THE STORY OF A HAMLET

Just before the sunrise in the countryside, I often hear the songbirds welcoming the dawn.  Despite the darkness, I know that the radiant light of the sun will soon appear.

Why do birds sing?  Birds sing because they have a syrinx instead of larynx.  The syrinx is the birds voice box, an organ that lies deep in the birds chest and is uniquely fashioned for song.  Songs are used to attract mates and defend territories, but the form is much more than function.  Nature is full of beauty and music.

As a hamlet kid, I was able to witness the stages of bird's life.  Twig by twig, the couple birds constructed a bowl-shaped home.  Soon she laid eggs and kept it warm until it hatched.  Then, the babies were born.  Their parents worked hard to keep them safe.  In few months, they were ready to leave.  And the nest became empty.

Like the offspring, I left home to continue my own life's journey.  But I always missed home and I go back.  On the other hand, I missed to participate in previous photo themes although I kept checking FSO.  Afterall, it's nice to be back!

MY DISCLOSURE POLICY

This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me. For questions about this blog, please contact redlan1976@yahoo.com.


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This blog does contain content which might present a conflict of interest. This content will always be identified.


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MY FIRST KNITTING PROJECT IN THE QUARTER TURNS

Knitwear has always played an influential in fashion trends and its latest manifestation is in the form of chunky knits.  Whether you are an ardent follower of fashion or a knitting enthusiast, you cannot have failed to notice the impact that chunky knits have had on the catwalk in the recent seasons.  Hmmm.... I am looking forward to see that in Magkaribal (if it would be featured).

Everyone can do knitting unless not interested or not willing to learn.  The classic way of learning to knit is to start with something basic and then move on to perhaps a simple garment using different shaping methods or stitches.

Of course, you should have materials to be ready for that like yarns.

And knitting needles ( I already bought knitting needles myself.  Using chopsticks as a substitute is just a last recourse or alternative or let's say way of practice.)

This is my first attempt.  The cellphone pouch.  As you can clearly see, it's not perfect in shape. 

Beaded butterfly is just a style not included.  But I will try to make bead projects in the future.  I gave it to my office mate.  It's bigger for my mobile phone.

This is my second attempt.  It's for myself.  The knitting and its shape is now neat. :-) Continuous practice makes it perfect.  I did until 2 am and it made me sick.  lol.  I am really obsessive in the things I like to do.  it's the worst attitude when I am in love.

There you go!  my new knitted mobile pouch.

This is my third attempt.  It's for my friend who loves violet.  She's finally pregnant!


Like in the beauty pageant such as Miss Universe, I would love to play the quarter turns during swimsuit competition.  Violet  mobile pouch be ready....

now,

and finally now.....  Thank you lady!  Lmao!

As a reward, there's Mr. Wow Ulam, Coco Martin!

Seriously now, there is always a sense of achievement when a new skill is mastered.

Another skill and project I did, the knitted bracelet.  It's not for the advance welcome of the Ber months. The red for the love of myself.  The yellow for P-Noy.  And the green in support of KJ's advocacy (since I don't have pounds just heavy pounds.).

He said:

Green ribbon stands for Protection of Environment (and animals too, i guess)

Gibo out, KJ in.  Kidding, please don't take it seriously guys.  I just followed Victoria's winning line.

I tried to wear the yellow one.  It looks like a sparkling gold but fake bracelet.  Lmao.  But I like the swan white button.

DEAR JOHN

Do you agree if I say people like to read stories about themselves and love to share stories with friends, family and acquaintances?  When my old folks told me about the past, I raised my brows.  It is because it's weird to compare how low prices during their time.  But now I realized that the story about it is true.  I already reached the point of comparing my past with the present.

However, I won't tell much about it with my children and grandchildren in the future.  I will show to them what they were doing and how they looked like.  I am just creating a keepsake for them.  Combining photographs, graphics, and text can create beautiful heirlooms to cherish, look, and read again and again.  And as the kids are big enough to hold the photo scrapbook, they are likely to become the most appreciative audience of this special keepsake.

