New Things

I have just recently bought my belle de Jour planner and I love it. It’s very interactive unlike other planners out there. There’s one page of this planner that is allotted for things that you want to do for the year. And I I was thinking of filling this out with all the things I can think of doing. Like purchasing mountain hardwear stuff for a great outdoor adventure, traveling to places I have not been..etc. I’m hoping to see at the end of the year all the new experiences and fun things that I did for the year. We’re approaching the new year and I’m excited to used my planner.

iPad for The Little One?

Kids are really different now. They would prefer receiving gifts like iPad and ipad accessories rather than simple toys, haha! Well, maybe because unlike laptop toys, iPad is more engaging and interactive. Maybe that’s the reason why children as young as five years old ask for it. And some parents are okay about giving this to their kids. I personally won’t deprive my kids with this gadget if it’s going to be helpful to them. We just need t properly guide them in using this expensive “toys”.

Maximizing December

Christmas is a time of celebrations. Here in our country there would be Christmas parties as early as first week of December so the demand for caterers is there. And this is an opportunity for food business owners to profit. I have a neighbor that accepts Short Order Cook Jobs during Christmas and it’s her way to earn extra as she maximize the benefits of the festive month. I wonder how I can also have extra income just like her this Christmas, hehe.

Cozy Fireplace

Having a fireplace is a necessity in the homes of almost all western families especially those living in places where there’s winter and snow. And this is the time of the year when fire places are being cleaned and spruce up for the cold season. There are those who even installed new mantels to make it more attractive (I saw these nice mantels at MantelStore.com which will look perfect this Christmas!). We don’t need a fireplace in the country where I live but I was able to stay in a hotel where there’s a fireplaces. I wonder what it feels like to be in front of it and actually experiencing the warm it gives when it’s lit on winter days.

Stretch Mark Solutions

Stretch marks are one of the skin problems many women are facing. I’ve seen even young girls have this aside from those women who normally get this during pregnancy. These are unsightly looking lines developed in the skin because of too much stretching or growth. Although this condition is not dangerous most people could only wish to be spared from having this as it causes someone to lose self confidence especially to women. Many view this as a type of embarrassment that’s why if they were unfortunate to have developed these marks, they would be more than willing to try their best to get the best solution they can possibly get.

Luckily, the world knows that flawless skin matters to most people. That’s why having stretch marks is not a big problem anymore. One can get solutions offered by nature by using the natural medicines that can help lessen the appearance of stretch marks, like virgin coconut oil and Aloe Vera. Studies have already proven that these are effective although you can view results gradually. And if you opt for a faster solution you can also try undergoing laser therapy, but I think this procedure is done for more serious condition. Another option is by applying moisturizing creams. The market has the best stretch mark cream you can get.



Two of the top choices now are Trilastin and Revitol. Each has their own unique components and ingredients that can help reduce stretch marks. Trilastin has collagen and soy protein while Revitol has squalene oil (fish oil) and aloe vera. You can choose either of the two since there are a lot of good reviews about them. One thing to keep in mind though is that, you can lessen or totally get rid of your stretch mark with how you deal with it personally. Always remember the secret is that our skin should be moisturized and hydrated to keep it on its best.

Your RV, Your Travel Buddy

Having your own recreational vehicle (RV) is one of the most convenient ways to travel with your family. Imagine you can go from one place to another without having to leave your home. (well if you feel like making your RV one that is a total replica of your room, ^__^). I would personally love to travel with my family with an RV. You don’t need to shed a huge amount to book your family to a hotel. Nice, right? You only need top budget for your motorhome repair so you can be sure that your motor home is in good condition every time.

Attitude Towards Diabetes

Diabetes is a costly and delicate disease. I’ve known a number of people who have this including my husband’s step mother. Recently, I’ve heard that she has not been taking any medicines anymore cause she’s gone tired of medicines. My sister in law said that, she’s now gaining a lot of weight and becoming pale because she don’t go out and as if pampering the illness, doesn’t move or work around the house. We’re hoping that she will change her attitude toward her conditions and do things that will help her get well. She has become stiff and so determined not to take any supplements anymore even those herbal ones. Si, we're getting worried. Although she has not taken Actos, we’re still hoping that she will experience fewer side effects. Unlike other patients who suffered worst side effects from taking the drug and are now getting professional help from an actos lawyer, she is still better compared to them. But we're praying that she will get even better.

