Luxurious Home and Office Furnishings

I recently checked out this site called Spacify which sells home and office furnishings online. The site has a wide range of products to choose from and specializes in modern temporary furniture. They have furniture and accessories for the bedroom, bathroom, dining room, living room, kitchen, and for the patio and deck. Spacify also has furniture and accessories specially designed for offices such as ergonomic chairs and conference tables.

Since I really enjoy looking at bedroom furnishings, I checked out Spacify's designer beddings. And I was really envious of their luxurious bedding sets-- very inviting. If I have the chance to bring home the luxury bedding of my choice, then my pick would have to be the Sea Star Bedding Set. This luxury bedding is a combination of luxury, elegance, and warmth. Each set includes a duvet, flat sheet, fitted sheet, and pillowcases made of 100% silk.

Spacify also sells luxury bedding specially designed for kids. They sell signature sheet sets and bedding sets for boys and girls to match their personalities. Examples of themed comforter sets for girls are Futuristic Comforter Set and Flower Lane Quilt Set. Energetic boys, on the other hand, will surely love the Monster Truck Comforter Set and the Denim Soccer Twin Comforter Set.

Spacify accepts payments through personal checks and major credit cards. Free shipping is also provided for deliveries within continental U.S.

Great Web Hosting Ratings and Reviews

If you are currently looking for reliable web site hosting, then you should visit Web Hosting Geeks. Web Hosting Geeks offers information on the latest news and trends in web hosting as well as reliable ratings and reviews for web hosting products and providers. The site has been reviewing inexpensive and reliable web hosting providers like Bluehost, Inmotion, GoDaddy, and Hostmonster since 2004.

Another reliable feature of the site is its Web Hosting Awards. Whether you are looking for blog hosting, budget hosting, email hosting, forum hosting or even multiple domain hosting, you can find information and customer reviews on different web hosting providers to guide you in choosing the best provider for your unique web hosting needs.

Web Hostng Geeks also offers information on the basics of webhosting, the use of dedicated servers, and other relevant topics. They also have very informative articles on search engine optimization and on choosing domain names.

iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part I

I have been using iWhite Korea products for three weeks now and I think that this generally inexpensive skincare line deserves a spot in this blog. Currently, my loot of iWhite products includes the following: facial wash, facial cream, aqua moisturizing cream, whitening pack, nose pack, seaweed gel, cleansing balm, coffee sugar polish, pumpkin mask, and rose petal mask. A lot, huh? Below is part I of my review on the whole line.

iWhite Skin Whitening Vita Facial Cream (Php30/sachet). This SPF15 facial cream has whitening properties and can be used as a sunblock and make-up base. The ingredients include vitamins ACE, titanium dioxide, and mulberry and ginseng root extracts. I don't use this often but the few times I did, it was okay and didn't cause any breakouts. Smells really nice, too.

iWhite Skin Whitening Moisturizing Facial Wash (Php20/sachet). This creamy facial wash is non-drying and leaves your skin smooth and supple. I am not a big fan of facial washes but iWhite facial wash won me over ( I didn't like Ponds, Dove, and Garnier). And since you only need a small amount to lather up, a 10 ml sachet goes a long way.

iWhite Nose Pack (Php20/sachet). I use iWhite nose pack once or twice a week to get rid of deap-seated impurities like blackheads. I think it is effective as I noticed that there are fewer bumps along the sides of my nose after using the nose pack. I must remind you, however, that you must not apply the nose pack on raw, sensitive areas as removing the nose pack can be quite painful.

iWhite Whitening Pack (Php30/sachet). The iWhite Whitening Pack is a peel-off mask formulated with morus alba and panax ginseng extracts. Although it's non-irritating, I can't say if it's really effective as a whitening mask because I just use it when I feel like it (instructions say it has to be used 2x/week). I have used other peel-off masks like Garnier's and I say this is a cheaper alternative. You can use the sachet for 2 or more applications so if you are on a budget, it's worth a try.

iWhite Skin Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizing Cream (Php 18/6g sachet). This very light moisturizing cream is very soothing to the skin. I keep it refrigerated and use it after washing my face with iWhite facial wash. I like it because it is non-greasy, smells great, and spreads easily.

