When I found out that this year’s mother’s day will coincide with our little guy’s third birthday, I was giddy. I knew we weren’t preparing anything grand. No Kentucky Derby Party Invitations, no parlor games, no fancy loot bags this time, but I was thrilled nevertheless because this birthday boy shows more excitement and is now able to get a grasp of birthdays and celebrations and he actually looked forward to his birthday gifts, cakes and all the works. His first birthday, did not have that effect on him, regardless of how grand we made it for him.
Here are some of the photos taken from the morning he woke up and opened his gifts until the celebration we had at Barrio Fiesta, sponsored by his ever loving favorite Tita Ninang Rose.
One of the gazillion of photos we took from our little guy’s third birthday celebration. More shots coming later. Little sister treated us in Barrio Fiesta. Thanks sissy! You are always generous with everything that you have. We appreciate you. One of the first things she made sure that I have with me when I hopped in their Hilux 4×4 was if I have our camera with me. Surely, I told her.
There’s just no stopping this girl when it comes to taking pictures. Nothing will get in her way. This shot is from her mobile phone. We both sandwiched dear mother in this shot. I was telling dear mom that she has got to start using those anti-wrinkle creams because the lines are really starting to show when I checked out our photos. At her age, even if she could pass for one of those candidates of life insurance no medical exam that I see advertised on the papers, I still believe it is possible for her to take good care of her skin and look the groovy lola that she is.
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Tomorrow, our son will be celebrating his birthday and will be turning three years old. I’m glad that during the first few months before and after his birth my wife had made an online journal in her previous blog (which she eventually transferred to this site). It served as an alternative to making scrapbooks but it is nothing like the real thing.
In fact, if you are into scrapbooking, I would recommend a new online store that is just about scrap booking. This site offers a wide variety of scrapbook supplies including scrapbook organizers, specialty paper, markers and pens, paints and glazes, premade scrapbook pages, rub on transfers, albums, embellishments, scrapbook tools, stickers, tools, transparencies and overlays, adhesives, stamps and inks and much more. Continue Reading »
One of the places that has been like a must go for me and the hubby whenever we frequent Baguio (which is not very often, by the way) is Cafe by the Ruins. More than just the historical significance of the place, it’s ambiance is better than your regular cafe. I love their lemon curd crepe and the simplicity, classy feel that the place have. We chanced upon the cafe this time around when we were just going around the area. The roads in Baguio have gone crazy. We figured it was brought about by the construction of SM City. If there’s anything, they sure have conquered the place. We just had to go visit the cafe when we chanced upon it and having had our dinner already, we came in for dessert and of course some picture taking.
It was said that the place where the cafe stands used to be a pre-war residence of one of the governors of the Benguet Province. The original structure was ruined by American soldiers in pursuit of the Japanese soldiers. All that was practically left was a wall and in 1988 the present owners of the lot built a cafe themed in the very history of the place. Interesting eh? Their food is not that spectacular but the ambiance is definitely wonderful.
One of the things that the hubby and I love doing and we currently are passionate about is blogging. We actually often blog simultaneously from our respective computers. We recently learned about IZEA’s new offering - SocialSpark. This team gives us yet another neat way for bloggers like us to earn online. Needless to say, I did not waste time and I signed up right away. As bloggers who are into advertising service like us, the kind of set up this team has is relatively new to us—and we’re glad. We are able to connect with the adverts and fellow bloggers and actually have my profile work the same way as other social network does. It’s like an all-in-one networking/making money online kind of thing and that makes it just about the neatest. Continue Reading »
These are three of my favorite shots from our vacation in Baguio. I have always loved strawberries. And even if I did not actually get to pick those little darlings myself, I love the fact that I actually beheld more than just a handful for my eyes to feast upon. We drove to La Trinidad where the famous strawberry farm was and we just loved the place. It was practically the same from the roads to the shops that are all over the place from the time I remember it when we were last there several years ago — and I’m glad. Not that I do not like progress, because you see, the roads could really use one. But I just love the feeling of going back to a familiar place.
These shots were taken by the hubby from our A620 on manual setting and boy did he capture them all perfectly — just like those of the commercials. Now, we both are back into our love to learn more on photography. It was great that our camera came back to life after accidentally taking a quick dip when the hubby jumped on the pool with it when we were in Astoria Hotel last week.
Before we left for Baguio, I did a general cleaning of our home. For a work from home mom like me, who is also on her way to earning her Masteral degree but unwilling to give up being the domestic goddess that I am, I figured I would have to shift to using Select Blinds in our home. This would be alongside to shifting to convenience living even as we have no plans of taking in a household help to assist us. Continue Reading »
After having to stay for the whole day on our second day here in Baguio, because of our little guy’s fever, he was okay to go and gallivant the next day. We went to the Philippine Military Academy and checked out the cool place. The hubby and I are both thrilled that we are able to go back to this place, now with our little boy in tow. We have been here several times, the first trips were side trips after the youth camps and the other two were from seminars.
