Happy 50 Years HAVAIANAS! ... Cheers For Our Happy Feet!

Who does not love Havaianas? Oh, if you don't, then your feet misses 3/4 of comfort that it craves! "Havaianas" is a Portuguese language which means "Hawaiians". Their flip flop manufacture started out in Hawaii in the year 1962 with their own original designs derived from the serene design of Japan. They never failed to stand out with their 100% rubber formula which remains a "secret" exclusive only for Havaianas up to this moment and each design they make is inspired by the exuberant colors and great culture of the Hawaiians. From then, Havaianas became the ORIGINAL CHILD OF EASTERN ZEN and the undefeated EASTERN JOY.

Image courtesy of Havaianas Philippines

Today, we are about to celebrate 50 years of HAVAIANAS giving comfort to every step anyone who wears it all over the world. Hurray to Havaianas who live up to their promise for the best STYLE, COMFORT, LUXURY and never failing to give us POSITIVE ENERGY. It is a part of our daily struggle with life... and hey, simple things as flip flops make our day to day busy life easier to manage, right?

Image courtesy of Havaianas Philippines

In connection with their 50 years celebration, Havaianas Philippines launched the MAKE YOUR OWN HAVAIANAS 2012 (a. k. a MYOH2012) last May 10, 2012 at the ROCKWELL TENT  which started at 10am and goes on onwards until May 14, 2012. The launch of this celebration was attended by people from the mass media, celebrities, models, businessmen and people from almost all walks of life. Great food were served with style accompanied with comfort that tickled every taste buds... just like what the feet enjoys when we use the best flip flops! Oh, of course, we all love Havaianas!

Here are some images for more of the event and more of the designs that I love from Havaianas.

...with foods we love... 

 

... and the latest designs I personally love and are really on my wish list! hehe!

(All images are courtesy of Havaianas Philippines. )

HAPPY 50 YEARS HAVAIANAS! Mabuhay!!! Our feet  and WE will love you ALWAYS! Cheers! =) 
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For more details on the MAKE YOUR WN HAVAIANAS 2012 events, please check out and LIKE the official Havaianas Philippines  facebook. Thank You!


Copyright by Jen Magante 2012. All images in this blog are courtesy of Havaianas Philippines official FACEBOOK Page.

Who Is The HATER Now?

Image courtesy of "Payong Kaibigan"

Oh, I am laughing… every time I log in to a social networking site, I seem to notice that almost every day, some people would post and share something or anything about “HATERS”. Hey, what are “haters” anyway, and what are they made of? Are we really their “victims” or are we just enjoying to pretend that the people we call our “haters” really hate us so much?

Haters according to the urban dictionary are people who simply cannot be happy for another person's success. They develop a strong dislike for another by just basing from their own opinion on personal or subjective judgment rather than objective merit. A hater's contempt commonly arises from jealously, resentment and denial that some people could be much better than them. TAKE NOTE though that people who hate others for JUSTIFIED reason can NEVER be LEGITIMATELY classified as haters, although some people try so hard to justify their immature tendencies by doing so.

So, how can we identify haters? Take note that according to JASON COOLEY a Yahoo Network contributor, haters do not necessarily hate you, but they hate you doing better than them. Their official creed is, “I wish you well just don’t do better than me.” Does that sound familiar to you? LOL! Oh, it sounds so familiar to me. *Sometimes identifying a hater can be hard because the hater is often someone who has been close to you for a long time and is in your close circle of friends. The hater is often someone who you think highly of because they have been right there for you whenever you were down and out. You must think hard about these times and wonder if they were there to seriously help you or is it possible that they were there when things were bad because they secretly enjoyed seeing you down? … So, now I am laughing really really hard!!! Wahahahaha!