Here's an additional scrapbook page I newly created.

MY NEWLY PAINTED HOUSE

I bought this right to own website three months ago.  It's like a house that needs to maintain and develop.  At first, I only put some basic stuffs that really need to have in the house.  Only yesterday I was inspired to paint everything and to put more decorations.

It's almost done!  And now, I feel back pains!  I am not a techie individual so I put everything in mano-mano style.  So this is my new home.  The home that reflects my personality.  It's all ME!  I called it my BOOK OF LIFE.

I love looking the photo frames hanging on its walls. :-)

FIRST IN FASHION

In 1852, the first fashion model was a Persian shopgirl, Maria Vernet Worth, posing like a mannequin for her husband who was a dress salesman.  The first famous model who appeared in the cover of Vogue was Lisa Fonssagrives who becoame popular for having a waistline of 17 inches. 

Queen Elizabeth II love hats so much that she made it mandatory for females ages 7 above to wear hats during Sundays and holidays.  The queen has worn about 5,000 different hats over the past 50 years. 

SWEATY HANDS AND FEET

Treat sweaty hands and feet at home by using tea.  In a basin, steep five tea bags in a quart of hot water.  When the mixture cools, soak your hands or feet for 30 minutes.  The tea will help clog the pores that produce sweat.  Although this treatment is not a permanent solution, it can last for several hours and can be epeated anytime you need to stay dry.

MALL TOUR

Whenever I walk through a shopping mall alone, my self-control is put to test.  No plan to buy a thing but ended buying some things.  I know my window shopping has been successful  when my hands are both resting inside my pockets or swinging freely.  More often than not, I leave the mall with fewer money  than when I entered.

Going to the mall is my outlet when I want to de-stress.  My favorite stores reflect my passion and interest for arts and crafts, entertaining and movies.

EDDIEMAR MAGAZINE STAND-  I am a collector of Entrepreneur and Sharon @ Home magazines.  I am a loyal buyer of that store since high school and a regular reader too.  I usually check their branches at SM City- Iloilo And Robinsons Mall.

The latest issue of Entrepreneur and S@H.

BOOKSALE-  I check arts & crafts books.  The books are cheaper here.

This is the cheapest book I bought that cost 25 pesos.

ODYSSEY-  I always drop by to check what's the latest movies and and music albums released.

This is the number 2 music album released.  The number one is the music album of Francis Magalona and Eli Buendia.

MOVIES AND MORE-  I m a member to rent some movies and magazines I missed to watch and read. 

The previous issues of Entrepreneur I missed to buy.

NATIONAL BOOK STORE-  They have the complete selection of books, art and craft tools, school and office supplies and more. 

I roam around the mall when I am bored. I enter from one mall store to another when I look for something like gifts.

How about you? What's your fave mall stores?

SWEATING

Sweating is normal.  Excess sweating can be caused by several factors like metabolic conditions such as diabetes, emotional triggers, genetics or foods with caffaine and nicotine.  For mild sweating of underarms, make it a habit to shower with cold water more frequently to alleviate body odor.  Use natural fibers like cotton that provides.  Ventilation and reflects sunlight.  To stay dry and stain free, try using an underarm sweat shield to absorb excess sweat and shave hair to decrease bacteria and diminish odor.  For severe cases, consult your doctor.

THE CHOPSTICKS TURNED KNITTING STICKS

I bought this Knit & Crochet book at National Book Store last year even I am not yet professional in knitting and crochet.  It's just that it was on sale.  The original price was actually 895 php and the discounted price is 537 php.  I already know the basic of knitting though.  I learned it from my niece.  It was one of her craft and art project in high school.

I am still looking for the knitting needles.  It is not yet available here in Iloilo or should I say out of stock.  So I just read again and again the getting ready to knit section of the book.  Until I found some pairs of chopsticks.  I brought it home from a Chinese restaurant we used to eat before.  Obviously, I don't know how to use chopsticks.  Ha-ha!

