Precious Thoughts

SELECTA HERSHEY'S COLLECTION : REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER CUPS

2011-03-19T06:02:00.001+08:00

I went to the grocery to pick up some household thingies when I saw this on the ice cream freezer chest, Selecta's Hershey's collection. The other two is Hershey's Milk Chocolate and Hershey's Kisses. Since I love peanut butter and Reese's i chose this.

Seems like plain chocolate ice cream on top but it has a lot of reese's peanut butter cup chunks on it.

Its ok ..... but their chocolate truffles by Chef Laudico is still the best for me.

Marianna's Baked Goodies

2011-03-13T10:22:00.004+08:00

I have been busy with work, Marianna and baking that I have been lacking entries in my blog. But this one should not be missed....

Finally, I did get to advertise my "baked goods" hoping that I could reach other markets aside from our office.

Chewy oatmeal cookies (choice of chocolate chips or raisins)

(8 pcs per pack for Php 55.00)
A whole wheat flour based cookie with a hint of cinnamon

Chocolate Crinkles

(10 pieces per pack for Php 55.00)

Brownie cupcakes with white chocolate

(18 pesos per piece)

Carrot Cupcakes (25 pesos per piece); Carrot Loaf (180 pesos per loaf)

Ingredients : Grated Carrots with walnuts and raisins

- whole wheat flour may be used upon request

Banana Loaf (Php 150.00 per loaf) / Banana Cupcakes ( Php 18.00 per piece)

Ingredients : Mashed Bananas, walnuts or cashews and crushed pineapple

whole wheat flour may also be used upon request.

I may be new to this but Im very excited. I also plan to take some cake design lessons to further expand my baked goodies.

Hoping and praying that we could go well with this. Para din di na kailangan umalis si hubby for work ...

Missing my Hubby Yet Again ...

2011-01-29T05:21:00.000+08:00

Hubby left again last January 15, but this time, 6mos lang contract nya. He did bargain for this and the office granted a shorter contract for him. Gusto nga sana nya mas maikli pa so he'll try to look for a shorter contract when he come home again this July. He regularly leaves us for work pero I think this is the first time that I saw and felt that he is genuinely sad. Nalulungkot daw kasi sya pag naiisip nya si Marianna. Nitong bakasyon nya kasi, halos araw araw sila magkasama kaya talagang naging close sila mag daddy. Malungkot but sacrifices had to be done. Im very lucky to have a husband like Mark. I admire him for his love and dedication as a husband and daddy and as a son. Take good care of your self sweetie. Marianna and I love you so much. See you July. God bless.

BRAZO DE MERCEDES By The Sweet Life by Ange

2011-01-08T08:46:00.000+08:00

Gidget, a chat friend of mine introduced me to The Sweetlife by Ange. Her knowing my sweet tooth recommended their Brazo de Mercedes to be the best she ever tasted.

Having searched their site :http://www.thesweetlifebyange.com/index.php?page=sweet-surrender , I have also shared this new found information to a fellow sweet tooth friend of mine, Ghelai who graciously brought me some to taste ....

Their brochure

the brazo de mercedes before opening the package

this one cost less than Php 300.00, just enough for hubby and me

My "tikim" almost took more than 1/4 of the whole piece ...

Layers of soft meringue, custard and french vanilla ice cream on graham craker crust and its a must that it must be frozen or else the ice cream would melt.

My verdict: a nice twist on a classic brazo de mercedes. for a sweet tooth like me, i did enjoyed every bite and finished the whole piece in one sitting (with hubby having to eat 1/4 of it) but i don't think i can finish another piece one after the other. it has some "suya" factor that needs to fade first before you could enjoy another bite after eating a big chunk. but i would definitely come back for more and probably would enjoy other flavors like mango, strawberry and chocolate which you have to order in advance.

THE SWEET LIFE BY ANGE

Upper Ground Floor, Vernida I Condominium

120 Amorsolo Street, Legaspi Village, Makati

815-01-88*752-86-92*403-97-29 & 0917-8238198

Email: inquiry@thesweetlifebyange.com

Carrot Cupcakes

2011-01-07T13:03:00.000+08:00

I love love love carrot cake! Kaya nung nag ka oven at nakapag bake ako, isa sa mga una kong hinanap na recipe is for carrot cupcakes. I have adopted a recipe from Barefoot contessa and twiked it a little.

CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

2 cups refined sugar
1 1/3 cups vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon iodized salt
3 pcs grated medium sized carrots
1 cup raisins
1 cup chopped walnuts

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven at 200 degrees celcius

Beat sugar,oil and vanilla together in a bowl . Add the eggs, one at a time. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together. Add the grated carrots, raisins and walnuts to the mixture. Mix until just combined

CARROT CAKE BATTER

Line muffin pans with paper liners. Scoop the batter into 18 muffin cups until each is 3/4 cup full. Bake at 200 degrees C for 10 minutes and reduce oven temperature to 180 degrees C and cook for another 10 mins or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a rack when done.

CARROT CUPCAKES

My mom and officemates absolutely love this. I even add 1/2 cup rolled oats in one of my batches to make it healthier and more filling! Masarap din daw according sa mga naka kain, hehe.

Hello 2011, Good bye and Thank you 2010!

2011-01-05T13:02:00.001+08:00

Hello blog! I have missed more than a month updating you. I have been busy with the holidays, baking, doing office work and spending time with hubby and baby. During the holidays, we prepared food for noche buena and media noche (hoping to post about it soon), with baking, I have been making cookies and cupcakes here and there to give away (recipes to come ...) after work which I would say that Im very lucky that I don't get to do much overtime, I usually come early from work to have some play time and sweet time with my baby and hubby.

Hmmm. What are the things that I won't forget about 2010? In general, it was a good year for us. God is so good to be always there to guide, bless and protect me and my family. It is in 2010 that I got promoted at the office (with matching promotion on work loads as well, hehe) but I was happy to oblige with the challenge and with the help of my bosses, I would say and I do hope that I did met their expectations.

Blessings in different forms came from different places. Some experiences, not so good but still ends up well as I learned more things about life. Lets just live it just the way it is and make the most of what we already have.

Another one that would remain quite a while is when I won the 3rd prize in our christmas party raffle! The prize? $ 300.00 !!! I was even doubting during the party that my raffle ball was missing! he he. I was super blessed I would say. This really came in handy during the holidays.

In 2010, I have gained friends and experiences that I will forever treasure. Thank you 2010. Thank you God.
Hello 2011.

Chocolate Cupcakes with Icing

2010-11-26T15:38:00.003+08:00

Made these cupcakes last Night. Nakaka adik pala mag bake! Kinuha ko lang yung recipe sa likod ng lalagyan nung binili ko na Hershey's na unsweeted Cocoa. Pati icing dun din. Ultimate Chocolate cake na nilagay ko sa cupcake molds at yung icing na pinipe ko lang using an end of a plastic zip lock container.

Assorted icing designs na napagkatuwaan ko lang gawin kagabi. Na tawag na nga ko ng asawa ko at akala kung ano na nangyari sa kin. Im tired from work at nag luto pa ng dinner pagdating ko ng bahay tapos di talaga ko pumayag na di makapag bake na kahit yung recipe sa lalagyan ng cocoa ay di ko pinatawad.

Nag enjoy naman ako kaya may smiley dyan! haha

Had this piece this morning. Masarap! hehe
At dahil sobrang nag enjoy ako kakalagay ng icing, bibili na ko ng pipe bukas.....

Next project ko? Red velvet cupcakes naman :-)

Yanna's School ID

2010-11-11T16:26:00.001+08:00

This had me laughing this afternoon at work today.

I was in the middle of reconciling an account when hubby sent me this picture of Marianna's ID

I cried laughing for quite a while.

Ang gara naman kasi ng itsura ng anak ko. Parang naging kulot. Kulot na gulat! haha.
Nagulo siguro yung ipit nya. Pati yung ribbon pilipit. Tapos kita pa yung kapraso nung bag nyang pink.

I love you anak. You always make mommy happy.

I'll keep this ID of yours to taunt you in the future, hehe.

Chocolate Crinkles

2010-10-29T08:21:00.000+08:00

From making chocolate oatmeal cookies, here is

another cookie recipe that I tried in the Yummy Bake, Give & Sell recipe collection

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 eggs

1/2 cup dark cocoa powder (I used hersheys)

1 3/4 cup all purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 1/2 cups confectioner's sugar (sifted)

PROCEDURES:

1. In a bowl, combine oil, sugar and vanilla. Mix together. Add eggs, one at a time.

2. Sift together cocoa, flour and baking powder. Add the creamed mixture and blend well.

3. Chill dough for at least 4 hours.

4. Preheat oven to 350 deg F. Line a baking tray with wax paper. Set aside.

5. Scoop the dough then roll in sifted confectioners' sugar.

6. Place on the baking tray at least two inches apart.

7. Bake for at least 12 minutes then cool.

sifted flour, cocoa and baking powder mixture

dough mixture before chilling

crinkles taken off the oven to cool

chocolate crinkles close up

crinkles stored for future snacking

This was my first try and have baked a few more batches after it. I even brought some at the office to sell but i did came out differently from my first try. There are batches that were too thick and the others a little dry. After this, I just hope that my next batch would came out as I would want them to be after a few adjustments from my previous tries.

This also serves as my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Have a great weekend everyone!

The Burger Project

2010-10-25T13:37:00.001+08:00

After seeing this Burger store at a blog site and watching it in one of the episodes of Where you at in MYX, i have been bugging my brother to visit the place.

Last Saturday, we did had the chance to go here.The place was not that big. I was a little deceived by the pictures .... Never the less , the place was cozy enough for a burger joint

List where you can customize your BRGR ...

Designer BRGR Board

My filled up Order sheet ...

Order sheets are then submitted at the counter

Vanilla Milk Shake - Php 145.00

Their other milk shakes variants are strawberry, blueberry, choco peanut and good ol choc'lit all for Php 145.00 each

I'm a sucker for anything sweet and their milk shake did not disappoint

Marky Mark BRGR (hubby's Burger creation)

Beef burger, Blue cheese, Mango salsa, Jalapeno peppers, tomato in Poppy seed bun

Hubby did like his burger but claims he liked the burgers more in Wham Burgers.

I think its all in the combination ....

Fries - Php 60.00

This was supposed to be for my niece Ria

We should have told them not to put chili powder

Sweet Potato Fries - Php 60.00

This one was better than the fries. The natural sweetness of the sweet potato compliments the light kick from the chili powder

TOFURIFIC BURGER

Tofu BRGR, mozzarella cheese, Mango salsa, lettuce and tomato in an Oatmeal bun.

I did go for the lighter choice and it all tasted well together.

BUNGAL BRGR

This one was Kuya's Friend Burger.

Beef burger, cheddar cheese, pineapple slice, onion rings, egg and bacon in a Poppy seed bun.

An odd combination. But a very good and filling one according to him.

Funny name. He may turn out BUNGAL if he had this burger all in one bite, hehe.

BUNGO BRGR

My Kuya's burger.

Chicken burger, cheddar cheese, canadian bacon. tomato and lettuce in a poppy seed bun.

They had this sliced in half since he's claiming he's on a diet and shared this with his wife.

Having my first bite on my TOFURIFIC BURGER

The burger was really huge and I wasn't able to finish mine and had more than half of it to go.

Hubby looking satisfied with his BRGR

Me and My Niece Ria

I just can't resist having our picture taken at the wall with their logo inside the store

Glass wall at the entrace of the store with drawings of the steps on ordering your BRGR

The Burger Project is a different burger experience that is worth the visit ....

THE BURGER PROJECT

122 Maginhawa, Teahers Vill, QC
351-74-74
theburgerproject.com
theburgerproject@yahoo.com
Open daily 11 am - 12 mn

Sunday Lunch at Tokyo Tokyo

2010-10-24T16:54:00.000+08:00

After going to Mama for a visit and to bring some of my baked cookies, we ended up having lunch at Tokyo Tokyo at Victory Mall here in Caloocan

4 pcs California Maki

Eto lang ang sushi na nakakain ko. Ni hindi namin nagalaw yung wasabe. Not a big fan of it. Para kasing nagagagat yung anghang.

Signature red Iced tea

Although masarap Iced tea nila, parang mas masarap dati. Lately kasi madalas natatabangan ako every time we get to order this.

Marianna having as sip from Daddy's Iced Tea

Ang anak ko, pawis na pawis. Napaka mainitin kasi nya at ang kapal ng buhok. Bukod pa dun, nag tatalon sya sa kama dun kila mama habang pabalik balik na nakikipag laro ng peak a boo sa lola nya.

Sumo Remix : Beef Misono with Prawn and Vegie Tempura

I rarely eat beef. But if i do i really dont eat much. Gulay at yung tempura ang kinain ko dito. Si yanna gusto nya yung beef kaya yun sinusubo ko sa kanya.

Hubby getting a Prawn Tempura

It was his place of choice and already had this in mind when we came in. He really loves prawns/shrimps.

We left full and had a short walk from here to Pure Gold to buy some stuff .

Parang medyo matatagalan na ulit before we come back to Tokyo Tokyo again to dine out. Wala na kasi sila masyadong bago to choose from. Tapos nawala pa yung Tuna Misono na fave ko. I hope they'll bring it back again.

Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-10-22T21:00:00.003+08:00

I was excited when hubby bought me an oven because I have been wanting to try baking for the longest time. My first baking project would be these Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies. I used a recipe on Yummy's Bake, Give, Sell cook book (hmmmm, i like the idea of selling my baked goods as soon as I get the hang of baking)

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 baking soda
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2/3 cup chocolate chips

PROCEDURES:

1. Preheat oven to 350 deg F ( 180 deg C ) and grease baking tray
2. In a bowl, combine flour, oats and baking powder
3. In a separate bowl, cream butter with the white and brown sugars until light (use a mixer or a wire whisk). Then add egg and vanilla extract.
4. Stir in the flour mixture and Fold in the chocolate chips in the mixture
5. Drop batter by tablespoons on the baking tray leaving enough space between the cookies
6. Bake until the edges are lightly browned for about 15 mins then cool cookies before storing

Mixture approximately makes 30 cookies but mine only made 12 cookies since i made bigger ones

Cookies while baking inside the oven

Cookies removed to cool ...

close up look at my chewy chocolate chip cookies ...

cookies ready for storing

( only 6 cookies were left upon completing this entry of mine. i have been munching on them from the moment they cooled off, hehe )

Not bad for my first try. Hubby did liked it. I even missed out the salt and the cinnamon in the recipe, good thing they still came out well :-)

Next on line ..... CHOCOLATE CRINKLES

This also serves as my FOOD FRIDAY entry for the week

Lunch Date at Sbarro

2010-10-20T16:50:00.003+08:00

Last thursday, Hubby accompanied me when I renewed my passport.

