Predictions for 2015

My blog's been on hiatus so I'm breaking it with this post. Hope you will enjoy this! ---Mari :)

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The celebration of the Chinese New Year may have ended, but the Year of the Wooden Sheep is just starting. I thought of writing this post since I'm still not over with it for I was not able to eat Tikoy. :( Hahahaha. Kidding! But seriously, I am fond of reading Chinese predictions for the year. It somehow influence the way I run my life, as I believe that there's nothing wrong in believing in them as long as you use those predictions to improve your way of living.

Back to the topic, 2015 is the Year of the Wooden Sheep. I have done some research to look for its possible effects for the current year, and here is the overview:

- International conflicts are still present but countries will still do a lot of conciliatory actions.
- Natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, may occur.
- Industries in line with textile and fashion will boom.
- Health issues are likely to occur, such as viral infections.
- The Year of the Wooden Sheep is seen to be releasing negative energies towards romantic relationships, and lastly;
- This year, everyone is expected to be progressive and optimistic.

But of course, everyone, including I, is eager to know what the year of the sheep has in store for them. I will not make you wait any longer as I am here to give you the individual predictions for the new year. So let's start!

Year of the Sheep (1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)


People who are born under this sign is known to be practical and wise. They are also creative and elegant.
Its secret friend is the Horse, and its allies are the Rabbit and Tiger.

As the second quarter of the year (April-June) approaches, great opportunities are coming your way. For those who are currently employed, you will be prospered. Money will not be an issue at all. But keep in mind that you should be careful with every decision you make if you don't want to lose your luck.

Potential romantic relationships are also on your way, but this is only applicable for the second quarter. With your busy schedule, the matters of your heart will be at rest. Though friendly gestures can change it.

Year of the Monkey (1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004)


People under this animal sign is said to be the most popular among others. For they are known to be cheerful and fascinating, their presence are always paid attention.
Its secret friend is the Snake, and its allies are the Rat and the Dragon, while its enemy is the Tiger.

As the first quarter of the year is coming to an end, expect a happy prospects in the romance department. You will most likely to meet someone who is at the same wavelength as you. For those who are employed, stress may be one if your issue but as long as you use your wit, serious work-related problems is a NO-NO.

By the second quarter of the year, a promotion is likely to be given to you for doing a great job. In addition to that, other opportunities will be offered to you. Whichever you choose to work on, you will excel on it. This year is your time to shine!

Year of the Rooster (1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005)


Roosters are perfectionists. They are also known to be determined and highly driven.
Its secret friend is the Dragon, its allies are the Ox and Snake, while its enemy is the Rabbit.

The year may not look good as you expected. Risks of misfortunes are present. Trust issues will also arise in your personal relationships.

As the second quarter of the year approaches, good luck will disguise as a new-found friend. Creating a connection with this person will benefit you in the long run.

Be mindful of your temper as this will be a ground for conflicts so as much as possible, learn to control it to avoid problems to arise.

Year of the Dog (1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006)


People under this animal sign is known to be loyal and affectionate.
Its secret friend is the Rabbit, and its allies are the Tiger and the Horse, while its enemy is the Dragon.

This year, you must be outgoing and be sociable so that you will be able to create connections that will very beneficial to you in the future. If you are looking for a romantic relationship, you will be able to find a friend that in turn, is really for keeps.

For those who are employed, keep away from gossips as this will create gaps between you and your colleagues. Also, avoid engaging yourself to stressful activities if you don't want to suffer from health problems.

Your will to earn money is a sign that you may consider working abroad as it will be your channel to be successful at your chosen career.

Year of the Pig (1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007)


Boars are known because of their wit and humor. They are classy, and they are the type of people that believe in "quality-over-quantity" principle.
Their secret friend is the Tiger, and its allies are the Rabbit and Sheep. Its enemy is the Snake.

You are likely to be offered with great career opportunities so be sure to that you are up for grabs. As you receive bountiful blessings, you must also give to charities as a sign of giving back. 

For those who are seeking romantic affairs, this year is not so exciting as you are more focused to your work. 

Also, the remnants of your past will coming back after you so be brave enough to face them. handle them with conviction.

Illnesses are most likely to occur so be sure to keep yourself healthy.

Year of the Rat (1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)


Rats are very sophisticated. They are imaginative and very adventurous.
Their secret friend is the Ox, its allies are the Monkey and Dragon, while its enemy is the Horse.

Opportunities are non-stop. Though you want to entertain each, your energy won't be able to cater them. Friendly reminder: Take time to relax to replenish your energy as it will be your weapon to attain success. Jealous people will try to pull you down, but instead of worrying about them, ignore them.

With regards with the romance department, everything will be well and smooth, though it is not yet the best time to settle down. Also, issues of third party will arise so be sure that you never neglect your partner despite of your busy schedule.

Year of the Ox (1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)


Ox-born people are like diamonds --- They are classic. They are also conservative, but has an amazing strength.
Its secret friend is the Rat, its allies are the Snake and Rooster. Its enemy is the Sheep.

For entrepreneurs, consistent profits are expected, making you to be more productive. Responsibilities are also piling up, so learn to manage them to avoid stress and conflicts. Also, your temper will sometimes be out of control so make sure to watch your words.

