Travels The Ruins: Taj MaHal Of The Philippines 8:00 AM There is beauty in the ruins, for even the phoenix rises from the ashes. -LG The Ruins in Talisay Negros is dubbed as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines. I went there and I was captivated by it's beauty as I was fascinated with its story. (Click individual image to view in full size) The Ruins: Taj MaHal Of The Philippines The love story that built the mansion photo credit: filipiknow.net Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson was a bachelor who owned a 440-hectare sugar plantation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. In one of his trips abroad, he met Maria Braga and instantly fell in love with her. With their family's blessing, they got married shortly after and were blessed with 10 children. When Maria was pregnant with their 11th child, she slipped on their bathroom floor and bled profusely. With her condition, she couldn't afford to travel so Don Mariano sent for someone to fetch a physician. Unfortunately, though the physician was only from the next town, there were no decent roads yet and the mansion was in the middle of their plantation. So, it took 4 days for them to get to Maria. Maria and the baby were already dead when the doctor arrived. Don Mariano was in so much grief when he lost his love. In her memory and honor, he decided to build the mansion. Thus, the title Taj Mahal of the Philippines. Maria's father helped fund the building and Mariano's son Felipe supervised the construction. Don Mariano lived in the mansion and allowed his kids to stay too---for as long as they don't marry. A Japanese gardener was hired to maintain the gardens but he disappeared just before the war. It was found out later that he was a Japanese spy. The Ruining Don Mariano's mansion was built in the early 1900s. They decided to burn it during the early part of World War II to prevent Japanese forces from using it as headquarters. The concrete structure remained strong. It's said that it has a really good foundation because the cement was mixed with egg white instead of water. (When you touch it, the surface is really smooth). Don Mariano wasn't just a sugar baron, he also owned a poultry. (Though honestly, with the size of the mansion, I can't imagine how many eggs they used. And what happened to the egg yolks?! Just me being overly inquisitive and silly here.) Present day The 903 square meter structure still stands tall to this day. If you take a closer look at the pillars, the design looks like letter 'E'. They're actually 2 'M's facing each other. Mariano and Maria together til the end. Source: The Ruins website photo The top edges of the mansion also feature a shell-inspired decor, which in New England indicates that the home is owned by a ship captain. This design is in honor of Maria Braga’s father, who was a ship captain. The belvedere facing west enables one to view the beautiful sunset through the bay window. Don Mariano was said to often be sitting in the glassed-in sunroom viewing the ships that come and go along the coastal waters of Talisay. The floor is an original. Standing on a centuries old tiled floor here! Aside from the mansion, I was enchanted by the vast garden. The fountain, the old chimney that has somehow grown a tree (due to bird droppings according to the tour guide)... I love it! There was also soft piano music playing from the cafe just across the mansion. It's perfect for a romantic date. The Ruins is a real stunner. It's even more breathtaking at dusk. No wonder it's one of the 12 Most Fascinating Ruins in the World. Pictures, Pictures, Pictures My sweet friends gave me a surprise visit and vacation. I'm glad The Ruins is on the itinerary they prepared. Here's a few snaps of us enjoying the place. You can visit The Ruins in Talisay Negros daily. They're open 8:30am-8pm with an entrance fee of Php50 or 1.06 USD. Check here for directions. Sources: Travelog Philippines Choose Philippines Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email Photos from Stephanie, Lester, Sis Ba, Czar, Pearl
Fashion & Style Be More Than Just Pretty With Uncommon Goods 1:39 PM It’s not enough for me anymore that it’s a beautiful item or a beautiful piece. I want to know that it’s not leaving a negative mark. -Emma Watson It's more important to be a person of substance and purpose and not just be a pretty face. Agree? If there is a chance to pick between a fashionable item only and one that is aesthetic with value, it's a no-brainer which one you'll opt for. From dresses to accessories, there’s a wide range of gorgeous items available in the market today. Thanks to the internet, we can even purchase them without leaving the house. But is it enough for you to own just a pretty piece? Wouldn’t it be nice to buy something that’s more than just beautiful to look at? Be More than Just Pretty with Uncommon Goods Pretty for a cause It's ideal to buy a stylish jewelry and give back to the community at the same time. Thanks to Uncommon Goods, it is now possible to do so. An independently-owned business, Uncommon Goods supports causes that impact the world in a positive way. With every purchase you make, they donate $1 to the non-profit of your choice. They started their Better to Give program 12 years ago, and have since donated over $1 million to charities around the world. Uncommon Goods is a Certified B Corporation. Meaning, they met the rigorous standard on a wide range of issues, including wage levels, environmental impact, and giving back to the community. Handmade Jewelries Uncommon Goods have handmade jewelries that have intricate details and elegant designs. They’re perfect for gift giving or as addition to your collection. Since it's handmade, you can be sure that it’s been given the best attention and utmost care. They even have a short bio of the maker for each piece so you can get to know the beautiful person behind the exquisite art you're buying. Click here to see more of their handmade jewelries. Minimalist Design They have elegant, edgy, colorful, fun, and eclectic designs to cater each individual’s preference. What I personally like is their minimalist design. Leonardo da Vinci said it best: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Visit Uncommon Goods to see more of their sophisticated minimalist jewelries. Emma Watson wore a dress made of trash in the red carpet. She said and I quote, “It’s not enough for me anymore that it’s a beautiful item or a beautiful piece. I want to know that it’s not leaving a negative mark.” I couldn’t agree more. What do you usually look for before buying? Is it enough for you that it's just pretty? Be more than just pretty with Uncommon Goods. All photos are from Uncommon Goods website.
