Stay Focus

As my age increases, the more I became so forgetful about it.  It seems I'm acquiring the hereditary disease of the family 'Alzhaimer's". haha! I am proud of my age whatever it is.  Are you puzzled why I'm talking about age?

What really matters to our AGE is “the more it increases the more knowledge we gained”.  My mind has a  loooooong “TO DO LIST”, from simplest to more complex thing about my life.  From craziest to impossible and achievable goals. From learning how to draw attractive eyebrows to my face to more travel escapes and relationship improvements.

As days goes by, my list became longer and longer granting some are crossed out which means “ACHIEVED”. 

One of the best point I learned was “STAY FOCUS”. 

I am proud to share the simplest thing I achieved.

My Photography Project called a 48-Week Photo Assignment

Photobook

It all started when my husband bought my precious DSLR 500D.  It became my best friend and my stress reliever. 

At first I did not approve the acquisition because of the expensive price.  He reasoned out that memories are priceless.  Hmmmmmm……the truth is I really appreciated it.  I love pictures.  I love to pose for a capture.  For the record, I was once awarded Miss Photogenic way back time. LOL!(Kailangan talagang sabihin pa yun!).  Proof that camera and I have a good tandem.  I also volunteer myself to be the subject/model of my co-photography hobbyist.  So… having a good camera is a good investment.  I took that opportunity to learn a little bit because knowing how to use the DSLR is an advantage.  We can produce good quality of memories to treasure.

This photography project is a 48-week photo assignment.  Why 48?  It is supposed to be 52 to complete as a year but I spare four weeks for some preparation and besides 52 weeks is too long.  I assigned one subject in a week and I need to post it to my Facebook account from Monday to Friday to gather likes and comments.  Basically, the only reason why I did that is to PRACTICE and apply whatever knowledge I obtained from different photography website.  Likes and comments from my facebook friends really boost my ability to continue that project.  At first it became so thrilling and interesting but there was a time that I got so tired of accomplishing my assignments. But I need to meet my own challenge.  Self-appointed task must be performed whatever it takes.  Because I consider FOCUS and DETERMINATION are the the secrets of achieving the GOAL.  So I STAYED FOCUS on working with the challenge and meet the OBJECTIVE.

Fortunately, I finished it and was able to compile and made it as a book. Excuse me..... for the time delay. hihi!

Here are some of the pages.

 

Every time I flipped the pages,  I remember all the memories behind the photos which I tried hard to capture the best way I can. 

It was a beautiful memory which reminds me that:

1.        I can make a little DIFFERENCE.

2.       Working hard pays for sure.

3.       Taking responsibility of your own challenge is a strength of character.

4.       I should not be afraid of criticism because it will make a better me. 

5.       Maintain FOCUS on goals.

We must appreciate every single details we experienced.  Always look on the best possible impact in our lives.  Small encounters are good exposure to big opportunities.

At present, I'm happy that my friends appreciate my talent I gained from my project.  They entrusted their special memories to me.  And I look forward to more challenging and income generating hobby.

My First Pre-Nup Photoshoot

I captured LOVE

I love kiddie parties

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

Yanna's 2nd Birthday

My first kiddie party coverage

My First Baptismal Coverage

It's so nice working happy.  I may not be the best but I am learning.

I love CHALLENGE! Just stay focus!

Torrential Rain

Another Habagat brought torrential rain that ruined the life of Manilenos as well as the nearby towns and cities.  Our office is close since yesterday because it is situated in a most flooded area in Manila.  But I was able to come to the office yesterday(Monday) because my home is just a few kembots away from my office.  And since my reports are due for submission on August 22, I managed to work alone.  I finished one of my reports but I still have a lot to be done.  I thought I can come to office today(Tuesday) because transportation is not a problem just a tumbling away, I prepared myself but when  I'm about to leave and I saw the road. Whoooo! Look!

