Im Loving Rachael Ray

Since its month end and before the summer ends (though as noticed, temperatures keep rising as we approach the supposedly raining months), i decided to upgrade the look of my place. In fact, this is so much anticipated not just because i really wanted a summer look (which is inspired by the last edition of real living magazine) but because were celebrating mothers day and my mothers birthday. And i would like to say that this inspiration is a tribute to my mom who little by little is adjusting to my new found passion on house decorating. As noticed, i already incorporated my flea market finds on my nest. The native drums, candelabras and two garden set stool which became my side tables are now part of my design. The old artworks are still there. I managed to blend in my old pieces, those that i already have in my new color scheme. In fact, this were my considerations before i chose the blues over the creams as wall color. I made it sure that my old pieces will never be outdated or out

Real Living’s May issue is now out, and I must say, it’s one of our favorites. Aside from the fact that we went to Negros to create this issue (that’s the museum/ancestral house Balay ni Tana Dicang on the cover), the other articles are just as lovely! We started it off with Tisha Alvarez-Angluben’s beautiful Mother’s Day party story… …Gwyn Guanzon and contrib Arlene Maslog’s elegant piece on how to prettify your medicine stash in the bathroom… …while we’re on the topic of bathrooms, check out Arlene Sy’s and Katherine Lopez’s special RL Notebook features on bed, bath and beyond... …plus Coni Tejada’s typically upbeat story on how to get up and out of the house in 15 minutes (the secret is all in your bedroom!!!). And I have to say that architect Bernie Sason’s Negros house is one of the most beautiful homes I’ve ever seen! Check out Bernie’s amazing home, as well as a special on Negros heritage, shopping, and travel in Real Living’s May 2010 issue, out in bookstores and newsstands for

1.Multiples . Do you have multiple items of the same color, shape or style around your house? This is one big "tell" I loo k for as I look through clients' homes. A kilim rug in the front hall, a kilim rug in the bedroom, another one in the living room? That means that you like kilim rugs. It sounds way too simple to be that easy, but most people stop seeing their style even when it's right in front of them. 2. Form over function. Do you work on a desk that is too small, but can't bear to replace it? Have a couch that is crazy uncomfortable, but it's still in you living room after all these years? That broken clock that's still up on the wall? Take a good long look, because this is a dead giveaway to your personal style. There is something you love so much about this piece that you have chosen its form over your need for function. 3. Where you shop. Do you browse the same store all the time, even when you're not looking to buy? Does a good fle a mark

This is where the blue and the yellow meet on my living and dining room. Weve been loving the color for several days now. Maybe its the researching on the right color palette, thinking of the current accessories at home or my current style which leads me to my chosen color scheme. I never thought that it will end up that way. I just confirmed that i chose the right one when i saw my old purchased rug with the same color scheme. Yesterday, my niece bought a nice pair of slipper and i was surprised. The colors are there, blue, yellow and green, with same color as my wall! I am not boasting that the color is a perfect choice, theres still a lot of colors to choose from and maybe those colors are the most suited one for me. In fact, i believe the choosing colors depend on each personal style. Some colors will work for some, others will not. But i think, i made the right combination. I might be justifying the scheme because its already there, painted on my wall but im seeing those colors

No one can underestimate the wonder of colors and the changes that i brings. See, ive been living with nuetrals for so long. And reading many homestyle magazines open up my world on the idea that my home was never made up for creams or nuetrals. Personality wise, my house should be filled with colors, just like my life. One day, when i got home, i noticed that my house should not be boring as it is. I need to livened up the color, i need to change it, and i feel it needed some splash of color. And it was so perfect since summer is still on its intense. One more thing, i can now have the first taste of a tropical inspired color and see if that will bring "outdoor feeling" on my nest . Finally, i challenged myself to be bold and bright. And making the final color choice is so hard. Honestly, im sleepless the night before the painting day because i just couldnt imagine the outcome of color. It can make or break. But i said to myself that i have to do it, i should not confined m

