Making Time

I want to...

read books
write books
bake
blog
write for magazines
learn the piano
play the guitar
keep house
kickbox
practice yoga

I get eight hours of sleep, eight hours for work...and eight hours to hopefully get to do all of the above, and then some.

I have a recipe in this book! And how I'd love to work on more of these…

(and blog more often!)

Hello, Friends!

I am not forgetting about this blog (or my blogging and online life in general)! My work life has just been extra-extra hectic lately that what usually happens when I get home is one or a combination of the following:

– tinker around the apartment/kitchen

– do laundry (or postpone laundry for yet another day)

– hang out with my husband and our dear doggie; go for a walk

– have dinner, work on a deadline (for the things I do outside of my day job)

– watch a TV show, pass out, wake up in the morning, and do the hustle all over again

I know I shouldn't be making any excuses. I've said this time and again, my writer and editor friends multitask and do all of this with aplomb. Case in point as always: Frances, who at the moment, is due to give birth soon to her second child, keeps house, helms the local edition of OK! Magazine, writes blogs, goes to events…the works.

Anyway, I do have a bunch of food-related posts in the backburner with pictures ready that I just have to sit on and write. There are those long overdue hazelnut brownies, a scrumptious D.I.Y. fish sandwich, and more.

Soon, friends. Soon.

Beauty Kaboom

Odd as it may sound, my forehead is a pretty reliable indicator of stress levels. Literally, the minute anything feels out of whack, trust that a zit will pop up. I know this seems ridiculous, but it's true.

Towards the latter part of December, I found myself with a gigantic pimple right smack on the forehead, a few millimeters short of center. If you read the Happy New Home post, it was in plain sight.

I know all of this sounds quite superficial, but I do have more serious thoughts about beauty that I'm better off not talking about in public. Oh, and I'm no longer stressed out right now, just wanted to share that bit of trivia and at the moment, indulge in some random ramblings on beauty, hair, and skincare, starting with...

1) A New Brightening Product
My former editors know how I feel about whitening products: I don't like them because they essentially go against the grain of loving one's own skin tone, no matter what. But, when new products come up marketed to even-out skin tone and address dark spots—and not exactly bleach your complexion to dangerous proportions—I'm more forgiving. Luminaze, for example, claims its formula is gentle enough to use everyday, thanks to an enzyme derived from mushrooms that targets melanin in the skin. The enzyme supposedly is 'programmed' to do that one thing, so that with anything else it touches, it's pretty much harmless—at least that's what the brand says about their product. What I think sets this apart from other brightening skincare is that it doesn't contain hydroquinone, a bleaching agent found in some products (not cool).

2) Haircare Resolution
In my Fashion Decisions post, I'd mentioned wanting to fix my hair more often. I figured, I should start going to the salon for regular blowouts—versus trying to address my tresses using a hairdryer because first, I don't have the patience to brush and dry my hair for almost an hour(!), and second, I just think it's a waste of time (even if I did have the patience…or flair for hair, for that matter) when I could be doing more productive things, or getting more sleep.

3) Beauty, in general
About those serious thoughts, well, let me touch on them for a bit. Lately, I've been thinking more and more about metrics for success, and the personality that comes with it. I realized, I want to be kind, sincere, and...real. If I have to sacrifice the above just to blaze a trail in my chosen field, or if I have to be mean and step on people's toes, I'd be happy to sit it out on the sidelines…and perhaps have more time to fixate on my hair!

Happy New Home

New year, new home. Cheers!

Over the holidays, my husband and I moved into a one-bedroom apartment—which meant that on top of the usual flurry that comes with the season, we also had to deal with hauling things back and forth and all over, even from out of state! This included two trips to Ikea, U-Haul rentals on separate occasions, and more.

But, the best part of the season was finally having our own space. We welcomed 2012 over champagne, cheese, chocolate, and cheers and were absolutely thrilled, even if at the time, our living room looked like a disaster area. In lieu of a center table/console on which to place the cheese board, we stacked Banker's boxes...which, by the way, also make up our nightstand at the moment.

Our makeshift bedside table.

That said, it's refreshing—and a relief!—to know that my husband and I share the same design aesthetic and essentially agree on items to prioritize. Our bed was our first splurge, while the reasonable, well thought-out pieces from Ikea have been a blessing and a joy to shop for.

Our living room is actually looking better these days.
This piece from Ikea marries form and function…at a price that can't be beat!

My modernist take on home design clearly stems from having had chores growing up and I have no doubt in my mind about it. You see, it's key for me that our living space is easy to clean, so that automatically discounts all the frilly stuff that can collect dust. As for my husband, I guess with him being a guy—who also happens to like tech things—clean lines make sense.

Speaking of Ikea, on one occasion, I spotted a woman carrying an Hermès bag and I immediately had a light-bulb moment. I thought, That's it! That pretty much sums up how I want to approach this whole thing about furnishing our new home: Even when I can afford Hermès, I still would want to be seen traipsing around the mega-store shopping for file folders, shelves or a nice big red table/orange mirror. I want the same high-low approach to interior design in the same I would with fashion.

