I must congratulate those who are trying to quit or those who have quit already!
Smoking is a really bad habit to break, and every single step you take to reduce your nicotine means that you're taking a better choice for a healthier life. But how do you deal with the incessant craving of nicotine?
These are some tips to help you (after you've chucked all your cigarette supplies down the loo):
1) Exercise
Instead of reaching for a ciggie, or something sweet (it's been said that most smoke-quitter tends to opt for more snack to keep themselves occupied), how about a walk around the block? Or even a run if you insist! Do it for at least 5 minutes, and remind yourself why you want to quit in the first place, and that exercise is also a step toward a healthier life!
2) Deep breathing
Practice deep breathing to calm yourself down, use the moment to contemplate why you want to quit smoking in the first place.
3) Healthy snack
Like I mentioned earlier, once you've tried to quit, you tend to reach for something to put in your mouth (smoking is an oral fixation--Freud must believe so!). So instead of stocking up in cheetos or chocolates, opt to buy snacks like carrot sticks, celery, apples. Get pistachios or sunflower seeds (more work to eat!), and if necessary (if you're a big eater like I am), put things in smaller packages so that you know how much you've eaten and you should've eaten.
4) Drink water
Staying hydrated usually will help with the cravings, plus water helps flush toxin out of your body.
5) Break your routine
Most likely, smoking is tied into your daily pattern, routines, rituals. Try to mix things up, do things differently so that you don't fall into that old habit.
6) Keep your hand busy
Idle hand crave cigarette. Join a local craft group, start knitting or sewing or do a jigsaw puzzles. Or better yet, teach yourself a new card trick!
Enjoy and good luck
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
I walked a THOUSAND miles today...
Well, not quite.
It felt like that this afternoon.
Lois dropped by again, all ready to go walking. I was happy because I do need to keep on with my daily walk if I ever were serious in trying to be healthier and fitter. So we decided to take a longer route than yesterday. Instead of 2 miles, we're closing to 3.78 miles today.
I can't believe how fast she walked too! She assured me that in time it'll be a piece of cake (she's been power walking for 2 years), I was just trying to stay alive, keep walking in her fast pace, trying not to think about walking uphill, which we did, although inside I kind of regretted that I didn't bring my cellphone (in case I wanted Michael to come pick me up).
But we made it home just fine. She told me I did good (yay), and tomorrow, there'll even be more walking.
The better news is that I actually feel much better, happier, despite being tired. It's like I've accomplished something awesome.
So yeah.
It felt like that this afternoon.
Lois dropped by again, all ready to go walking. I was happy because I do need to keep on with my daily walk if I ever were serious in trying to be healthier and fitter. So we decided to take a longer route than yesterday. Instead of 2 miles, we're closing to 3.78 miles today.
I can't believe how fast she walked too! She assured me that in time it'll be a piece of cake (she's been power walking for 2 years), I was just trying to stay alive, keep walking in her fast pace, trying not to think about walking uphill, which we did, although inside I kind of regretted that I didn't bring my cellphone (in case I wanted Michael to come pick me up).
But we made it home just fine. She told me I did good (yay), and tomorrow, there'll even be more walking.
The better news is that I actually feel much better, happier, despite being tired. It's like I've accomplished something awesome.
So yeah.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Today is Fit Day
According to a study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition the best way to lose weight is NOT cutting carb. It's about cutting calories. Altering the glycemic load does not have an impact on weight loss. Rather what determines the amount pounds shed is overall caloric consumption.
However, since this is a small study (tested on 34 adult participants), I suppose that we need more proofs or a larger scale study to really determine what works best for weight loss.
Needless to say, despite that calories is an important factor, eating healthy is key in any weight loss program. Dieters should strive to both cut calories and increase the proportion of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
If this study were noticed or its validity recognized in a broader scale throughout the diet industry, I must say that many low-carb diet will probably either deny it or sales to these diet programs will drop.
Then again, many swore by the goodness of low carb diet, such as I am. I lost 6 lbs in 2 weeks (awhile back) when I followed low-carb diet program on Curves diet book. Unfortunately, I had to drop the program because it is hard for myself to restrict all type of carb.
Today is fit day for me.
I feel much better and the weather is very nice. It was such a shame to be staying in the house. Chris and I played ball outside and then Lois (my neighbour) stopped by our place and we decided to do a power walk.
We walked 2 miles today, and I was wearing my 5-lbs-sport shoes (made by Nikken). It was a great feeling to sweat and to simply look at the evening sun (it didn't set until around 7:30 or so). But I was so tired afterward.
Talking to Lois inspired me to actually go outside and start to exercise from now on. She told me she used to weigh at least in the 300 lbs area, but she lost at least 150 lbs via eating right/diet and exercise, all in 1 1/2 year time! What a marvelous example of will-power and strength. She's awesome.
Also, thank you for the hug Michelle! I hope everything is copacetic in UK front :) Give my love to both Freya and Chris!
Love,
Tracy
However, since this is a small study (tested on 34 adult participants), I suppose that we need more proofs or a larger scale study to really determine what works best for weight loss.
Needless to say, despite that calories is an important factor, eating healthy is key in any weight loss program. Dieters should strive to both cut calories and increase the proportion of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
If this study were noticed or its validity recognized in a broader scale throughout the diet industry, I must say that many low-carb diet will probably either deny it or sales to these diet programs will drop.
Then again, many swore by the goodness of low carb diet, such as I am. I lost 6 lbs in 2 weeks (awhile back) when I followed low-carb diet program on Curves diet book. Unfortunately, I had to drop the program because it is hard for myself to restrict all type of carb.
Today is fit day for me.
I feel much better and the weather is very nice. It was such a shame to be staying in the house. Chris and I played ball outside and then Lois (my neighbour) stopped by our place and we decided to do a power walk.
We walked 2 miles today, and I was wearing my 5-lbs-sport shoes (made by Nikken). It was a great feeling to sweat and to simply look at the evening sun (it didn't set until around 7:30 or so). But I was so tired afterward.
Talking to Lois inspired me to actually go outside and start to exercise from now on. She told me she used to weigh at least in the 300 lbs area, but she lost at least 150 lbs via eating right/diet and exercise, all in 1 1/2 year time! What a marvelous example of will-power and strength. She's awesome.
Also, thank you for the hug Michelle! I hope everything is copacetic in UK front :) Give my love to both Freya and Chris!
Love,
Tracy
Thursday, April 26, 2007
So. Would You Like to Makeover Yourself?
Discovery Health is an awesome channel or so I just found out. Like every other American, I've immersed myself in this crazy fad: makeover-ing myself. Insane, I know. Why would anyone makeover him/herself? But if you're interested in the concept, let me affirm that the Discovery Health channel is imho the best makeover teacher on TV.
Out of all different healthy-living/fitness/etc makeover shows available on this channel, the one that stood out the most to mes the Dan Ho show. A successful immigrant (he's originally from Guam. He lived the "perfect" life until one day, he's had a seizure that opened up his eyes and prompted him to change his life).
His motto (to be healthy, happy, simple and sane) is what hooks me to the show despite the fact that I secretly think he's a little too eccentric for my taste. But he's right up my alley though. All I want in life is to be healthy, happy, simple and sane. Sure, his tv show may not be the best makeover, nor the prettiest looking show on TV (As a girl, "pretty" tv show is mostly appealing to me), but he makes me feel that me, myself is ENOUGH as I am.
Creepy how a show can actually affirm my self-worth. But yeah, to enlighten thee who may not believe me, I'm presenting from his website (http://health.discovery.com/fansites/danho_fansite/danho_fansite.html), this lovely segment called:
Ho'ism (Dan Ho manifesto):
1. The Mind-Body-Health Connection is nothing more than style.
2. Style is not visual—it comes from the inside. So it doesn't matter what things look like. If you're not feeling it, we're not tasting it, we're not smelling it, and it definitely won't look good.
