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List of LIFE

2012-01-26T10:28:00.003+07:00

I found this list of "100 tips about Life" via inoveryourhead.net. It's always been my favorite thing reading about list of life, simple stuff that can actually do big stuff to our life =) So, here's the list...

1. True wisdom and insight is always free.

2. Give your power over to no one.

3. Going into the unknown is how you expand what is known.

4. Get a library card.

5. Spend more time around people that both challenge and respect you.

6. Remain skeptical forever.

7. Fight for what matters.

8. There is a method that works. Find it.

9. Join a movement.

10. Drink your coffee black.

11. Never let anyone photoshop a picture of you. It creates a false sense of self-confidence.

12. Read more. Especially things you disagree with.

13. Get used to feeling stupid. It’s a sign of growth.

14. It’s easy for people to talk a good game, so watch how they behave instead.

15. Learn something from everyone.

16. Find things that inspire you and pursue them, even if there’s no money in it.

17. Starve if you have to, for as long as you need to.

18. Survive on a little just to prove you can do it.

19. Get one big success at an early age. It’ll help build your confidence for bigger things.

20. Do what you say you’ll do. No one is reliable anymore.

21. Be comfortable with abandonment, even of parts of your identity.

22. Learn a new language.

23. Eat more protein.

24. Keep people around you that will tell you the truth.

25. Genius gets you nowhere. Execution is everything.

26. If given the choice of equity or cash, always take cash.

27. Meet new people as often as possible. Offer to help them.

28. Don’t discriminate. Connect anyone in your network to anyone else.

29. If you can’t do a pull-up, you have a problem.

30. Nobody likes a know-it-all.

31. Get a passport. Fill it up with stamps no one has ever seen.

32. Quit your horrible job.

33. Read biographies. It’s like having access to the best mentors in history.

34. Go to bed, and wake up, early. No one will bother you, letting your best work emerge.

35. Scare yourself a little bit every day. It will expand your inner map.

36. Learn to climb trees.

37. Don’t buy a lot of stuff, and only buy the stuff you really love.

38. Be humble and curious.

39. Twitter followers don’t keep you warm at night.

40. Be as useful as you can in as many circumstances as possible.

41. Show up.

42. Repeat people’s names when you meet them.

43. Turn internet access off your phone. Wifi is fine.

44. Get a deck of Oblique Strategies cards. Use them.

45. Make your home a place where you feel safe.

46. Take people up on bets. Make more bets yourself.

47. Take cold showers. They’re better than coffee.

48. Learn to enjoy hunger.

49. Make everything either shorter, or longer, than it needs to be.

50. Always remember those who helped you. Deliver two or three times as much value back.

51. But also, help people who have never helped you, and can’t.

52. When you know that pain is temporary, it affects all of your decisions.

53. Get a tattoo. Don’t worry about regret.

54. Commit to things, regularly, that are far beyond your ability.

55. Meet with friends more often than you think you have to.

56. Learn to meditate. Go on a retreat if you have to.

57. Your stories are both more and less interesting than you think.

58. Learn to really listen.

59. Walk more.

60. Ugly is just a step on the way to beautiful.

61. Get to know your neighbours.

62. Don’t take anything personally, ever.

63. Consider avoiding school. Go to lots of conferences instead.

64. As soon as you can, buy some art.

65. Apologize more than you need to.

66. Find out if there will be food there.

67. A good haircut changes everything.

68. Read Man’s Search For Meaning.

69. Say no to projects you don’t care about.

70. Do things that are uncool. Later on, they usually end up becoming cool anyway.

71. Find your voice.

72. Have some manners.

73. Learn to play chess, go, and bridge. They’ll keep you from going senile.

74. Learn about the Tetrapharmakos.

75. Find ways to cheat the system– just don’t cheat people.

76. Be like Jesus, not like his followers. (This applies to all of them.)

77. At least once, date someone that’s out of your league.

78. Examine your jealousy. You’ll learn a lot about yourself.

79. Good connections are about people, not social networks.

80. Address small problems. They will become big problems.

81. Dress like a cooler version of yourself.

82. Yes, there is such a thing as bad press.

83. Add “adventurer” to your Twitter bio. Then, become one.

84. If the internet is the best thing in your life, you have a serious problem.

85. Give away your best work for free.

86. Find mentors. Just don’t call them that.

87. Actually write on your blog. Nobody cares if it’s hard.

88. Download Freedom. Use it for an hour every day.

89. Join a gym. Lift the heaviest you can. (This applies to girls too.)

90. Do some freewriting. It helps you think things through.

91. When you’re having supper with rich people, pick up the cheque.

92. Learn how to speak in public.

93. If you see someone who needs help, stop asking yourself if they need help. Instead, just help.

94. Bring a bottle of wine.

95. The best conversations are had side by side, not one in front of the other.

96. Protect your hearing. Trust me.

97. Do what’s most important first thing in the morning, before you check email.

98. Everyone feels like they’re not good enough. It’s not just you.

99. Courage is a learned skill.

100. Go to Iceland. It’s worth it.

(image source: favim)

Dragon Year..

2012-01-24T15:21:00.003+07:00

Hi everyone. How's your weekend? We had a long weekend here due to the public holiday of Chinese Lunar Year. And yesterday was also my father's birthday, so there was a family gathering here in my parents' house. We had a barberque, my mom and I cooked, we had a good chat and laugh. It was a good day. Happy Birthday Dad =)

So, it's been said that it's now the year of the dragon. I don't celebrate Chinese New Year but many of my friends were celebrating it. So, for those of you who celebrate Chinese New Year, I would like to say:

"Happy New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai.

May this year of the Dragon Water gives us all

a prosperous year and bring us luck and happiness"

Here's something about Dragon year I found on chinesefortunecalendar.com:

2012 is the Water Dragon year. Dragon contains Earth. People whose Earth score is low will receive benefits from Dragon. Dragon also contains Water. 2012 will bring good luck for people whose Lucky Element is Water. Dragon is the last year of the Wood cycle. Dragon carries the Wood energy from Rabbit of 2011. If you did very well in 2011 and your Lucky Element is Wood, then your luck will most likely continue during the year of Dragon.

(image soure: weheartit.com)

Lunch Box DIY

2012-01-20T20:04:00.003+07:00

What is your plan for the weekend? Here's a little idea..maybe you can do some DIY at home. I found this unique DIY stuff that I believe is not hard to do, via Lunch It, Punch It. Making a lunch box from a milk jug. Sounds good? Hope so. It looks so easy when I look at the image below, but I haven't got the time to try it. Those of you who will try it or maybe will have been succeed to try it..tell me =) Have a great weekend everyone...

Direction:

Empty a gallon milk jug, wash it out, draw the lines on like in the photo.
Use a pin to poke rows of holes, which will become the crease.
Fold it into a little box and add a piece of hook and loop closure (brand name is Velcro) and you’ve got yourself a clever lunchbox!

(image and source via Lunch It, Punch It)

Handwriting..

2012-01-18T15:08:00.003+07:00

What's your writing says about you? Until now I am not really sure whether our handwriting can really says something about us. But once a while it's always been fun to read something behind our handwriting. Below is the explanation of a handwriting and its meaning that I found on Real Simple. So, have a look and tell me what does your handwriting says bout you?

If Your Writing Slants…

To the right: You are open to the world around you and like to socialize with other people.
To the left: You generally like to work alone or behind the scenes. If you are right-handed and your handwriting slants to the left, you may be expressing rebellion.
Not at all: You tend to be logical and practical. You are guarded with your emotions.

If the Size of Your Letters Is…

Large: You have a big personality. Many celebrities have large hand writing. It may suggest that you are outgoing and like the limelight.
Small: You are focused and can concentrate easily. You tend to be introspective and shy.
Average: You are well-adjusted and adaptable.

If Your Loops Are...

Closed for L (meaning the upstroke overlaps the downstroke): Feeling tense? This implies you are restricting yourself in some way.
Full for L: You are spontaneous and relaxed and find it easy to express yourself.
Closed for E: You tend to be skeptical and are unswayed by emotional arguments.
Full for E: You have an open mind and enjoy trying new things.

If Your S’s Are…

Round: You are a people-pleaser and seek compromise. You avoid confrontation.
Pointy: You are intellectually probing and like to study new things. The higher and pointier the peaks, the more ambitious you are.
Open at the bottom: You might not be following your heart. For example, you always wanted to be an artist, but you have a career in finance.

(image and article via Real Simple)

Bright Penthouse

2012-01-16T18:33:00.003+07:00

Found! A fresh bright penthouse! The first image below really caught my eyes! Look at it and tell me what you think? I think the bright lights really make the room stunning. And the casual decor looks so cute, warm and friendly. I love something wide and white, all you need is just to put some colors here and there, voila...you'll get yourself a stunning room. Below is a penthouse located somewhere in Stockholm, Sweden (source: 1kindesign). Again..it's a Swedish decor. It seems that everything that has a Swedish touch can be so nice-looking decor, don't you think?

(all images via 1kindesign)

Thoughts..

2012-01-12T16:38:00.006+07:00

It's been a while since the last time I browse article on Daily OM. And then just now I found this article. A short article about THOUGHTS. I have always filled my mind with lots of thoughts...various thoughts. From the simple thoughts to the hard one. It's been said that people who were born under the sign of Gemini (including me!) always have their mind full of thoughts, it is said that their mind is always jumping from one thoughts to another thoughts. I guess that's quite true. I can never be free from thoughts. Maybe I should try to do a yoga or to meditate so I can have some time for a peaceful mind haha =) But I don't mind having a mind like that, it's the curiosity that always lead me to something new....

Thoughts

The Creation Ground of Experience

Our thoughts are powerful forces in the creation of our experience of life. You may be able to recall a time when frustration that was based on a misunderstanding completely evaporated when your understanding changed. This is because our interpretation defines our experience, and it can change in an instant. Our only true reality is the present moment, so rather than merely accepting that life is happening to us, we can harness the power of our thoughts to actively create a positive reality. For example, we can choose to appreciate beauty around us rather than focusing on traffic or look for admirable qualities in the people we deal with rather than focusing on the negative. By choosing how to interpret and define each moment with your thoughts, you truly create your reality.

Throughout the day, we can monitor our thoughts to catch ourselves in the middle of investing our energy elsewhere—such as into belief in limitations—and instead pull our focus back to the infinite possibilities of the present. Taking a deep breath will help us center our thoughts on being in our bodies right now. Regular meditation allows us to gain mastery over our minds so that we can still our thoughts to focus on the pureness of being. If we mentally dwell on the past or the future, we may miss the experience of living in the present moment. Setting and visualizing goals is wonderful, but we can bring our thoughts into our current experience by taking steps to create them now.

