once a year

So I checked my last post and it was around March 2018. Ano to? Once a year?!

2018...

One of the toughest for our family because Mama had an open heart surgery. But like the family that we are, we got through it by God’s grace, our love for each other and the strength Mama had shown all through out, from her surgery until her post op recovery. 

This was also the year, Anikka started Grade school. May Grade 1 na kami! It was a transition we both had to accept and work through kasi nasanay kami sa preschool na once a week(friday at that) lang may homework. Now may homework na, weekly quizzes, tapos may Data File(sort of Project) pa every quarter. So we had to work on the daily study habits. Kailangan ma-establish namin yun, bilang working momma din ako, plus wala naman kami tutor. Syempre may resistance on her part, at may pagiging insistent din ako. We had to make rules, then of course compromise. Something I’m really proud of. Si Anikka when you talk to her, explain to her. She listens and understands. Though very strong din personality nitong batang to (which we really like), she also knows when to listen and when to try to reason out (in a good way ha). Yun kasi ang parenting, or siguro the way we want Anikka to grow up. 

As much as we want her to be respectful sa elders nya, most especially sa amin. We also want her to be able to speak her mind, express herself freely. I mean, if we want to be respected, we should also know and show how to respect her. More on that siguro on my next post, next year ulit. Hahahaha! 

After the 1st quarter exams, and we got her report card was so proud of her and tap on my back talaga kasi maganda yung scores niya. Most especially the feedback from her adviser na, nakita niya paano nag adjust at na-improve si Anikka. From her handwriting, sa pag copy ng notes sa board, and to her adjusting sa mga lessons. 

So worth it ang mga reminders ko to her, the time we set aside for her studies and ang mga ideas ko on how to make it more interesting for her to review and practice. 

Ano pa ba ganap namin last year? Oh our first family out of the country trip. Well, not really the first out of the country kasi nag HK na kme. But eto kasi ung kami 3 lang. And it was one for the books. We love JAPAN. Try ko din to write about it pero wala naman kasi ako parang ma share masyado about it kasi more of bonding time lang talaga yun with Jog and Anikka. But let’s see. 

Next blog, will try to share pala my projects. 

Kasi so far I’m so happy about my progress. Hahahaha 

Until next, toodles!

Lenten Special

For 4 consecutive years (or more pa nga),during the lenten season I give up something I like dearly.

Sacrifice kyeme.

It started with rice, then coffee, then Facebook & Instagram then now, Instagram.

After giving up Facebook for almost a month, gave it up for good.

No, I did not delete my account but I just logged off the app permanently.

I still have the Facebook messenger though, kasi for communication yun. Aminin mo, mas madalas dun ang exchange of messages ng friends, officemates, kapamilya more than SMS or viber. Mas mabilis mag reply dun kaysa mag text ka pa. 

Convenient kasi automatic, kung sino friend mo sa FB, ma-message mo agad. Makakausap mo agad. Madalas nga dun na nag send ng invites for events and parties di ba.

So why did I logged off FB?

After the lenten season, parang nawalan na ako ng gana. IG na lang ang active ako.

There are times na na-jijirits at na-aapektuhan ako sa posts or status or whatever it is sa FB community. Which was not healthy, alam kong may mali on my end pero I also know na pede naman siya ma-control. That’s when I decided to log off permanently na. Para kasing mali na ma-jirits ka on a post when it’s their page, their right to express and dapat wala kang pake. So di ba for my peace and para sa kapayapaan ng mundo, mag log out na lang ako. 

Nag-log in na lang ako pag may friends or most of the time officemates na nagsasabing accept friend request or tag ng pictures.

I feel more at peace.

Kahit madalas huli ako s balita or hindi ako maka-relate sa mga usapan, madali naman maka-catch up kaysa yung daily may "jirits" feeling. hehehehe

Sabi ko nga, nagkakasala lang ako sa FB.

Most of my close friends know na pag wala na sila makitang post ko kay Anikka alam nilang on HIATUS ako sa IG.

Minsan may nagtatanong pa din at madaming NAGUGULAT.

