June 2016 Monthly Roundup

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Book 4 for Throne of Glass Series: Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
- Cormoran Strike Series Book 3: Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
- Currently Reading: Glass of Sword

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Once Upon a Time Season 3
- Now You See Me 2

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Last few weeks of summer
- House Blessing
- Father's Day
- Grand Reunion

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- Because of the heat I've been having headaches/migraines once in awhile

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Went to Punta Fuego for one night with the Chikadoras friends ♥
- Movie Date with the Hubby
- Celebrated Father's Day and Family day ♥
- Played Soccer on weekends
- Went back to my hometown over the weekend for a grand reunion with family and friends ♥

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Punta Fuego Restaurant
- Lolo Claro's
- Albergus Catering
- Roux, Greenbelt 3
- La Paz Batchoy, CDO
- Roadhouse, Valencia, Bukidnon
- Ranchers Steakhouse, Malaybalay City

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- None for this month

What have you learned this month?
-

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Real friends ♥
2. Quick Getaway to my Home town
3. Reunion with Family and Friends ♥
4. Loots, loots, loots!
5. Kids playing with Dogs
6. Bonding with my Dad and Sister
7. Extended Family
8. Parties, parties!
9. Seeing my gradeschool friends again
10. Aunties

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

My 2015 Birthday Loot Part III

Yes, my birthday loots is not ending until I post what loots I got from my little family. ♥


My little kids game me some love letters, trinkets and even money!


What more could I ask for?


Yes, it was indeed a Happy Birthday for me! ♥♥♥

Be Present.

Yes, yes and YES.


Sharing a Song this SUNDAY: Ordinary Human by OneRepublic

Another wonderful song by OneRepublic! ♥


Have a good one, peeps!

Travellers, Save this Date...



Go to the Travel Madness Expo - BPI Cards Exclusive Preview Sale on July 7, 2016 (12nn to 5pm) at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City.

7 Little Ways to Make Life Simple by MarcAndAngel


My 2015 Birthday Loot Part II

Here's another birthday loot, this time from my dearest Hubby.

Guess what this is?


Well, this is the jewelry that I've been "wishing to buy" for years now. Yes years.


I've always wanted to have a Pandora. And lookie, the Husband even gave me more than what I've wished for!


Love, love, love it! Thaaaaaaank you, dear Husband! (*wink*)

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Happy Father's Day Weekend!
2. Family Day
3. Freshly Brewed Coffee ♥
4. Quick breakfast date with the whole family ♥
5. Cafe Latte
6. Loooong nap
7. New ebooks
8. Friends for Life!
9. God's Love
10. Hugs and Kisses from my Kids

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Let Your Friends Know about this Amazing Game!

A couple of weeks ago, I blogged about this great game that I discovered called Wisdomantics that is perfect for homeschooled children, for kids who want to play with their neighbors, for families who bond every weekend. I'm sure to those who downloaded it over the weekend, they already know what I'm writing about here. It is a game that you get to learn about Bible verses. Yes, you read it right, Bible verses and the Book of Solomon in particular. In playing this game, they get to gain wisdom and have fun as well. Perfect!

So, folks, I highly recommend that you you try it too!


After you try the game, spread the word and share Wisdomantics with your friends and family. Check out the website - www.wisdomantics.com for more details about the game.

If you are already playing it,
you can also share from the app on your device by clicking, the following links: Main Menu --> Settings --> Share Game.

Click here for the link in iTunes.

Have a wonderful time with Wisdomantics! (*wink*)

My 2015 Birthday Loot

Oh, look at what I got from my MIL for my birthday last year!

Guess what is this?


Well, it's the compact makeup that I've been wanting for months now...


My inlaws probalby read my mind. Woot! Woot!


I'm so loving this and hopefully I can get to learn the eye shadow makeup soooon! (*wink*)

What Happened is Done...


Sharing a Song this SUNDAY: All This Time

10 Childhood Memories Apps and iPads Can't Replace by Mariel Uyquiengco

Hello, happy weekend!

Here are nice suggestions that I came across for you to do with your little ones. Check it out.

10 Childhood Memories Apps and iPads Can't Replace By Mariel Uyquiengco

Young children learn best through play and real-life interaction with people. However, with the inescapable presence of TV, tablets, and other devices, time for childhood pursuits are diminishing. Young children opt for screen entertainment instead of engaging in creative play, reading, or playing with friends. If you want to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendation to limit screen time for children, you can start with these 10 activities apps and gadgets can’t simulate.