Our minds are powerful tools that we can harness to create our reality. Through them we move the unformed energy of the universe into form, which gives us direction for our words and actions. Each thought is like a stone dropped into a lake, sending ripples out into our world to affect all they touch. We can choose our focus and how we invest our energy, which gives us the power to design our lives to be whatever we choose in each and every moment.

(image source: tiovani.tumblr)

Everything is connected...

2012-01-10T13:21:00.003+07:00

Found this quote image below on Paulo Coelho's Facebook this morning when I was having my first sip of coffee after 4 days of not drinking it =) Such a good morning to start the rest of my Tuesday, other than that, the weather was so fine this morning. So, the quote below is about yourself. It's about painful things that were meant to happen for the sake of the greater and better outcome. everything is connected, I believe that things happen because it's meant to happen to meet other things that somehow will be connected. Although most of the times we can't really see or feel what's the connection between things that are happening to us.

DIY...

2012-01-09T17:00:00.002+07:00

Hello Monday, Hello you =) How's everyone doing? Wow, it's a rainy season here..everyday is always raining. It's like a love and hate relationship with rain. I love it when it rains but when it doesn't stop for quite some time, rain can sometimes ruin our schedule. Don't you think so? But let's always take a good side of everything, at least when it's raining, the weather is nice, you can make yourself a cup of your fave coffee or tea, read a book or just sit by the windows watching the rain falls from the sky =) Or maybe, you can try to do some DIY project at your house...I have few pictures of DIY stuff we can do at home: doing nice thing to your nails (via Ciao Bella) or maybe making a homemade lip balm (via The Daily Green). Enjoy...

Homemade Honey-Cocoa Butter Lip Balm

Makes 100 applications

2 tbls. olive oil
1/2 tsp. honey
3/4 tsp. beeswax — grated
1/2 tsp. pure cocoa butter
Flavored oil of your choice (like peppermint or vanilla)
1 vitamin E capsule

> In a small saucepan, heat oil, honey, wax and butter over a low heat until just melted.
> Remove from heat and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes.
> Stir in flavoring and contents of vitamin E capsule.
> Pour into containers of your choice.

Unique cabinet..

2012-01-04T18:33:00.006+07:00

I am in love with this unique stuff that I found via Contemporist. It is called Oturakast cabinet, designed by Dutch designer Rianne Koens. Don't you think it's very unique? Not just unique but also functional, you can use it as a cabinet, drawer or even chairs..Love it...

White Lie..

2012-01-03T11:02:00.006+07:00

Just now, I was having a small talk with a friend of mine. And just realized that we were talking about a white lie. What do you think about it? Do you think white lie is always appropriate at any time? Or do you think it's still a lie? For me personally, white lie is still a lie. No one likes it when someone lie to you. I hate the feeling when someone lie to me in purpose. It feels like he/she doesn't care about the feeling that I have. How about you? Have you ever did any white lie even if it's to protect people's feeling? I got this article by Robi Ludwig, Psy.D, a psychotherapist, award-winning reporter, contributing editor for Cookie magazine. It's something about the right timing about saying a little white lie..remember that..a little.

Here are four instances when it’s OK to tell a little white lie:

1. When the whole truth tears someone down and makes them feel horrible about themselves rather than builds them up, like saying “I like your new, extremely short haircut” when in reality it’s just awful. Brutal honesty can be used as a toxic weapon. We are not obligated to tell the whole truth if it hurts someone’s feelings.

2. A little white lie like mentioning the tooth fairy or Santa Claus is acceptable when it protects a child’s innocence or creative imagination. How can you argue with that one?

3. Offering passing pleasantries, like “Oh … it’s no trouble at all” or “I’m fine, thanks for asking,” counts as OK in my book, too.

4. Complimenting someone, but perhaps taking it a little too far, like saying “Your cookies are the best I’ve ever had," is also acceptable. Mild false truths make it easier for people to get along and are primarily harmless in most cases.

The major difference between a white lie and a hard lie is that a hard lie is said to protect oneself, whereas a little white lie is said to protect someone else. Relationships can be complex and tricky at times. Sometimes a harmless, thoughtful pleasantry is just what the doctor ordered.

(article source: msnbc.msn.com - image source: flickr)

2012...Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T14:47:00.004+07:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone =) My wish for us on this 2012 is just simple, to be happy and just to make all our dreams come true. So simple but we have to work to make it happen. How did you spend your new year's eve? I spent at home with my family, having a barbecue and eat all the food that we can eat hahaha. But it was fun, we got to watch many fireworks from our porch. So, how about your new year's resolution? Did you make any or just go with the flow and see what 2012 will bring? For me, for sure 2012 will be a memorable year since I am expecting a baby soon =) Hopefully things will go they smooth and they way we expect it. Well, wishing you a marvelous 2012. Let's open this year with new hopes and a clean slate.

(image source: sweetsugarpop.tumblr)

Holiday Time..

2011-12-30T09:25:00.004+07:00

Hi everyone..very sorry for the lack of posts lately. I was having a holiday to Bali from Monday and just got back here in town yesterday. So tired but so happy and refreshing. My husband and I didn't get a chance to do our honeymoon after the wedding but this time we got a little spare time to do our late honeymoon which we called "babymoon" since I'm now 6 months pregnant =)Here are some of our pictures. More pictures will come later...

2012 Calendar

2011-12-23T13:43:00.003+07:00

These are some of the amazing images of Maybeline 2012 Calendar. Seeing really great fashion photography is really something for me. It's like a refreshing for my mind. Look at the images below, don't you think it's all amazing? I am loving every single image of the calendar...Have a great weekend everyone =)

(image sources: fashionising.com, poshfashionnews.com, sassisamblog.com)

Visual DNA

2011-12-21T20:24:00.004+07:00

Wow, I have just found the greatest, the best test/quiz ever. It's called Visual DNA. It's a test to know what type of person are you. You don't have to read long sentences and questions. Since it's called Visual DNA test, all you need to do is click the right image that's appropriate to your answer. I've done it three times and the result is still the same. The result said that I'm A Striver. Here are some of the point of my result and below you can see some of the screen capture. I recommend to try it now =) Click HERE to take your test.

Spirit:

You're a Striver. Ambitious and focused, you like to push yourself and enjoy expanding your horizons. You have impressive levels of motivation and can be very hardworking! You have tons of infectious energy and lots of natural enthusiasm.

Relationship:

You've got a playful streak. For you, being in love is about having fun and enjoying life. Sharing lots of laughs is the best way to keep things fresh. As a Warm Heart, you're very down-to-earth when it comes to love.

Health:

You burst into life in the mornings like a rocket. There's so much to get done and you have the energy to do it. You believe in a balanced approach to living a healthy lifestyle.

Home:

Ever stopped to dream about your perfect life, even for a bit? Thought so! In fact, your grounded nature suggests your dream life isn't too far out of reach. You're not fantasizing about exotic villas or huge mansions - you'd probably be more comfortable in a beautiful house in the suburbs.

Style:

You're so laid-back, you're almost horizontal! You like to take life as it comes and enjoy all it has to offer. Your practical style reflects your down-to-earth, relaxed attitude.

Thoughts...Words..

2011-12-20T13:46:00.003+07:00

This quote can be a guide to our life. When people say "look before you leap", the quote below applies to the thought. Life for me is like a chain or maybe a connecting dots. What you did in the past can really become what you are today and what you will become later. Don't you think so?

Beware of your thoughts, they become your words.
Beware of your words, they become your actions.
Beware of your actions, they become your habits.
Beware of your habits, they become your character.
Beware of your character, it becomes your destiny.
- Unknown

Avocado..

2011-12-19T13:22:00.005+07:00

Oh My God..do you see the image above? Looks so heavenly! It's an Avocado Slushie from To Food With Love. It's so easy to make, I'm gonna try one this afternoon. I'm really sure it can give me a mood booster for Monday =) Here's the recipe.

Ingredients

1 large avocado
3/4 cup cold fresh milk
3 tbsp caster sugar
About 1 cup ice cubes
Mint for garnish (optional)

Method

Cut the avocado in half and discard the seed.
Scoop out the avocado flesh and place in a blender (or using a stick blender together with the rest of the ingredients.
Blend until smooth and pour into glasses.
Garnish with mint and serve immediately.

(source: tofoodwithluv.blogspot.com)

Daily Schedule..

2011-12-14T18:25:00.003+07:00

I found this nice "daily schedule" that can be used by all of us =) A cute nice schedule. You might probably know or notice that I appreciate simple stuff that can actually make life seems worthwhile and meaningful. The list on the schedule is one of those list with simple things to do but yet, it can give a more meaningful life for us...Hope you like it.

(image source: fixedpublishing.com)

Sexy Eyes..

2011-12-13T10:18:00.003+07:00

December is usually a month full of party and gathering, don't you think so? It's everyone's holiday month and a time for relaxing and just enjoying ourselves to close this year and entering a fresh new year. Here's one thing you can do while you're at home thinking about the best make up for every occasion. Make up can be a hard thing to do by yourself but trust me, practice makes perfect =) This is a step by step way to do a smoky sexy eyes...perfect for new year's eve party...

(image source: pinterest)

IKEA Inspired Home..

2011-12-09T16:58:00.004+07:00

IKEA, a single word that can make my heart pops =) I love IKEA, although my husband is not a fan of IKEA. He's ore into classic vintage decor. But I do love IKEA. The big furniture and also the small decor stuff. Here's an inspiring house located in Furulund, Sweden. Love love love all the mix design and decor. What do you think?

(images via 1kindesign.com)

Regrets..

2011-12-08T17:17:00.004+07:00

Hi there, I am back here and feel much better. Thank you for those of you who had leave message here for me. So, yesterday when I was alone in my bedroom and doing nothing, I browse along on twittter and stumbled upon a tweet from Paulo Coelho (@paulocoelho). his tweet was about something on his blog. It's an interesting topic that has made me dig further on his blog. On his blog, he had this posting wrote by Bronnie Ware about regrets. It's about those five common regrets most people always admit. Below is the list, hope you like it =)

When questioned about any regrets they had or anything they would do differently, common themes surfaced again and again. Here are the most common five:

1. I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.

When people realize that their life is almost over and look back clearly on it, it is easy to see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people had to die knowing that it was due to choices they had made, or not made.

From the moment that you lose your health, it is too late. Health brings a freedom very few realize, until they no longer have it.

2. I wish I didn’t work so hard.

This came from every male patient that I nursed. All of the men I nursed deeply regretted spending so much of their lives on the treadmill of a work existence.

3. I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.

Many people suppressed their feelings in order to keep peace with others. As a result, they settled for a mediocre existence and never became who they were truly capable of becoming. Many developed illnesses relating to the bitterness and resentment they carried as a result.

4. I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.

Often they would not truly realize the full benefits of old friends until their dying weeks and it was not always possible to track them down. Many had become so caught up in their own lives that they had let golden friendships slip by over the years. There were many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. Everyone misses their friends when they are dying.