Baby-Proofed Home

Having kids at home, especially a toddler, makes me a mom that is always on guard. The house should be baby-proofed and safe. So I arranged the house and furniture in a way that it won’t be an accident prone place. I already removed some fragile displays, removed tables that the little tot can climb up, put some table corner covers, and even installed plug and wire covers. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Live a Healthy Life in a Clean Environment

Deciding to raise a healthy family doesn’t only mean giving them the right food to eat or the healthiest nutrition they can get but also providing them a healthy environment. That is why some people do not only switch to healthy food; they bring their families to a place where they can get healthy food. A healthy environment is what we really need since living in the city with air pollution and other air pollutants causes a lot of health problems. It’s OK if you have a Rabbit Air purification system installed in your home that can somehow help you filter pollution. But if not, it’s best to live in a place with fresh air and lots of trees like provinces. Wellness does not only mean fitness and nutrition it also mean, living a life in a clean and healthy environment.

Car Expert

My friend accompany me to a car shop one day because I honestly don’t know anything about car accessories. There are just too many things to know about cars, yay! When we entered the shop he saw some polaris rzr accessories and it caught his attention for a while. While I went straight to KIA accessories. I didn’t want to show him I am that ignorant with car accessories but he knows me. So instead of inspecting those eye candies, he helped me to get the things I need. Good thing he was with me, I could have bought unnecessary things and spends too much. I'm thankful to have a friend who know a lot about cars, I don't have to pay an expert :)

Friday Fill-ins

1. It's easy to do anything you want when you have money :).

2. My cute little boy, my darling.

3. Once upon a time, are 4 words my kids loves to hear from me every night before going to bed

4. But what I really wanted is for the story to be finished and say the words ... the end. Then we'll go to bed!

5. What is in iOS5? People are going gaga over it.

6. I hope to finish my tasks sooner than later.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to sleep early, tomorrow my plans include cooking snacks for the music team and Sunday, I want to relax with the kids!

Christmas Baskets

I’ve visited three supermarkets last week and one thing I noticed that’s common to all of them are the displays of Christmas Fruit Baskets on the shelves. Maybe this is one way to remind shoppers that Christmas is coming and it’s time to save for gifts. And grocery goodies and fruit baskets are one of the easiest choices. No one will not love this especially when the content were all gourmet. I wonder if I’ll received one this time, hehe.

The Tablet

Do you want a tablet? Not that whic you take when you're sick, silly. I'm talking about this:

Almost everyone was bitten by this tablet bug. Why, because almost everyone now desires to own this tech gadget. Tablets pcs is one of the IN and why not since its handy and very much useful. I myself would want to have one someday. But maybe that is not sooner..I’ll wait until the price go down. But I believe miracles happen, lol!

Getting Rid of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks are the common problems of women who already gave birth and I am not spared. Giving birth to two kids gave me my fare share of these annoying stretch marks. During my first pregnancy they are not that visible and I thought I can manage to get rid of them but before it happen I got pregnant with my second child. Now, getting rid of stretch marks is more challenging for me.

They say that stretch marks are not harmful, not unless you are a person who thought stretch marks as ugly lines in your skin. Some doesn’t even bother to have them treated because honestly, it’s a skin condition that doesn’t need to undergo medical treatments because it heals on its own, and I hope it so. They say that stretch marks fade over time but of course with the help of moisturizing creams, lotions or body oils to help the skin moisturized and supple all the time. The problem with my first pregnancy is that I didn’t care about stretch marks because I was pre occupied with preparing for the baby’s birth. I regretted it. So, when I was pregnant with my second I used a brand of body butter to help me minimized the appearance of stretch marks and it did wonders. Somehow, I only had a few additions to the old marks in my belly. Now I use a brand of sunflower oil to help me minimized the rest of the marks. The brand claims that it can be use to stretch marks. I am also reading a post on trilastin reviews and will see if this product will also help me. Trilastin claims that it’s the most effective and successful stretch mark removal cream in the market. Hopefully, with a religious application of these products, my stretch marks will be forever gone.

Search Me, Use Me Lord

It's been ages since I posted something about my faith here. It's because I have been in my down times and I have been neglecting what I am supposed to be. It's just recently when I was tasked to facilitate our small group (cell group) in church that I realized I was not being what I have to be as a Christian. I know I have been living a life that is boring and dry. So I started reading my bible and reading books that will encourage me and restore the joy of serving and living for God.

Last Sunday, I was touched by the message of our guest speaker, it's about giving back our lives to God and allowing Him to use us. I had this feeling of guilt that I have not prayed that prayer for so long now. And I've decided, I will not live a life of mediocrity, I will stand and desire to be used by God..to be a salt and a light of the world.

