Miraculous Encounters

Life is so unpredictable. Anything can happen in just a snap of a finger and there's nothing you can do about it.

Just last Friday, my grandma was confined in cardinal santos after experiencing numbness & weakness in her right arms & legs and having a very high blood pressure. We were so worried because symptoms show that she might be experiencing a mild stroke. So the doctor told us that she should undergo CT Scans to check what causes the numbness & weakness. After getting the results, we learned that it's not Stroke but something worse! A Brain tumor! The tumor in her brain is already the size of a golf ball. It was already growing so the symptoms are starting to show. The result is Benign (non-cancerous). But the doctors said that she can't have radiation but rather an open surgery since it was already big and have to be removed within the month or else some of her systems will malfunction and will lead to paralysis due to the growing tumor that presses on her nerve. And doctors said that it's hard to tell if she would be able to survive the operation since it's a major surgery and she's already 77 years old. The survival percentage is only 5%. Then It suddenly hit me..that my grandmother can no longer live long and that bought me to a mixed emotion..I felt so sad, angry and confused at the same time. There's a sense of dread growing from the pit of my stomach, making my legs feel as if they weighed a thousand pounds. My head were full of questions.. Why my grandma? Why does she have to suffer?? Why is someone who's pure hearted and kind would experience this? Someone who is a devoted Christian and servant of God would encounter this kind of illness? Why not inflict this kind of punishment to people who deserves it. Someone who ruin someone's life, or people who corrupts and murders. Or maybe some prostitutes that caused broken families and lead people to immorality. I couldn't understand why her, I felt so helpless and I couldn't do anything about it.

I'm the one who took care of her last Saturday; I spent the night in the hospital with her so I could assist her to the bathroom and stuff. She was staying for 2 days in the hospital so the doctors could monitor her and at the same time for further check-ups. We didn't told our grandma the result for she might get nervous and fear that her Blood pressure would shoot up if she knew the truth, so she assumed that she was just experiencing from a mild stroke. But the reality is, something much worse is gonna happen. Something dreadful!! It's death that awaits her! It's not I'm being negative but it's the reality! I tried so hard to control my emotions, tried not to cry..I can't let her see that i'm feeling sad or worried for she might think that there's really something wrong with her.

That night, I'm in the brink of tears everytime i see her in the hospital bed, telling me her plans after her discharged out of the hospital. I didn't slept that night; I kept on crying and praying to God. While she was sleeping, i secretly go to the bathroom and wept there for an hour. I felt so helpless, coz I don't know what will happen next but I know for sure that it's not good. I also felt so guilty coz lots of times i get angry with her especially if she's nagging me. I felt that i had taken her for granted...I'm asking God for another chance, to perform miracles. I believe God could heal her. God had raised Lazarus from the dead thousand of years ago..He let the blind see and the deaf to hear... how could He not heal my grandma from this Brain tumor?? During the time of distress i read my bible..I'm reading at 1st Corinthians in New Testaments. While reading, suddenly God spoke to me and said: 1st Corinthian 2:4-5 "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, So that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power". I felt peace and comfort after receiving these words from God. Thou it's hard to hold on with these words coz in reality, the doctor said that my grandma has a very low chance of surviving the operation. And surgery should take place as soon as possible coz the tumor is growing fast and it may affect some of her system. But in my heart i believed that God will make a way and He will hear my prayers, that all i had to do is believe and have faith.

Monday came, she was already discharged from the hospital and went home. I sleep with her since i was a baby so we are staying in the same room. It's a torture for me seeing my grandmother..but of course i have to contain myself and pretend there's nothing wrong.
Every given chance i tried to pray and read my bible. I need comforting words from God. I believe that God is testing my faith, how firm and how i put my trust in him. I received words from God everytime i read my bible mostly about faith like"faith can move mountains" and "Believe and have faith". I was so enlightened with it and in the end i managed to control myself coz i believed that God won't let bad things happen to my Grandma. The word has gotten hold of me that my worries and doubt turned to comfort, peace and an abiding in faith. And everytime i felt fear and doubtful, God's word would once again remind me to have faith and don't rely to the knowledge and wisdom of men rather the power of Christ.

My mom had talked to some doctors, asking for their opinions regarding that matter. So they said that we have to make an appointment to one of the best neurosurgeons here in Manila and refer us to him. We have to asked his opinion whether the surgery is the best way or leave it and let it take over her life. And so my dad had already made an appointment and when it's already our turn, my mom rushed to the hospital and visit the neurosurgeon to asked for his opinion.