Put on a show

Nothing beats pretend play. Act out a favorite story complete with costumes, props, and musical accompaniment. It’s nothing fancy. Just get some old clothes, ribbons, homemade drums, and you’re on your way! On some days, put those stuffed animals to good use for a puppet show.

Create with homemade play dough

Stretch your child’s imagination with play dough. Start by letting him help you make and color your own homemade batch. Watch magic unfold, as he plays undirected for hours! If you’ve been relying on TV to babysit, play dough might be a better alternative.

Have an indoor picnic

We love having a picnic at the foot of the mountain – the foot of the stairs, that is! Enjoy your child’s company in an indoor picnic complete with a blanket, hot chocolate, and his favorite cookies. You can even read a book aloud while you’re at it. Think of the memories you will be creating!

Make some art

When it comes to art and kids, mess is a non-word. Make art materials available and accessible to your child. Different kinds of paper, colored pencils, crayons, watercolor, finger paint, glitter, glue, and scissors are some of the basic supplies that you should always have at home.

Play store

Children love imitating what they see in the real world, and you can bet that playing store is something that can consume your child for days on end. Gather some knick-knacks, lay them out on the table, and get some real or play money. In our home, we sell books, dolls’ clothes and shoes, pretend food – the list is endless!

Sing and dance

Children naturally love singing and dancing. If you need help and can’t remember your nursery rhymes, search for some on YouTube.com – without your child, of course! Amplify the fun with some homemade instruments: a box for a drum, pencils for rhythm sticks, keys for bells.

Plant some seeds

Cultivate a sense of wonder for the natural world, and plant some seeds! If you don’t have a garden, a nice small pot of soil will do. Mung beans are the easiest to plant as these grow within a day or two. Get a magnifying glass and have your child take a closer look as nature unfolds.

Make a house

Little kids love a place of their own, and will usually build soft houses with pillows and blankets. For the ultimate fun house, give your child a cardboard box or two, and some markers or paint. Let him at it and see what kind of a home he’ll come up with. Crawl into it with him if you can!

Go for a walk

Go see how the world looks at different times of the day. Talk about what you see and hear. Count the number of brown dogs you meet in your neighborhood, flap your arms like birds, and pick up some wild flowers. Make sure to go for an evening stroll too, so you can watch the stars.

Read

Make a variety of books available in your home and make reading and cuddling an important part of your day. Visit the library often, if there’s one near your home, for more books and storytelling activities. Audio books are great too, if your throat hurts from reading already. Your child will benefit from some quiet, listening time.

Turn off the TV, or the iPad, and play, laugh, talk, and enjoy each other more. TV-free activities at home mean more time to interact with and learn from each other. Children need to engage in the real world, with real things and real people, and not just be entertained by a screen in front of them.

SOURCE

DreamTheatre in Dreamplay

This is the official favororite of the whole family in Dreamplay!


Join some of your favorite DreamWorks characters in DreamTheater! You'll be part of the story in a unique 4-D experience that allows you to FEEL the excitement!


With all the 4D experience and effects, these are easily reasons to become our favorite! ♥

DreamTales Library in Dreamplay

When I was checking our photos, I realized that almost all the attractions in Dreamplay were my kids' favorite. This one is another area that my little bookworms enjoyed too!


The Dreamtales Library...


Storytelling comes to life as some of your favorite DreamWorks characters take the stage in a puppet show of their own!


I myself is a bookworm. So I looooved this place so much!




Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Happy and Fun Weekend!
2. Time to Declutter another Batch of stuff
3. FREE coffee from Starbucks and BPI! Woot!
4. Movie Date with the Hubby
5. Burger King's Flame Grilled Burgers ♥
6. Friends
7. Great talk at the Church last Saturday
8. Eating healthy
9. Our help is back! Thank you Lord!
10. Online Tasks

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Wall of Destiny in DreamPlay

This one is another favorite, but this time, by the older kid. The Wall of Destiny.


Test your warrior skills and buckle up to climb the Wall of Destiny, where you'll see the Valley of Peace from a dragon's eye point of view!


And look, even the Dad's favorite too!



I can say that this one are in Dreamplay is the most exciting among all the attractions. And I was so glad both Daughter #1 and the Dad enjoyed it. ♥♥♥

10 Things to Add Simple Life by Courtney Carver

I've been following Be More With Less blog for several months now and this is by far my favorite post of all. So I'm sharing it here so I can go back and review it from time to time. ♥

10 Things to Add to a Simple Life Written by Courtney Carver

1. Value. Add richness and value to your own life by adding value to the lives around you. Look at the connections and interactions you have, and notice opportunities to add more to the relationship. Not more stuff, or more advice, but more goodness to elevate everyone around you.

