10 Things That Every Woman Should Have

Every woman deserves to have a little of life's comforts. It doesn't have to come with a price tag but if one works so hard to make a living, a little reward wouldn't hurt.

I have come up with a list of the 10 things that every woman should have. I personally do not have everything on the list but who knows, a good soul might read this blog and hopefully feel the need to be a Fairy Godmother to me. Haha, dream on!

10. Little Black Dress
This should be a staple in every woman's closet. Its functionality and versatility have done wonders to me. In the past, every time I get invited to an event on a short notice, I panic right away. Thank heavens, I have a few pieces that always do the trick.

9. A Perfect Pair of Jeans
Getting one has been quite a challenge. I am the type whose weight can be described as erratic. Blame it on my genes, no pun intended. I easily gain weight especially if I start bingeing on food that I love. And I have a major issue with my hips. The key, I think, is to identify one's body type. A few misses here and there will eventually lead one to the perfect jeans.

8. Red or Black Pumps
I think one of the best fashion tips we heard from our mothers while growing up was "Your shoes can make or break your wardrobe." Indeed, mothers know best! I have chosen red and black, again, for its versatility. Plus, it can be matched practically with any color.

7. A Sturdy Bag
When I was in my early 20s, my bags could fit a tiny wallet and a small make-up purse. That was it for me. Low maintenance ba. But when I reached my late 20s, I found out that my "essentials" could no longer fit in a small purse. My first consideration in buying a bag is its size. It should fit my wallet, make-up purse, two cellphones, iPod, medicine pouch, alcohol, hand towel, umbrella and my water bottle. Hindi kaya maleta ang dapat dalhin ko? Haha!

6. Camera
If there is any gadget that I cannot live without, it's my ever reliable digital camera. I had it for years and I must say, it is a worthy investment. A picture is a memory captured on film and it lasts forever. It's amazing how one moment can be relived through a glossy paper. I keep it in my bag in case a random special moment occurs.

5. A Comfy Bed
To some, sleep is a luxury. That's why when we get free time from work and school duties, we make it a point to hit the sack for a well-deserved rest and sleep. I personally want a super comfy bed that will make me want to hate getting up in the morning.

4. A Favorite Book
Not all women are book lovers but at one point in their lives, they have read something that somehow changed how they look at life. My favorite book of all time is Wuthering Heights. The enduring love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff is both endearing and disturbing. I hated Heathcliff for his vengeful nature but I learned to love him for this same reason. He comes from a place where forgiveness and redemption do not exist. But in the end, Bronte made sure that Heathcliff's character will be remembered for generations of readers.

3. A Journal
A movie line once said that a woman's heart is a chamber full of secrets. I couldn't agree more! Mostly, these thoughts need to be written down so it won't be forgotten and constantly revisited so their lessons will forever linger on. The best way to immortalize thoughts and feelings is to write it all in a journal. This "hobby" has become a therapy to me. If I cannot pour out what's inside of me, I turn it into a piece of writing. It always works! I will be forever grateful to my friend Carrie who gave me a Moleskine journal for my birthday years ago. However, that notebook will always be under lock and key.

2. A Pair of Diamond Earrings (or diamond ring)
A diamond is a girl's best friend, right? Lucky you if it was given as an heirloom. At least, you'll save yourself a few bucks. It doesn't come cheap, you know. But truly, a diamond has a way of making one feel so valued and loved.

1. A Stamped Passport
This is one of the things you can find in my bucket list -- to travel the world. I have started quite late but so far the experiences I gained from my few travels have enriched my life immensely. There is so much to learn in every culture and every nation. Personally, I have learned that understanding others' culture is the best way to understand our own.

Boys to Men

There is something sweet about a man who is not ashamed to show his affection to his mother.

I grew up in a generation that is intolerant of a man who is extremely devoted to his mother. Admittedly, there was a time when I'd almost cringe at the sight of a man being treated like a boy by his mother. But when it's the son who spoils and pampers his mother, I can't hep but watch in awe.

Our culture does not allow a boy at a young age to show any emotions that could reveal his vulnerability. Thus, when he becomes an adult, he consciously makes an effort to maintain a tough demeanor even in the midst of crisis.

I know quite a few men who do not miss a single chance to show their mothers how much they are loved. Call them Mama's boys, if you wish. I call them REAL MEN. And for that, they have earned my respect because they remain true to the values their mothers instilled in them.

I have heard so many times that the best way to find out if a man has the makings of a good partner, observe how he treats his mother. I have proven that myself. :)