In general, what I like best about iWhite products is that the whole line smells good and is non-irritating to my blemish-prone skin. I also like the fact that iWhite products are available in sachets so I don't have to buy them in tubes or bottles.

However, if you are looking for facial products with serious skin whitening effects, I can't say iWhite Korea is right for you. I have been using it for three weeks only and so far I can't say if it does whiten the skin. But since I like the iWhite line for its fragrance and non-irritating properties, I couldn't care less if it whitens or not. I read in a blog somewhere that the whole line isn't effective in whitening the skin even after a month of continued use. Maybe that blogger forgot to use sunblock and went out in the sun. Hehe.

I think this concludes Part I of my iWhite review. In a few days, I will be reviewing the products included in iWhite 5-step Botanical Skin Care System. By the way, iWhite products are available at Watsons and Mercury Drug outlets. If you're from Davao City, the whole line is also available at Victoria Plaza mall (cosmetics department).

Related Article:
iWhite Korea Facial Products, Part II

Cool Site Offers Free Info on Phone Numbers

I chanced upon a site which offers free information such as area codes and locations for phone numbers across the United States. One can also perform a phone search just like I did as I received a phone call from an unfamiliar U.S. phone number a couple of days ago. I simply entered the number into the search box provided in the site and the search results revealed that the caller was from Florida. Neat, huh? So if you need information on U.S. phone numbers, try using the services of Wiki Phone Numbers.

Nursing Now A 5-Year Course

My father was watching the early morning news and told me that effective June 2009, B.S. Nursing becomes a 5-year course in the Philippines. He mumbled something about how expensive it would be for the incoming batch of nursing students.

I already learned about this bit of nursing news days ago as Lyle already blogged about it in Pinoy R.N., his nursing blog. I purposefully didn't write about it in my other blog, Ward Class, as something about this new development freaks me out.

I know adding another year to the nursing curriculum is an effort on the part of CHED to upgrade nursing education in the Philippines. But without closing down nursing schools that do not deliver (meaning, those who have had very low passing rates for years with no signs of improving), I don't think adding a couple of years to the nursing curriculum will improve the quality of nursing education in this country. It will only make nursing education exorbitantly expensive than it already is.

And on the argument that this move will eliminate the need for attending review classes offered by nursing review centers, people should get real. Reputable nursing review centers really help nursing graduates pass the Nurse Licensure Examination and foreign nursing exams. There were things I learned from attending nursing review classes I haven't even encountered in nursing school. But just like nursing schools, there are lots of questionable nursing review centers out there. And I think the best thing to do is to weed out the non-performing ones.

I'll have to blog about this nursing update in Ward Class. Because inasmuch as I hate to admit it, this is of interest to my readers. Aahh, it would be another one of those painful blogging exercises. Ouch!

The Effects of Indoor Lighting on Mood

When I am in a dark room I feel tired, sluggish,and gloomy. And when I work in a dimly-lit room, I am less productive and find it hard to come up with interesting topics for my next blogging projects. To prevent these episodes wherein i feel "out of sorts", my foolproof trick is to turn on table lamps for a well-lit, colorful environment.

The skillful use of lighting can influence the ambiance of your environment. At home, you can create a different feel for every room through the use of different lamps and light fixtures. In the bedroom, for example, a table lamp with a soft glow will produce a calming effect especially during bedtime. For the dining area, a chandelier over the dining table is usually used for a more romantic and elegant effect. When receiving guests, wall and accent lighting will make the home environment more inviting.

In addition to indoor lighting, a proven way of creating a relaxing home environment is to use natural lighting. Whenever you don't want to use lamps and lamp shades, simply sitting by a window- perhaps one with a view- will also have a positive effect on your mood.