Here are the *“signs and symptoms” of being a HATER: 

• Haters do not want you to be happy, your happiness is their own poison… like a lethal injection that runs so fast in their blood so they try so hard to find ways to put you down by inventing negative stories about you.
• Haters roam around talking to every people they could deceive and make them believe of the fictional stories they make and of course, the number one villain is no other than YOU. Take note, THEIR STORY IS AUTHENTICALLY FICTIONAL… wehehehe! Oh, I love that!
• Haters stories of you as the villain makes you look so crazily desperate, but unknowingly, the people who are intelligent enough to analyze and get the chance to listen to the hater’s “masterpiece” knows inside their head how desperate the storyteller (a. k. a The Hater) is. Hmmmmm… so pathetic! You know damn well, stories like your own lawyer would put you inside your own room right inside your own house because you acted immaturely crazy???! Does the story fit? Oh, come to think of this: Even hired lawyers by real criminals will not allow their own clients be put to jail. LMAO! Hihihi! Laugh, laugh, laugh… Come on, your own slip of the tongue irregularities are manifestations of your own lying habits, or is that really your hobby?!... lol!
• Haters claim that the people they hate are putting them down just because they do not have some things like wealth, education or anything under the sun that they crave yet you have them. Hey, hey, hey, lines like “Oh, you put me down just because you are…. And I am just…” sounds so familiar. Analyze the line, and you could interpret that these people hate you for something you have that they could not just grab. This is not just a sign of being a hater, it is also a sign of self insufficiency and insecurity.
• They hate you because they claim that you trample their own human rights… yet they do not realize that they are trampling on other people’s rights too. Lines like “Hey you are getting my sandwich!” being shouted at you while they are getting from your own lunch box! LOL!
• Haters are people who seek God’s forgiveness but they manifest a character and even verbalize their own inability to forgive others. They choose to live in misery because they take care and give so much value to hatred in their hearts and of course they would love you to be miserable as they are. So what they do is provoke you to hate them too so that they could tag you as their own haters, even declaring you as their “fans” to satisfy their insecure ego. Oh, by the way, fans are people who look up to you because you are worthy of their respect. And let us go back to the legitimate definition of a hater, that one can never classify anyone who hates them as a “hater” if a person hates them for some justified and warranted reasons. “JUSTIFIED” is the word, justified means proven, matured, and legitimate reasons that provoked some people to hate others. An example is a very good evidence with legitimate people to prove that this or that person has been or is gossiping some crazy lies about you… oh, but never mind, forgive this “author” of your fiction stories, because he is just violating your morality and you could introduce them how much "moral damages" really weigh in your own country’s applications of law on the civil code.  And even the lawyer whom he is accusing to have locked you in your own room right in your own house could sue him for accusing him of a thing that he has not done..Hek hek hek!!!! And whatever your "stories" are, wait til this hater sees himself on a large image reflector of what really happened on the day he is claiming that you were "locked" by your own lawyer in your own room. Oh, what kind of lawyer is that? No lawyer who truly passed the BAR EXAMINATION and who is in his good presence of mind would do that to his own client unless he would wish to lose his own client or his hard earned license. lol! What a shame to the one who talks of this hearsay.

So now, we have a little bit of what haters are… SO, WHO IS THE HATER NOW? Keep this in mind, YOU ARE DEFINED BY YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND WORDS, no matter how you define who and what you are made of, YOUR OWN ACTIONS AND VERBAL EXPRESSIONS ARE UNCONSCIOUS MANIFESTATIONS OF SHOUTING TO THE WORLD WHO AND WHAT YOU REALLY ARE.  

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Copyright by Jen Magante, 2012, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION AND COPYING WITHOUT AUTHOR'S CONSENT IS PROHIBITED BY LAW.

*according to Jason Cooley, a Yahoo Network Contributor since 2005

How to Keep Your WIFE HAPPY (For Good Husbands... and Wives Too)

(Image copyrighted to DjBryle)

“… I wish I could have five lives. Then I could have been born in five different towns, and eaten five times’s worth of food, and had five different careers, and fallen in love with THE SAME PERSON FIVE TIMES…” This is a quote sent to me through a text message from a good friend few days ago, and it made me laugh and think twice. Would a married man tell these things whole heartedly after marrying the woman he fell in love with?

