Lunar New Year is just around the corner and while I’m all excited for the holidays, some are extremely focusing on what good luck may bring on this Year of the Dragon. I’m not a firm believer but I hope a little feng shui will help attract some positive qi on my life this year. Some say for the Year of the Water Dragon, everything is magnified tenfold.

So I was chatting up with my friend a few days ago, and she mentioned about how lucky this year will be for my sign and that I am considered a secret ally of someone I looked up to. Curious, I browsed the net on what’s all the fuss in finding trustworthy friends and allies, without reference to first impression or six degrees of separation.

First, take note of the feng shui concept of 12 zodiac animals, depends on what year you were born, you belong to one of these: Monkey, Rooster, Dog, Pig, Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse and the Sheep. The twelve birth year animals are associated with one of the five Feng shui elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire or Earth.

Credits to: Shawn Liv of Love ‘N’ Life

Each of this twelve celestial animals have two allies and a secret friend. Allies are people you get along very well, they are your major supporters and will help keep obstacles less overwhelming.

Your secret friend is the one who will stick with you through thick and thin and will help you without regard. With their help, good fortune are multiplied and Success are easily within reach.

Happy New Year! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

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I love all things art. It makes me weak in the knees to see fabulous creations that is hand drawn, vectorized, color mixed and amazingly put together pieces. I’m going gaga over these 40 Beautiful Web Design portfolios from WellMedicated site. I want to revamped my ‘yet to finished’ online portfolio. Sheesh. I better moved my butt to work again hard and fast.

For the meantime, join me and let’s drool over this cool people and their creative minds.

See the complete list here.

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In celebration of the wedding month of June, I’m reposting here from my other blog (which I’ll close soon) some reviews and our very own wedding related stories. Hoping to help some confused and overwhelmed bride-to-be’s out there.

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Budget is one major factor in planning a wedding. What better way to save than make your own wedding accessories? Here are some materials we managed to fill in for our wedding. A little creativity, sprinkled with some fruit of love from our friends and family and what have we got? A unique wedding that we’ll treasure forever.

We made our own wedding invitation. Here’s the Direction Map to our Church and Reception Venue. I think I did pretty well on creating this map where only few people got lost. lol.

Our wedding invite comes in a paper box, spray painted with metallic dark brown to fit our color theme.

It contains four sheets of information – about the wedding, entourage, dress code, gift registry and map. The chocolate balls are missing in this photo, I wonder who got hungry while shooting this? The colored hearts are rolled papers with different love quotes on each. To add a little flair, swarovski crystals were embedded on the word ‘forever’. Because diamond is forever? I swear I should have made a shopping spree of this item in Dubai as it came cheaper there than in Manila.

Splurge a little and ordered these pink and turquoise personalized napkins from Ebay.Unfortunately, our wedding coordinators missed to distribute them for each table. So sad when they returned it to us after the wedding and said that they forgot it on the car.

While it’s fun to do some little projects for the wedding, keep in mind that it also take much of your time. Go ahead and start early and don’t forget to ask help from your friends and family, you’ll never know how thrilled they are to become part of your dream wedding.

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Our eyes, is the most amazing part of our body. It can talk and express our feelings in so many ways. As we grow older though,  we are left with only a memory of clear vision and healthy sparkling eyes.

We often neglect these pair, yet we abuse it even more before we realize that it’s too late for an extra pampering treatment. Our eyesight by now is worn out by too much strain on using our daily gadgets: computer, mobile, iphone, ipad, tv and gaming devices.

I myself am guilty with this. I don’t wear prescription eyeglasses and most of the time, working in front of a computer for long hours gives me an eyestrain .

For months, Ive been searching for a nice pair of spectacle which I can use to prevent my vision from further deteriorating. It wouldn’t hurt if it will come in a stylish, geeky look too. I visited a few optical shops but then again I have to try a few bunch of frames but none fits my taste. It’s hard to choose between tons and tons of frames if you’re always pressed on time.

Shopping for different eyeglasses has never been easy until I stumbled on Zenni Optical, an online shop for eyeglasses. There’s a lot of feature on the site including a filtering system on the left side where you can search according to style, rim-type, gender, price and a lot more. Price starts at $6, which is really affordable for expensive looking styles.

There’s also an added feature called Zenni frame fit where shoppers can upload their picture so they can see how the frames fit on their faces. So creative! I was able to try a few myself. I particularly like this full-rim frame. You can try on all frames and share it on FB!

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Most people dream of getting their first million on their savings account early on in life. Some people make it happen sooner than the others. Wonder what’s the trick?

It is a tough world we have, where we deal with everyday chaos of earning money, paying bills, saving for our future and balancing checkbook. It’s quite tricky on how to save a few bucks for rainy day funds and investments.

So here’s a few tips to empower your spending habit and achieve financial freedom asap.