Looking For Sound Investment Possibilities

I had a late dinner last night as I had to attend this pre-membership seminar conducted by SAMULCO, a primary cooperative here in Davao City. I was with my father and big sis as we are scouting for additional income opportunities now that my dad retired from his day job. The seminar lasted from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm so you can just imagine how squeamish I was listening to a lone speaker give us a background of the cooperative. Not that the talk was boring, it's just that the length of the seminar did nothing to improve my very short attention span.

Now that the world is facing a financial crisis and that the whole Philippines has been jolted by the collapse of the Legacy Financial Group, people are very cautious when making investments. And now that bank interest rates for short and long-term time deposits aren't improving, people have to explore other opportunities. Hence, probably another pre-membership seminar for me to attend.

Speaking of income opportunities, I would have wanted to introduce my father to blogging but knowing how he doesn't want to spend long hours in front of a computer made me change my mind. Hehe. But kidding aside, this whole blogging thing does present us with a lot of income opportunities especially if we are addicted to the internet and too lazy to stick to a day job.

Hollywood Ghost Movies

I like to watch horror films or any film featuring ghosts and if made to pick just one favorite Hollywood ghost movie, then The Sixth Sense wins hands-down. The 1999 horror film is directed by M. Night Shyamalan and is starred by Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. It is a disturbing thriller which revolves around a boy (Osment) who sees and communicates with the departed and a psychologist (Willis) who wants to help him. What I like about The Sixth Sense is that evenhough it is essentially a movie about The Occult, it has its fair share of very moving and emotionally gripping scenes. So if you haven't seen The Sixth Sense yet, then you must watch it for a really creepy yet rewarding movie experience. And while I cannot say that you'll have a good night's sleep after watching it, I can guarantee that you'll be entertained-- just in a spooky way.

Failed To Take My Vitamins

I just realized that I failed to take my vitamin supplements yesterday. I should have taken multivitamins, 2 tabs calcium with Vit. D, and a tablet of ascorbic acid. I don't know what happened because I don't usually forget my daily dose of health supplements. Major memory failure? In my 30s? Not quite. Or was I busy? Well, I have been procrastinating for days.

Whatever the reason is, I better shape up and boost my immune system. A family member is currently nursing a cold. And the weather here in Davao City has just gone nuts-- from rainy to painfully hot. Oh snap!

Celebrities and the Ford Mustang

What do celebrities Bill Clinton, Jay Leno, Eminem, and Kelly Clarkson have in common? They are owners of a Mustang! Since I assume it surely is expensive to maintain such a powerful vehicle, I wonder how much these celebrities spend on original Mustang Parts. Well, it surely pays to be rich and famous.

Currently Using Digsby

Because I'm too lazy to check my email accounts everyday, Lyle asked me to download Digsby-- a really cool application that allows users to manage multiple email, instant messaging, and social networking accounts. Although I didn't really want to, I obliged and proceeded with the download. And little did I know that as soon as I familiarized myself with Digby's interface and functions, I'll be a Digsby convert! Now, I totally dig Digsby!

Here are a few reasons why I love Digsby:

• I do not have to log on to different email accounts. Digsby notifies me if I have new email messages and lets me manage all of email accounts with just one click.
• I can send email messages to my contacts right from the IM window.
  
• I can access my instant messenging accounts (MSN, YM, AIM, etc.) using a single buddy list.
• Disgby has lots of skins and themes to choose from.
  
• I can customize Digsby widgets for my blogs so my visitors can chat with me even if I'm busy Plurking or watching movies online.
• Digsby keeps track of updates from Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, and FaceBook (I hope Plurk will be supported soon).
• Digsby lets me create cool notifications like Away for Dinner, Taking Vital Signs, or Looking for Healthy Snacks. These notifications even appear on my Digsby widgets.

So if you want to liven up your email, intant messaging, and social networking experience, do give Digsby a try. To download Digsby, click here.