Kahit paulit ulit, i explain na, meron akong APP meron pa din akong account. Hindi nga lang naka log in hindi nga lang active.

People may think Im anti-social, or parang pauso or what.

I dont CARE.

Like what I always say, To each is own. 

Lego themed 5th birthday party

Since my daughter went to school, her birthdays are celebrated at school with her class. Medyo tipid yun, kasi ilan lang ang guests at 3 lang ang allowed na caterer/food provided ng school.

Last year, we had a Hello Kitty themed party. Jollibee ang food supplier. Hindi na ako nag effort sa souvenir except I had customized name tags created.

A month before her birthday, I asked her what she wanted. Sa isip ko, Sofia the first or any Disney Princess. Madali kasi ma-pull off yun, susme. Divisoria has it all.

But Anikka has a mind of her own. At 3 years old, siya ang nag dedecide what to wear. We let her be, kasi para sa amin ng asawa ko, that's character building. That's letting her choose, practice of independence plus self expression ba.

So when she answered, nga-nga ang nanay.

Anikka: I want a Jollibee & Mc Donalds collaboration with Shopkins.

Later on, she decided on LEGO. Yun naman kasi ang current na hilig niya talaga. Then I asked her to choose between Mc Do and Jollibee. Ang gusto ng bagets, Happy Meal.

So ang nanay, mega Pinterest na.

It started out with this invitation idea. Lego Invitation

And this was our take: 

My sister, who was more techy than me, added text on the party details via Word Publisher ata.

Then I also saw this loot bag idea sa pinterest, loot bag peg

And this was how we made it naman:

To achieve this, malaking bagay yung circle puncher. We got it online, from an Instagram seller. Tapos after, I asked my husband to buy sa amazon, yung ibang size. It's a great help for projects like this.

Yung gift tags, sister ko na lang din gumawa. Idea came from Pinterest pa din.

Then, while we bought the loot for the souvenir. Nakita ng mommy ko ang hard hat. Very pasok sa theme, and naisip agad namin ng sister ko pedeng i-personalize plus it's gonna serve as their party hat na.

See, nagamit ulit ang circle puncher for the hard hat.  

It was my sister's birthday nung January. It was her 29th birthday, and sa chinese hindi maganda ang age ending with 9. Sabi kailaingang mong i-celebrate ang birthday, para contrahin ang not so good vibes ng 9.

She celebrated with family and friends at Mc Donalds. Kiddie party ang theme. Ang ate mo, gusto ng rainbow cake. But when she asked around, ang mahal.

Ako naman, sa isip ko, madali lang yun kasi coloring lang naman yun. I researched. Madali nga.

So I volunteered since she helped out with Anikka's party din naman. Pa-birthday ko na din for her.

While shopping for the cake materials, we chanced upon a lego figure mold.

Dun namin naisip na gawin ang cake na din for Anikka. Unlike her 3rd birthday party, we ordered and mejo mahal ang fondant cake. Though achieved naman ang Peppa Pig theme..

Anyway, ginalingan ko na lang.

And here was her cake. 

At dahil jan, na realize ko bakit ang mahal ng fondant. hahahahaha

But I would do everything all over again, because Anikka was super happy. 

Nasulit ung puyat and pagod when, Anikka told her classmates:

"look at my cake, it's awesome! a lego man figure and my Mom made it".

Overall, kahit gaano kastress, pagod at hirap mag DIY ng party. End result laging sulit because it's all for your darling child.

Friday glossy loot

Last friday, after work I went to Landmark to get the finally restocked Sleek Matte Me in Birthday Suit.

This was my office monito-monita wishlist, Boss pa namin ang nakabunot sa akin. Unfortunately, it got out of stock during Christmas. So, GC na lang ang binigay niya for me.

And as luck would have it, make up and other beauty products were on SALE!

I love Landmark's beauty section. Whenever I'm in need of spray bottles for my cologne or small containers for my products, they have affordable ones. Plus may iba silang containers na very useful, without being pricey. Think MUJI style.

So I got the Nuxe Multi Purpose Dry Oil. True to it's name, after applying/spraying it on your skin, its absorbed quickly. Leaving you moisturized and not greasy.