3. If you have self-respect, you will be healthy.
4. Color, texture and pattern are meaningless without heart.
5. Healthy eating isn't deliberately low fat—it just happens to be low fat.
6. Your level of fitness isn't how much you work out, it's how willing you are to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
7. Live with your silver and crystal—what are you saving it for?
8. Entertaining isn't in your table settings, wine and candlelight—it's rolling up your rug and dancing.
9. The soul of the home isn't in the kitchen—it's within its inhabitants.
10. If you have a garlic press, you're wasting time.
------------
Thank you for being patient. I haven't been feeling up to par these days. I promise to return to my witty and write-y self in the next week or so.
Love,
Tracy
Out of all different healthy-living/fitness/etc makeover shows available on this channel, the one that stood out the most to mes the Dan Ho show. A successful immigrant (he's originally from Guam. He lived the "perfect" life until one day, he's had a seizure that opened up his eyes and prompted him to change his life).
His motto (to be healthy, happy, simple and sane) is what hooks me to the show despite the fact that I secretly think he's a little too eccentric for my taste. But he's right up my alley though. All I want in life is to be healthy, happy, simple and sane. Sure, his tv show may not be the best makeover, nor the prettiest looking show on TV (As a girl, "pretty" tv show is mostly appealing to me), but he makes me feel that me, myself is ENOUGH as I am.
Creepy how a show can actually affirm my self-worth. But yeah, to enlighten thee who may not believe me, I'm presenting from his website (http://health.discovery.com/fansites/danho_fansite/danho_fansite.html), this lovely segment called:
Ho'ism (Dan Ho manifesto):
1. The Mind-Body-Health Connection is nothing more than style.
2. Style is not visual—it comes from the inside. So it doesn't matter what things look like. If you're not feeling it, we're not tasting it, we're not smelling it, and it definitely won't look good.
3. If you have self-respect, you will be healthy.
4. Color, texture and pattern are meaningless without heart.
5. Healthy eating isn't deliberately low fat—it just happens to be low fat.
6. Your level of fitness isn't how much you work out, it's how willing you are to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
7. Live with your silver and crystal—what are you saving it for?
8. Entertaining isn't in your table settings, wine and candlelight—it's rolling up your rug and dancing.
9. The soul of the home isn't in the kitchen—it's within its inhabitants.
10. If you have a garlic press, you're wasting time.
------------
Thank you for being patient. I haven't been feeling up to par these days. I promise to return to my witty and write-y self in the next week or so.
Love,
Tracy
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Just for Fun
Do you like checking on your horoscope?
I'd suggest you haul yourself to : http://www.astro.com
I put in my data as a guest user (therefore: FREE), and here's what they have to say about my personality (mind you, this is only a part of what they've written):
Sun and Moon in Aries
You have the potential to be a natural leader. Your thoughts and feelings are harmonious with the actions you ultimately take. You are a very dynamic individual who loves action. You are an ardent, somewhat aggressive, and commanding person and you make others aware of these qualities.
These qualities of your character are generally beneficial, but at times you may run into trouble because of your impatience.
There are three keys to balance your character better and permit the most development. First, exert more control over your impulses; second, have more patience in dealing with others; and third, realize that you don't need to prove yourself repeatedly by rushing toward danger.
I'd suggest you haul yourself to : http://www.astro.com
I put in my data as a guest user (therefore: FREE), and here's what they have to say about my personality (mind you, this is only a part of what they've written):
Sun and Moon in Aries
You have the potential to be a natural leader. Your thoughts and feelings are harmonious with the actions you ultimately take. You are a very dynamic individual who loves action. You are an ardent, somewhat aggressive, and commanding person and you make others aware of these qualities.
These qualities of your character are generally beneficial, but at times you may run into trouble because of your impatience.
There are three keys to balance your character better and permit the most development. First, exert more control over your impulses; second, have more patience in dealing with others; and third, realize that you don't need to prove yourself repeatedly by rushing toward danger.
Ascendant in Virgo, Mercury in the Seventh House
At the time of your birth the zodiacal sign of Virgo was ascending in the horizon. Its ruler Mercury is located in the seventh house.
This indicates that throughout your life you will assume a reserved, quiet, analytical, critical, and receptive attitude.
Although you are not an individual with a very strong ambition, you possess the ability to persevere and exert ingenuity.
Some selfishness is noted. However, if you are able to counteract this trait with your natural helpful and sympathetic attitude and address your positive qualities to resolve the problems of others then you will accomplish your highest spiritual duties and your degree of consciousness and perception will be expanded.
You are not afraid to work but you like to do things where you can use intellectual resources rather than mechanical ones. There is some independence here but don't try to be forceful about it because Virgo's natural habitat is one in which the person is led by some powerful authority and where the important decisions are best made by others.
You are very attentive to detail and this makes you a good worker, especially so in those jobs that require a great deal of precision and observation. You have a desire for purity and though you don't mind relating to others there is something that you do dislike: continuous intrusion of your privacy. Business and practicality should be very important in your life. Although we are not advising you to turn against your natural traits, which make you slightly reserved, we would suggest that when in love you let yourself relax and respond so as to be able to return some of the affection you are receiving.
Life will find you in many situations in which you will function as advisor and counsellor; make use of these opportunities to project the power of your creativeness.
Your life will be geared to the acquisition of success through joining associations and uniting with people. Your partner may be too intelligent and clever for your own good as he may not always be sufficiently trustworthy. He may not only be active and progressive, but also slightly shrewd.
------
Pretty neat, huh? I think it's pretty dead-on (except the part where they say I'll be a "natural leader"). I never was a "leader" type, I'm pretty much happy with being the wallflower.
P.S.
They ask for your date and hour of birth, your country of birth, etc. So yes, it's a pretty exciting and detailed result for a free reading!
Do You Believe in Fasting?
I've recently discovered this interesting link to fasting as a way to "diet," or detox.
Here's the link:
http://www.phifoundation.org/fast.html
Some notable passage from the website:
"...The fasts talked about in this are therapeutic fasts with only pure water. Many trying a fast prefer to try the Master Cleanser Lemonade Diet created by Stanley Burroughs (not Borroughs). His book from 1976 is at the bottom of this page. Elson M Haas, M.D. says "Ever since I did my 10 day Master Cleanser back in 1975, I do it every spring with a group of 20 or 30 people at my office. It is such a profound experience."
On the Oprah Winfrey Show, Beyonce Knowles announced that she lost 20 pounds in 10 days for the movie, Dream Girls from the lemonade detox diet. Also Robin Quivers, Howard Stern's assistant, lost 73 pounds from doing the master cleanse lemonade diet 3 times (218 down to 145). She said after losing that weight "I never felt this good about my body before" according to People Magazine. She heard about it from the famous magician, David Blaine.
You can drink lemonade, instead of water, throughout the entire day (6 to 10 glasses). It has almost all the benefits as water fasting except for the benefits for serious health problems like cardiovascular disease. Only water fasting can reduce hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which causes high blood pressure according to Dr Fuhrman who has studied the recent medical research on fasting. For some people, just losing weight will lower blood pressure and the master cleanse is great for weight loss, like for the prom..."
Is fasting really a way to give your body a "rest" instead of starving yourself 'thinner?' The matter is still up for a debate. It depends on which side you're on.
Here's the link:
http://www.phifoundation.org/fast.html
Some notable passage from the website:
"...The fasts talked about in this are therapeutic fasts with only pure water. Many trying a fast prefer to try the Master Cleanser Lemonade Diet created by Stanley Burroughs (not Borroughs). His book from 1976 is at the bottom of this page. Elson M Haas, M.D. says "Ever since I did my 10 day Master Cleanser back in 1975, I do it every spring with a group of 20 or 30 people at my office. It is such a profound experience."