5. I wish that I had let myself be happier.

This is a surprisingly common one. Many did not realize until the end that happiness is a choice. They had stayed stuck in old patterns and habits. The so-called ‘comfort’ of familiarity overflowed into their emotions, as well as their physical lives. Fear of change had them pretending to others, and to their selves, that they were content. When deep within, they longed to laugh properly and have silliness in their life again.

(article source: Paulo Coelho from Bonnie Ware - Image source: favim.com)

Flu...

2011-12-06T15:33:00.003+07:00

Hi everyone, sorry for the lack of postings lately. I've had this heavy flu since about few days ago. It feels like I'm having a good connection with my bed =( couldn't leave my b ed...but thank God I feel better today, that's why I m now able to make this short posting =) Hopefully by tomorrow the flu will be gone and I'll be as good as before. Hope you are all doing well.

(image source: favim)

Hugging..

2011-11-30T10:45:00.004+07:00

Hugging is the simplest but the most powerful things we can do to other people. Don't you love being hug by the one you love and knowing that the hug is not just a hug, but a sincere and warm hug. Even if the hug is only for a few second, you'll feel different afterwards. There are many types of hug such as a supporting hug, a welcoming hug, a lovers hug and many more. But for me, a hug is a hug...people will only hug those who they feel comfortable with. I don't know about you but that surely applies to me. Hugging my husband before going to bed is a must! So, what are exactly the real benefits of hugging? I found this information regarding hug benefits from Associated Content.

One of the most interesting effects of the hug is it's ability to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Of course, there are a number of medical reasons for this, and it is simply one more reason to enjoy a friendly hug. When a person is hugged, their comfort level is increased, and they enjoy being around a fellow human being. Also, the hug communicates many things to many people. A hug from a friend or family brings back happy memories and makes the huggee relive those moments. Also, if we follow social psychology, we become aware of the many benefits that result in the body and mind when we feel accepted or understood by another person. Even though one may think that a deep conversation can have these effects, the simple truth is that a hug creates those feelings of acceptance and compassion that can sometimes be difficult to find in our modern world. Thus, when we experience these things, we become more relaxed, we are happier, and our entire attitude tends to improve. As a direct result of these things, our heart rates become more relaxed and over a period of time, lower heart rates and increased time spent being happy can actually lower blood pressure and have very effective bonuses to heart health.

Another important benefit of the hug is the effect that it can on the mental state of an individual, as well as the physical. People who hug more frequently tend to be more open about their emotions and develop a greater sense of closeness and compassion to those around them. However, sometimes, it can be difficult to accept others or to realize that there are other people around us. For that reason, sometimes the simple hug can open up mental blocks with this matter, allowing an individual to feel increased feelings of happiness and even trigger a small release of dopamine. However, even though physical contact can sometimes have brain chemical effects (such as the release of dopamine mentioned before) it is not a constant. Instead, the greater benefits in this area come from the simple effect of being close to other human beings and feeling a real bond or connection between people.

(article source: associatedcontent.com - image source: favim.com)

Funny Cartoon...

2011-11-29T09:33:00.003+07:00

Hi everyone...I'm going to start this new week by posting some funny cartoon pictures. A bit of something that can make this rainy day here in my place to be more bright =) Have a great day...

(image source: googlygooeys.com)

Secret Room...

2011-11-23T13:31:00.003+07:00

Finding something hiding behind closed door is really something for me. It's like finding a secret place that is really special. Not only that, but it also makes the room outside looks neat as if there's no other room behind it. Here are some of the room behind hiding door. I bet you'll not have any clue that there's actually a room behind the wall.

(image source: shelterness.com)

For a rainy day...

2011-11-23T13:17:00.003+07:00

It's rainy season here in my country. I feel like having something warm all day long. This one is a really good option for a rainy day..."Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake". Just to hear the sound of it makes me feel warm =) Found this recipe from Crumb Blog. I think I might want to make this but without the raspberry puree, just the warm chocolate pudding.

Warm Chocolate Pudding Cake

Raspberry Puree

1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
2 tbsp sugar
1 tbsp lemon juice

Cake

1 c flour
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup milk
2 Tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup boiling water
3/4 cup milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the raspberries, sugar and lemon juice to a boil. Cook for 2 minutes, breaking up the berries with a wooden spoon as they cook. Pass the cooked berries through a fine-mesh strainer to remove pulp and seeds, pressing to extract as much puree as possible. Set aside to cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the cake layer. Sift flour, white sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into a large bowl. Pour in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract, and stir until combined. (The batter will look very thick at this stage. That’s to be expected. Keep calm and carry on.)
Scrape the batter into prepared baking dish, and spread it out into a more or less even layer. Spoon the raspberry puree onto the batter in large dollops.Now, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar and cocoa powder. Sprinkle evenly onto the batter. Slowly pour in the boiling water and milk, covering the batter and topping. (Don’t panic if your cake looks like a watery mess at this point. That’s to be expected. Keep calm and carry on.)
Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the mixture has separated into a dry cake-like layer on top and a soft pudding-like layer on the bottom. Let stand for about 15 minutes before spooning out into individual serving dishes, topping each with a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries if so desired.

Note: You can make this into individually-sized desserts by using four shallow gratin dishes or ramekins instead. Simply prepare as directed, dividing each of the layers evenly between the gratin dishes, and bake for about 30-35 minutes.

(image and recipe from crumbblog.com)

Your Jar..Your Life

2011-11-22T08:30:00.005+07:00

Back again here with me on Tuesday morning =) How's your weekend everyone? I had a relaxing weekend, didn't have any invitations to attend so I just spend the weekend relaxing. And when I was browsing, I found this really nice story that we can ponder. It's about life, it's a professor who teaches his student about life philosophy comparing to a jar. Do you wanna know? Trust me it's worth to read =) Enjoy the story below...

Life Philosophy

A meteorology professor stood before his Meteorology 101 class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty glass mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a jar of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open spaces between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar and of course the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with an unanimous yes.

The professor then produced two cans of beer from under the table and then proceeded to pour the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the grains of sand. The students laughed.

"Now," said the professor, as the laughter subsided, "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things -- your family, your partner, your health, your children, your friends, your favorite passions -- things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

"The pebbles are the other things that matter, like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.

"If you put the sand into the jar first," he continued, "there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. Play another 18.

"There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand."

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers."

(article source: theweatherprediction.com - image source: favim.com)

Infinite Possibilities

2011-11-18T09:02:00.003+07:00

A good quote to start the weekend and to end the working days =) Have a great weekend everyone...

When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and
their meanings, you connect with the underlying field
of infinite possibilities.
- Deepak Chopra -

(image source:
inspired-design.tumblr)

Inspiring..

2011-11-17T13:18:00.003+07:00

It's always feel good when you can see or watch something inspiring. I love seeing things that can touch us emotionally. There are many advertisements or commercials that deliver message that touches our heart. These are one of those commercials that I meant. Really are touching commercials.

Balanced Relationship

2011-11-16T09:30:00.003+07:00

Balancing something is not always an easy thing to do. I found this article called "10 ways to maintain a balanced relationship" by Katarina Kovacevic from Lovingyou. Below are tips from experts about how to make a balance relationship. We know that we always have to keep the sparks alive with our partner, and that's not magic..we need to make it work. My fave tips is this one:

"Become unbeatable together. Stay strong together under any circumstance and be each other's rock. You are each other's best friend, lover and confidant. Be loyal to one another and don't let anyone talk bad about your partner."

So, what are the rest of the tips? Here you go...

10 ways to maintain a balanced relationship

Dr. Karen Sherman is a relationship psychologist specializing in premarital, on-going and married relationships and she's got this advice to offer couples:

"Make sure you know the skills to have a healthy conflict," she said. "When a couple is able to do this, they can actually have a more intimate relationship." So an argument from time to time can actually be good for a couple. Just don't hit below the belt!

"Never humiliate your partner publicly or throw something back in his or her face that has been offered to you as something private. These can be more a breach to your relationship than an actual affair." Lesson: what happens in the bedroom stays in the bedroom. Learn how to keep some elements of your relationship private.

"Do not expect your mate to fulfill all of your needs and take time to understand how your partner's needs are met through words and actions." The "you complete me" scene in Jerry Maguire may have had you sobbing like a sucker but learn how to take care of your own needs and nurture your partners – but don't live for them.

Best-selling author Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil was named by New York Magazine as one of the city's top therapists. She prides herself on saving couples from all types of relationship peril, even adultery, and has a 98 percent success rate for saving relationships. Her tips include:

"Give verbal aphrodisiacs daily to your partner," she said. "Tell them they look good, that you loved the dinner they cooked." Who knew foreplay and wordplay went together so well?

"Try to go to bed at the same time every night," she said. "Even if one of you has to get up later for work."

Ladies and gentlemen, it should come as no surprise. Sex is just as important as communication. Thank you, Dr Weil! "Make sex a priority," she said. "Schedule it in. Take turns developing a sexual adventure for your partner. Use sex as a stress buster!"

Susan Barnes is a relationship expert who has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows across the country including Everyday with Rachael Ray and Playboy radio. She specializes in teaching people the art of spiritual romance. She's got this to offer couples"

"Put your partner first," said Barnes. "Put yourself in their shoes and try to think what it's like to be them before making any judgments. Most importantly, trust them." So, the next time you want to go out and party with the girls instead of following through with your set dinner plans, try to think how you'd feel if the tables were turned.

According to Barnes, the language of love comes in many different forms. "There is a fine line between being honest and being cruel. Be honest with kindness and use soft language, don't be brutal." So the next time you're ready to explode, take a step back and reconsider your approach. "And every night before you go to bed, tell your partner seven things that you are grateful for in your relationship."

"Become unbeatable together. Stay strong together under any circumstance and be each other's rock. You are each other's best friend, lover and confidant. Be loyal to one another and don't let anyone talk bad about your partner."

We've always heard it's important to pick your battles and Barnes definitely agrees. "Stop criticizing and complaining to your partner. If you have complaints try writing them down in a notebook and read them later. You'll be surprised how petty they really are.

(article source: lovingyou.com - image sources: favim, favim, chriscraymer.com)

Stunning Apartment

2011-11-15T09:08:00.003+07:00

This is such a stunning apartment in Stockholm, I found this via 1 Kind Design. I love seeing such a pretty rooftop. I can imagine myself (if I'm having one) that I will surely spend every morning and every evening relaxing at the rooftop. I wish someday I can have a place with a open rooftop. Lovely! The rooftop of course what attracts me seeing the rest of this apartment but when you have a look inside, you'll surely love what's inside too. The decor is a mix of contemporary and traditional, simple yet it also brings you the warmth of the lovely home =)

(all images via 1kindesign)

Random Images

2011-11-10T19:17:00.005+07:00

Today, I just feel like posting some random good images to make my mind at ease and to create happy thoughts.