Guest Blogger On A Happier Note 6:51 AM You are as happy as you decide to be. Guest blog by Chelsea. “She just wants you to make money since you are 24.” Who said this? My youngest sister of course. What was she doing besides subjecting me to ageism? She was using human reasoning to define me and God’s supernatural plan for my life. It was a day like that that I wish I would have said this to her: The Purpose Pusher The sad reality is that human beings today (you and me included) tend to think that if we had money, all our problems would be solved. Now don’t get me wrong. I’ve played the lottery a few times hoping to win it big. Yet, unlike so many others, my intentions were for good. If I won the lottery, most of what I won would not be spent on myself. I would try to pay off my parents’ house, fix it up, and give them a vacation for just the two of them. I would donate the rest to help out those who need it most (charities and worthwhile people who legitimately deserve a helping hand). Of course, I believe if I won the lottery there would be enough for all this because after all, my winning the lottery would be because my heavenly Father deemed it the appropriate time for me to come into that level of a harvest. Yet, even though I’m 24 years old and without steady income, I’m happier than I ever have been in my whole life. I bet you just read that above statement and looked at the computer screen and screamed: I mean my life is far from perfect or what I deem to be perfection in my eyes but I finally feel free. I work as a freelance writer for two companies currently and I also intern with a publisher doing public relations for authors. On the anniversary of Dr. King declaring his dream in one of the most inspiring speeches of all time, I also planted a stake in the field of dreams for my life and the goals I want to achieve. One of which is to become an author of multiple best-selling novels so I launched the site in order to expand my platform as an author. Yet, it also was a way for me to create opportunity in the area (and my dream career field) of public relations. Therefore, The Smart Cookie Philes was born. Yet, in the past five months since it was launched, I’ve never seen something grow into such a fruitful venture in my life, and I have only been paid about less than $100 for any sponsored work via the site. My point is this: Money doesn’t equal happiness because happiness isn’t external; it’s 100% internal. The only plausible reason my site is becoming a booming career venture is because: Another reason is because I’ve let the joy of the Lord be my strength. Family members (God bless their little hearts) may not understand what it means to be a remote professional, a freelance writer, or even a post-graduate who still lives with her parents. Yet, that’s totally okay. Why? Because I trust God. And I choose to enjoy my life every day. I’ve been reading Joyce Meyer’s newest book, Overload, which talks about freeing yourself from the pressures of stress, and so far, I find it to be one of Joyce’s best books yet (this coming from someone who has probably read at least thirty to forty of Joyce’s other titles in the span of three years so I may be a bit biased). In it, she mentions that, And a great attitude to take with you on this journey called life is “I’m not where I need to be but thank God I’m not where I used to be. I’m okay and I’m on my way!” I may not yet be a five star publicist or a best-selling author or even the most booked freelance writer but that’s okay. I serve a God who is limitless: Genesis 18:14: Is anything too hard for the Lord? No! Numbers 11:23(The MSG): God answered Moses, “So, do you think I can’t take care of you? You’ll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not.” And lastly, a verse that I read and said a thousand times before just became seen with fresh eyes, Matthew 19:26: With men, this is impossible. But WITH GOD, all things are possible (emphasis mine). A key point I want you to take away from this whole piece is that you can be extraordinarily happy while living an ordinary, everyday life. Expecting life to be one long series of exciting events is setting yourself up for disappointment, which ends up increasing stress levels and stealing your joy! Decide to be content and live life as it comes. Until next time, remember: Photo credit: Google Images (Tumblr) About the author: Chelsea DeVries Jesus Lover. 