S is for …Simple * Sample * Smile (: Thanks to my sample & coupon + CVSExtraCareBeautyBucks$, I scored this Simple cleanser that doesn’t call for water for practically nada! It removes makeup & oil effectively + is simply refreshing! 💸💰🏆💧💦😅☺️😍
As an Asian Gen-Y, I absolutely agree with the points addressed by the main character of this season’s new ABC sitcom, Fresh Off the Boat! I can totally relate to Eddie for the following reasons:
We both sport T-shirts with black heroes ~ to celebrate Black History Month, here are my share
Ray Lewis: Super Bowl XLVII Champ of the Baltimore Ravens
1:Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed?I keep both a crack open ~ so my girls can go in & out as they please! 2:Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?admittedly, yes ~ some are flight-friendly 3:Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out?in ~ so that’s 1 less thing to do when I make my bed 4:Have you ever stolen a street sign before?only stolen shots ~ the paparazzi photographer that I am 5:Do you like to use post-it notes?a little too much ~ they come in handy 6:Do you cut out coupons but then never use them?sometimes ~ I usually have the intention to, though 7:Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees?BIG bear hug ~ ♥XOXO♥ 8:Do you have freckles?☼sunspots☼ ~ mainly moles from tanning 9:Do you always smile for pictures?for poses ~ yet I prefer to stay natural 10:What is your biggest pet peeve?inconsiderate people 11:Do you ever count your steps when you walk?that’s what a pedometer is for 12:Have you ever peed in the woods?while camping or during bonfires ~ for the most part, I’m a lady 13:What about pooped in the woods?TMI ~ I draw the line! 14:Do you ever dance even if there’s no music playing?I have ~ while I’m ♪jamming♫ out in my mind! 15:Do you chew your pens and pencils?no way ~ I don’t want to jack up my teeth! 16:How many people have you slept with this week?I fly solo ~ unless you count my 2 fur babies 17:What size is your bed?day bed (twin length x queen width) ~ just enough space for yours truly 18:What is your Song of the week?♥Heartbeat♥ ♪Song♫ ~ Kelly Clarkson 19:Is it okay for guys to wear pink?of course ~ man up! 20:Do you still watch cartoons?sure thing ~ for comic relief 21:Whats your least favorite movie?no sé 22:Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some?nunya 23:What do you drink with dinner?water always, light beer occasionally ~ 150-cal max liquids/day 24:What do you dip a chicken nugget in?BBQ sauce &/or honey mustard 25:What is your favorite food?Italian & dessert 26:What movies could you watch over and over and still love?the ♥lighthearted♥ ones that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago 27:Last person you kissed/kissed you?family friends at party ~ where I was hired to photo last weekend 28:Were you ever a boy/girl scout?yes ~ I take pride in selling the most Girl Scout cookies out my troop 29:Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine?only if it’s for a worthy cause ~ like advocating animal rights or environmental awareness 30:When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper?just a couple of weeks ago ~ when I wrote to Bishop Mike 31:Can you change the oil on a car?most definitely ~ my dad taught me how when I was learning how to drive legally 32:Ever gotten a speeding ticket?yep ~ multiple times ~ so I watch my roll now 33:Ever ran out of gas?a few times ~ but I’d rather always fill up before I go below a ½ tank 34:Favorite kind of sandwich?one w/marinara sauce ~ especially the Subway Meatball 35:Best thing to eat for breakfast?banana pancakes ~ like the Jack Johnson ♫jam♪ 36:What is your usual bedtime?I should be more consistent on when I hit the sack ~ lately between midnight to 2AM 37:Are you lazy?most certainly NOT ~ slack is whack 38:When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween?most notable costume mentions: Statue of Liberty, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, nun, cheerleader 39:What is your Chinese astrological sign?I was born in the year of the Rooster ~ cockadoodle-doo! 40:How many languages can you speak?3 ~ English fluently, español un poquito, Tagalog 41:Do you have any magazine subscriptions?unintentionally ~ I don’t mind my Sports Illustrated, & I pass along People to my mom 42:Which are better legos or lincoln logs?Legos, since I haven’t played Lincoln Logs ~ yet I wouldn’t mind building a real deal log cabin! 