On the Oprah Winfrey Show, Beyonce Knowles announced that she lost 20 pounds in 10 days for the movie, Dream Girls from the lemonade detox diet. Also Robin Quivers, Howard Stern's assistant, lost 73 pounds from doing the master cleanse lemonade diet 3 times (218 down to 145). She said after losing that weight "I never felt this good about my body before" according to People Magazine. She heard about it from the famous magician, David Blaine.
You can drink lemonade, instead of water, throughout the entire day (6 to 10 glasses). It has almost all the benefits as water fasting except for the benefits for serious health problems like cardiovascular disease. Only water fasting can reduce hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which causes high blood pressure according to Dr Fuhrman who has studied the recent medical research on fasting. For some people, just losing weight will lower blood pressure and the master cleanse is great for weight loss, like for the prom..."
Is fasting really a way to give your body a "rest" instead of starving yourself 'thinner?' The matter is still up for a debate. It depends on which side you're on.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Coffee soap? Does It Really Work?
Are you a caffeine addict who decides to cut down on your morning pre-work coffee drink?
Now, there's a new caffeinated soap called Shower Shock ($6.99) available for purchase at http://www.ThinkGeek.com
Quite a name for a soap, isn't it? Worry not, because it doesn't contain harsh ingredients like ethanol, diethanolamine, polyethylene, glycol or cocyl isethionate. It's a gentle soap scented with peppermint oil and infused with caffeine anhydrous.
Each bar of Shower Shock contains approximately 12 servings/showers per 4 ounce bar with 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving (more than a cup of coffee). The makers claim the caffeine is absorbed through the skin. Hum, not sure about this one. If you're still interested, then buy it from ThinkGeek.com.
As always I am curious, what do you guys think? Would you skip your Starbucks/or what-have-you for morning coffee, for this?
Now, there's a new caffeinated soap called Shower Shock ($6.99) available for purchase at http://www.ThinkGeek.com
Quite a name for a soap, isn't it? Worry not, because it doesn't contain harsh ingredients like ethanol, diethanolamine, polyethylene, glycol or cocyl isethionate. It's a gentle soap scented with peppermint oil and infused with caffeine anhydrous.
Each bar of Shower Shock contains approximately 12 servings/showers per 4 ounce bar with 200 milligrams of caffeine per serving (more than a cup of coffee). The makers claim the caffeine is absorbed through the skin. Hum, not sure about this one. If you're still interested, then buy it from ThinkGeek.com.
As always I am curious, what do you guys think? Would you skip your Starbucks/or what-have-you for morning coffee, for this?
It's Michael's Birthday, Happy Birthday Michael!
Today is Michael's birthday.
He's turning...nevermind! (I'm sure he will mind me telling everyone his age!)
But really. Happy birthday, darling!
He looks ten years younger than his age. We had a really good time celebrating his birthday yesterday (on Earth Day) at his parents'. His mom is such a great cook, no wonder he always misses her cooking! :) He's so excited too to get these news parts for his truck from his bro. It's almost too cute.
Anyhow, unfortunately for him, he couldn't miss a day off work today. But we're going to celebrate his birthday better next weekend (here's to hoping!).
Love,
Tracy
xoxo
He's turning...nevermind! (I'm sure he will mind me telling everyone his age!)
But really. Happy birthday, darling!
He looks ten years younger than his age. We had a really good time celebrating his birthday yesterday (on Earth Day) at his parents'. His mom is such a great cook, no wonder he always misses her cooking! :) He's so excited too to get these news parts for his truck from his bro. It's almost too cute.
Anyhow, unfortunately for him, he couldn't miss a day off work today. But we're going to celebrate his birthday better next weekend (here's to hoping!).
Love,
Tracy
xoxo
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Happy Early Earth Day (April 22nd)
How about...going Organic for Earth Day!
To celebrate Earth Day, thousands of grocery stores and organic manufacturers are working together to make organic food more affordable/cheaper. All you need to do is sign up and give your address so that they can give you the coupon books for discounts with your participating local grocery stores. No hidden agendas. This is very fantabulous since organic food is basically pricey and they rarely go on sale.
For more information of this campaign go to:
http://organicearthday.org/
Or call them at 866-I-GO-ORGA to sign up!
To celebrate Earth Day, thousands of grocery stores and organic manufacturers are working together to make organic food more affordable/cheaper. All you need to do is sign up and give your address so that they can give you the coupon books for discounts with your participating local grocery stores. No hidden agendas. This is very fantabulous since organic food is basically pricey and they rarely go on sale.
For more information of this campaign go to:
http://organicearthday.org/
Or call them at 866-I-GO-ORGA to sign up!
Friday, April 20, 2007
My Sad Attempt @ Becoming a Commercial Artist
If you think you're creative and you think your art is marketable, you may want to try designing your own products via:
http://www.zazzle.com
All you need to bring is your creativity and design, and voila, you may have your art all over coffee mugs, t-shirt, greeting cards and so on. Of course, you can only earn 17% of the purchase price, but when you're an 'artist,' who cares about $$, right? :)
I've just finished making my own as you can see:
buy unique gifts at Zazzle
True to my 'style,' I opted for an organic fabric for my t-shirt, which undoubtedly boosted up the price considerably.
And here's my gallery:
http://www.zazzle.com/msfrugaltracy*
I hope you enjoy browsing there, I've only created 1 t-shirt, but more is a-coming!
Thanks for stopping by.
Tracy
P.S. Michelle, do you happen to recognize the face on the coffee mug? LOL. If someone purchased it, the $$ is yours, darling. ;)
Freya sure is sooo cute! I'm sure she's even cuter now.
http://www.zazzle.com
All you need to bring is your creativity and design, and voila, you may have your art all over coffee mugs, t-shirt, greeting cards and so on. Of course, you can only earn 17% of the purchase price, but when you're an 'artist,' who cares about $$, right? :)
I've just finished making my own as you can see:
buy unique gifts at Zazzle
True to my 'style,' I opted for an organic fabric for my t-shirt, which undoubtedly boosted up the price considerably.
And here's my gallery:
http://www.zazzle.com/msfrugaltracy*
I hope you enjoy browsing there, I've only created 1 t-shirt, but more is a-coming!
Thanks for stopping by.
Tracy
P.S. Michelle, do you happen to recognize the face on the coffee mug? LOL. If someone purchased it, the $$ is yours, darling. ;)
Freya sure is sooo cute! I'm sure she's even cuter now.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sinful Delight
I believe in indulging my sense of taste from time to time, to feel guiltless about what I consume and feel pleasure from the experience of eating.
And whenever I feel indulgent, there's no other place that can actually bring so much pleasure than Pix.
The best place to enjoy the signature French pastries. Currently, there are 3 Pix patisserie opened in Portland area, each with its own personalities, and each brings European flare and innovative edible art with an assortment of elegant pastries and handmade chocolates.
In short: They're decadent. They're delicious. They're sinful delight. You're missing out if you never have the pleasure of eating in one of the chic locations.
To complement each delectable masterpiece, Pix Pâtisserie serves an array of dessert wines, Belgian beers, and fine spirits. And not to worry about the service, everything is personalized to your liking.
My personal experience with Pix has always been very pleasant. The year they opened their branch on SE Division, my girlfriends and I went and fell in love with the place at first sight, the bright yellow wall color, the comfy shoulder-to-shoulder seatings. It's chic, kitschy and lovely. What happened next was pretty predictable (from what I've described so far about the place), we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves immersed for once forgoing all notion on being on a diet and so forth, and just indulge our palate. Sinfully good.Pix also has different events every week for its customers where you can hang out with the local hip urban crowd. Of course, during all these events, there'll be more goodness from the kitchen (by the way, did I mention they've come out with their brand of ice cream too?)
