CPA Certificate Ceremony

After three years of (not-so) hardwork and anti-social mode a week leading to exam day, I finally finished my CPA program and got my certificate yesterday. The event was held at Shangri-la Ballroom with the CPA NSW Division President handing out the HUGE paper to us. My dear supportive hubby was with me to celebrate this momentous occassion and of course to be my photographer. But instead of pushing the click the button when it was my turn to accept the certificate, he instead turned the camera off! We still managed to get a few decent shots so all is well.

To reward myself, I bought an Oroton bag online, onsale at 70% off! wohoo... just waiting for it to be delivered next week, can't wait.

ps - my hair is 'tamed', thanks to the flat iron i bought (not GHD coz I can't bear to part with $300 so I purchased a GHD-like flat iron at half the price). =)

pps - I love my dress! A very good buy from my favorite store. Bought two dresses since they had a buy one get the second one at half the price. I am a sucker for bargain products haha.

ppps - Zara opened yesterday at Westfield. I was about to join the long queue but after the linesperson said it'll be a 45minute-minimum-wait in the line, I gave up my spot. I will just come back when the hype died down already.

First Trading Day

I was so excited this morning for the Philippine Stock Exchange to open because I am ready to buy a number of shares for my portfolio. As soon as 9:00 am (Philippine Time) struck, I went to Citisec's website and ordered six stocks --- a combination of aggressive/ short-term stocks and a long-term hold.

By 12 noon, I checked my portfolio and 5 of my orders were accepted. Yey! However, by market close, I already have a paperloss of Php30.41,  although at one point during the trading hours, my stocks were actually going up. But this does not worry me a bit, I know the stocks I chose were really good and expected to rise in the next three months.

Exciting times ahead, yey.

ps, Dear God, please guide me in my investment decisions, you know what these are for. Amen.

Stock Trading

Last month, my friend Ruthie told me that she is interested in investing in the Philippine Stock Exchange, it will just be a low-risk investment with the intention of getting a good return in time for our retirement. Yen is also investing in Singapore Stock Exchange and she have had a good run with her investments. I gave this a serious thought and said, why not? This new venture is totally in line with my goal this year, that is working towards my financial freedom. If Bo Sanchez' maid can do it, why can't I right?


After complying with the requirements set by Citisec Online, I am now ready to start my online trading. I am so excited to finally have the courage to do stock trading. I don't know how to do it yet, but I am willing to learn. Instead of keeping up with showbiz news back home, I will instead focus on the business pages of Inquirer and Philippine Star to get a good grasp of the local stock market.

This is a journey worthy of its own blog, just like the one I did for my ACN business. Who knows, one day, I may just hit the jackpot! =)

Shining With Pride

Last Friday, we had our monthly Guiding Lights/ Town Hall Meeting with the Corporate staff where they awarded the Champion Employee for the month who exhibited the PRIDE values (Passion Responsibility Integrity Drive Empathy). And guess who got the trophy???

I was so happy and humbled at the same time that finally, after months and months of being a nominee, I finally bagged the prize this time. Among the eight nominees, the judging committee decided that my contribution to the month end activities of the team (on top of what I am currently doing) is worthy enough to be recognized and rewarded. This time around, not only did I receive a simple thank you card but I also got the chance to keep the Champion Trophy for a month. And...................... I got a $300 Westfield voucher, wohoo!!!

my trophy and thank you cards



Our Guiding Lights

 Thank You



Westfield Gift Card

Thank you Iren and Rakesh for the nominations, really appreciate it. Thanks that you acknowledged what I did for you this month. =)

With the $300 voucher, I can now buy my long coveted GHD flat iron, yahoo!!!

This is the fourth time I got lucky this year. I can now say that 2011 is MY YEAR. Every month, I will win something big or be blessed with something wonderful. Thank you Lord., nasasanay na po ako, hihihi.

Practical Tips

Last Sunday I finally got down and dirty and cleaned our toilet. After an hour, it looked so sparkly and white! I am so proud of myself because not only did I succeed in cleaning but also, I felt like I helped the environment by using baking soda and vinegar as my cleaning agents! How's that for a kitchen remedy in the bathroom --- doesn't smell as toxic as bleach too. So where did I get the idea of using vinegar and bicarb soda? Well, I have a few books in my library that comes in handy --- The Best Kept Beauty Secret by Diane Irons and Vinegar - The Complete Practical Handbook.

These two books are really handy, it has practical tips, household hints and beauty regimen using everyday kitchen products. They are not only effective but cheap as well.

Some tips that I actually use:

1. Vinegar as my 'hair conditioner' once every six months. This not only keeps your hair softer, the vinegar washes away har impurities caused by too much hair products;
2. Vinegar as fabric softener. I read somewhere that fabric softener actually contains harmful toxins.
3. Use olive oil as hair conditioning, leave overnight for maximum effect;
4. Vitamin E capsules are great for the face, peel it open and apply direct to your face. Vitamin C works as well;
5. Mashed banana is good for the face and hair while mashed avocado is good for the skin.

These books are a good read and I often go back and browse it from time to time. And of course, to complete my beauty read, I flicked thru How to Wear High Heels and Dress Like a Star.

It is so much fun to be a girl!

p.s. yes, those are two french books at the side but haven't got the chance to perfect it just yet.

Wala lang

To celebrate Sally's bday, we went to Belgian Bier Cafe at the Rocks. Its a bit cold so I decided not to wear my party dress and just glam up my look with my MAC Viva Glam 1 lipstick. Napaka red!!!  And the strawberry beer I drank was soooo yummy! Have to go back for another round next time.

Joyride

After almost two months of not driving, I am once again behind the wheels earlier today. I told Agie that I will only drive if I am ready (that is, not scared or not pushed into driving). This morning, I woke up with a new goal --- to be able to drive from Toongabbie to North Ryde without fear. And inorder for me to build my confidence, I should drive as often as I can. Kaya ko to!!! so help me God. =)