43:Are you stubborn?so I’ve been told ~ by my mom during childhood 44:Who is better…Leno or Letterman?how about Conan? or G-Lo? 45:Ever watch soap operas?I have my share ~ including GH since I was in the womb 46:Are you afraid of heights?nope ~ hope to go ☼skydiving☼ eventually 47:Do you sing in the car?always ~ that’s what gets me through the drive 48:Do you sing in the shower?always ~ that’s what gets me through the suds 49:Do you dance in the car?yes ~ please check out my Road Beast Mode 50:Ever used a gun?as my Bay Area buddy would say ~ I’m a Texas girl ~ so I loved the fire range in Cali & shooting at the ranch in the Valley 51:Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer?wow ~ I believe when I had professional shots for my college grad, unless you count when my student a professional photographer caught me on camera while I was on assignment ~ it’s all about selfies now 52:Do you think musicals are cheesy?not really ~ I’m a Neil Patrick Harris fan 53:Is Christmas stressful?can be ~ but JESUS’ birth is well. worth. it. 54:Ever eat a pierogi?I believe so ~ been there done that, working up my appetite 55:Favorite type of fruit pie?million $dollar$ pie ~ pineapple & mandarin oranges 56:Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?author ~ which came true (haven’t published a book yet but have written hundreds of newspaper & online articles by profession) 57:Do you believe in ghosts?not in a creepy sense to haunt me ~ more of a source of comforting spirits to soothe the soul 58:Ever have a Deja-vu feeling?countless times 59:Take a vitamin daily?yes ~ it’s essential 60:Wear slippers?for the house ~ open- & close-toed for every season 61:Wear a bath robe?all the time ~ not just at home, but also when I’m at the spa for massages 62:What do you wear to bed?sometimes my workout clothes ~ so I can exercise as soon as I get up 63:First concert?I think Bone Thugs ‘n Harmony & many more others since then 64:Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart?preferably Target ~ for the limited editions 65:Nike or Adidas?ADIDAS ~ All Day I Dream About Saints 66:Cheetos Or Fritos?I’m a Chester Cheetah kinda Cougar ~ yet I also dig on Chili Frito Pie Dogs 67:Peanuts or Sunflower seeds?☼sunflower☼ seeds all the way ~ preferably sans the shells & just the kernels 68:Ever hear of the group Tres Bien?nah ~ yet now I’m curious 69:Ever take dance lessons?no ~ just dance practices that already were choreographed 70:Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing?†GOD-willing†, something respectable & noble ~ nothing illegal or immoral (none of that lame ♪Usher♫ song) 71:Can you curl your tongue?yelp 72:Ever won a spelling bee?yep 73:Have you ever cried because you were so happy?I believe at my sis’ wedding ~ some believe that it’s because she tied the knot sooner, though 74:Own any record albums?I actually took advantage of my vinyl discount at Hastings awhile back ~ Jack Johnson & Breakfast at Tiffany’s soundtrack 75:Own a record player?not my own ~ my parents do 76:Regularly burn incense?I used to ~ mainly white California sage for serenity 77:Ever been in love?affirmative ~ always in ♥LOVE♥ with †GOD† 78:Who would you like to see in concert?male artists ~ John Legend (even before he became more mainstream), Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull; female artists ~ Taylor Swift, Beyonce 79:What was the last concert you saw?Journey with my fam ~ mainly for Pinoy success story Arnel Pineda 80:Hot tea or cold tea?☼sun☼ tea 81:Tea or coffee?coffee during the ☼day☼ ~ then tea at *night* 82:Sugar or snickerdoodles?Snickerdoodles ~ but honestly, I’d much rather have cookies w/chocolate 83:Can you swim well?enough to get me by ~ if only I could train for a triathlon, as long as I improve my swimming and bicycling skills 84:Can you hold your breath without holding your nose?somewhat ~ not for too long 85:Are you patient?to an extent 86:DJ or band, at a wedding?live band ~ play some cover songs & own original tracks + my own playlist b/t sets 87:Ever won a contest?countless many ~ drawings for prizes (bike & TV back in junior high) + newspaper writing in both h.s. & college, among others 88:Ever have plastic surgery?not crazy about cosmetic procedures ~ use †GOD†’s gifts 