Flower Power

I am currently into flower dress. I like seeing people wearing long flower pattern dress but for my won I prefer to wear the short one. Because I'm a petite one, so if I wear something long I will feel like drowning in the dress =) Look at these flower pattern dresses, so cute. I think a dress like this is good for any occasion. If it's for casual occasion, you can use flat shoes and if it's for a formal one, you can change the flat shoes into pretty high heels. (images via trendmill.com, style.com)

The paradox of our time

I found this really great writing about time that we have in our life. The writing has given me a thoughtful meaning of what's going on in our life lately. I really agree on the statement saying that "We've learned how to make a living, but not a life". Don't you think it's true? Sometimes we don't realize that we have left behind what matters the most in this world, like a comforting hug, a smiling face, a real conversation and so on.

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space.

We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person might not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind."

— Bob Moorehead

(image via weheartit.com and amolife.com)

Before and After

Wow..look at these decors. I always love to see the "before and after" images. Especially when it comes to room decor. I have all the images from Architectural Digest. I guess it's true that you can't always judge sometimes as it is. When you have vision and concept about a room or even a house, you can always turn the 'bad' one into a 'good' one. And here are the examples. These people have done amazing works turning an old place into a much better place.

connection between two unique individuals

Found this writing a while ago. I just had the chance to really read through it again and it was so nice. It is about relationship between two individuals or lover to be more precise. It tells us how are we going to be all along the ups and downs on the relationship. And of course how we feel the love it brings to us. The infinite connection between two unique individuals; its something that changes your whole entire life. love has its ups and downs but if you still have love at the end of the day your blessed. if you can put everything aside for love; if you can forgive someones mistakes; if you could do anything for that one person, you’re truly in love.

True love is what everyone wants to find before they descend the world; but its better if you let it find you. when you learn to love someone and they learn to love you the true effects of love show. you feel like your on top of the world. you learn to think of someone before anyone else. the person you love somewhat becomes your concern, your responsibility, and after awhile simply your everything. you become a lot happier then you usually are. in a way your entire world is effected by this one person. your day changes with their presence; you cant help to giggle, laugh, and smile.

When you truly love someone, they’re the one person that has the magic ability to almost control your moods. they have the complete ability to break your heart but don’t because they love you too much. love is different for everyone, if you’re lucky enough to experience a true love, feel extra special because not everyone gets a chance to feel loved.

(source from Lovelynn via I Heart Love Stories - image via imgfave.com)

Unusual Stockings

I rarely wear stocking although I love seeing people wearing it. Sometimes I feel like wearing stockings sometimes but I still haven't got any confidence wearing it. I don't know why but I promise to myself that someday I will go out, get dress and wear the cutest stockings. Images from here

7 things about ME...

Wow..I received an award from Michelle of Welcome To My World. I've been friends with Michelle since about a year ago through blogging. Even though we're so far apart, we're still connected somehow by doing blog. It's nice to have new friend even if you have never met them in person. So, the award is called Beautiful Blogger Award. It is said that those who received the award should tell 7 things about themselves. Hmm so I guess I would have to say 7 things about me. Okay, let's start:

1. I am really proud to be a Gemini
2. I love the color blue and white
   
3. I lost about 15 kg since 2 years ago
   
4. I love to buy different color of the same type of clothes
5. I really hate when someone lie to me
   
6. I have sweet tooth...can't say NO to chocolate and anything sweet
   
7. I believe that LOVE conquers all =)

So..there you go. I have spilled out 7 random things about me =)

A Woman Should Have...

I found a really good quote about what a woman should have. A quote from Pamela Redmond Satran a writer from New Jersey. This quote has been able to lift up the pride of being a woman. What you should have..what you should know..what it takes on being a true woman.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own even if she never wants
to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her
dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black
lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who
lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone
else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a
recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
a feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't
take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year..."

** Pamela Redmond Satran **

(image from here)

Comfort food..