Pilar Hidalgo-Lim St. corner Malvar

Taft Ave.

  It's really dangerous going outside, so better stay home to be safe.  I enjoyed myself cooking and playing with my boys.  One good thing, we have supplies in the refrigerator.

R has more time memorizing his poem for Linggo ng Wika which I guided him.  I got to watch also my favorite teleserye "Annaliza" which I felt so kilig with the three boys consistently liking Annaliza.  Ang haba ng hair ni Annaliza. LOL! And I found time to blog again.

This too shall pass.

Stay safe everyone!

My Idol

To my fellow blogger, please follow my idol Patty Laurel.  She is a simple and amazing woman.  I admire her for being a down-to-earth celebrity.  Her blog is interesting!

Patty Laurel's blog

And don't forget to vote her on  http://www.stylebible.ph/virtual-style-awards/celebrity-site/

Thanks for dropping by.

Weekend Rush and a lot of points to ponder

Lately, I've been so busy with my Mid-Year Resolution # 2: To be Truly Rich. (ha!ha!)  Yeah, you read it right....I want to be rich and enjoy life with financial freedom.  I read several books about financial stewardship strategies.


I have Pisobilities and Easy Money para sa mga Kababaihan by Francisco Colayco








 
8 Habits of Happy Millionare and My maid invest in Stock Market by Bo Sanchez



 
                                                                 Ang Pera na Di Bitin by Ardy Roberto, Jr.


and a lot of related blogs.

One common factor they are teaching is being a "SMART MONEY PERSON".  Little by little I adopted their tips on managing hard earned money.  I listed my priorities,  follow budgeting tips, bring to life the equation "INCOME-SAVINGS=EXPENSES and avoid being an impulsive buyer.  In short, I need to simplify my life more.

But when I opened my facebook, instagram and blog accounts waaahhhhhhhh other people are happy spending their money on foods, travel, fashion and leisure.  Nakaka-inggit!!!!! How come they can afford all that.

And so I realized that I should reward myself for trying my best to be a smart money woman.  Time to relax this weekend. Besides my meaning for "TRULY RICH" is a wealthy relationship.  Relationship with God, with family and friends. And I need money to gain that. Money really matters,  let's all admit it.


So, let's start the weekend rush.

I need to reward my kids for being so diligent and responsible students.  It's Friday night and I gave them a good laugh at minion's adventure with Gru and kids. 

Instagram Photo

M is rolling to laugh with the cute actions of the minions and secret agents Gru and Lucy.

Instagram photo

After the movie, they were excited to have some sweets from Krispy Kreme.  All time favorite of R.  It was a nice feeling when I see my boys really enjoying each others company.  Movies are the thing the we always want to do.  Parang nakalakihan na nila ang manood ng movies.  When they were toddlers pa, R sleeps in the movie house but now he's so excited with the popcorn, hotdogs and fries he could munch while watching. haha! Time flies so fast.  I'm quite sad because they are not babies anymore.  Sometimes, they argue with me na. Huhu! Mas marami na silang alam.

Their dad did not make it to the movie kasi Friday, a lot to attend but he picked up us at the mall and we went home together.

When we're on the bed na, M ask me, Mom when are we going to watch White House Down? Huh! I laughed and said, Anak, ang budget natin ay pang Despicable Me lang.

On Saturday,  I have office work in the morning and in the afternoon, kids' Galileo session.

At the Galileo Pasong Tamo

My kids do their session every Saturday for two hours.  They suppose to go to the center twice a week but because of hectic schedules in school they need to compress it in one day.

M did the level up test for Math. He finished the activity for Grade 4 level and he needed to pass the qualifying exam to jump up to the next level-Grade 5.  M is currently Grade 3 in regular school but in this enrichment program M is almost two level advanced.

Super Nova level up test result

 Great!!!! he passed the level up test. The result is not bad.  He is in Grade 5 level now. Yahoooo!  Let's celebrate.








