10 to 26: A Gift To Myself

One thing that is getting in the way of my success is self-esteem. I wouldn't go into much detail, but I didn't have a happy childhood, and because of that I grew up having a hard time dealing with people. I know some of you will say that it doesn't show, and I admit I can be a good faker when it comes to that. But I want an end to this not only for myself but also for my loved ones. I don't want to disappoint Drew anymore. But more importantly, I don't want to generate an aura or behavior that would lead Ella to have low self esteem too.

So every monday from now until my 26th birthday (Oooh, that's exactly 10 mondays from now!), I'll be posting at least one conscious effort to assert myself, boost my self esteem and deal with people better. Anyone or anything that can help me in the process will be highly appreciated.

For my first post, I promise to greet anyone I know, have known, and have been acquainted with as soon as I see them anywhere in the world. So if you know me and see me somewhere, don't give me a hard time...Please?

your every woman,

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Fashion Show Make Up

Last Tuesday, at Fashion Institute of the Philippines' fashion show called Destination: Fashion Nation, I realized that doing make up for a fashion show is even more nerve wracking than doing make up for a wedding. Everyone is busy and anxious...Dressing room is tightly packed...No quiet, relaxed, well-lit area to do make up on... But the experience is fun!

Here are some of the photos I was able to collect from practice to the actual show.

Karen, ala Venus Raj

Feeling model

Glam Patricia

I wasn't able to take lots of photos from the actual event because we had really good photographers there. I just seized the moment!

Hope you liked it!

your every woman,

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Ella's Potty Traning Part 2

Do you remember how we were able to save diaper fund and the world on Ella's part 1 of potty training? Guess what? After 5 months since that last post, I'd have to congratulate Ella for being able to proactively poop in the toilet! Yey!

I used a clever suggestion from a mom at Parents.com to tell Ella that the fishes eat poop to live. After watching "Finding Nemo" and learning that everything will eventually flow to the sea, she felt responsible for feeding the fish. Once the poop come out, she would always say "Now the fish has something to eat!" with a contented smile on her face! And she doesn't ask for a companion in the restroom anymore. She'll just call us when she's done!

That gets us down to one nappy a night...something we hopefully manage to eliminate before she turns 3!

Thanks Ella for not giving us a hard time as working parents...we love you a lot!

your every woman,

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I'm Lovin' 'Em!

I don't always have new things, but when I do, they're definitely worth more than what I paid for. Here are the new stuff I'm loving so far:

Charm Travel Pro Brush Set V2

This set was opened for prebuy 2 months ago, and now it's here! A pretty set of pink brushes that includes:

1. Dual Fibre Brush
2. Powder Brush
3. Angled Blush Brush
4. Jumbo Concealer Brush
5. Multi-purpose Eyeshadow and Blending Brush
6. Pencil Point Brush
7. Contour Eye/Nose Brush
8. Flat Liner Brush
9. Angled Liner Brush ( for eyebrows and eyeliner )
10. Pointed Eyeliner Brush
11. Brow Spoolie Brush
12. Retractable Lip Brush

*extra brush, cure aqua gel and multipurpose mineral make up samples in the picture are freebies during the prebuy season and are not actually included in the set

Love how soft these brushes are! Perfect for sensitive skin! I already washed mine for the first time and only 1 hair shed off from one of the brushes and none from the rest! It's definitely a good investent for P1800 +shipping. Catch it at Beauty and Minerals' online store.

Fila Rubber Shoes

Got it at the Fila store at SM Megamall for Php 1690+, but was originally Php 3,300+. Fila is updating stocks and was on sale last weekend (...dunno how long the sale will last or lasted though). Plus Ella got free popcorn because of their movie theme! Definitely a good pair of shoes to match my fitness plan!

Human Heart Nature Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner

We originally use the moisturizing variant but since hubby had been complaining about my fallen hair due to breakage that litters our floor, I decided to get the strengthening variant for myself. I haven't noticed any difference yet since I've only been using it for a week... But the invigorating scent of Rosemary on the shampoo plus the refreshing minty sensation of the conditioner gets me excited about every shower! Available at Human Heart Nature's online store or from trusted resellers. I got mine from my colleague and friend Karen.

Shampoo:

50ml @Php 36.75

200ml @Php 109.75

Conditioner:

50ml @Php 44.75

100ml @Php 79.75

200ml @Php 129.75

500ml @Php 269.75

What purchases are you loving so far?

your every woman,

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I Believe in Thoughtful Parenting

Not everyone can be a parent. But everyone of us had been a child. And more often than not, we are the products of our parent's decisions and upbringing. However we behave in this world, is a result of our environment and what our parents did to equip us for such environment. Because of this, I closely research on human development and constantly try to come up with the best ways I could raise my daughter, Ella.

Come to think of it, if every parent take the effort of thoughtfully raising a child or children, the world will be a better place to live in with individuals who know how to successfully co-exist. Imagine a world where everyone knew how to love and be loved...Give and receive...Consider and be taken into consideration...Respect and gain respect... All because the parents took the extra mile to teach and lead by example.

It doesn't mean that only one parenting style will have to be applied on everyone. And it doesn't have to mean that the success or failure of the child would be solely dependent on the parenting style. As long as each parent's actions are carefully made in consideration of how it could affect the child and his/her future, everything else will follow. I can't say that I have always done the right things for Ella, but at least I did something.

Levi's wants to know what you believe in and who knows? You might be one of the 3 lucky winners to receive P1000 worth of Levi's gift certificates! Head on to Projectvanity for contest details! Goodluck!

your every woman,

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