While she was in the hospital, I was so worried during that time. I kept on pacing back and forth coz i already knew what the doctor would say. That it's really impossible for my grandma to survived the surgery due to old age. And all we have to do is wait until her time is up. It's like a walking time bomb! So that time i get down on my knees and pray...I believe that God has put us in this situation for us to learn something, he has the reason on why these things are occuring. Though we don't understand why but i know that God has special plans.

Not long after, my mom came home to give us the news. My mom called my grandma to confessed that she has gone to the neurosurgeon and she doesn't want her to know coz she might get pessimistic. And so I was there and I can feel my heartbeat runs fast! I don't know what to say so I just stay and wait for my mom to speak up. She told her everything..the tumors and it must be removed as soon as possible because it will worsen..The neurosurgeon told her that he won't operate my grandma coz she might not survived the surgery. Then after that, my mom showed us a brochure about the Gamma Knife. Gamma Knife is a device used to treat brain tumors with a high dose of radiation therapy in one day. It is unique coz no surgical incision is made to expose the inside of the brain, thereby reducing the risk of surgical complications and eliminating the side effects and dangers of general anesthesia. The "blades" of the Gamma Knife are the beams of gamma radiation programmed to target the lesion at the point where they intersect. It kills the DNA in the tumor cells thereby preventing it to grow without harming the healthy tissues. It has proven effective and low level of risks since it's a bloodless surgery. I was like..WOW!!! I'm so happy that I immediately thank God for hearing our prayers. The neurosurgeon told her that it should be removed within 2 weeks or else it can't be done using Gamma Knife anymore. We're just in time, a little later than that my Grandma's life would be in danger. I saw the leading of God; I should cast all my cares upon him. Faith is very important, for it makes all things possible. Prayer is a powerful weapon that will surely help us pass through difficult trials.


Wednesday had arrived and my grandma was sent 6am in the hospital to have MRI scan for further investigation and to locate the lesion in the brain to be treated. The Doctors says that her tumor was kind of flat and was almost touching the nerves, It could be very dangerous when doing the "Gamma Knife" coz it might hit the nerves which could lead to paralysis. After knowing that, I suddenly felt petrified with fear and I was praying to God, telling him that my grandma has gone this far..that it would lose our testimony if anything goes wrong with her since the night before she has gone to the prayer meeting, pastors and elders of the church lay hands on her to pray for the successful operation on her Brain tumor. While I was talking with God, I suddenly received a text message from one of my friends. The message was a bible verse from Mark 5:34 "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Then once again i was uplifted and believed that God would make everything alright! I just felt that I have an assurance that everything would turn out well.

My Grandma was sent for her "Gamma Knife" operation at 12 noon. Me & mom just waited at the room to do our stuff. After 2 hours, my grandma came back and she was fine! She could walk and eat as if there's nothing happened..and at the same time her tumor was already stopped from growing! I was so delighted and was praising God. God's power and love is beyond understanding, he is merciful and a healer. God's grace is sufficient to meet our every need; He never leaves or forsakes us even in our major obstacles. God wants me to learn that I must rely on him, though the verity was already there but still i have to put my trust in him and believed that God can move mountains...Even if the situation seems so impossible but God can make all things possible according to his Will. Everything has a purpose, and I know that God wants to test my faith, how deep and how strong is it. This miraculous experience is one of the marvelous things that happened in my life. His grace is truly amazing! Praise God!

Cherry Culture Memorial Sale!

Cherry Culture is is having one of their fabulous sales! Now you'll be spending on good quality makeup without breaking the bank!

Review: Mac Sculpt & Shape Lightsweep & Shadester

I was looking for contouring powder since last year after i learned how to contour my face. I already bought the coastal scents contouring palette but it's too big to bring it out. I can only use it when i'm home doing my makeup. I decided to buy a compact type so i could bring it anywhere with me.

While scanning various of makeup store, it's hard to find a contouring powder coz they rarely carry that kind of item since it's more advanced and it's not the usual essential for everyday make-ups. They only have bronzers and dark powders/foundation. And so i gave up and tried to surf over the net to look for some recommendations. Then came across with this product..I immediately checked to the nearest Mac store, but unfortunately it was a limited edition so they don't have that product anymore. I tried to visit ebay and some online store to look for this product. And luckily i got one on multiply site, i was looking for the shade Bone Beige coz it's the shade that is suitable for my skintone. I'm extremely fair, and other shades would be too dark for me.