Finally, i already bought the new house paint and I'm quite nervous and excited as well. Its my first time to go on bold colors and i don't know how its gonna be. I want to get out of beige and creams, bolder colors are in though I'm still so hesitant to do it. But i need some liberation, i need to have some changes and be willing to let them in. And i know its time. So i was choosing the right palette when the attendant asked me if I'm a designer. I said no. He said that I'm so meticulous on color and knows exactly what i wanted. ( Maybe not, cause i changed my mind so many times choosing the right color). I just said that i like to read magazines and get some inspirations from them. Anyway, i chose to follow my tropical theme so i chose a blue paint. With eyes closed, i said to myself that there's no backing out. Unfortunately, i think a brighter yellow will be better as a combination so i chose the yellow over the olive green. Uhm, i don't know but i love

Well, who says you cannot bring her home and introduce her to your parents? Anyone? Everyone who watched The Lifestyle Network will surely knew her. From 30 Minute Meals to a huge success Rachael Ray Show. Shes a huge personality and shes taking a big leap as a candidate to vote for on Times 100 Most Influential People in the World. So cast your vote ! But anyway, i changed a little on my blog title because not only am I a fan of Lifestyle Network but I'm a fan of Rachael Ray. Shes the cutest and funniest talk show host on the entire planet. She made me watch the Lifestyle Network since I watched her first time on 30 Minute Me als . And from then on, everything changes, from my personal grooming, my home, to my outlook in life. Its not only me but my entire family knew her, even my mother is so amazed how Rachael cooked her meals. Shes making meals so beautiful, tasteful and wonderful just like her. My wish is to meet her and sit beside her on a wonderful meal so we could talk a

Ive been thinking about this for so long. I already had gone to the stores to see various swatches. Lately, i decided that i should be choosing the right palette. Its on my mind and i was so excited for it. The town fiesta is coming so i decided that i should retouch my nest by repainting which is much cheaper than a total makeover. Conservative that i was, I opt for a golden yellow for my living room and a bolder red color for the dining since im creating an asian inspired home. But lately, i noticed that my style was not concentrated on traditional asian style but more of a tropical asian. Aside from that, since my living area is not as big as i wanted it to be, painting it with a darker color will make it smaller though a golden yellow and red will be a perfect match. So now, i reconsider my option of painting my nest with a lighter color. Though now painted in cream, i have to look for other colors which will totally change the look from dull and boring to refreshing and hip. Btw,

I was always fascinated with movies. I made it sure that ill be spending the two hours of my week on it. Its my calming sanctuary, a perfect hideaway to relax and think, to learn lessons, or even sleep! I happened to watch a movie last Thursday in MOA. Its on the digitally advanced screen, on 3D. "Barriotic" that i was, i was totally amazed, i could touch the image, oh yes, i thought i can touch them. I feel like im watching them on stage, with me on the real scene. The characters just popped out the screen, they appeared in front of me, or sometimes, i cant help but to react if something was thrown in front of me, thinking it may hit me. But it wasnt for real! I want to have it. The TV set thats already 3D. I knew they already released a unit but unfortunately, it cost so much! Hays... But anyway, I really enjoyed the movie on 3D. Im still hoping that i can have a chance to go and watch a 3D movie again. I enjoyed the moment. I really do! PS. Thats me and my niece on the pic

Come May, this will be the new color of my living room and dining area...im so excited!!!

Experts explain how to whip your home into shape. by Scripps Howard News Service You haven't seen your favorite pair of pants for months, no doubt because they're buried under a mountain of clothes in the closet. Your car has never seen the inside of the tool-stuffed garage. And good luck finding your favorite spice in the kitchen, pay stub in the office or school notebook in your child's room. Don't despair. We've checked with experts to help you whip things into shape. "You need somebody who has an objective eye, partly because when you live in a space, the problems become invisible to you," says Jeff Bredenberg, author of 2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets (Reader's Digest). "You've been there so long you overlook what might be obvious to someone else." It's time to face the facts. Those ankle-zip, acid-washed jeans you've been saving since the '80s are not going to make a sudden stylish comeback. Even if you do someday manage