My Dream Bag

I am sure the ladies will agree that we can't have enough of bags and shoes!  Some are bagaholics, others are shoe addicts. .. some may even be both! LOL

I am more of a bag person . . . and I am fond of BIG bags. . .Why?  Simply because I'm a big girl!  Haha!   I can't imagine myself carrying a purse (it would emphasize my umm. . .size more, teehee). . . AND since I'm not one of the most organized person you will ever meet (I know, it's one thing I have to improve on now that I'm a mom), having a big bag makes things easier for me.  You know how sometimes you find yourself putting stuff in your bag every which way and then tell yourself that you'll fix it when you get home?  Well, that's me . . . . most of the times!  (Actually, same goes with my wallet! Haha!)

I don't have a luxury bag.  I do have a few branded bags but not the luxurious brands.  I appreciate LVs and Guccis but I won't probably get one anytime soon ( not yet anyway, haha!).  Being a stay-at-home mom and with the Little One around, there are some priorities that have to be addressed first. 

BUT. . . I never thought I'll like (*loooove*) a luxurious bag this much. . . the Givenchy Nightingale Bag!  I love that it's satchel and it's BIG! 

Ashley Olsen and her Givenchy Nightingale Bag
Photo credit: www.forum.purseblog.com

Well, call it pure luck. . . I saw a Nightingale-ish bag (an ALDO) being sold online at Zappos.  I like the color, the style and the size.  I am so happy with this good buy.  This is my take on the thousand dollar Givenchy bag. . . not bad huh? =)    

Givenchy Grey Lambskin Nightingale - Medium
(US$ 1,328)
Photo credit: www.shopstyle.com

ALDO Mouret
(US$ 50)
Photo credit: www.zappos.com

    

As for the Nightingale Bag?  Well, it is still a dream bag. . . because it's something I would buy if I win the Lotto! =)

What's your dream bag?   

Lovin' Human Nature Sunflower Oil

I've heard raves about this product from our N@W group (Newlyweds At Work) and from my friend D when we were talking about various organic beauty and health products that are now available in the market.  Hearing so many good feedbacks encouraged me to get one for myself.  I am soooo glad that we have a dealer here in our city! (Human Nature products are being sold at Posh Nails (2/F) located at Walter Mart, San Fernando, Pampanga)

Below are the 15 "miracles" that this product can do (as seen in Human Nature's magalogue):

• Softens and lightens underarms
• Lightens dark undereye circles
• Lightens dark spots and pimple marks
• Under eye moisturizer
• Prevents and diminishes the appearance of stretch marks
• Softens feet, soles and elbow
• Removes stubborn make up
• Overall body moisturizer
• Moisturizes dry hair ends
• Softens the cuticles
• De-frizzes hair
• Adds shine to dull hair
• Relieves itching and inflammation caused by insect bites
• Nourishes and conditions eyelashes
• Lightens dark lips

I tried using it for my underarms (admit it  Ladies. . . we all want a smoother and lighter underarm! LOL) and I'm happy to say . . it is effective!!!  And no, I won't be posting "before" and "after" photos of my underarm! Haha!   I hope you can just take my word for it, heehee. . .

All the above benefits at a price that is easy on the pocket (a 50ml bottle only costs Php 119.75!).  Other products I bought were their deodorant and hand sanitizer.

And I'm eyeing this one as well. . . their Citronella bug spray (which is now SOLD OUT. . . I guess because of the rising dengue cases being reported, this has become a popular product)  

But the best thing about Human Nature is everytime you buy their products, you also support the company's core philosophy of PRO-Philippines, PRO-Poor and PRO-Environment.  And in our own way, we contribute to the social change they are aiming for. . . . and that to me is the true beauty of Human Nature. 

If you want to know more about Human Nature and their products, you may visit their website at http://humanheartnature.com/main.html   

*All photos are from www.humanheartnature.com

Guess who dropped by?

My mom was in the garden and just heard a loud thud and saw this goose walking around.  The goose just sort of fell from the sky (must be heaven sent! heehee).  Well she dropped by . . . not to visit but to stay!  I'm sure having this goose around will delight my 5-yr old niece and 2-yr old nephew. . . and do you know what would delight the grownups?!  If she lay golden eggs! Hahaha!

Guess who dropped by?

Granny Goose is in the house!

Seeing Granny Goose (that's what we call her) reminded me of a lunch date with hubby in LA a few years back.  We were at San Pedro Fisherman's Wharf (where seagulls and pigeons roam freely) when a seagull happily helped himself to our lunch.  Can you blame the seagull if he saw what we're having?!  

