Random Thoughts

Hey, hey, hey! Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I'm sure people are still busy preparing for the New Year.

As for me, we had a blast! Still keeping up with errands, unpacking, and rest! But, all is well and happy. :)
(well, except for the severe headache and a rupture of blood vessel in my left eye. But, that's another story).

Anyhoo, I can't wait to post everything. Will do that probably after the holidays.

So, for now, I just want to greet everyone a

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This is probably my last post for the week and before the holidays. My family and I are going to a place where it is colder than here in the Philippines. Yeap, a little bit far, but not that far. I will let you all know where, when we get back. ;)

--.:.--

So, I guess, this is my "Merry Christmas" post already.

People are so busy with everything - Shopping, buying gifts, Christmas parties, trying to beat deadlines before the year ends, weddings, reunions, well, I can go on and on...

But, I hope we don't forget the true meaning of Christmas. The day that our Saviour was born. The day that we will always be thankful for. The big day for the Celebrant!

Do we have a present for Him already? Or we're too busy with other things that we forgot what to offer Him?

Well, just a thought to ponder because sometimes I get too preoccupied with other things too that I don't get to focus on what's really important.

--.:.--

Well, I just want to greet everyone a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy the holidays! And warning, don't eat too much!!! :D

--.:.--

I recently joined this wonderful forum, PHP Digiscrappers, which inspired me to do more digital scrapping. You see, I started doing this (I didn't realize then that what I was doing was actually scrapbooking!), when I decided to work on Alex's Photo Album (from birth to 1 year old).

And yeah, I'm so happy to say that I'm done with 0-8 months of her pictures and waiting for the next pictures in the next coming months. :)

Anyhoo, the purpose of this post is to let you all know that I will be sharing some scraps that I've worked on from now on. But, I'm warning you, I'm not an expert! Just trying to be...hihihi...

Please check out the right side bar of my blog , you will see the new column "Sharing some Scraps" that I've just added. I will post here the scraps that I've finished. And right now, it's the first Layout (LO) that I've created! Yeaaahooo! Credits of the LO will always be at the bottom of the image.

Enjoy!

(*wink, wink*)

Yes! It all happened yesterday, Monday. The review with my boss.

It was not that long. But, pretty scary...

To make the story short, I DID IT! Although of course there were negative reviews and a whole lot of things to improve on but, the bottomline is, I DID IT!

Praise GOD! You are indeed a GOD of everything! I don't know how to thank YOU enough.

And my Hubby who has been there thru thick or thin! You're the best!

My baby who has been my inspiration for all my hard work...

Oh diba, pang-awards night ang dating.

What a great and wonderful Christmas gift from GOD.

(*smile, smile, smile*)

Haaay, today is supposed to be the "day". The day that would tell me how my life is gonna be(exag!).

Yes, my boss should suppose to tell me his feedback about my work performance in the past 4 months.

But, haven't heard from him.

So, I'm still waiting...waiting...

Dying to know what will happen! Whew!

Have you ever felt so lost? One day you have your plans laid out for your life. You thought that everything would go smoothly and nothing would ever go wrong. But suddenly, out of the blue, with just one situation, you would suddenly feel that all your plans are not gonna happen...ever!

I've posted here about how happy I am when I got my my new job. It is working from home. Yes, I work from home and I get to spend the whole day with my baby.

Isn't it the best setup for us? Well, yes! But, things are not working out for me, I guess. And I'm still waiting for the feedback.

Well, if this is not really gonna work, I realized that God has other plans for me. I guess I shouldn't have relied on my own plans in the first place.

But, I guess, as people would say, "Everything has a purpose".

If you're looking for nice and affordable laptop sleeves to give out this Christmas, check out Vanilla Top. It's nice and useful. It is reversible, it has detachable strap to make it a SLEEVE or a BAG and includes a detachable pouch for your accessories.

I got 2 laptop sleeves for my brother-in-law and for my Mom. :)

For more info, click here.

--.:.--
I just joined a nice forum for Filipino Digital scrappers. And I found out last week that they are having a very interesting (last) contest of the year. I kind of like the idea and decided to join. :) Will keep you updated. (**excited**)

--.:.--

Have a nice week everyone! God is Good!