So if you just have to enjoy local scenery, with the hip urban crowd, all the while pleasuring your tastebud. By all means, go to Pix. You can go to either one of the three location depending on your travel.
Here's their website if you need more information regarding location and such:
http://www.pixpatisserie.com/
Good night for now everyone!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Scary
Michael came home to see a cop's vehicle parked in our parking spot.
Two cops were talking to our neighbour, Tiffany, who's a single mom. Her place is so close to our place. After they left, Michael knocked on her door to ask if anything's wrong, etc.
She said that she found cigarette butts in her yard and that her window screen was open when she came home, she didn't find anything missing yet, but she's afraid because she's living there alone with her children (Well, her daughter's dad comes to visit from time to time, but she mostly lives there alone).
That's really scary because after all, it's only a few steps away from our condo.
Two cops were talking to our neighbour, Tiffany, who's a single mom. Her place is so close to our place. After they left, Michael knocked on her door to ask if anything's wrong, etc.
She said that she found cigarette butts in her yard and that her window screen was open when she came home, she didn't find anything missing yet, but she's afraid because she's living there alone with her children (Well, her daughter's dad comes to visit from time to time, but she mostly lives there alone).
That's really scary because after all, it's only a few steps away from our condo.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Natural Cleaning: Hydrogen Peroxide (pt3)
Michael and I ordinarily use hydrogen peroxide to clean bleeding injuries, or scrapes on Christopher's knees. He occassionally use it as a mouth wash when we're out of other mouth wash. Hydrogen peroxide is gentler than chlorine bleach, as it can be used for sterilizing and disinfecting for not only your home, but also your body.
To treat moldy tile grout on bathroom walls, fill a spray bottle with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water. Spray onto moldy areas, let sit for an hour, then rinse off.
Keep a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide on hand and another filled with white vinegar (NEVER mix the two in one bottle). For a disinfecting spray, for vegetables and surfaces, spritz with one, then the other, then wipe clean. This is great for spraying apples, tomatoes and other produce items as well as wood cutting boards.
Lastly but not least, hydrogen peroxide an effective, inexpensive mouthwash!
To treat moldy tile grout on bathroom walls, fill a spray bottle with 1/2 cup hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup water. Spray onto moldy areas, let sit for an hour, then rinse off.
Keep a spray bottle of hydrogen peroxide on hand and another filled with white vinegar (NEVER mix the two in one bottle). For a disinfecting spray, for vegetables and surfaces, spritz with one, then the other, then wipe clean. This is great for spraying apples, tomatoes and other produce items as well as wood cutting boards.
Lastly but not least, hydrogen peroxide an effective, inexpensive mouthwash!
Another Kitchen Staple for Natural Cleaning Pt2
You can use cream of tartar, mild acid often used in baking, for removing tough stains in your kitchen/bath!
To remove rust stains from a stainless steel sink or surface, make a paste with cream of tartar and a small amount of lemon juice. Wipe it onto the stained surface, then buff off.
To remove rust stains from a stainless steel sink or surface, make a paste with cream of tartar and a small amount of lemon juice. Wipe it onto the stained surface, then buff off.
Julie Delpy - A Waltz For A Night (songs I listen to pt 2)
Beautiful, simple, and enchanting are the adjectives to best describe this short song. The song is written by the artist herself (Julie Delpy, who plays Celine in the movie) and featured as a soundtrack in the movie "Before Sunset." The song conveys Celine's longing and passion for Jesse (Ethan Hawke's character) with whom she shared a brief passionate encounter 9 years earlier.
Go Check Out "YouTube," If You Haven't
YouTube is a popular free video sharing website which lets users upload, view, share videoclips and commentaries. This site is praised as one the most user friendly sites on the Internet. Unregistered users can watch most videos on the site while registered users have the ability to upload an unlimited number of videos. Related videos, determined by the title and tags, appear to the right of the video. In the second year, the site gave users the ability to post responses and subscribe to any registered user.
Before being bought by Google, YouTube stated that its business model is advertising-based. Some industry commentators have speculated that YouTube's running costs — specifically the bandwidth required — may be as high as US$1 million per-month, thereby fueling criticisms that the company, like many Internet start-ups, did not have a viably implemented business model.
Advertisements were launched on the site beginning in March 2006. In April, YouTube started using Google AdSense. YouTube subsequently stopped using AdSense. Given its traffic levels, video streams and pageviews, some have calculated that YouTube's potential revenues could be in the millions per month.
With no further ado, I present to you, one of the most popular website on the world wide web (far outgrowing myspace.com):
http://www.youtube.com
Before being bought by Google, YouTube stated that its business model is advertising-based. Some industry commentators have speculated that YouTube's running costs — specifically the bandwidth required — may be as high as US$1 million per-month, thereby fueling criticisms that the company, like many Internet start-ups, did not have a viably implemented business model.
Advertisements were launched on the site beginning in March 2006. In April, YouTube started using Google AdSense. YouTube subsequently stopped using AdSense. Given its traffic levels, video streams and pageviews, some have calculated that YouTube's potential revenues could be in the millions per month.
With no further ado, I present to you, one of the most popular website on the world wide web (far outgrowing myspace.com):
http://www.youtube.com
Song I listen to pt 1
Fidelity (above) is a creative, whimsical single by Regina Spektor that launched her to stardom. A newcomer originally from Rusia, she's an avid pianist and song writer who's raised in NY and prominent in the anti-folk music scene in NYC.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Free Wine Tasting!!
This Saturday (April 14)
From 12-5 PM, join other wine loves for a flight-style wine tasting at The Wine Cellar, an elegant whimsical location. During this tasting, guests will enjoy 5-7 wines in a flight (a theme of either type of wine, producer, region or some other similarly interesting commonality).
You can drop in anytime! For more information, call Scott at 503.643.5655
Again, this is FREE.
The location:
The Wine Cellar
13486-A NW Cornell Road
Portland 97229 SW corner of Murray and Cornell
(BEHIND Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant)
From 12-5 PM, join other wine loves for a flight-style wine tasting at The Wine Cellar, an elegant whimsical location. During this tasting, guests will enjoy 5-7 wines in a flight (a theme of either type of wine, producer, region or some other similarly interesting commonality).
You can drop in anytime! For more information, call Scott at 503.643.5655
Again, this is FREE.
The location:
The Wine Cellar
13486-A NW Cornell Road
Portland 97229 SW corner of Murray and Cornell
(BEHIND Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant)
Thursday, April 12, 2007
My Cousin's Getting Married
Well, it's OFFICIAL!
My cousin's getting married next month, on May 12th!
The invitation arrived today for both Michael and I. I wonder why they didn't put Christopher's name in it. My mom thought it's because Chris is way too small to be attending any Church ceremony.
From the invite, it seems like they'll be partying it up at a pretty swanky place called Studio 1050 (http://1050events.com). The ceremony will be at St. Michael the Archangel.
I'm wondering if I should post the happy couple's website here...I'll decide later.
Congratulations for both Andrew and Therecia!
My cousin's getting married next month, on May 12th!
The invitation arrived today for both Michael and I. I wonder why they didn't put Christopher's name in it. My mom thought it's because Chris is way too small to be attending any Church ceremony.
From the invite, it seems like they'll be partying it up at a pretty swanky place called Studio 1050 (http://1050events.com). The ceremony will be at St. Michael the Archangel.
I'm wondering if I should post the happy couple's website here...I'll decide later.
