Lipstick Jungle

I finally got to see the pilot episode of this TV series...

I never intended to watch this show in the first place because I don't particularly like Brooke Shields. But surprisingly, I was glued to it, and now, I can't wait to watch the following episodes. I love the characters - Kim Raver is fantastic, Lindsay Price is uplifting, and Brooke Shields, well, I kinda like her acting - she's a natural... The shows not so funny actually, but I love the "light drama" it holds... It's a lot different than Sex and the City because it maintains a realistic tone, while you, as a viewer, being the witness of the various scenarios in the world successful working women...

Overall, I think this series is something to look forward to... At least a whole lot different from the dancing stars, American idols, crime scenes and hospitals everywhere... I like all that too but sometimes I feel the need of something new and delightful while waiting for the next season of Gossip Girl...

ATM

Summer is almost here... One important thing we should always keep on hand - Water... I've received an email about keeping "bottled water" inside the car - which is a no-no, because of the reaction of the sun's heat with PET bottles, causing the latter's chemical composition to mix with the water hence, converting H20 to:
So I hope you guys take note on that... There are several water containers available out there that can be brought/left inside the car, i.e., vacuum sealed mugs, water jugs, water coolers, etc...

But what happens when you're stuck in traffic, no vendors were present (quite impossible), and you need water??? This one caught my eye...

An ATM (Automatic Tubig Machine):

At 5 pesos, you can have a fresh, cold, Mineral Drinking Water to quench your thirst!!! You have to bring your own cups though... But in case you don't have one, you can knock on the gate beside the ATM and buy 1 plastic cup for 1 peso...

Hmmm... what do you think??? Would this be a hit???

The Feng Shui Wealth Vase

You may be wondering why do I blog about Feng Shui? Since when did McDreamer become an expert on Chinese beliefs and Feng Shui??? Well, for most of you who have known me just recently, you won't believe that I used to be a "consultant"... No, I don't do it professionally... I just made some readings about Feng Shui, and attended several seminars a few years ago... But I didn't pursue it... I just think that doing Feng Shui advices as a profession, or as my means of putting bread and butter on the table is a little - sorry for the term, but an "opportunistic approach". I just want to entertain questions from my close relatives and friends, who heeded my advice...

For years, I've been telling myself to create my own Wealth Vase... But what exactly is a Wealth Vase? Simply put, the wealth vase is considered to be a very potent wealth enhancer for the family. It was a luxury available only for the wealthy in traditional (ancient) China and you'll be surprised by how many homes there, have a wealth vase in a secret corner of their home. Many of these have lasted for many generations (being passed down) and is considered the secret of how many of these wealthy families continue to gain wealth and opportunities. I really wanted to make one for our family. I didn't want to buy a wealth vase because I want it to be something I like, something of my own taste, something I can easily afford, because it doesn't have to be "authentic china" or "porcelain", it just have to have a "connection" to you... As long as it has a brim wider than its neck and a has a lid...

Now, I am making my own traditional wealth vase and if anyone else would like to do the same, it would be a pleasure sharing these steps with you...

Step 1: Choosing your Wealth Vase

Most wealth vases will be of the traditional chinese types, but that does not mean you are limited to it. The majority of the older wealth vases are of chinese designs simply because it was obtained in china and thus had its cultural influences in its art. What's more important is that you choose a strong and sturdy (non-transparent vase). The top part of the vase (also known as the neck) should be smaller than the body and base. This allows you to place layers of cloth over it and tie it firmly with colored ribbons. When looking out for one, find one that you have an affinity with and gives you the feeling that it's classy and very sturdy. But remember, what makes the Wealth Vase so potent is not the vase itself, but the ingredients that go into it.

Step 2: The Ingredients

Bottom of the Wealth Vase

1. Soil from your own Home - represents the bonding of the Wealth Vase and You. Some experts say that we should use and ask "soil" from the land of a person who is richer than us, preferably someone who lives nearby. We can do the same, but I choose to put soil from my own home.

2. Uncooked Rice and Dried Beans - symbolic of abundant of food in the family and self-sufficiency in the household

Middle of the Wealth Vase

3. The Secret Ingredients - Feng Shui Coins, Flower Shaped Coins, Amulets such as - Pagoda, PiYao, Coin Sword, etc. These are considered the best ingredient possible in the Wealth Vase. The flower shaped design signifies growth, happiness and harmony always blossoming. The amulet is primarily used as a remedy against bad sectors, and its inscriptions will be used as a protective barrier for your life and wealth. This results in happiness, material wealth, and harmony all secured for the family.