I promised to treat him for lunch to any resto of his choice ...

We ended up eating at Sbarro

Deep-Dish pizza and Cream Dory in Lemon Sauce

The meat lovers deep dish pizza was soaked in tomato sauce and most of what I can taste from it was bell pepper. I prefer their white deep dish pizza.

The cream dory in Lemon sauce was nice and light.

Egg plant parmegana & a slice of cheesecake (toppings: blueberry, mango & cherry)

The eggplant parmegana tasted like the deep dish pizza except with the eggplant. Probably because of the same tomato based sauce in it.

The cheesecake was really good. I would order a slice of this again when we dine out at Sbarro.

We always order Raspberry Iced tea when we go here ...

After lunch, hubby and I did some HHWW at the mall as we scout for an oven range ....

Then we head on Dairy queen to rest our feets and have something sweet and refreshing sa well

Citrus Cooler for Hubby (Php 79.00)

Small Green Tea Moolate for me (Php 39.00)

My green tea moolate was relatively small but it was all the satisfying bulk that I really needed. It was tasty too. I could compare it to the Green tea smoothies in some fro-yo stores.

I love eating out. Specially with hubby. While he's here on leave for work, im looking forward for more eating out dates with him and Marianna.

RIA'S UNITED NATIONS DAY ACTIVITY

2010-10-19T17:07:00.000+08:00

Last friday was my niece's Ria UN activity at school. She was Ms. Africa and above is a shot of her before leaving the house ...

Sayang at di ko to nasaksihan personally but still Im very proud of Ria kasi she was very cooperative.

Smile for the cameria Ria. She loves her picture being taken. Laging camera ready ang smile nyan ...

Pa demure pose ... Kamukha sya ni Mama, hehe

She won best costume.

And why not? bongga naman talaga ang costume nya.

Her mom rented this from a costume shop.

School Girl Marianna

2010-10-18T16:23:00.001+08:00

We enrolled Marianna in a trial Toddler School sa FUNSTART sa may Malabon.

She just completed two weeks of attending there. 3 x a week yung class nya. From 12-2 pm. Naaawa kasi ako sa anak at sila lang ng yaya nya naiiwan sa bahay pag pumapasok ako sa office at wala naman Daddy nya dito sa Pinas when he'll be off to work on board again. I'm hoping she'll learn more there at mag enjoy na din at the same time.

Pa cute pose at Daddy ...

Laman ng bag nya? 1 Feeding Bottle, 1 powdered milk dispenser, 1 bottle with water and straw, biscuits (sky flakes o kaya bread sticks), a small pack of duchmill yogurt drink, one set of clothes for changing (in case of emergency), 2 diapers, baby wipes at lampin na pamunas. Iniiwan kasi dun sa school yung mga crayons and other school things nila.

Posing with hand on the side and bag at the front

Naiinip na yan sa service nya na tricycle ....

Close up paawa effect look at Daddy

Excited na pumasok anak?

Sa school, we were told that there are 3 rooms. One where they sing and dance, one where they color and do other paper doodling and one where they play with the other students regardless of age. Hangang kinder lang naman dun sa Funstart (6 years old) and the youngest batch would be yun ngang toddlers (1.6-2.5 yrs old).

Hay anak .... ang bilis talaga ng panahon. Ngayon school girl ka na. We want all the best for you baby. Kahit lumaki at tumanda ka na, you'll always be mommy and daddy's baby. Wag ka mag sasawa sa pag hahalik namin sa yo ni Daddy ha? Don't you stop being sweet and lovable. Kasi kami ni Daddy di mag sasawa sa pag mamahal sa yo no matter what.

Balsa sa Niugan

2010-10-14T11:47:00.003+08:00

Last monday nag dinner kami ni Hubby sa balsa sa niugan sa malabon with kuya and his friends.

It was my first time to go there and I specifically asked my kuya to tag us along kung mapupunta man sila dun.

Sinigang na Hipon

(favorite ni Hubby)

Buttered Chicken

Ayoko nito. Masyado mamantika. Yung breading lasang hotcake. Binigay ko kay kitty cat sa ilalim ng lamesa namin yung harina, hehe.

Pansit na Bihon

Masarap kasi madaming sahog lalo na vegies. Eto kinain ko di ako nag rice.

Lumpiang Shanghai

Pork Sisig

Eto masarap. Naka dalawang order kami.

Yun natira inuwi namin kinain pa ni Mark as almusal nung umaga.

Medyo naumay ako kaya inaya ko si Mark na bumili ng cake sa kapihan nila ...

Di ako nag order ng coffee kasi gabi na at baka di ako makatulog.

Pero I'll definitely try some pag balik namin.

Assorted cookies and teas ...

Coffee cup sizes ...

Assorted cake slices

I took home a slice of blueberry cheesecake and chocolate dome cake and a peppermint brownie.

Lahat masarap!

We'll go here again, probably with friends naman :-)

2 Great Lunch Treats from Starbucks

2010-10-13T11:45:00.001+08:00

Had this one day for lunch. Simple yet satisfying and very filling. For Php 95.00 its worth it, healty pa.

They also have this in focaccia bread which I prefer more than the bagel.

This pasta salad has roasted vegies ... mushrooms, carrots and zucchini.

Sulit na din at nakakabusog. Not to mention healthy pa, no mayo and nothing anything fatty except for the healthy fat dun sa pesto sauce (oil), hehe. Madami din yung pesto na kasama in a separate container kaya mareregulate mo gano kadami gusto mo mailagay.

Saw this in Crunchy Munchie's blog kaya I tried some. No regrets naman. Masarap e :-)

Marianna's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-10-04T13:12:00.001+08:00

Last Saturday, Oct 2, 2010, we celebrated Marianna's 2nd Birthday at Jollibee A. Mabini Branch.

Her original birthday was last tuesday, Sept 28 and Oct 2 is the closest saturday to her actual Birthdate kaya ito na yung date na pinili namin to schedule her Jollibee party. Medyo ninenerbyos na nga ko nung Friday kasi umuulan ulan. Maswerte at maganda ang panahon nung Sabado.

Good mood ang anak ko that day. Mabuti na lang talaga at naka nap sya bago kami pumunta kaya wala syang "s". Nakatulong din na malamig yung party area kaya di sya balisa. Sayaw sya ng sayaw pag dating palang at sinasalubong yung mga guest nya habang paparating. At nung nahawakan na yung mike, di na nya binitawan at kumanta kanta na.

Games for the kids and the adults.

Sa mga kids hanapan ng pares ng sapatos nila (may ganito palang game, hehe)

and bring me
Sa mga adults naman, balloon relay. Group ni Mommy and Daddy. Syempre group ni Mommy nanalo.

Ang parusa ng group ni Daddy? I-Spell pangalan ni Marianna, sa pag kembot, hehe.

Syempre nandun si Peachy, Ykaie, Laarnie and Leighna to celebrate with Marianna.

Parang si Pia lang ang kulang sa picture na ito. Sayang lang at nung sabado din flight nila pauwi ng Japan kaya di sila naka attend.

Madami din naging visitors. From my officemates, former classmates, relatives and other friends.

Thank you very much sa lahat ng naki celebrate sa amin.

Anak, mahal na mahal ka namin ng Daddy mo.

Nandito lang kami para sa yo.

We pray that you'll be the best that you can be and with God's grace and mercy we know you'll be a good, healthy, smart, sweet & respectful child.

We love you Anak.

Mini 2nd Birthday Celebration for Marianna

2010-10-01T12:53:00.001+08:00

Last 28 September 2010 was my Marianna's 2nd birthday. Pinaghanda lang namin sya ng konti sa bahay. Above are two mini cakes for her. Chocolate fudge cake and White forest bought at Red Ribbon.

Pansit palabok (fave ni Yanna), puto & roasted chicken

Handa ni Yanna ....

Picture with daddy na huling huli si Marianna na inaabot yung Coke at naawat, hehe.

Inaabot pa din nya yung softdrinks kaya ko hawak hawak yung kamay nya, hehe.

Let-let (My cousin) with daughter Leila, Tita Josie, Yanna, Jack, Enzo and Mama Wena (Hubby's Mom)

Ate Ria, Raine & Mama Wena

Mama Wena andYanna

Tita Rio (Hubby's Sis)

Konti lang din bisita nya. A few of my relatives and hubby's mom and sister. We'll expect more well wishers sa party ni Yanna sa saturday sa Jollibee....

Happy Happy Birthday Anak. Daddy and Mommy loves you so much. We hope and pray that you'll grow up to the best that you can be and we want you to know that Mommy and Daddy will always be here for you. God bless.

Welcome Party for Masaki

2010-09-28T15:36:00.002+08:00

Last sunday, September 26, we attended Masaki's Welcome Party at Jollibee Cherry Fooderama Branch.

Masaki is Pia's son. Pia is a highschool classmate of mine at La Consolacion College Caloocan.

Mommy and Baby wearing our terno. Picture picture muna before leaving the house.

Daddy kisses Marianna first bago kami umalis, di kasi sya sumama ....

Mini Stage set up for Masaki at Jollibee

Masaki's picture collage at the wall. It was his christening and 1 year 4 months birthday celebration at the same time

Nag roam na agad ang anak ko checking out some party hats and paper mats ....

The host and jollibee welcoming the celebrant and his family

Isa ako sa tinawag ni Pia to participate in one of the games, hip hip hurray. Kasama ko si bff Peachy and Jack na naging kaklase din ni Pia like me. Sinabihan ko nga si Peachy na wag syang tatawa kasi matatangal ako agad. Mahina kasi ako sa mga bagay na dapat may koordinasyon. Sinuwerte lang ako ng bahagya kaya 1st runner up ako, hehe. Ang prize ko? maliit na brats na coin bank para kay Marianna.

Papa, Mommy and Masaki Hoshi

HS Mates with kids. (from left to right) Pia and Masaki, Me and Marianna, Laarnie and Leighna and Peachy and Ykaie.

Enjoy kami ni Marianna. Umiyak lang si Marianna nung lumapit si Jollibee sa kanya. Naku pano kaya to sa sabado e sa Jollibee din party nya.....

Masaya kasi nagkita kita kaming mag kakaklase with our kids.

Thank you Pia for inviting me and Marianna. Hope to see you again soon pag nagbakasyon ulit kayo dito sa Pinas.

CONTIS

2010-09-27T12:31:00.001+08:00

Last saturday before going home from Marianna's gymboree class at Trinoma, I asked hubby if we could pass by Contis to buy a slice of their famous Mango Bravo.

We bought some Chicken pies (Php 25.00/ea), a slice of Mango Bravo (Php 120.00/slice) and half a box of their assorted pastries (Php 150.00)

Assorted Pastries

All of these taste good. I particularly like the marbled brownies.

A slice of Mango Bravo.

Now I know it does taste good.

Even hubby liked this.

I hope we can try some of their dishes the next time we go there but another slice of Mango Bravo will definitely be on our menu again.

PB & CO.

2010-09-22T00:31:00.004+08:00

Last saturday, hubby and I went to SM North Edsa to buy something and we had our snack at PB & CO.

Inaya ko sya dito kasi di pa ko nakakain dito and I have seen many reviews about this resto and it does seem interesting.

We ordered soda float each ( Php120/ea) and root beer to go with it (Php 45/ea)

I think the cup has 2 big scoops of vanila ice cream

Our rootbeer float/dessert

I had "Elvis the King" half sandwich (Php 85.00)

Toasted sandwich with crunchy peanutbutter, bananas and bacon

This is very filling. Parang bitin pero nakakabusog din and I can very much make this sandwich at home.

Fish Diablo Pasta

Hubby had me taste this. This has their Chilli peanut butter on it.

Mark find this a little too spicy. Kaya nga diablo e, hehe. He should have ordered devil kung meron that would have been not too spicy. haha.

Our Bill

I find this dine in experience as OK.

Peanut butter in everything is not an everyday thing for me.

Another Terno for Me and Marianna

2010-09-21T00:25:00.000+08:00

Bought this at Kids of Bayo last Friday when Hubby and I met at Robinsons Manila.

Im looking forward to wear this at Masaki's Party this Sunday

Marianna's New Shirt

2010-09-20T12:50:00.000+08:00

I can't resist buying this for Marianna

(Ang umangal masasaktan, haha)

First Date since Hubby came Back ...

2010-09-20T12:24:00.000+08:00

Last friday, Hubby and I met up at Robinsons Place Manila after work.

This was our formal "date" ,without Marianna, after he arrived from ship work.

We had our dinner at Gumbo. His choice and I also let him choose what we would eat.

And since he loves seafood, particularly shrimps, we ended up having below menu.

Jumpin Shrimps and Peel (Cajun style)

Seafood Lasagna

Berry Lemonade

My date. Pa cute as always ... hehe

All was fairly good. A little pricey but reasonable in taste and servings.

We don't go here quite often but when we do, we usually enjoy the food kahit pa iba iba order namin everytime we dine here.

Attending Leila's 1st bday Party

2010-09-16T04:27:00.003+08:00

Last sunday, 12 Sept 2010, we attended Leila's first bday party. Pamangkin ko si Leila, anak ng pinsan kong si Let let at inaanak naman ni Mark sa binyag.

