Random Thoughts

Ever since Ate A started school, she started loving to draw so, it gave me an idea to give her materials so she can have "art time" while at home. She's so loving it that she wants to do it everyday.

The down side is that our printer is now used everyday for printing her materials. With that we need to refill our hp ink cartridges often now compared to before that she doesn't have "art time". Good thing our ink cartridges are of good quality so no need to worry if we are over-using it. I always tend to worry on those kind of things. After all, everything has limitations right? But for now, I'm enjoying the use of our printer.

Good thing also that there are so many available activity books online that we can print. We've also been looking online for the little girl's alphabet assignment and so far, we've been successful. I just don't know what I would do if the internet was not invented!

Anyway, look at the finished task of Ate A which made us really proud...


Can you see her smile too? Yes, she was also very proud of herself!

This one is an artwork that has Rosetta from the Tinkerbell Movie. We cut out her photo in a magazine that we bought a few weeks ago, then she placed a couple of drawings and there you go - one happy little girl! We are also very proud of her for being artistic. I haven't got that unfortunately so I guess she's my only hope. LOL! She probably got the idea to draw from the TV or perhaps she just got it from my Aunt who is very creative. Well, I certainly do hope so!

Well, I can't truly say that we actually started our home renovation. The thing is, we were so busy the whole year that we failed to make time for this. Although it's pretty urgent since we're experiencing the bad side of the leaks already especially now that it's rainy season. I hope we would be able to find time to really look for a contractor that would repair our house as soon as possible.

I also want to change a couple of fixtures in kitchen. I'm looking at buying Kohler kitchen sinks to compensate our non branded sink which gave in after 3 years of continous use. We vowed to look for branded fixtures that would last for years. Hopefully the Kohler sinks that we're eyeing would really last until we transfer to our dream home.

Lately, the kids are enjoying photo opps with the Dada. They posed while the Dada takes their photos. They are enjoying it, unlike before that they don't like the idea of taking their pictures. Sometimes they were dancing. Sometimes they were singing. This time, they were playing.

How time flies so fast! I can't believe they are that big already. Where did all those days go? I've been looking at my girls lately and I can't believe they've grown so much. I miss those days when I would just smell them the whole day! Aaaah, good times!

Happiness is...

1. Thank you for today!
2. 2 Trick or Treats for the kids, 1 more to go...
3. One PB down! Thanks to Artscow's templates!
4. Printed our HK Disneyland photos
5. Our passports are here!
6. Planning a date with Hubby over the long weekend
7. I'm getting better
8. Loots from trick or treat
9. Mc Donald's Cheeseburger
10. It's Friday tomorrow!

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

I was checking out a couple of sweaters at the mall last weekend when I saw these promos that are worth checking out!

Get your fill of Blade Steaks and Porkchops at Holy Cow Steak Ranch & American Grill for only P599 per person. The buffet includes bottomless iced tea and buttered veggies. Although Rib Eye Steak Not Included

Promo is available daily
SM Megamall Atrium
3rd Floor MegaMall Atrium, SM Megamall
EDSA corner Julia Vargas, Mandaluyong City.
Tel. No. 470-1130


Botomless Margarita Promo for only P359. Promo is available from Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. onwards only at TGI Friday’s Galleria.

Looks like Hubby and I will be on a date soon. Thanks to these promos.

As for the sweater, I'm looking for something that I can wear everyday at work or even at the mall. Hopefully I would find one soon!

Oh, look what I found today!

When it comes to grown-up treats, you like it cold and creamy. Indulge in Haagen Dazs' ice cream buffet for only P499 daily until 8 p.m.

ICE CREAM = ₱499
ICE CREAM + BROWNIES = ₱599

Promo is available at the SM Megamall Atrium branch only. I think I will have to try this over the long weekend. We'll see!

Here's another Halloween activity that you might want to consider!

Get Ready for a marvelous monstrous carnival!

Venue: SM Mall of Asia
Time: 3:00pm to 9:00pm
Cost: FREE 1 ticket for every purchase of PHP1000 of any toy at Toy Kingdom

Are you going? See you there! (*wink*)

Happiness is...

1. Quick shopping yesterday
2. Dinner at Cyma with Hubby
3. Looking forward to the long weekend!
4. Blessings! :)
5. McDonald's coffee
6. 1 more month and Andie is turning 2!
7. Jessie costume for the Ate
8. Online friends! :)
9. Thank you for my work
10. My family

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

If you are a reader from Cebu and needs joyful parenting, you may want to check this out.

