as long as you answer them.
2. Get back to ME{refers to YEN} and I’ll add your blogs to the master’s list here! Yup, another linking thingy but this one has 15 questions and you get to enjoy answering them too!
3. Tag as many friends online you know. But you don’t need to be tag in order to join.
QUESTIONS:
1. When you buy a greetings card, are the words or the picture more important to you?
It depends on who I'm gonna give it to.
2. What’s your favorite kind of cake?
Black Forest Cake
3. Do you ever make gifts for people, if so what, or do you buy them?
I am not that creative so I just buy gifts to people.
4. What’s your favorite holiday?
Christmas
5. Are you going on holiday this year? If so, where?
Mmmm, just summer vacation plans. First week of June, we'll be going to Illinois. Still undecided which places to go for the rest of the year but definitely, we would take time to travel every year.
6. What was the best party you’ve ever been to?
Company Christmas Party
7. If you are married, describe your wedding. If not, what would your ideal wedding be like?
We had a very small, simple and solemn church wedding last year here in the US. My ideal wedding is in a Catholic church, witnessed by all my friends, family and relatives, followed by a grand reception with lots of food and fun music which we hope to achieve come January 2010 for our Philippine wedding in Cebu City.
8. What’s the most romantic thing that’s ever happened to you?
When Jeff proposed to me in Baguio City after a very romantic and wonderful date at Camp John Hay.
9. What’s your favorite girl’s name?
Casey Margarett
10. What’s your favorite boy’s name?
Ummm, I'm not sure yet. But I really like 2-word names.
11. Which celebrity would you like a dream date with?
Piolo Pascual
12. Which female celebrity do you find beautiful?
Oh, plenty but to name a few...Katherine Heighl, Gretchen Barretto, Marian Rivera, Ruffa Gutierrez
13. Which male celebrity do you think is attractive?
Piolo Pascual
14. What is your best character trait?
Forgiving
15. What is your worst habit?
I procrastinate sometimes.
The List:
1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. My Paperless Writings 7. As The World Turns 8. Felicity's Vision 9. Bienvenue `a la Noryfel 10. Inday's Kitchen 11. My Sweet Haven 12. ADD YOUR BLOGS
Thursday, May 29, 2008
I think I'm lucky today
Daddy's Corner
This is a collage of my Papa Lorenzo. He doesn't like to smile much as you can see in almost all of his pictures here but he's a good father to us. He may not be perfect but he tries to set a good example to us. Yeah, he's strict but as we come of age, we realized that if he hadn't been strict, we wouldn't have known how to live life. He used to be a jeepney driver and it helped me and my younger sister finished college. I am so thankful to him for raising us with good values and for keeping the family in tact. Happy Father's Day to you, Pa!
Daddy Jim is Jeff's dad, my dad-in-law. When I got here, he's one of the few people that I trust. He's 69 years old and he lives 2 hours away from us yet he takes time to drive down here whenever we need him here. He makes me feel like I'm really a part of their family now. I am so happy and thankful to have known him. In one of our past conversations, he mentioned that one reason why he chose to stay in Arkansas is because both of his sons live here and he wants to be close to where his sons are so that he can be there for them in times that they need them. Happy Father's Day to you, Dad!
{Start Copy Here}
Started by Mitchteryosa
I'm sharing this tag to my friends, Francine, Lira, Mary Anne, Michelle, Sunshine and Vannie. Feel free to share pictures of your dads and pay tribute to them on their special day.
Dream Vacation of a Lifetime
You would want your vacation to be perfect so planning ahead on which place to stay and how to get around the city is a must. Hotel Venice directory gives you a large list of different hotels to choose from. To get the best satisfaction of your travel, you might want to make a side trip to the equally fascinating cities of Rome and Naples. Even that couldn’t have been more easier. You can simply choose from a lot of hotel options in Hotel Rome and Hotel Naples in just one click of your mouse in the comforts of your home. How easy and cool is that? This could be the ultimate dream vacation that you’ve been wishing for.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Pulang Buwan or Sunset?!?
Before you'll think I'm cracked, of course, I don't believe that werewolves exist. But we have to admit that mankind has had a fascination with werewolves for centuries. Though it's the first time to have a tv soap opera in this format, popular Hollywood movies, famous books and internet websites discuss about werewolf legends. Anyway, I'm not here to talk about legends of werewolves and stuff. I just want to share with you a strange picture that I took one afternoon while we were sitting in the living room. At first, both me and hubby thought it's the moon 'coz usually it would be impossible to stare at the sun, more so take pictures, so what I had in mind when I grab my camera and take pictures is that this must be the pulang buwan that Lobo is talking about. C'mon, get a grip! Eventually, we realized that this could probably just be the setting sun. After all, it was close to sunset when I saw it on that day. What do you think, is it the moon or the sun?!?