Family picture muna as we were about to go to Leila's Party

Mommy and Marianna wearing our terno Blouse bought at Osh kosh :-)

Napaaga kami ng dating and as you can see, empty tables and chairs pa ang background ng anak ko. May videoke kaya ayan si Marianna. Hinawakan agad ang mike at humuni huni na.

Ayan may mga ibang bisita na din. Nag iikot na ang anak ko at nag uusisa sa mga ibang bata.

May mga clowns at mabuti naman di natakot si Marianna. Di na din sya umiiyak pag maingay kaya tamang tama naman pag sa party na nya ma eenjoy na din nya. Last year na "ondoy" 1st birthday party ni Marianna kaya im very much hoping and praying that it won't happen again this year sa 2nd birthday Party nya.
Ay naku wala man lang kaming picture nung birthday celebrant. Cute pa naman ni Leila kasi naka pink outfit at may fairy wings pa.

Daddy is Here!

2010-09-15T16:26:00.000+08:00

Hubby arrived 1am last 07 September 2010. Grabe inumaga na kami ni Marianna pag iintay sa Daddy nya. At nag pakapagod sya kakaikot, tulog tuloy ang bata nung dumating si Mark.

Tuesday the same day, we went to Trinoma para makapag gymboree si Marianna. Binilhan na din sya ng Daddy nya ng new shoes, Chuck taylor na Red.

Gymboree play time of Daddy and Marianna

We had our snack at Burger King, parang last year nung bagong dating si Mark sa BK din kami unang kumain when we went to the mall ...

Ayan at extra pa din ang kamay ni Daddy sa picture namin ni Marianna ....

Miss na miss ni Daddy spending time with us kaya we have more together time again bago ulit nya kailangan umalis for work

Fruitti Yogurt

2010-09-06T04:36:00.016+08:00

My office mate, Mam Grace (we call each one as Mam and Sir in our office) and I went to Cash and Carry last Friday to check out some stuff after eating our baon lunches.

Naaya ko sya to try some froyo in this stand.

Frozen Fruits you can choose from to mix with the Froyo

Their choices of toppings (Php 10 per additional topping)

We did choose the Fruitti Yogurt Blend. One fruit of your choice in a small cup for Php 75.00

This is my Blueberry Fruitti Yogurt Blend. Masarap.

Yung kay Mam Grace Strawberry, medyo maaslim lang pero yummy din.

Naging addik ako sa Froyo dahil kay Peachy pero di naman ako nagsisisi kasi yummy naman talaga, not to mention healthy pa. I'll choose froyo over ice cream anytime of day. :-)

Lunch at Terriyaki Boy

2010-09-05T04:29:00.005+08:00

Last thursday, lunch out kami nung 4 na kasama ko sa office and we went to Terriyaki Boy sa Cash and Carry dito sa Makati.

Mixed Seafoods Bento - Misu Soup, Kani Salad, Bean Sprouts, Rice, Seafood teppanyaki and Coffee Jelly for dessert. At Php 300.00 including iced tea, sulit na din at masarap at sobrang nakakabusog naman.

May Froyo na din sila! Kakaiba kasi may mga Japanese toppings sila. Hope to try this someday. Sobrang busog na kasi ako di na ko nakapag Froyo after our Meal.

I look forward to lunch outs lalo na medyo nakaka pagod sa work nitong mga nakakaraan na weeks. I think we do deserve to reward ourselves with yummy treats once in a while.

Banapple Pies and Cheesecakes

2010-09-04T08:17:00.059+08:00

Last monday Peachy, Riza and I went to Il Terrazo Mall at Timog at dinayo talaga namin tong Banapple. They brought their kids at usapan talaga isasama ko si Marianna di ko nga lang naisama at medyo di ok ang panahon nung araw na yun at sinisipon yung anak ko.

We were there a little early and waited until 11:30 pero ang dami ng tao! Pag akyat mo ng mall, pansin mo agad yung Banapple kasi nandun karamihan nung mga tao having their lunch.

Mouth drooling Cakes

Ang daming choices! Mahihirapan ka pumili sa dami. I bet lahat masarap :-)

Yummy Pastries

We ordered the following for our lunch:

Baked Cheezy Penne for me

Grabe ang dami nito! I had more than half of this order to go at kinain ko pa yung tira for dinner.

Lasagna Roll ups for Rizza

Pesto for Ykaie

Tocilog for Jeffrey

2 nut caramel cheese cake for me

Crunchy strawberry cheesecake for Peachy

Apple Crumble dessert ni Rizza

Nice smile Rizza! Nun lang kami nag meet ni Rizza though Peachy.

Happy to have added you to my list of friends Rizza!

Peachy Had Pork scallopini for lunch. Di nya naman nakain yung rice. Lumiit na ang bituka ni BFF because of her SBD, hehe.

Ykaie (Peachy's Daughter) and Jeffrey (Rizza's Youngest) at the fountain at Il Terrazo Mall

Ayan ang anak ko, inaabot yung uwi kong pastries from Banapple. Bumili ako ng savory chicken pie na binigay ko kay Mama. Savory cheese and mushroom pie tska Orange poppy seed muffin. Lahat masarap. Sulit na for 65 pesos each.

Prices were reasonable at sulit naman. Malaki servings nila at lahat naman ng natikman ko ay masarap. We'll definitely go back there. Padating na din naman si Mark at gusto ko sya ayain dun. Sila naman ni Marianna ang date ko.

Here are my brunch mates entry sa bonding namin na ito : Simple Mom Rizza for Rizza's Entry and Blowing Peach Kisses for Peachy. Nung nabasa ko yung entry nila napaisip ako kung pareho kami ng kinainan. Kung ano ano kasi ipinangalan ko dun sa mga inorder namin e. Ha ha.

Excited na ko to see you again amigas sa ating susunod na gastronomical adventure! sana sama na si Ate Anney!

Terno - Terno Mommy and Marianna

2010-09-03T08:16:00.000+08:00

I bought these mommy - baby ternos last weekend.

Masaya ako pag may nakikita ako na may kasya sa akin tska kay Marianna and buying one completes my day.

Bought these cute blouses from Kids of Bayo

These pair from Oshkosh. Swerte at sale sa oshkosh sa Trinoma kaya I got these for half the price.

Nakapila ang occassions these Ber - months kaya Marianna and I will be wearing these terno blouses on those days.

Fun with Colors

2010-08-21T01:49:00.002+08:00

Kahapon dumaan ako sa National Bookstore to buy Marianna some crayons. Ang hinahanap ko talaga ay yung twist crayons kaso lang ang mahal naman nung nandun at madaming kulay. Napunta tuloy ako sa My First Crayons ng Crayola (Php 42 for 8 crayons). Yun naman mga kinukulayan nya, naprint ko lang sa internet. Eto yung site nila (just click the Link) Lilfingers.

Ayan, may isang casualty. Biglang tinangay ng anak ko at nginuya. Agad ko ngang dinukot sa bibig yung durog na krayola at nakagat pa nga ako. Sarap na sarap sya sa pag nguya na para bang mani yung nginuguya nya. Buti na lang at non-toxic tong mga krayola na to.

TERNO at Tita Rio's Birthday

2010-08-20T02:06:00.002+08:00

Naisuot na din namin ni Marianna yung Terno na nabili ko ng matagal ng panahon and the occassion is her Tita Rio's 18th Birthday celebration. Now, im in search of another terno to wear when we fetch daddy at the airport very soon. Flight details na lang ang iniintay namin. Excited na kami ni Marianna to be with Daddy ulit.

Marianna's Gymboree Outfit

2010-08-19T13:46:00.000+08:00

Naisuot din ng anak ko ang outfit na binili ko for her from Babinski Baby! Salamat din at di na sya nag protesta. I love dressing her up. Parang meron akong may buhay na manika, hehe. Sinasamantala ko lang naman ang pagkakataon na magpapabihis pa sya sa kin at sa sandaling panahon lang ay malamang di na sya pumayag

Babinski Baby Products Purchase

2010-08-11T12:35:00.002+08:00

My babinski baby orders arrived last monday. They were suppose to arrive latest Friday last week pero na delay kasi nabaha daw sila and I was advised also last Friday via a text message. I bought Marianna 2 leggings and one onesie. Yung isang leggings pinakibili sa kin ng kasama ko sa office for her 7 yr old daughter. Licorice yung design name. I added Php 100 for courier fee in addition to the cost of my purchase.

Memento (Amy Butler - Love) Onesie - Large

(Php 350.00)

Leggings - Bubbles and Ellies design (Large)
(Php 200.00/ea)

Ayan ang anak ko, nagpprotesta. Nakakatihan yata sa tool ruffles sa sleeves, hehe.

But the dress/onesie is nice. Tama lang pala sa kanya large.

Yung leggings nya naman parang pajama pa, hehe. Mas ok naman maluwag kaysa masikip di ba? Mabilis lang naman at huhusto na din sa kanya sukat ng leggings na binili ko.

Satisfied naman ako sa mga binili ko and I'll be buying again sa kanila if may magustuhan ulit ako.

You can visit, as well as order na din if you want, just click this link: Babinski Baby

A blog with a Substance Award

2010-08-08T18:10:00.002+08:00

Thank you BFF Peachy for giving me this "A blog with Substance" award.

Her Blogs Blowing peachkisses, peach and things and The peach kitchen are indeed with a lot of Substance and is very much worthy of this award.

Blogging for me is: Love/Stress-reliever/Happiness/Family/Hobby

Now, for the Rules:

Thank the blogger who awarded it to you.
Sum up your blogging philosophy, motivation, and experience using five (5) words. example: WRITE HEART PEOPLE LIVE HAPPY
Pass it on to 10 other blogs which you feel have real substance.

Now, I'm passing on this award to all of my blogger friends.

Feel free to get this here.

Love to blog not only as a Hobby but also as a Stress-Reliever so that you can enjoy all the Happiness with your Family.

On line Shopping

2010-08-05T05:20:00.000+08:00

Tukso talaga ang facebook! Pag tumitingin ako ng mga updated pictures ng mga kaibigan ko, napapatingin din ako ng mga pwedeng mabili para kay Marianna. Ang gaganda kasi ng mga gamit tska damit pang girl. Gastos pero so far, im a satisfied costumer naman. Suki ako ni Rose (dress to impress). Kasi naman kaklase ko sya at ka service nung elementary kaya i know her personally. Swerte ko nga at sya pa mismo nag dedeliver sa bahay nung mga binili ko at taga Malabon sya at madalas din nagagawi malapit sa amin. I also tried buying sa iba pero i ask Rose first if ok yung goods tska yung mismong tao na bibilhan ko at mahirap na maloko kasi you have to pay first before they deliver the items to you. You have to add the courier to the cost of the items that you brought pero ok lang naman kaysa ikaw pa mismo ang umalis at bumili at mag ikot kakahanap ng gusto mo. Di katulad on line, no sweat. Kahit ano itsura mo pwede ka mag shopping at nasa bahay ka lang naman, hehe. Advantage to sa kin since I have to budget my time between work and my Marianna. Ngayon i just ordered a dress at Babinski. I'll post some pics pag nareceive ko na. Excited na din ako, hehe.

Marianna's Gym Play at Gymboree

2010-08-04T20:20:00.002+08:00

A good friend of mine suggested na ipasyal ko minsan si Marianna sa gymboree sa trinoma and one saturday we did try it out. Nakakadalawang punta na kami and my Marianna loves and enjoys playing there. It was free the first time since we were given coupons. Last sunday, we were supposed to attend the Music 2 class for an hour (2-3pm), and every may class, libre gym play kaya nakapag laro din sya. Sayang nga lang kasi ayaw pumirmi ng anak ko dun sa mismong class. She kept on roaming around the room at lahat gusto usisain. Then when we were trying to participate ayun na, nag maktol na ang anak ko. The teacher was kind enough to let us use our payment for that trial class to another class scheduled this coming saturday, gym play class naman. Im hoping Marianna would love this particular class kasi she loves to play in their gym. Im looking forward to this since parents/guardians are involved in the class and I was informed that it was going to be a full class kaya I think it would be really fun for Marianna and for me as well. Buti na lang din at malapit lapit na umuwi si daddy Mark at para the next gym play ni Marianna sila naman ni daddy nya magkasama. Not that I wont be coming with them, I'll just take some pictures and I'll just savor the moment of seing the loves of my life together and having fun.

Addicted to Marianna

2010-08-04T05:18:00.000+08:00

Grabe ganito pala feeling ng maging mommy. Lalo na im working, i feel that i have to give my house time all to my daughter. Maswerte na nga lang at ayos nakuha namin na kasama sa bahay kaya i already excuse myself of doing chores (ang totoo, tinatamad na ko talaga kasi after working nakikipag digmaan pa ko sa lrt to and from the office). When i go home, i sometimes pass by the grocery to buy things for the house as well as some things for Marianna. Then sa ulam, i try to buy her something na pag niluto may sabaw. Im happy she eats well. Medyo tumaba na nga anak ko at natututukan ng kain. Paborito nya tinolang manok. Kakatuwa nga at humihigop pa ng sabaw. Maswerte din ako at di sakitin ang anak ko. The usual sipon lang and I just double the dosage of her Ceelin at nawawala na din naman. By nine tulog na din sya pero before she goes to sleep, playtime muna namin then i sing her some nursery rhymes (twinkle , twinkle lang naman tska insi winsy spider alam ko, hehe) hangang makatulog na sya. And i do this while im inside her crib, hehe. i'll miss this when she grows up, hay... but until then i'll just enjoy now. i look forward to everyday because of her and i'll be forever be thankful for everything. God is indeed so good.

Dragon Gate Seafood Restaurant

2010-06-28T06:28:00.007+08:00

Last Friday, our department held our "bonding" activity at Dragon Gate Seafood Restaurant along Roxas Blvd and here are some of the main dishes we devoured...

GARLIC PORK SPARE RIBS

pangkaraniwan lang ang lasa para sa akin. medyo matigas pa kaya di ko masyado nagustuhan ....

SESAME CHICKEN

chicken strips deep fried with sesame seeds

nothing to crave about this. tuyo at matigas din. nasobrahan siguro sa prito ....

