November Monthly Roundup

I can't believe it's the last day of November already. It feels like this month just started!

I can say this is most fun month we ever had this year. Check out our roundup.

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Hunger Games

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Ang Tanging Pamilya (LOL!)
- Hopefully, we get to watch New Moon LATER!

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Andie's first birthday!
- Sam's 4th birthday
- Dom and Mateo's first birthday
- Mom's despedida

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
- Andie got lots of gifts from her party

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- My colds were bugging me for the whole month! :(

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Went to Tagaytay for a family getaway (we were able to eat at Bag O'Beans)
- Lots of fun birthday parties this month
- Had coffee with Farrah
- Dinner with Dad while he was here
- Dinner with highschool friends

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- We ate at Dampa Ortigas before Dad left
- Dinner at Secret Recipe

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- Started Christmas shopping this month

What were this month's disappointments?
- my colds - something that I should have my Doctor checked

What were my accomplishments this month?
- Andie had a fun party. I haven't prepared for the party that much but inspite of it, we still had fun and seems like the kids had fun too

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Coffee date with Farrah last night
2. Andie's super fun birthday party last Saturday!
3. Hubby and two little girls
4. Strawberries for snacks
5. Online shopping
6. Dinner with family
7. Seeing Andie's smile when she wakes up in the morning
8. Shopping for Christmas
9. Kids' birthday parties!
10. Connecting with friends through Facebook

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

A Preview.

of Andie's birthday party, that is!

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I don't have the official photos yet. But some friends like Thea and Pef already uploaded through their FB accounts. The photo above is from here. A couple of shots by Guj Tungpalan of Redsheep Photography. So far, I love the first few photos! I can't wait to see more.

We had a blast at Andie's party. The party started late though. But it's ok since the program is not too long anyway so we still finished at 6 or 630PM (I think). I was stressed out before the party started but thanks to Apple, she made me relax a bit. LOL! Supplier ratings to follow, watch out for it in my Explore Manila blog.

To all those who came to the party, thank you so much! You made Andie's birthday a memorable one! ;)

More photos and stories SOON!

Happy Birthday, my Dear Baby #2!

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I was supposed to post this yesterday but I was too busy preparing for Andie's birthday party that I decided to post this early morning today.

Where did all those 12 months go? Is it really one year already since we were having sleepless nights? LOL!

As I would always blog, Andie is such a darling. She has a totally different personality from her Ate (as expected). She is a bit on the strong side. If she doesn't know you, she won't let you carry you. She cries when she sees a new person. But when she knows you and is familiar with you already, she would be as sweet as ever. She would smile at you or even laugh with you like there is no tomorrow!

She has taken 3 or more steps on her own already. The funny thing is that when she starts walking (with support) she would laugh and enjoy it very much. She loves walking around the house.

She has a lot of teeth and eats anything she wants. Although I haven't let her try as much food yet because she might not like it if I offer it altogether.

We had fun last night just us celebrating at home. We had pansit, crab omelet, sinigang, chicken, and veggies for dinner. Then we bought the Kahlua Tiramisu Cake from Goldilocks. We sang "Happy Birthday" and took a few photos. We did this while preparing the giveaways and prizes for her party tomorrow. It was a simple celebration yet it was fun!

Happy Birthday, Andie!

I wish you good health, happiness, and love in your life. May you be strong enough to face the challenges that will come your way. May you love the life ahead of you. And I hope you realize that we love you so much and we will always love you no matter what.

Our Short Trip to Tagaytay

For the love of Pacquiao, we all went to Tagaytay to have our family day and then watched Pacquiao/Cotto fight (together as a family) the day after! But since I missed Bag O' Beans' hot chocolate, we decided to leave Manila early last Saturday to have breakfast there.

As always, we loved our food - breakfast platter and omelet with bacon. We left Bag O' Beans so full we couldn't move! Check out our photos.

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After breakfast, we went to the in-laws' house. Good thing they were there a day before so the house was already cleaned. We didn't bring our humidifier and humidifier filters anymore since we knew that the room was vacuumed already before we arrived.

The weather was perfect. A bit cold but not too cold for me to have double blankets. We even used the aircon during the night. The kids had so much fun playing. I miss Tagaytay so much and we will probably go back there before the year ends.

P.S. Noticed Ate A's face!? Aaargh! She got the bites from somewhere! The Pedia didn't even know why. :( But the wounds on her face are getting better now and she feels better too.

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Right before my day gets very busy, I would like to post this first. It's just nice to be thankful for the blessings - big or small. Although there are times that I don't appreciate these small things. It's nice to look back at my "Wednesday Happy Thoughts" and makes me realized that I'm truly blessed.

Happiness is...