How Many Pairs of Footwear Do You Own?

How many pairs of footwear do you own?

As for me, a quick look at my shoe rack will tell you that I am not like most women. Meaning, I do not collect shoes for every occasion like most women do. I only have a few pairs of footwear and despite my very modest collection of shoes, I don't even get to wear most of what I have for months on end.

My choices of footwear remained to be functional throughout the years: 2 pairs trainers, 1 pair sneakers, 1 pair leather flats, 1 pair leather sandals, 1 pair of ancient flip-flops I use indoors, and a pair of wellington Boots. Just seven pairs. Totally freaky for a female, eh?

I always wear sneakers or sandals when I got out so my girl-y flats are sort of feeling dejected already. And it has been months since I went brisk walking with my dad so my trainers suffer pretty much the same fate. And although it has been raining in Davao City recently, I won't wear my puddlestompers downtown again because the last time I did, people were looking at me like I grew two heads or something.

That experience I had with my Plueys puddlestompers was really unforgettable. And because of that, I thought of selling my rainboots for less than Php1,500 (a bad idea since I bought it for almost two thousand bucks). A buyer from Manila was keen on having it but since she wanted a huge discount on the boots, I decided to cancel the sale. Now, the boots occupy a special spot in my room-- waiting for the perfect puddle-stomping occasion. I am thinking of wearing the boots when we pay our farm a visit in a week or so. I figured that if it continues to rain like it did this past week, the mud will be probably up to my knees. Just perfect for my rainboots!

I don't have plans of buying another pair of shoes anytime soon. I'll probably wear my sandals and sneakers for a couple of months more, continue to neglect my leather flats, and still wear my ancient flip-flops indoors. And I also hope to start on an exercise program and put my trainers to good use.

Simon Pegg in Run Fatboy Run, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People

Lyle and I had a movie marathon the other night and I say we had a blast. The movie marathon, as we both like to call it, was devoted to watching Simon Pegg movies-- Run Fatboy Run and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. I initially didn't want to watch both movies for one reason: Simon Pegg isn't attractive. Still, Lyle insisted that I give the talented award-winning English actor a try and I'm glad I did.

In How to Lose Friends and Alienate People Simon Pegg played the role of Sidney Young, an aspiring British celebrity journalist who had to relocate to New York to work for the very popular Sharps magazine. You have to watch the movie to find out how Sidney (Simon Pegg) manages to annoy everyone at Sharps but becomes one of Hollywood's top-notch celebrity journalists. And oh, it might interest you to find out that Simon Pegg's love interests in this movie are Kirsten Dunst and Megan Fox.

But what made me roll on the floor laughing was Run Fatboy Run. The 2007 romantic comedy directed by David Schwimmer and co-written by Simon Pegg is about a guy named Dennis Doyle who left his pregnant fiancee during their wedding day and then tries to win her back five years later. The movie is really funny and you will definitely love Dennis Doyle (Simon Pegg) as he tries his best to finish a marathon to show Libby (Thandie Newton) and their son that he is a changed man.

If you haven't watched any of Simon Pegg's movies yet, you should watch Run Fatboy Run and How to Lose Friends and Alienate People. I definitely enjoyed watching both and I bet you will, too.

Halloween Costumes, Anyone?

I know it is a bit early for Halloween but I recently came across this site called Costume Cauldron selling costumes and I say I was surprised to find halloween costumes for women. There are all sorts of halloween costumes like French Maid Costume, Pirate's Wench Costume, and even Red Riding Hood costume!

Sure, there are lots of costumes to choose from but if I will be made to choose only two, I think I have my pick already. I'll be choosing a Fortune Teller Costume and maybe a Renaissance Witch Costume.

I think it would be great to join a halloween party dressed as a fortuneteller. In movies, fortunetellers are elaborately dressed in colorful clothing such as flowing skirts, petticoats, scarves, wide belts, bandanas, and tall boots. Some fortuneteller costumes even come with fortune-telling cards so that one will surely fit the role to a T.