Get car insurance quotes now
But, fret no more, because car insurance rates will take care of everything. It’s never been this easy to shop for an insurance company online. They give you free car insurance quote for any vehicle anywhere, or get quotes from the nation’s top insurers in just a matter of 5 minutes. They have compiled a list of the largest car insurance companies in the United States thus making it easy for you to choose the policy that fits your lifestyle best. This website is loaded with information like which cars are the easiest and hardest to get insured, as well as the most stolen cars in the country. So for you car insurance needs, check out the links above and choose the best offer that suits your lifestyle.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Weather Extremes
Monday, May 26, 2008
Traditional Adobo Recipe
Ingredients:
1-1/2 lb. pork shoulder or country-style ribs cut into 1-1/2" cubes
1/3 cup vinegar
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small bay leaf
¼ tsp. pepper
1 tbsp. sugar
½ cup water
2 tbsp. cooking oil
Combine all ingredients except cooking oil, in a pot and let stand for at least 30 minutes.
Simmer covered for 1 hour or until meat is tender. Drain and reserve sauce.
Heat cooking oil in skillet. Brown meat on all sides. Transfer to a serving dish.
Pour off all remaining oil from skillet. Add reserved sauce and cook for a minute or two scraping all browned bits sticking to pan. Pour sauce over meat and serve.
Variation: May be done with chicken or a combination of chicken and pork. Serves 4-6.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day to remember and honor those who have died in the nations's Civil War. It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868, to commemorate the sacrifices of Civil War soldiers, by proclamation of General John A. Logan in his General Order No. 11 declaring that:
"The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village, and hamlet churchyard in the land. In this observance no form of ceremony is prescribed, but posts and comrades will in their own way arrange such fitting services and testimonials of respect as circumstances may permit."
In 1882, the name was changed to Memorial Day, and soldiers who had died in other wars were also honored. In 1971, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday to be held on the last Monday in May. Today, Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the summer season in the United States. Memorial Day Weekend is a three-day holiday that is typified by the first family picnics and barbecues of the year.
[Sources: Memorial Day - A Look at its History and History.com]
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Beauty Secrets Tag
My Foundation: Before, I only use foundation when there's special occasions like parties but when I got here I tried putting on foundation when I go out. I was using L'oreal True Blend Liquid Foundation but to my dismay, I started to get a lot of breakouts so I stopped using it and don't use foundation at all.
My Blush: I use Estee Lauder Blush All Day (Pink Sand). It was given by an American friend from Illinois.
My Day Cream: I use Neutrogena Non-Comedogenic Oil-Free Fresh Moisture Ultra-Light Moisturizer.
My Lipstick: To prevent my lips from chapping, I use Aveeno Essential Moisture Lip Conditioner with SPF15. When I go out, I put on L'oreal Extreme Spice Lipstick.
My Essential Beauty Product: I'm entering my 2nd month of using Pro-Active Acne Treatment. It kinda helps drying out my acne and I hope it will prevent new ones from forming.
My favorite Make-up product: Nothing in particular. I use different brands for my make-up and I think L'oreal, Revlon, Avon works better for me so far.
My Perfume: I have a collection of Bath and Body Works body spray. I use it for my everyday needs.
My Nails: Colorless...But when I feel like putting some color to it, I'd like to use lighter color to complement my dark skin.
My Feet: I just wash it everyday and put on some Nivea or Bath and Body Works Lotion.
My hands: I use Nivea or sometimes Bath and Body Works Lotion.
Three Products to bring on a deserted island: Colgate toothpaste, Pro-active Treatment and Avon deodorant
Women I admire for their beauty: Charlize Theron, Ashley Judd, Marian Rivera and Ruffa Gutierrez
Women with the best Sense of Style: Kate Hudson
My ultimate dream: To dress up fashionably and be trendy. =)
My favorite fashion Publication: Vogue
I wanna know your beauty secrets girls! This is for you, Monica, Juliana, Chrissy, Prily, Poray, Lira, Avee, Vannie, Loannah and Francine. Oh by the way, thanks for this tag from a pretty friend of mine from California, Felicity.
Bloggerwave is Here!!!
Friendship Tag
Rule:
1. Copy from ::Start Copy Here:: through ::End Copy Here::.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs. Just make sure to post this to each of the blog you added in the list.
3. Tag other online friends you know.You don’t need to be tag in order to join. If you want to join just post this one in your blog.
4. Let me know your blog’s name and url by leaving me a comment HERE. I will add you to the master list.That way, everyone is happy and can meet new friends too!