Mac Sculpt & Shade comes in 4 different compacts to fit anyone’s skintone. It is a duo-pan shaded compact featuring a contour and a highlight powder in shades selected to complement each other. The deeper shade is matte, making it perfect for contouring the face and body. The lighter shade has low-level pearlized pigments, making it ideal for highlighting the high planes of the face. It also claims to be jet-milled pigments to allow for smooth and even silky application. It contains skin conditioning agents like Wheat and Barley Extracts and is dermatologist-tested and ophthalmologist-tested.

While looking, it seems like forever to find the shade Bone Beige. They are very rare that they're selling it x2 of it's retail price especially if you're looking on ebay..so i decided to buy the lightsweep & shadester, though it's a bit dark for me, it's the 3rd to the darkest shade, but i thought i'll give it a try.

Lightsweep is a warm, light peach with subtle shimmer, and this is a great highlight color for a variety of skin tones.


Shadester is a warm, medium brown that will contour nicely on ladies of color for face and body, but it will still be a great color to use on lids from time to time, because of the warmth and matte finish. These are meant to contour anything, not just the cheeks! This would also be a good shade for those with deep tans, because of its warmth. Apply lightly if your skin is light rather than dark.




Lightsweep / Shadester might be a touch ashy on really deep skin tones, but this is one of the favorites from the shaping line.


Shades Available:
*They are arranged from lightest to darkest

Bone Beige
Accentuate
Lightsweep/Shadester
Warm Light Definitive

Contouring adds shadow in your face that helps to create dimension. It also gives an illusion of a perfect& symmetrical shape. Contouring is also perfect for making your face appear thinner and more proportioned. While Highlight makes your face glows as well as mimimize or maximize facial features and gives you that finished sheen you see in magazines. It catches the light and emphasizes your bone structure and makes your face flattering with luminous finish.

I have an absolutely big and round face that i find it hard to hide it. I can't tie my hair up for it might expose my round cheeks, which i find it frustrating. And after trying this split-pan, two in one contouring powder..It works with me! It's a bit hard for me to apply coz i have to control my hand not to apply much, or it may look like a bruise or some kind kind of dirt spread across my face-not pretty! The result leaves me extremely satisfied coz I get a very subtle contouring effect. It is buildable and easy to apply either sheer or heavy.


Directions:

Take an angled Brush(Contouring Brush), Then use the shadester to contour below the cheekbones,if you can't seem to find it..Try to make a “fishy” face, which is when you suck in your cheeks as much as you can. You can see or feel the hollow it creates below you cheeks. Then apply some on the jaw line, temples, and eye crease. You may also this on the side of your nose to have an illusion of sharper nose. Then use the lightsweep for highlights to let you reflect light. So the best area to put on is on the middle of the nose, underneath the brow, around the jawline, chin, center of the forehead and top of the cheekbones.


Here's a picture to help you know your face shape as well as guide on how to contour & highlight your face properly:


Contouring:Brown
Highlight:Yellow
Green:Blush


Long Face



Oblong Face



Pear Face



Round Face



Square Face



Heart Face




Tips:

• Don't apply too much highlights, coz the area may look too oily instead. Just a slight shimmer will do.


• Highlight your face with either the same color of your skintone or lighter. Never use darker shade.


• Use matte powders for contouring your face. A shimmer, pearlized or glittery contouring powder is a big no-no.


• Never use glittery powder for highlights, shimmer is the best which gives you a definete glow.


• Contouring powder must be at least 1-2 shades darker of your skintone.

Overall:

A great buy for me! Both sides are utterly natural and yet I look much better afterwards. It's just a great finishing product that lends just the right amount of dimension for my everyday life. It gives a really pretty glow that's quite subtle and natural on me. Together, they give a subtly polished look. As for the staying power, it's beyond amazing! it stay put after a very long hours of wearing it. It applies well, blends smoothly and looks natural. Moreover, I like the convenience of having it all in one package. I highly recommend this product for an effortlessly pretty look. Love it!

Product: 5/5

Price: 4/5

Packaging: 5/5

Quality:5/5

Overall:4.5/5

Would I Buy Again: I Certainly Will!

Retail Price: $23

Arizona Pathway Landscape

I woke up at around 9 in the morning, i could feel myself perspiring. Damn! It's so hot! i felt like i'm melting. Todays temperature is about 94 Degrees, but it feels like 109! It's scorching hot! that you wouldn't survive under the sun for 5 minutes without your umbrella or hat on. The heat wave is so great that I'll start sweating whenever i walk out from my room. I'm not used to this kind of weather coz i'm always inside my room with my A/C turn on most of the time.