Our Shrimp Fajita lunch

I guess this seagull wants his food hot!

Perfume 101

Image credit: www.123rf.com

 My sister and I were at the mall trying perfumes and I've always wondered what the difference is between Eau de Parfum and Eau de Toilette.  I've surfed in the net and saw an article in GildedLife.com which summarizes the difference between the two:

1. Eau de parfum and eau de toilette are both types of perfume.

2. Eau de parfum has a greater concentration of scent than eau de toilette.

3. Eau de parfum lasts longer than eau de toilette.

4. Eau de parfum is more expensive than eau de toilette, though, since you have to apply eau de toilette more often, the costs may turn out to be equal.

Our next lesson . . . how do you prounounce them? 

Just to be sure, I will just let this online talking dictionary teach us the pronounciation for these words, heehee  =)

http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=eau%20de%20parfum

Hope you learned something today. . . 

Au revoir! =)

Shortest Fairytale Ever Told

I was going through my old blog and thought of sharing with you one of my fave posts.  I attended a friend's wedding a couple of years ago and during the sermon, the officiating priest shared with us the shortest fairytale ever told. . . .  It goes something like this. . .

Photo credit: www.talkinsmackradio.com

Once there was a man who met and fell in love with a woman.  One day, he asked her, "Will you marry me?" and the woman said, "NO"

. . . AND HE LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. . . . THE END

HAHAHAHAHA!  This never fails to crack me up!  =)

Have a blessed and fun-filled Sunday!

Restaurant-Style - Buffalo Chicken Wings

Since Buffalo Chicken Wings is one of my favorite appetizers, I thought of trying a recipe I found online which claims to be similar to what is served in a  popular restaurant (H***ERS).  

This appetizer usually go with a Blue Cheese Dip. . . but I'm not a fan of Blue Cheese.  So I just bought a bottle of Ranch dressing in the supermarket for our dip.

I am happy to say that this recipe is for keeps. . . a go-to recipe if you want to impress your family and friends =)  

Happy Cooking!

*This recipe is from All Recipes website.   

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 10 chicken wings
• oil for deep frying
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup hot sauce
• 1 dash ground black pepper
• 1 dash garlic powder

Directions

1. In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep. Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and reserve for serving.
3. Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve.

"LOSYANG" MOMENTS

I was putting the Little One to sleep (for her morning nap) when I glanced at myself at the mirror. . . my love handles were reminding me to start my diet, the panda bear eyes are there (the past few nights have been rough because the Little One has pneumonia), I was in my PJs, my oily hair was put up using a big hair clamp, I haven't taken a bath . . . well, I hope you got the picture. . .*Sigh* . . . . I hope I'm not turning into a losyang na!  Before the Little One came, I swore that I will never be one!  (Okay, I was trying to look for an English term for "losyang" and. . . I just couldn't find a suitable word to translate it . . . Unglamorous?  Frazzled?  Haha!  If you have any suggestions, let me know pls!)

I think most Filipinos would have this picture of a losyang in their minds - married women with children who are in dusters, "amoy kusina", with unkempt hair and are haggard looking.  For me, the term "losyang" should NOT be used exclusively for married women or for mothers. . .  any woman can fall to the "losyang" trap.  A woman can be married, with a dozen children but can still look fabulous!    

In my book, being losyang simply means you don't put effort anymore to take care of yourself (physically, mentally or emotionally) and that you let go of your good self.  And in letting go, there will be a point that you will feel miserable because you feel exhausted and probably overwhelmed with juggling your different roles  --- as a daughter, a sister, a career woman, a wife and a mother.  Before you reach that point, it's best that you stop, take a deep breath . . .and do something that will make you feel good about yourself and make a happier YOU.  It can be a good massage, a spa treatment, a trip to the salon, coffee with friends or just some quiet time for yourself just to re-energize.  After getting some "me" time, I'm sure you'll feel lighter and that  you'll be more productive (less stressed too) . . .and more likeable perhaps (less sungit mode), haha!    

Photo source: www.spaliciousgifts.com

If there are days that I feel like blah, sometimes I just grab my favorite lipstick and cheek tint and  I put on some of those. . .even when I'm just at home . . .wearing my PJs. =)

Being thankful

Thank you Lord
. . . for my eyes, that I can see the beauty of my Little One's smile
. . . for my nose, that I can smell the sweetness of her breath
. . . for my lips, that I can kiss her everyday
. . . for my voice, so that I can sing and talk to her
. . . for my feet, so that I can dance and sway her to sleep
. . . for my arms. . .yes, my big arms that cradle her when she is crying
. . . and for for my "love handles", oh yes, those extra layers of fat in my belly which give her comfort as I lay her down on my tummy.