5. Come back once in a while to get the master list! Let’s see how this makes our Technorati and PR goes up!
6. DO NOT REMOVE THIS: scrap page made by Yen. Using alphas and tapes from Kate H., flowers from Ida,paper by Catrine.
1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. Chez Francine 7. Le bric à brac de Cherie 8. La Place de Cherie 9. SuperNova and SweetPain 10. Avee's Adventures 11. Fil-Am Stories 12. Air Sick 13. Essay of Life 14. All About Reviews 15. From PI With Love 16. tasteful voyage 17. a mom's note 18. My Sweet Haven 19. YOUR LINK HERE
To all of my blogger friends: Grab this tag and keep the link of friendship alive!!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Arte y Pico Award
So here’s the rule for this award sharing:
1.You have to pick 5 blogs that you consider deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
2.Each award has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
3.Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
4.Award-winner and the one who has given the prize have to show the link of “Arte y Pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award. Arte y Pico
Make sure you visit the link above.
Now I want to pass this award to my precious blogger friends Juliana, Amor, Jana, Mylou, Prily, and Vannie.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Grey's Anatomy Series
Thursday, May 22, 2008
David Cook voted American Idol 2008
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
My Monster Mom
The Red Rose
Friendship Around the World
1. Me and Mine 2.Creative In Me 3.Little Peanut 4. Pea in a Pod 5. Sugar Magnolias 6. Chez Francine 7. Le bric à brac de Cherie 8. La Place de Cherie 9. My Sweet Haven 10. ADD YOUR BLOG!
::End Copy Here::
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
My Permanent Resident Card arrives today!!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
Digital Scrapbooking
This is my first scrapbook attempt using a free website.
With the use of Photoshop, I made this one as a theme banner for my Multiply page.
I made this for Jeff's birthday obviously and he liked it a lot.
It's glued in our refrigerator door right now.
I made 10 of these, each citing different things that I love about him
and I also gave these to him on his birthday
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Blood Type
According to a Japanese institute that does research on blood types, there are certain personality traits that seem to match up with certain blood types.
TYPE O
You want to be a leader, and when you see something you want, you keep striving until you achieve your goal. You are a trend-setter, loyal, passionate, and self-confident. Your weaknesses include vanity and jealousy and a tendency to be too competitive.
TYPE A
You like harmony, peace and organization. You work well with others, and are sensitive, patient and affectionate. Among your weaknesses are stubbornness and an inability to relax.
TYPE B
You're a rugged individualist, who's straightforward and likes to do things your own way. Creative and flexible, you adapt easily to any situation. But your insistence on being independent can sometimes go too far and become a weakness.
TYPE AB
Cool and controlled, you're generally well liked and always put people at ease. You're a natural entertainer who's tactful and fair. But you're standoffish, blunt, and have difficulty making decisions. How do you rate?
My bloodtype is O (Oh I'm not really sure). I think I'm the only adult who doesn't know her own blood type. To interpret, I have 2 or all the characteristics which are described above O is the universal Blood, My Parents could have O and A, O and B, O and AB... so I'm O Seriously, I might be O.
Now let's keep this tag rolling! I want you to know if your blood type really fits your personality.
1. Scotty's Princess
2. Lainy
3. Twerlermz
4. My Life
5. Felicity's Visions
6. Jenn's My Sweet Haven
7. Your Next
My blood type is O+. Some of it doesn't really apply to my personality but the loyal and passionate part were right. They also got my weaknesses right which are jealousy and a tendency to be too competitive. Well, yeah, I can be vain sometimes but not much. (*giggle)
I'm passing this on to all of my friends. If you happen to read this and you like this blog, feel free to grab it and post it in your page. Have a nice day, everyone!
Friday, May 16, 2008
AOS: Approved without an Interview
I tried double-checking it with VisaJourney and The World of Filipinas websites (my primary sources of immigration information). It turned out that this is really good news -- that I am now a permanent resident without having to go through an interview like a bunch of applicants who's cases were moved to California Service Center as well. I don't know why it all happens like that but my doubts were all gone now that I've read forum answers that they too have the same case scenario as mine. Well, there's no reason to complain, is there? The interview might not be as nerve-wracking as the Fiancee Visa application last year but still skipping an AOS interview is such an amazing thing. Jeff and I will gonna have to celebrate through dinner in a restaurant tonight. Now, I'll just have to sit back and wait for my greencard in 60 days.
How To Look 10 Pounds Thinner in Photos
I was browsing through the internet for some stuff that I could write for my blog when I came across with this article from About.com. I thought this is pretty interesting since taking pictures is part of our usual activities. I haven't tried these tips personally yet but who knows this might really make us look and feel good in our photos. Allow me to share it to you, guys.
Secret No. 1: Turn partially sideways to the camera, planting one foot in front of the other. Point your toe to the camera and place your weight on your back foot.