Sonda-me, Usa-me Senhor
(Aline Barros)

Search me, Lord, and know me,
Make my heart to be broken..
Transform me according to your word
And fill me until only You can be found in me
And then... use me, Lord, use me

Like a lighthouse that shines at night
Like a bridge over the waters
Like a shelter in the desert
Like an arrow that hits it's target
I want to be used in any way that pleases you
Any time and in any place, here is my life.
Use me, Oh Lord...

Plus Size to Size 8

My sister and I are planning to have a photo shoot somewhere in Quezon City this week. Actually this is not only to have nice pictures of our selves but we will also feature some of my items that I wanted to sell online. These are pre-loved items that I bought on various shops that I visited selling imported and unique pieces of clothing. But while I’ll be wearing these items, my sister is on the lookout for affordable plus size clothing that she can wear for the photo shoot. She is not actually that big but some of the plus size womens clothing looks good on her. They somehow give her a sexy silhouette when worn properly. So before our planned photo shoot, I still have to accompany her to look for an affordable womens plus size tops. I told her that I’m hoping also that someday we won’t need to take the effort f finding that size of clothes for her because I can just let her use some of my cute clothes since we will be of the same size, LOL!

Kidding aside, I really wanted my sister to lose weight. I am even inviting her to play badminton with me but since her schedule of work is shifting, she cannot find time. But I am not giving up on her I know she can bring back her previous body weight and built soon.

Should You Join the Bandwagon?

Almost everyone wants to own touch screen phones, android and smart phones like I-phone and Samsung galaxy, tablets like I-pad and Asus Eee Pad Transformer. Well, I won’t be surprised since these gadgets are the trend today. I just can’t understand why a person feels that he can’t fit in if he won’t join the bandwagon even at the expense of his meager income. Well, it’s his life and his view of a standard of living, I can only comment, hehe.

An Event I Wish I Could Attend

My friend is getting married in January, and guess what? It will be a beach wedding which will be held at the famous Boracay beach . I’m so happy for her, and she was super excited. I still remember when she first showed us her engagement ring design. She felt she was floating on cloud 9! Her fiance has provided everything and the preparations are going on smoothly. Even the house that they will live in after the wedding is already being constructed. I could see that her husband to be is a great man and a good provider. Anyway, I wish I could attend her wedding but just the thought about the expenses going to Boracay, I could only sigh…

My Dream Living Room

I love to have a house like this. It’s clean and warm and fresh and cozy. It’s indeed, a typical dream home :). It’s just hard to managed, lol! Having a house like this should be kept clean specially the carpet. And if you don’t have a nice vacuum cleaner, it would be very hard tidying up. You will need to get help from carpet cleaning raleigh specialists. But who cares right? If you have a house like this, it means you also have the money to pay for your cleaners, hehe. How I really wish, I’ll have my own house someday, this one is perfect!

Congratulations, Shamcey!

It was indeed a close fight for the crown. Although a lot of us are not satisfied with the result, let's be content and be proud. Shamcey did her best and she showed a true picture of a Filipina--beauty, brains, and a strong personal conviction. But what I like most about her is that she was firm with her faith. She showed that she is indeed a true believer of Christ. :) As what Venus Raj said, everything happens with a purpose. Even Shamcey is contented with what was given to her so let us all be proud for her, for being the 3rd runner up at the recently concluded Miss Universe pageant.

Swimming in the Cold Season Can Be Fun

My daughter loves swimming on pools and even if it’s rainy season here in our neck of the woods, it’s not a hindrance for her to hop in and swim. But I tell you, she easily gets cold and the nearby resort doesn’t have hot springs or heat pumps to warm the pool water. I hope they can check PoolSupplyUnlimited.com pool heat pumps so that it’s still enjoyable and fun even if it the weather is cold especially when swimming in rainy or Christmas seasons.I also don't like swimming in a cold pool so I am one of those who will truly enjoy swimming in warm water. Heat pump please!

Tadaaa! New Look!

After a very long time, I was finally able to change my blog's template and I'm thankful. It seems that I only needed some time and motivation. This time, the template is simpler. I only tweaked a little from the original and I love the results.

My previous template is not pleasant to the eye and it somehow left me not wanting to post a lot and visit a lot :). I think it's somehow annoying, lol!

For now, I'm loving the new look of this blog. Will I changed it again, hmmm.. let see! :)

Establish a Good Relationship with Your Mother-in-Law

Married life is exciting and a new learning experience. The adjustment phase for newly weds vary depending on how deep their relationship was to start with. A piece of advice to those who are planning to join the bandwagon: a marriage is not only a union between man and woman but the start of a relationship among their families as well.