So, anyway, here's a glimpse of what our home looks like these days. I plan on posting behind-the-scenes pics in another blog post.

I've attempted to blog in the bedroom but with this cozy bed and
fluffy comforter—plus my huggable husband—it's been a challenge!

It's still pretty much a blank canvas, and the plan is
to keep things clean, modern, and cozy.

Moving!

I can't wait to get one of these! The Mamma Ro Garlic Keeper.
(Image courtesy of Inventorspot.com)

About to start packing for our big move ahead—hopefully in the most logical, non-overwhelming way as possible—and thought I'd squeeze in a blog post before I get carried away with everything that needs to be done. By Saturday.

Fortunately, I have a tiny room with not that much stuff (methinks).

What I'm most excited about is having my own kitchen again. Right now, I have roommates. Don't get me wrong, I have good roommates: One of them speaks the same disinfectant language that I do, and the others, happily share their garlic/milk/eggs/lemon juice/olive oil when I'm running low. (And, yes—I happily share my household loot too).

So going back to the subject, you see, the amount of cooking that I do is directly proportionate to the amount of writing and blogging I get done. Words seem to come up while I'm tinkering about in the kitchen, washing dishes, maybe even chopping garlic... A writer whose name I don't remember called this the "Kitchen Sink" method—doing something totally unrelated to writing to inspire the writing, and I absolutely believe her.

If you look at the gaps in my blogging (especially for All My Sugar), I can tell by the dates that in those weeks/months, I barely cooked or baked. Somehow while the food is being made, words percolate as well.

Pom-pom Pow!

Shake your pom-pom!
(F.Y.I., the fur is faux.)

(Gotta get-get…)

I usually leave the fashion blogging to my more stylish friends and those who are in the media/event loop such as Kat, Frances, or Christine, whose blogs, Kat Dy Finds (and her shop, Martina-Martina!), Topaz Horizon, and Manila Fashion Observer, respectively, are read by many who are keen on the latest/cutest/super fabulous the fashion mill has to offer. These days, I'm quite the passive spectator when it comes to trends—choosing to finely filter a few key pieces to repeat, reuse, and add to my wardrobe.

Every now and then though, I chance upon things that indulge an old fancy. I know, that given the opportunity to splurge and go on a shopping spree, I could unleash that magazine-editor frenzy for clothing, shoes, and accessories, and totally bring it. (Back then I would randomly buy pairs of shoes during afternoon breaks. Well, our office was inside a mall, so shopping was eeeasy. Also, online clothing stores at the time weren't as available and readily accessible as they are now.)

Apart from the fluffy ball up top, I like
how the knits are created in a different
way with every layer.

During the recent Thanksgiving holiday shopping rush—yes, my husband and I participated in the shenanigan, complete with leaving the apartment at midnight on Thursday to scope stores in Soho!—I picked up two items with an unplanned and unexpected theme: pom-poms! First was a beanie from Urban Outfitters, and then a scarf from H&M. Both were fluffy knits warm enough for when the temperature dips. That said, I have no plans of wearing them both at the same time!

Anyway, if you're planning some holiday clothes shopping, you may want to look at Byron Bay Threads, an online store for women's clothing and more. They're based in Australia and I believe they ship internationally (their checkout page has a drop-down menu listing countries). Here's a link to their their website, and below is a playful video featuring their items:

Cybernesting

Ny Minute Now. Now na.

I have no excuse for not blogging. I have the tools, gadgets, even the time. You know the saying, work expands to the amount of time we're given. It's like putting off de-cluttering for months, and when you have guests popping over at the last minute, all the mess is gone in 30 minutes flat. I believe I read this in the book, It's All Too Much, by organization and clutter expert, Peter Walsh. (Blogged about the book here.)

But, if I play the time card and account for my non-blogging, October really was quite a blur of a month. Here were the highlights:

1) I became an American

I know I'll always be Pinay at heart (I did go to the University of the Philippines, where we were reminded that our affordable State tuition was made possible by tax-paying citizens, including farmers and the hardworking working class) and no doubt in my mind and heart that I will always give back to my country in the best of my abilities.

Still a Pinay at heart.

2) My husband became a New Yorker.

Yes, four years in the making. We've finally graduated from the shenanigan of a long-distance relationship that we had subjected ourselves to. And I do not recommend it to anyone.

At one of my favorite, hole-in-the-wall sandwich shops in Soho.

Drinks for two!

3) Work, work...

Well, I've been working at my full-time job since April. And, I always say that whenever my day job entails writing and editing, the blogging is the first to get pushed to the backburner. Add to that my two other (part-time/off-site) jobs that take up a couple of hours every now and then. But then again, I have no excuse: so many of my editor friends do this. Some are even mommies!

At mass last Sunday, the readings, again, offered swak-na-swak [super apt/applicable] insight to whatever issues I had the previous weeks. Whatever drama, neurosis I've inflicted upon myself, I go to mass and leave feeling at peace—like a refreshing, centering salve to whatever dilemma is at hand. (The feeling is close to coming out of yoga class, which, by the way, is a great place to say one's prayers and tune in to God.)