Secret No. 2: Pull head forward slightly to minimize any appearance of a double chin.
Secret No. 3: Hold arms slightly away from your body. This keeps upper arm flab from flattening out and therefore appearing flabbier (much like thighs do when one sits on a couch).
Secret No. 4: Pull shoulders back, chest forward and gently suck stomach in. Be careful not to suck stomach so far in that your ribs show, thereby causing those who later see the photo to cluck to themselves in a bemused, sing-song voice, "She's sucking i-in."
Secret No. 5: If you can get away with it without looking like a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover Girl wannabe, try the look away trick. To do this, look away from the camera, then turn towards it, breaking into a smile just before the camera clicks. Your smile will appear fresh, not frozen. This trick takes practice behind closed, locked doors.
When taking a photo it's also important the photographer does not snap the picture from below. This adds another 20-50 pounds to the 10 pounds automatically and annoying added by the camera.
More tips on looking 10 pounds thinner in photos:
Use objects you are holding to your advantage by placing them in front of parts of you you'd prefer to hide. A purse or corsage in front of your belly. A jacket slung over the shoulder. (Gwyneth Paltrow used a perfectly placed purse to hide her baby bump before she announced her pregnancy with Apple).
It's not just black that makes you look thinner. Wearing an entire outfit of just one color will do the trick as well, whether it be white, beige, brown, blue or red. One color tends to elongate your figure. Avoid entire outfits in pink, however, unless you are four years old or younger.
There you go! Just try to practice these tips in front of the mirror and lock your door first so your little ones or your hubbies wouldn't think you're too vain. I expect to see future photos following these tips then. (*smile)
Polynesian Pork Chops
Ingredients:
4 boneless pork chops, 3/4" thick
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Campbell's Golden Mushroom Soup
1/4 cup water
1 can (8 oz.) pineapple chunks
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. honey
2 cups cooked white rice
Sliced green onions
Directions:
Season chops with garlic powder.
Heat oil in skillet. Add chops and cook until browned. Add onion.
Add soup, water, pineapple with juice, soy and honey. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 10 min. or until done.
Serve with rice and sprinkle with green onions.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
David vs. David: American Idol Finale
I am overwhelmed with opps
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Charice Pempengco on Oprah
She makes us proud once again by gracing the highest-rated talk show in the US, The Oprah Winfrey Show. This was aired days ago but unfortunately I didn't get the chance to watch it on tv. But I found a clip from you tube and oh my I am again impressed by the wonderful singing talent of this young little girl. I was also amused reading all the video comments especially about those people who've never heard about Filipinos nor Philippines before but now they talk about how brilliant this girl from the Philippines is. We're definitely proud of Charice. Her singing performance is always strong and confident and she's always given a standing ovation from the audience. Charice will definitely go places!!!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Earthquake devastates China
The recent news about the earthquake that hits China is so sad and devastating especially to those people whose loved ones were trapped inside the buildings which had collapsed. The death toll continues to arise and there are still hundreds of people who are still trapped and probably fighting for dear life. For the complete report and update, read this article. I feel for the parents and family of the victims. Let us hope and pray that there would still be more alive people that can be found. In this moment of unexpected tragedy, may we offer our prayers to the people who have been affected by the recent terrible event.
Me and My New Pink Bike
Monday, May 12, 2008
Today, I am...
—- BEGIN HERE—
Rule:
1. List 6 things that describe yourself today.
2. Add your blog to the list. Feel free to add all your other blogs.
3. Tag other online friends you know.
Links: Creative In Me Little Peanut Me and Mine Pea in a Pod Sugar Magnolias Me, Myself + 2 Supermodel Wannabe Fun.Fierce.Fab Chez Francine Le bric à brac de Cherie La Place de Cherie My Sweet Haven ADD YOURSELF HERE!!!
—-END HERE—-
Today, I Am...
- EXCITED - What, with a new treadmill and new bike, a trip to Oklahoma on Memorial Day and Illinois in June, who wouldn't be?
- DISAPPOINTED - It's been a while since I was able to catch opps. Seems like opps to me are elusive lately.
- SLEEPY - Time check here is 7:52 AM. I should have gone back to bed after Jeff leaves for work but I need to update my blog and visit some friends.
- BUMMER - For months, I've been jobless. It was fun for a while but lately I feel miserable doing nothing. I want to work you know! I miss going to work.
- HUNGRY - As of this writing, I'm making my breakfast. I can smell the sausage patty in the kitchen. I'd better get this done so I can eat na.
- DEDICATED - to blog hop, leave comments on my friends' posts and pictures and do some internet research about stuff
I'm tagging Sendo, Elsa, Chalyza, Eva Marie, Jana, and Felicity.