So here's the chopsticks turned knitting sticks.  I just sharpened the pointed edge. 

I just did the basic of knitting until I have the real knitting needles.  I am kinda excited to make even just one of the 100 purses.

soon....

BODY ODOR

Asians compared to other races, may have less of those apocrine glands, the kind of sweat glands that produce body odor; but Asians are prone to Osmiodrosis, the production of objectionably aromatic sweat, usually tolerable.  So always observe proper hygiene and prevent body odor through daily bathing and the use of deodorants.

REJUVENATE

Don't let yourself be stressed out from a long day at work or the unending term papers and projects in school.  Take a break from it all once in awhile. Pamper yourself and rejuvenate.  Treat yourself with a soothing day at the spa, spend time with your loved ones or unwind with friends at the cafe and release that negative energy.  After all, when you're not under stress, you get more productive.  Take a break because you deserve it!

ARE YOU A WORKAHOLIC?

YOU ARE A WORKAHOLIC IF:

1.  You get up early no matter how late you go to bed.

2.  You are eating lunch alone, and you read or work while you eat.

3.  You make daily lists of things to do.

4.  You find it difficult to "do nothings".

5.  You are energetic and competitive.

6.  You work anytime and anywhere.

7.  You find vacations :hard to take".

8.  You dread retirement.

9.  You really enjoy your work.


To combat "workaholism" try these tips.  It's effective.

a.  Focus on the work you most love doing, and try to find ways to stop doing, delegate, or minimize the parts of your work you dislike.

b.  Use your time; don't let it use you.  Decide how much time you want to spend working; then limit your work accordingly.

I stop working at 5:30 pm and do online farming.

c.  Build friendship at work.  Arrange to spend quality time with coworkers.

bonding with my office mates.

d.  Organize and decorate your workplace to create an environment that pleases you.  You deserve it.

the craft I made for my writing instruments in the office.

e.  Try to stay in touch with the positive aspects of your work:  the pleasure of doing work that fulfills you, the freedom, the opportunity to be of service to others, or other aspects of your work you find rewarding.

Source:  Comprehensive stress management book.

HOW TO CLEAN MAKEUP BRUSH APPLICATORS?

To clean make up brush applicators, wash them with warm soapy water every 2 months and dispose of them after 1-2 years.  For makeup sponges, wash with cool water ever week and dispose of them every month.

HOW LONG DOES MAKE UP LAST?

Mascara expires the fastest and is the worst breeding ground for bacteria.  Change mascara every three months.  Water-based foundation will last for a year and oil based foundation for 18 months.  Eyeliners and lip pencils can last up to 2-3 years and must be sharpened regularly.  If liner gets damp, get rid of it sooner.  Lipsticks can last for 1-2 years.  Storing lipstick in the refrigerator can make it last longer.  Dry products like powders, blushes, and eye shadows can last up to 2 years.

SAFETY MAKE UP TIPS TO KEEP IT BACTERIA FREE

1.  Keep makeup containers tightly closed.

2.  Keep your makeup away from sunlight or hot temperatures.

3.  Do not add liquid to your makeup unless told.  Liquid may put your makeup at high risk for contamination.

4.  Wash or replace applicators once in awhile.

5.  And lastly refrain from borrowing someone else's makeup.

BEAUTY TIPS

Makeup is bacteria's favorite nesting place.  So when do you throw them out?

1.  When it changes color or texture.

2.  When the odor becomes funky.

3.  If you cannot remember when you bought it, throw it away.

Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your beauty.

LETTER-WRITING IN MANO-MANO(MANUAL) WAY

Letter-writing is part of the things I want to achieve this year.  That's why I decided to have my own Postal Box.  Now, I am excited to send handwritten letters to and receive letters from other people.  It's like in the movie "Dear John".

The photo above is the personalized card i made and ready to send to my friend from another country.  It's actually a souvenir sand I brought home from my island visit last December in Guimaras Island.  The island called Tatlong Pulo(Three Islands).

This is what inside the personalized card