Starting up your own business

Going back to the corporate world three years ago made me realize a lot of things. First, it made me understand more what my personality is – that I love working with different kinds of people. That’s why I was drawn to the Human Resources profession. Second, that I cannot do work routinely – well, even when I go to the gym, I hate routines cause it bores me so easily. Third, the corporate life is really not for me. Don’t get me wrong but the last company I have worked has provided me with so much learning and exposure that I cherish until this very day. I owe a lot to the people who have mentored me and have pushed me to be the best when I myself find it hard to believe in myself. I just feel that I am not cut up for it.

After I have left the corporate world, I could not stop working. I promised myself I will never stop learning. Hubs and I have been continuously looking for a business which I can manage and that will help augment the income he has, and we did.

Starting up your own business maybe too risky for some people but I firmly believe that it’s the way to go. I remember reading a book and this stuck in my mind: “If you continue to be an employee, you’ll just make the owners of your company richer and not you.” Which makes a lot of sense.

One of the advantages of having your own business is that you are your own boss. You can pace yourself without having to answer for anyone but yourself. But that does not mean that you will stop achieving. Second, I find fulfilment in employing people and helping them while they help you. Creating local jobs is good for the economy as well.

I am not discounting the benefits of being employed. In fact, I am a strong believer that everyone should be employed before they start their own business. It’s the corporate discipline that I find very essential in dealing with people. And just like me and hubs, if you do not have any start up capital, your employment will pave the way for you to save and start investing on your own.

I Love Books!

I love books and I am passing it on to my kids.

My kids and I have an unwritten rule every time we go to the mall. I'd rather buy them books than toys. So whenever they can, they buy themselves books.

I have always been a believer in the countless benefits of reading books. With the rise of technology nowadays, children are not reading as much as they need. That's where the role of a parent becomes important and I am trying my best to encourage them to read a lot.

These are photos of my kids when we went to Bonifacio High Street. Hubs and I decided to have a cup of coffee while the kids choose their books. So here they are a few minutes after their purchase.

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Always keep your receipts

I must admit I am a pack rat. I even hoard receipts and I have realized the value of keeping the receipts of my purchases.

A size too large or too small – Being mom who loves bargains, I jump at any opportunity get a good deal for my purchases. Having kids, it’s always best not to buy too much clothes for them since they grow up so fast. Sale items, bargains are things that lure me to purchase my kid’s clothes even without them. Of course, without them actually fitting those wardrobes, some mistake is bound to happen like a size too large or too big.

Having your receipt with you will save you any inconvenience of returning the item/s. Just present your receipt and the store will gladly give the right size you want.

Claiming warranties – A couple of years ago, I brought a rice cooker. Upon purchasing, the item had a tag that if I add a few hundreds of peso, I can have one-year warranty. Knowing that a rice cooker is like a disposable appliance, I decided to throw in the additional amount. Of course, the pack rat kept the receipt knowing that I may use it someday.
After 3 months, the rice cooker conked out and I immediately retrieved the receipt and the store replaced it with a new one. I did not only use it once but twice. The next time it was busted, I did the same thing and had it replaced once again.

These are only some of the benefits I can think of. I have been saving receipts ever since I started working and up to now, I still do the same. In case, the receipts are thermal just like those printer through an epson receipt printer, I either photocopy it or scan the receipt to protect them from obliteration.

So the next time you buy any electronics, appliance or any big ticket item, think twice before you throw the receipt.

My First Yoga Experience

Last Monday, I attended a yoga class, the first one for me. I have been wanting to try out a yoga class but can't seem to find one that's near our place.

Since it's the first time I have tried Yoga, I do not have anything to compare it with except for the other group exercise classes I have attended such as Hip-Hop dance classes, Kick boxing, Taebo and TRX training. All I can say is that it's a lot gentle for me and I am inclined to continue with this rather than the high impact exercises that I have tried.

I did say it was gentle but do not underestimate its effectiveness. Yoga perhaps is one exercise that is extremely effective in stretching and massaging your muscles and joints. I felt that the following day. I also love the calmness it gives me, which helps relieve me of stress.

Although I found myself quite rigid at first, I never thought I could do some of the positions required. I believe  soon I will increase my flexibility. Surprisingly, I did not feel much pressure on my joint, which is what I am scared of ever since I experienced knee joint pains.

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Photo: Ali Aiello-6588 by rfish77 on Flickr.

All about clear skin

“Face is the index of the mind,” this comes from a very old proverb which I believe is very factual. Your face reflects a person’s mood. When you’re happy, it radiates. When you are sad and depressed, you’re face looks gloomy and dull.

You’re face is the first thing you see when you wake up, and the most prominent part of your body so it is very important that you maintain a healthy skin.
Personally, I believe that it’s all about having a clear skin. You can start by having a good facial care regimen but that is only one step. We also need to look at your lifestyle. Do you have enough sleep? Are you eating the right food? Do you have an exercise regimen? Are you under a lot of stress?