Another costume which I think will be great for a halloween party is that of a Renaissance Witch. It will surely be fun to show up dressed up in true Hocus Pocus or Stardust fashion. Imagine yourself wearing a gown with a fitted bodice, gorgeous sleeves, matching perky hat, and a broom to boot! A Renaissance Witch costume will surely be an interesting conversational piece at a halloween party. Aaahh....this gorgeous witch costume will surely make even the lousiest halloween party a blast!

With stores selling affordable costumes online, I doubt if party-goers have to stress out over what to wear to a halloween party. Heck, they even sell plus-sized Halloween costumes for men and women so even if you are an XL, you can still attend a halloween party dressed up as as a schoolmarm, a cop, a cheerleader, or even as a superhero.

Taj Minar Indian Restaurant and Bar

Dinner last night was at Taj Minar Indian Restaurant and Bar in the company of Lyle, Blogie, Andrew, Ria, Chiclet, and Mac. Our small group of bloggers met at this authentic Indian restaurant upon the invitation of the proprietor, Zafar Khan.

Frankly, I have never been to an Indian restaurant before so I didn't really know what to expect. My definition of Indian cuisine is really limited to yoghurt and stuffed pastries with tamarind-based filling but since I have been hearing good reviews about the resto, I wanted to sample Taj Minar' authentic Indian cooking.

To whet our appetite, we were served papadam or lentil wafers. The wafers are delicious especially with the zesty dip that came with it. We also tried vegetable samosas that went well with green and mango chutney. Imagine empanadas with vegetable filling and made even tastier by a spicy dip!

For the mains, we had three different types of curry: beef, chicken, and fish. I liked the chicken and fish curry but the highlight of my meal was the beef curry as the tender pieces of meat with its rich and spicy sauce definitely "hit the spot". It was perfect with Biryani rice and pratha bread.

For dessert, we had Carrot Halva. Carrot halva (or halwa) is more or less carrot pudding topped with an assortment of nuts. With just the right amount of sweetness, this confection perfectly ended my spicy Indian meal.

Overall, Taj Minar Indian Restaurant and Bar serves authentic Indian dishes at reasonable prices. They even have lunch and dinner specials and new additions to their growing list of menu items. For those who haven't tried Indian cuisine before, visit the restaurant and be pleasantly surprised at how flavorful authentic Indian dishes are.

Taj Minar Indian Restaurant and Bar is located at Damosa Gateway, Lanang, Davao City. Tel. No. (082) 305-5849.

Loving Dane Cook in My Best Friend's Girl

Lyle and I watched My Best Friend's Girl last night. The movie is a romantic comedy and boy, maddeningly hilarious! It is starred by Dane Cook, Jason Biggs, and Kate Hudson. I don't want to include spoilers here so all I can tell you is that some people might find the movie tasteless but I totally dig Dane Cook's nasty, foul-mouthed character. Dane Cook is so cool and quite endearing in many parts of the movie.

Dane Cook is one great comedian and aside from My Best Friend's Girl, he was also in Dan in Real Life and Good Luck Chuck. I saw Dan in Real Life and I remember Dane played the brother Dan (Steve Carell) always competed with. Having watched Dane Cook in My Best Friend's Girl, I think I am going to watch Dan in Real Life again. And I have to watch Good Luck Chuck, too!

Here's a clip of My Best Friend's Girl from YouTube. I hope you like it. And by the way, did I mention I like watching crass romantic comedies with frat-boy humour? Hehe.

When bed bugs bite

During one of my senior class' three-day retreat way back in highschool, I had an encounter with bed bugs. I spent my first night in that forsaken retreat house scratching my arms and legs thinking the place was just infested by mosquitoes (not that these pests were not a concern themselves). Imagine my shock when I woke up with red welts all over my arms and legs! I thought I had an allergy but since other girls also had the welts, we concluded that it could be bed bugs.