2. Silence. Life is busy, but a few quiet moments every day can better prepare you to handle everything that comes your way. Declare daily quiet time an essential part of your life. Put it on your calendar and let your family know what you need. Even 5 quiet minutes can change the whole day. If you are ready for more quiet, try this simple experiment to change your view of words.

3. Laughter. Even while you are working hard to simplify your life and dealing with serious things like paying off debt, changing careers, and giving away your stuff, look for opportunities to laugh with your whole heart. Laughing offers great health benefits like lower blood pressure, and the release of endorphins, and makes you a better person to be around.

4. Art. Support artists. Make art. Give art. If you love to create and you aren’t creating, there is something missing. The world deserves your art and you so deserve to engage in activities you love. If you want your art to be your work, turn your creativity into a career with Designed to Sell, an awesome resource from Unconventional Guides.

5. Gratitude. Express your gratitude out loud. Be grateful for everything you have. When you turn your focus to being grateful for what you do have, there is very little time or energy to think about what you don’t have.

6. Patience. As you simplify your life, be patient with the people in your life who aren’t there yet. Be patient as you encourage simplicity.

7. Benevolence. Give, give, give and then give some more. Even when you think you’ve given all you have to give, just wait, there is more.

8. Joy. Find little things that bring you great joy. You can find joy in the simplest things like taking a walk. I took a walk earlier this week and found beautiful flower beds (shown above). Create joy, notice joy and celebrate joy.

9. Congruence. Always be moving closer to acting, living and working in a way that aligns with your core values. Be who you really are in thought, word, and deed. Danielle LaPorte says, “If you have to step outside of yourself, away from your values and soul to get your needs met, then you are not really going to get your needs met.” I know this to be true. It doesn’t mean I get it right every time, but I’ll continue to practice, because when I do get it right, the experience is sublime.

10. Love. I was doing a meditation from this series and learned that “love travels in all directions.” I’ve implemented this recommendation too: Anytime you notice love, say “this is love.” Through this practice, I’ve noticed that love is everywhere and the more love you have and give, the more love you have and give.

Soooo beautiful and timely too. ♥

SOURCE.

Sharing a Song this SUNDAY: Air I Breathe.

Such a beautiful song! ♥♥♥

Shrek's Swamp Stomp in Dreamplay

Another favorite place in Dreamplay, Shrek's Swamp Stomp.


Can you honestly believe that we went here at least thrice during our 4-hour visit to Dreamplay?


Yes, we did and the little one was so happy and grateful.


Get ready for an ogre the top experience as you tour Shrek's swamp house. Shrek is home to greet you, but he can't seem to find his keys and needs your help to look for them. Just be sure to stay away from his outhouse or you just might get an unpleasant surprise.

Favorite area indeed!

Gingy’s Kitchen at Dreamplay

The kids' favorite area in Dreamplay is Gingy's Kitchen.


At Gingy’s Kitchen, you’ll earn how to make a gingerbread man from Gingy himself! Just don’t be surprised if Shrek and Donkey catch a whiff of your delicious treats and make an appearance too!


In this area, the kids had fun baking and decorating their gingerbread. ♥


Yes, we joined them too and got ourselves our own gingerbread cookies!


We had fun in this area and if ever we will be back in DreamPlay, we will definitely try this out again. ♥

The Perfect Game for Homeschooled Children.

I am a hands on parent but there are things that I couldn't do on my own like education and homeschooling. I prefer to bring my kids to a traditional school because my knowledge is definitely not enough. That is why I am in awe of those parents who homeschool their kids from Kinder to Grade School, some even up to Highschool. Hats off to you guys for the patience, hardwork and the effort. Your kids are so blessed to have you as their parents and mentors too.

As a tip, here's a nice suggestion that you can offer to your kids during their free time. An interesting game called "Wisdomantics". It is a fun game for players which allows them to gain the wisdom of King Solomon.


I love that it is a game where the kids would appreciate playing and at the same time learning the Bible verses of King Solomon. I didn't think this was possible at this today's age and modern gadgets, but Wisdomantics defied that and made technology a way to help the kids learn about the Bible more. This is a way to teach the homeshooled children the Bible at the same time have the time of their lives by playing the game. It can be a multi-player game so you can even invite other homeschooled kids to join. This will be a perfect social interaction for them. Plenty of good values will be learned here and the app is not even expensive.