(image sources: favim, tumblr, tumblr, tumblr, tumblr)

The Emperor and The Seed

2011-11-09T09:09:00.003+07:00

This is a nice short story that can teach us a lesson. Always be honest to yourself and to others. All the truth you have will bring good things back to you. The story is called "The Emperor and The Seed". Hope you like it =)

"The Emperor and The Seed"

An emperor in the Far East was growing old and knew it was time to choose his successor. Instead of choosing one of his assistants or his children, he decided something different. He called young people in the kingdom together one day. He said, "It is time for me to step down and choose the next emperor.

I have decided to choose one of you." The kids were shocked! But the emperor continued. "I am going to give each one of you a seed today. One very special seed. I want you to plant the seed, water it and come back here one year from today with what you have grown from this one seed. I will then judge the plants that you bring, and the one I choose will be the next emperor!" One boy named Ling was there that day and he, like the others, received a seed. He went home and excitedly told his mother the story. She helped him get a pot and planting soil, and he planted the seed and watered it carefully. Every day he would water it and watch to see if it had grown.

After about three weeks, some of the other youths began to talk about their seeds and the plants that were beginning to grow. Ling kept checking his seed, but nothing ever grew. Three weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks went by. Still nothing. By now, others were talking about their plants but Ling didn't have a plant, and he felt like a failure. Six months went by-still nothing in Ling's pot. He just knew he had killed his seed. Everyone else had trees and tall plants, but he had nothing. Ling didn't say anything to his friends, however. He just kept waiting for his seed to grow.

A year finally went by and all the youths of the kingdom brought their plants to the emperor for inspection. Ling told his mother that he wasn't going to take an empty pot. But honest about what happened, Ling felt sick to his stomach, but he knew his mother was right. He took his empty pot to the palace. When Ling arrived, he was amazed at the variety of plants grown by the other youths. They were beautiful-in all shapes and sizes. Ling put his empty pot on the floor and many of the other kinds laughed at him.

A few felt sorry for him and just said, "Hey nice try." When the emperor arrived, he surveyed the room and greeted the young people. Ling just tried to hide in the back. "My, what great plants, trees and flowers you have grown," said the emperor. "Today, one of you will be appointed the next emperor!" All of a sudden, the emperor spotted Ling at the back of the room with his empty pot. He ordered his guards to bring him to the front. Ling was terrified. "The emperor knows I'm a failure! Maybe he will have me killed!"

When Ling got to the front, the Emperor asked his name. "My name is Ling," he replied. All the kids were laughing and making fun of him. The emperor asked everyone to quiet down. He looked at Ling, and then announced to the crowd, "Behold your new emperor! His name is Ling!" Ling couldn't believe it. Ling couldn't even grow his seed. How could he be the new emperor? Then the emperor said, "One year ago today, I gave everyone here a seed. I told you to take the seed, plant it, water it, and bring it back to me today. But I gave you all boiled seeds which would not grow. All of you, except Ling, have brought me trees and plants and flowers. When you found that the seed would not grow, you substituted another seed for the one I gave you. Ling was the only one with the courage and honesty to bring me a pot with my seed in it. Therefore, he is the one who will be the new emperor!"

(story source: islamcan.com - image source: favim)

Distorted Thinking

2011-11-08T09:03:00.003+07:00

What do you think about distorted thinking? The thoughts that have been distorted and those thoughts are not supposed to create certain thinking come out from your brain. Do you think it's bad? I found this great descriptions about distorted thinking from Eastern Washington University site. The list is quite long but it's worth to read. It makes me aware of those distortions I've never thought before. This is one of those guides that you can read over and over.

15 Styles of Distorted Thinking

Filtering: You take the negative details and magnify them, while filtering out all positive aspects of a situation. A single detail may be picked out, and the whole event becomes colored by this detail. When you pull negative things out of context, isolated from all the good experiences around you, you make them larger and more awful than they really are.
Polarized Thinking: The hallmark of this distortion is an insistence on dichotomous choices. Things are black or white, good or bad. You tend to perceive everything at the extremes, with very little room for a middle ground. The greatest danger in polarized thinking is its impact on how you judge yourself. For example-You have to be perfect or you're a failure.
Overgeneralization: You come to a general conclusion based on a single incident or piece of evidence. If something bad happens once, you expect it to happen over and over again. 'Always' and 'never' are cues that this style of thinking is being utilized. This distortion can lead to a restricted life, as you avoid future failures based on the single incident or event.
Mind Reading: Without their saying so, you know what people are feeling and why they act the way they do. In particular, you are able to divine how people are feeling toward you. Mind reading depends on a process called projection. You imagine that people feel the same way you do and react to things the same way you do. Therefore, you don't watch or listen carefully enough to notice that they are actually different. Mind readers jump to conclusions that are true for them, without checking whether they are true for the other person.
Catastrophizing: You expect disaster. You notice or hear about a problem and start "what if's." What if that happens to me? What if tragedy strikes? There are no limits to a really fertile catastrophic imagination. An underlying catalyst for this style of thinking is that you do not trust in yourself and your capacity to adapt to change.
Personalization: This is the tendency to relate everything around you to yourself. For example, thinking that everything people do or say is some kind of reaction to you. You also compare yourself to others, trying to determine who's smarter, better looking, etc. The underlying assumption is that your worth is in question. You are therefore continually forced to test your value as a person by measuring yourself against others. If you come out better, you get a moment's relief. If you come up short, you feel diminished. The basic thinking error is that you interpret each experience, each conversation, each look as a clue to your worth and value.
Control Fallacies: There are two ways you can distort your sense of power and control. If you feel externally controlled, you see yourself as helpless, a victim of fate. The fallacy of internal control has you responsible for the pain and happiness of everyone around you. Feeling externally controlled keeps you stuck. You don't believe you can really affect the basic shape of your life, let alone make any difference in the world. The truth of the matter is that we are constantly making decisions, and that every decision affects our lives. On the other hand, the fallacy of internal control leaves you exhausted as you attempt to fill the needs of everyone around you, and feel responsible in doing so (and guilty when you cannot).
Fallacy of Fairness: You feel resentful because you think you know what's fair, but other people won't agree with you. Fairness is so conveniently defined, so temptingly self-serving, that each person gets locked into his or her own point of view. It is tempting to make assumptions about how things would change if people were only fair or really valued you. But the other person hardly ever sees it that way, and you end up causing yourself a lot of pain and an ever-growing resentment.
Blaming: You hold other people responsible for your pain, or take the other tack and blame yourself for every problem. Blaming often involves making someone else responsible for choices and decisions that are actually our own responsibility. In blame systems, you deny your right (and responsibility) to assert your needs, say no, or go elsewhere for what you want.
Shoulds: You have a list of ironclad rules about how you and other people should act. People who break the rules anger you, and you feel guilty if you violate the rules. The rules are right and indisputable and, as a result, you are often in the position of judging and finding fault (in yourself and in others). Cue words indicating the presence of this distortion are should, ought, and must.
Emotional Reasoning: You believe that what you feel must be true-automatically. If you feel stupid or boring, then you must be stupid and boring. If you feel guilty, then you must have done something wrong. The problem with emotional reasoning is that our emotions interact and correlate with our thinking process. Therefore, if you have distorted thoughts and beliefs, your emotions will reflect these distortions.
Fallacy of Change: You expect that other people will change to suit you if you just pressure or cajole them enough. You need to change people because your hopes for happiness seem to depend entirely on them. The truth is the only person you can really control or have much hope of changing is yourself. The underlying assumption of this thinking style is that your happiness depends on the actions of others. Your happiness actually depends on the thousands of large and small choices you make in your life.
Global Labeling: You generalize one or two qualities (in yourself or others) into a negative global judgment. Global labeling ignores all contrary evidence, creating a view of the world that can be stereotyped and one-dimensional. Labeling yourself can have a negative and insidious impact upon your self-esteem; while labeling others can lead to snap-judgments, relationship problems, and prejudice.
Being Right: You feel continually on trial to prove that your opinions and actions are correct. Being wrong is unthinkable and you will go to any length to demonstrate your rightness. Having to be 'right' often makes you hard of hearing. You aren't interested in the possible veracity of a differing opinion, only in defending your own. Being right becomes more important than an honest and caring relationship.
Heaven's Reward Fallacy: You expect all your sacrifice and self-denial to pay off, as if there were someone keeping score. You fell bitter when the reward doesn't come as expected. The problem is that while you are always doing the 'right thing,' if your heart really isn't in it, you are physically and emotionally depleting yourself.

(article source: access.ewu.edu- image source: favim.com)

2011-11-04T10:37:00.004+07:00

I am loving with this wall quote! It's the House Rules. Simple stuffs that we all know are all important. For example, it's written on the wall that we have to:

"Laugh A Lot"

"Be Respectful"

Don't you think those are the nicest statements? It's really an inspiring thing for an interior design in our house. I love displaying good and encouraging quotes that we can always see in our house every time =)

(image found via piccsy.com)

Parmesan Croutons

2011-11-03T09:24:00.003+07:00

I think today is the perfect time for recipe =) A recipe that I've chosen today is called "Parmesan Skillet Croutons" by In Jennie's Kitchen. You probably know how much I love bread! And this one included of course. You can use this croutons for soup, salad or maybe you just feel like eating only the croutons..why not? =)

Parmesan Skillet Croutons

(makes one cup)

Ingredients:

1 cup 1/4-inch diced day-old baguette
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Toss all ingredients together in a bowl until bread cubes are well coated.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add seasoned bread cubes to pan and cook, turning occasionally, until golden all over, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

(image and recipe via In Jennie's Kitchen)

November

2011-11-01T08:54:00.004+07:00

It's November 1st 2011. Time is moving so fast that next month is already December..end of 2011. Gosh, seems like the clock is ticking too fast. In my culture there's a saying or a belief that when we think that time we're living is moving so fast, means that we're happy to live this life. What do you think? I think somehow it's true, it's like when you're in this happy situation, you feel like freezing that precise moment because somehow you feel it happens so fast, right? Well, I hope that you have a beautiful life so far...this are some little prove that other people think that life is also beautiful =)

(image sources: trendnerd.com, backgroundstuff.hyves.nl, weheartit.com, weheartit.com)

Edit Your Wardrobe

2011-10-31T10:16:00.005+07:00

I really think I need this do this editing stuff on my life, particularly "wardrobe editing". Guess what I found..I found that wardrobe editing can be one of those zen habits of making your life less clutter. It's looks like making less clutter on your wardrobe is an easy task but let's be honest here..it's not! Why? because I do feel sometimes it's hard to throw away some clothes while we have this thought in our mind that maybe someday we're going to need to use those clothes again, right? I bet many of us have felt that once or twice or maybe always =) Editing your wardrobe here doesn't necessarily make your a neat person but it's more into your inner peace. It often helps you feeling less complex, simpler and it can also feels like you have some burdens lifted up from your shoulder. Here are steps to help you edit your wardrobe from ZenHabits.