Thank you Lord for giving me all these gifts and please guide me to become the best Mommy I can be.

Food Post - Missing L.A.

I was thinking of what topic to blog about when I had hunger pangs.  So I thought of doing a food post for today.  So I would like to share with you some of my faves which I'm missing . . . 

I mentioned in an earlier blog that hubby and I have a long distance relationship. . . he is based in LA but  I get to visit him every year . . . not this year though.  I'm glad he was able to come home for the Little One's delivery (he missed it by a week) and that he was able to stay with us for 2 months.  

So I guess my cravings for these LA chow have to wait . .. *sigh*  

1. BURGERS - there are 2 places we go to for good burgers, In and Out Burger (a California original) and Five Guys Burger and Fries (I love their thick-cut fries!)

Side kuwento:  Judy Ann Santos was craving for an In-N-Out burger when she was two months pregnant so Ryan posted this on FB and  after a couple of days, they had friends who went over to the house bringing the burger. . . that's what I call resourcefulness!  If you want to read more about it, you may click on this link http://www.mb.com.ph/node/250125/juday-

I'm sure Mrs. Agoncillo was a happy camper =)   

Can you blame her for craving this burger?

In and Out's Double-Double

Five Guys Burger and Fries (thick-cut!)

2. McDonald's Grilled Chicken Club - how I wish McDonalds PH also offer this sandwich!  You won't be feeling guilty after eating this! Haha!  Grilled Chix breast,  cheese, fresh lettuce and tomatoes with ranch dressing!  Yum-O!

3. Moishe's at The Farmer's Market in LA - The Farmer's Market is another happy place of mine.  It is our go-to place if hubby and I don't have anything to do.  There are several food stalls  which offer a wide range of cuisine.  But I always end up ordering the same thing. . . Moishe's chicken kebab. . . healthy Greek food!  

 

But one thing that excites me when I come back to Philippines is. . . Yellow Cab's New York's Finest Pizza.  There are good pizzas in LA but Yellow Cab is still my all-time fave! =)

Photo source: www.yellowcabpizza.com

Nooowww I'm hungry. . . squid balls for merienda! =)

Tina Fey, you crack me up!

The first time I watched Tina Fey was in the US comedy variety show Saturday Night Live (SNL).  I loved her Sarah Palin impersonation!  Then hubby told me about the Emmy award winning-TV comedy series "30 Rock" which she created and produced.  By the way, she is also part of the cast.  Honestly though, I have to admit, I haven't watched any 30 Rock episodes!  Heehee =)

I really can't remember where I saw this or how I came to know about this "prayer" (okay, this is the anesthesia from my C-section kicking in, haha!)  but I want to share with you this hilarious prayer written by Tina for her daughter.  This is from her new book "Bossypants".  Reading this prayer makes me want to buy her book . . . and I think it's time to catch up with all 5 Seasons of 30 Rock! Haha!  

Tina Fey can act, write, is witty and hands down funny!  She's a genius and I just love her! =)