Romantic relationships will work this year. no serious problems are seen on this department.
Oxen will also be likely to travel to relax so better watch out for it.

Year of the Tiger (1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)


Tiger-born people are charming and enigmatic. They are intelligent and sharp.
Their secret friend is the Boar, and allies are the Horse and Dog. Its enemy is the Monkey.

Find right connections so that you will be able to open great opportunities. You will be facing challenging opportunities, but will still outshine, making people admire you. At some point in your life, you will feel down because of the conflicts that will surround you. To overcome this, you must keep your head up high, and always make the right decisions.

In the romance department, you will likely to meet someone who shares the same interests as you. If you want to be in a relationship, make sure that you are willing to compromise.

Year of the Rabbit (1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)


They are sharp and vigilant. They are cool and comfortable to be with.
Its secret friend is the Dog, its allies are the Sheep and Boar. Its enemy is the Rooster.

You will be able to get new opportunities because of you being a risk-taker. it is also important that you learn to socialize, but not to a point that you will open up every thought you have as these thoughts may be used against you. 

When it comes to the affairs of the heart, you, being an emotional kind of person, may engage with arguments with your loved ones since your emotions may affect such connections. So be mindful to be sure about your feelings to avoid conflicts.

Year of the Dragon (1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000)


Dragon-born people are believed to have all the positive energies. They are also awesome and charming.
Their secret friend is the Rooster, their allies are the Monkey and Rat, while its enemy is the Dog.

Together with your friend and allies, you will be able to find profitable opportunities that can enhance your skills. Just be mindful that you have to strive hard in order to reach your goals. Learn also to watch your words to avoid issues to arise. With the opportunities coming your way, these may affect your health so it is better to take good care of yourself. With you achieving a lot of milestones in our life, you will be surrounded with jealous people so learn to deal with them and don't ever get affected with the gossips. Instead, make them as your motivation to work harder.

Unfortunately, romantic partnerships are seem to be on the rocks. There may be endings but in no time, you may find a new-found love. Just remember to strengthen your bond to avoid break-ups.

Year of the Snake (1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001)


As snake-born people are sensual and graceful, they are seen to be elegant. Because of this, they are the point of admiration by the other animal signs.
Snake's secret friend is the Monkey, its allies are the Ox and the Rooster. Its enemy is the Pig.

You will get stressed with your work so you will often lose your temper with your colleagues, so you must watch every word you say and every action you take. If you feel drained, be with your family and friends--- they are the people who know you best.

Love and happiness will surround you so never miss this once-in-a-blue-moon chance. Create special connections to have long term relationships.

Year of the Horse (1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002)


People born under this animal sign are fabulous and flighty. They are also said to be passionate and imaginative.
Its secret friend is the Sheep, its allies are the Tiger and Dog, while its enemy is the Rat.

Good things are coming your way. Expect new career offers that will bring out the best in you. You will be so busy that your mind will have a hard time to cater all so don't forget to take some rest. Use you skills for you to be able to excel in your chosen field.

In the romance department, this is the perfect time for you to stop playing games since you will be able to find someone who will literally knock you down off your feet. No more flings, just real love.


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Okay, there! :) Be mindful that these are only predictions. It's still up to you if you are going to believe them or not. However, there's nothing wrong in using them as your guide to keep you in focus.

Remember that your fate is in your hands. You are the Captain of your journey. :)

I hope we all have a prosperous Year of the Wooden Sheep!
好运气给我们

What's In: FASHION 2015

Every year, new fashion trends are introduced in the market. Learn them here, and see what you have to leave behind.

DENIM, ALL THE WAY!

The blues are the winners for 2015 as they are ready to rule out this year's fashion trend.


 


With the fresh ideas being applied to denim, you can choose from jackets and dresses, whichever suits your fashion preference.

GO RETRO!

With 2014's 60's and 90's inspired fashion ideas, get ready to shift to 70's as it is this year's fashion eye focus.




   



Flowers, fringes, and flares will play a big part for this year's fashion. But of course, the 90's fashion is still in for 2015 to spice up your looks.

Just like fashion analysts always say, "Fashion is about looking forward to the future, but still leaving an eye to the past."

BOHO IT IS!


Bohemian fashion is back! This includes long, flowing dresses and flattering neckline.




This trend appeals to be cozy and romantic, perfect for sweet and charming personality.

GET SPORTY!


Get the best from your sportswear by turning them into great-looking outfits that will be surely become a head turner.




Stylize your looks by adding accents on your outfits like sport caps, then pair it with comfy sneakers.

SUEDE IS THE NEW LEATHER

Suede has really made its comeback in 2015. Gone are the leather jackets and dresses, and switch now to suede overcoats and jumpsuits.



Of course, the guys will never be left out as the Suede "fever" has also overtaken men's fashion.



"SHEER" IT OFF

Just like with 2014, Sheer is going strong as it is still very in for 2015. 




GET IN BETWEEN

What do I mean? Well, Unisex fashion is an uprising trend in 2015. With girls wearing what the guys have, and vice-versa.



