What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
- Paper Towns by John Green
- The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
- Currently Reading: Pieces of You by Ella Harper
What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Transcendence
- Annie
- Tomorrowland
What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Mother's Day!
- Zia's Baptism
- My inlaws' 47th anniversary
- Zaak's 1st Birthday
- Ynigo's Baptism
- Summer!
- Budz and Tin's Baby Shower
- Unit Lord's Day
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- The kids were ok this month. Thank you, God!
What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Went to Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban Quezon with our hold household in CFC
- Checked in at Batis Aramin also in Lucban
- The kids played soccer for one week
- Ate at Locavore PH to treat my Mom as despedida/mother's day
- Celebrated Zia Baguio's Baptism
- Spent the mother's day with the whole family at Shangrila
- Celebrated Zaak's 1st Birthday Party
- Had lunch to celebrate the inlaws' anniversary
- Went to Pampanga for Ynigo's Baptism
- Went to CFC Young Couples' Assembly - "Happy Spouse. Happy House."
- Had drinks and buffalo wings after the assembly
- Unit Lord's Day
- Movie date, lunch and dinner date with Hubby and the kids
What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- Kamayan sa Palaisdaan in Lucban, Quezon
- Batis Aramin, Quezon Food
- Lucban Longganisa
- Locavore PH
- CYMA
- Juju Eats
- Tim Ho Wan for inlaws' anniversary lunch
- Buffalo Wings
- Conti's Cake from Budz and Tin's baby shower
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- I'm planning to purchase a pair of sandals (*wink*)
What have you learned this month?
- That you are responsible for your own happiness. YOU don't expect people to make you happy. It's you and only you who can do that.
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Another beautiful song by Ed Sheeran.
Beautiful day today and the last day of May. Enjoy the rest of the summer! (*wink*)
Here's to celebrate the last few weekends of summer...
"Smile is the perfect thing you can wear."
Such a beautiful note from the CBTL Barista. Happy Saturday!
Look, here's another movie that I'm going to watch out for that the kids will also love...
We are definitely watching this!
"The way people treat you is a statement of who they are as a human being, It's not a statement ABOUT YOU."
1. Happy and relaxing weekend
2. Dunkin Donut's Muffin
3. Freshly brewed coffee
4. Cupcakes and Desserts
5. Invited to Baby Ynigo's Baptism ♥
6. Pampanga's Pork Sisig
7. Kids and their hugs and laughters
8. Bonding before going to sleep
9. Viber
10. Friends
To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.
Last year, I was invited to be a "Ninang" of our niece's confirmation! I was honored.
It was a very solemn celebration.
A quick one too!
And look what I wore for the formal event.
My black and white floral skirt and my favorite top these days. It was a beautiful day for a confirmation. (*wink*)
Weekend is only a few more hours from now and I can't wait to spend it with family. But for now, I have to do a couple of tasks at work so I'm having these...
Yes, just to last through the day. (*wink*)
Happy FRIDAAAAAAAAAAY!
1. Busy but fun weekend (as always!)
2. In-laws' 47th anniversary last weekend
3. Coffee Crumble ice cream
4. Online Tasks
5. Friends.
6. Great talk last Friday
7. Family
8. Indian Mangoes. Oh yum!
9. Celebrated Zaak's 1st birthday
10. Piano lessons for the kids
To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.
Are you starting to plan your holidays for 2016?
Check this out a cheatsheet of all the long weekends in 2016!
It looks like 2016 is going to be another exciting year for us! (*wink*)
I just realized that this summer. I've been convincing my kids to do painting, crafts and arts for a couple of years now but I realized that they love music more than art. Hmmmm, I shouldn't be surpised because their Dad is a musician himself. Kid #1 is very much interested in her piano lessons. Kid #2 loves to sing these days. Amazing that after all the convincing to do arts, sports, dance, they just made it to music. Probably their first loves.