We all enjoyed the place. My mom was able to locate the name of his late uncle on this very site, as one of the departed alumni of PMA.
Our family is having a grand time here in Baguio together with my folks. We were blessed to be given the privilege to stay at a rest house of a friend of a relative. It’s a blessing because, this place being the summer capital of the Philippines can have pricey range especially it is currently the summer season. The hubby has repeatedly shared that it could be neat to have a place of our own in this cool and breezy place and maybe have it rented out during the most part of the year.
We understand that there are risks in having a place rented out, it would really be best if the place will be handled just like Rental management Chicago IL. As we have formerly rented apartments and houses in the past, we know how stressful it can be. Continue Reading »
Many marriages today face credit as a part of their journey to financial independence. As husbands and wives of new marriages work together to make their family independent from in-laws’ support, having credit has become more and more an option.
Suffering from bad credit is a reality for millions if not billions of people around the world. This reality has made it hard and difficult for many of those in this situation to build a better and brighter financial future.
We’re up here in Baguio and one of the things that the hubby and I have been discussing lately is what I should be doing next. Although we have come here for a vacation, we were compelled to stay indoors because our little guy had fever right from the first day of our stay.
One of the things that I have been looking into even right from the beginning of my going back to school last year was studying from home. This will prove to be the most convenient for me, even as I am able to do things for my family and be able to pursue higher learning at the same time. This is just about what Kaplan has to offer. Their Business Degree Online courses are just the most flexible means to study especially for a family woman like me who has her family as a priority. I honestly am not open to sacrificing my family for any higher learning or even going back to work in the corporate world. If there would be a neat opportunity such as this, this will the best option for me hands down. Continue Reading »
The question that has been repeatedly asked of me by random people ever since the result of the board exams came out. I would honestly have to look into it and actually sit down with the hubby to discuss things. It gets me to thinking. I would probably have to dig in and do a market research kind of thing to come up with the ideal move. But for now, allow me to lay back and relish my ongoing vacation mode as we drive up north and have a great time.
We just had a two day blast with friends. We came home late last night from The Greenery, Bulacan. Our good friends just got hitched and the hubby officiated it. We traveled to that province all the way from Astoria Hotel where we checked in courtesy of our good friend, Ana Banana who just flew in from Singapore. It was a grand way of celebrating her homecoming, to say the least. And it was even grander that it coincided with the grandest news ever (forgive the superlatives, I am still overwhelmed with gladness and it is actually still surreal to me) of my passing the board! Can life get even better?! Even as I am told that it is a given fact that God’s mercies are new every morning, some days are just extra unbelievable, if you know what I mean.
The suite we stayed in Astoria was huge. At first we kind of had a hard time locating it in spite of the fact that it is at the heart of a business district. We finally got it when we say the tallest building from amongst establishments clad with exterior shutters. We so love the place. It was a tad splendid than the previous hostel we rented where we had to pitch in per head. Those days were just like yesterday and it was fun to just remember those days. Our friendship with this bunch have really gone a long way.
We probably all together took gazillion of shots from a total of three digicams. It’s our group’s addiction, aside from us being foodies. Here are a few of those shots:
First of all, this post is not to boast of anything but give all the glory to God. I am still currently in a state of shock, even as I just received a text message from one of my fellow board takers. She said I passed and it’s it the papers now. My first response was of disbelief and after a few more moments, more of disbelief. It must have been some kind of a joke or something — this was my initial response.
I practically conditioned myself to do a retake this September because in all honesty I took the board exam last month against my will. I had to give it to the hubby for pushing me to take the board. He had faith in me when I barely had anything to hold on to because of several things. First I was hospitalized, I was physically drained. Second, I dropped out of my review class which cost us more than a hundred dollars. It was money down the drain already. And that review class was important to better the odds at all for me to make it. The day before the exam I had quite a discussion with the hubby. He wanted me to give it a shot and have me treat the exam as just a practice for the real thing. I knew he had a point because even as he said, we have paid for the exam anyway, why not give it a shot.
I had the worst migraine I ever had and literally felt my stomach turn upside down during the exam. It was tough. I did not dare review my answers and finished the exam at 2p.m. (it was designed from 9a.m. till 6pm.) It just did not make sense for me to linger when I was to throw up any minute because of the exam’s difficulty. But the thing is, if I were not ill-prepared, it would have been a different story. I have not lifted one finger on my one foot thick reviewer, if at all I practically relied on stock knowledge and that’s just about it. I was able to take the pre-board and the result was not very hopeful. Anyone would understand how hard it would be to take something that you are unsure of.