Most of the time, I can hear my guy buddies complain about their wives being insensitive and how much they have changed after marriage. I laugh and say that, most (if not all) married women are asking those same questions.  As the old adage says, “Men are from Mars, women are from Venus…” the two genders will never ever really understand each other as much as they want to.

I know that I am not in the right position to suggest things that may alleviate the burdens of these married men. As one of those women from Venus, I honestly don’t know how to understand men as much as I would like to. So I humbly admit that all I could do to give a little help for my buddies and to some husbands out there is to remind them again what truly makes a woman happy.

Source: Africa at Freedigitalphotos.net

Gone are the days when you were both care free and could spend all the time being alone since your first child was born. And as naturally as other married people, you can always watch so many things that seem to change, like her mood that used to be so jolly and loving turned into being rude. She may also be feeling tired and exhausted most of the time that you slowly feel like you are her last priority. Before you worry so much about the “evolution” of an adorable woman into a horrible monster, think twice. Here are a few things to keep in mind to at least understand your loving wife:

• Marriage has given both of you new tasks and responsibilities, this means that both of you should adjust and make compromises if necessary.

• If you worry that your wife is becoming physically ugly, analyze why. She might not have so much time to take care of herself because she puts the needs of your kids and yours her first priority before her own.

• Being a single woman is so much easier than being a mom and wife, so if she starts to show some mood swings, or starts being rude, realize that she may need more of your attention and needs to communicate, or she might need some time alone.

• Many (if not all) husbands manifest alterations from adorable to being a “monster” without them realizing it. So, before wondering why your wife is becoming a fearsome monster, be wary of your unconscious evolution too. You might be one of the causes of your wife’s horrible behavior.

Source: Nuttakit at Freedigitalphotos.net.

Make your wife HAPPY…

For husbands who are burdened with their wife’s “monstrous evolution”, be reminded that women can be truly happy with the little things that men do. We don’t really need the most expensive diamond with the best cut or the finest flower arrangements.

Here are a few ways to make your wife happy and for you to enjoy once again her beauty and grace that made you say “I do.” :

• Stay with her and communicate, not just to hear but to listen. Most of the time, women just want someone that they can talk to, especially about their fears or just about anything. And most married women would prefer their husband to listen to them. Being listened to is far more meaningful than just being heard. Let us be reminded once again that listening is about paying attention on what others are saying and taking them into account, while merely hearing is just being aware on what others have to say without understanding with the heart. Women want to be understood. Most of the time, you don’t even have to say your opinion, just listen with your heart and be thoughtful to hug her after she talks.

• Be sensitive when you are having a day off from work and change more diapers. When your child has a dirty diaper, don’t rely to your wife to change it all the time. Whenever time and space can allow you, do it for your wife and she will be very thankful.

• Surprise her. No, you don’t need to buy some fancy stuff to do this. You can just get a sticky note pad, write things from your heart, or just a simple “I love you… have a great day ahead. Take loads of care!” note and placed somewhere where you are sure that she can find. Your wife will be so happy and yearn for the afternoon to come for you to be together again. You will have a big hug and a kiss instead of the usual bad mood or whinny statements that most husbands complain of. You may even have a hearty dinner together with the family, instead of opening canned goods because she feels so tired to cook.

• Let her know that you are alright especially when you need to go out of town. Don’t forget to call her to tell her not to worry because you are okay. And if you do so, be sure that you are REALLY okay. And don’t forget to say “I love you” from the heart before hanging up.

• If your wife has a job, visit her at her working place from time to time. You can bring some flowers or just invite her for lunch. She will soon be the envy of her co- workers for having a thoughtful and sweet husband, and as they tell her all these compliments, she will realize much more how much she has been blessed to have you for a husband. Sometimes, we all need constant reminders that we have wonderful husbands.
• If your wife stays full time in the house, make her happy by helping her enjoy her hobbies much more and give her opportunities to make her own money. I love to make hand crafted jewelries and other things as such, and I love to write. So when my husband and I decided that I have to be a full time mom and wife, he bought and put up necessary materials so that I could enjoy doing my hobbies, and helped me make money out of them. This simple act of love enhances your wife's creativity, as well as her self esteem and even helps her stay away from boredom and depression. Aside from that, it gives her the chance to make extra cash even if she is not employed while enjoying all her time with you and the kids.

