DIY

 I have always loved crafts. And DIYs always made me happy. So one day, I got inspired to make a couple projects after watching some YouTube clips.

For so many times, I get frustrated when I get home and I had to use my house keys to open the front door. They all look alike and I had the not-so-brilliant idea of identifying them with the use of teeny-tiny masking tapes.

they could be triplets for all i know! hehe

The labels aren't much help when I get home after dark. So, I decided that this ends here! hehe...I found some old almost-dried out nail polishes, and chose the most virulent colors among them all! These are my choices.

bright blood red, glittering copper, and insulting violet
would have been really fugly on MY nails!
(NOTE: I just made up those names, hehe!)

I didn't even bother removing the keys from their ring. I just slapped on some polishes on them, one by one, in just one coat. I let them dry for a few minutes and then, voilà ! Problem is solved!! 

They now look so pretty!

You can paint just one side like I did here, or both sides if you're more patient than I was. :)

The next project I did was painting my nails, for the first time with nail art. I had some nail art done way back in 2010, but that was done by a professional. Here's a trip back to my past life.

flower power

me, circa 2010....wearing my nail-art and some hideous pimples, ugh! :)

For P20 a pop, it doesn't cost much here to pay a manicurist to do some simple nail-art for you, but I wanted to see if I could do it on myself. So, I got my polishes ready, some nail polish remover, a disposable paper surface to work on, and most important thing of all, my improvised dotting tool. 

till up to this moment, I haven't decided on which colors nor design I was going to do!

How to make a dotting tool? Simple! Just grab a pencil (with an eraser) and stick in a pin on it as far as it would go! 

Like so! Simple, right?

Now, I've decided on not being too ambitious with my design coz I didn't have such a steady hand. I used to attempt French manicures on myself, but they never turned out any good. See my basic design :)

purple flowers on pink nail polish

I had to practice first on paper, but it was quite easy...easier than I thought, and easier to do than French tips. 

did the left hand first...

...and the right next!

for an up-close look. TA-dAHHH! :)

I have to say, DIYs are DIYs because they are so doable. With a little time and effort, it doesn't really cost you much to create something beautiful you can be proud of.

What have you done lately that's beautiful and you are still proud of? :)

Got Bored? Blog.

July has been rainy. Typhoons have struck the country and many families have been displaced and affected by the resulting flashfloods and landslides. This has been the norm since the past last years, but each story in the news doesn't make it less tragic.

At my end, I was often stuck indoors and Facebook just could not sustain me. So I kept busy by taking care of my Snowflake. 

I'm so glad Snowflake is turning out to be such a low-maintenance pet. She eats up all the food I give her without any drama and complaint. I've given her a good scrubbing during her baths and this really pleases her. She stays put now, unlike in the past. 

 After her latest one last week, she was clean and tick-free enough to merit playtime with me inside the house. 

Looking like an angel right after her bath :)

She has met some new friends and I think they quite like her, for they whispered stories into her ear as soon as they met!

Ang mga chismosa sa amon kusina. LOL.

During one of the nice days of good weather, Mama and I took a road trip to San Carlos. My, but the snake-like road through Don Salvador Benedicto almost made me swear off travelling. It was a good thing we were welcomed by a glass of the sweetest buko juice I have ever had in my whole life. That was compensation enough! :) 

Also, we were able to stop at a landmark area and take in the beautiful mountain view that could take your breath away.

The Lion, without a wardrobe :)

the bewitching beauty amidst the gardens

the mini-rice terraces that is pleasing to the eyes

the house-owner must love adventures and cliffhangers!

This month, I finally had the opportunity to bond with two of my close friends. Che accompanied me to a salon and we exchanged news and caught up with the latest while I had my hair done. See the difference some juicy news magically had on my hair! LOL.

BEFORE: untamed and dull hair :(

AFTER: frizz-free and shiny hair :)
(never mind my new shell-shocked look, hehe )

My friend Jazz visited for a few days and we made a beeline to a spa for a massage. We also enjoyed dining out and experiencing Bacolod's varied menu and Lacson's best.

Chocolate Bomb or something, at Calea. With a Kiwi Granita.

Shopping for some groceries for mama (such good daughters! haha)

At the bar in Trattoria Uma.

the salad I would like to devour again and again. With a pitcher of lemonade.
Ahhh..!
 Salsiccie All'Uva con Insalata Mista is a "warm salad of homemade Italian sausage
 sauteed with white wine and grapes, organic greens, tomatoes and balsamic glaze".

Pizza with mushrooms....my 3rd slice, by the by :)

Celebrating in advance, my latest birthday, at L'Chalet roofdeck.

Had to have our last hurrah before Jazz flies out in the morning.

That's right! This month, I turned another year older!...and here are the photos to prove it :)

Breakfast was a simple affair after Holy Mass...

...until Manong Roger, the roving vendor, tempted us with his wares. THIS!

Dinner was also basic.
 With just pancit lomi, for long life;
Black Sambo for a sweet life;
And a bottle of wine, for some  intriguing pizzazz in life!

Officially, 37. Behaviorally, 12. LOL.

Although July was wet and gloomy, this post made me see that it was still such a blessing to be alive even in bad weather. There is a lot to be thankful for.

To GOD be the glory, thanks, and praises!

My Moon. Awoooo...!

On my birthday, I got gifts that made me feel special. But that night at 1AM, I suddenly woke up, looked out my window. And there it was, another precious gift, it seemed only for me.

 It was dark, dark all around, but I saw the huge, bright, yellow moon that lit up the starless sky. It looked so eerie, with whitish grey clouds around it.  It was very quiet. Strangely, our dogs weren't howling. I felt I was alone in the entire world at that instant. I felt it was a moment, supernatural and special.

My Moon.
As if it is God speaking to me, blessing me on my birthday.

 Sadly, my camera phone (or any other camera, for that matter) cannot ever do this moon justice. Only my memory can.

 :)