I nevertheless submitted to the hubby’s wish and held on to whatever might be God’s will for me in this. I praise Him for this! I was just told that only 25% if the total examinees passed and I was blessed to have been a part of that figure. I don’t see how I deserve to pass. It can only be His grace. And true to His promise, His grace is sufficient.
This is our a little more than six year old black four burner La Germania gas range. If I would be given a choice I would have this sold and have myself a model that’s one level up. Not that it is in a bad shape or anything, because it’s actually in pretty good shape. It’s just that I could better do more with the other one and actually get better grills and cakes which I love doing.
I know it’s not easy to sell things like these. Because chances are, I don’t get the best deal for my item because there is just no enough exposure. The easiest and neatest way to sell is through iSold It. I save time and I get the best deal. I know for a fact that there are several household making do of even keeping white elephants right inside their homes for reasons of not knowing better. This is just a relief for us housemakers. We can actually rid our household from things that we don’t use and make use of the proceeds to buy what we will really make use of.
One of the first things we prioritized to purchase before our son was born was an air purifier. It was back in 2005 when we were renting an apartment in the ground floor of a four storey building and ventilation was not at its prime. This is especially a necessity in our home, the hubby has aversion over smokes, smog and any airborne free radicals. His allergic reactions manifest through incessant coughing and hard of breathing.
The latest in technology now is the ultraviolet air purifiers. Anyone could possibly be taken aback by the UV term, but the truth of the matter is UV light has to hit your skin to hurt you. UV air purifiers actually effectively kill germs, dust, allergens, etc. from the air. With all the various free radicals around us, this has become a must to every household. I have been seeing this more and more especially in the doctors clinics I frequent recently.
A video I took two days ago. Just had to document one of those firsts. Our little guy has started to practice some writing exercises. I know it’s time to focus on those fine motor skills. He also has started to paint, currently learning how to use a pair of scissors. I have got to consciously work on that checklist for school readiness whether or not he will be homeschooled by us.
One of the things we are praying for as a family is that we will be able to put up a food business. This is a goal for us to reach. It’s not easy, with all the challenges of our current worldwide food crisis, I know this might just need to be put on hold.
But if ever the time is right we plan to avail of Business Loans that allow easy process, fast funding and excellent service like that of ezunsecured.com. In this day and age, banks and other lending agencies really require arm and leg to approve loans especially for those who are on business start ups. Ezunsecured.com is the better alternative.
I don’t know where our little guy got the concept of death. I bet it would be from the soap operas dear mother religiously watches. And he has been with my folks very often, especially during those times that I was struck with illness. Lately, he has been playing dead and as playful as he projects and acts it out, both the hubby and me felt concerned and wondered if he could get a grasp of how serious “death” is and how ready is his young mind to receive such profound ideas. Continue Reading »
I recently came across a blog, Cisco training knowledge center. This site posts articles for those who have received their Cisco certification. It is a resource center with articles written by certified Cisco instructors and professionals.
The article I recently read was about DSP as used in IP Telephony. DSP stands for Digital Signal Processors. I learned that with DSPs, our voices, as used in communicating through IP Telphony, are converted fro analog to digital and vice versa. The transformation is made possible by DSPs. Continue Reading »
I have always been fond of outdoor living. When I wanted to extend my indoor living space with an outdoor space, I knew I needed something that covered in the rain and was able to be heated in the winter. Sunrooms were the first choice and thanks to the help from Creative Energy, I was able to create an indoor / outdoor space that was more perfect than I could ever have imagined.
True works of art, sunrooms are air tight, efficient and spacious. I did not have much yard to work with in the first place, but Creative Energy sunrooms in Richmond VA was there to work out the details, providing me with the sunrooms square footage I wanted while retaining enough space to call a yard. My sunrooms usage is more frequent that the living room now and I am recommending that everyone add one to their house.
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Holiday fun. This is what we plan to have today. It’s Labor Day and we’re just planning to just enjoy the holiday. We have long been putting off watching several movies in our list. Bucket List, Bee Movie, I am Legend are just three of them. We have certainly favored watching movies with closed captioning from the warmth of our home, than that of those cold movie theater seats. It can be fun to do sometimes, but we’d rather spend time at home pausing the video whenever we want and lying down however we please.