And sharing a meal, yay!

So anyway, the Gospel for that day was the Parable of Talents. We're all given skills and tools to make it through life. I was recently just telling my husband that it's amazing how engineers have figured out a way to run tunnels underwater for subways, and how each person is brought to this earth to do something. My mom always talks about this too. And it's true: some of us are meant to be doctors, scientists, while others write, entertain, cook. It's an amazing mix of talents that inhibit the world. So, automatically, I got to thinking about blogging, how I've become lazy. The parable was a great reminder to get back on it, and not keep coming up with excuses, and to share what I share with the world, both serious and the seemingly mundane.

The priest also mentioned how, as children, we open presents at Christmastime and find ourselves comparing what we received. He said to "mind our own presents/talents" and, picking up from the homily, to truly hone, nurture, and treasure what we've been given.

IT'S A WRAP!

DAY 30

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

"Celebrate good times, come on!" [tanananant-tant-tanantant] "Woo hoo!"

Ooh la la! I've made it to the last day of this year's 30-Day Blog Challenge! This has been my third year of doing this around mid-July and I can truly say that the longer I do it, the more challenging it feels…which is a little surprising because one would expect things to be easier after having done it a few times. I am quickly reminded of my first major, Business Economics, wherein my third year, I still struggled with the economics subjects (hence, the shift to the more apt—for my personality and inclinations, at least—to Journalism). And, like college, I should probably keep at this until the fourth year, or even beyond.

Anyhow, sharing my thoughts about this whole process of blogging for 30 days straight!

1) Super (Mommy) Bloggers
I have newfound respect for daily bloggers in general. I know for many people out there, publishing a post everyday is the norm rather than the exception. Whereas I strive to follow a decent personal writing schedule, many of you just do it. I particularly admire the moms who find time to write posts on a regular basis, and even find the time to read blogs like mine (you know who you are!). While doing the Challenge, I struggled with getting everything done in one day—a full-time job, yoga (I've skipped some classes), my online part-time job (I've already missed a deadline…or two), updating my accounting Excel sheet (it's backlogged/back-dated as I write this), the occasional magazine article, and making it to the 12 midnight blogging deadline. I can only imagine what it's like for busy mommies out there who juggle jobs, PTA meetings, birthday parties, breastfeeding, and so forth. Hence, my virtual salute to all of ya!

2) Car Service
I recently asked a new friend how her boss—a famous person in the publishing world whom I shall not name here—managed her time and how it was possible for said boss to do everything that she did (books, magazines, speaking engagements). Even without asking, it's quite obvious that in order to successfully multi-task, one has to have top-notch staff. That's a given. But my friend gave two answers: One, the publishing executive woke up early and went to bed late. Two—and literally, two words: "car service."

You see, we all spend an inordinate amount of time commuting, running errands, and going from point A to point B on a daily basis. Being chauffeured to wherever means having pockets of space and time to zone out with one's Blackberry, iPhone, laptop, or iPad and do what one has to do…like blog! Even if it's as simple as doing your hair and makeup, being able to tick off something on your agenda while in motion gives you plus points in the productivity department. So, here's my friend's advice, and I paraphrase: "If you're negotiating a new job and it comes down to benefits and less money offered, ask for the car service."

Noted!

3) Gadgets To Go
Speaking of the things above, there have been times in the last 30 days that I've typed up drafts in my phone, or ducked into Starbucks and tip-tapped on the iPad (I recommend the Blogpress app, by the way). Once, I even worked on a post on the bus. If you're planning to do the Challenge, great gadgets are a big help, especially on days when you're pressed for time or when your schedule is packed; or even when you're just being lazy.

4) Bloggerjuice, Bloggerjuice, Bloggerjuice
I've said—or read?—this time and again: Writing is a muscle, and it needs regular exercise. I'd say it's like going to the bathroom; you need to do it everyday. The nice thing about having to blog everyday is that ideas flow and even when you're stumped for a post, something still comes up; the blogger juices flow. While I've mentioned that the Challenge gets harder every year, it's actually more of a function of time and scheduling, because it's more difficult to write after a long day when you're tired or sleepy, or, again, lazy. But, in terms of ideas presenting themselves or sentences/phrases/paragraphs forming in your head as you wait for the train to arrive, you get more of those as you write more often.

5) What's Next?
Truth be told, I doubt if I'll ever get to blog daily. It also comes down to quality vs. quantity. And my take on that is to have hearty helpings of both: quality, for when you want to tone that muscle and hone this skill; quantity, for when cardio and consistency are called for.

If you don't hear from me as often, that means I'm actually spending time finishing my long overdue Manila novel…and then hopefully have the discipline and fortitude to start the next one for here in New York. Friend and former Seventeen boss, Maya Calica, blogged about writing a novel in 30 days in her post, "Who wants to write a novel?" You'll also find her Suite 101 article linked up, "Writer's Block Be Gone—Tips on How to Write Your First Novel," which is very insightful and a must-read.

