Don't Forget Where You Belong

                    First and for most, yes, the title of this blog post is actually inspired by One Direction's song. And again yes, I will be talking about them as well in this post! (I know, I'm awesome thanks) Before we actually go deeper about the conversation about how amazing and fabulous I am, it's better if we talk about my one week stay in MNL! Or better yet the 'bakasyon muna bago exam' break! 

                      No, this is not necessary to include (my gorgeous face, of freaking course)  but again I am the author so deal with it. I'm not that bad, right? Right. Anyway, it's pretty sad for me to skip school for a week. Okay,  maybe not. Maybe a little, I mean who likes school?! As one of my friends said "Inunahan mo na sembreak ah!" The reason why we came to Manila, Muntinlupa, Laguna, Caloocan, those hot like me places, is pretty negative. This trip though proved that we can and it is possible to turn bad things to great ones. 

                            Travelling, this was what we did for 7 days. We were back and forth, from north to south and south to north! I couldn't deny the fact that it was really exhausting! Of course, freaking traffic also had to get in the way. Although it pained my body from all the heat, walking and sitting it was enjoyable too. Especially because I was accompanied by rad people. 

                            Mall hopping is a different thing though. It was 99.9 % tiring but it was definitely fun! Most especially if your intention in the mall is to see 5 gorgeous lads in the big screen! I'm not gonna lie but I had post movie depression. Uh-huh, it was that good! 

                           Mall to mall we tried different things, which I find rather adventurous. This may or may not be my favorite thing. Drum roll please, Snow Ice from Holly's Coffee! Heaven. (Prepare yourselves because its really mouth watering) Snow Ice, literally speaking is shaved ice milk with ice cream on top but the best thing about this was the flavor I chose. Mango cheesecake - vanilla ice cream on top, milk ice, fresh sweet mangoes, cheesecake and of course mango syrup! 

                                        Of course, they had to make me love them more! This waffle is delicious, not because of the fact that my name was in their but rather because of that whip cream and syrup which I seemed to love on my crispy waffle. Okay, the syrup too which I hesitantly ate because I didn't want to ruin the text. You'll do that too if you were in my shoes at that moment. *winks* 

                     This break made me happy too. Considering the fact that I get to spend a week with my relatives back home. Not gonna lie, I enjoyed bonding with two of my most favorite boys in the world too. I felt like a sister, a real one. They were the cutest, yeah runs in our blood, they got it from me. Even though they were naughty as hell, they make me happy. One week with them made me realize how lucky I am that I have them. We may fight a lot but one day I'm going to make these two admit that I'm the coolest sister in the world!

                        That week made me realize how blessed I am. To have a supportive, loving and caring family. From pampering me since day one of the week, treating me with knits and food in day two, greeting and making me feel loved, accompanying me in the theater, treating me with really great waffle & coffee that my taste buds loved in day three, recognizing and appreciating me in day four. letting me relax in day five, playing basketball and interacting with me in day six & providing me with not just my needs but also my wants in day seven. One week is not even one third of all the things they've done. 

                                         

                                That week made me realize that even the smallest pleasures, are better than expected. How the skies would turn in to various shade is beautiful itself. How the water is so blue and how it is so cool against my skin is enough relaxation. How the buildings are so tall that robbers would have a hard time caving in. How the plants are green and just so green that it made me crave for lettuces. I'm kidding, I wanted salad with Asian dressing. There is always a beautiful thing behind those ugly situations. It is our mission to delve, conquer and try to experience. It is our job to radiate positive vibes despite the negative things we deal with. 

                 Lastly, I've realized how obsessed I am with vines on walls now. I think I'm gonna cry!

PS// 

Its not that I'm encouraging you to skip school or anything. It's just that we really had to go to MNL and I just took the opportunity to enjoy myself while I had the chance. Though, I knew the consequences and sure enough it stabbed me at the back. In return, I took 8 exams consecutively and I'm surprised I haven't fainted. Even though we're enjoying and whatnot, we must know how to prioritize things as well :) 

                   

Looking Through Your Shades

             Lately, I've been using my sunglasses as an hair accessory, specifically as headband. It feels so comfortable and really a nice help to keep my hair away from my face. I'm going to point out couple of points here, not just regarding the use of your sunglasses but something deeper. I mean things have various purposes right? You wouldn't just use a thing for one main reason. We must utilize and expand the ability of a thing or whatnot. What actually is the purpose of sunglasses? Well, we're familiar that it's a lens for converging the sun's rays or simply it's an accessory to protect the eyes from the sun. It covers, it hides the eyes. Our eyes, in my opinion is the source and the mirror of emotions. Through the eyes, we could decipher the emotion of a person. I'm not saying that you should use your sunglasses whenever you want to hide your emotions. It is important for the person to know what you feel, do not be afraid to be fragile. Do not be afraid for people to see through your shades because deep down everybody has this particular weak spot. 