Look what I found, a warm chocolate and caramel cake recipe from Country Living. A perfect companion to spend the evening=) Look at the picture below..isn't it such a sweet indulgence? Yuummm

Ingredients:

• Butter, softened
• 1 jar(s) good-quality caramel sauce
• 1 1/2 cup(s) sifted cake flour
• 1/3 cup(s) Dutch-process cocoa
• 1 teaspoon(s) baking soda
• 1 cup(s) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1 cup(s) strong brewed coffee, warm
• 1/3 cup(s) light olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon(s) aged balsamic vinegar

Directions:

1. Generously coat six 6-ounce ramekins with softened butter. Chill in the freezer for about 10 minutes, and brush with a second coat of butter. Pour 3 tablespoons caramel sauce into the bottom of each ramekin and transfer to the freezer for 1 hour.
2. Whisk the cake flour, cocoa, baking soda, sugar, and salt together in a large bowl and set aside. Stir the coffee, oil, vanilla, and vinegar together and whisk into the flour mixture just until smooth.
3. Fill each ramekin with 1/3 cup of batter. Bake at 400 degrees F until the cake is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, and the caramel has bubbled up the sides, about 20 minutes.

be stylish

A weather like this makes me want to go out and get dressed like one of these celebs. Hmm let me see which one I like the most. I love Keira's style. Casual but chic. Love the Olsen style too. Honestly I really can't differentiate which Olsen is in the picture. Can anyone help me here? Is it Mary Kate or Ashley?

I got all the image from Instyle. So...which one do you like the most?

(Olsens)

(Kate Walsh)

(Keira Knightley)

(Cameron Diaz)

Sound..

It is very cloudy Tuesday morning here in my place. January has always been like this in my town. And when I am typing this posting I can hear the birds singing..the rain drops and me, typing on my laptop. For me, it always feel good to be able to hear the silence in the morning like this. I hope this will be a good thing to start the day plus I still have my warm latte here with me. The latte is here to keep me awake of course...haha. This weather makes me want to cuddle up in bed, watch DVD and do nothing. But duty calls, gotta go to work=) Thinking about the silence and sounds, what are your favorite sound? I like the sound of a horse running...I love it. The sounds below (six sounds) are proved to be able to lift up our mood, to freshen our brain and somehow it can improve our concentration. Annie Tucker Morgan has listed all the six sounds that have strong effect to our mood. Here are the sounds...

The Six Sounds Humans Love Most

1. Hydrotherapy
Whether it’s a babbling brook, waves breaking onshore, the steady rush of a waterfall, or the drumming of a rain shower, the sound of water is unprecedented in its ability to calm our jangled nerves and lull us to sleep—just ask the droves of music producers who earn their livelihood by recording aquatic melodies and selling them to insomniacs and stressed-out individuals. The secret to water sounds’ relaxing effects may lie in the primal rhythms they contain, which help people regulate their breathing, quiet their minds, and call forth memories of blissful time they’ve spent in nature.

2. Snap, Crackle, Pop
Certain repetitive sounds have the opposite effect water does: each sonic burst is a mini-pick-me-up. These noises include dry autumn leaves, hard-packed snow, or loose gravel crunching underfoot, as well as bacon grease popping in a frying pan (not to mention the mouthwatering scent it releases). Like a rushing river, such sounds have a rhythm all their own, but it’s more staccato and therefore more invigorating. In addition, the sound of a car rolling up a gravel driveway can fill listeners with excitement as they anticipate the arrival of a long-awaited guest.

3. Light My Fire
Whether it’s outside at a campground or inside in a fireplace, the crackling of a fire is mesmerizing to most people; it hypnotizes them into a drowsy, quiet state, punctuated by an occasional mm-hmm. These hearthside sounds may resonate because of humans’ age-old fascination with fire, one of the first tools they used to consciously manipulate their natural environment to keep themselves warm, cook their food, and even herd animals.

Nocturnal gatherings around fires at night were also some of the earliest social gatherings, spurring communication and fostering relationships. Many millennia later, the sound of a fire may trigger some primitive memory of this turning point in human evolution.