Congratulations for both Andrew and Therecia!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Before Sunset Review
The movie "Before Sunset" is a brilliant sequel to "Before Sunrise," where two lovers meet again after 9 years apart after missing out on meeting each other six months after their first meeting.
The movie follows the two as they retrace their past lives, their current, and resolve their issues while Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Deply (Celine) wander around Paris. Their characters are now with different people, but they still can't deny the chemistry.
Both actors are very believable, a little manic, a little pretentitous, a little show-off, much cute but all in all very very natural as two ordinary people who share really strong emotional connection and attraction to one another. It's like watching two people going on a second "first date."
As an audience you feel like you're certain that they fit together, you want them to fit together but in the same time knowing that they may not even last if they decide to be together.
The beautiful background scenery of Paris, the Seines, bluesy songs by Nina Simone completes this movie. This is one of the best romantic movies I've ever watched (maybe second to Gone with the Wind).
This is the perfect movie to rent with someone you just start dating (men: take notes!), because it'll surely create a pretty interesting discussion afterward... And perhaps something else more too!
The movie follows the two as they retrace their past lives, their current, and resolve their issues while Ethan Hawke (Jesse) and Julie Deply (Celine) wander around Paris. Their characters are now with different people, but they still can't deny the chemistry.
Both actors are very believable, a little manic, a little pretentitous, a little show-off, much cute but all in all very very natural as two ordinary people who share really strong emotional connection and attraction to one another. It's like watching two people going on a second "first date."
As an audience you feel like you're certain that they fit together, you want them to fit together but in the same time knowing that they may not even last if they decide to be together.
The beautiful background scenery of Paris, the Seines, bluesy songs by Nina Simone completes this movie. This is one of the best romantic movies I've ever watched (maybe second to Gone with the Wind).
This is the perfect movie to rent with someone you just start dating (men: take notes!), because it'll surely create a pretty interesting discussion afterward... And perhaps something else more too!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Kitchen Staples CAN Double as Cleaners too! PART 1
When I was single, amonia was my good friend.
Especially when it comes to cleaning, it cleans, disinfects and it's awesome as a window cleaner. I never liked to purchase different type of different cleaners (one for kitchen, one for floor, one for the bathroom, one for window and there's one that said --multipurpose cleaner--& so on). I went ahead and purchase a gallon of amonia and mix them with water in spraying bottles.
It was great and frugal.
But then there's Christopher.
The ultimate curious kitten, equipped with his "terrible-two" behavior, yet with brains not equipped to understand the danger of chemicals. He may be a pretty strong toddler, but I'm sure if I couldn't bear the scent/smell of amonia, he couldn't either.
There was also an incident when he got ahold of a much-diluted almost empty amonia bottle. Poison control was contacted, pediatricians were called and so on. Fortunately, he didn't ingest anything. I was lucky that everyone I called for help just ended up branding me "worrisome mommy." I coudn't bear it if it's any other way.
I learned my lesson and decided to not use toxic chemicals in my disinfectant cleaners. I researched to find what can substitute my 'old friend,' and I found one and it IS green and budget friendly.
Meet White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great disinfecting tool. It can be used for disinfecting, deodorizing, cutting grease and wax build-up, and removing stains on carpet, countertops, pots, pans and coffee carafes.
For an all-purpose cleaner, fill an empty spray bottle with 4 cups water, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Use on countertops, glass surfaces, chrome fixtures and tile.
To unclog drains, pour one part baking soda to two parts vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For windows, mix 2 cups water with a generous pour of vinegar. A great way to recycle your newspapers is to use them in place of paper towels for a streak-free finish.
Wood floors will avoid the streaky look when you add about 1/4 cup vinegar to your pail of water. Be sure to wring your mop out well so as not to over-wet the floor.
Instead of fabric softeners that are full of synthetic fragrances, try adding a small amount of white vinegar to your machine's rinse cycle. This will help to rinse out the detergent completely and leave your clothes feeling soft.
source: FitTv
Especially when it comes to cleaning, it cleans, disinfects and it's awesome as a window cleaner. I never liked to purchase different type of different cleaners (one for kitchen, one for floor, one for the bathroom, one for window and there's one that said --multipurpose cleaner--& so on). I went ahead and purchase a gallon of amonia and mix them with water in spraying bottles.
It was great and frugal.
But then there's Christopher.
The ultimate curious kitten, equipped with his "terrible-two" behavior, yet with brains not equipped to understand the danger of chemicals. He may be a pretty strong toddler, but I'm sure if I couldn't bear the scent/smell of amonia, he couldn't either.
There was also an incident when he got ahold of a much-diluted almost empty amonia bottle. Poison control was contacted, pediatricians were called and so on. Fortunately, he didn't ingest anything. I was lucky that everyone I called for help just ended up branding me "worrisome mommy." I coudn't bear it if it's any other way.
I learned my lesson and decided to not use toxic chemicals in my disinfectant cleaners. I researched to find what can substitute my 'old friend,' and I found one and it IS green and budget friendly.
Meet White Vinegar
White vinegar is a great disinfecting tool. It can be used for disinfecting, deodorizing, cutting grease and wax build-up, and removing stains on carpet, countertops, pots, pans and coffee carafes.
For an all-purpose cleaner, fill an empty spray bottle with 4 cups water, 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1/4 cup vinegar. Use on countertops, glass surfaces, chrome fixtures and tile.
To unclog drains, pour one part baking soda to two parts vinegar down the drain. Let sit for 15 minutes, then flush with hot water.
For windows, mix 2 cups water with a generous pour of vinegar. A great way to recycle your newspapers is to use them in place of paper towels for a streak-free finish.
Wood floors will avoid the streaky look when you add about 1/4 cup vinegar to your pail of water. Be sure to wring your mop out well so as not to over-wet the floor.
Instead of fabric softeners that are full of synthetic fragrances, try adding a small amount of white vinegar to your machine's rinse cycle. This will help to rinse out the detergent completely and leave your clothes feeling soft.
source: FitTv
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Happy Easter
Easter, the Sunday of the Resurrection, Pascha, or Resurrection Day, is the most important religious feast of the Christian liturgical year, observed at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity). It celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, which his followers believe occurred on the third day (counting inclusively) after his death by crucifixion some time in the period AD 27 to 33 (see Good Friday). This year it will fall on April 8, 2007, as of...MY BIRTHDAY!
Anciently, Easter was considered the most perfect time to receive baptism, and this practice is alive in Roman Catholicism, as it is the time when new members are initiated into the Church, and it is being revived in some other circles. Whether there are baptisms at this point or not, it is traditional for the congregation to renew the vows of their baptismal faith. This act is often sealed by the sprinkling of the congregation with holy water from the font. The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated at the Vigil. The Easter Vigil concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist (or 'Holy Communion'). Certain variations in the Easter Vigil exist: Some churches read the Old Testament lessons before the procession of the Paschal candle, and then read the gospel immediately after the Exsultet.
Some Christians wear their "Sunday best" to their church gatherings. This means a more formal dress and hats for some women (Up until this day, I still remember Trish--my church friend--in her fuschia dress and black laced hat). Others choose a more "come as you are" approach to recognize the grace that has been offered.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Love,
Tracy
Anciently, Easter was considered the most perfect time to receive baptism, and this practice is alive in Roman Catholicism, as it is the time when new members are initiated into the Church, and it is being revived in some other circles. Whether there are baptisms at this point or not, it is traditional for the congregation to renew the vows of their baptismal faith. This act is often sealed by the sprinkling of the congregation with holy water from the font. The Catholic sacrament of Confirmation is also celebrated at the Vigil. The Easter Vigil concludes with the celebration of the Eucharist (or 'Holy Communion'). Certain variations in the Easter Vigil exist: Some churches read the Old Testament lessons before the procession of the Paschal candle, and then read the gospel immediately after the Exsultet.