A bit of trivia, it was actually a blog post of Maya's that prompted the 30-Day Blog Challenge back in 2009. In it, she said, "Do something regularly over a period of 30 days and you will create a habit."

So, off I go, and onto the next challenge! Thank you, everyone, for the pep-comments and, of course, for reading my blog! It means a lot and it makes sense out of what I do and why I should keep doing this. Again, thank you, from the bottom of my heart (and chocolate-starved stomach).

Freshman 15 Sneak Peek

DAY 29

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

A preliminary PDF proof.

I recently had a non-fiction book published, "The Official Guide to ZAPPING the Freshman 15"—a health and lifestyle primer co-authored with Marsha Irving (a fitness trainer, model, and actress). I first blogged about it here, and mentioned I would post select pages "one of these days." Today is one of those days.

It's a thrill to see your work in print, especially if you're a paper girl at heart like me. When I was little, my parents had a bookstore and I grew up having free access to many books—Archie comicbooks, in particular—and magazines (I attribute my hypochondriac tendencies to having pored over issues of Reader's Digest as a tween.).True, I have a keen appreciation for the online world and the web of opportunities made possible by its existence and success in the realm of publishing. But, nothing still beats the feel of printed paper in one's hands. All of the above explains why I own an iPad and still impulse-buy magazines at Hudson News (and also why my fascination with companies like Hearst and Condé Nast will never ever wane).

So, PAGES!

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: First! Starting Freshman Year Right

Chapter 2: Stressbusters

Chapter 3: Go, carbs!

Art, layout, and design by CLAUDE RODRIGO.

Freshman 15 is available on Amazon, (paperback and Kindle edition), Barnes & Noble online and Xlibris (our publisher).

Let's Talk Beauty

DAY 28

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

Whether it's magazines, brand work, or makeup artistry, opportunities in beauty abound.

Every time I get close to saying goodbye to my career in beauty, new opportunities always seem to present themselves within this realm. A number of times I've said to myself (or to a friend), "I'm done with beauty, I'm ready for a career in food." As some of you know, it's still a dream of mine to work for the Food Network. Chalk it up to summers spent in Colorado, lazing away and tuning into the network all day.

Some of you may know that I've dabbled in makeup artistry in all these years (not uncommon for current and former beauty editors). Again, every time I decide to be "done with it," a new opportunity to practice comes up. Just recently, I was ready to donate my makeup kit to a cousin of mine—a nurse by profession—who is exploring makeup artistry as a hobby. And then within a day or two after, my aunt asked for "smoky eyes" minutes before heading out to a party. Times like these, I listen to the universe.

Last week, our interns at work approached my desk and asked, "Do you have a blog?" I gladly answered "Yes!" and went on to show them this site, as well as the very neglected All My Sugar. They asked if I had a beauty blog too. I explained that I had an archive of published beauty articles, but not exactly a blog. "I find it challenging to blog about beauty because it tends to feel like work," I said. Even back when I was a full-time editor, I rarely ever wrote about beauty products in my leisure time.

Don't get me wrong, I love beauty. And I appreciate every job that has come my way. Because of skincare, haircare, fragrance, cosmetics, and bath and body products, I've been able to travel the world and follow my publishing dreams. It has all been a pleasant and wonderful surprise—and I am so not complaining!

Are we there yet?

DAY 27

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

I'm four posts away from finishing this year's 30-Day Blog Challenge, and it has been a real challenge so far coming up with a single post everyday, what with work, errands, yoga classes, and other things that occupy my time. But, I know completing it is a reward in itself.

I got to thinking about patience, persistence, and waiting:

1) Persistence pays off.

At mass today, the priest said, "God answers the prayers of the persistent." And, he also said this prayer of thanksgiving, "We thank You for all that we already have, and we only ask for more because of our reliance in You." I like the above quotes because, while I know that God already knows exactly what I need and want (chocolate), he also is a great listener. I akin it to a parent lovingly listening to a child narrating a Christmas wish list; a child fixating on a particular toy which, one morning, magically sits under the tree, topped with a gorgeous bow. It's a delightful moment for both giver and receiver. So, when you want something, ask, ask, ask! And then be grateful.


2) Patience is a virtue.

I think about my husband when discussing patience and (high) EQ—qualities that come naturally to him. You'll never see him harrowed by long airport lines or waiting in general (except probably at restaurants). He has the tenacity that comes from diligence, that's why he gets the promotion and lands the best deal when shopping. As for me, I'm pretty good at waiting and long lines too—having been an only child for the most part, boredom has rarely ever been an issue. Compared to my husband though, I am the impatient one. So it's good that we're together.

That said, I also believe that a little impatience thrown into the mix from time to time can be helpful, especially if it helps propel you forward. A nudge here and there, and you can go back to planting seeds and being patient.

3) Good things come to those who wait.

I subscribe to this quote as well but I can't help but think about Ann Boleyn, eep! Fine, not everybody suffers the fate of the beheaded queen—she did get the king after seven years of waiting before he decided to do away with her. Still, going back to #1, it's good to be persistent…and to try to find meaning in waiting.