My closet is simpler, and my mind is more at ease.

To edit your wardrobe, here are some simple steps:

Pull out all the clothes from your closet. Put them on your bed. Now go through this pile, one item at a time, deciding what stays and what goes. Follow these rules:

If you haven’t worn an item in months, put it in the donate pile. There’s a reason you don’t wear that item — you’re probably not going to wear it again for a long while, if ever.
If you no longer fit an item, donate it. Yes, you plan to lose 10 pounds to fit into that outfit. Well, when you do, go to the thrift shop and get some better-fitting items. Until then, they’re taking up space in your closet.
If an item is stained or torn beyond repair, donate it. If you can repair it, put it in a bag and take it to be sewn tomorrow (or do it yourself). If that bag sits in your house or car for more than a week, you’ll probably never do it, so donate it or toss it. For myself, I often keep stained or torn clothing, if I really love an item, but I only wear it around the house. I save the good clothes for company. :)
If an item is out of style or doesn’t match anything else you own, consider donating it. OK, if you really love it and still wear it, go ahead and keep it. Butterfly bell-bottoms? You’re still cool.
When in doubt, put it in a storage container, label it with today’s date, and put it out of sight for a few months. If you ever really want to wear it, it’s still there. But if you open it in a few months, and you never needed it, donate it.
For seasonal clothes, such as winter or summer clothing, put it in a container and label it. When the season comes, break out that container. No use keeping it in your closet the whole year round. Where I live, there’s always tropical goodness year round, so this isn’t an issue.

If you still have a lot of clothes left, consider the following:

Keep clothes that are of the same color scheme, and toss the rest. This way, everything matches, and you don’t have to worry about what goes with your chartreuse blouse. Neutral colors like tan and white are great, with some color tossed in. I avoid bright colors, especially those that bleed in the wash. I don’t like to worry about that.
Keep clothes that are simple in design, and can be paired with anything. Jeans are a great example (not the kinds with bells and whistles, the simple kinds). You can put just about any shirt with jeans, and you’re good to go. Shoot for this kind of philosophy. Don’t have pants or a skirt that can only go with one or two other items. Be able to mix and match with ease and without some kind of complicated chart.
Make comfort a priority. Looks are important, but comfort is more important. You want to be at ease in whatever you wear, so keep that in the forefront as you edit your clothing.

(article source: zenhabits.net - image source: favim.com)

Basic Make Up..

2011-10-28T09:28:00.002+07:00

How good can you do make up? I'm average, in fact I guess I'm more into the natural kind of make up lover. Why? Because that's all I can do haha. I often feel like taking make up class so that I will be able to do make up for any occasion such as a wedding party. It's sometimes not easy to do such a great and proper make up to attend formal party. Although now and then we have to look amazing and stunning, right? And I think make up is the main thing that we can create to look amazing. But don't forget that it all also depends on your inner beauty too. So, here are some tips to do basic make up I found on Our Vanity. I have to attend a wedding this Sunday so I guess I'll have to practice my make up now =) Have a great weekend everyone...xx

Basic Makeup Tips Every Woman Should Know

Makeup Foundation Tips

The basis of any makeup look is no doubt a perfect and even complexion to create which you are to use a proper makeup foundation paying a special attention to its application. First of all I recommend you to opt for liquid foundation as it is the easiest one to apply. Shake the bottle to ration all the pigment particles and apply it to your face paying attention to hairline, ear lobes, jaw line, and the area under the eyes.

Eyeliner Tips

Eyeliner is the irreplaceable beauty device with the help of which you can make a perfect eye makeup. The only thing I recommend you is to opt for liquid eyeliner as it never better fills the space between lashes that makes the lashes seem thicker.

Lipstick Tips

Don’t skip the exfoliation of your lips. It will provide your lips with smoother lipstick application. If you have small lips then it is better to avoid dark red or brown lipstick hues, it is better to opt for flirty shimmery lip-gloss colors.

Eyeshadow Tips

To add the vivid sparkle to your glimpse you are to apply a bit of shimmering eyeshadow in the middle of your eyelids over your base eyeshadow tone. Try this makeup tips and it will definitely make your eyes pop.

(article source: ourvanity.com - image source: modelmayhem.com)

Outdoor Chandelier

2011-10-26T09:26:00.003+07:00

I have to admit that I am one of those who just can't get enough seeing pretty chandelier! Luckily, I have two pretty chandeliers in my place..the small one and the big one. Here are more pretty chandeliers, this time people use it outdoor as a party decorations, especially wedding. I found all of these images via Style Me Pretty. And yes, those outdoor chandeliers make an outstanding decoration for the party...absolutely pretty =)

(all images via stylemepretty.com)

Glass and Rubber Ball..

2011-10-24T13:52:00.002+07:00

I came across this speech (via) delivered by Brian Dyson (CEO of Coca Cola) about viewing life as a ball - glass and rubber ball. It's always good to read something that we can ponder in the beginning of the week. For me, it's like starting something fresh and give us a chance to think back and plan what we're gonna do next. So, here's the great speech..

Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them – work, family, health, friends and spirit … and you’re keeping all of these in the air.

You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls – family, health, friends and spirit – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or evenshattered. They will never be the same. You must understand that and strive for Balance in your life.

How?

Don’t undermine your worth by comparing yourself with others. It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don’t set your goals by what other people deem important. Only you know what is best for you.
Don’t take for granted the things closest to your heart. Cling to them as you would your life, for without them, life is meaningless.
Don’t let your life slip through your fingers by living in the past or for the future. By living your life one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Don’t give up when you still have something to give. Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
Don’t be afraid to admit that you are less than perfect. It is this fragile thread that binds us to each together.
Don’t be afraid to encounter risks. It is by taking chances that we learn how to be pave.
Don’t shut love out of your life by saying it’s impossible to find time. The quickest way to receive love is to give; the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly; and the best way to keep love is to give it wings!
Don’t run through life so fast that you forget not only where you’ve been, but also where you are going.
Don’t forget, a person’s greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.
Don’t be afraid to learn. Knowledge is weightless, a treasure you can always carry easily.
Don’t use time or words carelessly. Neither can be retrieved. Life is not a race, but a journey to be savoured each step of the way…

–Brian G. Dyson

President and CEO, Coca-Cola Enterprises during his speech at the Georgia Tech 172nd Commencement Address Sept. 6, 1996

(speech source: dankind.com - image source: favim.com)

Strawberry Milk..

2011-10-21T09:47:00.002+07:00

Have any plans for this weekend? How about starting your weekend with this simple recipe I found on The Pastry Affair. It's a recipe of Strawberry Milk. Look at the photo below...looks so yummy =) Perfect for the whole weekend...from breakfast to dinner...Have a good weekend everyone.

Ingredients:

1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen), sliced
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk (I used 2%, but I imagine you could substitute soy or almond milk)

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, boil the strawberries, sugar, water, and vanilla extract for 10-12 minutes, or until the strawberries release all their juices and the mixture is slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and run the mixture through a fine mesh sieve (save the cooked strawberries to put on yogurt, ice cream, or pancakes). Refrigerate the syrup until cool.
Stir together the syrup and milk (if too sweet, you could add 1/2 cup more milk to dilute the flavor) and serve in chilled glasses. Enjoy!

So Close

2011-10-20T08:56:00.003+07:00

I've been wanting to hear this song since last night. It's a song called So Close by Jon Mclaughlin (Enchanted OST). Have you seen the movie Enchanted? It's about a fairy tale love story. I am not a really big fan of the movie but since it has this song as the soundtrack...ooh I'm melted everytime I hear the song. I don't know why but I love the lyrics and the melody. Here's the song and the movie I've been talking about. Some people might find this song so overly romantic or maybe too cheesy but I care nothing...I love this song =) Such a beautiful song that you can hear a thousand times over..

You’re in my arms

And all the world is calm

The music playing on for only two

So close together

And when I’m with you

So close to feeling alive

A life goes by

Romantic dreams will stop

So I bid mine goodbye and never knew

So close was waiting, waiting here with you

And now forever I know

All that I wanted to hold you

So close

So close to reaching that famous happy end

Almost believing this was not pretend

And now you’re beside me and look how far we’ve come

So far we are so close

How could I face the faceless days

If I should lose you now?

We’re so close

To reaching that famous happy end

And almost believing this was not pretend

Let’s go on dreaming for we know we are

So close

And still so far

The right wrong person

2011-10-19T08:38:00.002+07:00

I found this quote amazing. This quote is about finding someone, instead of finding someone who's prefect..in fact we're looking for someone who has mistakes just like we did out mistake. And that mistakes lead two people to live in the same direction, to find each other's mate. Love how Galway Kinnell, an American Poet, expressed the words in a different way about having someone. Love all the words, especially the last line..."Let our scars fall in love"

“We’re all seeking that special person who is right for us. But if you’ve been through enough relationships, you begin to suspect there’s no right person, just different flavors of wrong.

Why is this? Because you yourself are wrong in some way, and you seek out partners who are wrong in some complementary way. But it takes a lot of living to grow fully into your own wrongness. And it isn’t until you finally run up against your deepest demons, your unsolvable problems—the ones that make you truly who you are—that we’re ready to find a lifelong mate.

Only then do you finally know what you’re looking for. You’re looking for the wrong person. But not just any wrong person: the right wrong person—someone you lovingly gaze upon and think, “This is the problem I want to have.”

I will find that special person who is wrong for me in just the right way.

Let our scars fall in love.”
― Galway Kinnell

(image source: favim.com)

French Manor House

2011-10-17T10:42:00.003+07:00

I found this French manor house via House To Home. By that I guess it was supposed to be a country house that used to be the biggest house on the area. Look at the image below...isn't beautiful. What makes it more beautiful is the big bright blue sky as the background. Oh what a lovely life =) Why do I love it, because most parts of the house are rustic (in a good way of course)...rustic decor has been one of my passions. And the other thing is the way the modern decor mixed with the rustic country home decor. Just perfect!

(all images via housetohome.co.uk)

English..

2011-10-17T08:48:00.004+07:00

Monday is here again =) I had a blast week, well...a blast Sunday to be precised. I had a family gathering on Sunday, my family and my husband's family...it was so much fun. How was your weekend by the way? So, for this first day of the week, thinking about posting something funny for you..for us. I came across this poster from Busy Teacher. It's about English being such a funny language. Why is that so? You should read the poster below, have a great Monday.