Now there’s that dreaded thought popularized by movies and television shows and that is your in-laws could make your life a living hell. Of course moms could be on the defensive side on welcoming the thought that another woman would be taking care of their precious child. As a wife, you should try and make an effort to reach out to your mother-in law and establish a good relationship with her.

Yes, there are some in-laws who tend to neglect the idea that their child is now starting his own family. It might take some time to adjust on this new setup. Do not let this situation intimidate you. Be as polite and respectful as you can and do not let this issue affect you.

It will be good to invite her for some quality time together. Spend a day shopping or visit a spa in order to have some private moments with your mother-in-law. During this time you can start a conversation and make an effort of getting to know here more. This is also a good time to talk about things and clear the air if there are any unsolved issues between the both of you.

Keep in mind that dealing and establish a healthy relationship with your in-laws is a part of married life.

Joanne currently works as a freelance writer. Among her favorite topics include travel, current events, technology and fashion. She's enjoying her current task writing for slankekur a project that provides diet information.

Actos and Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the leading killer diseases. Patients usually get serious and sometimes do not respond to medications anymore because of complications which are sometimes brought about by side effects of medicines like Actos. Actos is an oral medicine for diabetes but recently the use of Actos has been suspended in France and Germany and the FDA has even issued warning for the use of this drug. Studies show that serious bladder cancer and even heart failures had been linked to this drug mostly to patients who used this for more than a year. For people who have diabetes, be careful with the medicines that you take. Make sure that your doctors know what they are prescribing. You should ask for details and information such as side effects that the drug may bring. This is to avoid the risk of getting much serious complications for the patient and avoiding Actos lawsuit for the doctors.

Batteries You Can Find Online

I had been looking for an extra battery pack for my camera and I have been to various outlets and malls already ad I didn’t find one. Someone told me that there are stores selling batteries online and maybe I can try looking for my battery there. True enough I was able to find the battery that I’m looking for. I needed a replacement since my original battery is easily discharged. Now all I have to do is click and wait for it to be delivered at home.

Your Family's Christmas Gift

Planning on what to give your friends and relatives on Christmas can be done as early as now and there are things you can give without putting so much pressure on your wallets. Like giving them Christmas photo cards. It’s one of the best way to send your greetings to friends without spending so much. You be very creative by doing it personally or if you don’t have the creative juices in you, you can just order them online. Christmas photo cards seem to be a new traditional gifts of families nowadays.

Space Saver

It’s almost been a year and yet I still haven’t bought a new computer cabinet to replace our worn out one. I was thinking if I will just ask a friend to make me a customized one or buy those ready-made cabinets being sold in department stores. But I really wanted to have something like this in the house because this can save so much space knowing how small my room is. You just have to open the cabinet when you are working and close it when you’re done, a space saver indeed!

Happy 6th

July is one of my favorite months. It's because I have to celebrate two special occasions and I have a lot of friends who also celebrates their birthdays this month.

But, every July since the husband started working in Riyadh, we don't get to celebrate these two occasions together. But even so, I still tried to make the day special for us by making this simple slide show for my husband.

Anti-Smoking Campaign

The campaign for anti-smoking law in the metro was a good one. I think this will be hard in the beginning since a lot of smokers will surely retaliate when they will be apprehended but I think this is a good move. I just don’t know how long this will last. The anti-smoking campaign restricts people from smoking in public places so you don’t puff your perdomo cigars inside public buildings like hospital, schools, offices, even public utility vehicles. You will be fined of worst you will be locked in prison. It’s just frustrating when this law is being implemented but people are still uncooperative. But I’m praying that as time goes, people will start abiding to this law. After all, the main benefactor of this is still the public.

Pendant Light Fixtures for a Warm, Cozy Home

I am always fascinated whenever I watch a lifestyle program or talk shows that feature celebrity houses. Aside from reading topics about home styling in magazines, it's more interesting watching it on TV. And what I love about it is because I'm learning a lot so that when the time comes that we will have to build our own house, I'll have enough ideas.

One of the things I learned about home styling is good lighting. A good lighting in a house makes it more relaxing and welcoming. A dull room will brighten up if there are good pendant light fixtures installed. I've seen quite a number of houses that has good lighting fixtures and I found out, that's good trick for a warm house ambiance. From living room to the kitchen, a house should have good lighting even to the comfort rooms. Sparkling ceiling fan lights are great in a living room or in the dining area. And of course, a mom likes me who loves to stay in the kitchen would love it if it has good kitchen light fixtures. Lighting is an essential part of house planning so I I know that we have to really invest on good lighting when we start building our own home.