• Hire a house helper if needed once a week or more often to keep your nest clean and comfortable. Help your wife with the household chores. Take note that doing this will get all the chores done faster and that means more time for you and the kids to bond together.

• Say, “I love you” whenever she says the same. Women say these words from the heart and your wife deserves something equally affectionate. Never respond with “I know,” or other things like, “Thanks”.

• NEVER compare her with other women. You married her because she is one of a kind, and make her feel that she is special because she is unique.

• Take care of your kids as a “father” not the “baby- sitter”.

• PLEASE DO NOT say bad words, especially when your kids are near enough to hear it. Your wife won’t be pleased to hear her 4 year old kid say the b***s*** words.

• Never learn to forget to maintain your proper hygiene like you did when you were still a bachelor. Most husbands complain that their wife is becoming untidy and ugly, never realizing that they are undergoing the same transformation.

• Watch your diet as much as you like your wife to watch hers.

• Encourage your wife to bond with her good girl buddies. Let her go on a girl’s night out once in a while. She will thank you for that.

• Never forget to give her a deep, slow, long and loving kiss. You never failed to do that when you were dating, now that you can do it anytime you like, do it whole heartedly again, and AGAIN… and AGAIN.

• Keep in mind, the best things in life are FREE. I can still remember when I first used a hand bag to work which was given to me by my husband. One of my co- workers said, “Wow, I like your bag… where did you buy that?” and I answered, “I don’t know, my husband bought it for me.” And almost all of my married co- workers said, “Oh, you are so lucky to have a thoughtful husband...” I just said, “Oh, yes I am…” Deep in my heart, I know that I am really blessed for having a very thoughtful husband, not because of the bag or any material things that he has given me. What came to my mind that moment are the days that we spent eating street foods while we take a walk down town… I most treasure the companionship he gives as we hold hands eating the cheapest food in town! And at this moment, I know, that if I could have FIVE LIVES, I WILL CHOOSE TO FALL IN LOVE FIVE TIMES TO THE MAN I MARRIED. 

.... for WIVES TOO

Of course, there are many more ways to keep your wife happy. And I bet you know it better than me… Hey, she is YOUR WIFE you know her much more than anyone else does (aside from her parents maybe… lol!). Every day, keep in your heart and mind why you married her.

Errrr… I guess I have to address the wives out there too. Your husbands are struggling as much as you do, so as much as they like to keep you happy, try to make them feel the same. Try the tips above, and add up your own tricks.

“The best gift that a father can give to his children is to love their mother…” We have all heard this before… but can we make it this way, “The best way to show your kids that you love them is to love one another through the good and the bad…” For all married women, please do not put all the loads to your husbands, share the load with them and you will both be happy. Hey, husbands, please do the same! Have a joyful family life!



Copyright of DjBryle, 2011
Images courtesy of Nuttakit and Africa at Freedigitalphotos.net
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It is BEST to GROW OLD with that ONE PERSON we vowed to LOVE and CHERISH FOREVER...

 

 

"... There is NO ROOM for TRUST in a MAN who can not be TRUE to someone that HE VOWED TO LOVE AND CHERISH before GOD and MAN. For if one can't be true to that promise, one can fool anyone around him... If behind any successful man is a woman, keep in mind that behind every successful, beautiful and happy wife is a THOUGHTFUL AND TRULY LOVING and TRUSTWORTHY HUSBAND..." (DjBryle, "Are You The OTHER ONE?")

Halo- halo De Iloko 8th. Year Anniversary Summary of Events

(Image courtesy of Sir Xavier B. Mercado)

April 18, 2012 marked Halo- halo De Iloko's 8th. Year Anniversary. As part of the celebration, the management have started their art show entitled, "Ninuno ArtShow at Halo- halo De Iloko" last March 20, 2012. The art show aims to promote paintings and art works by Filipino artists, among them are some paintings of the renowned artist Dong Ilay who designed Halo- halo De Iloko's souvenir t- shirts. The art exhibit will culminate on the 22nd of April 2012.