(image via busyteacher.org)

Like A Water

2011-10-13T10:31:00.002+07:00

I am in love with this quote from Bruce Lee about considering yourself of being like a water. The quote teaches us to be able to adapt to every situation, don't be too stiff and sometimes all we can do is to enable ourselves to be in the right position at the current condition. Just like a water, it'll always become the shape of its place. Nonetheless, we become like a water so we won't be stuck in a certain place we don't want to be at. Here's the complete quote:

Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.

Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”
- Bruce Lee -
(image source: tumblr)

For the love of bread...

2011-10-12T08:21:00.003+07:00

It's cooking time =) It's a recipe of Garlic Rosemary Crouton Toast I found from Coupon Clipping Book. I love anything to do with bread!!! I am completely in love with bread, you can do anything about it, I will still loving it. In my country, we eat rice daily instead of bread, but I can stand not eating rice for months but bread...I have to have bread =) So, I have an urge to post this recipe...

Garlic Rosemary Crouton Toast

Serves 16

Ingredients:

1 loaf French bread
8 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon diced garlic
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried rosemary – chopped
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 dashes salt

Directions:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
Cut the French bread in half lengthwise.
Then slice the bread into pieces about ½ of an inch thick.
Lay the pieces flat on to a cookie sheet. Set aside.
Add the olive oil in a small bowl.
Then, add the pepper, parsley, garlic, rosemary, and salt.
Mix all of the ingredients together.
Spread the oil mixture over one side of the bread.
Then, spread the oil mixture over the other side of the bread.
Bake in the preheated over for about 20 minutes until the bread is a golden color.
Serve with a salad or topped with your favorite ingredients.

(image and recipe from couponclippingcook.com)

Simplicity

2011-10-10T08:12:00.003+07:00

Monday morning is here =) Hello everyone, sorry for the lack of posts last week. I wasn't doing well. It's funny because everytime I see a computer screen a bit too long, I had this nausea and dizzy feeling. Probably it's because of pregnancy =) Have I told you that I'm pregnant with my first baby? I am now..feel so blessed ans happy. Feels like I have to do anything to make the baby healthy and happy always inside my tummy. I am now entering week 14 in which I have passed the first trimester of my pregnancy...really was the hardest time but yet, it's worthwhile =) Hope that everything will always be fine...

So, today I'm going to talk a little bit about how to simplify our life. I sometimes feel like I make my life complicated by doing many things I wasn't supposed to do but I thought those things were important. But then again, those things that I did or I bought turn out to be unimportant. Have you ever felt or did something like that? Well, maybe these tips from Learn This can help us simplify our life =) Have a good day...

Simplify Your Life

Ignore distractions and take advantage of how they often go away on their own.
Don’t answer your phone every time it rings, stay in the moment of whatever you are doing and wait for a message
Turn off your computer, your internet access on your computer or at least your popup notifiers (like email / IM) whenever you can
Turn off your cell phone, don’t carry it constantly or even better, don’t have one! (This is my favorite way to simplify, I don’t have one myself)
Move or buy a house close to work, to avoid driving
Ride your bike or walk to commute and get around
Give away things you no longer use or need
Just buy less stuff
Buy a smaller house than what you think you need (less space is more)
Spend time reading, its a wonderful way to escape the complexities of each day
De-clutter your living space
Get out into nature
Don’t rely on technology gadgets for everything, pen and paper work fine for more than people dare admit nowadays!
Take up a creative hobby. Music, art, writing and building things helps you focus on just one thing.
Finish what you start before switching tasks. One thing at a time
Smile at and say hello to strangers
Do some simple generous deed

(article source: learnthis - image source: favim)

Rest In Peace Mr. Steve Jobs...

2011-10-06T08:28:00.004+07:00

I'm dedicating my blog post today for the honorable and legendary Steve Jobs who has died today of his battle with pancreatic cancer. It's been a sad news to hear early in the morning on the TV when I'm having my breakfast. At first I couldn't believe it until I read many tweets about his death. I am sure he has been able to touch the life of many people with his genius invention...Thank you for the Apple..Thank you for the Pixar. I have here 11 of the best quotes of Steve Jobs that I found on Huffington Post. Hoping that there will be more people like him in the future...those younger generation who will be able to replace his place, following his creativity and his vision.

"We've never worried about numbers. In the market place, Apple is trying to focus the spotlight on products, because products really make a difference. [...] Ad campaigns are necessary for competition; IBM's ads are everywhere. But good PR educates people; that's all it is. You can't con people in this business. The products speak for themselves." -- Playboy interview, 1985

"That's been one of my mantras -- focus and simplicity. Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there, you can move mountains."-- BusinessWeek interview, May 1998

"The most compelling reason for most people to buy a computer for the home will be to link it into a nationwide communications network. We're just in the beginning stages of what will be a truly remarkable breakthrough for most people--as remarkable as the telephone."-- Playboy interview, 1985

"We've kept our marriage secret for over a decade." -- Jobs' answer to Kara Swisher asking about the "greatest misunderstanding" in Jobs' relationship with Bill Gates. (May 2007)

"It's really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don't know what they want until you show it to them."-- BusinessWeek interview, May 1998

"Picasso had a saying: 'Good artists copy, great artists steal.' We have always been shameless about stealing great ideas...I think part of what made the Macintosh great was that the people working on it were musicians, poets, artists, zoologists and historians who also happened to be the best computer scientists in the world."-- 1994

"[Y]ou can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something -- your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."-- Stanford University commencement address, June 2005.

"My sex life is pretty good these days, Walt. How's yours?" -- Jobs's response to a question from Walt Mossberg about how Jobs feels about Google and if he feels "betrayed." (June, 2010)

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure - these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart. ... Stay hungry. Stay foolish."-- Stanford University commencement address, June 2005.

"I read a study that measured the efficiency of locomotion for various species on the planet. The condor used the least energy to move a kilometer. Humans came in with a rather unimpressive showing about a third of the way down the list....That didn't look so good, but then someone at Scientific American had the insight to test the efficiency of lomotion for a man on a bicycle and a man on a bicycle blew the condor away.That's what a computer is to me: the computer is the most remarkable tool that we've ever come up with. It's the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds."-- Interview for the documentary "Memory and Imagination," 1990

"My model for business is The Beatles. They were four guys who kept each other's kind of negative tendencies in check. They balanced each other and the total was greater than the sum of the parts. That's how I see business: great things in business are never done by one person, they're done by a team of people." -- Interview with 60 Minutes, 2003

(quotes via huffingtonpost.com - signature via wikipedia)

Inspiration Board...

2011-10-05T16:35:00.004+07:00

These last few days I was in love with this "inspiration-board-making" features that I found on Style Me Pretty, a useful and pretty site about all you need for wedding and stuffs. I've had my dream wedding, but this is so much fun to do when you have free time. It's as if you're acting as someone's wedding planer =) Here are some of my board that I made earlier..so easy, you only need to choose a board template and drag the images that you love...while browsing for the perfect theme you're having in your mind...

Being YOU

2011-10-04T10:22:00.003+07:00

Do you love the idea of being able to know what you want, not being afraid of what you think and just say what you wanna say? Last night before going to bed I was thinking about it, about how good it feels like when we can control our own thoughts. I guess it's the difference being a immature and mature. I remember when I was a teenager, it felt like every thought I had was not necessarily mine. I remembered that it was right to be in the majority of my friends, their thoughts were my thoughts.

But now, as I'm getting older (and more mature I hope), I'm not afraid to speak my thoughts, to say what and how I feel. I can freely say it without being afraid that I will be not in the majority. Now, every thought is my own thought, every word I say is how I express my feelings. I love the idea of being in control of yourself, don't you think so? Well, I guess that's what life is about. It's all about learning to do what you think is right...from time to time. And most importantly, not being afraid of being what you really are =)

(image via favim.com)

Indulge yourself..

2011-09-30T09:08:00.003+07:00

I don't know about you but for me weekend is a time to indulge myself. Not necessarily indulge myself with those expensive treat or stuff but it's more on the things I couldn't do on the weekdays. It turns out that it's good to sometimes indulge our life at some point of time. I found an supportive argument about this indulgence. It's important that we treat ourselves the way we want others to treat us...to feel confidence about ourselves. Here's the excerpt from iVillage.

We often squirrel away valuable things, like fine china, grandma’s pearls, a vintage bottle of wine, keeping them in reserve for a special occasion. But why wait? You are special all the time, so enjoy those things on any given day. “Many women spend too much time waiting for someone else to see their value and treat them the way they want to be treated,” says Santa Barbara psychologist Laura Ciel, Psy.D. “But we should be caring for and pampering ourselves because confidence grows when we value ourselves.” So go all out: use the china, wear the pearls, drink the wine. It’s good for you!

(image source: weheartit.com)

Floats...

2011-09-30T08:21:00.003+07:00

This is a little idea if you're entertaining this weekend, maybe you'll invite friends to come over and spend Friday or Saturday night. I have here with me a perfect drink recipe =) It's called Guinness Extra Stout Floats from The Fresh Fridge. How's that sounds to you? Good? Hope you'll try it and hope everyone who tries it will love it =)

Guinness Extra Stout Floats

2 scoops coffee ice cream
approx. 3/4 cup Guinness
Garnish: dark chocolate syrup (and dark chocolate shavings)

Method:

In a frosty mug, line sides with dark chocolate syrup then add 2 scoops coffee ice cream and fill with Guinness. Garnish with additional chocolate syrup and dark chocolate shavings (optional).
Add a spoon and fun straw. Serve immediately.

(image and recipe via The Fresh Fridge)

New Laptop Case...

2011-09-28T08:53:00.007+07:00

A great and inspiring idea from The Trendy Girl. This happens to me, once or twice I got bored of what I have to carry my laptop with...and I found this one. I think it's worth to try, turn you hoodie into a laptop case =)

Mix-Theme Decor...

2011-09-27T13:17:00.004+07:00

I found a really nice Bohemian-theme house decor. I kinda like mix decor in which everything seem all over the place but at the same time it looks neat, as if everything has its own special place. The one I found just now was from 1 Kind Design. However, I can't say that it's all really Bohemian style decor, because for the kitchen decor you can see and feel clearly the retro design. But overall, the mix of the various decor theme are amazing! Every single room looks really stunning and has its own life. Love this place!

(all image via 1 Kind Design)

Make you mantra..

2011-09-26T10:20:00.003+07:00

Monday Happy Monday =) That's my mantra for today...Seems like many of us don't really like Monday, because it ends the weekend and also the beginning of all the hectic work days. But don't worry, there'll always be weekends coming up, right? So, how's your weekend? Mine was as usual...went to the cinema, went to try a new restaurant. Just simple but refreshing things. I once read on a website (ivillage.com) about saying a mantra. It says that when you say somekind of a "mantra", your thoughts and feeling will automatically be directed to the "mantra" you've thought and said over and over again. Here's what the paragraph tells you...

