I figured I might as well post on our Hongkong getaway before the novelty wears off. We flew back a few days ago and I know if I put off blogging about this travel, I might just end up scratching it off like I did our previous Davao and Bohol trips.

Because I booked this Hongkong trip exactly a year ago, I totally forgot that we failed to have our intended date of coming back, which was originally set on Dec.9. It turned out, the only available date during that time was December 8.

It was only when we have boarded the plane and I was filling out these Hongkong Immigration forms which were handed out by the flight attendant that I saw the e-ticket and it reads December 8. Imagine my dismay! I immediately confessed as I showed the e-ticket to my dear hubby and he solved the problem in an instant. If it were not for December 8 being our official anniversary date, then it would have been okay for us to head back home to Manila. But husband sweetly solved the problem by assuring us that we can head on over to a hotel in Subic where we can extend our 10th anniversary celebration when we arrive DMIA on December 8.  How can I not feel so blessed to have such a sweet husband?

My son and I at the plush Hongkong International Airport

Since it was my responsibility to take care of our flights and travel itineraries, I have somehow expected a slight show of disappointment on the husband’s face. He spared me that and instead assured me that this “unexpected” early flight back should not make our 10th anniversary less fun. I knew right there that it was going to be a a lovely 10th anniversary celebration!

This was handed to us before we rode the cab to our hotel.

We took an Urban cab which has a flag down of HK$20. Lantau cab has HK$15 and N.T., HK$16.5.  I have learned in our previous travels not to have a lot of dollars exchanged for the local currency at the airport. Exchange rates at the airports are considerably lower than currency changers around town, wherever part of the world you go.

I was right. US$1 to HK$7.08. Compared to the exchange rate we got later that day around the corner of the hotel where we stayed in Kowloon, which was HK$7.60 to a dollar. We learned a few more things along the way.

One is that we could have saved a whole lot of moolah (read: HK$850), had we chosen to take the train and ferry during our first two days of stay in Hongkong. With our 6 year old in tow, we were hesitant to take the mtr and ferries. We thought it would be such inconvenience. We cannot be more wrong.

The mtr system of Hongkong is perfectly mapped out, packed with efficiency in mind that makes it so convenient to go around the city by just taking the train. Even executives use the train. I’m sure there are not a lot of rv insurance quotes going around in that place since majority of the population commute anyway. And yes, I cannot help but hope that our mrt and lrt will be like that someday. It’s a long shot, I know, but whoever says that we cannot dream and hope, right?

One of the first trains we hopped on from Disneyland

The ferry we took from Kowloon Island to Central Station. The cheapest of all rides, I should say. HK$2/adult and HK$1/child.

Did I mention that we bought our tickets via Cebu Pacific last year when they offered the Piso fare? We only paid around P3,500 for round trip tickets for the three of us. It was a steal, right? I think that will be it for our low fare getaways. Because recently, even with the promos, the bookings we did for our 2012 travels were all pretty pricey. The cheapest of which is P15,000 for our South Korea trip in time for our 11th anniversary.

We also paid the following before we were able to board the plane to Hongkong.

Travel tax: P4,250 (1,620/person, 1,010/child)
Terminal fee: P1,800 (600/person)

Up next, a review of the hotel where we stayed in Kowloon, Hongkong – West Hotel.

A week until our 10th anniversary celebration! It’s crazy how quickly time seem to pass us by. While 10 years might not be a huge number for some people, the double number makes us look back and ask ourselves, “has it really been that long already?”

While we are happily married, we are far from being a perfect married couple just yet. Our clashes make for the very ingredients that would want us to put our foot forward in effort to be a better person for each other. A pile of things to thank God for this marriage. We recently read and finished a book together – Couples Who Pray, which we both vouch for and highly recommend for married couples to read and apply.

Yes, it’s been more than 10 years ago when my now husband slipped that diamond ring on my finger and asked me to marry him. Having him in my life is one of the best gifts God has given me. I am one happy wife of a very unassuming, godly and loving husband! Can you really blame me if I so feel God’s favor upon me?

When it comes to personalities, my husband and I are opposites. The first years of our marriage are testaments (bickerings, mostly) of living with someone who we are poles apart with. We knew that we complemented each other, sure. But there are just times when the crazies (selfishness) get the best of us. Real life stories are made of that as well.

One of our many differences is that he is sporty by nature. While I’m a bit too comfy on being sedentary. But even if there was no way the husband can have me trek with him, we found a few things that we enjoy doing together.

We learned to enjoy playing badminton before we got pregnant. Then that was it. We recently played again but we can’t seem to get back to the grind of playing on a regular basis. Who would have thought that after almost 10 years of marriage, we will still find something new that we enjoy doing together! Kart Racing! It is probably the funnest thing I have done in a very long while. I was so thrilled that I found myself shrieking my lungs out in the middle of the track as I floored that gas pedal! Adrenalin rush at its finest!