The smell kinda reminds me of Dusit Thani Hotel ;p. I'm not good in describing scents,for me it smells regal and rosy. Sosyal yung amoy. 

In reviews I've read, they say applying this will also make your scent(perfume) last long. 

I also got the disposable lipstick/lipgloss applicator. I've been wanting this kaso parang ang mahal for Php 150, but since may SALE sila. Discounted din to so kumuha na ako. 

This is actually for when I apply lip tints. If you do you would understand na when you try to evenly apply tints, and you use your fingers nag stain siya. And I'm kinda OC about it.

And since we are talking glossy, I'm kinda into Korean beauty products lately. It actually started with Missha BB Cream. Then, I've discovered that Missha's Time Evolution Essence is a dupe for SK II. And then now, I got the Son & Park Beauty Water and Benton's Snail Bee Essence.

My say:

1. Missha's Time Evolution Essence - every evening application. Watery yung consistency. Wala naman siyang foul smell unlike the SK II. Nung umpisa mejo nag break out ako. So I had to stop for a week. Ang ginawa ko lang was made sure before application I've cleansed & tone(d) my skin. Feeling ko kasi hindi naging consistent yung routine ko, kaya nag react my skin.

Then the following week, every other day. So far, hindi naman na ako nag break out.

Sa akin, the following morning you'd see the result na. Moisturized na hindi oily yung skin, and fresh sha sa umaga.

2. Beauty Water - use it as a toner. I like it. Fresh ang dating. Unlike other toners na kahit sabihin walang alcohol, ramdam mong may something. I like using this in this in the morning, before make up.  

3. Snail Bee - gel-like ang consistency. Ang gusto ko talaga was to use, Tony Moly Snail Essence line. Kaso ang mahalia here. So I'm gonna ask friends na lang na soon mag travel to Korea, para bilhan ako. Anyway, why Snail Bee essence. Ang sabi kasi yung snail essence maganda sya for anti aging, and to even out skin tone. Since papunta na tayo sa aging, I want to start early sa "prevention". 

So far, I like it naman. No break outs, napansin ko din sa cheeks, nag liit na pores. Though ung nose ko, hindi pa achieved.

Next time, share ko yung bago kong discover na funda. Foundation.

Ciao!

Two point one seven

And so, what I was not looking for happened. 

2016 was the year of changes. Good ones, that is. 

It was not something I had expected but I welcomed the change whole heartedly and with a grateful heart. 

Indeed, whatever happens in our lives are in HIS perfect timing. 

I'm still adjusting and a lot of changes come with it. 

Isa na sa changes na yun ang pag muk-up at pag ayos ko bago pumasok sa opisina. 

Before kasi, I do make up and my hair at the office na. But now, almost everyone in the office makes an effort to come to work polished and made up. So, adjust na din ako sa time to wake up to do my make up and all. 

Will post my new beauty haul next. 

As for now, I'm happy to be writing again. To be blogging again and being in touch with my inner thoughts and feelings. (Whatever!) 

Until next. Grazie! 

life happened

I know I said about writing more.

But real life took its place.

So what have I been up to?

• my 3xth birthday
• Kalyeserye Experience
• if at first you don't succeed
• Quantico

So I turned 30+ last month. I celebrated it availing all the discounts I could since its my birthday.(yeah thats how cheap I am) Like the mani-pedi spa, hair treatment, wax, and dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant.

The husband called at 12midnight and showed me my birthday present.

After my ME-time, took Anikka to the big slide as promised. Her happiness is my happiness.
 
As you get older, your celebrations become shorter but more precious. You value more time alone and with your CORE than celebrating it loud.

I also made sure I prayed at my birthday church.

Last year was challenging as a parent, but I knew things would get better. I knew that everything happens for a reason. In the end, I am just thankful that I am able to experience it now and get pass through it. Because that's whats important.

The KALYESERYE experience was my TAMANG PANAHON as a fan. I was able to see the whole squad in action - the staff and crew, Maine, Jose and Wally. We miss Paolo though, but I know another chance will be given to us.