SWEET AND SOUR FISH FILLET

This one I liked. Masarap. Malambot yung fish fillet at tamang tama lang ang timpla ng sweet and sour sauce.

HOT SHRIMP SALAD

A hot creamy shrimp salad with fruits.

Masarap kasi sariwa at juicy yung shrimp.

Yang chow fried rice kanin namin, assorted canned softdrink for drinks and assorted fresh fruits for dessert.

We had a room rented for our Department. Halos 20 persons din kami and libre na ang gamit ng videoke. Masaya, magulo at busog kami. I hope we could do this more often as a group para naman di puro trabaho pinag uusapan namin. We're lucky to have a company that is generous enough to allow us to go out and enjoy once in a while para ma relax at makalimot sa problema sa trabaho kahit sandali, hehe.

Marianna's New Hair Cut

2010-06-27T02:15:00.002+08:00

Short na ang hair ni Marianna ngayon. From Dora hairstyle naging Diego na ang kanyang hairstyle, hehe. Napakainit kasi at kamot sya ng kamot. Yung batok, likod, pati loob ng tenga may sugat kakakamot nya. Pag nababasa kasi yung buhok ng pawis, nagagati at di na mapigilan sa pag kamot ang anak ko. Ayaw din nya mag paipit. Kaya ayan, I decided na pagupitan na sya. Grabe naman para kaming ginulpi ng tita ko bago sya natapos gupitan. Nagwawala. Buhat buhat namin sya at nag pupumiglas at umiiyak habang ginugupitan. Sabi ko nga sa bakla wag lang pasyarin sa batok e. Kaso mo di nga mapakali ang anak ko kaya ganyan kaikli ang nangyari. Nagkalat nga kami ng buhok nya sa buong parlor, hehe. Pero ngayon, na sinabihan ako ng ninang nya na kukunin syang flower girl early next year ... papahabain ko na ulit hair nya. Sana di na sya masyadong maligalig by that time, hehe. Ang anak ko, lalong naging kamukha ng daddy nya. Mini-me at Jr ang dating. Lalo tuloy ako na in love sa mag ama ko, hay .... Speaking of Daddy, by August nandito na ang mahal kong asawa. Excited na kami ni Marianna to spend family time with him again after nearly 8 mos :-)

Nangarag Ako!

2010-06-26T14:27:00.001+08:00

Hay ... Im almost more than a month behind my posts !!!! Nagarag ako. Yun yun. Ang daming work sa office at kinailangan ko mag hanap ng yaya ni Marianna ng madalian kaya na stress ako at nagarag. Ngayon na may yaya na si Marianna, Im hoping to catch up with my posts and scraps :-)

MOMMY PAGES

2010-06-26T13:59:00.002+08:00

As I was about to finish cleaning the aircon screen in our garage this morning, when i heard a loud knock on the door. Upon opening, an LBC person handed me my MOMMY PAGES.

I did request a copy of this through email about a month ago. I read about this on the May 2010 issue of Smart Parenting. Its a very useful directory for mommies which provides as a reference guide to places, numbers and all things parent related. From shopping stores, play centers, theme parks, childbirth & lamaze classes, and even cord blood bank services and best of all, its FREE!!! Ms. Janice Villanueva, together with Sen Pia Cayetano, founded Mommy Pages, this is indeed a must have for moms like me. Thank you so much.

If you would like a your own copy of Mommy Pages, just email them at copyrequest@mommypages.com.ph

Its My Day Today!

2010-06-01T10:12:00.002+08:00

Its my birthday last May 30 at huling idad ko na nasa kalendaryo pa. hehe. Now, I'll try to tell as much facts about me as much as I can .....

I was born on May 30, 1979 at exactly 5:17am
30 months lang yung nakalagay sa birth certificate ko, that means i was born prematurely at 7 months. No wonder kulang kulang ako at times .... ay medyo madalas din pala (ayaw ko lang aminin, hehe)
My whole name is Djohanna Marie Arnaldo San Diego-Marinas. Now with the inclusion of my husbands' surname. Sabi ng mama ko, kuya ko daw ang nagpangalan sa kin. Galing sa isang character sa comics na lagi nyang binabasa. Moanna Marie actually. Pangalan ng babaeng unggoy na character sa comics. Oh di ba ang bait bait ng kuya ko? Pinaganda lang ni mama at ginawang Djohanna.
I am the second child of Reynaldo San Diego Sr. and Elisa Arnaldo. 29 si papa nun at 27 naman si mama nung pinaganak ako.
Madami akong nickname. Joan obviously galing sa pangalan ko, Boyang bansang naman sa kin nung maliit ako at sakitin daw ako. Boy kasi palayaw ng papa ko at sabi nila, kamukha ko daw si papa kaya Boyang. Dj dagdag na palayaw ko na binansag ng 2nd year hs teacher namin na si Mrs. Marquez.
Sabi ng mama ko, meron daw kami dapat na kapatid na twin brothers. Pagitan namin ni kuya. Kaso di nya daw kaya kaya she had a forced abortion when the twins was 5 months old.
We have a plus one. Si Ryan. Adopted nila mama and papa. Kaya 3 kaming magkakapatid.
Tabachoy ako nung maliit hangang high school. Napaka takaw ko kasi. Kinukwento nga ng tita ko kahit ketchup lang ulam dami ko nakakain na kanin, hehe.
Napakahilig ko din sa matamis, lalo na ngayon. Pag malungkot ako o stressed, chocolate, cake o kaya ice cream ang pangpasaya ko.
Mahilig akong kumanta. Nung maliliit pa kami pag may reunion, pinagkakakitaan ko ang pagkanta, hehe.
Hindi ako marunong sumayaw, parehong kaliwa paa ko at di ako marunong sumabay sa tugtog, hehe.
I studied at La Consolacion College Caloocan from Kinder to Highschool kaya naman meron akong Loyalty Medal, hehe.
Pinaka hate ko na subject ang Math at Pinaka gusto ko naman History.
Ayoko ng Math pero nung college, Accounting Major ako sa UE - Caloocan. Batch 2000 ako.
Hinihimatay ako ng pagdidiet nung high school hangang college. Pag sinabi ko kasing hindi ako kakain, di talaga ako kakain. Kaya ayun hinihimatay ako sa gutom, hehe.
Hindi ako umattend ng college graduation ... lets just say medyo bitter ako nun, haha
Luha, pawis at kamuntik ng dugo ang naging pumuhan ko para maging board passer. Ang masasabi ko lang, totoo yung kapag sa yo, sa yo talaga. In God's right time.
Im still working at my first office, Hammonia Shipagency dati, naging Philippine Hammonia, at ngayon BSM Crew Service Centre Phils, Inc. na. Mag 8 years of service na ko this year.
Sa opisina ko din nakilala ang aking mahal na asawa. Nag cadet sya dati sa office bago naging seaman.
Si Mark ang una at huli kong boyfriend. Sya lang kasi ang nagkaroon ng tapang na ligawan ako, haha.
Parehong May ang birthday namin. May 16 sya at May 30 naman ako, two weeks apart lang. Same year din, 1979 at laging pareho ng araw birthday namin. Katulad this year, parehong linggo birthday namin.
Pareho na kaming walang papa. Papa ko namatay, July 20, 2004 then si Papa Mario naman August 20, 2004 parehong dahil sa sakit.
Kinasal kami December 15, 2007 sa Victoneta Chapel dito sa Potrero Malabon. Mag 5 years na din kami mag-bf nun.
Mag boy friend at girl friend pa lang kami ni Mark ay nag wiwish na ko na sana kung magkakaanak kami in the future ay baby girl na kamukha nya. Kaya si Marianna ay wish came true. Pati blood type ay nakuha sa Daddy nya.
Wala akong alam sa gawaing bahay nung nag asawa ko. Pero instinct na lang yata talaga at di naman kailangan pang ituro. Natuto ako magluto at mag alaga ng bata ng nag asawa at nagka anak na ko.
Kagaya nung nag aaral pa ako, opisina bahay lang din ang buhay ko. Di ako gumigimik. Nakakapasyal lang ako pag may bibilhin na kailangan na gamit ni Marianna o kaya naaaya ng kita kits ni Bff Peachy.
Hindi ako imiinom ng kape. Pero ngayon ... mukhang mag babago na to. Napapainom kasi ako ng kape sa umaga pag kulang sa tulog o nanlalata.

Konti na lang at mapupuno ko na din hangang no. 31 ....

Happy Mothers Day !

2010-05-09T19:16:00.000+08:00

Happy mothers day sa lahat ng mga mommy, mama, nanay, inay, mamu, mader, maderaka at inang ngayong araw ng mga ina. Mahirap pero masarap maging ina. Ito nga ang pinakamahirap na profession sa lahat, ang maging "full time mom". Pero dahil medyo kailangan ng karagdagang kita, madami na din na nanay na nag hahapbuhay at nag titiis na malayo sa kanilang mga anak. Maswerte ako at kahit nag tatrabaho ako ay umuuwi pa din ako araw araw para makita at makapiling ang mahal kong anak. Pag weekends, masaya ako at kasama ko sya ng mas matagal. Nakakapagod pero nawawala yung pagod ko habang pinapanood ko sya habang natutulog, sulit lahat ng hirap pag tumatakbo syang payakap sa akin, bale wala ang tumatagak tak kong pawis kakahabol sa kanya pag nakikita at naririnig ko syang tumatawa. Masarap maging nanay. Hindi ko masabi ng kungkreto gano ako kasaya. Pero eto yung tipo ng kaligayahan na di matutumbasan ng kahit na anong halaga ng material na yaman dito sa mundo.

Happy mothers day din sa pinaka mamahal kong mama. Nag iisa lang sya at hindi ko din naman ipag papalit kahit kanino. Salamat sa lahat ng sakripisyo mo sa amin. Sa tingin ko naman ay mabuti akong tao at iyon ay dahil sa maayos nyong pagpapalaki sa akin ni papa. Mahal na Mahal ka namin ni Marianna.

Happy mothers day Mama Wena. Salamat sa pag aalaga mo kay Marianna at maraming salamat at napalaki mo ang mahal kong asawa na responsable at may takot sa Diyos.

Happy mothers day sa lahat ng mga Nanay na patuloy na nag sasakripisyo at walang anumang hinihintay na kapalit.

Cheers to all of us.

May God bless us with good health, resilience and long life para patuloy pa natin magampanan ang ating tungkulin bilang mga Ina.

Early Morning Snack

2010-04-30T21:13:00.000+08:00

Last friday I had this for my early morning snack. My part two-breakfast. I had whole wheat cereal with skim milk before leaving for work and before 9am that day, i got hungry again. Good thing I grabbed a pack of trail mix at our ref before going out the door and had someone to buy me some coke - zero. This made me full until lunch break

I missed having entries for Food Friday. Hope to join as often as I can.

Have a great weekend everyone !

Happy Eating !

GT: Favorite Junk Food

2010-04-08T12:10:00.000+08:00

April 8 - Favorite junk food

Eto ang pinaka favorite kong potato chip. Pag medyo nanghihinayang ako bumili ng malaki at medyo mahal, kahit yung tig 15 pesos nito bumibili ako just to satisfy my cravings, hehe. My local counterpart for this is the Oishi Ridges. I prefer the cheddar cheese flavor.

This is my entry for GT for this week. Just click here to see what my GT sister's favorite Junk food.

GT: Im mad for Chocolates !

2010-04-01T06:09:00.003+08:00

April 1 - What’s your comfort food?

My ultimate comfort food is Chocolates! Pang alis inis, pang bawas lungkot, pang kalimot problema at pampalakas ko ang pagkain ng tskolate, hehe. And my favorite chocolate is Lindt. Kahit anong variety nito pero this one I love the most tska yung coffee flavor nila, ang sarap. At dahil di naman ako lagi nakakabili nito, I also go for Krispy Kremes chocolate oreo donuts. Ayan at hawak hawak ko pa at background pa yung binabalanse kong transaction. A donut break lightens up my mood. Kahit super tamis nito, this doesn't miss to cheer me up. I really, really love chocolates. At pag nakakain ako nito, feeling ko para na din akong niyayakap. I don't think there's nothing more comforting than that. Pero dahil holy week ngayon, diet muna ko sa chocolates, next week na ulit. Kayo mga sis? What's your favorite comfort food?

Happy Birthday Mama!

2010-03-30T17:22:00.001+08:00

This cake is what we brought for mama today for her birthday. Nag half day ako to go to her at nag luto sya. Sayang lang at hindi ko nakuhanan. Lumpiang sariwa, pansit, chicken pastel, kare-kare and gellatin handa nya. Cook si mama kaya lahat masarap. Kahit naman nung wala pa akong asawa, i always take a leave or halfday to be with her on her birthday. Ngayon, dalawa na kami kay Marianna kaya I had her cake dedication coming from Marianna. 58 na si mama today, kung di ako nag kakamali ng bilang, ewan ko lang kung mali yung date na binigay ng mama ko sa kin, hehe. We love you so much mama. Lagi ka mag-iingat, aalagaan mo lagi sarili mo at wag masyado mag papakapagod. Maraming lakas pa ang kailangan mo to keep up sa mga apo mong makukulit. God bless always.

Office breakfast Salo-Salo

2010-03-26T08:02:00.000+08:00

We have occassional salo-salo at the office for breakfast, lunch or merienda, and we had this spread one friday morning. Danggit, dried squid, spicy vinegar, hotdog and fried rice.

I remember having to come back twice that morning that I was too full to eat lunch that day.

Sarap e! I love the danggit with the spicy vinegar.

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Have a great weekend! Happy Eating!

Picture I would rather Hide ....

