Quick Update: Happy Thoughts :)

Just a quick post because work is hell crazy right now and as you know I don't do blogging on weekends because that's family time so this is a quickie and random post :)

I'm so happy to receive an email from thegomom.com that I won in the raffle. Yip yip hooray!!! I already called Learning Library branch near our area (Schola Progressio) for assessment schedule. I knew I should have joined #100happydays. So many happy moments to share (but it's not too late right?) :) Thank you thegomom and The Learning Libraries:)

This week, we gave the summer schedule of kids at home a breather because we got bakasyonistas. The kids coaxed two of their cousins to stay at home for a vacation. Their cousins excitedly packed their bags, jumped into the car and went to stay with us for days sans parents ha. I feel like a mom of 4 for days lol.

Anyway, as treat from their great grand lola because of kids' good grades in school, they were given cash gifts which they used to buy a new inflatable pool (our old one was screaming retirement already). A fruit of their labor which they are now enjoying almost everyday! Buti na lang we have a mini garden. The water from the pool is used to water the plants and clean the car. No wasted resources.  

On a different note, here's today's lunch: blackened kingfish skewers with brown rice. So good and only 306 calories. Try Joreen's place for healthy happy meals delivered to your doorstep. They have a FB account FB/joreensplace and instagram account @joreensplace. 

Happy Thursday everyone!

Happy V Day!

Happy Monday everyone!

Last Friday, practically the whole nation celebrated Valentine’s day with much gusto. If you tuned in to Facebook that day, the V vibe is so alive! Save from some 'bitter' and 'sour grape' posts, the rest of the world loves 02-14. Honestly, embraced it. It's a breather from the daily dose of not so good and even tragic news we see everyday.

Here's a proof of embracing the Love Day: the morning of Feb. 14, I posted a link from the news:

Taong may sense of humor o yung may good looks, alin ang mas gusto mo?

I posted it because of husby's reaction to the news which makes me laugh until now.

While having dinner, we heard this news and as we sometimes make patol sa news, husby said in a most serious face he could muster, 'Sorry ha, pogi lang ako. Wala akong sense of humor.' (Sorry, I'm just goodlooking. No sense of humor). I was quick to reply, 'I beg to disagree. Super funny ka nga eh.' And we continue to argue until over the weekend because he insists he only has good looks. The nerves! Haha! And I just love him for that. And we went a little PDA on FB on that topic. Please bear with us FB friends, it's a day of lovin'.

I had a little more dose of the love day. My little handsome gave me this huge gumamela before I headed off to work. He's just the sweetest and he doesn't care if the owner of the flower plant will get mad at him or not. If he sees a pretty flower, he'll pick it for Mommy :) I'm glad the owner of the plant is not my FB friend because husby was quick to post it on FB.

See? I'm even wearing red last Friday (shirt dress from Next UK). 

At work, some guys gave out long-stemmed roses (with pick up line pa!haha) to the girls and we also got red heart balloons, chocolates,etc.from our sweet boys.

By end of day, my cheesy husby was not yet done being all too loving. When we arrived at home from a simple dinner, he gave me a bouquet of fresh flowers. 'And you thought I don't have flowers for you ha', he said with his sheepish smile. The little princess got her pink rose as well. Haay, what to do with the ultra romantic-bordering-cheesy husband? Thank you dear for being you :) I think you rubbed off your romantic side to our little handsome :)

Sophie @ 7: Her Disney Frozen Themed Birthday Party

Finally! Photos of the party for our little princess who turned 7 last January 16. I tell you, even at this point I still catch myself in awe that I'm a mom of a seven-year old. It's pretty amazing and surreal. Where did the time go?

A background story: even before we decided to have a themed party, we were torn between celebrating her birthday quietly and just the family; maybe a trip to HK Disneyland instead or a birthday bash with all the hullabaloo. The celebrant chose party so we pulled up our sleeves and started working on it. It's a celebration of life and with God's providence, the little girl got her wish.