4. Laugh-In
If laughter is indeed the best medicine, then an infant’s delighted squeals as she discovers her own toes or a toddler’s raucous giggles when he’s being tickled are the ultimate panacea. The pure, unself-conscious joy that children’s laughter projects is contagious; it liberates adults from their day-to-day stresses by reminding them of more innocent and carefree times. And for the parents of youngsters, their kids’ belly laughs can be a reassuring sign that all is well psychologically and that the parents are making sound child-rearing decisions.

5. Noise Pollution
Ironically, one of the most widely used therapeutic sounds is not a single tone at all, but rather a combination of all sonic frequencies playing simultaneously: white noise. So named for its similarity to white light—which is not an absence of color, but a mixture of all colors—white noise works by absorbing all background noise and “reprogramming” it as a steadier, more calming buzz, not unlike the sound of radio static. As a result, it’s an effective sleep aid, a treatment for tinnitus, and a concentration booster (to block out the distracting sounds of noisy coworkers, for example).

6. And the Winner Is …
In 1935, two Bell Labs researchers named Harvey Fletcher and W.A. Munson conducted an investigation into human hearing that remains the most renowned study of its kind to this day. In measuring the frequencies that the ear is most responsive to, Fletcher and Munson discovered that people’s favorite sound of all is that of the human voice, which falls right within the ideal range of frequencies (300–3,000 Hertz) for our hearing. The only question is, did our voices evolve to suit our ears, or was it the other way around?

(article source from divinecaroline - images from chriscraymer, deivantart, weheartit)

Your world

Just some thoughts about life and how we need to shape our own world...
Love it or hate it..Like it or not...Enjoy it or not..

This is your world you're living on.

You're the one who's responsible for your own happiness and miseries.

If you think you don't like the direction of your life now..change it.

Go to the direction that you like.

If you feel like all this time you've always been told to do this and that with your life...

Stand up and be done with it. It's time to shape your own life.

Live the life that you've always wanted.

Don't be a passenger in your own life...Don't be a passenger in your own world.
(image via tumblr)

Build the trust

I always value trust. I always keep my trust to people and their trust on me. Whatever happens I think trust between me and other people is very important that I really put a high value on it. Once I trust people, I give them 100% trust. i always try my best to give the fullest trust to the person and not to worry myself with bad things that can ruin my mind. What do you think about truth and trust? Are the two elements connected? I think so. I think by always saying the truth (even when it hurts), you can always build trust to other people and they will in return trust you. Here are 5 ways to build trust...

5 Ways to Build Trust

We often simply focus on whether we can trust others. But perhaps more importantly the question to be asked is: Can others trust me? Whether at your workplace or your home, look to these characteristics to help you build trust.

1) Communicate. Open and honest, constructive communication is probably the most important element in building trust. Sure, promises are made that cannot be kept. When that happens, be honest. Take the time to explain. If you are leading a project and the direction must be changed midstream, share that information with your team members - before the changes are implemented. If you are afraid of the responses you will get, then it is probably even more important that you explain the circumstances sooner than later. If you are willing to trust others by taking the hot seat, others will see that they can trust you when the situation is reversed.

2) Listen. When someone brings information to you that is difficult to hear, take the time to sit quietly and listen. Understand that information that is hard to hear, is also difficult to deliver and they have taken a risk to be the messenger. As you are listening, remember to breathe and give the other person time to deliver the whole message before reacting. As much as we don't want to receive bad news, it is a part of life. Especially in the workplace it is important that you recognize the position of the messenger, provide them with a safe and supportive environment and work with them to create a solution. Listening to bad news in a timely manner, is far better than hearing it later and being unable to find a solution.

3) Be consistent. Nothing wears down trust faster than being unpredictable. One day you are smiling and telling one co-worker to go home early, the next day you are growling at the other person when they leave 5 minutes early. Your personal likes and dislikes for other people do not belong displayed in the workplace. Keep your behaviors consistent and fair. You don't need to like someone to be respectful of them.

4) Tell the truth. I know some people who can take this a little too far. Tell the truth when the outcome of the task, project, work or family dynamics dictates. In other words, the fact that you don't like the color of the person's shirt, is probably not a necessary piece of information to share. However, it is necessary that you admit when an oversight has been made. I value people who can come to me and tell me that they have made an error (or they think they have made an error) and then work with me to find a solution.