1. Be Determined.

Make this determination: Why do you go to work every day? A lot of people come up with a lot of answers-to buy a car, to pay rent, buy a house, send kids to school. All good answers, but wrong.

The real answer is this: I go to work each day so that I do not have to go to work. What that means is you have to set goals immediately so that you know exactly how much you have to work (and make money) so eventually, you do not have to go to work.

Assuming you can’t find money to save is the biggest financial mistake most people make. The truth of the matter is that almost everyone with an income can find something to save. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic amount of money, but it does require desire and discipline.

Goals are simple. What do you want? Write it down. Achieve it. [Jesse Brown on lovetoknow]

2. Pay Yourself First!

Want to spend ten minutes doing one thing for your finances that will have an absolutely MASSIVE impact on your ability to spend less, save more, and reach your goals faster?

The concept is simple: Every payday, the very first thing you do is set aside a percentage of your income in a savings account. You do this before you pay the rent, before you pay your other bills, and before you head to happy hour. You “pay yourself first”. [money under 30]

3. Pretend you didn’t get a raise.

So you were lucky enough to secure a raise! Congratulations! Now if you’re able to pretend you never received it and instead sock this additional money away especially in an investment account that compounds with time, you may surprise yourself further down the road with a substantial nest egg. I agree, not being able to celebrate a raise may not be that much fun, so use a small portion of it to reward yourself (but I’d avoid those big ticket items)! [the digerati life]

4. Pay off your ‘bad’ debt.

Set aside 10% of your monthly income to eliminate debt. Debt incurred to purchase liabilities (or non-cash-producing items) is labeled ‘bad debt’. This usually includes most of the items charged to credit cards and retail store cards. If you have problems managing credit cards, a debit card can be a practical alternative. There are also several effective systems to reduce bad debt quickly. [hidden wealth keys]

5. Establish an emergency fund.

This may be where some sacrifice is required. Establishing an emergency fund can be difficult, especially when funds are already tight, but it’s a necessity if you intend to stop your dependence on credit cards. Most experts agree that you should establish a fund that would allow you to pay for three to six month living expenses in case you were to have a medical emergency or lose your job. This may be daunting, so start out with a goal of one month, and add to it as you are able. You really need to examine your budget closely to look for opportunities to save. [care on credit]

6. Save your change.

When you get home at night, put your change in a jar. When the jar gets full, bring it to the bank. A medium-sized mason jar full of silver-colored coins will bring in about $100. Put that directly into savings. [live real now]

7. Stop Carrying Credit Cards

Sometimes the temptation to use these plastic cards is just too great — it is so convenient, isn’t it? A good way to stop yourself from using them is not to carry them around. Carry just enough cash for whatever you have planned for the day. This will force you to think about your spending habits, and prevent you from buying on impulse. If you manage to clear your credit card debt, you can reward yourself by keeping one in your wallet for emergencies. [moolanomy]

8. Reward yourself below your means

Your goal is to be frugal, not a miser. Small rewards–within your budget–are a wise way to keep fun in your life. Living beneath your means takes self-control, but the emotional and financial benefits are tremendous. An occasional treat energizes you to keep up the good work. [dumb little man]

I know it’s easy being said than done, but with a little discipline, it might get us there. Right?

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When we were planning about our wedding, one of the things we have to decide was whether to have a black tie event or stick with the local barong tagalog for men. It was tough to pick between the two as they both have an edge over another.

For a black suit event, I love the idea of having little boys donning their stylish suit with their cute bows. My friend had even suggested to have a themed boys ties. It was a brilliant idea indeed, since I know of where to have boys ties personalized. I can even pick a silk or colored one that matches our color motif.  A perfect accessory to complement the  little men’s outfit.

Awww… who can’t resist cute boys? *giggles*

In the end, we decided to pull off a Barong Tagalog event since most of our guests don’t own a suit. Oh sad, no cute boys ties but at least my groom was elegant with his pink tie.

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Some say we can view the world through one’s eyes, because it says it all.  For some, it is their most important asset. Have a look as we list down the top 10 female celebrities with the most stunning eyes.

Their gaze makes us melt and their too beautiful eyes express more than words can say.

1. Angelina Jolie. Her face is perfect. Need I say more? Nothing beats that cat eye look.

2. Megan Fox. She’s beautiful and hot. No wonder everyone’s lusting for Megan Fox’s gorgeous blue eyes. How to copy it? Try cosmetic contact lenses.

3. Kristin Kreuk. Smallville sweetheart Kristin Kreuk has a stunning set of expressive hazel /green eyes.

4. Rihanna. Rihanna carried her bold style well that makes her an envy to many Hollywood celebrities. Her famous smoky eyes makeup complements well with her fierce fashion.

5. Kristen Stewart. She’s more known as Bella from the Twilight series. Her naturally green eyes are her most prominent feature.