DOUBLE SKIRTS

Yes. In 2015, done with the dress over jeans fashion, and now in the "skirt-over-dress" or the "dress-over-skirt" look. Finding the perfect matches will help you pull off the outfit nicely.






With these fashion ideas for 2015, you are now ready to give your wardrobe a makeover.
Go out, and dress your best #OOTD! :)


Be Beautiful, INSIDE and OUT!: An "Ikaw na ang Maganda!" Review


"Inner beauty outlasts outer beauty.
And so inner beauty is what we should also enhance."
--- A line from Miriam Quiambao-Roberto's Foreword for the book "Ikaw na ang Maganda!" by Malu Tiongson-Ortiz.

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How to be beautiful? That's the every question a woman asks. Is it all about how one looks, or it comes from within? Either way, enhancing both beauties will make you, us, a better being.

How does one define beauty? It depends. What may seem beautiful to one person may not be to another. Simply, there are no rules in appreciating one's beauty. Today, beauty is an asset. It helps one person to find a better job, or attract someone. For women, beauty will give them confidence. Most are willing to spend money to buy beauty products. But what if, you don't have the luxury to buy those? Does that mean that you can't be beautiful? This is what this book will teach us: That there is more to physical beauty. It's the inner beauty that make each woman beautiful. Just like what 1 Peter 3:3-4 says, "Beauty does not come from outward adornment, clothes, jewelry, hair, or makeup. There is something more to being beautiful on the outside, something that in the eyes of God, is even more valuable."



REINVENTION: Easy Recipes for Leftover Foods

The Holidays may be over but you must be left with leftover foods. Instead of just storing them in your fridge, why not reinvent a meal from them? From this article, I will be giving you recipe ideas on how to make a delicious meal out of leftover foods.

BEEF

Beef Wraps



Ingredients:
- Leftover Grilled/Roasted Beef, cut into strips
- Bell peppers, cut into strips
- Onion rings
- Tortilla Wraps or Pita bread
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- Mustard and Mayonnaise
- Cooking oil


Page 365 of 365


December 31, 2014. Page 365 of 365. The last page of the book of 2014. :)

2014 is about to end. Some people may have been lucky this year, yet some are not. However, what matters most are the learning that the ending year has imparted to each one of us. Personally, 2014 has been a roller coaster ride for me but I was able to withstand all the obstacles and be triumphant with all my success.

2014 taught me to:

LAUGH. That whatever comes, be positive with it and just laugh. :)

FORGIVE. I didn't pair it with its common partner, which is to FORGET, since this thing somehow much harder to do. Why forgive? It is to give you that peace of mind as we all welcome the new year.

TAKE CHANCES. I learned that it is okay to take risks. I need to be strong so that people will see it as my strength.

SMILE. That is the best make-up a girl can wear. I learned that smiling will brighten my day. And who knows? Someone may be falling in love with it. :)

CHANGE. It is considered to be the only permanent thing in the world. I learned to change FOR THE BETTER. :) Some changes may be hard, but we have to accept that changes will make me, US, the best person that we could ever be.

CRY. It's okay to cry. :) Cry if you're sad, cry if you're genuinely happy.

IT'S OKAY TO GET HURT. That's life, I guess. It's inevitable. There will be people that will come to our lives to hurt us. And if they do, accept it. What I truly learned about this is that you have to be strong enough so that others won't be able to underestimate you.

LOVE. We have so much to give, only we have to be generous and give it to people who really deserves it. :) Love until you can. Love as if it will be the last.

And lastly....

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST. Enjoy the things that are around you. Love the people that surrounds you. Value life, as God has given you that gift so that you can use it for a purpose. :)


Year 2015... I am ready for you. :) Bring it on!! ❤❤🎉🎉

Doing the New Year's Celebration the FILIPINO WAY

2014 is about to end, and obviously most people are busy preparing all the things for the celebration. For Filipinos, New Year is a big event, that's why many traditions are observed during this time to welcome the upcoming year with prosperity. To give you an idea, here are the top 10 Filipino traditions and superstitions, as influenced by the Chinese traditions, that will give you luck in 2015.

1.     Make as much noise to drive away bad spirits and bad luck.

Photo via wutc.org

Blowing horns, lighting up fireworks, and a lot of more are done to scare evil spirits. These loud noises will somehow protect you from bad luck as you welcome the new year.

2.     Open all windows and doors for good fortune.

It is believed that opened doors and windows will invite all the good vibes to enter your houses and will make all the bad luck to leave yours.



10 Must-Try Life Hacks

Life hacks have been very popular today. They may seem funny and weird, but they definitely make our everyday lives easier.

I've been researching for the most useful life hacks, and I list ten of them that for me is very useful and worth the try.

In no particular order, let's begin for search for the best life hacks.

1.    Tennis ball as an instant hanger.
Just make a horizontal cut on the ball, and voila! You got yourself an instant hanger for your keys and other stuffs.

Photo credit from thumbpress.com

2.    iPhone Holder
Got an iPhone and you got no place to hold it for you? Then worry no more because you can now use the old-time cassette tape holder to keep it in place.

Photo credit from welldonestuff.com