Here are (a lot) of the photos of the party. We loved how everything turned out - the party details to the compliments we got from guests. Hope you too get inspiration and ideas for your next party as some of the details here were do-it-yourself or DIY.

I got totally inspired by DIY party ideas here and here. I really wanted that kind of party look. Nothing fancy and grand, just crafty, creative and fun.

Except for the balloons, our party decors and the candy buffet were product of months of research on how to come up with a winter themed party without breaking the bank. Thank you to all family members and friends who helped one way or another. It's such a bliss to know Sophie is so loved that way.

an old Xmas decor turned stage decor

Our family pictorial before things got busy. Love these photos to bits. Thanks 5th Door Productions for capturing the special moments.

Sophie's gown made by none other than her lola (my Mom). The only thing I bought for her ensemble was her crown. We also bought Sam's blue polo and a new pair of shoes to go with the matching blue outfits of the fam bam. I'm wearing a dress from H&M and belt from Landmark.

Cake and cupcakes by cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com
The toppers I ordered at Shopaholic.com. It was so hard looking for Frozen items in stores after the movie hit the local cinemas, everything was sold out so I had to find a local online store. I didn't dare order from abroad because I was worried the purchase will not make it on time. Remember, we had to change theme at the last minute? We didn't have that much time in our hands.

The cake and cupcakes with Disney's Frozen gang. Isn't Olaf adorbs? :)

icicles made from styropore, glue and epsom salt. Handcrafted by husby :)

The party started off with the introduction of the whole fam and a touching prayer by my Mom. 

Our host Evelyn Peralta started the ball rolling with games for everyone. She also did magic, ventriloquism and balloon twisting for us. So much talent in one bubbly persona. I love her more because she was generous with her ideas, so thoughtful and kind. We met each other once before the party and just chatted for hours. 

 

See the happy faces especially that of the celebrant? Priceless moments captured. Our goal achieved. 

Throughout the preparation, the celebrant was involved in the planning and some of the execution of details. It's important for us that the party was Sophie-approved. We originally booked a different entertainment for the party but she wanted 'lots of magic and games' so there you go.

Prizes and loots for the quick and the bibo :) Bought most of it at National Bookstore while some from Landmark and Divisoria.

Even the adults got too competitive during the games! I swear I was laughing 'til my jaw ached that day :)

Of course, the girls bagged the prizes. Sorry boys!

Sumptuous food and flowing drinks by Verleo. Smiling faces c/o guests. The head waiter said they gave away lots of calling cards so I'm thinking that equates to better business for them.

I totally recommend Verleo - very good customer service, follows through and most importantly everybody loved the food! Even the non-pork eater ate the pot roast. It was that good haha!

And don't you just love the setup? It captured Elsa and Anna's colors. Yes, even the table linens had to be chosen by the celebrant.

 

The giveaways were personalized stickers from Booths Republic. Kids and adults alike enjoyed this :)

We also invited Nestle Ice Cream to the party! What's a birthday without ice cream anyway so we got drumsticks, twin popsies, pinipig crunch and more for everyone. 

Here's ate Sophie being a stage sister to his brother during a game while my dashing Sam busied himself with ice cream. 

Here comes our DIY projects: the stage, candy buffet and more.

The stage made up of old Christmas decors, icicles, beads, sequins and yards of blue fabric from Divisoria. My go to place is always Michelle's in Divisoria mall.The cream silk was from my Mom's fabric collection.

We also bought packs of cupcake liners from Chocolate Lover which we turned into garlands, doilies. Polystyrene for the the name and Olaf and craft paper from National Bookstore. I lost count of how many times I went back to the bookstore to buy paint, paper, glue, etc.

My sister and I separately did snowflakes and other decors and incorporated everything during setup time.

The huge letters that spelt SOPHIA and snowman Olaf was made by yours truly with some paint job help from the celebrant herself and our helpers. They're far from perfect but I got lots of compliment from making Olaf so look alike (he had real carrot nose by the way). Some posed for a photo beside our adorable snowman :0 All but a labor of love.