1. air filters - they are a blessing. Our air filter protects the kids from the dust!
2. Our getaway from Tagaytay
3. Online tasks are pouring (thank you Lord)
4. The smiles of the little girls
5. Andie is almost 1! (1 more day to go!)
6. Online friends
7. Bag O'Beans' hot chocolate
8. Working from home
9. Andie's 1st birthday celebration soon
10. A good massage

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

GodWhispers Today

I'm receiving this daily dose of God Whispers through email and I would like to share what I got today which is very inspiring...

Dear Mich,

Surrender your stress to Me now. You're body wasn’t made for severe stress.

Be happy,
God

P.S. Mich, I'm taking off from your shoulders all your worries and fears and anxieties today. Don't get them back!


LOVE it!

Happy Weekend!

This is going to be a busy weekend so I'm not sure if I can blog again later and tomorrow. So for now will just post this happy photo of our family. This was taken during a weekend at home. As usual, I was in my office doing some online tasks when Dada, Ate A, and Baby A joined me. They were using the camera with the tripod and were taking pictures using the timer. For me, this was very candid but definitely a happy one. I hope we all have a happy weekend and enjoy the two days with our family and friends. (*wink*)

Cosmetology Courses

I remember my friends and I used to joke about the cosmetology course. Since it doesn't really exist before, they would make a joke that it was the course that they were taking. But now, would you believe that there is a Cosmetology School already that offers Cosmetology. It is the Regency Beauty Institute and it continues to expand. I read that they were actually founded 50 years ago! They were founded in Minneapolis, Minnesota. And now Regency is the fastest growing beauty school in the country. It just goes to show that people love this course. I admit I'm convinced that maybe I should take a course or two since it is pretty interesting. Do they have online course offerings? That, I have to check.

Two Birthday Parties Last Weekend

I can't believe it's been a week now since our super fun weekend last week! Now is the perfect time to blog about it. Jacqui invited us to Sam's 5th birthday party at Shakey's. It was last Saturday at 2:30PM. We told Ate A about it days before to make her excited and she really was. She really had fun at the party. She joined the games and went home with so much prizes! She was sooo happy! Thanks again Jacqui for inviting us :) Then, come Sunday. It was Peachy's turn to invite us to Dom's first birthday party! Another party where Ate A joined the games and had so much fun with the magic show and the bubble show. She also went home with lots and lots of loots! Including this...

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I was touched when I saw her hugging "tweety the bird". She fell in love with it. I was also amazed at how the balloon artist made it at the party. He was really good at it! If only I still have the budget, I would get him for Baby A's party. Oh well, maybe on their 7th birthday party perhaps? LOL! Thanks again Peach for inviting us! (*wink*)

What Michelle Means?

I took a break from my usual posts and took this test. I wonder what my name meant so I chose this test. Check it out!




What Michelle Means: M is for Mysterious



M is for Mysterious



I is for Innocent



C is for Chic



H is for Hot



E is for Easy



L is for Logical



L is for Lovesick



E is for Elitist




Whoa!

Mysterious? Well, I don't think so. I always tend to be transparent.

Innocent? I don't think so!

Chic? Oh yeah! LOL!

Hot? Easy? Ask my Hubby!

Logical? Hmmm...maybe. Blame my Computer Science course I guess!

Lovesick? Definitely not!

On Accounting Course

When I was in highschool, I used to think about what my College course would be. I wanted Nursing, Psychology and Accounting. I never thought I would end up with Computer Science. I know that you will earn a lot when you are in Accounting field. Especially if you are one of those CPA's from Las Vegas accounting firm. My friend who is now in the US is an accountant and she is really doing well. The only downside on this course is that it is pretty stressful especially during month ends. I remember my friend would tell me that she would always stay in the office up to midnight just to finish work. I guess that's the reason why most CPA's are pretty respected in their area. Just like KondlerCPA wherein they are the leading accounting firm and that they make sure that they provide value to their customers as well as their stakeholders.

Thank You Tita Aggie/Martha!

Ate A was so happy last Sunday when she got Tita Aggie/Martha's gift! It was part of MBAP's Christmas exchange gift.

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Good thing Aggie informed me the day before Dom's party and asked Ate A's updated wish list. Because last Saturday she got a play doh from our friend. It was her first time to play actually and was ecstatic! So I decided to update the wish list and have Aggie buy the "molders" instead of one of her wish list. Every day and night she would play with it! She love it so much! Now we're thinking of giving her the barbecue set for Christmas. Now before going back to work, I need to find some articles about disability appeal because it seems like it is pretty popular these days. I have encountered appeals before but this is my first time to encounter disability.

Trick or Treat at The Podium

I now, this is a bit late now. But I still want to share our few photos during our Trick or Treat at The Podium last October 31, 2009.

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Well, the program was not organized and kids (and parents) didn't know what to do. But since Ate A got a few loots from the shops, she still managed to have fun!