Venue: SM City Cebu
Telephone: 713 9435
Time: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Cost: FREE Admission
Date: 24th Oct 2010

Oh, the joys of parenting. When I saw this poster I suddenly remember my breastfeeding days with my girls. I'm proud to say that I was able to provide breastmilk for Andie for 8 months. I remember those days when after giving birth, I just lost a lot of weight without too much effort. I didn't need to take Lipofuze back then. With all those sleepless nights and lost of appetite, I almost came back to my pre-pregnancy weight. But now, I'm struggling. I have a lot of pounds to shed as of this moment and I just need the huge effort that I can make.

I missed those days when I used to be young and didn't mind my weight too much. Oh wait, did that really happen? I can't honestly remember. LOL!

Yes, I actually did during the start of the year. That's one of my goals for the year 2010. But well, so far, for the past few months, I've been bad. Uh-oh! Since I go to the office, I just had to eat snacks. I easily get hungry and well, tired too. So lately I tend eat from fastfood like Mc Donald's or Jollibee which are a few meters away from work. So here's the result of that...

Bulging arms and huge tummy! Aargh! So now, I need to check out the lipofuze reviews that I had on my bookmarks for months now. I've been keeping it off since I want to lose weight naturally but now, I guess I need to do inevitable!

How I wish I could say goodbye to burgers and fries. Goodbye to coffee with so much sweeteners every morning and sweet treats at 3PM. But I will have to see. I can't promise. But hopefully SOON!

For the ladies, Mommies, Ates, and well, everybody who is interested. It's a Breast Cancer seminar...

KEEP ABREAST

Through the years, Wacoal has always been keen on understanding the needs of women. Wacoal believes that wellness is an important aspect in order to be beautiful, and the Keep Abreast campaign is a significant move to help women in their pursuit for beauty.

In October, we invite you to visit our Wacoal counters and get a copy of the Keep Abreast brochure – the basics about breast cancer. For those who are located in Metro Manila, we invite you attend one of our FREE SEMINARS:

SCHEDULES

Oct. 2, 2010
• 1:00 pm – OPEN TO PUBLIC
• 5:00 pm – PRESTIGE MEMBERS
SM Megamall Prestige Lounge
2/F, Building B near Ladies’ wear (Dept. Store)

Oct. 9, 2010
• 1:00 pm – OPEN TO PUBLIC
• 5:00 pm – PRESTIGE MEMBERS
SM North Edsa Prestige Lounge
3/F, Main Building near Ladies’ wear (Dept. Store)

Oct. 16, 2010
• 10:00 am – OPEN TO PUBLIC
• 6:00 pm – PRESTIGE MEMBERS
SM Makati Prestige Lounge
4/F, near SM Appliance Center

Oct. 23, 2010
• 1:00 pm – OPEN TO PUBLIC
• 5:00 pm – PRESTIGE MEMBERS
SM Megamall Prestige Lounge
2/F, Building B near Ladies’ wear (Dept. Store)

Oct. 30, 2010
• 1:00 pm – OPEN TO PUBLIC
• 5:00 pm – PRESTIGE MEMBERS
SM Mall of Asia Prestige Lounge
G/F, South Bldg. near Customer Service Bills Payment

Please call us at 892-5706 or email us at customer.service@wacoal.ph to reserve your seats.

The main objective of Keep Abreast is for all of us to recognize the signs early on, in order for us to take action by having it treated at its early stage. Remember, early detection and early treatment save lives.

Thank you and let’s all keep abreast!

Sounds interesting!

Here's another excited little girl! Excited for the upcoming trick or treat that is!

When she saw her Ate, trying out her Jessie costume, she wanted to try one too! So I checked out Ate A's old costumes and came up with the wonderwoman costume. I remember Ate A was 2 years and 7 months old when she wore this costume. Andie is not even 2 until next month. Although Andie lost a few lbs that seems like she took weight loss product. She's just not eating that much lately. Although she is still drinking milk but I guess, solids are better than milk come her age. I really, really hope she gets back her appetite. She would need it as soon as she starts to go to school!

A few more days to go and it's going to be my girls' trick or treat! The two are so excited and look what Ate A is going to be...

Jessie, the cowgirl! Her ultimate favorite, as of the moment. Super thanks to my friend Faye, I had it shipped to her place. Then she shipped it to me. The little girl was sooo happy when she saw it! It was a dream come true. I can't wait for their Trick or Treat soon!

As far as I remember, I don't have a thing about wall clocks. But I noticed that subconsciously, I want every room in the house to have a clock. I'm very keen on the current time that I want to know wherever I go even if I'm just at home. I don't wear a watch too that's why.