I found the didache reading today a very inspiring reading. The woman shared how she would always volunteer to write for Didache. Although not all her reflections were published, it didn't discourage her to continue to write. And she shared that to further improve her writing, she attended several workshops, read a lot of books and religiously wrote daily reflections in her scripture diary. And then as the Lord expanded her territories, she became a contributing writer for Kerygma and Fish and later became a Managing Editor.

It made me wonder...what if God is telling me to explore that aspect? I never imagined myself being creative. I used to tell people that I wasn't "gifted" in that aspect of my life. I would tell them that I'm a technical person and I could only work with numbers, programs, and systems. Then, I started out this blog. And I'm never the same person since!

What do I mean by this? After I designed the header of this blog, I started to create Alex photo album using digital scrapbooking. Then I started thinking of doing wedding and Christmas give-aways as a business. It's so new to me but I'm really enjoying it! I realized that I have the "creativeness" in me, after all. :)

So...can I be a writer someday? Who knows... God might be up to something for me... (*wink*)

I haven't given you guys update on Alex lately. She is getting cuter and cuter everyday! Since she is now standing up and seems like want to walk already, we tried to make her use her nice and pretty walker. And she definitely loves it!

I like this!


This is mine! :p

---- .:. ----
During our Family Day with the Magbags, we also let her feel how it's like to be in a swimming pool! But, sorry Alex, only floating at the swimming pool for now. We can allow her to swim in the pool probably in a few years pa. hehe!


Uh-oh!


Yipee! :p
---- .:. ----
I love Birthday Parties! Luckily, one weekend, we had to attend 2 birthday parties (Saturday and Sunday)! Yipee! Enzo's birthday was held at Fazoli's Eastwood. Mari's birthday at Valle Verde Country Club. It was so much fun! Happy Birthday, Enzo and Mari! :)


Happy Birthday Enzo! (Fazoli, Eastwood)


Cars party of Mari!


Smile!
I just looove how Alex would smile nowadays. She makes our hearts melt. She is such an angel! We are truly blessed to have her. (*smile*)

Oh, I love Christmas Season! I love to make the Christmas list (no matter how busy we are!). I love the "simoy ng hangin" during early mornings. Fruitcake. Hot chocolate. Puto Bumbong. Bibingka. Christmas Lights.

I also love to dress up on Christmas Eve or the Christmas day itself. Yes, it has become "my" tradition to buy new clothes for this special day. It is a day worth celebrating right?

And most especially the Bazaars! I have more reason to shop! :D If you're planning to go shopping this weekend, there are bazaars everywhere:

Dec 1 - 23, 26 - 30
Karl Edwards International Bazaar
KEI Tent, Bonifacio Global City
32nd Street cor 8th Avenue (in front of MC Home Depot)
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig
Contact: Joan at 372-84-53 or 374-37-26

Dec. 2-3 Dec. 9-10 Dec. 16-17, 2006
BAZAAR, BAZAAR '06 (10am to 9pm)
Christ the King Church Parking Grounds,
Greenmeadows Ave.
Organizer: PLA EVENTS PLANNER,
Rhea 7051751/ 6884501
Email address: plaeventsplanner@yahoo.com

December 2 & 3, 2006 (Sat & Sun)
St. James the Great Christmas Bazaar (9am to 9pm)
Cuenca Covered Court, Ayala Alabang Village

December 2 - 3, 2006
MALIGAYANG PASKO '06! Bazaar (9am to 9pm)
Valle Verde 5 Covered Courts

Have fun and enjoy the Christmas russsssssh!!!

Hubby and I would always spend our Friday nights with the household of Couples for Christ (CFC). This time, it was a special Friday night. We went to our co-household's boutique opening - Peppered Cherry. It is now officially open! :)






If you're into good stuff and vintage look, you'll definitly love this place! More pictures here. See you there!

Everyone's raving about "the coming" of the famous Krispy Kreme in the Philippines. Lori and Anton were lucky (or should I say, blessed!?) to be chosen as one of the people who get to taste Krispy Kreme donuts for FREE! Lucky them!

