My New Year's Resolutions

Photo from here.

I don't normally do New Year's resolutions because I believe that changing for the better can start any day even without an occasion, but, for the sake of the spirit of New Year, I will give you my resolutions.  I only have a few but realistic and achievable resolutions.  I don't want to list more than what I can keep.

1.  I will not go on a diet but instead I will choose to eat healthier foods.

2.  I will not exercise but will make more steps a day than what I used to have.  And instead of taking the elevator or escalator, I will choose to use the stairs.

3.  I would still buy shoes (my only luxury) but I will only buy at most 4 in a year. This year, I bought seven and I am starting to feel guilty.

4.  I will maintain a year of no enemies.

5.  I will automatically deposit my freelancing income and 10% of my regular salary to my savings account.

These are the resolutions that I can keep.

Do you have resolutions?

How did you spend Christmas?

How did you spend your Christmas?

It was a tiring day for me but I had fun.  We went to Tagaytay City to unwind a bit and eat halo-halo at Razon's. A cold dessert in a cold place... yeah, that's how we do it.  After halo-halo, my nieces decided to buy cold drinks at Starbucks... and they are already freezing cold.  While my nieces are enjoying their strawberry milkshake, my son and I had a little running around Robinsons.  No, it wasn't our intention to burn fats... my son is just running the whole time going to the arcade, the toy shop and back.

Good thing I wore my flats.

Sparkling Tattoos

If there is one thing that I will never do, it is having a tattoo.  I don't like needles puncturing my skin to inject ink. Just thinking about it already hurts. If you have the same thinking as I am about tattoos, an alternative is this Marbella crystal adhesive tattoo.  It sparkles and it is removable.  

Like it?  It is available at Luisa Via Roma for $60.  Other designs are available.

My Bloomingdale's Christmas Wishlist

Juicy Couture 'Tizzy' flip flop slippers, $45.  Just because it is so comfy to wear!

Juicy Couture 'Sugar Kiss' laptop sleeve, $78.  Just because my laptop sleeve needs to have a rest.

Bvlgari BLV II set, $97.  Just because I like to smell good always.

Emporio Armani white round watch with rose gold numbers, $545.  Just because I collect watches.

Cuisinart SP2 rechargeable salt and pepper set, $75.  Just because I love cooking.

Patio Makeover

I had a conversation last night with my mom.  She now lives in the US together with my younger sister and a dog named King.  In our almost an hour of conversation, it was all about King and how the dog made her decide to finally go for a patio makeover.

They just moved in to a new house when they had King.  Mom had no plans of renovating their patio because their first project is the living room.  To make the long story short, King must have a place of his own because he's all over the house, scratching and biting the living room couch.  My mom thought that if the patio is more conducive to dogs, King will leave the couch alone.  Being the supportive daughter that I am (as if I can stop her from doing the makeover), I told her to buy patio decor from furniture stores that are right in her budget, has a wide selection of furniture, and will deliver the items for free because she is so busy all the time.  And I asked her to send me a photo of the patio after the makeover.

My Early Christmas Greetings

Have yourself a merry little Christmas...  Let your heart be light.

This is a sign that I am already having Christmas jitters.  Eleven days left.

My early Christmas greetings to you.

XOXO

Joanne

My Net-A-Porter Christmas Wishlist

You will never have a hard time buying gifts for me because I don't look at the brand and price tag of the gifts I am receiving.  Don't you just wish everyone would be like me?  Haha!  Of course, not every one is like me.  If you have a girlfriend, a sister or a mom to buy a gift who is brand conscious and you don't want to spend a fortune for gifts, I have here my Net-A-Porter Christmas Wishlist that might help you in your gift buying dilemma.

Alexander Wang 'Tasha' bandage leather boots, $380 previously $760. This is a super deal!

J. Crew 'Sasha Glen' wool blend pea coat, $150 previously $300.  

Notify 'Anemone' low rise straight leg jeans, $150 previously $300.  

Thakoon Addition wallpaper print silk top, $196 previously $280.  

Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Hexi' hoop earrings, $29.40 previously $42.  

Antik Batik 'Friel' chain-embellished suede shoulder bag, $220.50 previously $315.