So when we were shopping for stuff for the house recently, I'm eyeing those large wall clocks that I want to placed in the family hall. It's the only room in the house that has no clock yet. So I really, really want to put something classic and unique. With some style that won't fade for years. Not exactly like a Grandfather's clock but newer than that. I have to make sure that it blends in with out current stuff too. Since the theme of our house is more of a modern/Asian inspired theme, I would love a clock to be simple yet elegant. I hope I can find a few options from ClockShoppes.com. We'll see.

Better late than never!

I'm a member of the digiscrap club and we call ourselves "Bebots" but really, I haven't been scrapping for years. The last time I did an LO was before I gave birth to Andie. So now that everything seems to fall into place - got a 2nd helper plus extra, extra time in my hands, I'm back to creating a layout. Besides, the Lola is requesting for an LO that she can bring wherever she goes.

So now, I frequent Artscow's website ever since yesterday. Check out what I got as of now....

I'm halfway done! I have to beat the October 21, 2010 deadline to get the PB for only $0.99! So, wish me luck and hopefully I'd finish it in no time! (*wink*)

I noticed that Ate A is into crafts these days. When I asked her to work on something that she will give to her Teacher, she was ecstatic. It was just a simple project. We added a couple of embelishments in a simple paper greeting the Teacher a Happy Teacher's Day! She had so much fun during our simple project. So when I saw these site that offers wood jewelry box to be embelished, I can't help but remember Ate A.

It is just plain wooden boxes that can be decorated. Since Ate A is into jewelry boxes these days, this would be a treat for her. Something that she can "work" with for the next few days. I've always dreamed of being artistic but too bad, didn't get that dream so now that Ate A seems to be into crafts and arts, looks like I'm going to get that dream through her! Will definitely get those plain wooden boxes. Who knows, maybe "Santa" can give it to her this Christmas.

My weekend was very nice. I had the opportunity to go to the salon last Saturday and had a haircut. Been thinking of a way to make my hair look different so I had a hair color which is "warm brown". After this, Hubby and I went to buy some groceries. I suddently craved for home made pasta so off we went to buy the ingredients. Then we just spent the rest of the day at home.

I planned on going to the mall that day but the rain was so hard I opted to stay home. I grabbed the opportunity to look over articles from United States Gold Bureau website. I really wanted to learn more about gold coins. I'm looking at investing in the next few months since I badly need to earn more. I was successful and was able to get ideas that day.

Sunday was spent at the inlaws. It was nice to see the little girls bond with their cousins. Looking forward to another relaxing weekend pretty soon!

Oh, look, there's another contest by Quicker8.com and check out these wonderful prizes...

1st prize - Fossil Ladies Watch
2nd prize - Fossil Ladies Watch
3rd prize -Kate Spade kikay kit (orange)

HOW TO JOIN:
1. Subscribe to my feed via email located right side bar (REQUIRED ) - 1 Entry
2. Blog about the contest along with the Prizes {You MUST include the Prizes and My link}- 5 Entries
- If you have multiple blogs, much better. Each blog post along with the Prizes -5 Entries.
3. Leave a comment in this post telling me what you did and give me the link of the blog post. 1 Entry.
4. Comment to any of my post. From Oct 12,2010 to Dec 18,2010 and you’ll have 1 entry each comment.
-Make it sure it's at least three word ! LOL And NO SPAMMING, PLEASE!

The Contest ends on December 18, so if you wish to participate you must enter before that date. Winners will be announced on December 28,2010! The winners will be picked through Random.org!

Join us, here!

The other day, Hubby and I were talking about the reasons why we can't sleep early every night. We both realized that it is because of our "play time" with the kids that made us stay late every night.

You see, this is the only time that we get to really spend time with them. Since both of us are very busy working whether at home or in the office. And Ate A goes to school too. So we usually make the most out of it by playing with them. We also talk to them and try to really bond. We were all so energized afterwards that we can't sleep when it's already time to sleep. There are times that I would want to buy the best over the counter sleep aid because I really can't sleep until 12 midnight. I'm not sure if it is the coffee that I drink every morning, but probably not.

Oh well, we should probably schedule our playtime earlier so that all of us can sleep early too. Hopefully we can start doing that next week.

I realized that Hubby's birthday gift to me which was an Ipod Nano has been with me for a year now but I haven't bought any accessory except for the clear casing which is very useful. That's why when I discovered www.I-Luv.Com I can't help but check out a few accessories that I might buy.

Of course I need an ipod dock first but these cases are so cute I think I wouldn't be able to resist.

If I still have the budget, will probably get one of these.


I love to listen to my Ipod wherever I go, so these portable speakers would be perfect! Would I be needing chargers too? I think so! USB or car charger will do!