24 year old witty writer/poet/blogger. The Smart Cookie. I tend to see the best in people. Hoping to defend the media's greatest targets when I become a publicist. Saint Leo University graduate. Dog lover. Daydreamer. Believer. Child-like spirit. Hugger. Flower Child. Child of the One True King Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Fashion & Style The Newest Trend in Beach Bags and Totes 8:00 AM You can't buy happiness but you can buy a cute bag. And that's kind of the same thing. All the things we need for a day at the beach—sunscreen, a beach towel, a hat, your beach reads, and much more—are usually lugged around in hefty beach bags and totes. While it can be difficult to look cute and chic while lugging a large bag around, it's not impossible. It's time for you to update your bag collection with some stylish beach bags. Loud patterns and graphics have made large bags and totes more fashionable. There is also a variety of materials that you can choose from. Also, if you play your cards right, you can take your beach bag or tote from your day at the beach straight to dinner with your friends. Say “yes” to practicality and style with DONCEL handbags The good news is that DONCEL, a handbag brand, has been making great bags, totes, and shoulder bags that can make your beach experience great while making you look stylish and polished. DONCEL bags boast of hand-crafted graphics and designs that are inspired by traditional Chinese arts. The bags have great lines and can be a great match for the different personalities of the women that wear them. DONCEL bags are made of cowhide leather and lined with polyester. This makes them unique where beach bags and totes are concerned. Cowhide leather is much more durable and sturdier than fabric, which the majority of beach bags are made of. Also, cowhide leather bags retain their shape, which comes in handy when you need to stuff a large number of things in your bag without it looking awkward and bulky. Plus, your bag will be spending long hours in the sun—cowhide leather is resistant to sun damage. A DONCEL handbag is a great and more practical alternative to your usual beach bags. Get yourself a day-to-night bag Another concern people have about carrying beach bags is how awkward they can look while carrying large bags. Also, these bags are suitable mostly for the beach. It may be inconvenient for some to switch out their bags for a night out after a day at the beach. This is why DONCEL handbags are great for people with packed social calendars. A DONCEL handbag is perfectly fitting for the beach, as well as stylish enough for a dinner at a nice restaurant or a night at the theater. The bags also come in great colors that can add a lot of pizzazz to any outfit. Since summer is here, a day at the beach may not be that far away in your future. You may already be dusting off your swimsuits, bikinis, beach towels, and flip flops. Why not take it the extra mile and treat yourself to a new tote from DONCEL? It's easy to do, too, as these bags are available online on StyleWe.com. There's a great selection from DONCEL, which features a number of intricate and exotic designs. Go on StyleWe.com today and get your newest bags and totes from DONCEL. This article was submitted by site supporter and may contain affiliate links. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Lux Thinking Aloud Write Your Feelings 8:00 AM There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. -Maya Angelou Write your feelings. Turn your feelings into stories, poetry, or a simple write up. Writing is an effective therapy for me. It speeds up healing of old and hurt feelings. Writing helps me get my much needed closure and keeps me at peace with myself. Writing helps me clear my mind. When I see my thoughts written down, I get a clearer vision of things so I know what to do next or what to stop. Thus, the birth of my other blog Dear You,. It used to be for my own personal venting out and writing therapy. Fast forward to today, I've made Dear You, a venue for unsent letters. Anyone with something to say to someone can send in their letters and I will publish it. I know how difficult it is to bottle up your feelings. It can be risky to your physical health as well. So don't. I want to help you. Don't keep your feelings to yourself. At the same time, don't lash it out to the world. Just write your feelings. Write with abandon. Write with all you have and all you are. You'll be surprised as to how light you'll feel afterwards. I'll be waiting for you. Send your unsent letters through the contact form at the right side bar of this page. See Write for Dear You, for guidelines. Linked here. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Dating 4 Clear Signs A Woman Wants to Be Approached 7:57 AM Flirting is a woman’s trade, one must keep in practice. -Charlotte Brontë How often have you had doubts about whether a girl wants you to approach her or not? Did you end up taking no action? Are you waiting for signs? It's common for men to want to see that a woman is interested before they make a move. A woman rarely initiates contact. Most of the time, the lady in her would rather give a signal that she wants him to approach her. Men often can’t decipher those signals. So Russian wives decided to help them. Here are four clear signs a woman wants you to approach her and make a move. 1. She makes steady eye contact. People