2010-03-25T05:58:00.000+08:00

This weeks GT: picture you would rather hide

Ayan na. This is one of my pictures that I would rather hide but I'm sharing it anyways for you, my GT sisters to see. I used to be on the much heavier side. Second year highschool yata ako dyan. Ayan na yung preview ng mga mala-pata kong hita, hehe. As you can see sa litrato ko na yan, I have long curly hair, matambok na pisngi at gilit gilit na hita, haha. I started dieting nung bakasyon ko ng third year highschool yata, nung may nanligaw na sa kin. Na conscious ang lola nyo! It didn't start easy. There are even times na hinihimatay ako sa gutom! Hangang ngayon, I'm still struggling kasi nga nasa lahi namin talaga ang tabain kaya ilang araw lang ako mag kakain ay mataba na agad ako. Well, the key to dieting really is self control. Which I admit, is easier said than done. Sarap sarap kaya kumain, hehe.

Look alikes?

2010-03-23T06:01:00.001+08:00

This is a picture of my niece, Ria, as her mom holds a picture of me when I graduated in kinder at La Consolacion College - Caloocan. My mom and my Kuya claims that my niece and I do look a like. Si Ria tuloy ngayon pag tinanong mo kung sino kamukha, she'll immediately answer "Tita Ju-an (Joan)". Then someone would tell her that I have no money and she should answer Mama Isay (my mama) instead. What do you think? Are we look alikes?

Pasalubong from UAE

2010-03-22T00:39:00.003+08:00

A good friend of mine since college and my matron of Honor, Dhang Sanchez arrived from UAE last Friday and I got a visit from her and the kids last Saturday. As usual, nanama nanaman kami ni Marianna sa Pasalubong. Nag kita pa talaga sila ni Mareng Janice at Mareng Annie, mga ninang ni Marianna, sa airport at naki padala din sila ng pasalubong para sa amin.

Marianna's dress & maong jacket from Tita Dhang and Mustela items from Ninang Annie

Nine West wallet - Early Birthday Gift from Kumareng Janice (Mare May 30 pa birthday ko...next year ulit ha? hehe --- kapal!)

miniture ceramics from Dhang

Thanks ng marami Ninangs and Tita.

Love Marianna & Mommy Dj.

Happy Birthday Papa!

2010-03-21T12:33:00.004+08:00

Papa, you are the brightest star that lights up the sky, just like you always have lighted my life..miss you every day... love your baby girl!

I have been using the status shuffle in face book and this one really caught me. Today is my Papa's birthday. He would have been 60 years old if he's still alive. Sobrang miss ko na papa ko. Im his baby girl at Im a certified maka-papa talaga. Mahal ko din ang mama ko pero there's a certain connection between me and my papa na kami lang ang meron at di matutumbasan ng kahit sino. Since papa died, and I'm praying on my way to the office, I always look at the sky. I always picture kasi na he's looking over us together with Papa God and its comforting kahit di na namin sya kasama. He died in July 20, 2004 at mag 6 years na din since then. Bihira ko naman sya mapanaginipan pero strangely, I always make it a point to embrace him in my dreams. Subconsciously, I do this sa sobrang pag ka miss ko sa kanya. I love you so much papa. Mahal na mahal ka namin nila Mama, Kuya at ni Ryan. Pati na din ng mga apo mo na sila Marianna, Ria at Raine. Happy Birthday!

GT: Picture of the sexiest part of your body

2010-03-18T06:00:00.000+08:00

GT for this week: picture of the sexiest part of your body

This is another picture from our wedding. As I said in last week's GT, I think my shoulders is the sexiest part of my body. But aside from it, I would say my smile is somewhat sexy na din. Sa mga ngiti ko kaya nabighani ang aking mahal na asawa, hehe.

Marianna's Pic-A-Boo Pics

2010-03-15T20:51:00.001+08:00

About two weeks ago, my nieces, Ria and Raine together with Marianna had their pictures taken at Pic-A-Boo at SM City The Block. Nakuha lang namin tong mga picture, pati na din yung pina frame ni mama nitong nakaraang saturday lang. And here are my Marianna's Pictures. Sayang lang at nag maktol yung isa kong pamangkin na si Raine kaya si Ria lang ang nakasama nya sa picture. Sayang nga kasi she was wearing a costume, same as Marianna's, mag kaiba lang sila ng kulay. Violet yung kay Raine. Marianna was supposed to be a fairy tomato or fairy strawberry of some sort and Raine was supposed to be a fairy eggplant. Their picture together would have been very cute. Kung nakuhanan lang sya ng maayos, hehe. Nag iiyak ang bata e. Buti na lang ang anak ko sanay na sa tao kaya ok mga shots nya. Si Ate Ria naman super pose kaya ok din mga kuha nya. Feel na feel nya maging ala tinkerbelle. Tink na tumaba, hehe.

Dressing like Marianna

2010-03-14T12:33:00.003+08:00

I have always been looking kung san ako makakabili ng damit na terno kami ni Marianna at dahil sa pag bbrowse ng mga pictures sa facebook, a former classmate, Sheryl Grace Lugar - Peralta who posts pictures of her and her daughter Sam wearing the same clothes, nakakuha ako ng tip kung san ako makakabili. Ang cute kasi tingnan pag terno mag ina. She mentioned that she buys some of her and Sam's matching outfits at Kids of Bayo.

Last Friday, pumunta ko sa Robinson's Manila to scout for matching outfits. At tamang tama naman, at sale.

Yan yung nabili ko na shirt sa Kids of Bayo. Size 4 kay Marianna at size 18 naman sa kin (largest na yun!,lalo tuloy ako na inspire mag diet at kung tataba ako ay wala ng magkakasya sa kin). Daming cute dun at sayang lang konting designs lang meron kasi nga 50% sale items nila. Naisuot na namin agad yung binili ko na shirts kasi nag mall kami kahapon. Nakakatuwa kasi halos lahat ng nakakasalubong sa amin naka-smile. Natutuwa siguro sila sa itsura namin mag-mommy.

Eto naman yung isa pang matching outfit namin ni Marianna. Sa Twilo ko naman nabili. 20% off yung sa kin, yung kay Marianna naman 30% off. Grabe ang saya ko nung Friday. Natuwa ako ng sobra sa mga nabili ko.
Wala pa ngang occassion kung san namin to pwedeng isuot. Pero malamang sa sobrang excitement, gumawa ako ng happening para lang maisuot namin to.

GT: Picture showing some Flesh

2010-03-11T06:10:00.002+08:00

GT for this week : picture of you that’s showing some flesh

Believe it or not, this is as much flesh that i can show...

This is one of my shots prior to getting hitched at our wedding last December 15, 2007

I designed my own wedding dress and opted for an off-the-shoulder style kasi feeling ko i have nice shoulders to show off ....

Hindi kasi ako nag susuot ng sleeve less o shorts pag lumalabas ng bahay.

Pang bahay lang ang aking legs at arms at ang asawa ko lang ang mag aappreciate nito at di kasi kagandahan. Mala palo-palo kasi ang hita at binti ko at pang laban naman ng bunong braso yung arms ko. Ang totoo nga nyan, mas maliit pa ang hita at binti sa kin ni Mark at parang nagkapalit yata kami, hehe. Anyways, ganun paman, feeling ko, at lagi din nya sinasabi na ako pa din pinaka sexy para sa kanya kaya naman forever feeling long ang hair ko :-)

Huli man daw at magaling ... magkakapera pa din

2010-03-07T12:14:00.002+08:00

Good thing they extended this, giving me the time to join.

Thanks Niko for the tip.

I'm encouraging everyone to join not only for the cash prize but for the prize of friendship along the way.

Sarap pala maging blogger, but compared to the talented sponsors below, novice pa lang ako....

If you would like to know more about this contest, just click the badge below.

And if you would like to view some good reads, click the link of the sponsor bloggers below.

Level 1 Sponsors:

I Am Buraot : Anak Ni Kulapo : Seiko's Diary : Mom Conversations

Level 2 Sponsors:

Brisbane Australia : The Latest Buzz : 113Tidbits - Social Feeds And Daring Commentary : Thoughts And Obsessions : Just About Anything : Blog Appetite : Home Buddies
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His Unfailing Love : My Memories and Crystals : Bacolod and Beyond Journey

Azumi : Fab Momma : Mara's Personal Bubble : Mara's Appetite : The Pinay Blogger @ Home : Diva Fabulosa : Best vacation Places : Momma Wannabee : Advising Writers :United World Poets : A Mom's Life and Loves : Travelin' With Marie : Happy Thoughts : Stalking Mind : Living Life To The Fullest : Online Mommy's Corner : Her And History : Careless Whisper : In My Psyche : My Quality Day : Just Throw Money : My Journey To Life : Cotton Candy Buzz : The Mommy Journey : Super Gulaman : Pen, Paper and Pan : Niko's Blog : Lover's Mushroom : Yena's World : Girls Rule! : Trendy And Heartily Yours : Husband of A Blogger : Glitter Page : Here Comes The Bride : Heart Random : Novice On Blogging (Noob) : At Home Here : Sexy Blogging : My Camerasexy : Dishes By Pehpot : Wonder Wifey : Coffee, Anyone? : Clarisse After Dark : Jena Isle's Random Thoughts : Where The Moon Shines : Crossroads.. Where Ideas Meet : Simple Pero Rock : it's not always about me... : Pinay Mommy Online : How I Earn Money Online :
A Woman Remembers : Beng's Entertainment Spree : My Thoughts, My Heart, My Turf : Yashiro : The Blogger Hub : Embrace Life

GT: Vital Stats ...

2010-03-04T13:28:00.003+08:00

vital statistics***, age, height, weight TODAY

Age: 30 yrs and 9 months and 2 days (my birthday is May 30, 1979)

Height: 5’3”

Weight: 125 lbs (dapat daw 115 lbs lang, weh?)

Vital stats: 36 28 37 (kailan ko nga ba huli tong sinukat?)

Whew !!! glad had this done and over with. Ano nga ba for next week?

Nyay! mas malala pa pala, haha

Natuloy din ako mag gym, sa wakas .....

2010-02-27T19:26:00.002+08:00

Sa wakas, kaninang umaga, natuloy din ako mag gym. Ilang linggo na din ako kinukulit ng aking mahal na asawa tungkol sa paggym at dahil medyo nakukulitan na din ako sa kanya, pinilit ko na ang sarili ko na bumangon ng maaga kanina para ako na mismo mag bukas ng gym. 7am to 7pm ang slimmers world sa 9th avenue at mas gusto ko mag gym ng maaga at malamang kung sa hapon ako pupunta, di na naman ako matutuloy.

Anyways, binigyan muna ko ng physical test bago sinabak sa aking "exercise routine". Eto ang aking nadiskubre .....

1. Overweight ako ng 10 lbs. Hindi ko na sasabihin kung ano ang timbang ko ngayon para ma protektahan ang aking reputasyon, hehe.

2. Mataas sa acceptable level ang aking body fat index. My gulay .... siguro nga dapat puro gulay na lang ang kainin ko. Nagrecall tuloy ako bigla ng mga culprit na nakapag contribute nito sa aking diet. At ang naalala ko agad ay ang pagkain ng mga processed food at delata. Convenient pero, di nakakabuti. Dapat ko laging tandaan yun.

3. 5ft 3 inches lang pala ako. Lagi ko pa naman nilalagay na height ko ay 5ft 4 inches. Ito kasi ang natatandaang kong taas nung nasa 4th year high school pa lang ako nung nag yearly physical test kami sa clinic sa school. Posible kayang umurong ako? Hmmmm.

At sinabak na nga ko sa aking exercise routine to "loose weight".

- 30 mins cardio
- stretching
- 20 - 25 counts exercises for the thighs, abs, arms & legs
- stretching ulit ....
- at 30 mins cardio nanaman ....

Inabot din ako ng 2 oras sa pag ggym. Pinagpawisan ako ng todo. Di ko kaya ang sit ups na 25 counts. My gut wasn't able to take the pressure as you may say.

At ito ang mga na realize ko after those grooling two hours ....

1. Di na ko masyado iinom ng mga inumin na may calories. My gosh, kalahating oras ako nag threadmill, 124 calories lang ang katapat ng tagak-tak kong pawis? Naalala ko bigla nung uminom ako ng C2 one litter. 500 calories yun ! Di na mauulit yun ! Matapos ng hirap ko sa gym, malamig na tubig na lang lagi o kaya fresh buco juice ang iinumin ko.

2. Next na punta ko, mag dadala na ko ng lalagayan ko ng tubig. Super uhaw ako. Meron naman dun water fountain, pero di ko feel maki-inom dun. Better I'll just bring my own water. Magdadala din nga pala ko ng pad-lock at di ako nakagamit ng locker kanina kasi wala kong dala.

3. 30 visits ang inavail ko at consumable lang for 6 mos. Kailangan ko mag effort para naman di masayang ang binayad ko sa gym. I need to wake up early kahit saturday para makapag gym ..... ~~I can't believe I'm saying this ....~~

4. Pagkagaling kanina sa gym, bumili ako agad ng whole wheat cereal at skim milk. Mula ngayon, eto na magiging breakfast ko, to cut down my intake of processed foods. Just wish me luck para makatagal ako ....

Lahat ng ito, ay para lang mapag bigyan ko ang mahal kong asawa. Pero kung iisipin, para sa akin din naman to. Para maging physically fit ako to keep up with him and Marianna. At dahil mahal na mahal ko sila, I will do anything for them.

Promotion

2010-02-26T20:45:00.006+08:00

Yesterday afternoon about 1pm, a memo circular was sent through our company email. Staff movements which includes promotions .... and I'm one of those fortunate people.

Promotions: Effective 01 February 2010

1. Djohanna Marie Marinas - from Accounts Clerk to Assistant Chief Accountant

2. Jose Laurence Avanzado - from Senior Fleet Personnel Officer to Acting Assistant Fleet Personnel Manager

3. Joselyn dela Cruz - Acting Fleet Personnel Officer to Fleet Personnel Officer

4. Lecita Rose Becina - from Asst. Fleet Personnel Officer to Fleet Personnel Officer

5. Reynaldo Padiernos - from Accounts Clerk to Accounts Supervisor

6. Mary Grace Gelvoleo - from Accounts Clerk to Accounts Supervisor

7. Ida Cabatingan - from Accounts Clerk to Accounts Supervisor

8. Daisy Maranan - from Accounts Clerk to Accounts Supervisor

Congratulations and keep up the good work!!