89:Which are better black or green olives?neither for me ~ only EVOO 90:Can you knit or crochet?neither ~ I admire from afar 91:Best room for a fireplace?main living room & master bedroom + man cave 92:Do you want to get married?in the †Church† in †GOD’s† time 93:If married, how long have you been married?I plead the 5th 94:Who was your HS crush?my h.s. ♥sweetheart♥/college bf ~ yeah, I was that girl who got everything & everyone I wanted 95:Do you cry and throw a fit until you get your own way?I used to ~ then I grew up (not how I got No. 94) 96:Do you have kids?if you count my 2 girls from No. 1 97:Do you want kids?human babies ~ now I’m Ninang Elaine & Tía Elaine 98:Whats your favorite color?lime green 99:Do you miss anyone right now?my forever bestie ♫Melody♪ 100:What was something that happened to you in middle school?I started hanging with my BFF from No. 99 as we both were fine ~ although we’ve known each other since grade school
What’s in our fortune on this fine Friday? Here I’ll feature two Asian family-owned eateries in Abilene, Texas, complete with photos. Both of them have been known to consistently earn the Reader’s Choice Award from Abilene Reporter-News voters.
AM Donuts
AM Donuts, Reader’s Choice Award winner, courtesy Elaine Dispo
Reader’s Choice Award-winning donut shop values customers, provides high quality
AM Donuts has assortment of flavors, courtesy Elaine Dispo
By Elaine Dispo
AM Donuts, the only Bubble Tea vendor in Abilene
AM Donuts & Croissants’ 1902 Grape Street location is thinking outside the bubble by being the only known public establishment in Abilene to offer boba tea.
Also known as “bubble tea,” this beverage that traces its origin to Taiwan has tapioca pearls of various flavors, like strawberry, lychee, taro, coconut and coffee.
“It is healthy and adds more flavor,” said Sokol Kim, the wife of owner George Kim, about AM’s smoothie-like drink.
George Kim, AM Donuts & Croissants owner, shows special straws for Boba Tea, courtesy Elaine Dispo
A 16-ounce bubble tea at AM on Grape costs $3.75, which is less expensive than bubble tea in larger markets and other frozen blended drinks of the same size or smaller at other vendors.
The Kims’ business has its loyal customers, many of whom meet at AM Donuts on a daily basis, and take advantage of coffee, baklava, kolaches or other popular pastries, such as cheese sticks and cream horns.
With bubble tea in the mix, Abileneans and visitors alike can be introduced to a commodity from a different part of the world.
AM Donuts has been widely-acclaimed by the city for over a decade, as it happens to be ranked No. 1 in the Readers Choice Awards for several years running.
“We like to take care of the people,” George Kim said. “It is nice to know that the city supports our product and knows it’s good and for our business to grow.”
AM Donuts also has shops on Willis Street, its original store, as well as Treadaway Boulevard and Pine Street. What makes AM on Grape so unique are the boba tea, as well as red velvet cake donuts and chocolate cherry fritters.
Aside from classic glazed donuts, AM also offers the maple bacon bars and an array of new baked goods. George Kim, coined the “AM Delight Do-sant,” inspired by the New York-style cronuts.
“The kitchen is my department,” George Kim said. He pointed out that AM’s efforts “to be as smooth and quick as possible to maintain the quality” pays off because “people like fast service and quality.”
Since AM on Grape opens as early as 5:30 a.m. and closes as late as 5 p.m., Kim and his team “make that commitment to do it.”
Chocolate-filled croissants recently joined their bakery selection of both savory and sweet treats.
Sokol Kim, brought up the idea of the chocolate-filled croissants from her time in France back in 2003, after she earned her bachelor’s degree in Cambodia. Her tour of Europe also led her to Denmark, and after she completed her master’s degree, she moved to the U.S. while pregnant with their daughter.
Previously, Sokol Kim’s career was in law that involved human rights at the international level. Now she works at AM Grape while attending school to become a Registered Nurse.
“Education changes life,” said Sokol Kim, who appreciates the support of her husband’s family and her family in Cambodia in her pursuit of a health care career while still supporting her husband’s business.