And finally, I finished season 1 of Quantico. I was growing a crush on Drew Perales, until the last episode. Please don't do this to me.

Currently, I am waiting for something I was not looking for. I was joking about it, saying my current song is "I didn't know I was looking for love..."

Patiently waiting for it, since like what I've said I was not looking.

As a reminder, I have a bracelet that says "What's for you will not pass you".

And i'd like to think this is it.

Happy Humpday y'all!

romantic movies

I've always loved romantic movies.

I could name a few of my favorites now, but more than that, the other day i realized that i stopped watching them for sometime.

Years back, i would find time to watch them. Be it on the movie house or DVD.

Which made me think why i stopped.

I stopped because a part of me stopped believing in LOVE.

I was hurt. I was broken. And part of my moving on was avoiding these movies which only made me hate that my love story was no longer "perfect".

So, I added a to-do on my 2016. I will try and watch 1 romantic movie at a time and let's see how I do from there.

Since i love lists, let me share it with you.

1. The Notebook
2. She's All that
3. Down to you
4. 10 things I hate about you
5. Notting Hill
6. Pretty Woman
7. Love actually
8. Reality Bites
9. how to lose a guy in 10 days
10. Easy A
11. 16 candles
12. Pretty in Pink
13. Hitch
14. My bestfriend's wedding
15. 50 first dates
16. As good as it gets
17. Somethings gotta give
18. Sex and the City 1 &2
19. Love and other drugs
20. a lot like love

I think i missed a lot, but i think this is a good start.

When two people love each other - Really... Love each other - but they just can't get it together, when do you get to that point where enough is enough?
Look, when two people love each other - Totally, TRUTHfully, all the way Love each other - the answer to that question is simple, especially in your case. When do you get to that point where enough is enough? Never... Never

the left handed guy

I think I wrote about him some years ago.

When blogging wasn't available yet.

He was the guy I liked sooo much at fourteen.He played basketball, he was great at math and he listens to Spandau Ballet.

He had a girlfriend and he thought I liked someone else.

At that time, I felt we were destined. Because fate had a thing for us. Even on the most mundane opportunities, we would see each other, or be given a chance to communicate.

It was the first time I felt kilig. Each conversation, I was so interested. First time I enjoyed talking to a person who isn't a girlfriend.

It went on for years, phone conversations turned into text messaging (nung nauso na siya). Half my mornings spent sending that "good morning text/quote/graphics" even with the network traffic.

I remember the feeling of secretly comparing him to a boyfriend I had, which made me end that relationship because I knew my heart belongs to someone else.

I liked him that much.

And I wouldn't forget the last long conversation we had when I was on vacation in the U.S.
We had a lot of things in common and so much more, but it was also the time I knew he never liked me. Not in the romantic way I hoped he would. Because if he did, he'd make a way.

The last time I saw him was on his wedding day. I invited myself (with my supportive girlfriends and no, we didn't go inside the church) outside the church and right on time as the priest introduced him and his wife as a newly wedded couple.

I wanted to do that as closure on my part. So at least I know I said goodbye.

And as I write this, I have NO regrets.

Because, if not for him or the experience, I wouldn't learn love, basketball and heartaches.

I wish I could say he was the one that got away, but he isn't. How could you lose someone you never had? Officially.

So thank you left handed guy. You may never know this, and I may forget the kilig i felt with you, but I will always remember that one time in my life with a smile on my face.


i know this, much is true.

fangirling

I'm not sure if it's wise to write about my "fangirling" over AlDub.

But this whole experience has brought out a lot of emotions over this momma.

As part of my 2016 to-do, I wanted to write more. Write back, like the way i used to. And so...

I got curious about the phenomenal Kalyeserye tandem when picture of them 5 years ago came out. The Candy Fair picture. I told myself, if this were true, Maine's reaction when she saw Alden on the split screen was REAL.

I remember sending/creating a  group message over Facebook to my self confessed AlDubnation friends. and first question was, "so crush ni Maine si Alden noon pa?" with the disclaimer that "I'm just curious".

The question was because it didn't make sense to me before, of why Maine would react soooo kilig when she saw Alden watching her dubsmash if it was the first time she saw him.