Cute Gift for Hello Kitty Fans

This is so cute!  It is a Hello Kitty key chain that you can play up by changing Hello Kitty's dress.  Turn her into a police, a cook or a sailor.  This is the perfect gift for Hello Kitty fans this Christmas.  You can get this at Mod Cloth for only $6.99 but you have to hurry because this is one of their best sellers.

Brad and Angie's Public Display of Affection

A little public display of affection won't hurt and besides we rarely see photos of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt snuggling each other.  This squeezing Angie's butt is surprising but hey, it somehow confirms that the rumors of them splitting are not true.

Love Angie's Versace dress, Brad just let her shine... anyway, it is the premiere of her latest movie The Tourist with Johnny Depp as her leading man.

Last Song Syndrome: Separate Lives

I have a last song syndrome... Phil Collin's Separate Lives.  It's not really the last song that I heard but it is the song that keeps on singing in my head.  No qualms. I love the song.  I think it is one of the best duets ever and the saddest.  I never grow tired listening to it.  Thank goodness the hormonal imbalance has just passed.

Feeling Mushy and It Is Not Yet Valentines

I am feeling mushy today because I heard again John O'Banion's song I Don't Want To Lose Your Love.  I first heard it when I was in college because of my aunt's collection of Cruisin' CDs.  I really like the lyrics and the emotion behind it.  This is the song that made him win the Tokyo Music Festival Award in 1982.  The song was later revived by several artists.  John died in 1990 because of blunt head trauma from a car accident.

Listen and enjoy.

Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown Winner

Congratulations to Akihiro Sato for being the Survivor Philippines Celebrity Showdown winner!

He got 3 votes from the jury beating Solenn and Ervic with 2 votes each.  Akihiro took home 3 million pesos.

When To Keep Things Secret

très chic: Who Won the Grand Lotto Jackpot? Keep It A Secret.

If you won any lotto jackpot, will you tell it to the world?

I won't. I love my life so much for the criminals to know.

Unfortunately, some people thought that knowing who won and broadcasting it to the world will earn them the praise for bringing the news. Well, that is not the case. I really feel sorry for Miko Morelos and his family from being a victim of false news. As for Tim Yap, he did get extra famous... famous for spreading wrong information that makes the life of another person in jeopardy. He has lost his credibility.

People, common sense is not so common.

This is a concrete example of when to keep things secret. Even if Morelos and his family deny it, I don't think everyone will believe them. In the chase for who the multi-millionaire is, the hunting will start with Morelos.

Grand Lotto 6/55 Jackpot Has Winner

Jackpot!

It was not me who got the 741.2M Grand Lotto jackpot.  If I was the one, I will not be blogging about it.

Here are the winning numbers:

11-16-42-47-31-37

Congratulations to the one lucky winner from Luzon!

Ever wonder what happens to Facebook accounts when their owner dies?

Ever wonder what happens to Facebook accounts when their owner dies?  I never really thought of it until I stumbled upon this info graphics.  Interesting.

Via: All Facebook

The Irony of Life

Photo from here.

You decided to travel the straight road, change for the better, but then when you get there, here comes a vehicle that leaves you no choice but to move on the side...You wanted to slow down a bit or pullover on the curbs... You saw a sign that confirms everything will turn out fine when you stop but then you see crocodiles slowly coming out of the water.  You are now caught between being hit by a vehicle and being eaten alive by hungry crocodiles.  Which one will you choose?

The irony of life.

My Anthropologie Christmas Wishlist

I heart Anthropologie!  Here are some of the cutest items in Anthropologie that I included in my Christmas Wishlist.  These are great gift ideas, too.  Click on the photos to go directly to the product.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Taylor Swift Live in Manila

Woohoo!  Taylor Swift will be having her concert in Manila on February 19, 2011 at the Araneta Coliseum.  The concert is produced by Ovation Productions together with Jack TV and ETC.  Time to get your tickets because I am sure it will be sold out before 2010 ends.  Here are the ticket prices:

Patron VIP (Reserved Seating) - PhpP12,672

Lower Box Reg (Reserved Seating) - Php5,808

Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) - Php3,696

Upper Box B - Php1,584

General Admission - Php528

Buy your tickets right here.