Find a mantra and say it out loud

The more we hear something, the more we internalize it and believe it, says Lombardo (author of A Happy You: Your Ultimate Prescription For Happiness). “This happens a lot with negative things, which is how strong, confident women can get into abusive relationships. Initially they don’t believe it when a guy says, ‘You’re nothing without me.’ But the more they hear it, the more they buy in.” Fortunately, you can use this same technique to pump yourself up. The key, says Lombardo, is choosing a mantra you want to believe. “It’s really individual,” she says. “Some people’s mantra might be ‘I believe in myself.’ But others might find that too corny.” Other ideas: “I’m fearless,” “I’m strong,” “I love myself.” Even if you don’t completely believe it now, keep saying it, says Lombardo. You will.

(article source: ivillage - image source: weheartit.com)

Reminder..

2011-09-23T10:25:00.005+07:00

I am loving this "reminder" from Recovering Lazyholic. It's a simple reminder that we can sometimes forget. It's funny how we can forget small things but having those complex things running around in our head all day long.

Find the time..

2011-09-22T11:28:00.002+07:00

I found the image above on Tumblr via Leilockheart. It's a pretty text with simple words but yet give deep and thoughtful meaning to us. Maybe some of you have known that I love simple things we do in life, as I always said..it's the little things that matter. Those little things are the things that can make our life complete and become a whole. When I read the text above, I feel like time really is important to us, it's important for us not to waste the time we have now at the present moment to do those precious little things that somehow can make life worth to live =)

Cookies..

2011-09-20T08:39:00.003+07:00

It's time for another recipe..the simple one of course =) This time I chose a "three-ingredients" cookie recipe that I found on Kirbie's Cravings. You'll know from the recipe that it's not gonna be difficult to make, right? It's called Three Ingredient Nutella Cookies. Below is the recipe and the direction..happy baking everyone =)

Three Ingredient Nutella Cookies

(Yield: 10 cookies - Prep Time: 5 mins - Cook Time: 8 mins)

Ingredients:

1 cup of Nutella

1 cup of flour

1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.

2. Mix all ingredients with a large spoon until a dough batter forms. The batter may be slightly crumbly, but should come together for the most part. . Form into 1 inch balls. Place on a cookie sheet. Press the balls down with the palm of your hand until they are round and flat. I smoothed out the edges of the cookies after flattening them. Space them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 7-8 minutes for the cookies to set.

(recipe and image from Kirbie's Cravings)

Mind Your Manners...

2011-09-16T09:19:00.003+07:00

I found the image below from imgfave. When it comes about manners, I'm sure each one of us want to give everyone our best manner. I hate those who don't mind their manners at the right time and place. It's not really about what they can do or they can't do but it's more about being good to the society surrounding us. We all must realize that we live in society in which certain norms and rules applied. So, below are some points about what to do and what not to do that apply to different culture norms. Have a great weekend everyone =)

(image source: imgfave)

Summer of Rock

2011-09-14T09:03:00.003+07:00

Here's another editorial by Erin Wasson, one of my fave top models. She always looks beautiful and effortlessly stunning, even without her make up on. The last posting I had about Erin Wasson can be seen here. It's quite similar to her previous editorial on my posting, it's a summer fun theme =) This one if her editorial for Ellen French June 2011, it's called "Summer of Rock".

(all images via Fashion-Spreads)

Confidence and Faith

2011-09-12T08:56:00.005+07:00

Monday is here again. Yesterday, out of nowhere I was wondering about having faith and being confident about something. Do you think those two things really connected to one another? If you are confident that you might get the thing you want the most, then automatically you'll have faith on that particular thing. Therefore, faith will get back to you and bring you your wishes. What do you think? Sounds logical or way to impossible and unrelated?

But I found many statements that support my reason. What I'm trying to conclude here is for all us to always have faith, be confident..knowing that we can achieve things we want to achieve...

I found on 32key.com about faith and confidence, it says that:

"Faith is defined as having complete confidence, trust and belief. For a strong and rewarding journey through life we should have a generous amount of faith. Faith in ourselves, our families and friends, our God. Believe in yourself, a unique individual having personal preferences and talents. Have a deep belief that your days will be completed as you wish and imagine they will. This has a very strong and positive influence on your actions. It is just the opposite of feeling anxious and worried that you will fail. This is not a guarantee, but an excellent advantage working in your favor, available for every occasion and for life itself.

"It's faith in something and enthusiasm for something that makes life worth living." - Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894) "

And also on selfesteem2go.com, that says:

Having confidence in yourself means you have belief in your ability to accomplish things that others would consider difficult or impossible. This type of faith in yourself inspires others around you and they often start believing that you can deliver whatever you’ve set out to do. At this point, you’ve succeeded in convincing not only yourself but other people that you will succeed.

If you have faith in yourself, you are able to laugh at yourself. You trust and believe that you’ll be able to deal with whatever life throws you, good or bad. If you know what you want and where you’re trying to go, you have self confidence. If you stay calm under pressure, because you know it’s only a matter of time until you figure out what to do, you have self confidence. Another good indicator of having adequate confidence is a sense of purpose and a willingness to take risks.

(article source: 32keys.com and selfesteem2go.com & - image sources: favim and flickr)

Nothing for 2 Minutes

2011-09-09T08:52:00.005+07:00

Friday's here, this week seems to move so fast for me. So, do you any plans this weekend? How about doing nothing for 2 minutes? Do you see the image below? It's an image I captured from Do Nothing For 2 Minutes. The site wants you to try doing nothing for only 2 minutes. Care to try it? It will only take 2 minutes but surely those 2 minutes will bring you something different. I failed on my first attempt but finally managed to do it =)

Moves Like Jagger

2011-09-08T08:34:00.003+07:00

I am currently in love with this song.."Moves Like Jagger" by Maroon 5 featuring Christina Aguilers. It's like my current mood booster =) What do you think about the song? When you hear it, does it make you wanna move like Jagger? ;)

Inner Peace..

2011-09-06T13:54:00.004+07:00

Have you watched Kung Fu Panda 2? If you have watched, I'm sure aware of this term "inner peace" in which Po had to learn how to do it. He think it's easy and you can do it anytime anywhere but it turns out that it's not that easy or that simple. But you can do it almost everywhere and at any time. It's what within you is important so that you'll be able to find your inner peace.

Have you ever tried once? Finding your inner peace or maybe try to meditate. Try to listen to nothing. I've tried many times and for sure, it's not easy. It's quite hard to keep your mind clear from any thoughts, don't you think so? For those of you who wants to try..I found this easy ways to get you started. It's an article of tips I found on Divine Caroline, written by Jennifer Urezzio.

Here are a couple of suggestions to get you started:

The Two Minute OM

OM is believed to be the spoken sound of the Universe. When you practice the sound, it works the left and right sides of the brain. You can download a two-minute mediation on iTunes and then just OM along.

The Mantra Meditation
Some people find it disturbing to focus on their breath. With a mantra mediation, you repeat a statement that you resonate in your head focusing on each word. I suggest starting with a three-minute timeframe. A suggested mantra is: I AM complete and whole.

Walking in the Now Meditation
This can be done on the treadmill or walking around your neighborhood; during a ten-minute walk, practice being present. You can do this by noticing how your feet feel as they touch the ground, notice your breathing, and notice the sounds in nature. If your mind starts to wander into the past or future, simply and gently bring it back to the movement of your feet.

Creating the space and opportunity for a little bit of quiet time with yourself can change your whole world.

(article source: DivineCaroline - image source: thecoolhunter)

Cottage house

2011-09-05T08:24:00.005+07:00

I'm baaaack! =) How are you all doing? I had a great holiday time. Why? It's because I didn't do anything on my holidays...literally not doing anything, just stayed at home, cooking, stay away from the internet and computer, watching DVD's, play around with my nieces, nephews and families. It feels so good now having a great holiday at home. Here I am back on the blog..kinda miss blogging on holiday though. So, I found this cute home decor from Period Living. It's a three bedroom house of Phil and Philippa Heath located at Derbyshire. If you're the type who love chic girly decor, you'll love this one...

(image source: Period Living)

Holiday...

2011-08-30T16:58:00.003+07:00

Hi everyone..just wanted to tell you that I'm off for a while. I'm going for a holiday with my husband =) Not going very far, just want to clear up our mind and do nothing from a couple of days...Can't wait to see you all next week...

(image source: favim)

Cute Baby..

2011-08-26T17:54:00.003+07:00

This cute baby laughing video has made my day. Babies are adorable! seeing and listening to the sound of baby's laugh is precious. Most of the times the moments are those that are not precious but somehow can make them laugh and giggle so hard...check this one out. Hope this one can make your day too...

Wide open space..

2011-08-25T09:03:00.003+07:00

The image above makes me awake from my sleepy morning. It looks so refreshing. The design and the decor of the whole room is really stunning. Stunning in a way that it's wide open but somehow the owner manage to separate one room to another. I found this 2600 square feet house/condominium from ChicagoHomeMag. It belongs to Lisa and Joel Santos. Below are images of the rest of the place.What do you think?

(source: chicagohomemag.com)

Habits..

2011-08-22T09:33:00.004+07:00

I know that it's not easy to change our habit, especially the bad one. Habits are like those things that stick to us and little by little become a part of us. Don't you think so? I have here with me 6 points of Personal Development Habits from Freestyle Mind. Point 5 really applies on my life. I always think before buying. I always said to myself when I'm about to buy something whether I need it or whether I just want to buy it. Well, maybe you can try one of the points below as a start and make all of the points become you daily habit =) Have a great Monday...

Personal Development Habits

Read 1 book per week. Reading is a good way to keep your brain active. With just 30 minutes per day you should be able to read one book per week, or more than 50 books per year.
Solve puzzles. Quizzes, word games, etc. are all good ways to exercise your brain.
Think positively. You are what you think, all the time.
Make fast decisions. Instead of thinking for one hour wherever you are going to do something, make your decisions as fast as possible (usually less than 1 minute).
Wait before buying. Waiting 48 hours before buying anything is a tremendous money saver, try it.
Meditate 30 minutes per day. A great way to gain clearness and peace is through meditation. 30 minutes are not a lot, but enough to get you started with meditation.

(source: freestylemind.com - image source: favim.com)

Shape Your Life..

2011-08-19T13:09:00.003+07:00

Hi everyone..How are you? Glad to be back here. I wasn't feeling well the last couple of days. I had flu and a bit fever. I hate that feeling when you can't do anything other than sleep all day. So, I came across this reading on Perfect Daily written by Michael Yang. It's about shaping your life. Below is a short reading that might make you aware about your own life, about who owns your life.

Define and Write Down, How You Want to Experience Life

“I wish I was ______”. “I’d rather be _______”. You fill in the blank. A perfect life absolutely exists for every single one of us, on our terms, as it matters to us.

What would life look like so that you loved waking up every morning and going out and doing what you do? How would your relationships be?

How would you feel if everything in your life was perfect, as perfect is defined by you?