Many of the AM Donuts customers can agree . After all, the Grape branch is conveniently set on the north side of Abilene near Abilene Christian University, Hardin-Simmons University and Hendrick Medical Center. Therefore, Wi-Fi comes in handy for students and workers alike, and the TV provides a relaxing environment.
A visit to AM not only appeals to the taste buds, but eye candy also surrounds the space. The storefront has Asian-inspired pieces, such as the welcoming Buddha and a bamboo wall, in addition to classic art and recognized superheroes, including Batman, Superman and Marvel Comics characters. Some memorabilia have even come from the customers as gifts.
Due to the abundant space of the building as well as generous parking, George Kim envisioned “potential” of “not only a business but also a social network to hang out: an environment for everyone to enjoy, feel comfort. I think it’s important.”
Other than the boba tea and other special menu items exclusive to AM Donuts on Grape, George Kim’s service philosophy may be another reason why AM has earned the Readers Choice Award: to have “a relationship with our customers, make them feel connected.”
China Star
Beef & Broccoli + Kung Pao Chicken in the House!
Ever since my family moved to Abilene, my parents have frequented this Chinese buffet place for lunch or dinner.
Succulent Spring Rolls
Many of our family friends have held parties there, and my parents love to pick up take-out from there.
Hot & Sour Soup Warms the Soul!
The owners still recognize us when we go there for Sunday brunch after church.
Consider it this way: JESUS CHRIST had to bear the heaviest cross, so any challenge that we rise to can never top that. Therefore, anyone can strive to greatness, both in spirits and in health. That’s why I think that it’s fitting to post this Fitness Junkie Tag today…
Flashback Friday:Beast Mode a Decade Ago!
Since some of the questions (in italics) are the same as other tags (i.e., Lifestyle & Fitness, TMI), some of my answers (in bold) may be similar. I tag all of you who read this to share your fit-spirations!
20 Train-Happy Questions
What is your age? the BiG 32
Care to share your height and weight? 59″ & 125#
How many times per week do you work out?5-7d/wk, sometimes 2-a-days
What are the main types of exercise that you do?cardio & strength
What is your fitness style?casual & comfy
What is your favorite body part to work out?legs
What is your favorite body part to show off?my calves, which I used to be ashamed of for being buff, yet their definition is distinctive
When did you first start working out? (non-sports related)when my dad & my Auntie Lou (his younger sister) took my sis & me to an aerobics class when I was a youngin, so I’ve led an active lifestyle ever since
What is your current favorite power song?Motto by Drake’s been my theme song to pump me up for the past couple of years
What is your current favorite wind down song?Fotografía by Juanes, makes me want to take sweaty selfies j/k
Do you prefer to work out in a group or alone?either or, I like to mix it up
What (honestly) is your top reason for exercising?to feel like I’m in control
Show us your favorite exercise.up & give me 20+ … of Jumping Jacks ~ wherever, whenever, even when I’m waiting for food to cook!
What is your favorite pre-workout snack?nuts, great source of protein, & the crunch helps stimulate the brain juices … Mind over matter, baby
Who is your fitness inspiration?Sage, the dude pictured above, is a success story; he used to be out of shape then got into powerlifting & bodybuilding, including the Ronnie Coleman Classic
Have you ever made money from fitness?yes, as a Fitness Consultant @ Power Shack Gym & Fitness (again, pictured above), as well as for contributing to Pretty Fit Wayblog and Pretty FitiOS app
Are you a morning exerciser or an evening exerciser?preferably morning, for an energy boost to get me through the day; there’ve been times when I’d have @ least 2-a-days for both AM & PM
What is your favorite brand for gear?adidas: All Day I Dream About Sports
What fitness myth do you NOT believe?One single diet works for everyone — absolutely not true. I’ve never dieted and don’t believe in a single diet plan, but anyone who diets must expect to hold themselves accountable in order for it to be a success.
What is your fitness philosophy?No excuses. Period.
Happy March Madness NCAA Finals Championship Game Day!🏀🏆
From the Final Four matches this past Saturday, I had gone for Florida, who surrendered to UConn, and Kentucky, who beat Wisconsin in a close one. Let’s see who fares tonight!