We covered the stage with foam, the kind that you use to make quilts.

stage base made of silver twigs with cupcake liner garlands, silver Xmas decors, oversized J&B bottle used as vase, pompons, silver confetti and more !

To complete the look, JDF Lights and Multimedia provided the lights. Found this supplier through Sulit. Got the one with the most affordable price and positive feedback.

We even got snow! Yay! :)

I know with Frozen being a hit worldwide, it won't be long before parties are gonna be themed after the movie. Snow machines will definitely give bubble machines a run for their money. 

Our candy buffet- took us weeks of finding the perfect treats for the theme and look that we wanted. I think my sister and I stressed more over this than anything else haha!

I bought white picture frames from SM and placed Sophie's photo in one and a cutout glittered S in another. 

everything looked frosted and cool!

We got them labeled just for fun. Free printable here. Candies from Chocolate Lover and various grocery stores our mileage can reach :) The mallow pops and choco almond tops as well as the jelly cups were done by the family.

Our DIY centerpiece addition. Various frosted glass and glittered snowman made by Sophie and family.

photo by Bangs Mapanoo

We had last minute addition to add more personal touch to the party: craft table (because our celebrant is big on arts) where you can make your own snowflakes, choose your coloring pages or sticker tattoo and a photo gallery of the Sophie's 7 years, from her first room in when she was born until she turned 7. The photos hang on our Christmas tree brought to the venue.

The (not so) little princess blowing her cake. Our pretty Sophie, you will always be dad and mom's baby girl. Don't grow so fast please.

Happy birthday little princess! Daddy, Sam and I love you so much. Always stay beautiful inside and out.

Party suppliers:
Venue: Mapayapa Village I clubhouse, Quezon City
Food: Verleo -  http://www.verleo.com/
Cake and cupcakes: Theresa of: http://cakesandcupcakes35.blogspot.com/
Ice Cream: Nestle -  http://icecreamparty.ph/
Giveaways: Stickers from Booths Republic - boothsrepublic@yahoo.com
Photo and Video: 5th Door Productions -  http://www.5thdoorproductions.com/
Visit their FB page : https://www.facebook.com/5thdoorproductions
Everything else was a labor of love. 

Happy 2014!

Happy New Year everyone! Hope y'all had a safe but fantastic celebration as we ushered in 2014. I have been intentionally off the online radar because I wanted to spend super quality time with ze fam. It's not everyday that we spend 24/7 together, all cuddled up, baking, watching TV and practically doing nothing :)

I'm not much of a New Year's resolution kinda girl so nothing for me to share in that department. For me January 1 is a day after Dec. 31 hehe (but I'm all about the celebration so bring out the booze!). My long term goals and our family goals have stayed the same. We just cross off achieved goals and write new ones, whether it's the start of the new year or not. Life goes on as the cliche goes.

Anyway, the holidays had been super busy -  the packing of gifts, the parties left and right, the get togethers. Although I started Christmas shopping early in November, I somehow miscalculated my timetable and rushed with the shopping and all even after Christmas. Geez. I'm not used to the chaos of Christmas in Manila anymore. The past holidays were spent hibernating out of town.

This year we decided to stay in Manila for the holidays because 1) my in-laws went to London for the holidays and 2) it's been years since we last enjoyed Manila holiday scene. We missed it so much, the partying and all that jazz :)

To all my readers abroad, Christmas in the Philippines is a huge huge thing and everyone is just in the mood for spending and celebrating this season haha! We start counting down to Christmas right after Halloween. It's really 'the most wonderful time of the year' here and rolls over until New Year's eve when almost every family celebrate with festive spread on their table, fireworks or any sort of noise making to welcome the New Year and ward off the bad vibes.

Again, Happy New Year to all! May we have just enough of what we need this 2014 and that may we all pray more for peace, goodwill and less calamities this year.