Prince William and Kate Middleton wedding date revealed

Where The Wind Blows: Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged


After much speculation on when and where the could-be-wedding-of-the-decade will be, the British Monarchy Twitter (wow, they have Twitter account) announced that the wedding will be on April 29th at Westminster Abbey. The lovely couple chose the date because they wanted a spring wedding and it is the feast of St. Catherine of Siena. The Westminster Abbey, on the other hand, has sentimental values. It is where Queen Elizabeth II wed and where British kings and queens were crowned. Although many speculated that the wedding will be held at St. Paul's Cathedral-where Princess Diana and Prince Charles wed in 1981-the couple opted for a more intimate location as Westminster Abbey holds lesser seats.

Prime Minister David Cameron already announced that the wedding day will be a holiday.

So, mark it on your calendar...April 29. The date the most eligible bachelor will tie the knot... and we will just watch him drift away with Kate.

Facts About South Park

I miss South Park!  My best bud in college and I watch it whenever time permits... she even impersonate Kenny.  Haha!  I miss the hilarity, the controversial topics, the uncensored criticisms and the wit.  I think it is just rightful that Time Magazine said it is one of the greatest shows of all time.

Here are some facts about South Park.

Via: OnlineSchools.org

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

See you soon Harry!  I heard you were great.  Oh! Hermione, Ron and the rest of the gang were great, too.  I promise to catch up with you within the week.  Can't wait to see you.

Grand Lotto Result

No winner!

No one got the 543 million jackpot in today's Grand Lotto draw.

Here are the numbers, in no particular order:

18-17-36-04-40-13

My numbers are:

01-18-22-37-40-25

Proper Ways of Eating Sushi and Using Chopsticks

I love sushi!  I don't get to eat it often and it is something that my palate wishes to taste every now and then.  I learned to eat it and use chopsticks when I was in college.  My friends and I used to eat in a Japanese restaurant near the university and my friend taught me some pointers on how to properly eat sushi and use chopsticks.  Well, I learned today that I still have some things to remember about the famous Japanese food and hashi.

Sourced here.

Grand Lotto Draw Day

Today is the draw date of Grand Lotto 6/55.  I am on pins and needles.  Who wouldn't be if the prize at stake is more than 500 million?  This is a record breaking moment in the history of lotto in the Philippines.  I am panting already just by thinking how many days it will take a single person to count all that money.

I will not reveal yet my numbers.  I will post later the results.

Bath & Body Works Secret Wonderland new fragrance line

My favorite Bath & Body Works launched a new fragrance--Secret Wonderland, that you can buy as body lotion, shower gel, perfume, fragrance mist, and body butter.  As for their launching promo, if you buy three, you get three of the same item for free.  Price starts from $10.50 to $29.50.  Click on the link to buy.

Just perfect because my Bath & Body Works lotion is almost empty.

Prince William and Kate Middleton are engaged

Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement today after 8 years of dating.  They plan to wed in 2011.  Prince William gave Prince's Diana's engagement ring of 18-karat blue sapphire  surrounded by diamonds to Kate a month ago in Kenya when he proposed.

Their announcement officially ends my infatuation to the most eligible bachelor.  I wish them well (no sour graping here).

I should live in these places

I should live in the Town of Normal where everything seems to be normal.  Actually, this town in Illinois is derived from ecole normale which means a teacher training college.  Simply put, the name was from a college that was built in Bloomington on 1861.

Or maybe I should live in Hell.  I heard it is a wonderful place to unwind.  I am not talking about the hell down there, it is the Hell up North in Norway.

See more funny and unusually named places by clicking on the link.

New Books

I have two new books again that I bought yesterday for a bargain price of 99 pesos for two books.  That's around $1 a book.

It's How You Play the Game by Jimmy Gleacher.  Los Angeles Times describes this novel as "heartfelt, genial comedy... Gleacher isn't content merely to us the game.  Rather, he comes in on the players' strategies and bluffs and doubts:  the relentless and, in Gleacher's views, ultimately necessary gamesmanship of love, class and self."

California Dreaming by Lawrence Donegan.  The Scotsman said, "the warm hearted humor and laugh-out-loud lines of Lawrence Donegan... are the equivalent of chicken soup: warm, comforting, and... deeply satisfying."

Pacquiao beats Margarito via unanimous decision

Once again, Manny Pacquiao has proven that he is the world's greatest boxer.  Via unanimous decision, Pacquio took home the title of Super Welterweight Champion of the World--his eighth boxing title.  Try to beat that!  I was surprised at how strong Margarito was, I actually thought he will be knocked out on the 6th round.