5) Do what you say you will. If you have said you will, then do. Haven't you worked with people who have made promises, only to never follow through. And after a point, you stop trusting that they will do anything they say they will.

“In the small matters trust the mind, in the large ones the heart.”
— Sigmund Freud

(source by by Andrea G. Gordon, M.Ed. from Selfgrowth.com-image via here and here)

I am a Red Monkey..

Want to try something fun and not confusing at all? Try this. DOUBUTSU URANAI. But what is it anyway? DOUBUTSU URANAI uses the date of birth, based on the Four Pillars of Destiny, that breaks down the human characteristics into 12 different kinds of animals. It enables you to find out your characteristic and personality. It's nothing serious but if you need something to entertain you..this is the perfect link. All you need is your gender and date of birth voilà! you will get the result instantly. Here's what I got..a Red Monkey=) How about you?And here are the points about my characteristics and personalities. Some of them are quite true.

• You are Red Monkey, whose simple and natural personality is easily understood by those around you.
• You can make others feel safe.
• You will take on any favor asked, and have a strong volunteer spirits.
• Even if you get angry, you don't hold that against people for long time.
• You are simple forthright person.
• You are a person with sensitivity.
• If you use this sensitivity at work and in hobbies, you will achieve great results.
• You should learn a lot while young, and use that experience to help the society in the future.
• You also possess great talent in carrying out matters and handling it efficiently.
• You are a very active person.
• You are smart and calculating.
• You can be rather short tempered, and will not tell your true feelings.
• This may make you bit lonely, so don't forget to have a broad mind.
• You are a quick learner, so you will be favored by your boss.
• But if there isn't a person who can set an example, you can not carry out work efficiently.
• You may be suited to stay as number two than to stand at the top.
• You are independent and keeps your own pace.
• So it may be better to keep away from the impossible.
• Because you are a popular person, you will be asked out by many people.
• Try and turn down offers nicely, or you may disturb the living pace and your own personal relationships.
• Your marriage fortune is very good.
• You will do great as a housewife and also as the person committed to do good for the society.

Peace of Mind

How about spending some quite time in one of these cottages? WANT! I love quite time, all I need is just a good companion (My boyfriend will be the perfect person), books, coffee and tea..Those are all that I need. The calming surrounding environment would certainly be able to sooth my mood and to freshen up all the things that have been running on my mind such as work stuffs, traffic jam, this and that thing. But when I look at these cottages below, my mind automatically shifted into some calming peace of mind. I believe that it's necessary to spend some quite time in a place like this. Not just good for your soul but also for your body. Don't you think so too?

Here's what Thomas Jefferson said about spending time in a cottage house. I am really agree on what he said...

“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give.”
Thomas Jefferson
(image sources: urbangrace, apartmenttheraphy, flickr, flickr, shelterinteriordesign)

Act of Kindness..

The images below really can explain the concept of PAY IT FORWARD. I really love the idea of the concept. It's like a good karma from me. When you spread good things, the good things will come back to you eventually. That's why I always feel that it's very important for us to be able to help one another. I once made a posting about Pay It Forward, the concept and the movie. Click here to read it. I do believe that any act of kindness can always be back to those who give it to other people. It's a lot like doing a good deed in which large or small does not really matter. What matters is the one that comes from your heart and from your sincerity.

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.
-Saint Basil-

Every day, nay every moment, try to do some good deed.
-Abu Bakr- (image sources from: flickr, livejournal)

Happiness...A way of life..

There are some people who always seem hard to find happiness. And when you see people who are rich, you might think that they are happy but they are not always happy actually. In this world, it's not money that can bring you happiness but the inner self of you. We don't need to spend on those high value thing or material things but all we need is our heart and our mind to be happy. Don't you think so? I personally would rather choose to have less money but have happiness in the world than have lots of money but feel empty inside. I believe that happiness is how you make the best of every situation in your life. That doesn't mean that you have to follow what other people are doing. Each of us has our own "games" that we "play". So, why bother following other people's ways? We have to be confident that we are the one who can find our own happiness. Here are some of the points taken from David Cantu,a Life Coach about happiness as a way of life.