Miss Chrisme of Halo- halo De Iloko showing us some of the masterpieces at the "Ninuno AstShow"

Sir Xavier Mercado- owner and manager of Halo- halo De Iloko, showing us more art exhibits

Halo- halo De Iloko's Souvenir T-shirt designed by DONG ILAY

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The 8th. Year AnniverSARAP Street foods event started last April 18 and the last day will be today! So hurry now, grab the chance to savor those street foods served at this really cozy place... for once, experience "street" foods in the ambiance of a "home" =)

Here are more images of Halo- halo De Iloko's foods, ambiance and everything in the place anyone would love to call "Balay"!

Catch some fresh air, and chat with friends at the lobby

We love halo- halo even more if it comes from Halo- halo De Iloko

Simple breakfast dish made special

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... and soooo yummmy!!!
(All images in this section is a courtesy of Sir Xavier B. Mercado- owner and manger of Halo- halo De Iloko)

 Visit Halo- halo De Iloko now at its NEW LOCATION at 12 Zandueta St. San Fernando City La Union!

Halo- halo De Iloko - More Than Just Your "Halo- halo"...

One of the most memorable places that I frequently visit years back is this one cool place called “Halo- halo De Iloko”. It was located at the heart of the town of San Fernando, La Union a few walks away from St. William’s Cathedral. I can still remember its ambiance the first time I visited way back in 2005, when it was barely a year old. It was a small place but I enjoyed my stay with my co- clinical instructor friends, the interior design was exotic as compared to other restaurants in the city, very original and cozy and the halo- halo had a distinct taste that I wanted to visit the place as often as I could just to have a taste of it.  

Old location of Halo- halo De Iloko

Years have passed since then, and now, I got another chance to visit the place. They are now at their new location at 12 Zandueta St. San Fernando, La Union - which is still at the heart of the city a few walks from St. William’s Cathedral. The interior design was way better than what was once, it has more than just an exotic effect; it has a more homey touch. The temperature soared high that day, so I decided to order their halo- halo. I was excited, and I ordered just the original and regular halo- halo since I knew from the start how good it tasted. The friendly waitress asked me if I would add up some ice cream, and I said no. Laughing out loud inside, I knew I would feel very satisfied with the halo- halo they call “regular” at their menu list… yet it is so “special” in my mind… lol!

By the way, this day was also very special for me and my husband since I have asked for a scheduled interview with any of the “Halo- halo De Iloko” admin staff and I was so lucky enough to be given the chance for it.Well... I felt lucky when they said "yes" but I felt so blessed the time I was informed by miss Chrisme (one of the restaurant's personnel) that I will be given the chance to interview Mr. Xavier B. Mercado! Yes- the same Xavier Mercado who manage and owns the place! Isn't that lovely?! He was just like any other gentleman who wore clean jeans and t- shirt, a very down to earth person... yet we all know that he had so much to brag about. Why not? This young gentleman who is able to maintain a happy and healthy family with a very lovely wife and adorable two kids is also able to manage one (if not the best) of the best performing establishments in Region 1. A graduate of A. B Mass Communications major in Journalism and Broadcasting from the University of Cordilleras, who also finished his Master of Arts in Mass Communications. He had the chance to be employed by ABS- CBN as he took up some units in Teaching and who once dreamed of interviewing popular people from the entertainment and business industries.

Sir Xavier said, the "Halo- halo De Iloko" had humble beginnings. His dad and mom were so nervous as he decided to put up a business since their family line did not have any experience putting up a business of their own. He said that only his late grand mom was engaged in business who was into selling "banig", vegetables and eventually tobaccos. He used to accompany his grandma at the public market to sell her goods until he had to stay in Baguio City to study. As he opened up his business, he had to make out of what he had, so he decided to borrow old furniture from his parents and some money from his friends. Way back in 2004, they only opened from 3pm to 7pm and earned Php1, 999 per day! Hey, that's good earning heh! =)

New location of Halo- halo De Iloko at 12 Zandueta St., San Fernando City La union