I myself learned the Bible through Bible Stories. And I couldn't forget those stories up to this moment. I guess learning in a fun way would be perfect for the kids and I'm 100% sure that they will remember these Bible verses for the rest of their lives.

Wednesday Happy Thoughs

Happiness is...

1. Fun weekend at Punta Fuego
2. Mommies' Bonding
3. Kids' Bonding
4. Beach Time! ♥
5. Breakfast Buffet
6. Long Drive and Girl Talks
7. Freshly Brewed Coffee
8. Chocolate Macadamia. YUM!
9. Pancakes and Waffles
10. Blogging

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

Welcome to Dreamplay!

A couple of months ago, we decided to take a break and bring our kids to Dreamplay. I've read about good reviews about this place and we would love to treat the kids here since they had good grades last year. And I'm so glad we did. We all had a blast!


We went as early as 9AM and good thing because there were no lines yet.


Upon entering and looking at our fave Dreamplay Characters, we knew that this trip is going to be an unforgettable one!



And look, matching bracelets!


Watch out for more photos and stories about our adventures in Dreamplay soon! (*wink*)

Silence.


Sharing a Song this SUNDAY: Heartbeat.

Weekend is for Get Together with Friends

And this one was the highlight...

So, which one will you pick?


Tonight is going to be the last weekend before the school officially starts so we are going to do a last hurrah with friends. It will be a fun night of chikahan, bonding and updates.

How about you? What are you doing as your last hurrah for the summer?

Quick Lunch Out with Highschool Friends

After so many weeks of scheduling, re-scheduling and changing venues, finally, I was able to meet up with my friends.

You see, they've been my longest friends so it is important for me to see them once in a while.


And I'm so glad I did because we couldn't stop updating ourselves. LOL! It was a quick meetup of chikahan, updates, and reminiscing. I guess when you meet up with old friends, you can't stop yourself from remembering the good old days.


And now, look at my lunch!


Looks good? Yes, it was! ♥

I'm so glad I was able to meet up with my good old highschool friends. Until next time, gehls!

Knowledge Stays...

This just hit me and totally woke me up today...Such a great reminder!


* Grabbed from Becoming Minimilist's FB Page.

Perfect Present for our Little Pianist

It has been a year since our little pianist started learning to play the piano. I couldn't believe how much she has learned from her teacher. Now, we always look foward to hear her play at home. She has indeed a gift or a blessing that she should cultivate, maintain or give time to enhance. So, we are thinking of giving her a present as our first anniversary gift for her as a "pianist".




A Montage 7 would be perfect for her.

Yamaha debuts the Motion Control Synthesis Engine, which combines and controls two iconic sound engines: AWM2 (high-quality waveform and subtractive synthesis) and FM-X (modern, pure Frequency Modulation synthesis.) These two engines can be freely zoned or layered across eight parts in a single MONTAGE Performance. WOW, right? It sounds so high end. The little pianist would surely be grateful to have this in our home.

Here are more key features of this beauty:

- 76-key, semi-weighted action with aftertouch
- Incredibly vast library
- Super Knob controller
- Tempo-synchronized control sequences
- Massive waveform capacity
- World-class effects
- USB/MIDI with three channels of stereo audio

AH..mazing! Would definitely save up for this and hopefully we get to order this beauty S.O.O.N.!

Chips and Salsa, Anyone?

For our monthly date night, since we were craving for Chilli's, we decided to go and we were glad...


Of course we ordered Chips & Salsa, Chicken Fajitas, and a couple of drinks.

It was a night of Husband/Wife bonding, Time Out from errands, and just a night of relaxing.

How about you? Were you able to go out with your loved one for the past few weeks?

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Home for the Weekend ♥
2. Kidzania for the Second Time this Month! Woot!
3. Extra Work via Online ♥
4. Happy Weekend
5. Movie and Wine Night
6. Never Ending Blessings
7. Family Bonding ALL the time
8. Happy Kids
9. Time for Exercise
10. God's LOVE

To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.

A Healthy Family Day Lunch.

Thanks to this...


...Because of this fruit/vegetable salad, we turned our family day lunch into a healthy one!

Hubby and I vowed to eat healthy for us and for our kids. This is part of our goals for this year, 2016 and hopefully in the next few years. So far, we are getting there. There are days that we still need those "cheat days" during our date nights, but yes, we are really getting there.

As for our family day, as usual, we had fun! Looking forward to the next one! (*grin*)