Congrats Pacman!  You surely made the Filipinos proud.

So, what's next?  Will Pacman retire?  No one knows yet.  Let's just wait and see.

Pacquiao vs. Margarito

Who do you think will take home the title of World Lightweight Champion?

I am still for Pacman.

Grand Lotto Still No Winner

Hurrah!

I am so happy that no one got the Grand Lotto jackpot of 423M because I was not able to place my bet earlier this day.  The Grand Lotto jackpot is the highest in the history of lotto in the Philippines.  I will try my luck again on the next draw date.

The lucky numbers today, in no particular order, are:

03-31-34-13-48-11

Early Christmas Shopping at Target

It's nearing Christmas and I know most of you are shopping for gifts already.  I haven't thought about shopping yet but I am already looking for possible gifts to give this season.  All shopping sites has gift suggestions for each member of the family and for this hunting for great Christmas finds, I will start with Target.

For Mom, Aunt or Grandma

Keep Mom, Aunt and Grandma warm with this Merona cashmere scarf for only $24.99.

For your little sister

Remind your little sister of the importance of savings by giving her this Xhiliration double faced owl wallet for only $9.99.

For your little brother

Boys will always be boys.  Let him explore the world of mechanics by exposing him to toys like this Eyewitness Train Model Kit for only $12.99.

For Dad, Uncle or Grandpa

Keep dad, uncle and granpa pulled together with this classic Merona cardigan sweater for $21.99

Sephora Endless Color Blockbuster makeup palette

If you still can't get enough of makeup palettes, here is another one from Sephora that will make you go gaga.  This Endless Color Blockbuster makeup palette contains 98 eye shadows, 70 lid glosses, 6 cream eye liners, 2 lip liners, 3 eyeliners, mascara and 4 applicators.  Now is your chance to make endless color combinations, get this for only $48.

This is a perfect gift for mom, sister, BFF and yourself.  It's almost Christmas, it wouldn't hurt if you include this in your shopping list.

Lotto

I tried my luck in Lotto today and bet 80 pesos for a chance to win more than 300M.  It's my first time to bet and I had butterflies in my stomach while the winning numbers are being drawn.  I did not win, unfortunately.  The good news is that no one got the jackpot.

These are my non-winning number combinations.

Today's PCSO Grand Lotto 6/55 result:

15-38-17-39-11-03

The Truth About Halloween

So, true!  You rock, Dante Shepherd!

Funny and Weird Family Pictures

Hahaha!  There are no words to explain these funny and weird family pictures.

See more photos right here, see if your family picture is included.  Hahaha!

Post Halloween Scare

Three days has passed since Halloween but I still have scary stories to tell.

It was around 6 o'clock in the evening yesterday when I excused myself from our meeting.  I had to pee.  I used the back door that leads to a private clinic to exit.  It was not really dark... dim.  After using the comfort room, I went back again to the clinic that leads to the meeting room.  On the left corner of my eye, just beside the consultation table, I noticed a child sitting still.  She was wearing a white dress, her hands are clasped on her lap and her head was slightly bent forward.  I could sense she was sad.  I also sensed she wasn't a real child.  I hurriedly entered the meeting room without even looking back.  I immediately told my seat mate what I saw and I gave her major goosebumps.

Just this afternoon, a strange thing happened again.  This time it was a doppleganger.  I immediately went to the office after eating lunch at the canteen to take some rest and fix myself.  Our office is located at the basement (we call it dungeon), just under the old Operating Room.  I bumped into Lea, one of our helpers, on my way going down the stairs.  She smiled like she normally does but never said a word.  I smiled back and didn't notice anything weird until I entered the room.  My office mate told me that Lea is looking for me to ask me if I have any bills I would like to settle because she will go to the bank later.  I hurriedly went to catch the helper thinking she'll go to the bank already without asking me.  When I stepped out of the door, I saw Lea was talking to one of our office mates on the far corner of the other office.  I called her.  I told her that I thought she already left because I bumped into her hurriedly going upstairs.  She was shocked of what I said.  Apparently, she never left the office and it's the first time that she saw me (when I called her from another room).  She had goosebumps.

That's the third time that I crossed into a doppelganger in the same location. 

Boo!