New Hobby

I am picking up a new hobby: sewing. I know I don't really NEED a new hobby. I barely have time to breath anymore. But I grew up watching my mom and grandma sewing clothes from scratch, and I don't want to lose that culture. I've been in a sewing craze lately. I have all these ideas in my head, and no sewing machine to make them.

So began my hunt for a sewing machine. I checked the local listings in Craig's list and got a few hits. I found one I really wanted: a thirty year old Brother machine with a cabinet where the sewing machine can hide. It was $25. What a deal! So I had e-mailed the seller and talked back and forth. After speaking with the owner of the machine, I was satisfied that it was still in good shape, so I e-mailed the seller to say I wanted to pick it up. This time he didn't reply. Two days later, I sent another e-mail, and he replied that it had sold the day after I told him I wanted to schedule a time to pick it up...grrr...oh well.

So I moved on to another posting. This one seemed promising: $20 for a nearly brand new machine. The lady had bought it from someone else a few months back and never had a chance to use it, so she decided to give up the idea of learning. She had never even turned it on. I went to check it out, only to find that it didn't work AT ALL... Her speculation was that the pedal was broken because the previous owner had told her it "sticks". Well, a new pedal is $30 plus shipping... so moving on once more.

I e-mailed TONS of craigslisters and browsed through a zillion postings, then I was hit by a revelation. I should check the local Goodwill. So I went to the store, and lo and behold: a sewing machine... without an electric plug or outlet... crap. Even at $12, why would I spend on something I can't use... So then I thought, "What about Salvation Army?" There was a Salvation Army Thrift Store nearby, so I went to check it out only to find they were closed...at 6:30 pm on a Thursday... hmmm... Well, I found out later that their hours are 9 am - 5 pm, Mon-Sat. Well, that makes it difficult to even check if they have one. Then I remembered this miraculous thing called a PHONE! (Yeah, genius). I called and the lady said they had an old Singer sewing machine for $25. That piqued my interest. I couldn't make it there that evening, but maybe I could stop by Saturday afternoon. Well, that didn't work out either...Sunday, closed. Monday morning I was supposed to check out the Brother that turned out to be broken, and I didn't get home from work till 11 pm. So then, it was Tuesday. But I went to work really early that day and wasn't sure if I would be able to make it before the store closed. Lucky me, I was done early!

So I picked up my mom for her expert advice and we sauntered on down to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. I fell in love! It was amazing, and I want to share it with you...



It's a heavy, metal monster built in Italy. It runs like a stallion, and sounds so solid. The stitches are beautiful and it has all sorts of neat little features. You can actually set the maximum speed so that even if you press the pedal all the way down, it won't run away without you. *great for beginners* It has a reverse function, stick length control, three needle positions, drop in bobbin system, and zig-zag capabilities. It came with it's own carry case and some additional accessories too! I am very happy with my purchase. I brought it home, cleaned it and oiled it and babied it, and then it thanked me by helping me alter a $2 skirt to fit me perfectly! (I did some clothing shopping while I was at the Thrift Store).

Here are some pics of my new baby!

Review: Retro Chic Conditioning Potion

I had the opportunity to try Retro Chic's Conditioning Potion courtesy of BeautyChoice.com.

Here are the claims made by the company:

Joshua Bernard, a professional hair artist and President of Retro-Chic International, has longed to develop a hair treatment system that is superior for restoring damaged hair, locking-in color, and providing lasting protection against the drying effects of harsh sunlight and chemical environments. To make this possible, Joshua has teamed with two of the world’s leading molecular scientists to develop the industry’s first "Microcapsule Remediation System" for hair conditioning.

Many plant-derived anti-oxidants and vitamins are known to prevent dryness or counteract damage to skin and hair. However, conditioners containing the most effective anti-oxidants tend to rapidly lose their potency after the bottle has been opened and exposed to the air. Retro-Chic International has solved this dilemma by encapsulating three extra-active anti-oxidants: pomegranate extract, rosemary extract, and vitamin E succinate. These tiny microballoons of vitamin E protect the highly active anti-oxidants and extend their shelf-life in the new Retro-Chic Conditioning Potion™.

This formula is designed to enrich the hair with moisture. Retro-Chic Conditioning Potion™ will replenish naturally chic or chemically altered hair to its fullest.

• Natural and Maximum Color Protection
• Microencapsulation Conditioning System
• Lightweight resilience
• Moisturize ~ Laminate

Check out more Retro Chic products.

My thoughts:



I am quite pleased with the results of this conditioner. My usually frizzy, dry ends were smooth and silky even if my hair was air-dryed. It was quite miraculous actually. And the results lasted longer than one hair-washing. I didn't even have to use the Conditioning potion every time. I can alternate between the Retro Chic and another budget conditioner and keep up the same effect, which is great for the budget conscious person.

I am a very results driven consumer, so the fact that this conditioner works so well is enough for me to buy it again. However, ingredients is something important to a lot of people. So I took a look at the ingredients list and there are only two truly organic chemicals found in this bottle: Pomegranate extract and rosemary. These ingredients are at the bottom of the least, meaning they are present in the least quantity. Most other ingredients are rather innocuous: emollients, moisturizers, a form of vitamin E , emulsifiers (to allow water and oils to mix), and sunblocking agents.

However, here is a list of ingredients that may be of concern to some people:

Behentrimonium chloride - Used as an anti-static. Can cause irritation in some people.

PEG-150 Distearate - Used for thickening. Can be contaminated with dioxanes, which are toxic.

Silicones - Good moisturizer and heat protectant. Some people have skin sensitive to silicones.

octinoxate - Sunblocking agent. Can cause allergic reactions. Some studies show hormonal interference.

Phenylethanol - An anti-bacterial. Can cause irritation. FDA warns that some studies show this chemical can depress the Central Nervous System.

Parabens - Preservatives. This chemical is an estrogen analog and can therefore interfere with hormones as well. Some studies link it to breast cancer.

Final Thoughts:

While there are some ingredients that may cause concern, keep in mind that they are in small doses and well within FDA regulation. I just wanted to let you know it is there. As I mentioned earlier, I have fallen in love with the results and will definitely continue using this product, and I urge you to try it as well. In the end it's up to you. Purchase this product here.

Bottom Line:

Pros: Works like magic. Makes hair appear healthy again.

Cons: Not cheap. May contain irritating ingredients for people with sensitive skin.

Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?

So several people requested to hear it, and here it is. I'm sorry about going off pitch in several places and for the poor audio quality. I hope you enjoy it anyway.

The title is "Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?" which literally translates to "Is God Sleeping?" But do not misunderstand the title. The singer isn't asking if God is asleep. She is asking a person who is always worried about problems and trails whether that person believes God is sleeping. The translation can be seen below with the tagalog words as well.


























I sang this for my Grandmother's 89th Birthday. At the end of the video, you can see her. My mom said she almost cried...almost (oh well, maybe next time)...





As you can tell, I got my new computer, so look for new tutorials soon!