The first step to realizing this perfect life is to write down what perfect is and write down what perfect looks like to you. It is the first hill to trek in the process of making it real.

When you write down your ideal outcome, you show yourself in a powerful and instant way that something you think can become reality; namely the thought “I will write down my ideal outcome” turns into the real result of having it written down on paper.

This is the first step in turning “hope”, “belief”, and “faith” into knowing!

(article source: perfectlifedaily.com - image source: favim.com)

Crazy paper thing..

2011-08-16T13:28:00.004+07:00

Here's something you can do on your spare time. Doing paper things, not paper works as in your working papers but this one is more on the fun side. This video is called crazy paper thing. It's funny to know what can you actually make from a piece of paper. Just for fun =)

What the world needs now is...

2011-08-15T09:30:00.008+07:00

Hello Monday. Hope this will be a good day for all of you. I did a little survey on my Tumblr. The reason of the survey is because I found this image below from thoughtquestions.com. The question is "What the world needs now is ___?" How about you? What will you answer be? From the other people's answers below, I can see many of them answered love, peace..some of them answered God. I personally will answer the question with "understanding". I can't really give you an explanation on why I chose that answer, but the first thing came up on my mind seeing the question is that exact word..understanding. How about you?

everlaugh answered: trust!

paperskyplanes answered: love sweet love!

vitebubbles answered: LOVE

kandika answered: love

style-dey-naal answered: peace

cookiecrumblr answered: more music!

fusionfuss16 answered: peace and forgiveness..

strangeranger answered: grace.

hereismysilence answered: peaceful

anhelante answered: Love

wanttorunaway answered: love

lalilaloba answered: peace, respect, love, trust

feelingselfishandcool answered: understanding

boitedepandore answered: nutella

ohstanley answered: the zombie apocolypse.

dm-lab answered: Equilibrio

lolnats answered: hot pockets

itsbeccahoe answered: Love

captjasha answered: love. always.

syira answered: peace

devinclaire answered: love.

alance answered: end

throughsaraslookingglass answered: love :)

ihatesoup answered: God

hayleygirl67 answered: Jesus.

moonshines answered: kindness :))

xyrenesngrgr answered: God.

birdgrounded answered: a savior.

onecoynetwocents answered: a little less greed

vsebayang answered: certainty

canthavenick answered: Love.Music.Jonas.

fashionfoodfun answered: appreciate the surrounding beauty

elieejonas answered: peace

blindlyoptimistic answered: love, sweet love :D

drbrendajean answered: to just shut up and listen.

vilmaborres answered: peace

neuromorphicgirl answered: Kindness, love and respect

ismelldanger answered: love

speakinginparadox answered: love

hellogreace answered: bridge to Saturn

fishloadofjunk answered: God :)

hataadalat answered: unity

bebekbuluk answered: nature

friendsontheotherside answered: GOD.

mcgeek answered: love

livejournalist answered: Improvement.

dorkney answered: more bacon.

beloved-lily answered: love. sweet love. that’s the only thing, that there’s just too little of

contessadonaire answered: peace

tashaterminate answered: Lots and lots of love.

unityoflove answered: More love, less ass holes.

idontwannaletthisgo answered: an answer to our promblems.

skygel answered: love, peace and prayers..

the-reverse-of-shade answered: hope

rarambol answered: wisdom

gypsyeyes-catfishblues answered: tolerance

custardtart answered: God

divineny answered: chaotic

lexalovee answered: satisfaction.

(image source: thoughtquestions.com)

Your life..

2011-08-12T14:38:00.003+07:00

How about some life's instruction? You might think that maybe the posting is not really appropriate for the almost-weekend posting but wait...this one is different. Different in a way that this instructions will make you smile..I guarantee. In fact, there a re lots of instructions that you can do this weekend. Maybe later you will find out that there are actually lots of the instructions below that you haven't done yet. As I always said before..it's the little things that matter =) Have a great weekend..

(image source: 9gag.com)

Exposed brick wall...

2011-08-11T09:24:00.002+07:00

I've got one more thing to be added to my "fave list". It's an expose brick wall. Look at the image below, aren't those really something? Why I love the exposed brick wall decor? Probably it's because I'm into rustic decor kind of thing =) For me, rustic decor bring warmth instead of dirty and messy. So, what do you think? Do you like it?

(image sources: one, two, three, four, five)

Joy and Fulfillment

2011-08-09T08:56:00.006+07:00

Hi everyone, sorry for the late post. I was supposed to make posting yesterday but I had to supervise someone to do a flooring at my house. So, how are you all doing? How was weekend? Last weekend I went to this orphanage in the outer city with my husband and our friends. We were there for a quick visit since we have known the owner but never get the chance to visit the place again for quite some time. The place was not in a really good condition due to the lack of capital and donation. While I was there I really feel so lucky that I am here now being me living the life I am having now. I was comparing myself to those who live in the orphanage. It's true that often we have to look to those who have a lower living condition so that we can always be grateful. But, I was thinking...the joy and fulfillment of one's life does not depend on the conditions he or she's having or living. I can conclude instantly that our daily gift can be the source of our joy and fulfillment on this life, no matter how our condition and situations are. I found this perfect list written by Joe via here. It's about finding joy and fulfillment of life by looking on those simple daily gifts =)

7 Daily Gifts of Joyful and Fulfillment

Work

rce of pride, victory, and growth. One of the best ways to feel a sense of purpose is through achieving our goals and using our natural skills and strengths effectively. Don’t overlook the value of a day’s hard work, and take advantage of the opportunity to accomplish something you’re proud of.

Work is a true gift and is one of the most noble and valuable aspects of life. The sense of accomplishment and perseverance that comes from work is a powerful sou

Relationships

Don’t forget to accentuate the positive impact your relationships have. Seek more moments of joy and amusement where your relationships can grow and flourish. Bond and build positive memories together. Our family and friends are there for us through thick and thin, and can add great joy to our life when we invite them in. Our relationships are often a foundation of the decisions we make and beliefs we hold, and though it may seem like common sense that our relationships are important, we can easily disregard how influential they are. Our relationship and interaction can change us for better or for worse.

Learning

Whether it’s uncovering a new perspective and seeing things a different way, or gaining wisdom about how to live life and be happy, growing from knowledge and seeking to apply it offers true meaning. Stay focused on finding value and the lessons that can be learned from what you experience today. One way that I experience greater well-being and satisfaction is by learning and expanding my knowledge. We are able to learn something new every day and from every encounter we have.

Giving back

Think of ways to improve someone else’s day, or how you could alleviate their struggles. How can you offer comfort or simply do a kind act to help someone out? Every day we have a chance to lend a hand and improve the life of someone else. When we are able to offer joy and happiness to others, it gives us a sense of meaning and contribution. Feeling like I make a difference in the world is very important to me, and this can be done in simple ways every day.

Creativity

It is also an amazing outlet to live life more fully and begin using our potential. We are made to be in touch with our creative nature. When we open our mind to look at life in an innovative manner we will see so many more opportunities.

New experiences

There was a time when I didn’t like change and was afraid to try new things. We all have routines, habits, and patterns we fall prey to. However, at the same time we probably have opportunities to try something new but decide to stick with what we know. Seeking growth and expansion helps us experience the full range of life and leads us build character and individuality. Go out and seek adventure whenever you can.

Beauty

Beauty comes in all forms, shapes, colors, and sizes. The trick is to look for it. Whether we admire artistic creations, or simply the fabric of nature, learning to see the beauty in what is mundane is a powerful source of positive energy. We can get so caught up in “have to’s” and “what if’s” we forget how magnificent and inspiring the world around us is.

(article source: shakeoffthegrind.com - image sources: weheartit, weheartit)

Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake..

2011-08-05T11:07:00.003+07:00

These are such a gorgeous photo shoots of Mila Kunis & Justin Timberlake by Carter Smith, ttyled by Joe Zee for Elle US August 2011. It's like love at the first sight seeing these images. So up close, so sweet and cute but also fun. Rumor has it that they are both dating at this moment..but still no words from them..

(images via brusday.com and Elle.com)

Focus on the present

2011-08-01T10:48:00.004+07:00

This is such a nice piece to read. It's written by Shauna Niequist, an America author. To be honest, I've never heard about her before. But I think from this moment I will remember her and will try to read her books. The writing below is about the present moment and the things you believe on that instant moment. Happy reading =)

"believe that this way of living, this focus on the present, the daily, the tangible, this intense concentration not on the news headlines but on the flowers growing in your own garden, the children growing in your own home, this way of living has the potential to open up the heavens, to yield a glittering handful of diamonds where a second ago there was coal. This way of living and noticing and building and crafting can crack through the movie sets and soundtracks that keep us waiting for our own life stories to begin, and set us free to observe the lives we have been creating all along without ever realizing it.

I don’t want to wait anymore. I choose to believe that there is nothing more sacred or profound than this day. I choose to believe that there may be a thousand big moments embedded in this day, waiting to be discovered like tiny shards of gold. The big moments are the daily, tiny moments of courage and forgiveness and hope that we grab on to and extend to one another. That’s the drama of life, swirling all around us, and generally I don’t even see it, because I’m too busy waiting to become whatever it is I think I am about to become. The big moments are in every hour, every conversation, every meal, every meeting.The Heisman Trophy winner knows this. He knows that his big moment was not when they gave him the trophy. It was the thousand times he went to practice instead of going back to bed. It was the miles run on rainy days, the healthy meals when a burger sounded like heaven. That big moment represented and rested on a foundation of moments that had come before it.I believe that if we cultivate a true attention, a deep ability to see what has been there all along, we will find worlds within us and between us, dreams and stories and memories spilling over. The nuances and shades and secrets and intimations of love and friendship and marriage an parenting are action-packed and multicolored, if you know where to look.Today is your big moment. Moments, really.

The life you’ve been waiting for is happening all around you. The scene unfolding right outside your window is worth more than the most beautiful painting, and the crackers and peanut butter that you’re having for lunch on the coffee table are as profound, in their own way, as the Last Supper. This is it. This is life in all its glory, swirling and unfolding around us, disguised as pedantic, pedestrian non-events. But pull of the mask and you will find your life, waiting to be made, chosen, woven, crafted.Your life, right now, today, is exploding with energy and power and detail and dimension, better than the best movie you have ever seen. You and your family and your friends and your house and your dinner table and your garage have all the makings of a life of epic proportions, a story for the ages. Because they all are. Every life is.You have stories worth telling, memories worth remembering, dreams worth working toward, a body worth feeding, a soul worth tending, and beyond that, the God of the universe dwells within you, the true culmination of super and natural. You are more than dust and bones.You are spirit and power and image of God.And you have been given Today."

— Shauna Niequist (Cold Tangerines: Celebrating the Extraordinary Nature of Everyday Life)

(image source: weheartit)