An Ode To My Husband

Eight years and a day ago today, I got hitched. Yesterday, I woke up with the same feeling as that defining December 10, 2005, knowing very well that I made the best decision ever - marry the man I forever love. Ah wait. I hear a poem coming. Totally inspired for one right now.

So without further ado, husband, here’s a poem from me to you:

Eight Years After (Short and Sweet and S***)

To my lovely husband

My most treasured friend

(and that is an understatement)

Thank you for your love

If not, so Sophie no Sam

Thank you for the dozens of flowers

For being my driver for hours and hours

Without even trying you make me laugh

Life is beautiful, no matter how tough

 

To my dearest husband bestfriend

I love you to the moon and back

I’m forever grateful for our special bond

Now it’s time for some hanky pank (*wink *wink)

Happy Anniversary dear husband. We have a lot of dreams for the our family, our kids and the future and it's inspiring to work on those goals with a great partner. As the quote on our wedding souvenir goes 'God is a great matchmaker' - Jewish Proverb.

May we have forever more :)

All Good

This is my first post for 2013 and I decided it’s gonna be all on a positive note. Para bongga ang bagong taon!

We are on day 3 of the new year and looking back at that eventful 2012, there are just so much to be thankful for.  Of course, there were bits of lows but last year was so full of highs that it upstaged the lows. Here are a few niceties I’m grateful for:

1. My family’s good health and kids’ milestones:

- Though it costed me big bucks for his Christmas present, I’m happy that Sam stood up to my challenge and can now write his name. So proud of this little boy.

- Sophie is considered by her teacher as one of the advanced readers in class and I couldn’t be happier. We are excited on her next adventure to grade school.

- Both kids are in their pink of health. God is good.

- Hubby will always be hubby, the love of my life and BFF. I pray we continue to nurture a blissful married life and family.

by now, Sam can already write his whole name :)

2. For the opportunities to go places - some were planned, some were totally spontaneous and they were all wonderful experiences. Nothing beats gaining new insights and knowledge from traveling. Kids love telling and retelling their travel  experiences to family and friends.  

I have new stars on my map. I hope I can explore more of Mindanao in the coming years. They say Samal beaches rock. 

3. Career High - the past year was such a test of my perseverance and commitment to my work. At some point it made me question if this is still the career for me. I’m glad God’s guidance is always there and my discernment got the best of me. I decided to stay on and do what I do best. When I got this present for Christmas from one of my staff and text messages of thank you from the others, it hit right on the spot and made me teary-eyed (sappy me). It just made me want to go on.

4. This blog – new friends, a lot of room for my thoughts (sorry for those random, senseless rants sometimes) – just some of the things that I love about blogging. I’m ever so thankful for blog friends old and new to whom I can exchange opinions and tips. I hope for 2013 I get to meet more kindred souls here and able to finally say yes to those blog event invites. haha!

5. Unexpected blessings - seriously, I don’t know how many balikbayan boxes and gifts from friends arrived on our doorstep this year. New bags, watches, my now fave Vera Wang jeans, designer shoes and clothes. ALL LOVE. Although it doesn’t give me any more excuse to go shopping every week, these gifts are most welcome in our household. LOL! Don’t you just love unexpected blessing?  J

I’m sure you all have something to be thankful, no matter how challenging last year was. What’s your ultimate high in 2012?

Happy 2013 everyone! We’re still in existence despite the Maryan calendar prediction J My 11-year old nephew said he doesn’t want for the end of the world to come yet because he still wants to experience being an adult… but that’s just him.

I hope the year of the snake gives us more swerte and less headache and heartache (literally and figuratively). Stay healthy, happy and connected! J

My First

Yes mam, yes sir bili bili na po! Chants the saleslady in 168 mall. It's the month of shop and spend 'til you drop and everyone is into such mood.

I was lucky enough to do my Christmas shopping early so December is not as hectic so when I got an offer to join a Sunday bazaar as a vendor I immediately grabbed the offer. At the back of my mind I know where to get goods to sell but not sure if I can get the stuff all in in time for the event.