So, yes I'm giving in. I'm letting them do the things that they love doing. So go for it, kids!
I'm even thinking of getting this tenor sax reed, I think they will love learning how to play the saxophone. I'm sure they will be just like their Dad - guitarist, vocalist and a drummer. Let's see! (*grin*)
Let's dance the day away with Taylor Swift's 22.
I don't know about you but I'm feeling 22....Let's feel alright today. Let's dance, dance, dance! (*wink*)
During weekends we always try to go out and try a new resto and since it's Friday today I'm so looking forward to our upcoming food trip. Although we try to venture into new restos, we also go back to our favorites.
Yes, this.
I'm missing Madmark's grilled steak so I think we will go for this one again this weekend.
We'll see where our moods will take us. Have a happy weekend, peeps! (*wink*)
Yeah it's that time of the year again when you need to change all your stuff in the house. These are actually the stuff that you practically use EVERDAY. Plates, utensils, bathroom rugs and most especially table cloths. For us, table cloths and table runners are essential in our dining table. We use it practically every meal. It is also important for family gatherings, household meetings and just a quick dinner with friends.
So I'm thinking of getting a logo printed table cover for our dining table. I want it customized and personalized if possible. I'm making our home as "homey" as it can get to make our kids feel at home ALL the time.
I'm looking at Premier Table Linens as of the moment. I'm checking if they have delivery here in the Philippines. I really hope so because they've got really good items! And they also accomodate rush orders too! We'll see about that. Will read more on this one later.
A couple of months ago we were craving for Greek so we decided to go back and try again our all time favorite CYMA! I heard it was newly renovated so off we went.
And true enough, the resto was so new and even the food presentation!
But, the taste is very much the same.
Chicken Souvlaki and Roka Salata definitely our all time favorite food in CYMA!
1. Done with soccer summer classes! Woot, woot!
2. Busy mother's day weekend
3. Cyma Lunch
4. Family Day, spent with the whole family.
5. Chapter Assembly Sharing (*grin*)
6. eBooks
7. Dunkin Donut's brewed coffee
8. The girl's Mother's Day cards
9. God is good! ♥♥♥
10. Blessings
To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.
Yes, that was exactly what I'm thinking of giving to the Husband on Father's Day. The k h20 looks so interesting and his guitar needs a "makeover". He has been using this for years now and a pickguard would do the trick. I've been looking for more options online on what to give the husband but so far this is the best and something that he will really, really love.
So, what do you think? Should I go for it? I have a few more weeks to go anyway so I have yet to decide. We will see! (*wink*)
I found this article that is so useful especially for us who've been married for a couple of years already. Sharing it here. Enjoy!
10 Habits of Couples in Strong and Healthy Relationships By Sara Altschule
What makes for a heathy romantic relationship differs from couple to couple. Forming a trusting and positive partnership takes effort and time. And unfortunately, it doesn’t just happen overnight. For any relationship to grow strong and stay strong, you need to put in some work. Below are some habits that will create and maintain a happy and healthy twosome.
Communication
Communication is key. It is one of the most important qualities in keeping a healthy relationship. However, not everyone knows how to communicate properly, or even communicate at all. Happy and healthy couples have their communication game down. They communicate the good. They vocalize their love for one another, saying “I love you” often and offering compliments to their partner. They also discuss the bad, instead of sweeping issues under the rug. In order to move forward and grow as a couple, you two need to be able to truly talk about your feelings. No matter how awkward or uncomfortable it feels, it will make for a long-lasting and fulfilling relationship.
Respect
Aretha Franklin sang a whole song about it, so you know it’s got to be important. Respecting your partner comes in many forms. Maintaining a joyful relationship means respecting your partner’s time, heart, character, and trust. However, there are many things people do in relationships that can break down respect between one another. Some of these include name-calling, talking negatively about the other to friends or family, and/or threatening to leave the relationship.