Thanks to Mauie Flores for the shots.

As for the hubby, there was not a doubt in my mind that he was going to excel in this race. A cousin of mine describes perfectly what he does on the streets – no holds barred arcade driving.  By nature, he is a very patient person but drives like a mad man on the streets.  He will mellow for a while when I remind him. But gets back to his old self after a while.  We agreed that this kart racing will have him release his need for speed so he can tone way down when he gets to the streets. Fine by me.

We almost regretted going through the rough Saturday traffic last Oct. 15 to attend the Bloggers Blaze Fun Cup held at City Kart Racing located in Parksquare 1 in Makati. Turned out the race was the best way to express our frustration over the horrendous c5 traffic. It was exhilarating through and through!   Jeff went kart racing again thrice that week, while I had to nurse my sore limbs and biceps. Yes, I suddenly developed biceps, would you believe! We’re going kart racing again very soon with our son in tow. He’s past the 4 feet mark, he will try to do a track or two. Even if he’s past 4 feet, we’re still not sure if his motor skills will allow him to race already. He loves cars and racing way before he can barely utter an intelligible word. Now that he’s practically the radio of the neighborhood, he will play Need for Speed Shift the whole day everyday if we let him. We don’t. Just so we’re clear. Haha! Leave him with a gadget for more than an hour and he gets zombified like crazy.

City Kart Racing was introduced in the Philippines in 2006 by Jean-Marc Freihuber (pictured above with the rest of the bloggers), former French professional racer with 15 years of experience with kart track management in Europe and 4 years in the Philippines. They use state of the art racing machines. These alone tell us that we can kart race with confidence. Plus the awesome technology that tracks racers’ stats down to the last nano second  is the coolest I have seen to date. And did I mention that they have this Facebook App that posts your stats on your wall every time you finish a Heat? You also get a copy of  your race stats over email.

My husband published a more detailed post about the Bloggers Blaze Fun Cup. I wouldn’t dream of beating the hubby in this sport. It’s just not gonna happen. I’m good with that. It’s just fun to know though that I did the best time amongst all the girls that day. My best lap time being 1:0.315. My next goal will be to race under a minute.

I recorded a short clip of the hubby on the track. Real speed is probably ten times more than it seems from this recorded video. Sorry for the shaky capture.  We’re excited to go back. The hubby is already looking into getting hold of Compacc.com shoei helmets for us. He brought some of the young men from church to City Kart Racing last week and they all loved it. We’re bringing a couple more friends on our next visit.

City Kart Racing Makati
7th Level car park, Park Square 1,
Ayala Center, Makati City

Open everyday except for Christmas and Good Friday

Monday to Thursday: 3pm to 10pm
Friday to Saturday: 10am to 12mn
Sunday and Holidays: 10am to 10pm

For more information visit CityKartRacing.com
Contact Nos. +(632) 856-9155 or +(63917) 585-9155

Less than two months until our 10th anniversary! As excited as I am, I still have not figured out what to give my husband. From the moment we got married, I only surprised him with a gift twice. While he gives me a minimum of three surprise gifts every single occasion – birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, heart’s day. Name it, he has not missed a single occasion. Yes, not counting the “monthsaries” we used to celebrate when our marriage was brand spanking new.  As forgetful as my husband is in all other areas in his daily routine (he almost always needs to come back home minutes after he left because he forgot something), boy am I so blessed to be so loved enough not to have one special occasion forgotten. I actually realized this just now. Oh, the things I take for granted!

For nine whole years and some, he always managed to act that he does not have a gift for me every time. Saying all kinds of reasons. I bought it during the first years but finally figured that I married an award winning actor no less. It is that or I’m really as gullible as can be. Because I totally get surprised every single time still by his gifts I find at random places. It’s like an easter egg hunt for me every time. Except that I try to do it discreetly. Because I always think, what if it’s true this time that there isn’t a gift at all. I don’t know how he does it really. He plays with mind like that.

According to what I have read, the 10th year marks the first major milestone in marriage. Traditionally, the 10th wedding anniversary is symbolized by either tin or aluminum because of these elements’ flexibility. Tin and aluminum remind each couple that in order for the marriage to be successful, it needs to be flexible or pliable.

Okay, so that got me a little more perplexed than I already was. I really would love it to be special this time. Since tin and/or aluminum are not exactly close to anything I think my husband would well appreciate. Unless of course, he miraculously turns into a chef or a kitchen whiz. I’ll probably just use my red envelope coupon codes to check out that perfect gift for my husband for our tenth.  Although, there really is no gift that will express enough my feeling really blessed to be in this marriage. Not an excuse, I know. Maybe I’ll start with the iPad2 on his wishlist? But then again, that’s just too plain and definitely not a surprise. But practical, right? Help me out, will you? Suggestions are most welcome!