As of the moment, we all know that "Halo- halo De Iloko" is doing great. All recipes on its menu list is a product of the owner and his family's love for food. They serve all original menus that was taste tested by his loving wife and other family members who are all food lovers. The "OKOY TIKYOSKO" is derived from the original name of a Filipino delicacy which is made of squash, carrots, malunggay, shrimp and sprouted monggo but with a twist of an all original home made longganisa especially prepared by sir Xavier's mom that is why "tikyo" which is the nickname of sir Xavier is added to the recipe's name. All longganisa and longganisa tidbits are home made by sir Xavier's mom and all recipes are originally formulated by him and his loving wife. Oh, I just love their "EMPAREDADOS" which also has longganisa tidbits filling... and of course I could never stop dreaming of their "regular" halo- halo.

"Okoy Tikyosko" served with "Sumayet Vinegar" ( Image courtesy of sir Xavier B. Mercado)

I love their "Emparedados"

Their regular Halo- halo is so distinctively different, I don't need an ice cream to satisfy my taste buds!

The interior design of this place was conceptualized, planned and implemented by sir Xavier, it is of the ethnic kind, full of antiques with some images of his own family. Their new venue is formerly their family house. This place does not only offer those all original menus, but also the comfort of being at home, where in you can savor the goodness of his family's companionship and the hospitable ambiance provided by his personnel.

Sir Xavier B. Mercado showing us the 2nd floor of Halo- halo De Iloko (Balay Mercado)

 Miss Chrisme with some paintings for the Artshow which started last March 20, 2012 and will culminate on April 22, 2012

Yours truly with Miss Chrisme.

With Sir Xavier B. Mercado, owner and manager of Halo- halo De Iloko

The college graduate who once dreamed of interviewing popular people of all walks of industries is now the owner of La Union's best, which is now visited by well known personalities and people who are looked up to from politicians to celebrities and businessmen. Sir Xavier Mercado is now the one being interviewed by the mass media. 

Last April 18, 2012 (oh, that was yesterday... lol!) marked their 8th. year of serving their all authentic and original menus, with the loving sparks of their own family's hospitality. One thing I noticed that is really authentic which I only had the chance to enjoy at Halo- halo De Iloko is their very "family- like" way of mingling with their various clients. They are able to treat everyone who walks in their place they call "Balay" like a member of their family. And yes! I would love to call it my "Balay" too! Happy 8 years of being our second home, HALO- HALO DE ILOKO! We wish you hundred more years to spend with food lovers like us! And hey, I love food even more especially if it comes from Halo- halo De Iloko! Magpasarap na po tayo at La Union's FINEST! Cheers! 

Hey! I can't help but share this "KALAMIAS JUICE" - a combination of Kamias and Kalamnsi juice, served with pure honey from Bacnotan La Union and "Pulitipot" (caramelized sugar from pure sugar cane). This was served to us during our visit at Halo- halo De Iloko. The "KALAMIAS JUICE" WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THEIR CLIENTS SOME TIME IN MAY 2012. Don't forget to try it as soon as it is available, take my word for it, it is very delicious and really refreshing! Aside from that, you get all of nature's natural benefits of honey and Vitamin C!

I will be releasing even more updates on HALO- HALO DE ILOKO'S 8TH. ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION during the day, so watch for it. Mapan tayo apo, pumasyar idiay Balay Mercado! (Let us visit the home of the Mercados!)

(Image courtesy of Sir Xavier B. Mercado)

Visit HALO- HALO DE ILOKO now at 12 Zandueta St, San Fernando City La union or call them at (072) 700- 2030/ +63919- 388- 3145/ +63917- 852- 7919. 

Special thanks to SIR XAVIER MERCADO and to his personnel, especially to Miss Chrisme for the warm welcome. Happy Anniversary, HALO- HALO DE ILOKO!

*Copyright by Jen Magante, 2012 ( All images are credited to Jen Magante unless credited otherwise)

 

NORTH KOREA's Message to The United States (Only?...)