This does really made me feel good. Im a certified public accountant and when people ask me kung anong position ko sa company, I always say I'm an accountant. Medyo naddyahe kasi ako mag sabi na acctg clerk ako. And now, Assistant Chief Accountant na ko. Masarap pakingan kaysa sa clerk di ba? This year will be my 8th year in our company and this year is extra special since I got promoted this year. I guess 8 is indeed a lucky number !

At katulad ng isang aktress na nakatanggap ng award, I also had a list to thank .....

Unang - una, Nagpapasalamat ako sa Panginoon. God is good. Always. Thank you Lord, for everything !

Pangalawa, Pinasasalamatan ko ang aking mahal na asawa at mas lalo ang anak namin. Lucky Charm ko si Marianna and in all that I do, i always keep her and hubby in mind.

Pangatlo, I would like to thank my mama and papa sa pag tatyaga sa pagpaparal sa kin at hindi bumitiw sa paniniwala na maipapasa ko ang CPA board exams, hehe. Love you mama and papa.

Pang-apat, ang mga boss ko, sila Mr. and Mrs. Duran. Yup. Mag-asawa po sila. Dynamic duo. Si Mr. Duran, presidente namin at si Mrs. Duran ang Chief Accountant namin. Salamat Sir at Mam sa inyong pag titiwala sa aking kakayanan.

Pang-lima, sa mga kamag-anak at kaibigan, na ang iba pa ay laging nandyan kahit wala. Madami kasi akong kaibigan at kamag-anak na wala dito sa Pilipinas o kung nandito naman ay bihira kong makita, pero patuloy na nandyan para makinig sa aking mga sinasabi, may kahulugan man ito o walang kwenta, lagi lang silang nandyan para makinig. I want to let you know guys na napaka importante nun sa kin at sa mga panahon na sumasakit na ang ulo ko sa trabaho, di kayo nag sasawa sa pag papaalala sa kin .... maraming salamat sa inyong lahat

Sa mga kasama ko na napromote, Congrats sa inyong lahat.

Lets keep up the good work !!!

GT: Describe Yourself as a Lover

2010-02-25T06:00:00.002+08:00

I wasn't able to post last week but still I did spend V-day with my precious daughter. Although Marianna and I wasn't able to go to Jollibee, we did have a lunch/dinner date. Nagluto ako ng ginataang alimango. Natuwa ako at madami syang nakain.

For this week. We were to describe ourselves as lover. I hope this would not come across that as if nag bubuhat ako ng sarili kong bangko, hehe.

1. I would like to say Im loving first of all. I love my husband and my daughter dearly. I would give my life for them.

2. I would like to say Im understanding since my husband always thank me for being understanding eh siguro nga understanding ako.

3. I would like to say Im considerate since most of the time, not always at may mga panahon din na wala ko sa wisyo, that I put into consideration the situation before getting into an argument. Pero wala naman ako natatandaan na pag kakataon na nag away kami ni Mark o may nakaaway ako for that matter.

4. I would like to say Im patient. But still I would like to add more patience to the little of what I have left. Ganito pala pag may anak na, it will really test your patience. And as I would say "If patience is a virtue ... my virtue is getting shorter" hehe.

5. I would like to say that Im an "OA" lover. Kasi there are times, inspite of being a working mom, I do my best to give my daughter the best. Ganito pala maging mommy. Na kahit pagod na pagod ka na, you'll still find strength to play with your baby, to cook for her and like what my Marianna is into now, to take her for a walk.

Im looking forward for the GT Topics for March. I also hope i'll be able to participate weekly.

Meeting Rebekha Willis

2010-02-12T12:27:00.004+08:00

Yesterday we had a meeting with one of our owners representative. Captain Utsonomia (Capt. Utz) and Ms. Rebekha Willis from Moltank UK. Rebekha and I constantly email each other for queries and I was excited/curious to be seeing her the first time. Nagdala nga ko ng tissue, in case my nose bleed sa pag hagilap ko ng ingles pag kinausap ko na sya, hehe. The meeting turned out well, since we have discussed everything in her agenda. And request, queries in our part was answered as well.

She even gave us some chocolates

Cadburry Milk Tray

from left to right (Captain Utsonomia, Rebekha Willis, me, Mrs. Duran our Chief Accountant, Jenny Mendoza, Mr. Duran our President & Captain Dayo our Fleet Operations Manager)

Im glad to have the chance to meet someone whom I regularly has correspondence with.

Hulas hulasan kami dyan at sira ang aircon ! Si Captain Utz, panay punas ng pawis sa mukha.

Medyo mahirap din sila intindihin at may kakaibang accent. Buti na lang at tumabi ako kay Rebekha kaya nag kaintindihan naman kami (I hope so!).

I have been wondering for the longest time how Rebekha looks like. Ngayon di na ko mang huhula at I did finally meet her in person. I was able to talk with her over the phone one time and I was expecting her to be between 30-40 years old, tall and pretty. And she is. On top of it, she's nice too. So is Captain Utsonomia. I have no idea if we'll ever meet again. But one thing for sure, now , I'll look forward to it. :-)

GT: Who is your Valentine's Date for 2010?

2010-02-11T06:53:00.000+08:00

Since hubby and I got married, we haven't had the chance to spend V-day together kasi lagi sya wala dito kaya naman ordinary day lang para sa kin ang Valentines day. I usually spend the day like any other ordinary day. But this year, may ka-date na ko. I'm planning to take my daughter out for a V-day lunch/snack. Nothing fancy really. Balak ko lang mag Jollibee lang kami or Mc Do. Basta I want to spend the day with her malling and eating out. Medyo tipid pa ko ngayon at di pa marunong mag turo ang anak ko. Sasamantalahin ko na din yung araw para makapag de-stress at medyo sumasakit na ulo ko sa trabaho. Having to work during weekdays, I always look forward to weekends para I can get to play and take care of Marianna ng mas matagal. I hope we'll get more chance to spend quality time together kahit walang occassion.

Strawberries with Balsamic Vinegar

2010-02-05T06:00:00.001+08:00

STRAWBERRIES WITH BALSAMIC VINEGAR

Peachy suggested to put some balsamic vinegar with the Strawberries we bought last Saturday when we went to a blogger event. After trying this, I had regrets why I only bought one pack of strawberries. Its very simple to make and really delicious.

INGREDIENTS

1 Table spoon balsamic vinegar
1 Table spoon sugar
1 cup strawberries
pepper to taste

WHAT TO DO

mix balsamic vinegar, sugar and strawberries
marinade in room temperature for at least one hour
put pepper according to desired taste
mixture can be used as an ice cream topping or be eaten as it is

I put my balsamic strawberries on romaine lettuce salad and added a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Really tasty not to mention very healthy :-)

This is my entry for this week's FOOD FRIDAY

Have a great weekend everyone.
Happy eating !!!

GT: Describe Your One True Love

2010-02-04T06:00:00.002+08:00

I really don't know if words will justifiably describe my one true love. Physically, were practically the same height (a ft or a ft 1/2 taller than I am), he has fair skin, he has well built arms (lucky me he's a gym junkie and has strong arms, hehe) and he's super cute (of course its my husband here we're talking about). But more that these physical attributes, he's more than I wished for a partner. He's very responsible, a proven hard worker, very sweet, faithful, loving and he always has perfect timing when to make me laugh. I miss him terribly. Its sad we have to be apart because of his work. But what holds us together despite of distance is our true love for each other. No exact words can describe my one true love. What I can say is that he's PERFECT for he's the one that God gave to me to be my partner for life. I miss you sweetie. Advance Happy Valentines day. Love and kisses from me and Marianna.

Chocolate Oatmeal No-bake Cookies

2010-02-03T21:11:00.008+08:00

My bff Peachy gave me this chocolate oatmeal mix for Christmas. Would you believe I was only able to make them yesterday? I was looking for an easy No-bake recipe since we don't have an oven.

chocolate oatmeal cookie mix given to me by Peachy

And here are my cookies. Chewy and very chocolatey as you can see.
What I did was I boiled a mixture of 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup butter and the sugar in the jar.
After boiling the mixture for about 2 minutes, I just mixed the liquid mixture with the remaining ingredients in the jar. After mixing thoroughly, I just placed a spoonful of each cookie mixture in a wax paper lined cookie sheet and chill the cookies until in hardened.

I have been munching on this as a snack and after meal. Peachy knows very well I'm a chocoholic. Thanks again for this Peachy :-)

Baby Bed Time Discoveries by Johnson & Johnson

2010-01-31T11:43:00.023+08:00

I'm lucky to have the chance to attend Johnson and Johnson's special event for bloggers entitled "Baby Bedtime A to Zzzs". They were very gracious to allow me to come along with my BFF Peachy, who got the invitation to attend the event. The presentation was held at the Japan room of the Ascot Residences in Makati City last Saturday, January 30, 2010.

It was hosted by celebrity mom Tin-Tin Bersola - Babao, who was in spite of having her C - section scheduled early the next day, although very pregnant, is still as blooming as ever (some people are just sooo lucky).

Dr. Luis Rivera, a member of the Philippine Society for Sleep Medicine ( I didn't even know there's a specific study about sleeping ), was there to explain the importance of sleep in every baby / toddler / growing child's physical and mental growth and development. He explained to us, through slides, the results of the sleep study conducted by J&J.

There are three steps that Johnson's recommends for ensuring a more sound and restful sleep for your baby. The steps were demonstrated by midwives J&J brought to the event along with some volunteer mommy bloggers.

Step 1: A warm bath or punas using Johnson's baby bedtime bath
Step 2: A soothing massage with Johnson's baby bedtime lotion
Step 3: Some quiet time with Johnson's baby bedtime powder

These steps were demonstrated by the midwives and were done in a way that anyone could easily do themselves at home with their babies. I find myself at the front near the stations since I was very interested in the step by step process so that I can do these properly with Marianna. They showed us ways on how to properly give sponge baths to infants. I love step 2 the most. They thought us the I L U (i love you), milking and butterfly style of massaging. While quiet time consist of story telling & singing soft lullabies and putting Johnson's bedtime powder to your baby.

After the demonstrations, there were games and a Q & A portion where the mommy bloggers brought up their concerns about their kids' sleeping behaviors.

After eating a hearty lunch, also courtesy of J&J, the attendees were given goodie bags with the products that were used in the demos and a very comfy slippers for us mommies.

I enjoyed attending my first ever blogger event very much since being a first time mom, I want to know everything that could be very useful on raising up my Marianna the best that she can be. Thank you very much Johnson & Johnson for this opportunity.

If you want to know more about Johnson & Johnson's Baby Bedtime products and other very useful information and tips, you can log into :
http://www.babycenter.com.ph/bedtime

Food Friday - Fried Oreos & Chocolate Covered Cornflakes

2010-01-29T12:30:00.005+08:00

I love desserts and I just discovered these two very simple to make sweets that would only take minutes to make.

CHOCOLATE COVERED CORN FLAKES

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup cornflakes

semi-sweet chocolate chips

wax paper

cookie sheet

What to do:

melt chocolate chips in a double broiler or microwave oven

i used a microwave oven and it took approximately 30 - 50 seconds to melt the chocolates

mix the cornflakes in the melted chocolate

scoop in mixture in a cookie sheet with wax paper

refrigerate till it hardens

FRIED OREOS

Ingredients:

Oreo cookies

Pancake mix

Powdered sugar (optional)

Canola Oil for frying

What to do:

Freeze oreo cookies for at least 3 hours

Prepare pancake mixture according to package direction

Dip frozen oreo cookies to pancake mixture

Fry in hot oil

Place fried oreo cookies in a table napkin to remove excess oil

Sprinkle powdered sugar if desired

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Have a great weekend everyone

Happy eating :-)

GT : First Boyfriend

2010-01-29T11:58:00.005+08:00

It's my first time to join here. I find the topics very interesting as I read the GT entries from Peachy kaya i decided to join, if I may.

My first, and my last boyfried was my ex-boyfriend, now my hubby, Mark. Lucky I would say that I had found my match on the first try. Eh kasi naman 23 na ko nung nagkaboy friend kaya medyo kwidaw na ko sa mga nag papalipad hangin sa kin nun. I said yes to Mark then kasi I find him very sincere. Salamat sa Diyos at di naman pala ako nagkamali. He was everything that I wanted and more. And now, meron na kaming Marianna :-)

20 Steps for Lowering Daily Stress

2010-01-19T20:28:00.005+08:00

Got this tips from ready the "20 very easy tips for lowering your daily stress level by Gretchen Rubin". This immediately got my attention since I have been experiencing stress from work this past few days and I just don't want these simple stresses to accumulate and just fell flat out from a heart attack.

So, if you feel like your stress level is high, try to tick off some items on this list. A little effort now means a lot less stress, later.

Go to bed thirty minutes earlier than usual.

- i go to bed when im sleepy. i dont really have a fixed time when. i should sleep earlier when possible.

Get up twenty minutes earlier than usual.

- this one is quite difficult to do specially when its cold and you're with your special someone, hehe. but to save from "gahol" moments, its always better to get up earlier than usual.

Before you go to sleep, prepare for the morning.

- its always good to be prepared. but when you have a fool load, you'll be lucky to have energy left to make a list, or even mentally prepare for the next day.

Bring a hat and an umbrella.

- do you get stressed when you get wet? i dont. i usually get colds, hehe.

Don’t wear tight clothes or uncomfortable shoes.

- comfort, ease of movement, hassle free = less stress

Make a list.

- this is very useful when you have a time frame. to save time and go do things as scheduled.

Listen to a favorite song.

- this does the trick for me. it eases up the tensions when i listen and sing a favorite song, specially when its catchy.

Keep extra cash and stamps in the house.

- having no money is indeed stressful. i don't know about stamps ..... i usually send emails, hehe.

Be polite and be fair.

- it feels good to be polite. and its less stressful when you know you're fair.

Laugh out loud.

- laughing is indeed a great way to release stress. sometimes i even intentionally laugh out load when im a little stressed out and it works.

Have a good book to read.