                                                     

I don't really know but I think that this song kind of matches this post (???) Not totally sure but I could feel in my bones that this suits just right. ;) 

Get in the Vibe Playlist (August)

 I've been listening to these goodies lately & I'm surprised how it can change my mood. The songs automatically make me groove (even though I can't) & the lyrics just come out of my mouth naturally. These songs are basically my buddies now especially to keep me alive this August! 

 Come On Eileen - We probably heard this one in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This is a good one! 

 M.O.N.E.Y - This became one of  my favorites since I saw vines of Matty dancing to this. ;) click if you're ready to die.

 Thrilla In Manila - Greyson's newest track! Made me dance the first time I heard this. So different in a very nice way. Not to mention, the way he says Manila ;) 

Life Of the Party  - Totally love the message of the song. "We don't have to be ordinary......." 

Mr. Brightside -  Both original and acoustic versions are rad as hell! 

New Soul - Super catchy! The remixes are awesome as nutella too! "I'm a young soul in this very strange world, hoping I could learn about what is true and fake." 

ENJOY! 

Vacay Amigos

 
                      My experiences this vacation mainly, highlight friendship. This vacation for me is all about meeting new friends and creating bonds. It is really fascinating because with the new things I experience come new friends. I've exchanged laughs and beams with them, I am truly grateful.

             

           
                     I've met wonderful and amazing people which I am solemnly thankful that I've known in the Vacation Bible School 2014 held last May 5-9. It was a wonderful experience to serve people and of course Our Almighty Father. I was reminded too that I should have an attitude similar as that of Christ Jesus and to be a servant of the Lord.

                   A week after VBS 2014, I had a Badminton Summer Clinic. I've met a lot of new faces and they're all awesome. It's true that finding someone with the same interest as you is easier to be friend. It's really great that in just a week, we created memories to treasure and we have bonded happily.

                   After a week from the sports clinic, I participated in Brigada Eskwela. It's a wonderful experience since it's my first time to join this kind of event. What's fun is that I get to work with cool people! I've interacted with responsible and fun leaders! They are actually one of the reasons why I'm stoked for school. I can't wait to work with them, really.

                   The last week of vacation was spent wisely. Want to know why? Because it has something to do with God. I participated in the Summer Bible Encounter 2014. I've bonded with the young people and it's an experience that is treasure worthy. And guess what? We've survived! 

                  I won't forget my old friends, of course, we too had a moment this vacation. It is really nice to hangout with them every now and then, building and maintaining stronger bond and treasuring memories and experiences.

                   I am grateful to know my friends. They make me happy, they are the charming gardener who make my soul blossom. "I cannot even imagine where I would be today were  it not for that handful friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun." Says Charles R. Swindoll. 

-Danielle Tan ♡

Easy but delicious

      I'm happy to announce that in this blog post I am going to share a simple recipe. I can't wait to have more posts regarding my boyfriend, food. Enjoy and let's be adventurous; it's high time to explore new things! 

       

Vanilla Pudding

              If you're feeling bored and you want to do or try something, it's the right time for you to get in the kitchen and make this simple but ultimately yummy food! You don't have to worry about your budget because all you need are simple ingredients which I'm sure are already stocked in your kitchen. Trust me in this one, I've been here, I've done it, I've tasted it and I loved it!


Ingredients: 

• 2 cups of milk 
• 3 tablespoon of cornstarch 
• 1/2 cup of sugar 
• 1/3 tablespoon of salt 
• 1 tablespoon of butter 
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla  

Let's get started:

1. Pour 2 cups of milk in a saucepan. Stir it, wait until the sides bubble. 
2. Create a mixture with 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 tbsp of salt and 3 tbsp of cornstarch. Afterwards, add the mixture in the saucepan. 
3. Stir and mix everything in the saucepan until you get the desired texture (the best texture is when the liquid covers the spatula). It usually takes 5 minutes. 
4. Turn off the stove then add 1 tbsp of butter and 1 tbsp of vanilla. Mix it thoroughly. 
5. Get a container and pour the warm mixture, and then place it in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes to an hour. 

               So what are you waiting for?! Grab your ingredients and utensils, be a master chef, then get started! It's a must, plus it won't hurt to try, isn't it? Have a blast! :)

P/S: Experiment and name your own creation. What I did was add Milkyway Chocolate Bar so I named mine as "Vanilla Milkyway Pudding". Have fun! 

(c) Google for the image

-Danielle Tan ♡

Radiate Positive Vibes

                  All of us experience challenges in life, may it be light or heavy. We can't deny that sometimes we think negatively. But we don't know that in our negative thoughts, we tend to do false things. My point is, instead of correcting the crooked path, we tend to proceed in the wrong one. 