Through the course of the chat, they encouraged me to watch the episode where it started it all. If you want to watch it, here's the link:

KalyeSerye July 16,2015

One episode led to another, and I found myself hooked.

I would watch replays before I sleep. When I discovered how to live stream, I would "LS". I participated in the "twitter party", I activated the notifications on my twitter and Instagram for Maine and Alden and fans who would have updates by the hour/minute.

It was crazy. Still is.

I like that THEY (people behind the KalyeSerye) make an effort in making sure a lesson is learned from their episodes. Like chivalry, Filipino traditions and customs, love for the family, and forgiveness.

If you'll ask me,I'm more of a fan of Maine than Alden. (no offense) The guy is great and all, pero kay Meng ako aliw na aliw. Natatawa at bilib na bilib.

But the success of their tandem should be given to them both, equally.

So I question myself, why am I sooo kilig on a guy who's tisoy and super mabait ?(everyone who has worked with him/had an encounter with him says so. consistently says so).

Knowing myself, I prefer Moreno and bad boy looking guys. The kind you don't want to bring home to momma. hehehe

Until there was a video shared by another fan, where Alden was signing a wall. I knew he was left handed, but this was the first time I saw him write.

This instant kind of reminded me of a guy I liked before. He was left handed, was great in Math and was white as a bond paper.

coz maybe, you're gonna be the one that saves me
and after all
you're my wonderwall

momma diary 1

I'm not even gonna try.

I gave birth to an 8.9lbs baby girl February of 2012. To say that my life has changed is an understatement.

It's true when they say, it's LOVE like no other.

I look at her sleep and tell myself, how come I deserved this? This little tigress who wants no one but me. Imagine the happiness when she was finally able to call me "MOM".

And the delight in my eyes, whenever I speak of her.

If you're pregnant and reading this, or about to, or you have one or two or four already...Cheers! You're one hella of a woman.

I'm still learning everyday. Learning from her mostly. Trying so hard because she deserves nothing but the BEST. (so future suitor/boyfriend, make sure you are ready to meet her MOM!)

I broke down once in front of her, and she calmly held me, and softly said, "don't cry mom, it's ok". Yah, those were the wise words of my 3 year-old. And those words reassured me that I'm doing well as a parent.

You'll lose patience, you will also ask WHY this is happening to me, all I want is to be a good mother. That's also when you will realize not to be hard on yourself, you could be worse but hey you're not! haha

There are also LAZY days, and it's ok. You're human.

But my most favorite is when it's just the two of you, about to go to sleep, and she squishes to be close to you and holds your face with her tiny hands and says, "just me and mom".

No matter how many tantrums and NO yells she has thrown, she remains to be your baby.

Always.

Bucky's not a Brownie

 

I first saw this on Instagram and the name made me curious of how it's gonna taste.

 

Then by fate, I got a chance to have a taste of this wonderful creation.

 

 

 

 

Not overwhelmingly sweet, chewy enough that you want to get another bite.

 

This box did not last that long on our fridge, which could only mean we ALL loved it.

 

Don't just take my word for it. Experience and Enjoy!

 

You can check out Bucky’s website, like Bucky’s on Facebook, and follow Bucky’s on Tumblr and on Instagram.

 

For orders, you can get in touch with Miguel Vargas at 0917 844 5104 or at miguel@buckysnotabrownie.com.

What I order

Penne Al Telefono from CiBo

 

 

French Toast from Breakfast at Antonio's

 

Pizza from Gino's (forgot its name)

 

Black Velvet Cake from Mary Grace

 

 

 

good for the soul

This year i have finally accomplished a goal -- fasting for the Lenten Season. 

I am giving up eating rice until easter sunday as I take penance and pray for guidance. 

I feel good about being able to this exercise to discipline myself and offer a little bit of my being human to God. 

Thank you God for the opportunity to do this, my spirits are up and full of positivity. 

next year i might give up Coffee *we'll see*

bag lady?

I like this as it reminds me of the Celine luggage bag. 

I've put hold on ordering this as I think this is not a good time to buy another bag when my Lola had given me two bags for pasalubong last Christmas. 