We are also thrilled to be asked by our dear friend Ana, to go with them to Boso-Boso Highlands today. She just got back from Singapore a couple of days ago. Boso-Boso was the same place the couples retreat was held in October of last year. It’s a fun resort up in the cool breezy hills of Antipolo. Her treat. We’re still not sure though. We need to prepare for our Baguio getaway, among other things.
We spent the whole day yesterday going around town, beating traffic. I am glad to be in pretty good shape the whole day. We are preparing for the wedding the hubby is to officiate this coming weekend. The couple to be wed are good friends of ours and our family will be going to the event, with the rest of our barkada. We just found out yesterday that our little guy has nothing to wear to such a formal event, so we had to go look for one. I also have a zit to take care of. Not that I would need one drastic acne treatment, but it just bothers me a little. I haven’t had one probably in years, and this is just not the best timing to sport one.
If there was anything more interesting in our day, it was going side by side with the most unusual mini cooper I have seen in my entire life. Our jaws actually dropped with disbelief how anyone could be so daring and actually call it artwork. One thing, if attention is what he wants, he has just that for sure. We were amused. Well, it was probably his ultimate idea of fun. Here’s a shot.
This is an artwork in Seriolithograph in color on paper by Shari Erickson entitled Maho Bay. I love its simplicity and its being unique. You can see this from amongst the largest collection of fine art in the world over - the Park West Gallery. There are hundreds of equally beautiful artworks in their collection. They regularly conduct auctions in America and Canada. I don’t profess to be an artist, but I know art when I see one. I love beauty and the fact that these collections add a story to a place, whether a house a diner or an office – creates a character unique and all its own.
If the hubby and I will be blessed to have our prayers answered and actually be able to replace the old car we’re using, we will surely consider getting one of those Private Number Plates. We just found a site that offers to do all the paper works and get a hold of that personalized number plate for us. It’s not just the certificate that they provide like what the usual local people do. They even have a bargain page…I’m sure you’ll find every deal quite a steal. Check them out for yourselves.
One of the things that I enjoy doing and I relish as my ultimate form of relaxation is taking a shower and enjoying my bath. I guess you could say this to be one of the major reasons we decided to get a tub. I need not get into those posh hotels to experience relaxation especiale. But I don’t know if it is just me who experience the clingy tendencies of shower curtains. It can get pretty annoying sometimes.
I don’t know if it is just me, I have actually gotten into thinking that I might just have a little too much of that static electricity. But then again I recently heard that shower curtains actually cling 43% of the time. Imagine that?! A major portion of your bath time just putting shower curtains back in place.
It’s neat that a brilliant mind came up with a solution to fight that nasty shower curtain effect- the ShowerBow. I love the fact that it’s easy to install and I will finally be untouchable! The hubby and I love the black and white theme of our bath, it’s great that it is such a simple gadget, and practically invisible from the outside, so our overall bath theme and look need not suffer. I will have that space that I need and all the relaxation that I can get, no more nasty shower clinging.
As you may have noticed, the previous post was done rather hanging. I was not in such a pretty mood when the girl in the dickies scrubs who extracted blood from me did not advise me that the lab will close at 8 P.M. She just told me to be back for the result after five hours, and that is what I had planned. Continue Reading »
The hubby came home Friday night and were we glad. He was tired as expected, it was a long week for him at the camp in Tarlac. We all went together to the doctors I had to see first thing the following morning. We could have left the little guy back home, but five days were way too long already for the son and his father to not spend time together.
Here are some snapshots from our day. I took this shot from my mobile when we were waiting for the doctor to arrive. The hubby just had to doze off, he still felt tired and really could use all the power naps he could get. The little guy would try to wake him up as he throws him kisses.
For those who can very well afford it and for some reason it is more practical for them to rent than to own a home, getting a Lewisburg Apartment will be their best choice over buying their own place. This could be true for diplomats, for instance.
These are the perks in renting this kind of apartment, you get no less than:
• Chef’s Kitchen
• Beautiful Wood Floors
• Kohler Fixtures
• Raidant-heated Bathroom Floors
• Central Heating and Cooling
• In-Unit Laundry Facilities
• Energy-saving Design
A pretty picture for an apartment, huh? They do exist. Only at Lewisburg Luxury.
I’m going back to the doctor today not knowing whether I will again be advised to be confined. My symptoms are getting bad and I pray the Lord to cover me with His healing hands. I truly hate, as I repeatedly blogged about it, being held captive in a hospital room. I am still praying that I can do the laboratories that are needed to be done on an outpatient procedure. The medicines that they are giving me are labeled by my body as toxic, that’s why I’m slowly being poisoned, I hope not to the point of death. And I pray the damage is not all that bad yet. Nothing is impossible with my Lord. Pray with me, will you? Thank you very much.