* Photos from www.i-luv.com

Happiness is...

1. Getting better after being sick for days!
2. Coffee
3. Payday!
4. One to One's Later
5. Little blessings :)
6. Walked for 2 blocks last week. Thank you Lord for the time!
7. Internet for Crystal Report Resources
8. Lunch at Trattoria last Sunday
9. Quick malling with kids last Saturday
10. Bubble Tea's Coffee Milk Tea. Yuuuum!

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

I admit, I'm not a gadget freak. It takes years before I decide to buy an iTouch. It takes 2 years for me to change my cellphone. I'm just not into these type of things. But, just this morning, my Mom who is an excited Lola told me that she bought a new gadget for the little girls.

YES! The leapster explorer! She bought it over the weekend and will be giving it to the girls as her Christmas gift. How exciting! Of course I checked it out online (since I had no idea, what it was and how it works!) and found this,

This Explorer features a sharper, 3.2-inch 420x420-pixel touch screen and improved processing power that allows the device to run video, 3D graphics and Flash-based games. The $69.99 Explorer launches on July 12 with 12 games and 18 Leaplet Learning Apps, which are are akin to some of the smaller, simpler educational games found in Apple's App store. A two-pack of the Learning Apps will run $14.99 while the game cartridges will retail for $24.99. Launch titles include Toy Story 3, Disney Fairies, The Penguins of Madagascar, Wolverine and the X-Men, Disney Princesses, Ben 10, and Dora the Explorer.

At least according to the San Francisco Chronicle, LeapFrog is also billing the Explorer as an e-book reader (isn't every device an e-book reader these days?) and says that kids will be able to read e-books from the Tag library. This fall a camera accessory ($24.95) will be available that will apparently "unlock new gaming experiences such as visual scavenger hunts."

Oooh, wow, now I'm also excited about this! I'm pretty sure the girls will LOVE it! Thanks in advance, Lola Yolly! (*wink*)

I'm welcoming another weekend of no plans but to just rest and stay at home with the kids! As I've posted before, I'm so loving this kind of weekends. Time with the kids are well spent. Usually we would just go by our routine and add a little bit of movie time. These are the days when I would wish for a fancy home theater so we don't have to go to the moviehouse. We would just cook popcorn and then we would have a great 2 hour of movie time! I so love it. The kids are happy too knowing that we are just at home with them. Looking forward to more weekends like this!

Have a great one, everyone! (*wink*)

Happiness is...

1. Keri Noble's Talk to Me Song
2. Dinner with brother and sister last night at Max's Restaurant
3. Dandy's 30th birthday!
4. Tagaytay getaway last weekend
5. Purchased a template for Andie's 1st year photobook!
6. Little girls who make me smile
7. Lunch at Kanin Club
8. Little blessings everyday
9. Photos!
10. Yummy bulalo and Tilapia

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

Hubby and I are planning to renovate our house pretty soon! I can't wait for it actually since it's been 3 years already ever since we transferred. What I'm looking forward to in particular is purchasing a couple of furnitures. Like the reclining sofa that I saw online.

This would fit perfectly into our family room where we usually watch TV and bond as a family. The swivel glider recliner is also nice and preferred by the Hubby.


When his friends are coming over, they would prefer to sit here especially when watching a basketball game or a Pacquiao fight. double recliners would be nice too. We would need tables too if they plan to drink during the night.

I remember when Hubby's friends came over one night, the house suddenly became a party scene. I loved it! So now, we're making an effort to keep it clean and welcoming as much as possible since we are expecting more guests in the next few months. I really can't wait for the renovation to start! Hopefully the budget would fit, though and will be done in a month or so.

My brother is here! Yey! After not being able to go home for more than a year, we missed him a lot. He's working in Singapore since last year and he's visiting for a few days to celebrate his 30th birthday!

Of course, we scheduled a getaway to Tagaytay for him. So last Satuday, off we went to Tagaytay and stayed there for a night. We dropped by Paseo de Sta. Rosa to have lunch at Kanin Club.

Food was great as usual. We had plenty of time after lunch so we checked out the outlet stores while the kids played in the "playground".



Then, we went to Tagaytay and did nothing but eat, sleep and laugh! It was a fun weekend. I missed my brother and sister and glad we were able to spend time together.

Missing my youngest brother, Eric here!

Looking forward to our Christmas vacation!

To my brother, Dandok, Happy Birthday! Welcome to the "30's" club! Hahaha! Wishing you more happiness and love. We love you always!

