Paint me baby, One More Time...

I used to not be a fan of painting nails. I have worn mine plainly clean and simple. I even do my own manicure and pedicure at home.

And then I was introduced to the concept of spas. From massages to foot spas, they were my way of relaxing.

Eventually, I got to try painting my nails. But I would usually just have it on my toes. I tried having it on my fingers nails, but it would always chip off and it was such a hassle for touch ups.

I would go to different nail salons wherever I would end up with my spa buds. I didn't have a regular place to get it done until I found one near my office in Ortigas.  I would patronize that place until one of the nail technicians kind of butchered my fingers.


It took awhile for me to go back there, but I still did for lack of any place more convenient to go to..

Until last year, 2012, when I discovered a nail salon just right at the corner near our home. Right in neighborhood was a great discovery! Japanese buffing stone? That kind of intrigued me too. Not to mention that they were really affordable to. I just had to try it for myself.

Of course I got their signature foot spa and maniped. I was satisfied with the foot spa service since they didn't really hurt my sole with they way they slough off the rough skin. And then their cleaning routine. It's very tedious and thorough. Something that definitely pleased me and was reason enough for me to keep coming back.

The first few times, I wasn't serviced yet by their premier nail technician, Aika, but eventually she did and boy, did I always want to have my nails painted. She does a great job every single time. Very meticulous and really clean, I don't mind if it took her like an hour or so to finish my fingers and my toes. She is one gifted technician and believe me, she's really that thorough that your maniped should last you longer til the need to clean them nails again. And it doesn't have any rough edges, so you can really tell that it was done the way it should.

It was inevitable that more and more color combinations would pop in my head. And for the first time, I tried wearing red. Yes, I have always been afraid since to my thinking, it would make my hand look dark or it wouldn't really suit me at all.  But I was wrong. As it has become such a sexy sexy statement.

I would also eventually start buying my own nail colors. And the one thing I really like about going to GivMeBuff Nail Lounge is that, even if I have cheap nail colors, they still look like they're pricey because it was beautifully applied onto my nails.

The possibilities are just about endless when it comes to nail art.  I am constantly trying on new hues and shades and even textures. To me having nail art, is like an expression of my inner sentiments. It's like I'm reaching in to my artistic side with every thought of what specific color scheme I should go for. Like I'm trying to convey certain emotions and feelings at that very moment through my color choices.

I couldn't say it enough, but I really really love how they treat their clients. Very accommodating and very homey, you'll feel really special. And oh another must try in their salon is their massage. Yes, at 200 pesos, it was quite  a treat. Truly satisfied.

Go check em out the corner of Assistant Street, GSIS Village in Project 8 and their numbers are posted below on the flyer.

So, have you thought about your color combination yet??? *wink, wink*

Listeners Rendezvous

The ever reliable Nova of Girl Talk teamed up with us to bring our night time listeners a treat. It's just a simple thanksgiving shebang for the overwhelming support we are getting from night owls who are constantly keeping us company. 

What I love about this collaboration is that it made me wake up the sleeping publicity committee vein in me as I was my org's directress back in the day. Ah the good ole days.

I am also proud to have been able to explore my layout skills which needs some updating, really, but I love it...hahaha...

Hope you can come..To join, please go to our like page, Mellownights947. Make sure to like cravingsfraserpl on facebook then share the e-vite...Cheers!!!

Casting Call...

Nope. It isn't about any movie offers or the chance to hit it big in some big darn project. It's about a freak accident that happened early June of this year.

I woke up pretty excited for that trip like any other gatherings that would round up my workmates and friends at Mellow.

It was just a day trip and I couldn't even figure out til the last minute what to pack for the physical challenges that would be tossed our way at this year's team building event at Loreland Farm Resort in Antipolo.

We were already forewarned about how down and dirty this can get. I tried to prepare by bringing an old pair of sneakers so I wouldn't feel so bad if they get pretty soiled up beyond recognition. Literally soiled up. Funny thing was, I was just about to go down the hundreds of steps down when the left foot of the pair gave in and detached the foot bed from the rest of the shoe...soon after the right foot followed. Way too funny!!! Not for long did I end up in my trusty flip flops.  

Then came the challenges. First few were 'sisiw'(way too easy), but not until we lost and had to be the first group to cross the swamp of dirty water with a rope, ala Tarzan. Oh yeah, and this is where it all began.

I tried conquering my fears. Even though I had no prior workouts to assure that I had enough power in my arms, it was just pure adrenaline rush that got me to hang on for dear life on that really nasty big rope. Yes, I was a few inches short of the landing. I plunged into the murky swampy, stinky ugh water. But just when I thought that that was the only concern I had going, I felt some numbness to my fingers on my right. Frightened by the  
sight of my middle finger doing a 90 degree twist, I immediately twisted it back to position, hoping that would make it better. It sure did for the next 5-10 minutes. After that, I was just giving everybody the middle finger. It got swollen...talk about going big time!!! I was given first aid attention, well not much really, as it was just immobilized by gauze. I had to keep on changing the gauze because it was getting bigger and bigger. It was only when we got back to the resort receiving area on top of the hill when I had it iced. 

That freaky incident though never stopped me from participating in other events. I had my game face on and my middle finger up.LOL.

Just when I thought it was just a simple case of nerves getting entangled, nope- I had to brace myself for the unexpected.