When my husband and I decided on a whiff to celebrate his 36th birthday at The Boutique Bed & Breakfast in Tagaytay, we were talking about about our cancelled Boracay vacation. We were then in the hospital room where our son was confined for Dengue.

The Boutique B&B was the one place we have been meaning to check out. But for some reason we end up in another Bed & Breakfast in Tagaytay whenever we go swing by. Our son was discharged from the hospital late afternoon on my husband’s birthday. Because my man’s birthday is worth celebrating, I made arrangements as we waited for our clearance from the hospital. We also got our son’s doctor’s approval that it is safe for him to travel. We did realize that it was going to be night time when we arrive Tagaytay but decided to press on even if our B&B stay will not be maximized. This day of celebration was it!  We headed home, packed the bags real quick and drove straight to Tagaytay.

The lobby feels of a classic European design, with a quintessential chandelier and a couple of unique box couches.

From the receptionist when I called earlier that day to the staff who accommodated us upon walk in, to the chef who served us our dinner that night and later served us a cake to celebrate Jeff’s birthday, we were very pleased with how they all treated us through and through.

We were led to this quaint powder room as soon as we checked in where we got to choose the scents that we want from The Boutique’s very own “Pamper Me” collection. We chose the scents for our bath soaps, shampoo, conditioner, lotion and room scent. Being a scent person, this totally won me over. And we have not settled in our room just yet!

Our basket of scents

My boys chose Apricot soap and I, Lavender. Lavender for the room scent too, Milk & Honey for Shampoo and Conditioner and Aloe Vera lotion

When I called earlier that day I was told that the “i dream” room is not booked. But we chose the “i desire” room when we walked in because we were told that there is no booking scheduled the next day for this room. This means we can extend our stay an hour longer for free. Before we finalized our room of choice, we got to check out the respective spaces. The only difference of the “i dream” room and the “i desire” room is the wall color. Chocolate for the “i dream” and white for the “i desire” room.

It would have been a prettier picture if we checked in on a day time. But then again, this does not look so bad. It’s a lovely room minus the view of the scenic horizon, which by the way, sweetly greeted us good morning the next day.

A bed full of fluffy pillows. They actually have a Pillow Menu, which we did not bother with anymore. We were really happy with the ultra soft pillows which I believe are a mixture of goose down and memory pillows.

That little guy right there was just discharged from the hospital a few hours before because of Dengue. Aside from my husband’s birthday celebration, it was actually a thanksgiving celebration that the Dengue fever did not hit our son so bad. Platelet count did not dive below 200. The last 2 days of his hospital stay, he was all pumped up with energy with no sign of being half sick. God is good!

I particularly loved this corner. Perfect for just lounging with a book and cuddling with either of my boys!

Aside from the complimentary fruits, hot chocolate and churros, we were also welcomed with these for snacks.

It was really fun that we got to celebrate still despite the not so good things that unexpectedly came earlier that week. Just like what my framed crochet masterpiece that hangs on our bedroom wall says: “It doesn’t matter where you go or what you do. What matters is who you have beside you.”

iPod ready speakers and dock – the source has tv cables too. We immersed ourselves with my husband’s favorite new wave music most of the night. Love the surround sound of these Harman Kardon speakers.

You gotta love the see through shower. Again, because it was night when we checked in, so there really is not much to see. Come morning, you’ll see the splendid view of  the Taal lake and the horizon at the comfort of this room (pun intended).  A “Hook Me Up” shower curtain is provided to cover the lower half of the window.

Complimentary hot chocolate and freshly made churros at bedtime

Complimentary fruits: sweet mango, apple and orange

The Boutique serves the best Hawaiian Baby Back Ribs, hands down.

I especially love that the chef managed to send this in. I actually just threw in a hint that we were celebrating Jeff’s birthday. They did not just send us a teeny weeny cupcake, but a real good, freshly prepared chocolate cake. The birthday boy was able to make a wish and blow his 36th birthday candle.

Our breakfast came in with this note to reinforce the already romantic and lovely atmosphere the room is enveloped in.

The view from our room. I completely forgot to  use my camera’s Panorama iSweep feature. It would have been a better capture. The above photo was taken using my Blackberry.

My ready-for-breakfast boys!

The bed table was a big enough spread to accommodate all the breakfast goodies.