maintain prolonged eye contact only if they are interested in a person. If you spot a girl and want to know whether she minds you approaching her or not, try to make eye contact. If she ignores you and turns her head in another direction, it's safe to say she is not interested. If you’re in a crowded place, look around and see if girls are trying to make eye contact with you. Here's a tell-tale sign she wants you to approach her: You look her in the eye. She looks away and then looks at you again...with a smile. Tumblr2. She's checking you out.Sometimes a woman is not really shy to make the first move. But she enjoys the thrill of waiting for the man to approach her. So she'd rather send signals. Here's a classic move: After giving you an intimate look, she'll shift the gaze to your chest. And make eye contact again.Sometimes she'll look you up and down with an approving smile, smize, or smirk.Some confident women may wink at you or bite their lips once they catch your eye. This is a sign a woman wants to be approached. An "I like what I'm seeing" and "It's time for you to take action, Romeo." statement.Wifflegif 3. She's talking through body language.Non-verbal communication is often more subtle and more powerful than verbal communication. If a woman is interested in a man, she sends him invitation signals. Sometimes unconsciously, but her body betrays her.Look at how she plays with her hair, strokes her wrist or neck, and crosses and uncrosses her legs. Pay attention to her posture...She is ready for new acquaintances if she sits or stands in an open position and her arms are not crossed. A tricky thing about body language is that one sign can mean nothing. That’s why you should look for more indicators to ensure she wants you to approach her. She could just be confident and carefree, and you're reading it wrong. But then again, you'll never know until you try. Primogif 4. She accidentally touches you.Picture this:You’re at the bar, and a woman passes by. She accidentally touches you...Even when there's plenty of room around. Well, she must really want to get your attention. She may also come closer, stand near you, and cast side glances in your direction. Closing the distance between you is another strategy. It means she's ready to be approached. She's making it much easier for you to say hello.What are you waiting for? Make a move.Random ShizzHow to tell if a woman wants you to approach her?Has a woman shown you interest in any of these ways? Or have you experienced this and thought it was a sign, but you're wrong? Don't be discouraged. Not knowing what to expect is what makes the dating world more exciting.Keep trying. And most importantly...Treat every woman with respect and dignity. Whether she verbally says "no" or demonstrates that she's not interested, give her space. Be courteous.Who knows, your good character might make her change her mind, and you'll end up hitting off.Meanwhile, watch out for the major signs that a girl wants you to approach her the next time you go out.Good luck! Article contributed by the MeetWife Dating site.This post contains affiliate links so we'd get a commission if you purchase through the links at no additional cost to you.
Lux Thinking Aloud Unbranded Accessories, Branded Life 7:36 AM Child, you are more precious than silver. Child, you are more costly than gold. Child, you are more beautiful than diamonds. And nothing I desire compares with you. I don't mind wearing unbranded clothing or accessories. It's not like the clothes I wear and the accessories I use are tied to my self-worth anyway. My identity is not equal to the price tag of my bags or shoes. We're priceless. I am priceless. I'm worth more than the most expensive jewelry or leather in the world.My worth? No less than the Almighty's sweat, blood, and breath. Bejeweled or not, naked or clothed, I am still who I am.I am the King's daughter. That is my brand. That should be the brand we need to be wearing. Come to think of it, nobody came into this world clothed luxuriously. We were all born naked, with only our mother's fluid wrapping around our bodies. Gooey, yucky stuff is all we've got when we started on earth. So makeup, nice clothes, elegant jewelry of course they all make us look better, more presentable, cooler. I love fashion and I follow a lot of fashion and lifestyle bloggers whose sense of style I adore and admire. But I'd like to quickly reiterate that these are not the be-all and end-all of life. It makes me sad to see people buying stuff they can't afford just so they get the latest and the best according to what society dictates. Just so they feel accepted. Just so they get a sense of belonging. Just so they find their sense of being. It's okay to wear unbranded accessories, as long as your heart is pure, your intentions genuine, and your life is rightly branded. So...just like the common red carpet question goes, "Who are you wearing?"