- it keeps your mind off the stressful things. just make sure that the topic of the book is light and not that would add up to your stress.

Keep an extra set of keys.

- hehe. i see people being pissed when they weren't able to go inside their house since they left their keys in. who would be happy to sleep outside their house?

Exercise.

- this one i have to engage to. they say exercising brings out the adrenalins (happy hormones) in our body. got to make time for exercise.

Always keep your passport in the same place.

- or any important documents in this case. its very stressful, not to mention time consuming to look for missing things that are very important.

Throw something away.

- does does refer to throwing things at somebody? or throwing anything unuseful? either way i think this would lower your stress level.

Don’t say mean things about other people.

- negative things said leaves negative feelings and this contributes to stress

Put a Bandaid in your wallet.

- or anything for first aid so that minor accidents won't lead to bigger infections.

Keep gas in the car.

- who won't be stressed out if you ran out of gas?

Pay attention to someone else.

- sometimes its nice to know things about other people, it takes your mind out from your own problems.

Make your bed.

- less clutter, clear mind. clear mind, less stress.

These are some tips from the article i just read. There would be other effective
tips to lessen worries/troubles/stress.

My personal addition to this, look at your love ones pictures. Me, looking at hubby and baby's picture almost always do the trick :-)

Wishes do come True

2010-01-17T09:13:00.003+08:00

Luke 11:9-10
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks, it will be opened.

I firmly believe in this and attest that God wants to bless our heart through the abundance of his love. In his own time and ways, of course, which is the perfect time always.

One of my wishes that did came true is having Marianna. Mag bf/gf pa lang kami nun ni Mark when I wished to have a baby girl that would look like Mark. True to this, after getting married, we were immediately blessed with a baby girl, that many says,looks exactly like my hubby. Indeed a wish came true.

For our next baby, we're hoping for a boy. And i'm secretly hoping it would be twins. May lahi din naman kami ng kambal both sides. And since i was a kid, im fond of eating twin bananas (iugnay daw ba sa pagkakaron ng anak na kambal?). Isa pa, my mom told me that my kuya and I supposed to have twin siblings. Kaya pala medyo malayo din agwat namin ni kuya (6 years). She had to undergo forced abortion when my supposedly twin brothers was already 5 months in her tummy. Malay naman natin, sa akin matuloy yung kambal. Pero a boy from God will already answer our prayers. O kahit girl ulit. Mas importante healthy at walang problema. Kahit ano naman na bigay ni Lord will be greatly appreciated and treasured.

Another wish of mine that did came true is having our own house. I just wished for it and leave everything to faith. True enough, opportunity came and now, we're already living in a house already registered in our name. God is good indeed.

This year, Im hoping opportunity knocks again for us. Im hoping that hubby will no longer need to work on board. Malungkot kasi pag di magkasama. Missed times together can't be rewind. There are even times that I have no communication with him at di ko maiwasan mag alala. All these years, im leaving my fears and worries into Gods hands na di nya pababayaan si Mark. And I'll forever be thankful dahil di nya kami pinababayaan.

In every wishes or hopes that we have, some will be granted, others will not but lets always keep in mind that everything happens for a reason and for our own good.

If you have anything that you're heart desires, true and sincere and good, just ask and leave everything to God. Just believe and it will come true.

And the countdown begins ....

2010-01-09T11:48:00.005+08:00

Hubby left for his flight early this morning at 7am. Sa Amsterdam sya magjojoin sa barko nila at madaling araw sa oras dito bukas ang dating nya dun. Hindi na namin inihatid sa airport ni Marianna at di naman pwedeng tumambay dun at para di na din madagdagan lungkot ko sa pag alis ulit nya. Medyo mas malungkot ako nung alis nya last time at bigla bigla. Sinabihan sya na aalis ng Tuesday tapos umalis na sya ng Wednesday ng gabi. Medyo nabigla ako at sobrang lungkot ko nun bukod sa kailangan ko pa mag hakot ng gamit mula sa apartment na inupahan namin pa migrate sa mga mama ko ulit. Ngayon, masasabi ko na tama lang ang oras para makapag handa ako, emotionally. Tingin ko nasabi naman namin lahat sa isa't isa ang mga dapat sabihin. Sa ngayon, wala akong dapat gawin kundi asikasuhin at alagaan ng mabuti ang anak ko at pumasok sa opisina. Kailangan ko magpaka busy ever. Gusto kong mag karon ng business. Kahit small scale lang. Yun ang next na goal namin mag asawa kasunod ng pagkakaron namin ng bahay. Given the opportunity this year, i will grab the chance to start a business. God willing if this would materialize and be successful, Im hoping hubby will stay here for good. 8 months contract nya sa barko and he'll be here by end of August or first week of September as scheduled. Nag greet na din kami ng happy valentines, happy easter at happy birthday para sa mga occasions na di kami magkasama. Katulad ng mga dati kong ginagawa pag umaalis si Mark, nag ccountdown ako till he comes back home again. I'll count this day already kaya 7 mos 29 days na lang, nandito na sya ulit. Ilang tulog na lang at may kayakap na ulit ako :-).

I'll be missing you ... yet again

2010-01-08T12:14:00.003+08:00

I was about to make an entry for food friday but im really not in the mood of doing anything. Lo bat ako at nasasad at aalis nanaman ang aking mahal na asawa. Yet another 8 months to count until he arrives again for work. hay ... eto yung part na ayaw ko and one of the disadvantages kung ofw ang better half mo. oh well. sacrifices had to be done and this is part of our sacrifice. a light one for some since mas mahirap pa nga pinagdadaanan ng ibang couples pero ewan ko ba bakit di pa din ako masanay sanay at dinadamdam ko pa din pag umaalis sya. pero may mga pagkakaiba ngayon kaysa nung mga nakaraang alis ni mark.

Una,hindi na ko mag hahakot ng gamit. Nakadalawang hakot kasi ako ng gamit at nagugupahan lang kami nung unang dalawang alis nya. Ang hirap mag hakot ng gamit. Lalo na at ako lahat halos ang nag aayos. Ngayon, di na ako mag mimigrate kay mama at may sarili na kaming bahay. Salamat sa Diyos.

Pangalawa, medyo malaki na si Marianna. Pwede na kaming mamasyal at maglibang at pwede na syang maisama.

Pangatlo, di nya ako iiwang buntis (naku sana nga!). nung nabuntis kasi ako kay marianna, nakaalis na sya nung nalaman ko na buntis nga ko. naku naka ilang timba na luha yata ako yung duration na di ko sya kasama. ganun pala pag buntis. super sensitive. feeling ko sobra akong kawawa. kaya ngayon sinabihan ko sya na sa susunod na magkakababy ulit kami, di muna sya aalis at parang na troma na ko sa sobrang lungkot.

Pang apat, kasama ko na sa bahay mama nya, si mama rowena at sis nya na si rio. less stress ito para sa kin kasi sigurado ako na maaalagaan ng maayos si marianna. di katulad pag iniwan mo sa ibang tao.

Pang lima, mas marami akong aktibidades na naka linya na gawin kaya i'll be super busy. more things to do, less time to be sad (hopefully).

I'll be missing you yet again sweetie. Take good care of yourself for me and marianna. As we always say pag nasa barko ka, till the next text, calls and emails.
I love you forever.

Philippine holidays and long-weekend schedule for 2010

2010-01-06T08:32:00.002+08:00

Tuwing umpisa ng taon, naka ugalian ko ng tumingin ng mga holidays para mag plano ng mga lakad at kadalasan syempre hinahanap ko kung san matatapat yung long weekends.

Eto ang aking napag alaman ...

Here is the schedule of Philippine holidays and long-weekends for 2010 based on RA 9492 and Proclamation 1841

January 1 (Fri) - New Year's Day (five-day long weekend from December 30 to January 3)February 22 (Mon) - EDSA Revolution Anniversary April 1 (Thu) - Holy ThursdayApril 2 (Fri) - Good Friday (four-day long weekend from April 1 to 4)April 9 (Fri) - Araw ng Kagitingan (three-day long weekend from April 9 to 11)May 1 (Sat) - Labor DayJune 14 (Mon) - Independence Day (three-day long weekend from June 12 to 14)August 23 (Mon) - Ninoy Aquino Day (three-day long weekend from August 21 to 23)August 30 (Mon) - National Heroes Day (three-day long weekend from August 28 to 30)September - Eid'l Fitr (to be announced, calculated September 10, possible three-day long weekend from September 10 to 12)November 1 (Mon) - All Saints Day (three-day long weekend from October 30 to November 1)November - Eid 'l Adha (to be announced, calculated November 16)November 29 (Mon) - Bonifacio Day (three-day long weekend from November 27 to 29)December 24 (Fri) - Non-Working HolidayDecember 25 (Sat) - ChristmasDecember 27 (Mon) - Rizal Day (four-day long weekend from December 24 to 27)December 31 (Fri) - Non-Working HolidayJanuary 1 - (Sat) New Year's Day (three-day long weekend from December 31 to January 2) ---

Taken from the Manila Bulletin Travel blog's post.

Sana ay makatulong ito sa inyo o makapag bigay tuwa kahit papaano :-)

Makulit na si Marianna

2010-01-04T12:32:00.003+08:00

Yan po ang makulit at syempre cute kong anak na si Marianna.

As of today 1 year old, 3 mos and 7 days na sya.

Mabilis na sya maglakad at hinahawi pa o tinutulak kung sino man ang nakaharang sa kanyang daraanan. Nakakaakyat na din sya hangang tatlong baitang ng hagdan. Medyo natatakot nga lang bumaba kaya inaalalayan pag bumababa sya.

Marunong na sya uminom sa straw tska sa baso. Minsan lang ay nasasamid pag gumagamit ng straw at nasosobrahan ng higop. Malakas na din sya kumain ng solid food. Mahilig sya sa spaghetti, pansit at sopas.

Ngayon, takot sa kanya si Raine, anak ng kuya ko na halos kasing idaran nya at matanda lang ng 27 days (Sept 1 si Raine, Sept 28 naman si Marianna). Kasi naman, inaagaw ni Marianna kung ano man ang hawak ni Raine. Hinahawakan pa yung kabilang kamay nya at biglang kinukuha yung hawak nya sa isang kamay. Kaya tuloy ngayon si Raine, makita pa lang sya ay umiiyak na.
Maliit pa lang, mukhang may pagka siga tong anak ko. Nagmana siguro sa akin at ayaw akuin ni Mark yung ugali nya na ganun. Nung maliit kasi ako, may pagka pasaway din ako. Ayan tuloy. Mukhang unti-unti, magpapatotoo na ko sa sabi-sabi na kung ano ginawa mo, gagawin din sa yo ng anak mo. he he.

Kagabi, nagising sya ng alanganing oras. Nasuka kasi ang bata at madaming nakaing french fries dun sa mga kuya ko tapos sinupal palan pa ng 2 bote ng gatas ng ama. Kaya ayun, 10pm na ay gising na gising pa din. Ginawa namin, pinatayan namin sya ng ilaw at kunyari tulog na din kami. Sigaw ng sigaw at nananawag. Nung medyo tumahimik, akala namin tulog na. Tapos may biglang lumanding na unan sa min. Binato nya yung unan nya sa min, hehe. Talaga naman. Syempre wala naman kami nagawa kung di tumawa.

Ang sarap ng may anak. Mahirap na masaya. Mahirap kasi syempre ibang iba ang buhay may anak na kaysa yung kayong dalawa pa lang mag asawa. Di na pwedeng matulog hangang gusto mo at kailangan bigyan ng gatas o palitan ng diaper ang bata. Na kahit antok na antok ka na ay mapipilitan kang kumilos at maglinis ng maduming bote ng anak mo. Na kahit pagod na pagod ka na ay pupunasan mo sya at pag luluto para kumain. Masaya naman kasi iba yung pakiramdam e. Hindi ko ma paliwanag ng konkreto. Pag may anak ka na, mas may kahulugan ang buhay. Hindi ka na nabubuhay para sa sarili mo. Nabubuhay ka para sa kanila.

Mahal na mahal ka namin ng Daddy mo anak. Marami pa kami madidiskubre sa ugali mo habang lumalaki ka at umpisa pa lang yan. Kung ano pa man, dito lang kami para sumubaybay sa yo at maggabay para malaman mo kung ano ang tama. Naway, tama naman ang maituro namin, hehe.

My Trendy Vintage Bike

2010-01-03T18:54:00.003+08:00

Yan po ang bago kong bike. Bigay ng kuya ko. Nung minsan kasi nung umuwi ako, binati ko tong bike na to. Ganda kasi ng kulay. Tapos tinanong ko kuya ko kung magkano bili nya. Sabay sabi na akin na lang daw. Di ko nga pinansin at akala ko ay nagbibiro lang sya. Kahapon, dinala nya na lang sa amin at binigay na nga talaga sa akin. Thanks Kuya :-)

Gusto ko talaga mag bike. Exercise na rin. Pero kailangan ko pa mag practice. Foot break kasi yung bike, may shifter at ang laki ng handle bars, hirap pa ako lumiko. At isa pa, tagal na nung huli ako nag bike. High school pa siguro ko nun. Pero nakakapag bike pa naman ako nung sinubukan ko paandarin.

Media Noche Eats

2010-01-01T08:28:00.008+08:00

FOOD FRIDAY

This is our Media Noche spread yesterday.

I prepared the pepperoni and cheese rolls and the sotanghon soup. Hubby requested the sotanghon, for long life na din.

Round Fruits with fresh fruit salad on the side, Tikoy Rolls and Hopia for Good luck.

Pork Barbeque and Crispy Pata courtesy of my brother.
The Crispy Pata is bought in Jamicos Restaurant in Malabon and my brother is a frequent customer because of their famous Judy Ann Crispy Pata.

Happy New Year Everbody. Wishing us all happiness, success, peace, prosperity, good luck, good health and love this new year. God bless always.

Good bye 2009, Hello 2010

2009-12-31T09:09:00.005+08:00

Today is the last day of the Year 2009, looking back, this year has been good to us. All honor and glory is of course to the Lord.