                                         Avail their 2-week free learning lesson.  Visit any branch near you.





While waiting, I didn't waste my time.  It's grocery time at the nearest supermarket.

Shopwise Makati

I am currently collecting stamps for their on going promotion PREMIUM GERMAN BRANDED ARZBERG COOKWARE.  The promo runs until August 4.  I want to avail this high-quality German Brand cookwares for free just by shopping at Shopwise.

I do the grocery weekly to preserve freshness of wet goods.  And here are some smart tips when doing the marketing to save time and money.

1.  Schedule your grocery time.

         Our mindset makes everything smooth.  Plan everything. Bring anything you need in doing shopping like bags and loyalty card.

          Shopwise is doing a small part in preserving the environment that's why they encourage their customers to cut down the use plastic. It's a bring your own reusable bags policy. 

          They also have "WISE CARD" that earn points and accumulate every shopping.

          Planning is one cost-saving scheme.   

2. List down all the things that you need to buy. 

           This will save you cost of telephone calls.  When you don't have the list and you arrived in the laundry supplies.  At the back of your mind, meron pa bang sabon?  If you're not sure, you will call the house and ask somebody to check the supplies cabinet.  Sayang.....kung nag-lista lang sana.

3.  Do not do the shopping when you're hungry.  

           When you're hungry, you might add to cart things that you don't need.  Maybe you just want it.  "Sira na ang budget mo sira pa ang diet mo."

Those are the three basic things I recall before I do my grocery time.  I know you all know that,  Just a reminder.  Minsan din nakakalimutan ko eh especially if shopping is not planned.

Our next stop: Keil's 7th Birthday

 We are doing socialization naman.  Kids had fun with the games and magic show.  M & R are into parties.  Parties have big factor in their social skills. 

Our boss and some friends in the party

R wore his 7th Birthday Party costume.  Last year, he celebrated it at the same venue and theme.  It's tight fit and short na. haha!

The day is not over yet.  I still have other STOP.  I'm done with my little boys.....it's time for my BIG boy naman.

Another stop......Movie with my man.

Channing Tatum's White House Down

The movie is nice.  I was so thrilled with how Channing saved the president and her daughter.  She has a very smart daughter who played a great role in saving the White House.

Movie date with me only is HIS simple pleasure.  We do it every Saturdays when the schedule permits.  It's one of my submissive way to HIM.  Kahit I don't like the movie I have to go. hehe! But mostly, we have good movies naman. What really matter is the time together.  We have a stressful week days so we need a deserving weekend.

We had our snack at Mexicali after movie

After every movie, either snack or coffee will do for some usap usap.

Guess what???? We talked about STOCKS.  Huh! Usap ng matatalino at mayayaman. hahaha!  He shared to me his experience and learning on the seminar he attended that morning.  He attended STOCK TRADING AWARENESS. 

That night we both do snack and coffee. Mahaba-habang usapan because excited for the Money Machine (Money that works for you) we need to find. 

For curiosity, I tried Starbuck's daily offerings Red Bean Green Tea Frappucino Blended Beverage.  It's worth a try, for a change. A strange taste of green tea in frap but I enjoyed the red beans. haha!

Part of my "To be Truly Rich" resolution is to learn about STOCKS.  I really don't have idea how it is played.  So....my goal is to explore and invest.  The very first step I did was to be a member of Truly Rich Club.  I am so inspired with Bo Sanchez's My Maid Invest in Stock Market.  He will teach you step by step to start investing in stock.  For as low as P 5,000.00 you can start buying.  Come.... join me to explore STOCK MARKET.  Read, explore and try.  Don't be afraid to start a thing that will give you financial freedom with happy life.

It was a very good Saturday.... as always.

As a routine, we started the week with a HOLY MASS at National Shrine of Sacred Heart in San Antonio Village Makati City.   The church is well decorated because of a wedding.