Quality Time, Not Quantity
It’s all about quality over quantity. It doesn’t matter how much time you and your partner spend together. The most important part is about the quality of this time. There’s a huge difference between having dinner at a table while talking about your day at work, versus having dinner while sitting on a couch watching the latest episode of The Voice. It’s fine to zone out together and enjoy distractions, but it’s crucial to make sure you two are still engaging and spending quality time together to maintain a deep connection.
Time Apart
Spending time together with your partner is important. But just as important is spending time apart. Being able to do your own things and remain independent is vital. When couples spend too much time together, it can create an unhealthy codependent relationship. Maintaining healthy boundaries and some autonomy will make for a long-lasting partnership.
Love Languages
Gary Chapman created the notion that men and women have five love languages. The concept is that people have unique ways of feeling loved. The five love languages are: words of affirmation, receiving gifts, quality time, acts of service, and physical touch. It’s important to know what love language speaks to you, along with your partner’s, and they might be different. Telling each other what makes you feel loved and special helps both of you stay connected. Furthermore, make sure you are attending to your partner’s love language consistently.
Appreciation
Often, we forget to let other people in our lives know that we appreciate them. We think it, but we don’t remember to show it. This occurs in our romantic relationships as well. Show your special someone that you love him or her. This could be done by words, cards, flowers, acts of kindness, or more. Remember, a flower a day keeps the relationship fights at bay. Okay, maybe not every day, but you get the point.
Positive Vs. Negative
Sometimes we get caught up in the negative. We hate our jobs, are annoyed with our friends and our boyfriend or girlfriend is getting on our last nerve. Uh oh, have we been drinking too much of that half empty glass? It’s vital that we look at our partner’s positive qualities versus the negative. Nobody is perfect, and that includes our significant other. So instead of focusing on the bad in the other person, let’s make a conscious effort to look at the good.
Pick and Choose Your Battles
There are arguments to be had in every relationship. It’s crucial to bring issues to the forefront and work through the hard times together. However, I don’t think arguing over your girlfriend using your favorite coffee cup should be one of those. You don’t want to be the girl who cried “argument,” do you? Pick and chose your battles wisely, because people in happy and healthy relationships do.
Sex
Let’s talk about sex, baby. Let’s also talk about how important it is in cultivating a flourishing relationship. Sex is simple. The more you have it, the more you want it. The other side of that is true as well. The less you have it, the less you want it. And, unfortunately, the less you feel connected to your partner will follow. Keep your sex life alive and interesting. “Spicing it up” is not just meant for the kitchen.
No Comparisons
The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Or even if it is, it might not be the kind of grass you would even like. We often compare our lives to others — what jobs people have, their homes, or their clothes. And with the help of social media, we tend to compare our relationships as well. But the happiest of couples don’t look to see what the grass looks like on the other side. They are happy with the view out their own front door.
SOURCE.
Summer isn't over yet. But do you still ever wonder what really are the essential things that you need to pack?
Check this out.
Yes, these are the things that are the essentials. And the rest, you can just leave at home. (*wink
*)
I found another great tips from MumCentre.com by Mariel Uyquiengco.
How do you raise a reader?
1. Read and read with your child
There is no other way around it; raising a reader entails reading and reading toyour child everyday. However, it is not sufficient to just read to your child; reading with your child is much more beneficial. So, pause every so often to point out words and details on the illustrations. Ask questions, wait for answers, and talk about what you are reading together.
2. Surround your home with good books
Make it easy for your child to fall in love with reading. Surround your home with good reading materials - in the bedroom, the bathroom (yes!), your kitchen, the living room, and everywhere else your child loves spending time in. Make books and magazines an ordinary part of your home; make it normal for your kids to be surrounded by the written word.
3. Make connections about what you read and what you see around you
Reading is not just about words and ideas. Children love seeing connections and appreciate it when things and ideas from books are pointed out in the real world. For really young children, pointing out concrete objects found in their books will immediately establish a connection. For bigger kids, values and ideals can be a jumping point for conversations about issues they face or might face.
