Pampering: How to Do your own Manicure and Nail Art

A lot of nail salons are flourishing all over Davao City. Nail arts and nail stamps are some of the latest services most girls are after because of the glamorous-looking designs (e.g. swarovski, glitters, etc) blended on top of each nail.  The problem is, they are generally expensive. Some of them cost Php40.00 and above for every nail.  So I came up with getting a Home Service Manicure instead - Nail Art style.

My cousin recommended me their neighborhood manicurist who does home service, and who also happens to be their friend. One of the reasons why I'm getting one so that I would know how to do it myself the next time.  I haven't done my own manicure not because I'm lazy, but just don't know how to start.  When the manicurist, Arlene, started doing the pampering for me, I started learning the steps.  Let me share you the procedure:

1)  Pick a color - Choose the best color for your nails.  Don't pick something that will make your hands look dull or old.  For me, I chose light blue for my feet and pink glaze for my hands.  Colors will depend on your skin type/complexion.

2)  Cut and shape your nails - There are proper ways on cutting and shaping them.  I prefer cutting mine shorter.

3)  To start cleaning your nails, spray a soapy water on them to soften.  Use a pusher and brush the dirt afterwards.

4)  Use a Nail File after cleaning to neatly shape your nails and its sharp edges.

5) Gently put Merthiolate solution on your nails to sanitize.  It also gives a pinkish hue.

Missing Dad and Coping with Grief

Papa's hand, I knew he could still feel me..

It's Sunday morning and suddenly, I missed my dad.  I saw his old pictures and videos from his birthday back in 2009.

If you do not know what I'm talking about -- my dad died from Papillary Thyroid Cancer a year ago.  It was New Year, January 1, 2011.  It started in his throat and cancer cells spread like fire going to his lungs.  Besides that, I'm still happy that we were able to spend time with him for two years more, since he was diagnosed in 2008.

Until now, I could hardly believe he's gone.  I wasn't expecting that out of millions of people, illness would hit one of my loved ones, my father.  I couldn't blame the situation, though, because he kept smoking when I was a kid. But still, smoking was his past time to ease stress during his busy days.  Aside from cancer, dad also had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which worsened his condition.  Dad had a hard time breathing, and I couldn't take it looking at him suffering.

Well, enough to tell you of the drama, I do not want to cry again.  Let me just share you How to Cope with Grief.  I know it's not easy, but we can do this slowly.

The Dainty Diner: Keepsakes

The Storefront

It's weekend, and I've got nothing else to do. We went to church on a Sunday afternoon and after the mass, I wanted to eat Pasta. I've missed it because it's been a while since my last Carbonara, so my boyfriend and I stopped over at - Keepsakes Davao. 

Keepsakes is located on the right wing of Matina Town Square, Davao City. This 'Dainty Diner,' as I may call, is most frequented with high school students from Ateneo de Davao University, my Alma Mater. I call it such because it has a girly atmosphere, filled with trinkets. The friendly ambiance did not only complete my satisfaction, but the cost was right for my pocket.

The Ambience

Let me give you a tour:

This is the colorful atmosphere of the diner. Pastel chairs, couches, and curtain beads remind me of my bedroom.

When you first enter, colorful menu boards and the friendly staff will greet you.

The menu serves Chicken, Pasta, Desserts and Rice Meals.  Like I mentioned, the cost was just right to keep myself full, and my pocket.

Scroll more for the meals served.