• No single formula exists for a happy life. We are each unique beings with differing needs and values. Many tools are available to aid you in living happily, many paths; but the foundation for that life includes a few essentials: love, virtue, effort, a clear mind, and meaning.

• Chief among these elements is love, without which life is empty - not romantic love (which can be tasty and delicious) but love of self. Self-love is synonymous with self-respect or personal worth; with it we're able to receive love, without it we instead build barriers to others. Being able to take in love is the first step to giving love and to being happy.

• Virtue is a challenge for all of us! But its role in creating happiness is made clear in the words of Confucius: "Virtue is never left to stand alone. He who has it will have neighbors." Living a life of virtue is a safety net for everyone on the path to becoming a joy magnet because it connects us firmly to our community. It is a synonym for giving and love, the golden rule.

• True effort is required to achieve any worthwhile objective in life, but it must be made with the correct goal in mind. Many people work diligently but make hardly any progress. Whether you call it joy, peace, or freedom, know that your goal is great happiness. See your life as one giant experiment. Life is a struggle full of landmines, there is no doubt about that. Develop the determination to overcome challenges.

• A clear mind is the light that guides us to fulfillment. Perhaps this is the most difficult of the happiness requirements for anyone to implement. I believe the reason for this is that it is very hard for us to step out of our own skin, to see ourselves as we really are rather than how we imagine ourselves to be. I also believe clarity of mind can be learned; it can be practiced. The best tools for this are daily doses of humility, listening, and meditation.

• These four ingredients - love, virtue, effort, and a clear mind - give our lives substance and direction. Yet they are not enough; meaning is still lacking. To be happy you must be true to yourself; you must seek and live that which makes your heart sing. Your life and your work must be significant - to you. Treat yourself also to the pleasures of life. A hedonistic life is fun and seductive, but will never suffice to create happiness. However, a life bereft of pleasure won't either. We should be passionate both about our work and about those things that make us feel good: the myriad sensations and sweetness of nature.

(source from here - images from here, here, here)

Celebirties' Closet

Celebrities..Oh how lucky they are. Lucky in a way that they can have these wonderful and amazingly huge closet. You can actually sleep in there. Have a look at some of the celebrities' walk in closet. Phew. I'm speechless...especially when I see Mariah Carey's shoes room!!

Jessica Alba
Christina Aguilera
Kimora Lee Simmons
Paula AbdulMariah CareyEva LongoriaFergie(image source from: thecheapgirl, fashionedge, weheartit)

Have you grown up?

Have you grown up? I have grown up for sure. Ha ha...why am I really confidence on saying that I am? Because I agree on every points on the list below. So, what about the list? It's called "Twenty-five Signs You Have Grown Up". Oh My God, I smile when I read every single point of the list, I bet you will too.Will you be happy to find out that you have grown up or will you be missing out the good old time back when you were still younger? Read it all..It's FUN

Twenty-five Signs You Have Grown Up

1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can’t smoke any of them.
2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question.
3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge.
4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed.
5. You hear your favorite song in an elevator.
6. You watch the Weather Channel.
7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of “hook up” and “breakup.”
8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14.
9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as “dressed up.”
10. You’re the one calling the police because those %&@# kids next door won’t turn down the stereo.
11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you.
12. You don’t know what time Taco Bell closes anymore.
13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up.
14. You feed your dog “Science Diet” instead of McDonald’s leftovers.
15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt.
16. You take naps.
17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date instead of the beginning of one.
18. Eating a basket of chicken wings at three in the morning would severely upset, rather than settle, your stomach.
19. You go to the drug store for ibuprofen and antacid, not condoms and pregnancy tests.
20. A four dollar bottle of wine is no longer “pretty good shit.”
21. You actually eat breakfast food at breakfast time.
22. “I just can’t drink the way I used to” replaces “I’m never going to drink that much again.”
23. Ninety percent of the time you spend in front of a computer is for real work.
24. You drink at home to save money before going to a bar.
25. When you find out your friend is pregnant you congratulate them instead of asking “Oh shit what the hell happened?”

(source from DivineCaroline - image from here, here and here)