Moving to New York?

Postcard-perfect opportunities like these are actually free!

DAY 24

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

I've always given the same advice to friends and aquaintances who approach me for advice on moving to NYC. And, everytime, I say the exact same thing:
Go for it.

Your experience will be different from mine. The setbacks I've encountered in the process of moving and settling in do not necessarily apply to your situation. As for the recession and the economy, these factors shouldn't deter you from moving anyway. Whether or not you pack up and leave, there's nothing you can do to single-handedly improve or worsen the economy, so might as well give it a shot. Plus, you never know when you're exactly at the right place, at the right time, in the right moment, and you're exactly what a company is looking for.

As for money...that is probably the trickiest variable and it's what paralyzes many when it comes to making a big decision like moving overseas. I touched on this in my "Take the Plunge" post. Again, money will always be an issue…only if you make it so. I've recounted this time and again—when I first moved to New York, I didn't have that much money. Heck, I barely had enough cash to buy a single mattress.

While it's ideal to wait and save up until you have a lumpsum before comitting to a major move, you're bound to come up with excuses one after the other and truthfully, it's never going to be enough (unless you're dipping into a trust fund). You might as well just take the plunge, settle right in, and make a living. That's how it works.

So come on down!

First lunch is on me :)

On Being Grateful

DAY 23

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

Finding gratitude in a situation that turns out less stellar than expected is akin to trying to see the good in a nasty person. It's a challenge, but it's something that has to be done. I say it in the imperative, because to do otherwise is contradictory to embracing positivity—a path that I've chosen to take as best as I could in every situation.

Yet, I do have my moments of distress over both mundane and serious issues. This is when being prayerful makes perfect sense, and having access to a great yoga studio pays off. During quiet minutes of breath and reflection, one can find peace and clarity.

I can't publicly say what exactly is troubling me right now, but I know that an attitude of gratitude beats any amount of complaining, any day. Plus, if I give it time, I know it'll all be good.

Stop, Look, and Take a Picture

DAY 22

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

Walk this way.

It's true that in Manhattan, you do have to walk fast—especially during rush hour, oh boy. For those of you in the West Coast or elsewhere that requires you to hop in a car and drive to get to work, the NYC morning commute on foot is the pedestrian equivalent of getting on the L.A. freeway. You'll probably encounter a similar version of road rage, and you wouldn't want to be in the way of a speeding, work-bound New Yorker.

That said, you'll still find pockets of time, moments wherein you could walk at a more leisurely pace. Evenings and Sundays are great for cruising along the city streets. While I have a keen appreciation for getting to point A to point B in the swiftest possible manner en route to the office, I equally welcome the languid opportunities to walk less frantically. Also, I happen to always have a camera in my purse (save for tonight, in which case, my Nokia phone comes in handy), and when people aren't busy trying to clock in at a certain time, the city is wide open for great photo ops.

Here are some pics I took on my way home from the library earlier:

Always photogenic. The Stephen A. Schwarzman Building library on Fifth Avenue.

This somewhat reminds me of 6750 Ayala Avenue in Makati City.

Take as many photos as you want. At night, Manhattan is your studio.

Stars and stripes. And lights.

D.I.Y. Design

DAY 18

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

Cozy, cool.

When I moved to the Bronx, I thought of it as temporary and had planned to move back to Williamsburg, Brooklyn at the soonest possible opportunity. I mean, who wants to live in the Bronx, right? Fast-forward one year and I'm actually liking it. Call it the Big Brother phenomenon, natural assimilation, or whatever, but it's good.

If we were to educate ourselves about this somewhat infamous borough, we would find out that it's rather large—spanning 42 square miles (109 square km)—and about one-fourth of that is open space (source); pockets of affluent space, if I may add. While it's true that the southern part of the Bronx has the lowest income median in all of New York and is "one of the five poorest Congressional Districts in the United States," you'll also find areas wherein you could hop on the train and walk home at 1am and be fine. And, to quote someone I know having said a while back, "People get killed in Forbes Park," i.e., you can still get mugged on Park Avenue or in TriBeCa.

Now, my room did need a bit of work when I first moved in, mostly in the aesthetic department. The nice thing about DIY design is that you can control the amount of money you wish to spend on a home-improvement project. My room makeover didn't cost much: a tub of paint, art supplies, a glue gun, and yellow lighting, all brightened up and beautified the small space without busting my budget.

Just a few supplies from the arts and crafts store can enliven a small space.

If you're looking to do a space makeover of your own, here are some tips:

1) Get good lighting.
You'll find gorgeous lamps at every price point. I'm no pro decorator, but trust me when I say that strategically placed lights add lift and dimension to a room. Plus, yellow lighting is easy on the eyes and provides a soothing, mood-boosting effect especially during gloomy winter months. (You'll still need bright overhead fluorescent lamps though, for, say, when you need to work.)

Love this "floating" effect.