As everyone's getting more and more excited, I suddenly wondered, what will happen to our very own Go Nuts Donuts? Would people still consider them when the "internationally-known" donut is about to invade the country?

With this, I started craving for Go Nuts Donuts and asked Hubby last night to buy 3 (1 glazed and 2 mochas) for me, just to remember how it tastes like. I remember I had these right after I gave birth (yes, since, I had GDM, so I was not allowed to eat ANY dessert!) last March this year.

Go Nuts Donuts - something we Pinoys should be proud of...

Honey Glazed and Mocha (both lite, yes, less sugar!)
Hubby had a taste of the mocha. He loves it! Of course being a dessert lover, he would love everything with sugar, OR worst, lots of sugar! hehe!

I get to taste the mocha just today for my snacks. It's a little too sweet for my taste, I guess (even if it's lite!). It's just goes to show that hormones were ruling over me when I was craving for it during pregnancy. But, dessert lovers will surely love this! You know, "melts-in-your-mouth-kind-of-donut"! Hubby can attest to that! ;)

And now, a new addition to the donut industry...Krispy Kreme. It suddenly dawned on me, why would people get too excited for the opening of this? Well, maybe it would be best to mark down my calendar for this "big" event and try it myself!

So, see you all on November 30, 2006 for the opening of Krispy Kreme! And find out why would our food bloggers say that this is truly a dream coming true!? ;)

After such a long week, Hubby and I decided that we needed time off from being "Mommyo and Daddyo". So, we went out on a lunch date after hearing mass last Sunday. Our Chapter (in CFC) were the sponsor of the 12noon mass so we heard mass at Christ the King Parish.

I was planning for an intimate lunch at Gayuma Resto in Katipunan but to our dismay, this resto is not open anymore or not in it's supposed-to-be location. Or probably transferred to a new place!? Sayang, I've been hearing about this place for quite sometime now.

Anyway, since UP was just near the area, I suggested that we go to Chocolate Kiss Cafe (CKC). So off to UP we went!

When we got there, I was really huuuungry, so I was really hoping that I got the right address (I forgot the exact address --> yeah, keep on forgetting things, there's epidural to blame! hehe!). And good thing, CKC was in the 1st floor, so we saw it immediately.

The place was jampacked! It was small but nice. You can immediately see the dessert station right the moment you enter the place. It looks good!

Hubby liked it. I can see it in his face. I was wondering what would be his reaction if we went to Gayuma Resto (they said it was really a romantic place - oh well, enough of my "what ifs". I just hope somebody would tell me where is it located now!). We ordered immediately. I had Chix in a basket. Hubby ordered for salisbury steak.

The menu

Chix in a Basket - yummy!

I was happy with my food and so is Hubby. Actually, I ate some of his food too! Haha! I was that hungry!

After the main meal, we ordered for coffee and dessert. They had this "Triple Treat" where you get to taste 3 cakes.

Triple Treat!

There's Prune Cake, Devil's Food Cake, and Kahlua Something (couldn't remember exactly). Well, nothing special here. Probably because their specialty are cheesecakes, and I'm not really into cheesecakes? Hmmm... But at least coffee was great!

It was a great lunch and a perfect time off indeed! If we would be in the area one of these days, I would definitely go back to this place again. And this time, maybe I should try their pasta and cheesecake (?). :)

.:. here's something I got thru email that I would like to share .:.

The more effort you give, the more you expose yourself to the possibility of disappointment. But that is certainly no reason to avoid the effort.
The more love you give, the more you expose yourself to the possibility of being hurt. Yet it would hurt infinitely more to have never given any love.

Sure, life has its pitfalls. The key is not to avoid them out of fear, but to overwhelm them with positive purpose.

For effort, while it can sometimes bring disappointment, more often brings great accomplishment. And love, while it can bring heartbreak, more often brings a level of fulfillment that cannot be matched.

Every experience, no matter what the outcome, adds richness and depth to your life. With the positive moments you build joy, and with the difficult times you build strength.