Near The Top

4. Ingots or Wealth Bars, Real Money (notes) preferably Foreign currencies which has a higher value than your own, which is believed that you will never lose grip of your self earned resources. Semi-Precious Stones for a more stable health and wealth for the family.

At the Top

5. Place the God of Wealth - Cai Shen

Step 3: Finishing Up

Once everything has been filled up to the brim, put the lid on. Place a white cloth over the lid and neck of the vase so that it can be tied up with string/rope that represents the five elements (red, blue, brown, yellow and green). And there you have it. Your own wealth vase!

It should be pretty heavy at this point in time, but try to lift it up and give it a good and graceful shake to help the contents settle comfortably. The final part is to find a place to hide it in, such as a cupboard/cabinet where it will not be bothered frequently.

It is not necessary to make it before the Chinese New Year strikes... You can create your own Wealth Vase at your most convenient time... It would be better to make it during your "happy days"...

Good Luck to All of Us...
May we all be healthy, wealthy, and peaceful
throughout the years to come...

Let's Welcome The Year of the Earth Rat

I know many of you don't believe in the Chinese Zodiac... But many also are crazy about it and spend millions for Feng Shui consultation and advices... I, as a Fil-Chi, do believe that I am not harming anyone if I believe in this, but I do limit myself in buying "Auspicious" things because I know I can't spend more than what I earn...

Courtesy of my good friend Ann, these are some of the things we "can" do to
Jumpstart the Year of the Earth Rat with Luck

1. Make peace with everyone

2. Housecleaning
- donate old clothes
- throw out repaired broken items
- salt lamp for cleansing, all house lights shall be cleansed
- change bed sheets
- replace curtains
- use newly cleaned clothes / use new clothes
- use new underwears

3. Welcoming
- place water in the East part of the house
- place 24 pieces of garlic on top of the dining table
- prepare your rice urn: bowl of rice with 1 red packet (angpao)
put 8 coins inside
- place your Quiat Quiat Tree at the Entrance of the house

4. Prepare your Wishing Paper - for prosperity, write your wishes to Quan Yin, the Goddess of Money and Compassion. At the eve of the Chinese New year, 12 Midnight, light 12 sticks of incense and pray to Quan Yin, then burn your wishing paper using the incense sticks.

5. Do not use sharp objects on Feb. 7, 2008

6. Prepare Apples for harmony, Pineapple for abundance, Mandarin Oranges (turns transactions into Gold). Fill you homes with Oranges to achieve your life's aspirations. It is also auspicious to give oranges to friends and relatives.

7. For longevity and luck, parents and elders should give "Angpao" or red envelopes with money to the children in the house

8. Hang 8 red packets with 8 coins each to your quiat-quiat tree for prosperity. Place the tree on the Northwest to activate Heaven's luck. Hang a Heavensluck Windchime at the top of the tree.

9. If you already have a Wealth Vase, activate it by asking more soil from a rich person you know.

10. Do not wear the colors BLACK and WHITE for 15 days after the Chinese New Year

11. Use RED table cloth in your Dining Table, and plates should be colorful and never be WHITE.

12. Roll... roll... roll again 88 pieces of quiat-quiat into your homes and offices for a more prosperous year.

13. Shower your house with coins mixed with sweet candies and chocolates.

14. South facing house and HORSE sign should buy 8 immortals and Pi-yao to overcome bad fortune.

10 Auspicious Dishes to
Welcome the Chinese New Year:

1. Nuts - symbolizes luck
2. Lettuce - symbolizes rising fortune
3. Long Noodles - long life (don't cut the noodles)
4. Fish - abundance
5. Prawns - happiness
6. Abalone - promise of wealth and abundance
7. Oyster - good fortune
8. Chocolates and Biscuits - for persuasive Speech Power
9. Cakes and Candies - sweetness within the family
10. Tikoy - unity and harmony in the family

There you go... I hope I am not misleading anyone... I did this to share what I have learned from my friends, but I don't entirely believe in it... I just thought that I'd lose nothing if I follow them... And guys, if you don't have some of the things listed above, don't buy if you can't afford them... I don't have some of the stuff either, and I don't intend to buy anymore...

But remember, one that never fails and proven to work for everyone: BE POSITIVE! It's the secret to a happier, prosperous life!