My continental breakfast of pancakes, bacon, eggs and cornflakes (not in the picture) with Dalandan Juice

Jeff’s Filipino Breakfast: Corned Bulalo and rice with Mango juice

Our son’s scrambled eggs and spam breakfast

The  boys ate half of their plates alfresco

We initially planned to have our dinner the night before some place else. We thought of roaming about Tagaytay a little before we call it a night. But our room was too inviting that we just found ourselves staying and ordering in instead. We also had a complimentary massage. Facial cold stone for me and foot massage for the hubby. I enjoyed it thoroughly that I forgot to take photos.

We were handed with this box of sweets upon check out. Save for the scratchy bath robe I wore and took off in no time the night before, we really loved our stay at The Boutique. The bath robe, for me, was forgivable because everything else was just perfect. Did I mention that our stay was perfect timing too. We got a discount at P5,500 (Approx. $131) for the i desire room, they have an ongoing Pre-Renovation Promo until September 30, 2011. Regular rate for this room is P6,119.09 (Sun to Thurs) and P8,046.26 (Fri-Sat). Check out their regular published rates on The Boutique B&B site.

Rate/Room Inclusions:

• Specially prepared (all day) breakfast served in bed – for two persons.
• Complimentary facial cold stone massage or foot massage good for 2 persons.
• Selections of body essentials from the home made “Pamper Me” line.
• Hot chocolate with freshly made goodies at bedtime.
• Selections of pillows (goose down, microfiber, etc.) from our pillow menu.
• King size beds with soft feather cover and white percale in 300 Thread Count lines.
• Free Wi-Fi
• Wall mounted LCD TV
• iPod ready speakers/docks
• Free use of DVDs from library
• Free use of Board Games from Entertainment Library
• Check in time at 2:00PM/ Check out time at 12:00 NN

The Boutique Bed & Breakfast

45 Aguinaldo Hi-way
Silang Crossing East
Tagaytay City, Cavite
Tel: (63+46) 413-1885, (63+927) 363-2660 , (63+46) 413-1798 & (63+46) 860-2716

The husband and I have been meaning to go back to playing badminton for the longest time. But because of our respective busy schedules and priorities that need to come first, we only got down to doing it lately. We will try our best to include playing badminton in our Monday date nights from here on out.

Our spanking brand new Yonex rackets. We thought getting ourselves matching rackets will motivate us to finally get to it. High repulsion and ultra-thin gauge. They did, fyi. Got them stringed with  BG-66 ultra-thin 0.66 gauge — designed to provide excellent repulsion and shock-absorbing performance.  :-)

You see, before our little guy came, we played practically every week. It has been more than six years for me and a little less for Jeff. He continued playing with our friends before he semi-permanently switched to martial arts. I never thought I would ever be able to beat my husband’s ninja like stunts. But I did! 15-13, on our debut after so many years. Let’s just say, he went easy on me.

Sweaty and hearts racing. I’m all smiles after our game. I won 15-13 against my lovey dovey. But then, it never happened again after that night. It was probably just the gentleman in my hubby playing.

My heart raced like crazy mid-game, while Jeff was just like he’s just had a warm up. No fair! It’s already a given that he is far more fit than me. He does at least 40 push ups a day, for crying out loud! At least I am now doing what I know I should have done eons ago. Say it with me— it’s never too late! And this regimen might just beat the best fat burners in town, if we keep to it.

Despite the hubby’s claim to sporting a huge belly, he’s as lean as lean can be, for me. Yes, and I’m the flabby one with ripples from subcutaneous tissues of fat. That’s really just a cute way of saying, cellulite. Cellulite, it is. But this also explains why I can barely keep up with my energizer bunny a.k.a. our six year old Jed. I will try to be a better steward of my health even as I resolve to regularly play badminton from now on. On that note, Jeff and I are hoping to tag friends along with us. Just shoot us an email or sms and let’s schedule a friendly game.

Last Sunday, Jeff preached about how God uses our friendships in our spiritual growth. It was yet again another insightful message he shared with us that day. He reiterated how people are wired for relationships and we should nurture our friendships by:

1. Helping each other grow.
Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love…”

2. Praying for each other’s growth.
Ephesians 3:14-19 “For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

3. Admitting our own mistakes.
James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

4. Encouraging commitment.
Timothy 4:7b “Exercise yourself toward godliness.”

One of the more interesting things I learned that day was about a study made by UCLA. It was discovered that to be a healthy, fulfilled, satisfied adult; we all need 8-10 meaningful touches a day. For me, that’s a real lot! Coming from a family of origin where being demonstrative was not exactly a strength, I’d think I’ll be good with just five. This is in the same principle why some babies who are not caressed fail to thrive. (Failure to Thrive Syndrome)

In the middle of Jeff’s preaching, he had us, the congregation, rise and find someone we were not familiar with in the crowd. Introduce ourselves and hug! It was liberating to be able to do that. We were all smiling from ear to ear as we were done with the exercise.