4. Prepare your child for new experiences using books
Some kids do not embrace new experiences well; parents then worry about how they can make their children look forward to, or at least to be not scared about where they are going.One of the easiest things you can do is to use books to prepare your kids for new experiences. Going to the dentist for the first time? There’s a book about that! Going to a new country? Look for historical picture books, or even folk tales of that country.
5. Go to the library often
If you are lucky to have a good community library near your place of residence, make sure to bring your child there often. Make the library a fun place to hang out in. Check their schedule of activities so you can go with your child. If there is no such library near you, you can do very well just doing the second item on this list: surround your home with good books.
6. Let him read what he likes
It has been said that there are no children who do not like books, only children who have not yet found a book that they like. If your child refuses to read or to be read to, look for exciting books that are about his particular interests. And don’t turn your nose against comic books and magazines if that will make your child read!
7. Remove pressure to read
Children feel our stress over them. If you are worried that your child is not reading yet, he will feel that and may put undue pressure on him, especially when he is still very young. So, enjoy the moment and just read and read and read to your child without the pressure of having him read on his own soon. Of course, do watch out for signs of a problem and talk to a child development specialist if you believe something is wrong.
8. Read books for your own pleasure too
It is important for children see their own parents enjoying reading too. It gives the message that reading is a worthwhile pursuit. So grab the newspaper or a book and don’t feel guilty about “indulging” in a bit of reading pleasure. Your time reading for yourself is time spent well for you and your child.
9. Give books as gifts
Give the gift that keeps on giving and make it a point to gift your child with books for any occasion. If your child is stuck in just one or two series, give a book from another series that she might like. Expose her to different genres and find something that she will enjoy reading with you.
10. Continue reading aloud even when your child has become an independent reader
Children who are already reading still love being read to. At some point, a child’s reading ability goes beyond her reading comprehension skills. Listening to you read and having the opportunity to talk about what is being read help older children grasp more from the reading material.
SOURCE.
Guess what the kids are doing this summer?
Someone is pretending to be a Teacher while the other is the student!
These are the workbooks that Teacher "Ate" made for her special student. Aren't these the best!? We are so proud of her! ♥♥♥
1. Never ending blessings!
2. Family
3. Good Friends
4. "Almost" good blood test results. I'm getting there!
5. Getaways with friends
6. Summer!
7. Chocolates
8. Cold drink
9. Coffee
10. Family Get togethers
To know how this started and credits of the header, click here.
I found this article stating all the reasons why you need to start your day with water and lemon...
20 Unbelievable Reasons To Start Your Day With Water and Lemon
1. Water with lemon provides the body with electrolytes which hydrate your body. As lemons contain good amount of electrolytes such as potassium, calcium and magnesium.
2. Water with lemon is good for the joints, reducing pain in the joints and muscles.
3. Warm water with lemon helps digestion as lemon contains citric acid. It interacts with other enzymes and acids which easily stimulate the secretion of gastric juice and digestion.
4. The liver produces more enzymes from water with lemon than from any other food.
5. Water with lemon cleanses the liver. Lemon juice stimulates the liver to release toxins.
6. Water with Lemon helps fight infections of the respiratory tract, sore throats and inflammation of the tonsils. This is due to the anti-inflammatory properties of lemon.
7. Warm water with lemon helps regulate natural bowel movement.
8. Water with lemon is indispensable for the normal work of metabolism. Since lemon is a powerful antioxidant, it protects the body from free radicals and strengthens the immune system.
9. Water with lemon aids in proper functioning of the nervous system (as lemon has a high content of potassium). Depression and anxiety are often the result of low levels of potassium in the blood. The nervous system needs a sufficient amount of potassium to ensure sustainable signals to the heart.