The bazaar was scheduled on Sunday in our nearby church so I spent the remainder of the week gathering up stuff to sell. And then my schedule got hectic. The masochist me even decided to sell cupcakes and pudding bars so on top of doing inventory and price tagging on Saturday night, I made cupcakes and finished almost midnight.

Sunday morning, bazaar day – setup time was 530am so we can catch the early church goers. Haggard ‘di ba pero sayang ang benta. I also wanted to sell my pastries while they were warm from the oven. In fairness, my pumpkin and choco chip cupcakes got sold out in just an hour. I was a happy baker! :) I even got an additional order for 11/2 dozen of cupcakes so I asked hubby to watch over the paninda while I drove home and baked. Haha! My pudding got easily sold too but I couldn’t count how many puddings hubby and Sophie ate, they were my handy helpers so it's okay.

my neighborhood bazaaristas setting up their spots

 

bili bili na kayo! stuff from China, Korea and Divisoria :)

 

I don’t have much photos of the bazaar. I don’t even have time to play on the tablet or my phone which I brought in case I got bored. The people were constantly coming and going.

Being a bazaarista was such a fun experience; busy but rewarding. I gave me a renewed spirit to take on another enterprising adventure and reminded how much I enjoy selling. On top of it I met fellow bazaar vendors who share the same interest and found new contacts. 

Given a chance, I would like to do this again next year. People were telling me to concentrate on my cupcakes and pastries as they were marketable. Not a bad idea.

Parenting: Small Goals with Big Impact

Our lives are filled with itsy bitsy details that when we attempt think and do them at the same time can be just as overwhelming.

The past weeks, it was just as overwhelming at work with all the launching programs/projects that I tend to lose control of family life. But I thought, one small step at a time. Time is my friend (sometimes).  Prioirity-wise, here are my small goals that I can focus on right now:

1. Help Sam learn to write his full name. He has started to right the first three letters of his name, SAM ( sometimes backwards but it's okay). For the past weeks, we have been practicing on writing his full name including his surname. I made him a very good deal he can’t refuse that’s why the defiant little man is hard on achieving this goal. 

2. For Sophia, in the next months we need to scout and make a shortlist of a good school for next year when she turns first grade. This is her last year in her current school and until now, we’re still torn between a progressive or traditional school. Is ecclectic way of teaching effective? Need to make a research on that as well. Oh wow, my little girl is such a big girl now...

3. I recently gave our DVD cabinets another visit in the hope to reorganize hundreds of DVDs & CDs. While going through piles of discs, I realized that I have Hip Hop Abs copy. Gave it a try once more and found it really fun and helpful to lose those calories even on a rainy day. Those days when I can’t go to the gym or run. Perfect for toning my abs and gluts since this is my next fitness goal. ‘Nuff with the bulges, I say (hopefully, I can say that same for hubby). 

     4. Still working on filling up our emergency fund and it looks like bright days ahead. We are slowly but surely reaping the fruits of our investment and I likey :0

Concerts to Watch

OMG! Two of my fave artists in Manila concert scene. How cool is that? :)

Ate JLo, I will see you okay? LoL! :)

The eternally cool Sting will be here in December. Hubby and I are so going to this one :)

For those who love these artists as well, this is your perfect holiday gift to self. 

An Open Letter to Papa

Dear Papa,

I know you are a man of very few words so I’ll also make this short...and sweet. Happy birthday my dearest Papa. You turn 70 but somehow the joy and vigor of youth has not left you. Okay sometimes it’s not nice for a 70-year old to act like a teenager but sometimes it’s cute.

I will always love that cute demeanor, the wacky jokes and faces you love to make matched with the dance moves only you can manuever especially after, say, half a case of beer.

They say that children not only get physical attributes from parents (check out our noses) but the personalities and even mannerisms. I agree because I think my sense of humor I got from you as well as that no-worry attitude. That everything-will-fall-into-place and let-the-problem-face-itself outlook really works especially for the stuff that we need not sweat out one bit. 