The following days since he preached about it, Jeff made sure he intentionally gives me at least eight meaningful touches a day! Needless to say, I am one happy wife. Something I will surely look forward to from here on out. Of course, it is something I will initiate to give him as well. What’s so lovely about giving a hug is that it’s even lovelier when you take it back.

In our almost ten years of marriage, the truth that all couples have conflicts affirms itself in our regular day to day communication. Sometimes, even the lack of it. The reason behind this is simple. Being human, we see the world differently. During our first years of marriage, the impatient me will so often expect my husband to think the way I do. It is all too common a mistake to try to manipulate our spouse into seeing things our way. But the thing is, inasmuch as something makes sense to us, it does not always follow that it does to another.

God has made us unique, in that sense as well. Resolving conflicts in a marriage requires that we respect our spouse’s ideas. It is then that meeting of the minds take place. It essentially allows for both to work as a team. Compromise is very often met at this point. It saves us loads of heartache than selfishly pushing our way in. Regardless, if making up will mean receiving a generous scott kay jewelry gift from your spouse. What’s done is done. The exchange of hurtful words can linger for a very long time and resentment can snowball into one ugly ending.

I personally find it helpful is to figure out what will be workable for the both of us. Otherwise, there will always be this tendency for the both of us to blurt out words in a condescending manner, bringing us both to a defensive tone. Whenever we do, we find ourselves not listening to each other’s reasons despite the elevated timbre of our voices.

If I were to travel back in time ten years back and look at myself now, I sincerely wouldn’t be able to recognize myself. Marriage has considerably taught me to be unselfish.  It was further reinforced when I became a mother. Marriage is the one school God has designed for us to become better individuals.

It is already a given that majority of friction in marriages come when personalities clash. We know this all too well. Our being in a marriage where one is a process person (the hubby) and the other is an action person (me) constantly affirms this truth to us. And the difference does not end there. To say that we need to accept our spouse as they are is one thing. To choose to do this on a daily basis is another. And as my husband and I approach our tenth anniversary before the year ends, we can only say that while we might not yet be experts at it, we are actually doing better by the day. Yay!

We each have a patterned way of responding to life in general. It gets magnified in a major way when one’s response to a circumstance is different from the way we would. Frustrations arise. A scene that is all too common, for all of us, I believe. Not just in marriages, as a matter of fact. We need to know that personality traits have both strengths and weaknesses. One of the keys for a marriage to work is to make the most of the difference in our personalities by maximizing our respective strengths and learning how to minimize our weaknesses. BE A TEAM WITH YOUR SPOUSE. I might not be very good at this just yet. Since I was never a very patient person, to begin with. But believe me when I say, I am now able to suck it up and let go, for the most part. Putting myself side by side with my otherwise phlegmatic husband makes me every bit a Type A Personality.

Looking at Romans Chapter 12:4 , “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,” we are reminded that God has uniquely created us. Our different personalities allow for us to be good at different things. Imagine how boring our world would be if we all are good at the same thing! Our uniqueness is what makes us special. In our marriage, this is something that I have learned I rejoice about. God’s plan of bringing me and Jeff together is His perfect way of telling me that He wants me to be a better person. My husband balances me out like no one else. It’s basically like looking at the difference of our personalities as glass half full. And when it brings about clashes, at the end of the day, we move right on to being reminded that as different as we are from the other, we remain to be one team.

Today is our 9 years and 6 month celebration. Six months until we turn 10 years old. I can’t believe we’re turning a decade old! Where has time flown? For married couples, the monthly celebration is a good excuse to just get away from their usual schedule. We were like that during our first few years of marriage. But our drifting away from that practice does not mean that we love each other less. It’s just one of the phases of relationships that happens.

Like today, for instance. It totally slipped my mind once again that it’s the 8th of the month. I actually had a date today with my dear friend, Lelet. It was a lunch date followed by a time in the salon. I had a real fun time with her. I am grateful to be able to do these nowadays. Having a reliable remote secretary is indeed priceless.

As for my husband and me, I’ll have to admit that we don’t go out on exclusive dates all too often. Having an only child probably does that to you. We kind of feel bad whenever we have to leave him behind. He’s alone already as it is. This is why we make the most of those little errands, that we don’t tug the kid along, squeezing in some quality time to spend together. We used to wonder if we could go back to playing regular badminton or even get a couple of yakima bike racks and explore a brand new hobby for a change.

Time restrains us from doing these things. Ministry is eating up a lot of Jeff’s time. But he does try to make up whenever he can. Plus, homeschooling and Jed’s supplementary classes, although they don’t have rigid schedules, we still have to attend to nonetheless.  This is why the travels we do from time to time means a lot to us.  Which reminds me, I still haven’t blogged about our Davao and Bohol trips. I hope to do that real soon.

