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Sunday, August 23, 2009

A "Beautiful" Career

A friend has always had the talent of styling hair and applying make-up without any previous experience. We have always encouraged her to pursue this talent by enrolling in cosmotology schools because we have faith that she can really make it big. It is a good thing everything can be found online now. Through FindaBeautySchool.com, we found a school that is near her area. Plus, the web site only lists accredited beauty schools so she can be sure that she will be enrolling a top quality facility. The web site is searchable by state or zip code and the results has school links to their Web sites so you can check them out for yourself.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Organizing Kids Closets

**From the site of Martha Stewart:
Hanging Stuff
First, employ a two-rod system. The lower rod allows small arms to reach shirts or jackets; the upper one holds next season's clothes. Since kids have very little to hang up, the closet requires short rods only. To hang lower rod, cut two pieces of strap webbing (each twice the length plus overlap). Wrap both straps over top rod, overlap ends on the bottom, and staple-gun through all the layers.

To achieve an extra-neat appearance, use a single style of hanger (we chose inexpensive plastic) in just one or two colors.

Shelf Storage
Bookshelves provide at-a-glance storage for pants, sweaters, and T-shirts. Stack sweaters, pants, and T-shirts on their own shelves so your child can find what he's looking for without rifling through every piece of clothing in a drawer. Use the bottom cubby to keep the backpack out from underfoot.

Peg Board
And what to do with belts and skateboarding helmets? Use a peg board to hang them neatly on the wall, where they'll be in clear sight. With a variety of hooks and a few well-chosen containers, you can help things find their way back home, ready to go for the next day.

Paint peg board a bright color to add a splash of energy to the inside of the closet. Affix it to the back wall of the closet with mounting hardware, and use simple hooks to dangle all manner of paraphernalia. Set the bookshelves in front of it and anchor to the wall.

Step
A two-drawer cube provides ample storage for socks and undies. Plus kids can reach high-up things all by themselves.

Mirror
A useful and lightweight plastic mirror can be cut to any size; ours covers the side of the book-shelves above the cube. Attach easily and securely with heavy-duty double-sided mounting tape.

Sock Drawer
In the brightly painted drawer interior, baskets intended for kitchen cutlery keep socks in tidy rows. A small jar made for peg boards corrals ponytail bands. A ribbon with a loop for hanging displays hair clips so they're ready at a moment's notice.

Tomorrow's Outfit
Install a hook on the inside of the closet door and reserve it for one thing only: the next day's clothes. Your child can pick them out before bed each night.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

ABCs of Life

This is a good read.

A—Accept
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they’ve made even
if you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.

B—Break Away
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope
to accomplish with your life.

C—Create
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams,
sorrows, and happiness with.

D—Decide
Decide that you’ll be successful and happy come what may, and
good things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles
along the way.

E—Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and
you have much to give.. And every time you try something
new, you’ll learn more about yourself.

F—Forgive
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire
unhappiness and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone
makes mistakes.

G—Grow
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you
or stand in your way.

H—Hope
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as
you remain dedicated to the task.

I—Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your
goals and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is
only a small inkling of what the future holds.

J—Journey
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded.
Try to learn something new every day, and you’ll grow.

K—Know
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they’ll always get better.
The warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.

L—Love
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,
there’s room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there’s
room for endless happiness.

M—Manage
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you’ll suffer less
stress and worry. Then you’ll be able to focus on the important
things in life.

N—Notice
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer
your assistance when possible, and always your kindness and
understanding.

O—Open
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even
during the worst of times, there’s still much to be thankful for.

P—Play
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing
without happiness.

Q—Question
Ask many questions, because you’re here to learn.

R—Relax
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that
things always have a way of working out in the end.

S—Share
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others.
Everything that you invest in others will return to you many
times over.

T—Try
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway.
You’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish.

U—Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that’s wasted has
no value. Talent that’s used will bring unexpected rewards.

V—Value
Value the friends and family members who’ve supported and
encouraged you, and be there for them as well.

W—Work
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but
never feel guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise
offers a second chance.

X—X-Ray
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you’ll
see the goodness and beauty within.

Y—Yield
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated,
you’ll find success at the end of the road.

Z—Zoom
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its
ugly head. Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus
on your abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Beach Trips

Ever since Sandy arrived, I cannot think of an overnight trip or a beach outing that we did not bring her along. We just miss her too much that we always make it a point to just bring her along instead of not enjoying the trip without her. That's why whenever we plan beach trips, we make sure our destination hotel is kid-friendly and Sandy will not get bored easily. We have always dreamed of going on a Caribbean cruise but we know it is a popular place for destination weddings not family trips. Imagine my delight to find out that there is a family friendly resort that has just opened called Azul Blue. Maybe we can plan going there soon?

Friday, August 14, 2009

Birthday Girl

The princess is turning four next month and we still don't know what to do on her birthday. We have decided not have a party for her because she will have her big party when she turns 7. She still hasn't told us what she wants as a birthday gift. I'm sure it will be a very quick preparation for her celebration. And since she is turning four, maybe we can start talking about giving her a baby brother. I just said talking - planning and the actual baby making will still take two years :).

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

10 Tips for a Happier Life

1. Don’t worry
Worry is the least productive of all human activities and thoughts….

2. Don’t let needless fears preoccupy your life…
Most of things we fear never happen!!!

3. Don’t hold grudges…
That is one of the biggest and most unnecessary weights we carry through our lives...

4. Take on one problem at a time
It’s the only way to handle things anyway..one by one..

5. Don’t take your problems to bed with you.
They are bad and unhealthy companions for good natural sleep and rest…

6. Don’t take on the problems of other people..
They are better equipped to handle their own problems than you are..

7. Don’t live in the past.
It will always be there in your memories to enjoy..but don’t cling to it. Concentrate on what is happening right now in your life..and you will be happy in the present also..not just the past.

8. Be a good listener.
It is only when one listens..that one gets and learns ideas different from ones own…

9. Do not let frustration ruin and rule your life…
Self pity more than anything..interferes with positive actions..with moving forwards in our lives.

10. Count your blessings…
Don’t even forget the smallest blessings.. As many small blessings add up to large ones…