       The hand that "holds" the world, are the hands that can hold not only the United States and Iran, but US ALL... (Image courtesy of Dan/ Freedigitalphotos.net)

Although the launching of a massive missile by North Korea failed for lift off, there seem to be a violation of a vital International Agreement. Let us be reminded (or even be informed for some) that the North Korea has made agreement with Washington in the past month to stop Uranium enrichment and missile tests in exchange for the United States to deliver 240,000 tons of food to sustain their nation. 

History will show us that many times before, the United States could not have so much to do about these activities which were and are still being done. This is a very alarming message to the most powerful nation in the world and a very strong message to all the regimes who are planning to start a nuclear program of their own. 

The United States warned North Korea to stop the launch and President Barack Obama, warned that "treaties are binding. Rules will be enforced. And violations will have consequences." Lately, they have informed the world that the "consequences" might be the sudden decision of the United States that they will no longer deliver the food that they have agreed on in the past month, and this would leave the people of North Korea hungry. This is an evidence that they could let their whole nation suffer just to "put on" what the "few" have decided to put on.

Is this only a message to the United States that they could no longer be the most powerful nation, and Iran that they could go on with their own plans of their own nuclear programs? Or is this a message to the world? Is this something to show us all that some people can manipulate everyone because of innovations that some people call "for development" or "for their own nation's protection"... yet it could leave the whole world in danger, helpless and hungry (not only for food, but also for security) even of their own nation that they claim they long to "protect". Whatever the real reason is, what we all could see is some kind of world manipulation... or is it just me wondering why they have a budget for a nuclear program but have the need for an aid for food?

For more details, you can visit Frida Ghitis's update on cnn.com.

Stay Beautiful On A Budget

“To me, Beauty is the wonder of wonders...It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances.” - Oscar Wilde

It is a reality that although we were brought up not to judge others with their physical appearance, we can’t deny the fact that physical appearance is the one thing that we see first in a person. It is the first thing that attracts or shoo us away. This may be one of the many reasons why beauty spa and skin care centers are sprouting like mushrooms.

Although everyone aspire to be physically attractive, not everyone is capable enough to pay for the services at the beauty care centers, or even buy the best beauty products there is in the market. Some may end up buying the products with the cheaper price and end up with unwanted results, like skin discolorations, allergies and many other skin alterations brought about by ineffective beauty products.
Aside from lack of budget, we may also lack time to make ourselves physically attractive. With this life’s trying times, 24 hours may not even be enough to do the chores and other more important responsibilities that we need to do everyday.

Being unable to have time and budget for staying and feeling beautiful may affect some people deeply. It may be heart breaking for some, and it may alter their own self perception. They may lose their confidence and feel bad about themselves.

On the bright side, there are many tricks that are cheaper or even free of charge to look good. The best part is, one can even do them without so much time or even with no alterations with their busy schedules.

Here are a few helpful tricks to look beautiful on a budget, and without sabotaging a busy schedule:

• Start your day right.

If you don’t have time to exercise early in the morning, make sure to stretch before leaving your bed. Tense all your muscles for 10 seconds and relax after. You can do this 3 to 5 times and then rise.
Eat your breakfast to provide you with the much needed energy and stop you from being hungry later. Skipping your breakfast may cause hunger pangs that would cause you to eat much more than your body requirements during the day. This may lead to gaining unwanted weight. Eat this vital meal and make it a healthy one.

• Beautify while you sleep.

NEVER use a cotton pillow. Cotton does not allow your face to glide freely whenever you move which causes sleep lines, this may in overtime cause permanent fine lines and wrinkles. Buy pillow cases which are made of silk or satins (buy the synthetic ones to stay on a budget). These fabrics enable your face to move freely so to avoid sleep lines. As much as possible, don’t sleep on a prone position so that you are not lying on your face.

• Relieve stress while taking a shower.

As you shampoo, press the pads of your fingertips into your scalp in a circular motion,
along your hairline, around your ears, and up and down your scalp. Do not forget to massage your scalp, this does not only relax you but it will also take away oil at the roots of your hair.
While you soap your body, use a loofah sponge. It helps you relax and even rids you off of your dead skin cells.