These are only some of the factors that contribute to the poor state of your skin. The skin mirrors not only our emotional state but it also reflects the state of our health.

To keep my face clean and clear of toxins, I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle by proper hydration, exercise, good food, vitamin supplement and a good skin care regimen. Notice that I did not mention enough sleep? It’s still a work in progress.

To help me maintain a youthful looking skin, I also love to have a facial treatment at least once a month to help in exfoliating dead skin cells and to get rid of blackheads. My problem is that I have big pores and a very oily skin. Although oils are very important however if dirt sticks and hardens inside your pores, it can lead to blackhead which is not a pretty sight.

Do yourself a favor and have a good skin care regimen. Start young and you will not regret it.


ayurveda medicated facial by Biji Kurian on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

Dealing with Teenage Emotions

Probably one of the most common problems a teenager has to deal with is their self-esteem. Now that I am a mother to a teenage daughter, I know how it feels like to be constantly reminding my child she is beautiful.

With all the media going around showing how thin and flawless a lady should look like, teenagers can easily fall in to the prey of believing that they are not perfect.

For instance, a simple pimple outbreak already makes her uncomfortable. On the other hand, I also consider her feeling because even with my age right now, I still experience pimple outbreaks every so often. It can truly make you feel self-conscious knowing that you have a big zit on your face. Even if we say it’s normal, we can’t help but feel embarrassed.

Fortunately, there are treatments available to help alleviate these breakout. You just have to choose the best acne treatment that will work best on your skin. Coupled with good nutrition and proper hygiene, those embarrassing pimples can be gone for good. With my daughter, we have found an over the counter treatment for her but since she still is going through puberty, the problem still recurs but it can be managed.

I guess for a parent such as myself, managing the acne outbreaks is easier than managing my girl’s self esteem. Petty as it may sound, but if parents would miss these signs, it can result to a life time of regret. Children especially teenagers should grow with a positive self-concept and parents play a big role in developing this. Studies have shown that self-esteem plays a vital role in the happiness and success of our children.

So I never neglect the opportunity to voice out my positive feelings to my children. It’s always easier to remember those negative remarks when they feel down and insignificant. On the other hand, if they often hear positive remarks from parents, they will feel loved and important.

With growing children, I believe that words spoken are more important than actions, they need to be able to hear the words. So the next time your child presents you with a job well done, be quick and generous in praising them.

Encouraging Healthy Active Kids

Today my daughter brought home her Pep Squad uniform and I immediately fell in love with it. I took photos but my daughter asked me not to post it yet so as not to break the element of surprise in their upcoming competition.

My daughter can only laugh at the admiration I showed when she presented me her uniform. It’s so cute! The truth is I admire my daughter’s perseverance even though she’s dead tired from training after school, she still manages to make sure that her academics will not suffer. I know how hard to balance the two but it’s one of my conditions if she really wants to stay with the varsity team.

In the same way I also appreciate her awareness of living an active lifestyle. She is not only conscious of her weight but more importantly she watches what she eats. Honestly, she’s the one who motivated me to go back to the gym once again. It’s a perfect example of how one person’s active lifestyle can inspire others to do the same.

As parents, it is importance that we encourage our children to be active or even engaging kids them sports. It brings a lot of benefits to children and they will have a greater chance of living a healthy active lifestyle when they grow up. Especially with all the unhealthy foods they are exposed to, obesity and other illnesses are just lurking around.

“An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure,” and I am a great believer of that. Although, a health insurance is a great security, it’s always better that we avoid using them for the treatment of our sickness. Keep in mind that our greatest wealth is our health.

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Grocery with the kids

When they were younger, my kids would beg me so they can  tag along with wherever I go. Now that they are older, it's the other way around. I am now the one asking them to accompany me whenever I go out, especially when I go to the supermarket. They would even try to point at one another whenever I ask. Poor me :-(

Even my hubs do not enjoy going to the grocery. It's a given that in our household, hubby should be spared of this duty. Typical of a man who even hates shopping.

So the only way to lure them to tag along with me is to have another activity other than doing the grocery. Like dining out, arcade and then the supermarket will be our last stop. Just like the day when these photos taken at Centris Walk -- they had a their favorite fro-yo,  had their time at the playground and to just linger around.

Oh well, I guess I just have to be contented and stop whining about. I just can't help but compare myself to them especially my teenage girl, cause I can still remember how much I love to accompany my mom during her trips to the supermarket or even to the palengke.

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Exercise for a healthier skin

Exercise is more than just losing weight and toning your muscles but is one of the most effective ways to treat acne.

