Quarter to Four

Maybe you're wondering why my post is entitled Quarter to Four...Read on and you'll soon know why ;)

The teachers in GPP are always on the go.  They usually forget about how they look because what matters to them is that they have a good set of materials to use for the day, an interesting lesson to teach and of course a happy disposition when engaging with the students.

Simple as they are, they do have their moments when they want to be beautiful and this usually happens when it's almost time to go home...at quarter to four (or around this time =)

[caption id="attachment_559" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="school clock"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_560" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms sheryll - putting powder on her face"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_561" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms irene - putting on eyeliner"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_562" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms rache - with her blush"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_563" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms lyn - spraying on perfume"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_564" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms queen - brushing her hair"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_565" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="ms edna - putting on her lip gloss"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_566" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Ta-Dah! Uwian na!!! ;)"][/caption]

It's "TGIF" everyone! Happy weekend =)

Couture Headbands

Leighton Meester a.k.a Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girls) made headbands fashionable again.  This Upper East-Side princess loves her ruffles, lace, and signature bows.

[caption id="attachment_548" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Blair Waldorf's Red Bow"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_549" align="aligncenter" width="248" caption="Pretty Blair"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_550" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="White Floral Headband"][/caption]

A lot are becoming more adventurous now when it comes to wearing headbands.  I've spotted Kris Aquino wearing pretty hair accessories in her SNN show.

Here are some headband designs that I like (and would probably wear :)

[caption id="attachment_551" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption=" =)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_552" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="=)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_553" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="=)"][/caption]

* All headbands are from House of Telsa

I've also seen some local designers make fabulous designs of headpieces and accessories.  The best part is they're all HANDMADE!!! (Go handmade crafters! =)  I especially love the designs made by "Matthew&Melka."  The accessories that they make are so unique, detailed and painstakingly created by hand.  Here are some of my favorites =)

[caption id="attachment_554" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="matthew&melka"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_555" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="matthew&melka"][/caption]

You may visit Matthew&Melka at http://melquita.multiply.com/

Bye-bye Old Ref...

I have been in Growing Place Preschool for almost 11 years now and ever since I started working there, the big, old, rusty refrigerator has been a permanent resident in the GPP kitchen. Actually it was owned by the family of the owner of the school and since they got a new ref already, they gave it to us.  Just imagine how old the ref is!?! But even if it's really old it became a part of the GPP family.  We love it to pieces.

But just like any other appliance that reaches it's peak and would soon find it's way to the "appliance heaven," our ref stopped and decided to rest for good.

It's time to buy a new one and we did =)

[caption id="attachment_540" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="old ref - inside"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_541" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="rusty interior"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_542" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Our new ref delivered"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_543" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="Our new silver Samsung ref"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_544" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="interior"][/caption]

A Gift from Ms. Jerosha

I do have an online shop for my bead accessories.  I am happy to say that I didn't only gain a lot of clients from that shop but also friends who are really worth keeping ('til the end! =)

One of them is Ms Jerosha.  She is actually based in Sweden and I met her through Multiply.  Ms Jerosha is the best when it comes to altering common objects that can be seen around the house. I super loved how she altered wooden spoons with the use of decoupage technique. So cool!

She also makes personalized greeting cards.  She has all these gadgets (to die for!!!! any artsy craftsy person would love to be in her shoes! I DO!!!. Hahahaha! =) that she uses when making all these fabulous cards and projects! =)  She makes her family, friends, children's teachers, neighbors, multiply friends and actually everyone around her feel EXTRA special because of all these wonderful stuff that she makes.  Thanks Ms Jerosha!!! =)

Last Saturday, I received a package from Ms. Jerosha!  It's a beautiful, artsy, altered GIANT clothespin! So pretty!  The clothespin is wooden, aroung 6 inches long, with flower, ribbon and button embellishments. Thanks again!! =)

[caption id="attachment_536" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="GIANT CLOTHESPIN WITH MY NAME =)"][/caption]

You may visit her crafty world at http://jerosha.multiply.com/

Simple Shoes

Yehey! I have my own pair of Simple Shoes  (refer to my blog post yesterday =), not just 1 but 2 pairs! I can't contain myself from buying both styles because...(1) they're 10% off , (2) both are very comfortable, (3) both are in neutral colors (so I can use  them anywhere, anytime) and (4) I know I won't be able to sleep well because i will keep on thinking of the pair that i didn't buy and would end going back to the store tomorrow just to get it =)

Anyway, I didn't think of my budget anymore. HA! I guess they're sulit naman because the shoes look so matibay.  They're "sustainably cute" and I know that these pairs will be part of my daily wardrobe - comfy and eco-friendly.  Happy, happy Cathy! =)

[caption id="attachment_530" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Simple Shoes (Box) - I love Green! =)"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_531" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Toe[az - Cub"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_532" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Entire - Silk"][/caption]

For your own pair of Simple Shoes you may visit Rustan's Makati, Shangrila and Gateway.

To order online you may log on to http://simpleshoes.multiply.com/

SIMPLE SHOES

I've been wanting to buy a new pair of shoes since last month. I want to get something comfy which I can use for my weekend errands (I have tons by the way, from family affairs to sourcing materials and mall deliveries, not to mention tutorials and late night bonding with friends!) Anyway, I happen to visit Chico Garcia's site (http://chicogarcia.wordpress.com/) and read his review about Simple Shoes - shoes for a happy planet!  I became curious of the product that's why I checked out their multiply site ( http://simpleshoes.multiply.com)and learned that their shoes are biodegradable.  Stars like Ellen De Generes and Chace Crawford wear Simple Shoes!