Engage yourself fully in the details of living, and with each day you add value to your life that cannot be taken away. Be an active, enthusiastic participant in this day, and you'll come away from it with real, lasting treasure.

have a great week, everyone!

I've been out not for long (4days) but, I feel like I wasn't home for months! Alex was sick since Saturday. She had fever (38 above, but not over 39). And I've been taking good care of her. Hubby was also in full support! Thank you and Love you Hon. :)

We decided to bring Alex to the ER (Saturday night) at the hospital near our house, because even if she was taking paracetamol, she would still have high fever. Our first visit (yes, we were at the ER thrice!) told us that it was probably viral (since her blood tests told us that everything was normal), so we went home. Then around 4am, still fever was getting higher and higher! Hubby was beginning to get "praning", so we went again to the ER and told them we were willing to admit her in the hospital. But no rooms were available so we went to the other hospital (where her pedia really is - although a little far from our place). The resident there told us it's ok, she's probably having colds and cough and etc... So, we were quite relieved and again went home. Monday came and still no improvement so we went to her pedia and then she suggested that we stay in the hospital so they can monitor Alex. So, we agreed.

Well, after 3 days, results came out and they were ok (thank God!). After her fever, rashes were all over her face and some parts of the body. So, the Doctor said it was "Tipdas Hangin".

Haaay. Boy, we were scared. But now everyone is relieved and thankful. At least it wasn't the most feared - Dengue. And at least it wasn't that serious after all!

So, I'm back now. Back to my computer. Back to work. Back to blog-hopping. Back to blogging! :)

Yeah, I know, gross, right? But, this is for real! This is posted in front of our parking lot and I would see it everyday! :)

I used to hate weddings. It's long and boring. People are so formal. It requires me to dress up formal attire. And forcing all single ladies to go and catch the bouquet!

But when Hubby proposed and we started doing the wedding preps, I realized how special weddings are (well, at least for the bride and groom!). And knowing how stressful the preparations are, and how much time the bride and groom allots time for weddings, I began to appreciate it. And from then on, I would stay until the end of the reception (I used to eat-and-run before! Bad!).

Hubby and I attended a nice and simple wedding last Saturday of Junes and Joyce at Paranaque City.

What a pretty couple!

As always (since pregnancy), I would get emotional! I was just amazed at how families and friends would bring out their efforts to make the event a success. And how they supported Junes and Joyce all throughout. For me, that's more important.

Maybe that's the main reason why I now appreciate weddings. Because when i was preparing for my own wedding, I knew who my true friends were, who supported me, who were there for me (especially during wedding jitters!), and the members of my family who were really, really happy for me.

Aaaaahhhh...Weddings!

Ishi, the pretty, little bride
Hubby and me, with the bride and groom

Congratulations to the Newlyweds!

Oct. 19, 2006 (Thursday) - I haven't seen my friends (ercs, mage, rica, and farrah) for months already! So, we planned to meet up at my place to have dinner, drinks, and talk, talk, talk.

I really had a great time! Thanks for coming guys!

I'm helping out my Mom sell these bags. Anyone interested? Send me a private email at michellemagbag@gmail.com. :)

After fetching the rest of the group at the airport (Kuya Mike, Jun, Ate and family - we had separate flights) we were off to Sorsogon. It was an hour and a half drive from the airport. We had fun while in the car and as always, Baby Alex was asleep. :) She really loves to travel!

When we got to Bacon (mother-in-law's hometown) in Sorsogon, we just had snacks, a few chit-chats and then dropped by the Church (the real purpose why we're there), and went to the beach!

The sea breeze makes Baby Alex smile!

Since, it's getting dark already, and the air is getting chilly, we just took a few pictures then went back home.


my parents-in-law's house in Bacon, Sorsogon


Daddyo, Tito Mike, and Baby Alex

Bacon is a very small town with lots of friendly people. Not much we can do here except for eating fresh seafoods and enjoying the simple life we won't find in Manila. I would love to stay here for a few days then after that, I would miss the "city life" already (even if I grew up in the province of Mindanao). I guess, I am meant to live in the city. With this I would be able to enjoy the rush, the malls that would close at 10pm, fastfood chains open 24 hours a day, and just the thought of being able to go out anytime we want. But of course, a few days or weeks of vacation won't hurt, right? :)

Here's something to remind us of our Bicol trip...