Our small bunch of "victims" asked the retreat house administrator for a change of matress and linens. The administrator was very apologetic and said that they have been trying to eradicate the bed bugs but since lots of people use their retreat house, they still get infestations from time to time. She also offered us a bottle of calamine lotion to relieve the itching.

When I arrived home from the retreat, I had my clothes washed with extra care. I wanted to dip my clothes in boiling water to get rid of the bed bugs but decided against it. And I am just lucky enough that I did not bring a bedbug home with me. Because If I did, there would've been a riot at home!

The problem with bed bugs is that you can get them easily. For example, if you travel a lot, hotels can have infestations and these bugs can find their way into your garments . Or you can inadvertently bring those bugs into your house when you buy used clothing or furniture. Yikes!

Since I learned my lesson, I am extra cautious when staying in hotels or spending nights away from home. I don't want to encounter bed bugs again so it pays to be extra careful.

LJ Moreno Says Goodbye to Pinoy Fear Factor

It has been more than a week since I last watched Pinoy Fear Factor and I was disappointed when I witnessed one of my bets, LJ Moreno, perform badly during the 3rd stunt of Elimination Round 6. LJ lost to Manuel, Jana, and Savannah in the final challenge of this round.

The challenge, Bungee Invertido, was a very tough one. Imagine yourself tied upside down to a bungee cord and submerged into water while holding on to a weight. And you think that's difficult enough? Well, did I tell you that you are supposed to hold your breath for as long as you can?LOL!

LJ Moreno wasn't able to hold her breath for more than 12 seconds resulting in her being the next participante to be eliminated from the show. I feel sad for LJ but apparently, this is where her Pinoy Fear Factor journey ends.

Adios, LJ!

Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat

I watched Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat with Lyle and his mom and I say it was quite entertaining. The movie, which is a sequel of Tanging Ina, is a comedy starring Ai Ai de las Alas. This time, Ai Ai's character not only struggles to be the best mother to her many children but tries her luck at being the President of the Philippines as well.

Compared to Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat, I believe the prequel (Tanging Ina) is the better film because the plot is more credible and the punchlines aren't so predictable. Still, there were also a lot of funny scenes in Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat especially the ones involving Eugene Domingo. I noticed that Eugene Domingo is so good at comedy that she somehow overshadowed Ai Ai delas Alas in some of the scenes.

Heart Evangelista, Marvin Agustin, Nikki Valdez, and Marc Acueza are no longer part of Ang Tanging Ina Ninyong Lahat. Given the roles they played in Ang Tanging Ina, I can't say they were a big loss to the production. Ai Ai delas Alas as Ina Montecillo is still the super-mom who won the hearts of countless Filipino fans even with the fewer number of children she has to concern herself with.

Looking Good Even In Their 40's

In one of the Asian television dramas I watched, the male lead- already a middle-aged man- looked so good that he can easily give much younger male stars a run for their money. The guy, already 47 years old, looked ten years younger and has a physique comparable to that of an athlete in his 30's. I'm wondering if he had at least one or two cosmetic surgeries over the years. I mean, you can't be that good-looking at forty-seven!

For many years now, men and women have submitted themselves to different types of cosmetic surgery to look good. Since a lot of reputable medical institutions offer a wide range of affordable surgical and non-surgical procedures, staying youthful despite your actual age is no longer exclusive to the rich and famous. Office workers go for rhinoplasty; housewives can now afford liposuction. Even male college students can afford a male cosmetic surgery given a flexible payment plan.

Most people who had cosmetic surgery say that they went for it to increase their self-confidence. And while I have no immediate plans of getting one, I don't see anything wrong with it. I simply consider cosmetic surgery as using science as a way of enhancing what you are born with.

However, I believe that when considering cosmetic surgery, people should weigh their options and make sure that they will be entrusting themselves to duly-certified surgeons. People, more often than not, have cosmetic surgery to stay youthful and the last thing they want to happen is a cosmetic procedure gone bad.