We love you Papa and I will always cherish your sweetness and dotingness that you so profoundly express: the kisses on the forehead, the blowing of my hair, the way you support me and my siblings in all our decisions in life. Your belief in what we can achieve surpasses the fear and uncertainty when we face a challenge. Heck, I always tell my husband 'My papa thinks I sing better than Banig' (a child singer in the 80's that belts out high notes) when he criticizes my singing voice. I know there is no truth that I can sing better than Banig or even sing in tune but I appreciate the trust you have in what I can do. It's the thought that counts.

I know it’s not easy raising four children and how much you and Mama have to make ends meet to keep us in school and teach us how to be responsible adults. Thank you because whatever I am today, I owe it all to you, to Mama and my siblings. Despite all that we went through, I can say that we are one happy family bounded by love, hope, compassion, laughter and faith in God. 

Now that you're a lolo, you continue to be doting and your grandchildren loves to be around you. You just spoil 'em rich and make them laugh all the time! 

Happy birthday to the man who we fondly call Papa and others call Tito Tito, Mang Tito, Lolo, Jugs. May have more happy years ahead of you.

To-Do List for My Birthday

My thirty (something) birthday turned one special month-long celebration after all. I’d like to say I’m very blessed this year because I was able to go to a place that has been sitting long on my bucket list, got a very special gift from daughter and spent so much ME time in between.

Here are what I did for my birthday:

1. Got a foot spa – Pimp My Nails did a worderful job at giving me a foot spa and mani/pedi. Brought along a photographer by the name of Sophia. Thanks sweetie J

got a gun metal nail color which so in right now (color is Awaken by  China Glaze)

2. Got a massage – and an ultimate relaxing ME time. Although I’m partial to relfexology/chiropratic treatment because of my perennial back problem, I recently I  tried this Combi massage of Touch of Grace. More of that in my next posts.

3. Got a salon moment – early this year I finally decided to have my long hair cut in layers and you know how layered hair can have a life of its own when not maintained. Since I really don't have time to blow dry or iron my hair everyday, I thought there's no other way but a rebond. After 4 hours or so in the salon, I finally got a well behaved hair. This is now my birthday look :)

4. Had a proud mommy moment (again J)  - last Friday, we attended Sophie’s Moving Up Activity in school. Although, I’m quite aware that she is a candidate for Most Holistic Child, I didn’t expect anything because nothing is final until the culminating activity. To my extreme happiness, my little girl made it as 2^nd Holistic Child! I'm so proud of my little girl. Hooray J

5. Went on a trip to paradise – a place called Coron, Palawan! This is definitely one off my bucket list. The place is spectacular and awe-inspiring. I kept saying Wow! during the island tour that I started to irritate myself for lost of adjectives. I’ll share some pics later.

So there. I maybe a little broke right now from all that spending but who damn cares? Life is short, live to the fullest and enjoy every moment of pleasure. Haha! Carpe Diem! Just make sure you have money enough for the kids’ tuition fee and summer classes hihi J

p.s. I just realized now I placed so much smileys here. That’s how ecstatic I am right now… J

Rudy Project Sports Watch

Last month, I got this from the mail: my new Rudy Project sports watch. Yay! 

In partnership with Rudy Project, BDO gave away Rudy project stuff to new VISA cardholders with a minimum amount spend. I chose the white watch over the bag and shades. 

When I first opened the box, I was not at all ecstatic as I thought I'll be. This watch actually sat on my drawer for almost a month, I'm torn between giving it away or using it. I'm actually pretty happy with the G-Shock that hubby gave me before and it serves its purpose well. Plus, I recently got a Cartier Tank watch from my dad which is one of my precious item of the moment :) Since we were kids, Papa loves giving us watches as he wants us to be very conscious of time. Until now, he loves to buy watches but I think only the youngest sibling inherited the early bird attitude.

Last week, I finally gave the RP watch a road test; wore it to work as I was going for the sporty Friday look and it looked cute with my Adidas red and white shirt. So finally, I've decided to keep it :)