In the meantime, one of my favorite fitness gurus, Sarah Fit ~ whose new book I featured on Pretty Fit to kick off 2014 ~ has posted her TMI Tagvlog and blog, answering 50 questions and tagging more of my other fave fitness gurus, including Blogilates and ToneItUp ~ who are the reasons why I started following her in the first place ~ as well as BexLife ~ who I discovered from Sarah ~ and Tara Stiles, whose yoga I got into from Livestrong Woman, which I started subscribing to for Cassey Ho (Blogilates) and K&K (TIU) videos! Anyway, here goes…
TIU Tag (my answers in italics)
1: What are you wearing? Black Nikki Minaj cutout back tank (layering top underneath work shirt) & black Sofia by Sofia Vergara skinny ponte leggings + pink rose earrings from J-Rob for my bday
2: Ever been in love? Affirmative
3: Ever had a terrible breakup? Yep
4: How tall are you? 4’11”
5: How much do you weigh? 125# (muscle weighs more than fat)
6: Any tattoos? From head to toe: ichthys (Jesus fish) bearing the Biblical verse Matthew 6:33 on the back of my neck, Celtic cross with crown of thorns and Holy Spirit dove bearing the Bible verse Philippians 4:13 on the left side of my upper back, my name in Hong Kong characters (Elaine = “She is cute & pleasant”) on my lower back, Dallas Cowboys star on my right hip bone, running man on the inside of my left ankle
7: Any piercings? Each ear lobe, left helix/cartilage CBR (captive bead ring), belly button/naval (barbell), used to have the right side of my nose (stud)
8: OTP? Jason Morgan & Samantha McCall on GH ~ the mobster enforcer & the PI, both hot
9: Favorite show? Friends ~ which I have the complete set on DVD … Close 2nd would be How I Met Your Mother ~ which had its series finale exactly 1wk ago … followed by Grey’s Anatomy ~ too bad the Asian doc’s leaving this season
10: Favorite bands? Boyz II Men (I know, I’m going old school), NKOTB (another Throwback ~ whose reunion concert I attended 5yrs ago) & No Doubt (who have made a comeback)
11: Something you miss? my yellow labs Cami & Bodhi, but I got my Double A-Team Asia & Annie 😉
12: Favorite song? “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me
13: How old are you? 32
14: Zodiac sign? Leo ~ Lioness of the Jungle
15: Quality you look for in a partner? good humor, love of GOD, healthy lifestyle
16: Favorite Quote? “What does not kill me makes me stronger.” ~ Friedrich Nietzche, Twilight of the Idols (1888)
17: Favorite actor? Paul Walker (R.I.P), Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Mark Wahlberg
18: Favorite color? lime green
19: Loud music or soft? loud if my focus is on the music (i.e., dancing, live show); soft if my focus is elsewhere (i.e., studying, phone call)
20: Where do you go when you’re sad? outside to appreciate nature that will cheer me up or the Adoration Chapel to petition prayers
21: How long does it take you to shower? 5-10min if in a rush, 15-20min if not in a hurry
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? ½h if I shower before {check last week’s Beauty Tuesday: AM Routine for more}
23: Ever been in a physical fight? admittedly yes
24: Turn on? Beast Mode
25: Turn off? Feast Mode w/o Beast Mode
26: The reason I joined Youtube? to comment on videos & find uploads from my students for our class projects
27: Fears? No Fear ~ a popular brand from 2 decades ago that inspired me, along w/songs from church that said not to be afraid
28: Last thing that made you cry? feeling hurt by someone special who didn’t seem to share in my joy from my latest school achievement
29: Last time you said you loved someone? when I talked to J-Rob
30: Meaning behind your YouTube Name? just my first two initials and last name
31: Last book you read? Eleven Rings: The Soul of Success by Phil Jackson, partially for my dissertation, partially for my passion
32: The book you’re currently reading? Rediscover Catholicism by Matthew Kelly for reflection and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive on the daily
33: Last show you watched? Jeopardy! because I like to stimulate my mind & rack up points
34: Last person you talked to? my dad
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? my bf
36: Favorite food? Italian & ice cream (hard to pick just 1) {check out my debut Foodie Friday for some of my latest fave raves + my lastPretty Fit WIA for my fave mainstream cupcake}