Sesame Chicken

Today was a fine day. I was able to make a bento snack for my little girl, as able to make california maki and chicken sesame for our lunch.. wow!

Anyway, the chicken sesame turned out to be wonderful and my little girl loved it so much.

The sweetness and sesame flavor and the crisp of the sesame seeds and the chicken itself made this dish a joy to my little girl. You can also try this at home. I only didn't have the spring onions or scallions available so I was not able to garnish it with that. But sans the scallions, it's still great.

Sesame Chicken

Ingredients for the marinade: Nixed the following and marinade chicken

2 tbsp sherry or cooking wine
2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp chicken cube (powdered)
1/8 white pepper
1½ tsp sugar

Ingredients for the sauce: (mixed together)

1/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup honey or karo syrup (I didn't have honey so I used a pancake syrup)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp soy sauce

Batter/coating:
flour, 1 beaten egg, cornstarch.

Vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying, sesame seeds (toasted) and scallions for garnishing

Procedure:

Cut chicken breast fillet in bite size or about 1 inch. Mix the marinade ingredients and marinade chicken in about 1 hour. While waiting for the chicken, mix the sauce ingredients. Once chicken is ready, prepare the coating ingredients. heat the oil for frying. Dredge the chicken in flour, on the beaten egg, then on the cornstarch and fry until golden brown.

Once all the chicken are done, removed the oil and wipe your wok. Heat it again and pour in the sauce mixture. Once the sauce started to bubble, add in the chicken and stir until the chicken are coated. after about 1 minute, removed from wok and serve on a plate. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and scallions or leeks

This is just a simple and easy to prepare recipe. Try it.

Until Then

I came across a store while looking for car accessories in a mall last week. It’s a store at which truck gps systems are being sold. I wonder if they can also install gps for my car, hehe. But seriously, a gps can be a big help for me since I am a new driver but I don’t think my car is one that can accommodate a modern machine like that. Well, I’ll just patiently wait until we are blessed with a new and modern family car. Until then, I’ll have to be loyal with Ms. Kia :)

My Custom Printing Business

When I decided to quit my job and stop working, I also have one thing in mind that I want to do. I want to put up my own business and I was thinking of putting up a shop that specializes on Custom Printing. I have been fond of designing invitations, and other personalize stuffs as gifts and souvenirs that's why I thought it will be a good start up business for me since I know I can handle it well. I love making stuff like Flyer Printing and Gift Card Printing and stuffs like that and since I believe that one will be successful if one will pursue what he is passionate about, I thought it as the perfect business. But as time passed, my dream business center is still in my dreams. Financial issue is what restricting me for that dream business to be realized. It's hard when you do not have yet the funds to support your passion, he he. So for the mean time, while we are still waiting for the funds to come, I am already preparing myself for that business. I am consulting a friend for a good marketing plan. I am also trying to get as much information as I can get to learn everything about custom printing. And I am thankful that my husband is supporting me on this. Though we are still on the stage of praying and planning, we are full of hopes that this printing shop will open soon.

Triple Celebration

After giving birth, my sister will be returning to her home and she is planning to hold her house warming same day as her son’s birthday and also welcoming the new addition to the family, her second son. It’s going to be a triple celebration. She’s asking me to help her plan since she isn’t fully recovered yet. But aside from helping her plan the event, I’m also thinking of what to give as housewarming gift for her and for the kids. I guess, I have to visit suki market at Dapitan to find a good gift.

New Addition

This is late but I just want to post a picture of the new addition to our clan ;-)


Meet my new nephew...Aldrin Matthew, born last June 29, 2011 at 7pm... the same day as her mom's birthday. Isn't it nice? hehe. I was the one who assisted my sister since her hubby was not with her (working overseas). It was a tiring night but when I finally saw this cutie..all the effort was paid off.

Welcome to the family Aldrin! ♥

Monthly Round Up: June 2011

Time flies, yes. the month of June has ended already and here's my round up:

What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
- Re-read the Purpose Drive Life

What movies and/or TV shows did I watch this month?
- Korean Dramas :D, My Princess and Kung Fu Panda2 with the littlegirl

What special days did I celebrate and how?
- Johan's 14th month birthday
- Aldrin's arrival

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
- None

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
- None, thank God we're all healthy

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
- Week end malling

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this month?
- None :)

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
- My daughter's trolleybag

What were this month’s disappointments?
- blog assignments :(

What were my accomplishments this month?
- Driving my daughter to and from school.