While I complain, many do enjoy this kind of weather. People can do outdoor activities like hiking, mountain climbing, swimming, and lot more. I, however, do like summer season for one reason...is because of great travel deals! and with that i could travel and find a perfect place were i could spend this season. I'm thinking of visiting Arizona and spend my vacation there. Their weather is nice, not too hot nor too cold.

I also came across with this site: landscape design in Scottsdale AZ and i was astounded on how they can turn something so simple into a Cloud 9! Pathway Landscape provides custom landscape design, hardscaping, lighting and maintenance. They provide powerful, cost-effective, full service landscape services throughout Arizona. Arizona is one place that i loved to spend my during my retired days. AS you can see, they're alreadyknown in the press In the press. And I'm planning to have it custom made by Pathway Landscape to have my home turned into a paradise!

Twilight saga: New Moon Movie Poster

Finally! The official movie poster of New Moon has been released!!! this is so awesome! I'm digging this poster right now that I've changed my Pc desktop wallpaper to this one! I'm so excited that i couldn't wait for the showing of new moon this coming Nov 20. We've been Gawking those fan made posters that have been springing out months ago but now here's the Official Movie poster!!! so guys what do you think of this?

Web Hosting Geeks

Web Hosting Geeks is a site that provides all the information needed for you to know which web hosting provider is the best one in the market. It is beneficial for everybody especially those who doesn't want to spent lots of time in comparing which Web Hosting Plan is the best one for them. You may wish to check out their site webhosting for more info.

In today's competitive world, you need a reliable web hosting for the success of your online business. And it is essential for you to find which one would meets your standards and requirements. There are lots of web hosting sites that offers different kinds of services and it is very complicated to look for the right one.. This site helps you what exactly to look for when choosing the best web hosting service. Since it will give you an idea which web hosting is the editor's choice hosting, Cheap Reliable Hosting, Cheap Web Hosting, Reliable Web Hosting and etc..You may also visit this site to avoide the pitfalls of unlimited domains web hosting blogs. This site is very helpful and would surely guide you in choosing the best service!

EOTD Arabic Eye Makeup

My first attempt of doing Arabic eye makeup! Sorry for the bad lighting..I took this during night time, before i sleep.:) That's the only time i'm available to try this look.:) My photography sucks! and the lighting sucks! so it's a bit blurry and a bit dark so please bear with me.

I've been dying to try this look eversince i saw arabic women wearing those heavy makeups, i just love it! and so i tried doing my own version of it.:) so here's what i used:

Coastal Palette

4u2 cosmetics i-pro palette in Impressive

gel eyeliner

Makeup Brushes

elaianto eye primer

faceshop concealer

smashbox eyeshadow Smashing sensory

Faceshop Automatic eyeliner in white

Tip:

-To achieve the striaght line for doing an eyeshadow, use a clear tape so you won't exceed while putting on the shadows.:)

Reviews: 4u2 Cosmetics I-Pro Palette Impressive

I passed by Watson's last week to hunt down newly released makeups, while checking 4u2 cosmetics and the moment i laid my eyes on this i-pro palette, it's like experiencing love at first sight! I couldn't take my eyes off it! and i have the feeling that i MUST buy this palette or else i won't be be able to sleep that night especially it was already within my reach, and all i had to do was to grab it and go directly to the counter. Well, I gladly did and listen to my heart and bought this wonderful palette..:) But before doing that i had to check whether all the powder in the palette was still in compact, since i already heard that many people complained regarding cracked/destroyed powders and so i had to take precautions. Upon checking the palette, all powders are still intact and i'm sure was lucky because the Shade Impressive has only 1 stock left! The saleslady said that it's their bestseller and restocking of that shade will take a month!!! Anway, here's my personal review of thsis palette, i aslo provided a picture of it for a better view.




Front View

Back View

The reason I bought this palette is primarily of it's high pigment colors. It is smooth textured, blendable, and well pigmented. It may also be used wet to bring out it's deeper effect. This eyeshadows has a bit of creamy texture that will surely stick in your eyes in just a swipe, it is also buildable so if you want to have a more intense look apply 2 or more layers of shadow.

Pros:

-Reasonably priced
-Great color payoff is fantastic
-it is sleek and may be convenient to bring it anywhere with me.
-Highly Pigmented, Smooth Textured and Blendable Colors.
-Doesn't Crease or Fades
-Lasts the whole day.


Cons:

-It's not really a con but i hope they had included an applicator in the palette.
-They should've released matte eyeshadows, they only have shimmer & frost type.