Mabuhay ang Bicol!

The first thing that comes into my mind when I hear "Bicol" is the super looong trip (max 15 hours) and the "zig-zaggy" roads that would make you feel dizzy. I hated it! So, when my parents in-law offered a free trip to Bicol (by plane) to witness the turn-over of my Mommy-in-law as Hermana Mayor, Hubby and I immediately jumped at this offer! But this would mean, packing the stuff (that would be lots!) of Baby Alex and a possible uneasiness at the plane. But, what the heck! This is better than travelling by car in 15 hours!

October 14, 2006 - I woke up around 330am (excited ang Mommy for Baby Alex' first plane ride!). Our flight was 7am. I was just so "praning" about everything. If we would leave something important, what if the water for her milk won't be permitted in the plane, what if we will be late because of the security checks, etc. Then, I realized, hey, this is a vacation, why would I be so stressed out? So, I've decided to just let it be and just go with the flow.

Thanks to Dandy for bringing us to the airport. We arrived there around 545am. We were early, I guess. Hubby went straight to the check-in counter. And then after a few minutes, we were inside the departure area. Everything was a breeze! They didn't even checked Baby's bag for the bottles and milk. And all throughout, we were just calm. And, funny thing is every security personnel would smile at Baby Alex and try to touch her hand. Alex on the other hand, would just look at them with the "kunot" forehead. :) We had snacks/breakfast at Mister Donut (coffee too strong for me!) before boarding time.

We didn't notice that it was boarding time already. Hubby was still buying mamon. But, it's ok since, there aren't that much people going to Legazpi anyway. I was observing Baby Alex' reaction about everything, but, she managed to be calm, quiet, and just observing.

The moment that I've been dreading about, take-off. Luckily, the moment we sat down the plane and the moment Baby Alex held her "lampin" (security lampin), she immediately fell asleep! She was such an angel! She slept almost the entire flight and just woke up when she heard us getting excited about Mayon Volcano.

Mayon Volcano was such a wonderful sight! We saw the whole thing while we were up in the plane and took some pictures. It's really amazing how God created this volcano.

what a perfect creation!


amazing!
The plane landed around 755am. Again, Baby Alex' was so behaved. :)

After getting our bags, we saw Joy immediately. Then, we were off to the Ruins of Cagsaua Church. This is so famous in Legazpi. I think everyone who visits Legazpi would never fail to drop by this place.

Unlike three years ago (tourists were everywhere!), we were the only ones who were there. Some shops were even closed. And I haven't mentioned that the whole town of Legazpi (and Sorsogon) is still experiencing brown-out! (It just made me feel blessed that we have electricity at home already)

Anyway, we took pictures of the place. And did a little bit of window shopping.


at the ruins of cagsaua church


ruins of cagsaua church
Since we didn't like the bags sold at this place (kind of expensive, but very cheap compared to Manila prices), we decided to look for the market. We asked around and finally got there after calling up my Mom's friend. There were loooots of abaca bags sold at the "satellite market" and my Mom and I were able to buy little bags for Christmas goodies (yes, I plan and shop early!).

After the market, (and by that time, I was very hungry although forgot about it while shopping) we went to Waway's for lunch. The food was great! But I had to warn you, some are VERY SPICY especially their Bicol Express (which now I call, Sili Express. hehe!).



waway's, Legazpi


waiting for our lunch


had a great lunch

After lunch, we went to Metro Mall to just hangout before the arrival of Kuya Mike, Jun, Ate and family. We also bought milk and water for Baby Alex.

Well, we already spent our half day in Bicol. Time really flies so fast. But it is only the beginning. I will be back with some kwento on our Saturday afternoon adventure!

Nope, not OktoberFest!