It’s funny how some couples think that getting married is the solution to their problems. Believe those people who have gone there and told you it’s not. You might even think that yours will be better but come to think of it, almost everything happens in a pattern: After the wedding bells, honeymoon, and lots of shared dreams, one day you wake up and saw your spouse in a different way. You start to get irritated with him not fixing his bedding, you put together all the dirty clothes in a bin and he leaves his clothes on the sofa. You both are on the adjustment stage in your relationship. Just when you thought you knew your better half, guess again.

Acceptance is  the key. Changing your better half will never make the deal. It will even complicate things, to say the least.  Dating will never guarantee that you will understand each all the time regardless of the number of years you have been together. It is a lot different in marriage. Even the simplest of things can be a cause of argument. From choosing interior plantation shutters to what brand of toothpaste to buy. Sounds crazy right? Yes. But in order to make your relationship stronger, ACCEPT the uniqueness of each other. That way, you can truly receive the person you have promised God to love for better or worse.

While it is clear for couples nowadays to be practical and do the hands-on preparation for their wedding, still some would suggest to let the experts handle the situation. With so much going on for the couple, getting the right dress, following up on some friends and family, running through the wedding invitations, ordering the cake, checking on the bridesmaid dresses, believe me, before their wedding day, they are too exhausted to walk on the isle.

Again, it is better to hire an expert and let her do the job. A wedding planner is your answer. Not that I am advertising my services just yet. As I mentioned in my previous post, I will have to stick with one or two weddings per year. A wedding planner will help you set up the wedding you like. She has know-how’s in the area so she can plan the whole thing detail by detail. Her efficiency in forming a budget plan and staying on it will help you stick in your resources. She has her schedule at hand so you will know what has been accomplished and what still needs to be done. After choosing which color, music, and motif you prefer, you can leave her with the floral arrangements and all the other particulars for the said event. Choosing the right florist can make or break the whole event. It was just sweet to see that my supplier is still very much in the business, even as I recently saw him in one of Jessica Soho’s documentaries about no less than floral arrangements!

Having your wedding properly coordinated by a professional allows for couples to have that confidence that everything’s going to be as planned.  They will be able to freely enjoy everything from preparations to the wedding day itself.

It has been years since I last coordinated a wedding.  After recently receiving an inquiry about my wedding coordinating services, I have come to consider maybe accepting one or two a year.  The whirlwind of emotion is limited to the daughter but the rest of her loved ones. It is indeed a very exciting time. It can be filled with a lot of details though.  Going to the City Hall to arrange the necessary papers for the marriage license can be very tiring, among others. After accomplishing the important documents, they need to have it sealed and notarized.

Then, the exciting part begins! The soon-to-be bride and her fiancé canvass for the best gown and tuxedo they can find. Again, these, among other. Next would be to look for a wedding ring and souvenirs. These are the things that I miss about doing a wedding. I will have to admit though that I have to get my suppliers list updated.

While the couple is busy with the preparations, the friends of each party have plans too before they say goodbye to their single years. Girlfriends give away bridal shower invitations while guys are thinking how to make their man enjoy his last day of  being a bachelor. Now that I have taken up the services of my reliable virtual assistant for some of my online tasks, going back to coordinating weddings might just be one of the things I can go back to soon.

My husband and I are going through the Love Dare Devotional. It is something we look forward to doing together everyday. We usually make use of Charles Spurgeon Morning and Evening Devotional or just random readings from the Bible. The Love Dare Devotional allows for couples to look closely at their marriage to help strengthen it.

As we move towards our tenth year in our marriage, the tendency for both of us to take each other for granted can be next to normal. This is especially true we are both overwhelmed with our busy schedules.

Devotions for couples can be as important as personal devotions. Why devotions, to begin with, you ask? It is plain to see that we receive faith by reading the word, faith then comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) This faith will be the one to course us through victory over our flesh. Oh yes, we need that on a daily basis. Left to our selfish selves, we are bound to trip and live a mediocre life. A day gone and will never come back. I have seen this oh so clearly for myself. The day that I forego devotion is the day that I end up later in the day feeling sorry for some wrong choices.

Here’s an excerpt of Love Dare, Day 1:

Love works. It is life’s most powerful motivator and has far greater depth and meaning than most people realize. It always does what is best for others and can empower us to face the greatest of problems. We are born with a lifelong thirst for love. Our hearts desperately need it like our lungs need oxygen. Love changes our motivation for living. Relationships become meaningful with it. No marriage is successful without it.

Love is built on two pillars that best define what it is. Those pillars are patience and kindness. All other characteristics of love are extensions of these two attributes. And that’s where your dare will begin. With patience.