Gold, Gold, Gold!

As much as I want gold as Hubby's gift for Christmas, I don't think he can afford it. (*grin*) But maybe I can save up on my own for this. After all, it is an investment. Yeap, not the typical jewelries that are available in the market but gold or silver bars that you can buy at Monex Deposit Company. I know I have a long way to go before I can purchase one but who knows someday I can invest on one of those. Monex Deposit Company or MDC is one of the leading companies when it comes to selling silver, gold or other precious metals and coins and investing in them would be safe. They can even personally deliver it right at your doorstep.

Our Costume Party



Yes, that's us!

Taken during our Halloween party at our friend's house last October 30. It was decided last minute that parents will wear costumes too. At first, we decided that only kids will wear costumes. But up to the last minute, we were forced to wear one too. HA!

So there.

Yes, you can laugh now. (*GRIN*)

6 Natural Remedies by SimpleMom

I came across this article this morning and I just wanted to share it here.

6 Natural Remedies You Probably Already Have

1. Ginger

Ginger (or ginger root) is one of my most favorite spices. It has been used in Asian cooking for years, and has a wonderfully distinct taste and smell — it’s been used over the years to disguise the taste and smell of medicines.

2. Garlic

Garlic belongs to the onion family and is another root I use quite a bit in cooking. It has a strong taste when raw, but it gets mild and sweet on cooking. Garlic is known for its antibiotic properties, and is also a powerful antioxidant. Garlic helps control cholesterol, too.

3. Honey

The benefits of honey are known worldwide. It has been known to energize the body, boost immunity, help with cuts and bruises, and works wonderfully on coughs and colds.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric is a key ingredient for many Indian, Thai and Malay dishes. It is known to be a really effective antibiotic, due to its antiseptic properties.

5. Pepper

Pepper is a widely available spice, and it is known to stimulate taste buds and improve digestion. As with garlic, it is hard to use pepper directly, so it is best to incorporate pepper into cooking.

6. Cloves

Cloves are known for their antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, and even aphrodisiac properties. Traditionally, cloves were used to reduce bad breath.

Click here for more details like how to use these remedies.

Wednesday Happy Thoughts

Happiness is...

1. Baby A is beginning to sleep through the night.
2. Online friends
3. 5 trick or treats this year!
4. A job that keeps me sane
5. Long lasting memories :)
6. Upcoming trip to Tagaytay
7. Nap after work with Alex (I need this especially now that I start working at 6AM!)
8. Online tasks (really are blessings!)
9. Family
10. McDo's Crispy Chicken Sandwich

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

I Badly Need an Exercise

As mentioned in my monthly round up, we had exactly 5 trick or treats. Ate A was happy but Hubby and I were tired. Well, as long as the little girl is happy, then we are happy too. It was a hectic weekend but at least it was fun. We were so tired that I didn't have time to do some exercises anymore let alone go to the gym and workout on one of their machines there like the dip machine. I was actually planning on getting a treadmill or any other machine that I can use to work up my body. I can feel my body getting weaker everyday because of lack of exercise. I hope I can sign up in the gym one of these day. Hopefully before the holidays would start.

October Monthly Roundup

What books and/or magazines did I read this month? - World Without End by Ken Follett What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month? - I can't remember... What special days did I celebrate and how? - Lots of Halloween parties! - Jaron's 3rd birthday What gifts did I give and/or receive? - We gave Jaron some spiderman loots What illnesses or health concerns did I have? - Kids had Cough and colds again this month What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family? - Met up with MM for dinner and coffee - Met up with Farrah for dinner and coffee - Family reunion at the cemetery - We had 5 Halloween parties 1. Village Clubhouse 2. School Halloween Party 3. My sister’s Office Halloween Party 4. Halloween Party at friends’ house 5. Trick or Treating at The Podium What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month? - Banana Monkey Cream Pie from Sonja's Cupcake - Gourmet Hot Chocolate from Xocolat What special or unusual purchases did I make? - I bought another stuff from Faye. (*grin*) What were this month's disappointments? - Ate A was brought to the ER last night because something was painful in her eyes but she got better already after a few drops of medicine What were my accomplishments this month? - Baby A is almost 1 year old :D I admit October just flew by just like that. I can't believe it's already November. A few more weeks and it's going to be Baby A's first birthday. Where did all those days go? It's going to be a year from now ever since I gave birth to Baby A. I feel like it was only yesterday. My weight has not even gone back to my pre-pregnancy weight! I look like I'm still 3 months pregnant especially if you focus on my belly. It makes me realize that I really need a thermogenic fat burner. I know I just need some exercise to control my weight gain but I just can't find the time to do it! Anyway, so many things to look forward to this month! It is going to be a fun month for us!