Tips:

-You may also use this as an eyeliner, just use an eyeliner brush tap it in the powder then start applying in your lower lids or waterline. It will surely stick in your eyes and stay there until you take it off. I tried it on my sister and applied the black in her waterline, it was still there in it's full color until the next day wearing it for more than 24 hours!!


Overall:

This is definetely an eye candy! The colors are captivating and I could just stare at the palette admiring the stunning colours all day. I could create a lot of variety and different looks by using this palette..so far i've created an arabic & rainbow look(will post the pic in one of these days.). I can also create a knock out look with this 8 color shimmer eyeshadow powders, for it's combination you'll surely get a second look from people as you passes by. As for the quality, it speaks for its self..the shadow powder stays put even after long hours of wearing it, it doesn't crease or fades. This packaging is sleek so it can fit in your bags. It also comes with a built in mirror that you could use in applying your eyeshadows. I also recommend you ladies to try their other collection line, especially the duos eyeshadow(price is around 224php). It comes with a built in mirror plus an applicator. What more can i say?? This palette is a good value for your money!


Product: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Quality:5/5
Overall:5/5

Would I buy again? Maybe, but i wanted to try their other delish eyeshadows first!!

Retail Price: 994php

Mother's Day!!!!

It's Mothers day today and i haven't bought anything from my mom yet. Due to busy schedule i didn't got the chance to stroll through the malls to look something for my mom. So instead of getting her something, i spent my evening with her watching horror movies! I bought a lot of horror flicks and her favorite food to snack on while watching those films. It's one way for us to bond since it's our favorite past time!!! And since she's a number one fan of horror/gory movies this simple way surely made her happy.

Review: Faceshop Jewel Hair Care System

What is this: Jewel Hair Care System(10 hrs keep Leave-in Conditioner)

They say:

-Leave-in conditioner for damaged hair formulated with Pearl, Tourmaline and Amethyst adds healthy shine for silky hair.

-Two Phase leave-in treatment coats each strand of hair with a layer of silicon and moisturizing ingredients to provide long lasting silky smoothness and bounce without feeling greasy.


Personal Reviews:

-I bought this leave-in conditioner last year, procrastinating is one my habit so it took me for quite sometime to make a review for this product. The first time i saw this one at Faceshop greenhills branch, i immediately tried it on my hair using their tester bottle. Of course the benefits of this hasn't take effect during that time but i just love the smell it so without having a second thought i immediately purchased it..it smells like some hairspray/leave on conditioner used in a korean parlor after a haircut or treatment.

So, After taking a bath right after brushing my hair i tried this Jewel Leave-in treatment, and while my hair is still wet I spritz 4-5 times in different layers of my hair. And how i love the result of it!!! My hair has gotten soft & smooth. I just leave it to dry and there's no need to spritz more since my hair is still intact after long hours of doing my stuff. It really lasts a day so a bottle of 200ml can lasts you more than 6 months. I'm using mine since last year October and the content is still 50% full. You may also use this if you're experiencing frizzy hair, this will surely striaghten your hair out. It's unique formula moisturizes, reconstructs and conditions my hair while leaving it healthy & beautiful. It is beneficial to dry/damaged hair and it also creates silkiness without feeling greasy.


Price:300+php
Size:200ml

Product: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Quality:5/5
Overall:5/5

Would I buy again? Yes!

Urban Decay Xl Primer Potion

I had my eye on this cult favorite lid primer since the first time i saw it released on Urban Decay last year. The bottle was so alluring & the reviews of everyone who had tried this primer is so tempting that it's hard to resist not to purchase. But then i'm using other lid primers those times & i had to finish it first so i just put my yearnings on hold. But now i couldn't hold on much longer and i must have it!! and luckily they released the Xl version were i could have 60% more of this product. See the picture above for the comparison of the original size & the Xl.:) So i purchased one over ebay at around $23(shipping is included). Haven't received the item yet. So wait for my product review on this one after i tried using it.:)

My Latest Makeup Haul!!!

So glad that i bought another loads of makeup, got my eye on these babies the first time i saw them!!!!

Urban Decay XL Primer Potion
Smashbox Eyeshadow-Smashing Sensory
Skin Food Honey Glossy Rouge Lipstick
Mac Sculpt & Shape in Lightsweep & Shadester
Red Earth Eyeshadow In Baby Blue
4u2 cosmetics I-pro Palette in impressive
4u2 cosmetics in Glitz Collection Duo Eyeshadow
CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine Hot Fudge
CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Shine Vanilla Malt Shake