• Keep your hair shiny.

Shampoo your hair concentrating on the oiliest part which is the roots. Do not rub the ends of your hair for it may cause dryness. Condition concentrating on the midshaft to the end, do not concentrate on the roots because it is where your natural oils are concentrated and it does not need so much conditioning on that part. This will also prevent your hair from losing its volume. And will help in maintaining your hair style.Use a towel that is made of a microfiber to wrap your hair after shampoo. It absorbs moist faster which helps in avoiding long exposure to hair driers.

• Know the best time to shave.

Do not stay longer than 3 minutes while you are in the shower before deciding to shave. Your hair may hide when your skin is soaked up on water beyond 3 minutes, this will make it harder for you to shave. Shave in the direction of hair growth first then again in the opposite direction. This will help prevent ingrown hair.

• Keep a young looking hand.

The hands are where we can see visible early signs of aging. Don’t forget to wear protective gloves whenever you do household chores like house cleaning, washing your clothes, doing the dishes or whenever you cook as these activities exposes your hands to harsh chemicals and prolonged water exposure. Water expands your nail layers which cause splitting and chipping; prolonged water exposure also cause skin dryness and itching.
Moisturize whenever you wash. Massage cuticles with an olive oil which helps condition your cuticles and maintain your manicure. This may also help lessen your visits to your manicurist.

• Know the best time to moisturize.

The best time to moisturize your skin is when it is still damp. This allows your skin to absorb more moisture compared to its absorption when it is completely dry. You can also heat up a handful of your lotion by setting your hair drier on a low and letting it blow on your lotion placed on your palm (Set your dryer on low and aim it down toward your palm, at least 3 inches away to avoid any mess). Heated lotion helps dilate your skin cells causing better moisture absorption. You will have a softer and silkier skin.

• Get whiter teeth.

As much as possible, brush your teeth every after meals. If this is not possible, munch on a crunchy fruit or vegetable such as apples, and carrots. Munching on these goodies stimulates saliva production which is helpful in flushing away any particles that may stain your teeth.
Use a straw whenever you drink on some beverages that may stain your precious smile. Coffee, red wine, deep colored juices, and dark colored soda are just examples. You can also consider having clear or light colored drinks such as a clear soda, chamomile tea or the ever best drink which is water.
Every other day or even everyday, before you go to bed, use a pinch of baking soda together with your toothpaste when you brush to keep your teeth whiter. Most whitening toothpaste are more expensive.

• Protect your skin from the sun.

Most, if not all premature aging is caused by the damaging rays of the sun. Use a sun block that protects you both from UVA and UVB rays. Sun blocks may be a little expensive but it is all worth it to put it on whenever you are exposed to the sun. It does not only protect you from premature aging but it also lessens your risk to have skin cancer.If your budget does not allow you to buy this skin essential, try saving a little every time you get your salary and in due time, you can buy a good sun block cream or lotion.

Use light colored umbrella and clothing when staying under the sun. The light color will reflect back the rays and thereby protecting you from its harmful effects.

• Drink LOTS of water and get enough sleep.

It is a reality that we often forget the cheapest yet some of the best ways to looking great- Drinking enough water and getting enough sleep. So drink lots of water and get enough sleep as much as possible. These help rejuvenate our cells, which helps so much in attaining a more healthy and glowing skin.

• Spend quality time.

The most vital to staying beautiful is to spend some quality time with your love ones, or just being by yourself doing things that you love to do. Most of all spend time in prayer. These activities rid you off stress which triggers the release of feel bad hormones that also speeds up your aging.

These are just common ways to stay young looking and beautiful but are sometimes overlooked upon because of the evolution of beauty products and enhancers that takes so much time to do and much money to spend. Time and again, it is always great to look back and realize that some how it is easy to be beautiful despite the everyday rush and the failing economy. Feel great and stay beautiful as you save money and time.


Copyright by DjBryle Works, 2010 (ALL RIGHTS RESERVED AND AUTHORIZED BY LAW)
All images courtesy of Andy Newson/ Freedigitalphotos.net