When I got home, more pain felt. My mom insisted that I go to the hospital and have it checked. Off to the ER we went at around 10 in the evening.  And there I had it---the truth.

So my middle finger has got some serious crack going on. Oblique Fracture is what they call it. But the good news is, I made the right decision to twist it back immediately. The bad news is, I have to be in a cast for months or I could opt for surgery for an instant fix. At first, I had already accepted that surgery was my best bet, but everybody said I should just take it easy and give it time to heal naturally. After all, if there's any consolation, I had a pretty neat fracture. LOL.

For the next few days I was forced to do everything with the left hand, yes everything.

For somebody who's been right handed all her life, I did pretty good, yo!!! Even learned to put makeup and sign my name. What I couldn't do though, was drive.  Which was by far the most depressing thing to ever happen in my life.

27 days in a cast. 3 cast changes. Slinged for the most part. 

But oh, that's not all. The tricky part was I had 2 of my regular jobs going on plus, I took on a third one- sub-teaching for a friend in Miriam!

Talk about challenging...I was forced to go around. Discuss lessons, eat alone. Hail a cab. Whoaaa. 

But hey, I survived all those. I guess if you really put your mind and heart into it, nothing - not even a broken finger- can stop you.

I am still undergoing therapy in hopes of getting my fingers back in shape.

Actually my problem now isn't the middle finger but the fourth one which got neglected and now suffering the condition called trigger finger. It's contracted in such a way that I would be able to fully bend it like I used to and I couldn't lay it flat on a surface. It's always protruding. Argh. Not to mention, painful too when you stretch it out. Pffft. I've had 12 sessions of therapy and about to get more as of writing. 

Surgery would be my last resort. 

So far, my life is starting to go back to normal. And I am slowly picking up the pieces. (Naks)

But seriously, this event in my timeline really made a huge impact on how I see things. I have to always be prepared. It was depressing yes, but it will constantly remind me to not take things for granted and always be head and heart strong in facing whatever curve balls get thrown my way. 

The saga of the finger continues...hopefully a better ending!!!

Cast Away!!! (my votes)

Today is another historic day for Democracy in the Philippines as we Filipinos go out and exercise our right to Suffrage. I must admit, I had quite a difficult time trying to shortlist the plethora of candidates seeking a position in the government. 

I don't exactly like politics, but I wouldn't say that I am quite apolitical, and definitely NOT apathetic. I have my own convictions. I just don't really take part in mobilizations- I am almost always packed with so many things to do as it is... Anyway, I am dutiful taxpayer with my two jobs and I make sure that I stand for the credence of a law-abiding citizen. 

With my vote today,is a prayer-- that we may finally be able to attain the changes that will be for the better for more people...Amen!!!

Cauliflower Fried "Rice"

I attempted to make my own easier version of a paleo recipe called Cauliflower Fried Rice.  Rice grains are actually not allowed in the paleo diet. So instead of the rice grain, we are tricking ourselves in to eating cauliflower just so the texture would be akin to that of the pinoy staple. 

I failed to take a photo since I was too busy cutting, mincing,boiling, mashing and washing the dishes. But I would have to say, I'm pretty proud of what I did. I opted not to put basil leaves anymore but my mom suggested that I should've...Maybe tomorrow...I'll try to not put ground chicken anymore since it's too oily. I don't have a hand in choosing the white meat when buying ground chicken. Maybe I'll put mince chicken next time. I am truly excited with all this kitchen experiments I am doing in the name of health. Would be so much fun if I start using my brand spankin new oven...hehehe...

So what did I use?

Around 2 cups of cauliflower florettes. Cut the hard stems off. Mince some garlic and onions. Around 2 tbsp garlic and 1 medium sized red onion. Olive oil or coconut oil for sauteing. Salt, pepper, cayenne and marjoram spices depending on your taste. I like freshly ground pepper by the way.Around 150 grams of ground chicken. 

So how did I do it?

I washed and cut the cauliflower florettes into bite size pieces so it's easier to break it apart later. Bring to a boil, roughly half the pan filled with water. Steam the cauliflower until done. Meanwhile prepare the garlic and onions. Set aside. As soon as the cauliflower florettes are done, start mashing it like you would a potato. I didn't have a potato masher so a large cooking spoon did the trick for me. Season it with salt and pepper while still hot. Set aside. Meanwhile, heat a separate pan. Put some olive oil and wait til hot. Start sauteing garlic and onions. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper. Put the ground chicken and stir til cooked. By this time oil is coming out from the ground chicken. Season accordingly with a pinch of cayenne and marjoram. When done, make sure to remove the extra oil. Take out from the pan but use the same pan to stir fry mashed florettes for a bit then finally toss in the chicken saute...Season again with freshly ground pepper and serve!!!!

Hurrah for this new foodie adventure...healthy cooking and eating indeed!!!

Basking in the Afterglow!!!

I certainly miss getting that post workout glow... I like taking a selfie when I'm all sweaty but still glowing like so...I definitely should go back and box again!!!

Paleo Diet Redux

I have been having some weight issues again. I sort of have hit the wall. In an effort to do something about it, I have decided to do a revision to the Paleo diet or the Caveman Diet that I was hoping to change my body. With that I need to stop being lazy and instead be more creative and be more in control. 

I don't really believe in diets but I do know that my food choices will greatly affect my body transformation. So lemme just get into this for now and see for myself. 

Come on board my journey...Recipes will be shared, thoughts will be spread. This ought to begin soon!!!