Some Christians wear their "Sunday best" to their church gatherings. This means a more formal dress and hats for some women (Up until this day, I still remember Trish--my church friend--in her fuschia dress and black laced hat). Others choose a more "come as you are" approach to recognize the grace that has been offered.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
Love,
Tracy
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Holy Saturday!
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter in the Christian calendar. It is sometimes called Easter Eve, especially by Anglicans, or Low Saturday.
In Roman Catholic Churches, the altar is either stripped completely bare or coloured in violet, while the administration of the sacraments is severely limited. Holy Communion is given only as Viaticum. All Masses are strictly prohibited. No Mass at all appears in the liturgy for this day, nor for the preceding day, Good Friday.
Liturgically speaking, Holy Saturday lasts until dusk, after which the Easter Vigil is celebrated, marking the official start of the Easter season. In the pre-1970 Roman Catholic observance, during the "Gloria in Excelsis" of the Mass (which is the first Mass since that of Holy Thursday), the church statues, which are covered with purple veils during Passiontide, are dramatically unveiled.
In Roman Catholic Churches, the altar is either stripped completely bare or coloured in violet, while the administration of the sacraments is severely limited. Holy Communion is given only as Viaticum. All Masses are strictly prohibited. No Mass at all appears in the liturgy for this day, nor for the preceding day, Good Friday.
Liturgically speaking, Holy Saturday lasts until dusk, after which the Easter Vigil is celebrated, marking the official start of the Easter season. In the pre-1970 Roman Catholic observance, during the "Gloria in Excelsis" of the Mass (which is the first Mass since that of Holy Thursday), the church statues, which are covered with purple veils during Passiontide, are dramatically unveiled.
Friday, April 6, 2007
Good Friday
Good Friday is a holy day observed by most Christian denominations. Special prayer services are often held on this day with readings from the Gospel giving accounts of the events leading up to the crucifixion. Mainstream Christian churches view Christ's crucifixion as a voluntary and vicarious act, and one by which, along with resurrection on the third day, death itself was conquered.
Roman Catholic Christians treat Good Friday as a fast day, which is defined as only having one large meal (but still smaller than a regular meal) and two collations (small ones not equaling the large one). In the United States, it is not a day of abstention from work however; people work until shortly before the beginning of the afternoon liturgy. In Latin America, all Catholics have work abstention on Good Friday (as well as Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper).
In Indonesia, Good Friday is a Public Holiday. All government offices, schools and certain businesses are closed on Good Friday by law. Many newspapers choose not to publish on this day. This tradition is a fairly new one, after the government decides to celebrate all religious traditions of all religions residing in Indonesia.
I fasted today. I didn't touch anything (except for water up until 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus's death).
Roman Catholic Christians treat Good Friday as a fast day, which is defined as only having one large meal (but still smaller than a regular meal) and two collations (small ones not equaling the large one). In the United States, it is not a day of abstention from work however; people work until shortly before the beginning of the afternoon liturgy. In Latin America, all Catholics have work abstention on Good Friday (as well as Holy Thursday, the day of the last supper).
In Indonesia, Good Friday is a Public Holiday. All government offices, schools and certain businesses are closed on Good Friday by law. Many newspapers choose not to publish on this day. This tradition is a fairly new one, after the government decides to celebrate all religious traditions of all religions residing in Indonesia.
I fasted today. I didn't touch anything (except for water up until 3:00 PM, the hour of Jesus's death).
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Thursday Holy Thursday
Holy Thursday is here.
For Catholics (Christians), this is an important day, its annual commemoration then begins the three-day period or triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, days of special devotion that celebrate as a single action the death and resurrection of Christ, the central events of Christianity.
On Holy Thursday, four events are commemorated: the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ, the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
It usually includes a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles, and is followed by a procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, and then by stripping of all altars except the Altar of Repose.
For Catholics (Christians), this is an important day, its annual commemoration then begins the three-day period or triduum of Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, days of special devotion that celebrate as a single action the death and resurrection of Christ, the central events of Christianity.
On Holy Thursday, four events are commemorated: the washing of the Disciples' feet by Jesus Christ, the institution of the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas Iscariot.
It usually includes a reenactment of the Washing of the Feet of the Apostles, and is followed by a procession taking the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose, and then by stripping of all altars except the Altar of Repose.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
If You Want to be Slimmer...
Are you on a diet and watching what you're eating or drinking? Instead of reaching for the sugar-free cola or the diet soda, you may want to drink H20.
According to a new study from Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland in California, those who sipped a few extra glasses of water (at least 33 ounces a day) lost even more weight. "Staying hydrated may increase metabolism, so you burn more fat," says lead study author Jodi Stookey, Ph.D.
Ordinary water is actually extraordinary because it's a more effective hydrator than any other beverage.
So your new diet should definitely limit your intake of any sugary drinks --example: juice, soda or iced tea -- to once a day, and have at least 6 cups of water (Tap, sparkling, bottled, or mineral has all produced the same result in the study).
If you want some twist in your H20, consider adding fresh mint or a slice of lemon or lime. And from my own experience, drinking more water also makes you feel more fulfilled sooner!
So go ahead and drink your glass of water.
Tracy
source: Shape magazine
According to a new study from Children's Hospital and Research Center Oakland in California, those who sipped a few extra glasses of water (at least 33 ounces a day) lost even more weight. "Staying hydrated may increase metabolism, so you burn more fat," says lead study author Jodi Stookey, Ph.D.
Ordinary water is actually extraordinary because it's a more effective hydrator than any other beverage.
So your new diet should definitely limit your intake of any sugary drinks --example: juice, soda or iced tea -- to once a day, and have at least 6 cups of water (Tap, sparkling, bottled, or mineral has all produced the same result in the study).
If you want some twist in your H20, consider adding fresh mint or a slice of lemon or lime. And from my own experience, drinking more water also makes you feel more fulfilled sooner!
So go ahead and drink your glass of water.
Tracy
source: Shape magazine
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Happy Birthday, Daddy!
Today is my dad's birthday.
We talked on the phone for a little while and Christopher was talking (babbling) to him "Hi Opa (grandfather--in Dutch), hi hi." That just made his evening, he so loves Christopher. And Chris definitely loves him even more. We're planning to have a lunch on Sunday (which is going to be Easter Sunday and my birthday. I'm turning 29, everyone! Near the big 3-0). So it's going to be fun.
I'm going to post the link to one of the websites he's made! It's for St. Patrick's in Canby, and he's part of the Knights of Columbus as well.
http://www.stpatcanby.org/
My dad is one of the greatest men in my life.
He's very kind-hearted, loyal, understanding, patient, funny, energetic, positive, eager to learn, hardworking, creative, passionate (especially when it comes to his beliefs and the Church) and way way smart (too smart sometimes).
He's a really cool dad, he knows how to communicate with his children and he always believes and hopes the best for everyone (I do mean EVERYONE, he doesn't discriminate). Everyone who knows him just totally falls in love with him. My mom once said to me that she fell in love with him because he's the kindest, most sincere man she's ever known and until today, she's not changed her mind, in fact, she reaffirms this opinion. I agree with her wholeheartedly.
Simply put, dad's one of my idols, and I'd be very very lucky if I resemble some of his awesome qualities. I'm both so proud and lucky that he's my dad. Thank God for him.
May God Bless My Dad Always and Keep Him in GREAT health, and hopefully this year will be an awesome year for him too!
I love you, Dad! Happy happy birthday!