In my birthday wishes posted here in my blog (click link to read post), I had four material wishes and two of them came true. Its kinda surreal kasi parang suntok sa buwan din when I wished for those things. This year, we were able to buy our own house, my material wish number one. And together with the house, the previous owner also sold his entertainment system for a very reasonable price, with a LCD TV, my material wish number four. Next year, I'm eyeing on an oven para makapag aral na mag bake. And my last material wish then, ang manalo sa lotto. I guess I have to bet first before winning huh? This one I can't promise since Im not fond of betting. I'll just do my best to be able to be more giving/generous ng maitreat ko ng bonggangbongga ang mga mahal ko sa buhay (family & friends syempre).

I don't really make resolutions. I just do my best to change whatever needs to be changing. As per my personal evaluation, i hope to be more patient, more organized, more understanding and more giving.

For wishes and hopes for me and my family: first and foremost good health for all, second: blessings that are enough to have a decent living for anything in excess is not good and more time to spend together.

As the year comes to a close, in all that has been said and done, I wish everyone a very Happy and Prosperous New Year. In everything that we do, the key is to do your best and leave the rest to our Lord and all will be fine. God bless Everyone.

Best Buy sa Riles

2009-12-30T20:58:00.002+08:00

I bought this early this morning at our local palengke here in Caloocan. Dun nakapwesto sa may riles at kailangan mo pang pasukin para makita. Simula nung nahilig ako magluto, naging interested din ako sa mga ceramics to where I will present my cooked dishes. And since I go for the "cheaper alternative" having good finds like this makes me giddy inside. Its a good thing I was able to wake up early to go with my mama. The medium size bowls cost me Php 70.00 each. I find them cute. Dun ko lalagay pag nagluto ako ng pansit or chopsuey. The big pot with the swirls I bought for Php 100.00. I was planning to transfer my herbs there na hangang ngayon nasa plastic container pa din simula nung binili ko sa Sonya's garden sa Tagaytay nung anniversary namin. I hope to find more "good finds" the next time I go there.

Pic A Boo Pics

2009-12-30T10:22:00.008+08:00

Kahit nung mag bf/gf pa lang kami ni hubby, we make it a point that we have some studio pics together everytime he's on vacation. Last year, may family picture kami nung binyag ni Marianna, maliit pa nga lang sya nun syempre kaya di pa display worthy yung mga kuha namin. This year, we were glad we had the chance to have our pics taken sa Pic - A - Boo sa SM City North - the Block. The top frame costs us about Php 3600+ including the pictures and the actual shots syempre. Marianna was allowed to wear three outfits. The dress that she has on for our family portrait and two costumes. Mark and I choose the Snow White and Duckie outfit for her. Madami naman mapapagpipilian na costume and it took as quite a while to decide on those two settings for her. Kung di nga lang medyo mahal, i would like all the pictures to be on a frame. Super cute kasi. May kuha pa sya nun sa Snow White outfit nya na kinakagat nya yung apple. Snow white na snow white talaga talaga yung dating. Tapos nun sa Duckie naman, super cute din yung mga kuha kahit yung nag iiyak na sya kasi nag mamaktol na. Pagod na kasi ang bata. Sobrang dami ng nagpapakuha dun, biruin nyo, we were there 1pm, 6pm na kami nasalang. Kasama nga namin sila mama and sila Ria and Raine, papapikturan ko din sana kaso gabi na. Nagpaiwan na nga lang kami kaya kami nakapag pakuha. Anyways, nung nakuha naman kahapon yung mga pics namin, sulit naman at tuwang tuwa din si Marianna. Hangang ngayon nga lagi syang nakatingin sa picture nya na nakasabit sa ding ding namin.

And here is the solo framed family picture. I insisted on this one kasi di ko masyado feel yung kuha ko dun sa isa. But since cute na cute naman ang mag ama ko, i agreed on that picture na din. This one is also placed in our living room. Ganda ng anak ko dito syempre. Very angelic with very round innocent eyes like mommy. he he.

Our next studio picture will be next year. Pag dating ulit ni Mark for vacation from work.
In our family, we haven't got the chance to have our picture taken as a family except nung debut ko na ginupit ko naman yung album at kailangan kong i-scan para sa mga tita ko sa US.
Ngayon na may sarili na akong family, I will make it a point that we'll have our family picture as often as possible. I want these moments to be saved for Marianna to appreciate in the future.

Chips and Dips

2009-12-25T10:58:00.003+08:00

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY this week
I had these prepared yesterday for our movie marathon for Noche Buena
Cheese, Chili con Carne and Salsa dip for Chips
With ice cold root beer and green tea, a perfect snack that would keep you awake and alert to open and give gifts this Christmas

Merry Christmas Everyone. Happy eating :-)

HS Buds Mini Christmas Party

2009-12-20T07:09:00.006+08:00

Yesterday, a mini Christmas party was held here at our house. Attendees were good friends of mine that were also my former high school classmates at La Consolacion College Caloocan. I'm very fortunate to have friends like them and that we don't loose touch through the years. Counting, its been 13 years since we graduated from high school, through these years, its nice that we still get to see each other once in a while to chat. They were so gracious enough to bring food and we had a mini feast to share. I prepared some tuna fussilli pasta and tacos. I had a great time Florence, Peachy, Emielyn and Romelia. Hope to see you guys again soon. Merry Christmas !!!

2nd Year Wedding Anniversary Celebration

2009-12-19T10:55:00.017+08:00

It was our 2nd year wedding anniversary last 15th of December and to celebrate, we decided to go to Tagaytay. We left Marianna with Mama Wena and Tita Rio and its just the two of us who went there. We got there by bus and was able to check in the Taal vista hotel at approximately 3pm on the 14th. Swerte na din at nagkataon, there was a promo on the superior suite. It was normally priced at Php 6,500.oo/night but because of the promo to SMAC (SM advantage card) holders, we were able to avail the same room at Php 2,888.00. A room with a king size bed, a bath tub and a great view of the Taal lake, not bad huh?

Front view of Taal Vista Inn

Great view of the Taal lake, taken from the hotel.

From there, we had a quick snack at a near Mc Donald's place and head on to Picnic Grove and Peoples park. Wala kaming sasakyan kaya nag tricycle lang kami. Kinontrata kami of course, he asked for 500 pesos. We agreed and then we head on our way.

Zip Line at the Picnic Grove. Mark is willing to try this but not me. I'm not the adventurous type.
Kabayo nga ayaw ko sumakay e. Nagsawa lang sila kakaalok, he he.

Medyo gabi na when we arrived at the tallest part of Tagaytay, the Palace in the sky/Peoples Park.
Sooobrang lamig dyan. Ang lakas lakas pa ng hangin.

After this, we were able to stop by at a convenient store to grab some stuff then I insisted that we stop by BAG of BEANS and the MUSHROOM BURGER store to grab some food to take out for our dinner. Our tricycle service was gracious enough to take us there.

Blueberry Cheesecake and Caramel Machiado from Bag of Beans for Me

Royal Mushroom Burger for Mark

The next day, as suggested by Laarnie, a good friend of ours, we decided to go to Leslie's for Brunch.

We had Sinigang na hipon, Sizzling mixed seafoods and Leslies Special Turon for dessert.

We ate here in the resto's "kubo type" dinning area

Site from the Kubo Dinning Area of Leslie's

After checking out from the hotel, i insisted to go to Sonya's Secret Garden to buy some of its famous Parmesan Cheese hopia.
Taken at Sonya's Panaderia. We bought some hopia and kapeng barako for mama. I also bought a pot of basil and mint plants.

I just can't resist not having my picture taken in this set up.

We're very fortunate that we had the chance to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary together considering hubby frequently leaves for work.
Sweetie, having you with me, during this special time means a lot to me more than anything.
Looking forward to more anniversaries to celebrate.
You and Marianna means everything to me.
I love you always.

Leslie's Special Turon

2009-12-18T12:38:00.002+08:00

LESLIE'S SPECIAL TURON

We had this for dessert when we ate at Leslie's in Tagaytay (Php 175.00).

I was expecting finger food turon and what we had were 3 extra large version of the ordinary turong saging. It has lots of langka. I presumed that the bananas were pre boiled before it was rolled with the lumpia wrapper and fried. Topped with condensed milk, langka, sesame seeds and cherry halves, they are really a must try if you happen to pass by Tagaytay.

This is may entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Happy eating and Have a great weekend ahead

TACO BELL'S NACOS BELL GRANDE

2009-12-11T06:00:00.000+08:00

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week.

We had a quick bite at Taco Bell's last week while on a mall trip at Trinoma.

I had the "Nachos Bell Grande" (Php 119) and hubby ordered a Beef burrito (Php 89.00). We both had bottomless iced tea ( Php 59.oo ea) and had it filled up again to carry it with us as we continue malling.

The Nachos are worth every penny. It tastes really good.

Have a great weekend everybody. Happy eating :-)

Sampung pisong kaligayahan

2009-12-09T17:15:00.006+08:00

Yan po mga kaibigan ang sampung pisong kaligayahan ko nung sinakay ni Mark si Marianna sa cowlike contraption na ito sa isang grocery/mini mall malapit sa amin. Sa halagang P 10, nasiyahan ako sa pag kuha sa kanila ng litrato gamit ang aking cell phone kaya naman kahit na may kalabuan ang mga kuha ko ay malugod at masigasig ko itong pinapakita sa inyo. Talaga nga naman di mo matutumbasan ng salapi ang tunay na kaligayahan.

Twilight Saga : New Moon

2009-12-02T12:41:00.004+08:00

Mark and I watched New Moon last Monday at the Robinsons place ermita movie theater. The last time I went out to see a movie is also with him and its Twilight. Im predicting that the next time we'll get to see a movie again is for the 3rd installment of this book series. Anyways, i would say this is better than the first one. Medyo bitin lang ako sa mga fight scenes. I kept on waiting for Victoria to attack Bella, pero nabitin lang ako. I don't read the book kaya I can't really say if the movie adaptation is lacking. What I can say is TEAM JACOB ako, he he. Taylor Laughtner here is so buff and beautiful as Bella said. I was wondering why I was so mesmerized by Edward nun sa Twilight. Nawala appeal nya sa kin nung nakita ko si Jacob dito. Lampayatot sya and maputla (vampire effect) unlike Jacob na very musculine and well-built. Oh well, kakasal na si Bella and Edward next and we'll be watching again to follow this movie franchise up to the end of the series.

Missed blogging

2009-12-01T09:06:00.003+08:00

Grabe. Isa lang entry ko ng November ! I have been busy with work, being with hubby and baby, doing chores (mostly cooking) and playing cafe world and country life(nauubos oras ko dito). Enough of these excuses. I have to give atleast 10-20 minutes a day for my blog. Its already December, my goal is to make at least 15 entries for this month. Wish me luck. At sipagin nawa ako.

Marianna's First Trick or Treat

2009-11-02T20:56:00.005+08:00

Last Saturday, we went to Sm north edsa for Marianna's first trick or treat. After lunch na kami nakapunta at siniguro namin na ok na panahon.

Kuha namin ni Marianna sa harap ng Toy Kingdom.

Dun na din kami bumili ng pumpkin na lalagyan nya ng candies.

She dressed up as a fairy. Set yang outfit na yan nung binili ni mark with skirt, wand, wings tska headband. Yung wings tska wand lang nagamit nya kasi ayaw nya suot yung headband tapos di ko na din pinasuot yung skirt at di naman kagandahan.

Silang mag daddy sa may stage sa baba ng the Block. May activities mga bata pero di na kami nakisali. Nag picture picture na lang kami.

Kuha namin sa Face shop. Ako ang nanghihingi ng candy at nag sasabi ng "trick or treat". Nag iikot lang kami para mag pa picure, he he.

Yan yung last picture namin na hawak nya yung wand nya. Nabitawan nya kasi at di ko naman napansin na nalaglag na pala. hay ....

Yan ang laman ng lalagyan nya. Konting candy, lapis tska sabon. Yaan mo anak, next year, cacarerin na natin yan talaga. Pati si mommy mag cocostume para panalo, he he. Di bale, nag enjoy naman kami at natuwa naman si Marianna kasi nga madaming bata. Next year for sure mas matutuwa sya at kasama na sya sa mga tatakbong mga bata.

Chicken Adobo Flakes

2009-10-30T06:00:00.002+08:00

I often make this for Mark since he loves to eat adobo flakes for breakfast and I find the store bought ones a little expensive considering its quite easy to prepare

Ingredients:

One whole chicken breast (bone in)

One half bottle of adobo marinade ( i often use silver swan - Php 15 per small bottle)

3 pcs laurel leaves

a few peppercorns

one cup water

Procedure:

Mix marinade, laurel leaves, pepper corns and water.

Boil in chicken with mixture in low heat for at least one hour or until chicken is very tender and meat is separating from the bones.

Drain chicken from the sauce. Reserve sauce for later use.

When chicken is cool enough to handle, remove meat from the bone and flake meat into desired thickness.

Put chicken flakes back to reserved sauce and continue cooking until sauce evaporates completely.

Place mixture in a container and freeze overnight.

Fry flakes in cooking oil until desired crispness is achieved.

Serve with salted egg and tomatoes on the side if desired.

This is my entry for FOOD FRIDAY for this week

Happy Eating !!!

Home Made Chicken Embotido

2009-10-23T06:00:00.003+08:00

Made this last week just to give it a try and it turned out to be good.

I'll be making more next time.

Got the recipe from kitchenomics.com and just added some ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 ground chicken meat

3 pieces cheese dog, cut into small pieces

1 small can green peas, drained

1 small carrots, cut into small pieces

2 small pack raisins

1 piece egg

2 slices pan americano, cut into cubes and soaked in evaporated milk

salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

COMBINE all ingredients.

WRAP every 3/4 cup of mixture with aluminum foil.

ROLL.

STEAM for one hour.

COOL and CHILL overnight.

UNWRAP and SLICE .

FRY before serving if desired.

This is my entry for this week's FOOD FRIDAY

Have a great weekend everyone.

Happy eating !!!