37: Place you want to visit? Boracay ~ beach in my motherland, the Philippines {check out my Throwback Thursday Tags for pic of “I ♥ Boracay” shirt ~ pasalubong from my bf’s mom}
38: Last place you were? bf’s house
39: Do you have a crush? on the aforementioned bf + scroll up to #17
40: Last time you kissed someone? when I parted ways w/the bf
41: Last time you were insulted? when I told aforementioned special someone about my milestone {scroll up to #28} & she didn’t seem to care
42: Favorite flavor of sweet? chocolatey
43: What instruments do you play?? my own vocal chords, the piano (have had mine for 25+yrs since my 7th bday), the clarinet, & the bassoon
44: Favorite piece of jewelry? medals from Bishop Mike that I keep on a chain + my Ph.D. class ring, rose gold ring from my sis & cat necklace from my mom
45: Last sport you played? hoop dreams
46: Last song you sang? “Until the Whole World Hears” by Casting Crowns from my gospel playlist in my truck
47: Favorite chat up line? just discussed this today (but didn’t work on yours truly): “You look familiar. Do I know you from …. ______________?”
48: Have you ever used it? I’m a chick, do I really have come-ons? Actually, I think that I can recall complimenting buff dudes on their dogs on the beach, but that’s about it.
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? this afternoon w/J-Rob after work
50: Who should answer these questions next? the few of y’all who actually read this … & if you do, then please feel free to comment w/the link to your blog or vlog, thanks! 🙂
If you read through these, here is your reward: Cute Cat Pix for Kicks & Grins =D
In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, after going Tuesday Beauty happy and adding the 2 for Tuesday *bonus* Sweater Weather Tag, I’m accepting these 2013 truth challenges for full disclosure. Enjoy, and if you’ve done either of these tags, please feel free to comment with the link to your answers!
How fit do you consider yourself to be? Are you happy with the shape you’re in?On a scale from 1-10, I’d say an 8. While I know that I’m fab, I still can stand to lose some flab.
Do you play any sports?I did back in the day ~ as in basketball & tennis 2 decades ago in jr. high ~ then discovered that I’m a much better spectator @ my fave sport: basketball, than I am as a baller… Competitions in which I’ve participated as a grown-up have been races, but I’ve mainly run them to benefit their worthy causes. Now I’m proud to say that I’m part of the 26.2 (full marathon) club & have run in several smaller events (e.g., 5Ks) since then!
Shot Gun Bang! Fiesta Marathon‘s my chance to run like a Mustang!
South Texas College 5K (where I used to teach) ~ I should’ve done more high knees!
Besides those, do you exercise as well?That’s exactly what I do to stay fit nowadays! Please check out my recommendations on the Pretty Fit Way blog & the Pretty Fit iOS app!
Do you have any fitness or health related goals?I work out to stay healthy, relieve stress & reduce my risk for disease in the long run.
Which celebrity’s body would you like to have?Does Elaine Dispo count? I’d like to say I’m my own celeb… But if I had to choose someone other than yours truly, I really dig on Jessica Alba’s bod! Plus, I must give myself props on mocking other folks pretty well for Halloween.
*TRUE BLUE*Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader
I love the Princess Leia hair from Episode IV, but it’s her goddess bod from VI that screams SEXY!
What’s your favorite and/or least favorite exercise?My #1 fave is dancing because I can do it anywhere & everywhere; as a matter of fact, I most recently caught myself just grooving to the chores without even planning to burn calories that way today! My least fave may have to be burpees (jump to plank to squat) because they kick my boot-ay, but they’re definitely effective for my boot-ay!
How important is leading an active and healthy lifestyle for you?Extremely; this is THE way of life, not just for the sake of taking care of our bodies, but also our minds & our souls ~ not to mention our hearts (both literally & figuratively) ~ all the way inside & out!
How much attention to a healthy diet do you pay?On a scale from 1-10, I’d go with a 7. Although I keep track of my calorie consumption & burn, I don’t always pass up my weakness: sweets (e.g., cupcakes)!