P.F. April 3rd 2007
Love,
Tracy
We talked on the phone for a little while and Christopher was talking (babbling) to him "Hi Opa (grandfather--in Dutch), hi hi." That just made his evening, he so loves Christopher. And Chris definitely loves him even more. We're planning to have a lunch on Sunday (which is going to be Easter Sunday and my birthday. I'm turning 29, everyone! Near the big 3-0). So it's going to be fun.
I'm going to post the link to one of the websites he's made! It's for St. Patrick's in Canby, and he's part of the Knights of Columbus as well.
http://www.stpatcanby.org/
My dad is one of the greatest men in my life.
He's very kind-hearted, loyal, understanding, patient, funny, energetic, positive, eager to learn, hardworking, creative, passionate (especially when it comes to his beliefs and the Church) and way way smart (too smart sometimes).
He's a really cool dad, he knows how to communicate with his children and he always believes and hopes the best for everyone (I do mean EVERYONE, he doesn't discriminate). Everyone who knows him just totally falls in love with him. My mom once said to me that she fell in love with him because he's the kindest, most sincere man she's ever known and until today, she's not changed her mind, in fact, she reaffirms this opinion. I agree with her wholeheartedly.
Simply put, dad's one of my idols, and I'd be very very lucky if I resemble some of his awesome qualities. I'm both so proud and lucky that he's my dad. Thank God for him.
May God Bless My Dad Always and Keep Him in GREAT health, and hopefully this year will be an awesome year for him too!
I love you, Dad! Happy happy birthday!
P.F. April 3rd 2007
Love,
Tracy
Mi Familia
See what I dug up from old pictures archive:
B&W magic
In color
Together in the kitchen
Thank you for the free hosting, Pixilive (http://www.pixilive.com).
So here's us in 2003, celebrating my aunt Hetty's birthday at my aunt Ellie's house. It was probably the last time that all of us were together. Now everyone is busy with their own lives, and some are back in Hong Kong, some are in Jakarta. There are more babies born, marriages, and even catastrophe.
Those are also the only pictures I have of the interior of my aunt's family's house before the 'fire/explosion' that happened at least a month ago. My cousin's husband's van blew up in the garage after he got there from picking the kids up from school. They were on the news too (fortunately no one was hurt).
I give you a cookie if you can recognize me (Okay, I was the one with real short hair, on your right hand side, wearing a white top). Unfortunately, I'm a total whale now compared to my old self. :)
B&W magic
In color
Together in the kitchen
Thank you for the free hosting, Pixilive (http://www.pixilive.com).
So here's us in 2003, celebrating my aunt Hetty's birthday at my aunt Ellie's house. It was probably the last time that all of us were together. Now everyone is busy with their own lives, and some are back in Hong Kong, some are in Jakarta. There are more babies born, marriages, and even catastrophe.
Those are also the only pictures I have of the interior of my aunt's family's house before the 'fire/explosion' that happened at least a month ago. My cousin's husband's van blew up in the garage after he got there from picking the kids up from school. They were on the news too (fortunately no one was hurt).
I give you a cookie if you can recognize me (Okay, I was the one with real short hair, on your right hand side, wearing a white top). Unfortunately, I'm a total whale now compared to my old self. :)
Monday, April 2, 2007
And That's What We Call The News, Folks...
Are you settling in for another humdrum night watching two hours of hysterical money-hungered contestants tonight on Deal or No Deal? Well, to cure your expected boredom, check out http://www.jibjab.com
Don't forget to tune in tomorrow evening for another special on NBC with Chris Hansen (by now, I'm pretty sure when he pops out nearby, it means you're screwed), that is if you don't want to torture yourself having to endure 1 minute of Sanjaya Salakar singing on American Idol.
Don't forget to tune in tomorrow evening for another special on NBC with Chris Hansen (by now, I'm pretty sure when he pops out nearby, it means you're screwed), that is if you don't want to torture yourself having to endure 1 minute of Sanjaya Salakar singing on American Idol.
Christopher Day
This blog entry is totally to celebrate the little boy human entity named Christopher J. Hood.
You know how your parents always ask you when you're going to start manufacturing humans when it's clear you don't have the investment capital and your production facilities aren't remotely close to being well staffed enough for such an endeavor? Well, they want to urge you to manufacture a human at any cost, and to do it quickly, because manufacturing a human was one of the best things they ever did, even though they are, admittedly, a little bit disappointed in how their human turned out.
Yes, eventually, everyone's humans become scowly and old and bark into their cell phones and wear bad shoes, but it doesn't matter, because when their parents look at them, all they see is pajamas with feet. With that in mind, I'm just going to go list my human, Christopher's progress before his 22nd month birthday coming in 13 days.
1) walking (since 9 months old)
2) running and crawling (if he feels like it)
3) understands words i.e. no, outside, yes, done, okay, come on, thank you, love you, smart baby, dance, jump, diaper, change, kiss, fish, dada, mommy, mama, owie (it hurts--or pretend hurt), big black (vacuum cleaner), hug/big hug, pee-pee, we're done. Commands such as : sit, be good, eat, drink, stop, no, clean up, light off, light on, can I have ___ (filled in objects you need).
4) can say words i.e. eeewww, owie, shoe, ball, love, no, okay, ya, fine/fun, fish, kiss, apa (Indonesian for: what, but he's calling my dad 'apa' because it's close to 'opa'--Dutch for grandfather), ema (Indonesian for: mom, but it's what he calls my mom 'ema' it's close to 'oma'--Dutch for grandmother), 'hi (fish, mommy, dada, apa, ema, la-la, po)' , tubby (if he wants to watch teletubbies), la-la & po (his fave teletubbies character), nanoo (the teletubbies' vacuum cleaner), more (food/drink), ba-ba (milk), wa-wa(water), juice, cheese, count 1 to 5, sometimes to 6 or 9, a-b-c, pee-pee, geico, good to go, dirt, kitty, doggie, duckie, bunny, tree, bye-bye, yayyy, wheeee, wow, cool, nice, yummy, are we done?
5) dancing (strangely enough most attracted to rap music beat)
6) jumping
7) throwing balls (rarely catching it)
8) changing television channel manually so he can watch cartoons
9) climbing up and down bed, chair,
10) opening and closing closet/door (also locking and unlocking--both Michael and I have been locked out before by him)
11) turning the light on and off
12) brushing his own teeth
13) throwing tantrum (quite) safely, he decided when he's upset to go to the carpeted area where he can slowly fling himself on it, pursing his lips defiantly then whine/cry (tearless) pretty loudly until he's distracted.
14) falling asleep by himself, and picking up blanket and bottle by himself before going to sleep
15) seeing you out (waving and saying bye-bye when you need to leave)
My current mision: getting him potty trained, he understand now the word "pee-pee," and he always says that after he did it and wanted to be changed...
There you go. I may add on as I see things progressing.
Love,
His mommy
You know how your parents always ask you when you're going to start manufacturing humans when it's clear you don't have the investment capital and your production facilities aren't remotely close to being well staffed enough for such an endeavor? Well, they want to urge you to manufacture a human at any cost, and to do it quickly, because manufacturing a human was one of the best things they ever did, even though they are, admittedly, a little bit disappointed in how their human turned out.
Yes, eventually, everyone's humans become scowly and old and bark into their cell phones and wear bad shoes, but it doesn't matter, because when their parents look at them, all they see is pajamas with feet. With that in mind, I'm just going to go list my human, Christopher's progress before his 22nd month birthday coming in 13 days.
1) walking (since 9 months old)
2) running and crawling (if he feels like it)
3) understands words i.e. no, outside, yes, done, okay, come on, thank you, love you, smart baby, dance, jump, diaper, change, kiss, fish, dada, mommy, mama, owie (it hurts--or pretend hurt), big black (vacuum cleaner), hug/big hug, pee-pee, we're done. Commands such as : sit, be good, eat, drink, stop, no, clean up, light off, light on, can I have ___ (filled in objects you need).