This makes me go back to the importance of having devotional time with my husband. But here’s the flash news, it took me more than a month to finally check the Dare 1 box. Just goes out to show how messed up I can be with my own husband, when I can be more than willing to go an extra mile for others. After all these years, God is still teaching me to be patient and He made sure I have quite a learning with my husband.

This reflects back to me that God is inarguably not done with me yet. If there’s a conjugated linoleic acid for the heart, that’s something I think I can make use of. The man that I love most in this world should first and foremost be the one to feel my love every single time. Sure, I can always point back to growing up in a very critical environment. But that is no excuse for carrying that over to the love of my life. When I told Jeff a couple of weeks back that I want to be a better wife, I meant that with all my heart and I am trusting God to help me through my imperfections and love my husband unconditionally.

Now that I was able to successfully mark that Dare #1 box, I am pressing on and working on Dare #2.  Married couples have the tendency to forget all the extra stuff we used to do while we were still dating. I am totally guilty of that. But Dare #2 will have me on my feet from here on out.

Scrapbooking is one of the things I have always wanted to get my hands on but never really had the chance to get around to doing. That is, until last weekend when All About Scrapbooking and Hallmark got us to our feet and challenged us to get in our artsy-craftsy mode.

The closest I got to scrapbooking was when I got some photos printed in books via Arts Cow and my wedding album recovery attempt.

All the stuff we needed for scrapbooking were provided for us during the Scrapbooking workshop. We were told to bring photos that we could use for our “projects.” So I brought with me the photos I got printed last year to replace the ones that we lost to Ondoy.

Although we were told before hand to think of a theme that we could work our project around, I really had no idea. Browsing through my photos got me to one theme, our son. A child in the family, or children, for that matter can easily be the default for a mom like me. But I figured since I have already a digiscrapped book printed with my son in it, I’d have this particular project on me and my husband, Jeff.

Bloggers getting busy with respective scrapbook projects.

Admittedly, I hardly am the most creative person I know. While I love all things beautiful, I haven’t really gotten my hands on into advanced craftivity (if there’s even such a word) like Scrapbooking. Although, my being a homeschooling mom forces me into doing simple crafts, I haven’t really put considerable time on something this grand to consider myself half adequate.

But what do you know? I made it! We were given all the necessary stuff we need. The pattern for the butterfly flaps of the book, the instruction, embellishments and everything else.

A peek inside my project. I wasn’t able to put captions with the photos yet.

While my project leaves a lot to be desired, my painstakingly working on it to be perfect, browsing through the photos, just soaking on the love I have for this person I am doing this for, I realized what the entire essence of scrapbooking after all is to dedicate time to the object of who you are doing the project for as you document memories through this art of scrapbooking.  Because, clearly, Scrapbooking isn’t something you can work in an instant. I was so giddy when I was done with my project that I was so thrilled to see the hubby that night and show him my surprise. It has been a while since I last did something special for him. We used to be lovey dovey in this artsy kind of way when we were still dating. But whoever said that it all has to stop in marriage?

This was our other project for that day – a pop up scrapbook photo holder. Looks complicated, eh? But the not so artsy me was able to pull it through. I made it myself! Of course, through the step by step instruction of the beautiful people of All About Scrapbooking and Hallmark, who I wish to thank for stirring in me a love for Scrapbooking.

The Scrapbooking Bloggers with our works of art.

Meanwhile, fresh from its successful launch in Glorietta 5, Scrapaholics’ World is back and ready to raise some serious scrapbooking fun in the east! Catch all the action on APRIL 3, 2011 at the Robinsons Metro East Activity Center and earn your place in scrapbooking history.

Kindly “Like” my entry on All About Scrapbooking on Facebook and check out the latest on Scrapbooking events and promos on their page.

When the hubby and I received an invite last week for Max’s Pre-Valentine event happening on our 14th anniversary as a couple, we were not able to confirm right away since we were not sure if we will be celebrating elsewhere. But since we are slated to go to Batangas on V Day, we thought we can drop by and check out Max’s Valentine offering.

True enough, Max’s Valentine event cannot be more timely. The theme was love and and everything sweet. We have known and loved Max’s Caramel Bars for as long as we can remember but have not really tried for ourselves their other offerings.

What is more sweet about this is we were not just handed with their sweet cupcakes and truffles. A cupcake decorating demonstration also took place.

We were challenged to design a cupcake and dedicate it to a person. For both the hubby and me, since it is our anniversary, we were told to dedicate a cupcake for each other. After racking my brain for some cupcake ideas and wasted a few minutes on trying to figure out (and failed) how to design a soccer ball cupcake, I just thought I’d design a simple one which may very well still describe of the hubby. Unassuming (a sweet excuse for my lack of creativity) but full of substance – he is one full package of brains (a Mensan, at that), love (for God, first and foremost), manly vigor and everything I could ever wish for in a husband.