What’s your biggest diet secret?I don’t diet. Since I don’t believe in depriving myself from what brings me joy, I’ll at least control my portions & eat in moderation.
Do you smoke, or have you ever smoked in the past?Never ever. I don’t have the desire to mess up my lungs, heart, teeth or skin… So no, thanks!
Name a beauty regimen that you rarely do?I’ve never applied primer to my face. I’m not into caking on a mask, as I’m completely content with my concealer, foundation & powder (I don’t always use ALL of the above @ the same time).
Is washing your make-up brushes something that you do regularly?I don’t wash them too frequently because I want them to last, so I don’t use the same ones too often. When I do wash them, I use my M•A•C Brush Cleanser (pictured below).
How long will you last with chipped nail polish?I plead the 5th… on going past the 5th day.
How long will you put off buying/replacing a beauty product, even if you need it?I seldom ever need a new beauty product because I usually have a backup supply to replenish once I run out of something.
What is your worst beauty habit?Admittedly, I’ve gone to sleep without removing my makeup & washing my face on more than a few occasions ~ not something I’m proud of, for which there aren’t any legit excuses.
Name something non-beauty related that you put off doing all the time?Decluttering ~ which I’m actually doing during this Spring Break on breaks from my dissertation! Since I’m not that much of a cosmetics hoarder, I don’t have much to purge, but I did get rid of loads of Bath & Body Works nail polish 1½ years ago, way past due.
When going out somewhere, do you leave getting ready to the last minute?Not always; I usually spare 2-3h before I’m supposed to leave for a planned event, so I can devote a little more time on my studies, a project or pleasure-______ (-reading, -surfing ~ as in channel- or net-surfing, etc.) before I take off. If I go the other way around & keep working then have minimal time to shower, hair & makeup + nails, then I don’t do myself justice.
Can you commit to spending bans?I haven’t made any, but I suppose that it’s worth a shot. Now if I only I had before my cosmetics sprees! How lame that my hometown just closed down our only M•A•C shop yesterday after being open for a short while.
How organized are your make-up and nail polish collections?On a scale from 1-10, this should be a solid 9. Check out my acrylic organizer on my dresser here, where I can find everything in place, arranged according to color & category (nails on the left, makeup on the right). The red & clear beads that help keep my eye liners, lip balms & gloss straight in the front right compartment are from the centerpiece of my table at the Sweetheart Ball to celebrate this past Valentine’s Day.
Acrylic Organizer keeps my RTW Nail Care & Makeup out in View for Open Concept
Red + Clear Beads = LOVE Ambiance
♥ Warmest Kisses, Tightest Hugs & Much LOVE to my Dearest Darling Lola Rosing (March 5, 1910-March 14, 2014) in Heaven above!!!
Remembering Lola Rosa on her 101st Birthday: 3 generations – Lola Rosing, Nanay, & yours truly – the day after Lola’s 96th Birthday (3/6/2006) — with Estrella Dispo.
CHEERS as we Ring in Spring & Get Lucky on St. Patty’s Day!!! ♣
My family and I went to Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater (approx. 45mi NW of Abilene) ~ which supposedly is the world’s largest!
Now here goes… [Questions are in italics; my answers are in bold.]
Yours truly’s SWEATER TAG
1. Favorite candle scent?Bath & Body Works Salty Caramel
BBW Salty Caramel
True Blue Jack-o-Lantern w/Salty Caramel Candle
2. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?ALL of the Above 3. What’s the best fall memory you have?football ~ most recently Dallas Cowboys
GO, ‘BOYS! True Blue, through & through!
4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?neither; cat make-up: my red lips in Ardency Inn Modster Long Play Supercharged Lip Color in Love Cat and cat eyeliner by M•A•C
Tried to pull off Cat Eye & Cat Lips at Christmas Party
5. Best fragrance for fall?COACH Legacy
COACH Legacy Stripes in bag, fragrance and Gabrielle glasses
6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?my Cranberry Walnut Pie
My THANKful Cranberry Walnut Pie
7. What is autumn weather like where you live?bipolar: sunny & warm 1 day, snowy & frosty the next
Sunny Abilene
Snow Day
8. Most worn sweater?my Kardashian Kollection white Open Knit Sweater because I could layer it over any color and wear off-the-shoulder
My fave Sweater Weather sweater that I can wear everywhere, including the beach!