4) can say words i.e. eeewww, owie, shoe, ball, love, no, okay, ya, fine/fun, fish, kiss, apa (Indonesian for: what, but he's calling my dad 'apa' because it's close to 'opa'--Dutch for grandfather), ema (Indonesian for: mom, but it's what he calls my mom 'ema' it's close to 'oma'--Dutch for grandmother), 'hi (fish, mommy, dada, apa, ema, la-la, po)' , tubby (if he wants to watch teletubbies), la-la & po (his fave teletubbies character), nanoo (the teletubbies' vacuum cleaner), more (food/drink), ba-ba (milk), wa-wa(water), juice, cheese, count 1 to 5, sometimes to 6 or 9, a-b-c, pee-pee, geico, good to go, dirt, kitty, doggie, duckie, bunny, tree, bye-bye, yayyy, wheeee, wow, cool, nice, yummy, are we done?
5) dancing (strangely enough most attracted to rap music beat)
6) jumping
7) throwing balls (rarely catching it)
8) changing television channel manually so he can watch cartoons
9) climbing up and down bed, chair,
10) opening and closing closet/door (also locking and unlocking--both Michael and I have been locked out before by him)
11) turning the light on and off
12) brushing his own teeth
13) throwing tantrum (quite) safely, he decided when he's upset to go to the carpeted area where he can slowly fling himself on it, pursing his lips defiantly then whine/cry (tearless) pretty loudly until he's distracted.
14) falling asleep by himself, and picking up blanket and bottle by himself before going to sleep
15) seeing you out (waving and saying bye-bye when you need to leave)
My current mision: getting him potty trained, he understand now the word "pee-pee," and he always says that after he did it and wanted to be changed...
There you go. I may add on as I see things progressing.
Love,
His mommy
Sunday, April 1, 2007
How To Score Free Stuff
Believe it or not, it doesn't take a lot of hustle to get free stuff. With a little persistence, a little patience, most likely you will end up with awesome stuff that requires very minimal payment or no payment at all!
In my own experience, just last week, I scored a beauty/glamour photographs because I went on http://www.craigslist.org and browse around and it turns out a local photographer (with her own studio) wishes to expand her portfolio and was offering prints and pictures in exchange of me having my pictures taken and be put up on her website.
Next, I scored a free haircut from a hairstylist from a certain salon (from the same website: http://www.craigslist.org ) in exchange to be their hair model. Now on the beauty and general section hairstylists are searching for people for hair color and haircut models (read: free color and haircut)
The sections I usually browse in craigslist when interested in getting a great deals are :
1) free
2) barter
3) beauty
4) general
5) volunteers
You never know what gems await you by browsing and dedicating that small piece of free time (as a mom, it's usually when Christopher is napping or after putting him down to sleep at night) to find great deals.
A tip for browsing at craigslist org., make sure the person is legit, talk to the person offering the free service beforehand and see if you feel at all comfortable. Always meet up in public place, always let everyone knows where you're going if you're going by yourself (I try to bring someone with me if possible). And don't ever hesitate or feel pressured to leave or break the agreement if you don't have a good instinct out of meeting the person.
If you're a girl, I'm pretty sure that you've learned about this new fad in cosmetics : mineral make-ups.
There are so many of them out there and here we've got at least 3 different infomercials.
Unless you're more than willing to mull over the contract they want you to sign online, I must advise you to think twice before putting down/giving away your credit card numbers. You may be charged for things you don't feel you order, and I must caution how their advertisements can be deceptive. If you can, pay it with either a money order or a check (mail it to the address), do it the 'old-fashioned' way.
If you'd like to try mineral make-up, you can try these products:
1) Everyday Minerals (http://www.everydayminerals.com) or
2) Ocean Mist (http://www.oceanmistcosmetics.com/) or
3) Signature (http://www.signatureminerals.com/) for very nominal price (ONLY SHIPPING and HANDLING for around $4 or under). They also accepted money order or check so if you're interested, just option for that.
Another tips I will repost is how to get organic stuffs and getting a great deal:
http://frugality.blogspot.com/2007/03/very-good-article-from-organicorg.html
(Feel free to reread and implement to your daily lives)
I hope that everyone is having a splendid amazing day! I will be back with more frugal and green tips!
Love,
Tracy
In my own experience, just last week, I scored a beauty/glamour photographs because I went on http://www.craigslist.org and browse around and it turns out a local photographer (with her own studio) wishes to expand her portfolio and was offering prints and pictures in exchange of me having my pictures taken and be put up on her website.
Next, I scored a free haircut from a hairstylist from a certain salon (from the same website: http://www.craigslist.org ) in exchange to be their hair model. Now on the beauty and general section hairstylists are searching for people for hair color and haircut models (read: free color and haircut)
The sections I usually browse in craigslist when interested in getting a great deals are :
1) free
2) barter
3) beauty
4) general
5) volunteers
You never know what gems await you by browsing and dedicating that small piece of free time (as a mom, it's usually when Christopher is napping or after putting him down to sleep at night) to find great deals.
A tip for browsing at craigslist org., make sure the person is legit, talk to the person offering the free service beforehand and see if you feel at all comfortable. Always meet up in public place, always let everyone knows where you're going if you're going by yourself (I try to bring someone with me if possible). And don't ever hesitate or feel pressured to leave or break the agreement if you don't have a good instinct out of meeting the person.
If you're a girl, I'm pretty sure that you've learned about this new fad in cosmetics : mineral make-ups.
There are so many of them out there and here we've got at least 3 different infomercials.
Unless you're more than willing to mull over the contract they want you to sign online, I must advise you to think twice before putting down/giving away your credit card numbers. You may be charged for things you don't feel you order, and I must caution how their advertisements can be deceptive. If you can, pay it with either a money order or a check (mail it to the address), do it the 'old-fashioned' way.
If you'd like to try mineral make-up, you can try these products:
1) Everyday Minerals (http://www.everydayminerals.com) or
2) Ocean Mist (http://www.oceanmistcosmetics.com/) or
3) Signature (http://www.signatureminerals.com/) for very nominal price (ONLY SHIPPING and HANDLING for around $4 or under). They also accepted money order or check so if you're interested, just option for that.
Another tips I will repost is how to get organic stuffs and getting a great deal:
http://frugality.blogspot.com/2007/03/very-good-article-from-organicorg.html
(Feel free to reread and implement to your daily lives)
I hope that everyone is having a splendid amazing day! I will be back with more frugal and green tips!
Love,
Tracy
Sunday is Appreciation Day!
Hello all,
First of all, I must thank you Michelle for being so sweet and nice and awesome to give part of her time to write comments on my humble blog!
I hope she and Daniel will make their dream wedding a reality as soon as possible!
P.S. If you're interested in frugal wedding, I'm your woman, I'll be like your personal wedding consultant!
P.S.S. I understand how expensive some organic stuffs is, I usually utilize all coupons I get from Sunday's newspaper, or check out local market for veggies, and although I start to go green, I don't buy all products organic :) Only those that are affordable to the budget.
Love,
Tracy
BRB
First of all, I must thank you Michelle for being so sweet and nice and awesome to give part of her time to write comments on my humble blog!
I hope she and Daniel will make their dream wedding a reality as soon as possible!
P.S. If you're interested in frugal wedding, I'm your woman, I'll be like your personal wedding consultant!
P.S.S. I understand how expensive some organic stuffs is, I usually utilize all coupons I get from Sunday's newspaper, or check out local market for veggies, and although I start to go green, I don't buy all products organic :) Only those that are affordable to the budget.
Love,
Tracy
BRB
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