My 14th anniversary cupcake for Jeff. It may not look spectacular all right. But the “Jeff love” should say it all.

Jeff dedicated and said I was his sunshine for 14 years! Aww… I know I am not exactly all bright and shiny everyday in that 14 years. Those who knew us from the beginning would be the first to attest to that. The good things must have made up for the not so good ones enough for my husband to conclude that. To be a better wife, that’s what I’m still constantly working at.

We shared some caramel bar loving during our Valentine banquet in church last night.

We have always believed that we should not wait until the hearts day to give some loving to whom it is due – or even to those who we think don’t deserve it. But whoever said that we can’t during V Day, right? We might as well jumpstart with these sweets. I really would rather receive sweets than flowers on any occasion. The hubby knows that very well by now.

my love and me in our Max’s Corner Bakery aprons. After the launch, we headed right to a pastor/friend’s place for yet another celebration of life and love. We received the invitation while we were on our way to Max’s that night. So we thought we can still drop by on our way home.

Incidentally, Max’s Corner Bakery is also launching its sweetest promo yet. For a minimum spend of PhP 1,500 from February 12 to 14, Max’s diners can surprise their loved ones with a special Valentines box of delectable chocolates – a free treat from Max’s Corner Bakery!

One of the most exciting times a woman can have is the time between being asked for her hand and the moment she says, “I do”. This is an amazing time because the woman finally gets to plan and execute the wedding of her dreams. Even if she has a small budget, there are most certainly ways she can cut corners and still be very happy and proud of her glorious day. Soon after receiving her diamond, she will be off her with her best friends planning the dress as well as the reception. Choosing the food for the wedding as well as the cake can not only be fun, but filling. There are many different dishes to taste as well as cake samples. Some of the cakes may not be right for the wedding, but it is sure great to taste them, especially on a day when she is in such a good mood due to the subject matter of her stress.

Planning the reception is also very exciting, from choosing the center pieces to picking a band or DJ, a woman usually has all of the details planned before hand ensuring a beautiful and fun day for all involved. Marriage is a joint affair, but in many cases, the woman is the one who plans the majority of the details. The man is there for support, but he doesn’t always really know what his lady would like in this arena. Some couples do discuss these things with each other and the man may have a good enough memory to remember, but it is always best to let the woman lead in this area and you can maintain open communication and express your thoughts about how you feel about each aspects as a man. Either way, the day will be amazing because you love each other and want to spend your life together, and that alone is reason enough to smile.

I have always known that I am part of the minority. I don’t like flowers on Valentine’s Day or any other occasion for that matter. I would rather receive chocolates or practical things that I can use. People oftentimes don’t get me. But I’m really just different that way. I’d rather get a flower in a pot. That way I don’t have to witness it wither too soon.

But as for the hubby and I and and two of our blogger friends, Iris and Montsch, we will celebrating hearts day in a lovely place somewhere in Batangas. It will be a double date for us. Maybe our not so little guy in tow to stand as our human tripod again. Meanwhile, I hope to share with you this interesting Valentine’s Day survey infographic by Interflora.

The hubby and I will be turning 14 years old in the coming weeks. Yes, we do not just celebrate our wedding anniversary. We also celebrate the day that we first became a couple. It was on February 10, 1997 when we decided that we are going to exclusively date.

He pursued me for a while. But then again, given that I always knew that he was the one for me, I thought we might as well call it official. Here is the link to our love story.

Since I have not exactly given him a decent gift last Christmas, no not even the nfl t shirts that I was eyeing on purchasing online, a quick trip to Batangas might just be our way to celebrate. We both can make use of a time out.

The year Twenty Ten sure has breezed through right in front of us – just like that! But it did not just come and soon to go without making a mark. The blessings were aplenty, if I would have to list down each and every one of them.

Time flies so fast. Before we know it, the holidays will soon be over. I have personally been out of sorts lately because of the busyness that is all around us. The hubby and I have to both stop for a while and leave tasks e.g. health care job postings – whether online or offline and just focus on each other. Yes, there are times we have to force ourselves to do what we should do before going back to our usual grind.

That is the thing about marriages. As much as we support each other with the things we do whether apart or separately, we have to make sure we come together and focus on each other every so often – for me it is at least once a week. Otherwise, I get to miss my husband so much and next thing I know is I get cranky and out of sorts. With a husband as busy as mine, I have to commit to be the one to remind him. It is good to expect him to initiate. But sometimes I just have to lovingly ask him for his undivided attention. Affirming Quality Time as being my love language.