2) Try an art project.
I learned this ingenious mounting trick at my old job, wherein one of the designers showed me how to create frames out of foam core boards and make them look like they're "floating" on the wall. It simply entails cutting four cubes from a thick board, sticking them at the back of the frame, and using velcro to mount them. It's unbelievably easy to do and you won't have to hammer nails on a wall.

For my room design project, I bought two squares of scrapbooking paper, stuck them on foam core boards (trimming each to frame the squares), and mounted them on the wall with velcro using the above "floating" technique from my former coworker.

3) Paint on a wash of color.
I'd originally eyed a pale blue shade from Martha Stewart's collection at The Home Depot and at the last minute, went with a shade called "Healing Waters" from a different brand. I don't remember exactly what it was, but it's one of those odor-free and environmentally friendly(?) ones. It kind of resembles the same hue I had on my walls back at my old apartment in Manila. It works. You can get a bunch of friends together to help you paint (some friends of mine used to do this), or, ask the help of a professional. In my case, it was the nice Super from my building. In the Bronx.

Happy decorating!

As you would a monochromatic outfit, accessorize with colors!
(Right) An aquatic printed scarf inside a plain white frame.

Off the Beaten Path

DAY 14

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

The road less traveled may offer pleasant surprises along the way. 

When things don't turn out as planned, it's good to just roll with it. This is something I've picked up along the way and is a recurring lesson in my life. It's also quite convenient that I tend to be forgetful, because I can't seem to remember things or moments that I'm supposed to regret, even if, at the time they're happening, I remind myself to categorize what's happening as "something to regret." A.k.a. setbacks, they always seem to be replaced by something fabulous, hence, the selective amnesia.

Similarly, it's good to be flexible when making plans. Leave some leeway for any last-minute changes—you could be pleasantly surprised. Take yesterday, for example. Had I followed the morning's schedule to the letter, I wouldn't have ended up taking photos in front of the library and wouldn't have met or talked to Bill Cunningham.

In life, there are detours and unexpected delays. We can choose to be disgruntled, or welcome each one with a sense of adventure.

Take A Flyer

DAY 3

of the 30-Day Blog Challenge, 2011

I'll take them all!

If you randomly look into my handbag or second totebag (as is customary among New York commuters) it's not unusual for you to find a flyer or two, or even three inside. That's because I've made it a personal policy to accept all flyers that come my way—anybody standing on the street handing out any printed material, no exceptions.

This stems from my early days in the city. My first ever job was in a Japanese restaurant in midtown. For some of you who've read my old blog, Chocolate Soundboard, you may still remember the anecdotes and musings from that time, many of which were deeply personal and humbling. I worked as a hostess and was later on "promoted" to night Maître D'—which simply meant that my boss could leave me alone to seat people and update the table chart without any guidance because by then I already knew what I was doing. Prior to that job, I had never worked in a restaurant in my life. I didn't know how table numbers worked, what the logic behind seating groups of two, four, or more was, and let alone, how to deal with very hungry New Yorkers during lunch break.

Anyway, going back to my "flyering" story, the place I worked at also had a bar, as many NYC restos do. In the evening, there was Happy Hour, and it accommodated many of the workers in the banks nearby. (This was pre-recession/market crash, mind you.) During slow nights, my boss would ask the hostesses to hand out flyers. There were usually two of us in the evening shift so my coworker and I would take turns. Again, I've never had to hand out flyers in my life and this job came right after many years of working in the very glamorous magazine industry as a very glamorous editor. I've actually written about this in an On My Mind piece, "The Comfort Clause" for Cosmopolitan Magazine a while back and blogged about it here.

I did make peace with the flyering somehow and handed out our Happy Hour cards to Park Avenue passersby with a smile.

The big challenge came in the autumn: The weather changed and it became too cold to be standing out on the street. The thing with my then-boss was, the other hostess and I couldn't go back inside the restaurant until we'd finished our stack. Sometimes, relieved that we've finally gone through a stack, he would hand us a fresh pile. It was kinda funny, quaint, and amusing in the beginning (like I've said, I made peace). But, there was no humor in the task once we had to stand outside, shivering in the cold, for even just a couple of minutes.

You can just imagine my relief when I finally got my first publishing-related job here in New York around that time. I couldn't wait to leave the restaurant any sooner. But, the "flyering lesson," I did take and keep with me.

Another thing to consider about the flyer business, is that in some places, the people who do it for a living get paid by the number of pieces they get to hand out. I am guessing, in other instances, they get paid by the hour. Either way, it's not the easiest thing to be standing there, in the middle of a busy street, hoping enough people would take a sheet or two, or three...

So the next time you see someone handing out flyers, I do hope you take one. It doesn't take five seconds to do it, it's not an extra nuisance in your already-busy schedule. Think of it as a way of helping someone do her job.

University Fashion and Beauty

The 2011 version of what
I would have worn in college.

In retrospect, it perfectly worked out that none of the "cute" boys I liked and pined over back in college found me attractive—maybe because I looked like them and dressed like them.