10. Water with lemon cleanses blood, blood vessels and arteries.
11. Water with lemon can help lower blood pressure. A daily intake of one lemon can reduce high blood pressure by 10%.
12. Water with lemon creates an alkalizing effect in the body. Even if you drink it immediately before a meal, it can help your body maintain a higher level of pH. The higher the pH, the more your body is able to fight diseases.
13. Water with lemon is good for the skin. Vitamin C in lemon, improves our skin by rejuvenating the body. Drinking water with lemon regularly (every morning) will improve the condition of your skin.
14. Water with lemon helps to dilute uric acid, the built up of which leads to pain in the joints and gout.
15. Water with lemon is beneficial for pregnant women. Since lemons are loaded with Vitamin C, it acts as an adaptogen helping the body cope with viruses such as colds. Furthermore, vitamin C helps the formation of bone tissue of the unborn baby. At the same time, due to the high content of potassium, a mixture of water with lemon helps forming cells of the brain and nervous system of the baby.
16. Water with lemon relieves heartburn. For this, mix a teaspoon of lemon juice in half a glass of water.
17. Water with lemon helps dissolve gallstones, kidney stones, pancreatic stones, and calcium deposits.
18. Water with lemon helps with weight loss. Lemons contain pectin fiber, which helps suppress hunger cravings. Studies have proven people with a better alkaline diet have lost weight faster.
19. Water with lemon helps with tooth pain and gingivitis.
20. Water with lemon prevents cancer. This is due to the fact that lemons are a highly alkaline food. Multiple studies have found that cancer cannot thrive in an alkaline environment.
Here's another article that is very information by Mariel Uyquiengco of MumCentre.com.
1. Privates should remain private
The underwear rule, which is to keep the parts that their underwear covers covered, is the first thing that you should teach your kids even at a young age.
Small children can be taught that only Mommy and Daddy can see their privates during bath time. If you keep repeating or asking your kids about this rule, they will easily remember it.
2. The difference between surprise and secret
Those who commit child abuse often employ the power of secrets. Threats keep children from telling anyone about any violation.
Early on, teach your kids about good secrets and bad secrets. Good secrets would make them feel happy and excited, such as surprises. Bad secrets, however, would make them feel uneasy, sad, or angry. Encourage the no-secret rule in your family.
3. Their names, address, and phone number
Children should be able to say their complete name, address, parents’ names, and phone number in case they get lost or find themselves in an unfamiliar place. Knowing these details will help your child find help.
The easiest way to teach these to your child is through a song. Pick a tune that is easy to remember and sing the important details. Do this several times until your child can sing it without hesitation.
4. Stranger danger
Though child abuse cases usually involve people in a child’s life, there is still danger from strangers. Teach your child about the dangers of talking to people they don’t know and who just approach them out of the blue. Emphasize that he should never go with someone he doesn’t know.
Make some rules about what to do when a stranger approaches your child. Tell him to shout and run as fast as he can to a crowd and ask for help.
5. To keep close to you in crowded places
It is easy to lose each other in a crowd. Hold hands and remind your child to never stray away from you. If he wants to go somewhere else, tell him to make sure to ask you first so that you can take him there.
If your child is older than 8 (or whatever age you are comfortable with to let him go on his own) and wants to check out something in another place, set a meeting time and place and make sure that he can contact you via mobile phone.
6. Boundaries
Children must learn that there are places that they cannot go to by themselves. Make these off-limits places clear to your child. Examples would be abandoned houses or buildings, construction sites, and storage rooms. If your child is fascinated by a particular place that you find unsafe, ask him why he likes it, offer an alternative, and explain why it’s off-limits to him.
7. That they can always talk to you
Children need to know that they can talk to their parents and that they are unconditionally and unquestionably loved. Let your child know that she can talk to you about anything at all times.
You and your spouse should be the first persons your children should approach when they are feeling scared or worried about something. This is possible if you have a strong and trusting relationship with them.
Click here for the rest of the article.
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