A glimpse of church in garden theme

And a snapshot of proper church attire

  Welcome another week! A week with a lot to learn. 

I am just sharing whatever is in my thoughts.  I don't mind if it's huge or meaningless.  For me everything about my life is a gift from God that deserves an importance.

 

Is your kid ready for school?

Please click here to browse

 Have fun exploring Galileo E-Bulletin for May-June 2013.  Watch out my son is a model.

My son Marco in blue shirt behind Galileo

Just sharing!

Mid-year's Resolution

Whew! Time flies so fast.  It quickly ate half of the year 2013.  And who says that I can't have my resolution in the middle of the year? Yes, I am making it and I will start it right now.  Hold your breath and believe in me. (haha!)

Mid-year's Resolution # 1: Strong Body, Beautiful Mind

I renewed my membership at Slimmers World-Adriatico last May 18.  My previous' "1-year membership" helped me meet my ideal weight (120lbs).  At the same time increased my metabolism and attained my eating discipline.

Membership Card, my key to enter the Fitness Center

I decided to continue my fitness program because I love my daily routine exercise and I felt that my body needs the work out I used to do.  And I have one ultimate goal for this one year membership..........(don't laugh)........ to have a "tight abs" like this....(No rolling of eyes pleaaaaase!)

Women's Health- June Issue

I know I know….it is not realistic because of my previous pregnancies but I have all the guts to try.  I just love to see myself wearing tight-fit jeans without a belly bulge (in my dreams!). Of course CONFIDENCE,  we all know the influence of having it.  Confidence makes a person happy.  As a wife and a mom, it has a big factor in fulfilling such a wonderful task.  How can you teach your child "BEING CONFIDENT" if you yourself don’t have it? It adds positive attitude towards success.  On the other hand, if you’re a confident wife, less relationship issues.  No insecurities and you will learn how to trust your partner too.

Going back to my goal, I started reading post and articles on health and fitness.  One of my pick is the Women’s Health-June Issue.  It’s interesting to read.  I enjoyed the scoop pages, Yoga articles, Fit-in-your Jeans Workout and Lab pages. I got inspired with Maja’s Mantra “Go after your goals”.  It seems so timely with my mid-year's resolution. (haha!)  Go and get a digital copy or print copy available in store. 

Heart Pumping Poses

Fit-in-your-Jeans Workout

Fashion Lab Page

Beauty Lab Page

Come on! Join me in my Mid-year's Resolution.  Go and imitate my exercise to achieve strong body and beautiful mind.  Following videos can help us attain the TIGHT ABS we are dreaming.  We can do this at home.  But I'm more comfortable doing exercise in fitness center because I'm inspired with the people in the gym.  I also have the option of doing cardio exercise like hip hop dancing, stretch and tone, zumba, yogilates and a lot more.

It looks so easy to do.  "The key is consistency."  Do the exercise up to what you can do but don't give up when you feel muscle pain.  No pain no effect.  Go for the goal. Do it everyday to become a routine.

We moms have problems with the lower ABS due to pregnancy.  And here is the video that can help achieve the goal.

Goodluck!

And of course to have a balance figure.  We must not forget our thigh and butt.

That's for now! Arms, back and chest will be my next focus.

It's important also to watch what and how we eat though it is the hardest part.  That's what we call "tiis ganda".  You just have to pass the critical time(about 2-3 weeks).

Here are my diet scheme:

1. I don't skip full meal breakfast.
2. I avoid eating meats. 
3. More vegetables and fruits.
4. Cereals and Low fat milk for dinner. (Nestle Fitnesse)
5. Saba banana and sweet potato. (my alternative to cereals)
6. Fit n Right

 Go....let's have an active lifestyle.  Health is wealth.  It's one of the great investment.

And of course in anything that we do, we must not forget the guidance from the Lord.  Let's add prayer to our goal.  He will guide us in better result.

Whew! Have a healthy lifestyle!