Here are my choices...

[caption id="attachment_522" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Entire-Black"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_523" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Satire-Gingham Sand"][/caption]

Simple Shoes makes use of materials like silk, car tires, carpet padding, organic cotton and bamboo among others.  They go for 100% sustainability and of course recycled.

I'm seriously thinking of buying myself a pair...maybe this weekend.  I'm kinda in an eco-friendly mode ;) Simple Shoes is available at Rustan's Makati,  Shang and Gateway. You may check their multiply site for the 2009 models.

Hmmm...and even Bella (Twilight) is eco-friendly!

[caption id="attachment_524" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Retire-Bella's shoes in Twilight"][/caption]

Kimpura, Greenhills

I ate at Kimpura, Greenbelt with my dad, uncle Joey and Auntie Pinky.  I love Japanese food that's why when I learned that we're going to eat there I was really happy.

The place is nice, typical Japanese restaurant with bamboo walls, plain tables and chairs.  We stayed in the Kimpura room which is I think a private room for groups.

For starters, we ordered sushi and sashimi.



We also ordered Sukiyaki which is very good by the way. I love the sweet-salty blend ;)



For the main course, we sampled their Teppanyaki - shrimp and t-bone steak.

There's a "Teppanyaki chef" who demonstrated his skill ;)



The chef cuts, stirs, seasons, and divides each diner's portion onto plates on the teppan.



My fried rice - can be eaten without viand since it's very flavorful. Yum!





Overall dining experience? Good! I love everything that we ordered =)

For dessert...Jello!!!



Our group after dinner =)

Finally...A Dad.

My life has been an open book.  I've never kept the fact that I haven't seen my dad and that I grew up with just my mom taking care of me.  According to my her, he left when I was 3 months old in her tummy to try a life in the States.  I grew up with my lolo as my father figure but never asked my mom why.  Soon I learned that my dad has his family already in the States and so was my mom here.

I never had ill feelings towards my dad for my mom always reminded me of how good he is, how intelligent and how much I look like him.  She would tell me stories about him like how good he is in delivering speeches. He is, according to my mom, very eloquent and spontaneous.

I never dreamed that there'll come a time when I would  see my dad but when my uncle called to tell me that the "meeting" will finally take place, I was very exuberant.  I was lost for words. Hopeful. Happy. Thankful.  Mixed emotions but one thing is for sure...I'm looking forward to seeing him.

The meeting took place at Kimpura, Greenhills. No dramas.  No questions. No anger. No regrets.  Finally, after 32 long years, I like you to meet my dad =)

[caption id="attachment_504" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Dad Philip and I"][/caption]

The Case of the Broken Doorknob

My door suffered from a severe operation the other night.  My door of 5 years has been badly damaged. Sob, Sob. I know this can be exagerrated but I love my door. I feel sad that this had to happen.  Thanks to my being forgetful! I left my keys with my friend and since my cellphone was inside my house there's now way i could contact him about my keys. No other choice but to knock on my neighbor's door for help.

After a few hours of pounding and reaping and pulling and thugging, my doorknob came loose and "open sesame!"

[caption id="attachment_499" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="my doorknob after the major operation"][/caption]

I had to cover the hole with felt cloth while I wait for the carpenter to fix my door again.

[caption id="attachment_500" align="aligncenter" width="225" caption="green felt with heart pins"][/caption]

Tribute to MJ

Friends, family, and fans gathered at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson.  The whole memorial service was memorable.  I watched the whole event and I must say that there are a lot of big moments - some are light-hearted,  some are heart-warming, but all are memorable.



Michael's sister, Janet, is a picture of composure and poise amidst the sadness of the whole event.



I got teary-eyed during the speech of Michael's good friend, Brooke Shields especially when she said something about MJ being like the Little Prince saying that although he was called the King of Pop, he was always a little prince to her.  She read, "Here is my secret. It is very simple: One sees well only with the heart. The essential is invisible to the eyes."




After sharing that Jackson's favorite song was "Smile" by Charlie Chaplin, she added in her own words, "Michael saw everything with his heart. Today, although our hearts are aching, we need to look up where he is undoubtedly perched in a crescent moon and we need to smile."  Then MJ's brother, Jermaine rendered a heartfelt rendition of the song "Smile..."



I totally  lost it when Paris spoke. So heartbreaking.



What she said, although very short and simple, is the most meaningful of everything that has been said that night.

"Ever since I was born, daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine and I just wanted to say I love him so much." - Paris

Around 20,000 people  joined the Jackson family inside the Staples Center (and over a million around the world watched) for the tribute to one of the greatest stars the world has ever seen.  Michael will surely be missed.

Gone too soon... (sob, sob...)

'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

After reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again=)



[caption id="attachment_484" align="aligncenter" width="175" caption="Banana"][/caption]



Bananas contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit.  It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.



[caption id="attachment_485" align="aligncenter" width="109" caption="I Love Banana!"][/caption]



Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS: Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana i! ndustry to make official claims for the fruit's ability ! to reduce th e risk of blood pressure and stroke.


Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of cur ing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened! with honey. T he banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.


Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.



Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking & Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6, B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and ma gnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress: Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes: According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine, 'eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

Not only do they taste great any place and any time, but the health benefits of bananas are of astounding!

Transformers 2

Tomorrow is the DAY! Yipee! I'll get to watch Transformers 2.  I will try to post a movie review after =)

[caption id="attachment_480" align="aligncenter" width="203" caption="Poster"][/caption]