Photosource: www.nymag.com

***************************************************************************

First, Lord: No tattoos. May neither Chinese symbol for truth nor Winnie-the-Pooh holding the FSU logo stain her tender haunches.May she be Beautiful but not Damaged, for it’s the Damage that draws the creepy soccer coach’s eye, not the Beauty.
When the Crystal Meth is offered, May she remember the parents who cut her grapes in half And stick with Beer.
Guide her, protect her
When crossing the street, stepping onto boats, swimming in the ocean, swimming in pools, walking near pools, standing on the subway platform, crossing 86th Street, stepping off of boats, using mall restrooms, getting on and off escalators, driving on country roads while arguing, leaning on large windows, walking in parking lots, riding Ferris wheels, roller-coasters, log flumes, or anything called “Hell Drop,” “Tower of Torture,” or “The Death Spiral Rock ‘N Zero G Roll featuring Aerosmith,” and standing on any kind of balcony ever, anywhere, at any age.
Lead her away from Acting but not all the way to Finance. Something where she can make her own hours but still feel intellectually fulfilled and get outside sometimes And not have to wear high heels.
What would that be, Lord? Architecture? Midwifery? Golf course design? I’m asking You, because if I knew, I’d be doing it, Youdammit.
May she play the Drums to the fiery rhythm of her Own Heart with the sinewy strength of her Own Arms, so she need Not Lie With Drummers.
Grant her a Rough Patch from twelve to seventeen. Let her draw horses and be interested in Barbies for much too long, For childhood is short – a Tiger Flower blooming Magenta for one day – And adulthood is long and dry-humping in cars will wait.
O Lord, break the Internet forever, That she may be spared the misspelled invective of her peers And the online marketing campaign for Rape Hostel V: Girls Just Wanna Get Stabbed.
And when she one day turns on me and calls me a Bitch in front of Hollister, Give me the strength, Lord, to yank her directly into a cab in front of her friends, For I will not have that Shit. I will not have it.
And should she choose to be a Mother one day, be my eyes, Lord, that I may see her, lying on a blanket on the floor at 4:50 A.M., all-at-once exhausted, bored, and in love with the little creature whose poop is leaking up its back.
“My mother did this for me once,” she will realize as she cleans feces off her baby’s neck. “My mother did this for me.” And the delayed gratitude will wash over her as it does each generation and she will make a Mental Note to call me. And she will forget. But I’ll know, because I peeped it with Your God eyes.
Amen.

My Coffee Find (Tipid Mode)

I love coffee!!! So when I got pregnant, giving up my caffeine fix (my coffee and Diet Coookke!) was one of the hardest things I had to do (well, that and giving up my junk food cravings!)

My love affair with coffee started during my College days when we were doing our thesis, thanks to my bestfriend P who introduced this addiction to me (it's her fault! Heehee)

I love coffee . . .brewed and yes, even instant coffee! For hot drinks, I prefer going to Figaro and for cold drinks and ice blended coffee, I prefer those made by Starbucks. I love Starbucks' Espresso Frap. I've been addicted to this drink and I couldn't possibly go to Starbucks everyday to get one!

So in one of my trips to the supermarket (another happy place of mine). . . I was sooo happy to see this by chance!

Photo source: www.spot.ph

I got a couple of these to try at home and I'm happy (and excited!) to say. . . it's good! Definitely works for me! =) And the good news is. . . it costs only Php 15!

If you have a blender at home, just put some crushed ice and pour this drink into the blender. Voila! You now have your homemade espresso frap!

Don't you just love finding cheaper alternatives for things you splurge on? =)

By the way, as for my Starbucks frap, well, I get to treat myself occasionally. Thanks to HSBC's promo (for every 2,000 worth of credit card receipt, the cardholder is entitled to a free tall beverage in Starbucks), I get mine for free! =)

What rocks the Little One?

In one of Topaz Mommy's blogs, she shared some of her You Tube finds for lullabies which put her son to sleep. One of her readers, Wonder Woman also shared her finds . . .that of uber cool lullabies! They are lullaby renditions of contemporary songs like "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey. This was the first one that we listened to . . . and the Little One fell asleep instantly!

There is a wide variety of lullaby renditions . . . from the music of the suave Elvis Presley to hard rock legends like Guns N' Roses and Aerosmith! There's one for Bohemian Rhapsody too!

Next on our playlist. . . ."Yellow" by Coldplay!

Don't worry. . . we have "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" in our playlist too =)

EUREKA!

One thing that can frustrate parents (especially for newbie ones like me) is when your baby cries and you can't comfort them or figure out why they're crying uncontrollably.

The Little One had her share of colic fits. In our case, her pediatrician decided to change her formula milk to a lactose-free one. (I was able to breastfeed her for only a month *sigh*) Shifting her to lactose-free proved to be helpful as she had less spit-up and she burps easily after feeding.

Another factor which I think helped was trying a different feeding bottle. There are different feeding bottles which are known to be anti-colic but the Playtex Ventaire bottle (thanks Ninang L!) worked out best for the Little One. I am loving these bottles big time!

Photo from the Playtex website

To briefly explain about this product, got this write-up from the Playtex website.

PLAYTEX® VENTAIRE® ADVANCED

Promotes semi upright feeding position recommended by pediatricians to help prevent ear infections. Plus, micro-channel vents create a consistent flow of liquid to minimize pressure on your baby’s ear canals and helps protect against gas, colic and spit-up.

And there goes my Eureka moment . . .found the winning formula for the Little One!

Lactose free milk + Playtex ventaire bottle = less colic for baby (also equals to longer sleeping hours for Mommy!)

Woohoo!