It’s a known fact that a good exercise regimen improves blood circulation hence providing our skin cells its much needed oxygen. Likewise, as we produce sweat, our skin effectively removes toxins though the pores. It rids the skin of dead skin cells, dirt and excess oils. We all know that acne is developed when there are clogged pores, combined with the dirt we have accumulated throughout the day, it will definitely a breeding ground for acne outbreak.

This is absolutely true for me. I have noticed that if I work out regularly, it reduces if not totally diminish my pimple breakout. I have also observed that when you exercise regularly, you have this youthful glow in your skin. This is probably caused by the continuous removal to toxins and the right amount of oxygen flowing in our skin cells.
Just make sure you take a shower after every work out to prevent bacteria build-up that draw toward sweat. A younger looking skin is another way to motivate me to continue with my regular exercise regimen.

Your will be done

Last week, I remembered telling my husband about the dream I had. I dreamt of being pregnant! My hubby just smiled and told me that he also wants to have more kids however the risk outweighs the benefits.

The Lord knows how much I want to have another baby, but after 3 miscarriages, my OB-Gynecologist advised us against it. I am just grateful in having two amazing kids, a girl and a boy at that. I believe He is telling me to take of the blessings that He has given me. I am but a servant who will gladly obey His will.

I do not want to sound preachy. However in my life now, I have developed a personal relationship with our Creator. Going through a lot of crisis in my life, I find consolation in the thought that no matter what happens, the Lord will find a way. Things may not be the way I would it to be. Nevertheless, I am a great believer that everything happens for a reason... maybe it’s just not meant to be.

Every time I see newborn or toddlers, I cannot help but smile. Children bring so much happiness. A pregnant woman even reminds me of how it was being one. You know when you try to cross the street and they see your bulging tummy, drivers would immediately stop and let you pass. When you don’t have a seat, a pregnant woman would definitely have an edge since people (men in particular) would stand up and give you one. It’s what I call perks of being pregnant. I love that feeling. I love being pregnant except for those stretch marks that no matter what stretch marks creams I use, it really won’t go. But aside from that being Preggy is sexy!


 Photo : Schwangerschaft by Schwangerschaft on Flickr. Some Rights Reserved.

No more excuses!

It’s hard to motivate yourself to exercise especially when you’re alone. I literally had to drag myself to go to the gym. But when I saw my weight, it was enough motivation for me.

For months, I have had all the excuses I can find to stay away from the gym. First it was my knees, then my business, and so on... This time no more excuses! I promise to take my weight gain seriously.

I was so shocked even appalled with the weight I have gained although others may not notice it, but I do. I can no longer fit into almost all of my favourite clothes. Plus this sedentary life has given me all the opportunity to eat and eat. Even if I search bestweightlosspills.net for the most effective diet supplement, I don’t think it will work on me.

My body needs to be active especially now that I am almost 40 and the metabolism is slowing down, it requires all the help it can get. I just hope I can fulfill this promise to myself and continue to stay fit and healthy.

Kids and Homework

Ever since my kids started studying, I have always been their tutor. It’s been my dream to be a “Hands-On” mom and I try to carry that out as much as possible. I find it fulfilling to teach them their lessons despite the “slip ups”, we still manage.

I thank God for blessing me with smart kids but they are still kids. It’s easy for them to put off doing their homework just so they can relax and squeeze in some play time. Despite my constant reminders that there is always a time for everything, I cannot blame them, they are KIDS! That’s were our arguments begin and it seems that this has been a stressor for me.

Adding the fact that most of their assignments are now advanced. (I can’t believe the curriculum nowadays!) I’d rather have some peace and quiet at home. So we decided to look for a tutor for the two of them.

Now, they go to the tutor after school and she makes sure they do their homework and teaches them their lessons. Quite a sore in the pocket but I’d rather put off the other unnecessary expenses than constantly squabbling with the kids.

On my part, I take care of the other requirements like if they need to bring some materials, need some projects printed, or help them with their research work.
Two months have gone and I tell you it’s a big relief!

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Nursing a sore body

A sore body!

Yes, this is what I get for not going to the gym in months.

Yesterday, I decided to hit the gym once again and did circuit training at 360 Fitness Club. This just proves how effective this 30-minute body workout is. You don’t need a full scale gym to have an effective total body workout.

I’m sore all over and I walk funny because I pushed myself too hard doing the jumping ropes and forgot all about my knee joint injury but I don’t have regrets. This is much better than taking in diet pills like Lipovox. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have anything against these products but for me that would be a last resort.

Sore muscles are very common after any physical activity. This means that your muscles are not accustomed to being stressed out and are now showing signs of being strained. Muscle soreness is prevalent at the beginning of any exercise regimen and will be lessened soon as your body gets accustomed to it. This only indicates that your muscles are getting stronger, so there’s no cause for you to be scared.

This muscle sore is something I am proud of! I am proud because I got the courage to pull myself and visit the gym and I promise to continue with this workout this coming week.