How can we actually turn our negative vibe into positive vibe?

  
     1. Smile 

It takes fewer muscles to smile than to frown! I know that faking a smile would not help but this is where we practice our positive vibe. Instead of frowning over disappointing things, smile because you're courageous enough to accept the situation. So, keep smiling! 

2. Surround Yourself with Positive People
This is one of the best elements in thinking positively. People can influence you with good or bad values in a short period of time. Choose people who would influence you in great terms and who is away from negative thoughts. Talk to people who can put things into perspective and won’t feed your negative thinking.

 3. Change the Tone of Your Voice From Negative to Positive
 Instead of saying "I'm going to embarrass myself to all of them because I might make a mistake" think about "If ever I go wrong, I need to keep calm and go on. I can do this!" Remind yourself and use your tone for positive words ONLY. 


4. Remember that Nobody Else is Perfect
If you've done a mistake, don't think negative of it. You experience that for a reason, and you should be happy that you learn a new lesson. Don't blame yourself for not doing it right, everyone else commits mistake. Accept & Move On.

 5. List thing which You are Grateful For. 
If you ever feel down about things and choose to think negatively, mentally have a list. List of things you are thankful for. Keep in mind that you have tons of blessings. You won't let that bother affect all your blessings aka happiness right? Feel alright because you have tons of things to smile about.

(c) Google for the photos
-Danielle Tan ♡          

Goodbye Public Speaking Fear!

     

Are you nervous of appearing before an audience? Do you think it's scary when you're asked to talk in front of a crowd? Do you panic whenever you're in front of  an audience? If you said "yes" in any of the three questions then you have "Stage Fright". You have the feeling of nervousness & fear whenever you appear before the audience. Believe it or not 75% of people experience some form of "stage fright" or "performance anxiety". In this post, I am going to share 10 tips for you to lessen your fear & improve your speaking skills! 

1. Know your material.   It is important for you to know your topic before delivering a speech. Remember that you have to give out the correct information about that certain subject. Also, never get out of your subject, it is okay to add different examples but still focus on your topic. "The best way to sound like you know what you're talking about is to know what you're talking about." said Harvey Mackay. 

2. Know the audience.    One of the great factors in speaking is knowing your audience. Say for example, children are your audience, you wouldn't want to be talking about a topic that doesn't concern them or maybe using a language that is not conversational. Remember that one of your targets is to get the attention of your audience. 

3. Relax.    Who doesn't get nervous talking in front of a crowd? Believe me, even the pros get nervous too! But one thing that you have to remember is don't let your nervousness overcome you. Do not think about you forgetting your lines or embarrassing yourself in front of many, think positively! When you start thinking about good things, I'm sure you'll feel relaxation. Begin by addressing your audience. It buys time and helps calm your nerves. Just pause & smile. 

4. Visualize yourself giving your speech.   Imagine yourself delivering your speech wonderfully. Your voice loud, proper gestures, speaking fluently then after the audience clapping and smiling at you. Just imagine being successful - this will boost your confidence! 

5. Realize that people want you to succeed.  Your audience is not nervous, not at all! Just think that they want you to deliver your speech confidently. Think that they would be bored if ever they see you nervous. Remember tip number 2, the target is to aim the attention of your audience. They want you to be great & you want them to clap for you. 

6. Look decent.   You gain your confidence when you know you look appropriate. You can be classified by the audience as professional when you exert the proper posture & gesture a speaker should have. Just imagine a person slouching and talking lazily while speaking, don't you think it's a disgrace? That my friend is very improper and unprofessional. Stand tall, do not slouch, smile and don't show any unnecessary movement. 

7. Don't fill the void.  Avoid saying "ummmmmmm", "uhhhhhh", "errrrrr" or any other sounds or words when you have nothing else or you forgot what to say to fill the silence. Trust me, as a viewer it really is irritating. Instead of saying such sounds or words, just pause for a couple of seconds and regain what you have to say. Believe me,  those pauses aren't as long as you think it is. 

8. Formality.  It is not bad to have humor in your speech, in fact it is a great element in speaking. Though, too much jokes may destroy your professional speech. In delivering a great speech, you must give the correct information or opinion, have a bit of humor, share examples or personal experiences & entertain, converse or interact with your audience. 

9. Gain experience.   You do speaking almost every day, your recitation in school is an example. Having a variety of experience can make you feel confident about yourself and your words. Build your confidence, which is your key in effective speaking. 

10. Be yourself.   Last but definitely not the least is to be yourself. You need to have passion in what you're doing in order to be an effective speaker. Just have fun, relax and basically be you. Your speech represents you. Your words, actions and your poise define who you really are. 

-Danielle Tan ♡