I fondly refer to my college days as the time when I had fashion amnesia. (I pointed out my penchant for t-shirts and shorts back then in my "Blast from the past" and "Short Shorts" posts.) As a tween, I pretty much was as prissy as the next Selena-Gomez-Justin-Bieber follower if it were 2011 back in the late eighties/early nineties, but for some reason, by the time my college years rolled around, I had no semblance of fashion nor concept of beauty (I do remember purchasing one tube of lipstick in my junior year. I still remember what it was: Revlon Raisin Rage…so maybe I did have the makings of a beauty editor).

It would take a magazine internship, an editor promotion, and a makeover to snap me back to the kikay youngster I once was. One of my early purchases at this new stage was a pair of turquoise BCBG pointy mules from DSW (back when BCBG shoes weren't as readily available online) that I wore to one of the Seventeen anniversary parties. This is why when the whole magazine thing happened, university friends were baffled by my so-called "transformation," whereas my co-Sweet Valley Twins cohorts were probably just as surprised at how I managed to even start looking like a boy.

And, going back to those college guys, all the platonic friendships and unrequited crushes gave me enough time to climb, go to the beach and road trips, and make great friends—both male and female. If I had snagged a boyfriend back then, I would've been too distracted by the serious emotional involvement to create awesome memories of those carefree years.

Suffice it to say, I was finally asked out by good-on-paper boys during those early years as a magazine editor. True, it was fun and exciting, but now that I think about it, it was ironic because I was still the same person from college who wore t-shirts and Birkenstocks to class. Is it because of clothes that I attracted class clowns and geeks instead of frat guys, jocks, and politicians' sons? (On another note, those nerdy types turned out to be great career men and responsible partners later on.)

Fast forward to 2004, when I met the man who would become my husband, it was time for yet another makeover: I'd gained a lot of weight and was in the middle of trying to shed it all off. Simply put, I met my husband when I was fat, and no amount of beauty or fashion could have covered up all of it. That, too, surprisingly worked out. And, that's the subject of another blog post.

Image courtesy of Bluefly.com.

College Musical

One of the most memorable movie soundtracks around.

While in the kitchen prepping ingredients for banana bread and chocolate chip squares, my Pandora Quickmix suddenly played the song, "Crash" by the Dave Matthew's Band. I stopped in my tracks and took a moment to listen to the song I hadn't heard in YEARS. I found it odd that the anthem of my late teens never found its way to my iTunes playlist. So, suffice it to say, I have been fixating on songs I used to listen to back in the day.

It also occurred to me, how, for a good decade—from the early nineties to the turn of the new millenium—I'd regularly played the guitar as a hobby. As a teen, one summer I taught myself to play, and that school year in high school, I chose guitar as a music elective. I didn't become quite the expert, but I learned the basics in a more academic setting. I played random classical pieces, and my teacher—a lanky, long-haired guitarist who probably had his own band and was working as a music instructor during the day—would sneak in some contemporary hits during practice sessions. Eventually, as college rolled around, I learned how to play songs by Dave Matthews, D'Sound, Everything But The Girl, and all of those artists who were popular back in the day. It felt like a lifetime ago, and I instantly started to wish I had a new guitar to completely reminisce, as well as relearn, the tunes of my yesteryears and actually pick up new pieces (Taylor Swift's "Love Story," perhaps?).

One particular song that got my heart thudding today was "We Meet Again" by Nancy Wilson, which was featured in the Jerry Maguire OST (sample the iTunes track here or on Amazon.com). Now, this one was incredibly memorable and special because at the time, my ex-boyfriend and I were just friends at the climbing gym we both frequented, and I tried to impress him by learning the complicated track, which required precise plucking of certain notes, versus collectively strumming chords. So what I did, since the College of Music was just across the street from MassComm, I approached a random musician and asked if he could translate the song into sheet music for me, into "tabs" as what they're commonly called. 

Looking back, I couldn't believe I did that(!)—both the fact that I commissioned a music student AND went through all that effort to get a boy's attention. How I wish I still knew who the guy was—he did an excellent job that within a week or so, I had pages of music to study. I probably told my ex the story when we did get together about a year after. He and I are actually still friends to this day (his wife did my beautiful invites and they both were guests at my wedding). I do have some thoughts on staying friends vs. not staying friends with people whom one dated and that would merit another post altogether. 

It's just amazing how my life changed throughout the years, and how the music I listened to changed with it in the process (now it's plenty of house, Chicane, Phoenix, Katy-Perry-pop), and, now that I'm married and living here in New York City, how I'm rediscovering good bits and pieces from my past and finding ways to incorporate them in my current life.

Image courtesy of Amazon.com.

About Not Worrying

"Can any of you add a day to your life by worrying about it?"

—Matthew 6:24–34

Meet Jagger, the cute, cuddly, chillax cat :)

This is going to be a long and another weighty one, bear with me. (Don't worry though—in the next two posts, I'll be talking about cream puffs and carrot cupcakes!)

A few weeks ago, after the Times Square incident, I went to Sunday mass as always and the readings and homily from that day particularly struck a chord in me, in a way that would change the way I would approach the new month of March and hopefully the rest of my life. It was as if everything read and said were tailor-made to what I was going through. I ended up taking some notes and I'd like to share them here—hoping they would help you as much as they had given me the reassurance when I needed it the most.