What I love about this month is that, it's the month of "Lansones". If some of you have read my post about GDM when I was pregnant, Lansones actually was the culprit. This fruit has caused by blood sugar to rise! Of course, I was the one to blame as well since I ate 2 kilos of lanzones in one seating!

I bought 2 kilos yesterday but I promised myself not to finish everything. It was good but some are still sour so probably it's not the right time yet. Probably end of the month or so and it would be the perfect time to buy. Oh, I can't wait! :)

Haaaay, I'm almost done packing. I can't believe a 7-month old baby would need a very big bag and lots and lots of things for a 2 to 3-day (only) trip to Bicol. I started packing our things since what, Tuesday!? And still not done yet, well almost!

Here are some stuff that I've included in Baby Alex' bag:

• Formula/Cerelac/Sterilized Water/Biscuits


• Vitamins


• Inflatable Bath Tub


• Pambahay/beach/church outfits


• Bottle withDisposable Liners


• Cotton/Cotton Buds


• Bath stuff (towel, soap, manzanilla, alcaporado, face towels)


• Diapers


• First Aid Kit and Medicines (paracetamol)


• Toys, toys, toys


• Vitamins


• Receiving blanket and lampin (as her security ek ek)


• Alcogel/Ethyl Alcohol


• Stroller


• Car Seat

Well, I hope I didn't forget anything important (even if her bag is full already!).

Anything else?? Haay, I just can't help but feel worried on how is it going to be on the plane. Yes, it's her first time! So, wish us luck! :)

I'll be back with pictures and kwento. Have a great weekend everyone!

.:. Just want to share this nice email that I got a couple of days ago. It made me think, am I getting the most out of life!? Read on... .:.

GEORGE CARLIN (His wife recently died...)

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - gross and mouthy comedian of the 70's and 80's - could write something so very eloquent...and so very appropriate.

A wonderful Message by George Carlin:The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Oct. 5, 2006 (Thursday) - It was my younger brother's birthday last Thursday. We had a simple dinner at my Mom's place and we had fun!

Happy Birthday, Dandok! Wishing you more and more to come! ;)

Sept. 24, 2006 (Sunday) - It was a family day. Since my friend Norin is getting married in Lakeshore, Pampanga this December, she asked us to go with her and checkout the venue.

After hearing mass we went straight ahead to Pampanga. We were looking for Aling Lucing's Sisig (along riles) but it was closed, so we ended up eating at this Chinese restaurant. The food was good (or maybe we were just hungry!?). After that we headed to San Fernando to checkout what's there. We just drove around the city (nothing special), until finally we headed to Lakeshore.

The place was really nice. We met my friends (Norin, Gian, and Janice) there and did some occular visit. Norin is getting married in an "island".

The Island (at the background) where Norin is Getting Married
After being in the place I just can't help but feel so excited for her. I realized that this is it! The last single person in our barkada
is getting married. Everyone has crossed the "border" and everyone will be living our own lives, very busy taking good care of our families. No more sleep-overs. No more "biglaan" gimick. No more telebabad until the wee hours in the morning. No more girls night out!? Oh wait, I think girls night out can be negotiable. We can have coffee every once in a while. Right, hon?! :)

Oh well, I can't wait for her big day. I just hope she won't be late on her own wedding! Hahaha!


(Clockwise from left - Mommyo and Baby Alex, Hubby and I at the island, my family with the lighthouse, with Norin - "the bride" and Janice on the way to the island)

For more info about Lakeshore, click here.

Sept. 21, Thursday - My Hubby and I were tired of
staying at home for dinner so, we decided to go out and have our "monthly" date.
I was supposed to have my checkup (for my blood sugar) but decided to re-sched
it for Monday instead. After checking out Anton's blog, we've decided to try both: Aling Lucing's Sisig and Piazza Serendra.

We went to "Aling Lucing's" Sisig (at Makati). Food is just ok. It's affordable and good to eat there during lunch on weekdays. Nothing special for me.

After that, we checked out Piazza Serendra at The Fort. It was a very nice place to go to. Not too much people (considering it's in front of Market!Market!) We loved it! We took pictures of the place...