This would be also be nice to use everyday for the office. Looks simple and smart

And this one is a fun-nice-to-have bag for summer or when you just want to feel young and hip. Haha

day dreaming

When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it. - Paulo Coelho

(Photos not mine)

to be and feel like a royal

I once read somewhere that you dont have to spend on a lot to make you feel rich. Simple and pretty things does the trick for me to feel GRAND. 

Like you can eat the most simplest food on the most pretty plate or silverware. 

Been stalking these Royal Albert teacups for a while now online. And i have been trying my luck to bid on to Paper Straw Love on IG every friday! 

For now let me just stare at these beauties. Haha

You'll be mine! (Claiming it)

oil power

I have sensitive skin. The kind of skin which does not retain moisture like most skin. Having so made me love oils. Because oil is easily absorbed by my skin and leaves the moisture longer than most lotions.

I discovered EMU oil through a bazaar several years back, V&M Naturals has a line of EMU products. I used them on my rashes ( the ones I get when my skin is not moisturized or when I'm stressed), with several use, it left no mark and my rashes were gone.
It's kinda pricey though, but if you have sensitive skin, most products are pricey.

When I was pregnant ARGAN oil was introduced to the Philippine market. I remember having to search on this on google and was easily sold on "safe for pregnant women, best to prevent stretch marks"
I got mine in Alex Carbonel's Fix Salon in Greenbelt 5, another pricey one but its worth it.
Its non greasy, easily absorbed by the skin and unlike the EMU oil it smells great!
I use this on my face and my C-section scar, no dreams of  making this disappear, but at least this makes it smoother.

The most affordable yet effective oil that I've tried is the Sunflower oil from Human Heart Nature.
I gave this as a Christmas present two years ago and my friends loved it. For some it lightened their skin, its great as a make up remover and its recommended for under eye care.
I even use this for my daughter as a moisturizer at night for her legs and toes.

There's another oil I love to use, no picture on hand, so will try to write about it on my next post

Ciao!

SHOES

You could call me a SHOE kinda of girl than a BAG kinda girl.

I've learned from a couple of pairs already that money well spent on quality shoes is worth it than buying cheap ones every other month! hehehe

Last year I splurged on Anthology shoes, hoping it would last me a year or so given that I would use this everyday.

And it did not disappoint me. Soles were still intact and only if my other pair did not soak in the rain, I wouldn't be shoe shopping online today.

I'm still not sure which one to get, but here are the three pairs I would want to get

 

 

 

The first two black ones are for work, then the camou printed ones are for my love of shoes. haha

 

I know they're kinda pricey for flat shoes, but believe me if you're gonna use this work everyday, its worth every peso you'd spend!

 

 



VOGUE September Issue

One of my routines during college was to drop buy the Bingo store (a convenience store) and check out their back copies of fashion magazines. 

i loved magazines, the smell of them makes me really happy!

They had allure, in style and Vogue. My first copy of Vogue had Julia Roberta on the cover. 

My obsession and love affair with magazines was a long and expensive one. 

It was also consuming so much storage space as i would not let them go. 

It was only marriage (my greatest love) that made me stop and move on to a paperless life. But being a creature of lists, there's one thing i need do. 

In my bucketlist, i wrote many years back to have a current VOGUE September issue. 

A friend posted on IG and said he got his at a stall in Makati Med. He tried at National Bookstore but they had none. 

Would i be able to fulfill this? 

trying out the blogger app

technology. how could you resist having everything you need (exag) in a touch of a button. 

my smartphone allows me to capture memories, my kids' milestones, search on recipes, do banking, google my curiosity and screen cap whatever fancies me. 

simply put, its the best thing that happened to this generation. 

as i write this, im watching my daughter drink 2nd bottle of milk today. multi tasking?

even she likes to tinker with my phone. there was even one time she pointed at the tv screen and tried to zoom

it barney! (anak, hindi pa ganun ka hi-tech ang tv natin)

so far? im liking this app. 

just need to try if uploading a picture would be easy. 

lemmme try....

oh great!!!

hope this is a start of a good relationship! 

toodles!!!!