In the comments section from the Ikea post, a reader named Ela said, "I wonder where you are getting all the positivity." I got reminded of a paragraph I originally was going to add to the post back in its planning stages, but forgot to include when I wrote it. Anyway, what I wanted to say was, during moments of distress and despair—and, after the tears have been shed—I am usually presented with an opportunity to be grateful and to snap out of the self-pity. For instance, on the subway ride home that night, I saw a child peddling candy for 50 cents each. I've seen him before, he was different from the kids who toted boxes of M&Ms, Welch's Fruits Snacks, and so forth. This kid seemed barely 10 years old, and he just had this large plastic container filled with fun-size candy bars. Everytime I see him, my heart breaks, because to me, children shouldn't even be working AT ALL. Children should be in school, in the playgound, at home playing videogames, or at the park doing sports...NOT hopping from subway car to subway car selling old candy from a plastic box. Moments like these bring me back to reality and remind me that what I’m going through can be quite mundane compared to the plight of other people. And, no—I do not take delight in other people’s hardships and pointing them out is a way to remind myself to stop being selfish (and, yes, dramatic).

Plug into positivity by surrounding yourself with optimistic people, eating well, and going to nice
(and sunny!) spaces. Here, my friend, Kat, whose company (and apartment!) I turn to whenever
I need a think-positive boost.

Another story that somewhat got buried in my blog backlog also parallels the incident above. Here's what I wrote back then:

"Walking to the subway station headed home from Rob and Grace's wedding, I felt melancholic...and lonely. I missed my husband and I had just come from the first wedding since our own back in February. But then two things caught my attention in my sentimental revelry: First, was a man wheeling his vendor cart, who also, by the looks of it, was headed home. And, second, a man quietly putting away melons in boxes at his fruit stand, ready to close for the night. You know how I feel about people who do physical labor (see Train Lesson post). Here I was, by day, sitting in an air-conditioned office midtown, eating my fancy salad and expensive chocolate, sipping free green tea and coffee; complaining about how lonely I was because my husband is far away. What about those people who have families living in other countries? Or those who have no choice... migrant workers who simply can't afford to feel [‘sad’ or ‘lazy’] because their bodies have to do the work? With that, and buying as much fruit as I could hope to consume in the next couple of days, I hopped on the subway with yet again, a renewed respective."

So, back to the notes from the readings, Gospel, and homily I’ve mentioned. (They were from the February 27, Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, which you may read here.)

1. God KNOWS.
In the Gospel, Jesus says: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. ... Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all." That was it, an eyeopener for me—God knows I need all these things. This is the same reading that mentions birds: "Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you more important than they? Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-span?"

2. Clocks in the moment.
The priest told the story of the worrying clock (it's also mentioned in the website, Munachi.com). The clock started fixating on the total number of times it had to tick: two ticks to the second, 120 ticks per minute, 7200 ticks per hour, 172,800 ticks per day, 1,209,600 per week for 52 weeks, and a total of 62,899,200 per year. Overwhelmed, the clock went to a psychiatrist who asked, "Clock, what's your trouble?" "Oh, doctor," the clock complained, "I have to tick so much. I have to tick two ticks a second and 120 ticks per minute and 7200 ticks per hour, and ..." "Hold it," the psychiatrist cut in, "How many ticks do you have to tick at a time?" "Oh, I just have to tick one tick at a time," was the reply. "Then let me make a suggestion," replied the doctor. "You go home and try ticking one tick at a time. Don't even think about the next tick until its time. Just tick one tick at a time. Can you do that?" "Of course, I can" said the clock now happy and revived.

This is another reminder for us to live in the moment, and be in the NOW.

"Success and failure aren't for you to determine—just do what you have to do in the present and you will succeed," said the priest. (I now wish I knew his name!)

3. Worrying vs. Humiliation
"Worrying won't heal or cancel the humiliation or hurt you'd experienced in the past," he said. Wallowing in self-pity and past failures won't propel you forward—it only prevents you from finding and doing constructive things that lead to newer, happier, and successful results and feelings.

4. The Job Interview
This one hit the nail on the head in particular because I struggle, and I do mean STRUGGLE, with interviews (I don't mind it though if I'm the one asking questions). Face-to-face job interviews are partly the reason why I make my work so available online. I find it easier to let the work speak for itself, versus having to "sell" it to a potential employer in person. Then, I end up either going on deer-caught-in-headlights mode or putting my foot in my mouth. It's such a delicate dance that I am working towards mastering.

Stressed? Find a friendly, furry feline.

Anyway, it also came as a surprise to me that this career-oriented subject was even mentioned at mass, that's why I noted earlier that this particular one felt tailor-made. The priest pointed out that thoughts of "Am i going to fail, am I going to succeed?" bring on anxiety and negativity that you end up not being able to present yourself in the best light and in the most natural way.

5. Really, Don't Worry!
Again, I quote from the Gospel: "So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'... Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of itself."