That night it was also the opening night of Sonja's Cupcake (the real reason why we were there actually...). Thanks again, Anton for letting us know about the opening. But unfortunately, there was only one cupcake flavor left (we were there around 830pm!) -Strawberry and Cream. But it's ok because I was happy with it, especially Hubby. :)










I can't wait for all the
other restaurants to open. My friend, Reg, also has a shop that will be opened
there soon. I will post it here once it opens. :)

At last, I've now published my new blog template (inspired by:
baching ni resty's blog) - thanks for inspiring me to design my blog. :)

My template is based from Ehsany's blog templates.

Thanks to Hubby for helping me out with Photoshop. :)

Enjoy!

During my father-in-law's birthday I think 2 years ago, someone gave him a really, really good cake, and it's Caramel! I'm the person who hates caramel (and I dont know why, probably because its tooo sweeet!). But this, I loved! But the thing is, I forgot to ask where this cake came from. She only mentioned that it's from TIMOG. And I told myself, I'm gonna find it!

Then when I read lori's blog about the 10 Best Desserts in Manila*, I vowed to try all those. One of them is Estrel's Caramel Cake...Soft, Light, and Not-Too-Sweet...Could it be the "one"?

Perfect timing: My Mom's birthday (Sept. 5, 2006)

As a gift for Ma on her Birthday, we ordered an 8" (with filling) Caramel Cake. We had to pick it up from Timog! Of course, I asked Hubby to drive (before Ma's party) and we brought Baby Alex with us. It was a long ride (I guess) because Baby Alex and I fell asleep. Hihi.

We had dinner when we got home. Then came the most awaited part: Dessert!

I was impressed by how the cake was made, with all the flowery designs, and the greetings! They were able to fit our loooong greeting for Ma. And the icing flowers on top of it, I love it!

Estrel's Caramel Cake - Isn't it Amazing?

The cake is amazing from it's look to it's taste. It was the Caramel Cake that I've been looking for! The icing was so smooth, the chiffon cake was really soft and light, and to top it all, it was NOT-SO-SWEET. Yummy!

I would definitely order for more of this one.

Estrel's
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* http://dessertcomesfirst.blogspot.com/2005/06/10-best-desserts-in-manila-and.html

Alex has a new "face" that reminds me of her SuperLola. Hehehe! Isn't she adorable!?


This picture was taken at Starbucks and everyone can't help but laugh at how Alex looked that night...

It was a surprise treat from Hubby. He told me about it a week before and I was really looking forward to this "major" event. Clue: we had to be early... Ah, so I thought, "ah, malayo!" Hmmm... Mall of Asia!? Can it be the Highlands Steakhouse that I've been raving for weeks already? (after reading lori's blog)

But, NO. Hubby had different plans.

We went to BPI first and then I was thinking, I had to prepare for a long and trafficky ride! But, when Hubby turned to a corner, I suddenly realized, ooppppsss, could it be GALILEO!? (note: galileo is like 3 blocks away from our house) And, boy, was I right! I was so excited!

Yes, Galileo is like our "neighbor" but, we haven't eaten there. Passing by this resto/cafe would always make us think why people would go to such a tiny place. Until finally, a very special occassion (of course, it's my birthday!) came and a wonderful thought from hubby to surprise me there.

When we entered the cafe, it looked really small, but nice. :) Hubby reserved the table for 6:30pm, good thing, cause, I was hungry by then! We ordered for their set meal and the corned beef with jelly which is recommended by kuya mike.

Everything was good.

squash soup- this one was really good.

cheese platter-just ok for my taste.

assorted cold cuts -this tastes good too.

bread-this, I love!

pasta (I chose tuna pasta)-I loved it! Even if I was so full already, I really had to finish it.

a glass of wine (sweet) - My fave!

coffee- this one tastes great, we even bought a can for our next household meeting.

I guess for it's price, it's really worth it! Although, it's not the place that I would go back to everyday (jollibee ang dating), but definitely great for special occassions!

I don't like potato. I don't know how to chew.

But, after 4 days...she's beginning to like it:

Yum-Yum!

Welcome to the World of Solids!

:)