When I checked out this slideshow, it reminds me that I should start scrapping again! Especially since I haven't made a single LO for Andie. :(

Oh well, I better start again and hope that the creative juices will just flow and the scrapping mojo will visit me again! (*wink*)

No thanks to the gloomy weather today, I want to head to this place again...

And run like there's tomorrow, just like I did here...

How I wish I have the budget and the time to do that at least every month! But for now, all I can do is PLAN. As early as now, I'm looking at options for our summer getaway. Yes, you read it right, our summer getaway or during the Holy Week. I remember the previous Holy Week, we didn't book any trip at all. Then when we finally decided to go, all the resorts were fully booked. Now I learned my lesson so I'm already planning for it.

There are options to consider like Boracay, Bohol, and Palawan. As much as I would like to explore hilton head island, it's just too far. But hopefully in 3 years, we will head to hilton head south carolina. By that time, we already have the budget and means. The kids are big enough to travel for over a thousand miles. The girls will be delighted knowing that both of them enjoy the beach so much. There are a lot of things to do at hilton head island south carolina. So many nice tourist spots and wonderful accomodations to choose from. I'm confused now actually which one to try. So I had to visit IslandGetaway.com and see what they had to offer. This website is so easy to use, all I can do is search by date, by beach or location! I guess with these types of websites, planning our ultimate US trip would be stress free.

But since it's 3 years from now, I have to put it "on file" for now and focus on the upcoming getaways. There are a few more trips for us this year and I will definitely give all of my energy for that trips.

Next year will be a major year for us. Ate A will be in the big school and Baby A will start pre-school. I can see that it is not a joke to have 2 kids in school. Tuition fees, books, outside school activities, and allowances. It would be the major expenses for us.

Of course it is a priority that's why I'm thinking of making our investment into the next level. I can see that saving our money in the bank is not enough. I will have to do something like purchasing gold coins, silver, or probably other precious metals that go up every week or so. I read that it's a great way to invest these days. Especially if the company that you investing with is reliable and has been in the market for years now.

I know our lifestyle will change from the time the kids start school. I will have to control myself from shopping designer bags, doing unplanned shopping at the mall, and planning 3 or more travels a year. But it is definitely worth it. Ate A loves to go to school so much! And hopefully Baby A will love it too. :)

Check out my little girls.

My Future Doctors? I hope so! Photos taken after Ate A's Career Day Activity at her School.

Out of the blue we decided to eat out 2 weeks ago at at The Venice Piazza at the Fort.

It was also the Yaya's birthday so we decided to treat her after celebrating 3 birthdays with us already. After taking really good care of my little girls, she deserved an eat out on her birthday. We didn't want her to cook for dinner! Glad she had a great time. (*grin*)

We chose My Thai Kitchen after discovering it online.

We ordered for Pad Thai Noodles, Squid Stir Fry with Garlic and Peppercorns, and Chicken Pandan.

Pad Thai Noodles

This one was just ok. For me, it was nothing special.

Squid Stir Fry with Garlic and Peppercorns

The squid stir fry was really good. Although bland, if you don't eat it with peppercorns. AND don't forget the sauce!

Chicken Pandan

I don't usually appreciate Chicken Pandan because I find it too ordinary. But My Thai's chicken pandan was crunchy and tasty. The kids love it.

We also ordered sticky rice with mango for dessert, which Hubby and I finished in 1 minute! It was gooood!

Dinner at My Thai was great! But eating out with the whole family was even better!

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (love it!!!)
- Baby Proof by Emily Giffin

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Shrek 2 and 3
- Madagascar
- Karate Kid
- The Backup Plan
- The Prestige
- 17 Again
- The Last Song

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- My birthday
- Kuya Mike's birthday

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
- I got 2pairs of shoes from Hubby
- We gave shoes for BIL

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- Colds

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Went to Bohol with Hubby

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Amorita Resort
- Dumaluan Beach Resort, Alona Beach, Panglao
- Roderick and Vivien's
- Whites and Greens, Bohol

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- LC Great Wall
- Le Sportac Shopping Bag

What were this month's disappointments?
- Nothing in particular

What were my accomplishments this month?
- A new Yaya arrived last week! Finally!

I've always been on the lookout for investments. Especially now that Andie is gearing towards pre-school. We just have to have extra income! So now I'm looking at buying gold coins from US Gold Bureau. They offer gold, silver, and other precious metals. These are the type of things that I should be buying since the value goes up almost every day. It's a good investment especially these days when the trend is always going up. I also have to make sure that I get from a reliable company like US Gold Bureau. I'm confident about them that they will do well. After all, they've been in the market for years now, making clients happy and satisfied.