9. Must-have nail polish this fall?Nicole by OPI® Kardashian Kollection Disco Dolls for the gold glitter and Follow Me on Glitter for the dark glitter
Kardashian Kolor from Nicole by OPI®
10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?BOTH
Dallas Cowboys on the field! I’d like to play in the leaves with them!
11. Skinny jeans or leggings?BOTH … or how ’bout jeggings? (e.g., Sofia Vergara Lurex Jeggings in Gold Foil, Indigo & Jet Black ~ like the glitter effect from #9)
These Gold Jeggings pair well w/this Snake Scarf, along w/my Cowboys Boots!
12. Combat boots or Uggs?neither; I’ll go for my Kenneth Cole knee-high zip-up black stiletto boots, Corral Cowboy boots or Sketchers Tone-Ups camel boots w/ faux fur
Jeggings + Sketchers = Match Made on Snow Day
13. Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?he**-to-the-YEAH
Starbucks Pumpkin Spiced Latte
I asked for Salted Caramel & Whip to top off my PSL!
Salted Caramel PSL in the house!
Enjoy like yours truly at a Starbucks near you!
14. Favorite fall TV show?I’d say Grey’s Anatomy for the rainy weather, ’til it went on hiatus before the holidays, but now it’s back to ring in spring! 15. What song really gets you into the fall spirit?Katy Perry’s Eye of the Tiger brought me school spirit because my alma mater, Cooper H.S., was a finalist in her music vid contest
Katy Perry ~ Hear Me ROAR!
Katy Perry Challenge Finalists
Katy Perry Challenge includes CHS, all right, all right, all right!
#HappyEaster to my #Peeps this #JubileeYearOfMercy #Easter2016 love from #DoubleATeam #RememberTheCross #JesusChristCrucified #MaryMostSorrowful #HolyMedals #flowers #crucifix #OurLadyOfGuadalupe #PopeFrancis #cross #mercy #PeterCottontail #EasterBunny #NewLife #DecadeOfAsia TODAY #BirthdayCat #EasterBunnyCats #HolyCowCats #ThrowbackCat #ThrowbackThursday #TBT #HolyThursday #Easter #YearOfMercy #ElaineDispoPhotography: original photos including medals on the petals #DrDISPObustAFlow 🐰🐱🐯🦁🐤🐣🐥🐇🕊🐈🐆🐅💐🌺🌻🌹🌷🌼💝💒
Vuélvanse a Díos porque el reino de Díos está cerca. ~ San Mateo 4, 17
Remembering the cross & most precious blood this Holy Week and always⛪️💒💐
Must-See: Tyler Perry‘s The †Passion† Live: New Orleans on FOX this past Palm ☼Sunday☼
My positive takeaways: familiar talent and soundtrack (which I added to my ♪iTunes♫ immediately) in relatable portrayal to modern-day life
Added bonuses: Jencarlos♥ from Telenovela as JESUS and Prince Royce as Peter plus God’s Not Dead star Shane Harper
Speaking of which, God’s Not Dead II will be release soon!!!
My favorite cast members who I grew up enjoying: Melissa Joan Hart (Nickelodeon’s Clarissa Explains It All, ABC Family’s Melissa & Joey) as teacher and Jesse Metcalfe♥ (NBC’s Passions, TNT’s Dallas, Hallmark Channel’s Country Wedding) as attorney plus Robin Givens and the Fresh Off the Boat neighbor
♥These gifted gentlemen are on my celeb love list!
Welcome/Mabuhay/¡Biénvenidos! I am a USAF brat who was born in Germany and grew up State-side while celebrating my Catholic and Filipino heritage. ☼Sunny☼ DISPOsition Elaine’s Eye Candy/DISPhotos ~ I love GOD & His creations, so I take photos @ any given opportunity. Elaine DISPOrts ~ I am passionate about sports, which is my research focus on my ... Continue reading →