6. Kate Hudson. Kate is an epitome of a hippie chic. Her sultry and radiant green eyes always highlights her face.

7. Uma Thurman. Sometimes we wish we were as blessed as her, with beautiful skin, luscious lips and big dazzling eyes.

8. Jessica Szohr. She looks downright seductive with her mesmerizing blue eyes. I’ll gladly trade mine and take Ed Westwick too.

9. Michelle Trachtenberg. Gossip Girl won’t be the same without Michelle’s porcelain skin and ravishing eyes.

10. Anne Hathaway. Anne’s wickedly smoldering brown eyes are so beautiful she takes the cake of the most dramatic and glamorous look.

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The new ARTISTRY Intensive Skincare Renewing Peel is finally in the Philippines!

It was recently launched at Makati Shangri-la Hotel at  the Philippine leg for the ARTISTRY of Life World Tour. It brings professional expertise right in your home, right at your finger tips.

ARTISTRY is a world-renowned prestige skin care and beauty brand which combines the expertise of true science with the essence of true beauty. It promises to give you softer, smoother skin in just 8 minutes!

See how it works here:

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I’ve been in search for an alternative spa center to escape, unwind and rejuvenate for months now. Not much had appeal to me until fellow blogger, Ia of IaAdamLim, invited me for an afternoon of complete healing at one of the first eco-friendly day spas in the Philippines.

Nestled deep in the heart of Metro Manila, at the 3rd floor of Manila Ocean Park complex, the Philippines’ first state-of-the-art Oceanarium, open water marine habitat, boutique mall and function facilities at the back of the Quirino Grandstand. Zenyu Eco Spa is right next to Hotel H2O, the Philippines’ first aquarium-themed chic urban getaway.

Dr. Eric Tan, Zenyu Spa Manager explained to us the concept of this latest spa trend. Zenyu is a Japanese term for Complete Healing. He even showed us some experiments displayed on location about the importance of Negative Ions in stabilizing free radicals.

Included in the experiment are the 5 month-old raw meat, egg and cheese stored at a box which emits negative ions. Interesting that it don’t smell rotten or even infested by maggots. The egg looks crystallized.  Nails were immersed on water and placed in an Ionized Bottle against an ordinary bottle. The latter looked brownish, where the stain already mixed up with the content while the stain at the Ionized Bottle were contained at the bottom part only.

The Ecoparadise Store are well equipped with great range of environmentally friendly products for sustainable living. EcoParadise Socks, EcoParadise Futon, Pet Bottle, Pirikare, mattress, pail, plastic packs and more. Pails and plastic packs have anti-oxidant solution that creates a perfect environment for fermentation. You can even create your own yogurt and fruit enzymes. For those looking for breakthroughs in anti-aging, feel free to try out these products.

For refreshments, we were able to sample one of Eco Paradise experiment. A taste of the  fermented Hawthorn Berries stored in an EcoParadise Pail. The pail converts the water into Ionized water in hours. It contains anti-oxidants.

Fellow Bloggers. Cheers to this new discovery and well-being!

We were then tested with a capillary microscope to check out our visual blood capillaries. For most of us, our blood flow seemed normal, but when a piece of ionized cloth were put above our arms, the blood circulation were even better.

Results from the monitor shows evidence of stress, unbalance diet and other medical conditions.

To improve our health and well-being, we were then pampered with a 30 minutes whole body massage. For first timers, let go of your inhibitions and feel the Zen atmosphere while indulging in a Swedish or Shiatsu therapy.

After the relaxing massage. We were able to cool down and were served cold water before trying out the Hot Bed Treatment. This is a special technology from the ecoparadise chain of Japan and the first negative ion facility in the Philippines.

The Hot Bed claims to reduce cholesterol and body toxins, strengthens the immune system, improves blood circulation, metabolism and blood pressure.

We stayed here for around 20 minutes. The high temperature from the tiles slowly took over our bodies and before we knew it, we were sweating heavily. This flush out toxins and disease to maintain our optimal physical and mental health.

For my husband who has asthma, he enjoyed this treatment better than sauna and steam bath. Needless to say, we felt rejuvenated after those two treatments.

The women’s changing area and bath is well equipped with lockers. We were given with waterproof bracelet key and towel. We get to try Pirikare Multipurpose Powder made from natural vegetable oil and anti-oxidant solution. It feels gentle on the skin and is also environmental friendly.

I can’t even wait for our next visit to try out the outdoor jacuzzi with fish brought in from Turkey. Zenyu Eco Spa will be the first to offer a full-body fish spa in the country. There is also an Olympic size swimming pool at the roof deck.

For the price, I was surprised it came out affordable too. I will post the price list as soon as I have the copy.

I like this new “greener” approach in spa option. We get to share and be environmentally responsible in our own way. Let us all indulge into a more sustainable lifestyle.

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