Wish List

If there's one thing I wish that malls in Philippines would have. . . it would be . . . FAMILY RESTROOMS!

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I saw the benefit of having family restrooms when I visited Zola's Dad in the US.  We didn't have the Little One back then but I saw the convenience it offered  to parents who have kids in tow.  Parents can help each other with nappy changes and for some with bigger families, it is easier to manage all kids in using the restroom at the same time.

Changing the Little One's nappy in the mall is quite challenging since she does not like lying down in the changing table.  I would gladly welcome an extra pair of hands!  So I got excited when I saw a Family restroom in Marquee Mall! (since family restrooms are not common in the Philippines)  However my excitement was short-lived because it was still closed! *sigh*  But it's okay. . . I'm just glad that somebody has thought of including family restrooms in their facilities.  It's a good start!  


Thanks Ayala Land (they operate Marquee Mall) for making your mall family friendly!  I hope there are more malls who would follow and provide the same amenities =D


Have a nice weekend ahead everyone!

Sweets for Our Sweet

The Little One celebrated her 1st Birthday a couple of weeks ago . . . just as she makes our world brighter and sweeter, she had a colorful candy-themed party.

There were no fancy booths, no special shows, no magicians. . .just the usual party games made more exciting and more FUN by family and friends.

We couldn't have it any other way . . . it was a celebration (and thanksgiving) for the Little One's Birthday surrounded by the people who have showered us with love, who have offered us their gift of friendship and everyone (blood-related or not) who taught us how to become a family and made us a part of their own.

  

To our Dear Little One,

It seems like it was only just yesterday when we learned that we are having you.  We were happy, thankful, excited . . .and scared . . .scared that we won't measure up to everybody's expectations. . . including our own.     

Time flies so fast, you're now a year older!  You just continue to amaze and surprise us everyday!  Seeing your smile, hearing your giggles and when you call us "Mama" and "Papa" bring us so much joy.  You are the most wonderful blessing we ever received.


Happy Birthday Little Sweetie. . . we love you very much!


Hugs and Kisses,
Papa and Mama




Photo credit: Shutter Count

Happy Tummy, Happy Mommy

When Zola’s Dad and I were still dating, one of the things we always argue about . . . is where to eat! Haha!  And it still happens, until this day.  We already came up with a way on how to address this never-ending discussion . . . I give him choices and he decides!  (I’m thankful though that he has the knack of knowing what I want to eat!  So I actually end up eating what I'm really craving for!  Haha!)

So during lunch today (we were at the mall), I narrowed down the list and gave him these choices. . . "Japanese or Chinese food?"  He picked Japanese (I was secretly hoping he would!  Haha!) so we went to Tempura Grill, one of our "go-to" restaurants.

For appetizers, we had the Dynamite Ebi Roll . . . 

It has a crispy Ebi filling, Kani, mango, asparagus and a mild spicy sauce 

It was good, but I wish it had more crrrunch . . .But I'll still order this again =)

Zola's Dad ordered Tori Teriyaki . . .it was just okay.  He prefers his chicken cutlet grilled than fried.

And I had Ameyaki . . .a family favorite! 

Cream Dory Fish fillet with fried shredded potatoes and asparagus spears 

This dish usually comes with spinach but the Kitchen didn't have any so they substituted spinach with asparagus spears.  Love the crunchiness of the shredded potatoes which give this dish texture when you eat it (Haha!  OMG, I'm such a "trying hard" food blogger!)  Bottom line is, I highly recommend this dish! =)

And a personal favorite. . . Tofu Teppanyaki!

It has everything I love. . .tofu, chicken and shiitake mushrooms!  We didn't get to eat this anymore, we were so full, we just took it home! =D  

By the way, we got the last dish for free!  Thanks to our wonderful server who told us about this promo!  For SM Advantage Cardholders, you can get this dish if your bill amounts to Php 1,000.  (If you eat in Tempura Grill, I suggest you ask your server the promos they currently offer)  

Now you know what we're having for dinner! Haha!  

Hope you had a wonderful day today . . . Just like we did  =D  

Happy Feet

The Little One is at a stage where she imitates everything and everyone she sees.  Just this morning, her dad was using his laptop and she was trying to get hold of it.  So we gave her mine . . . and we saw her quietly observing her Papa.

I thought she would start typing away too . . . BUT she has figured her own way of doing it.

I don't remember her Papa doing this! Haha!

THIS looks pretty familiar. . .  I don't know what is with her feet and keyboards!

Have a good week ahead!  

P.S.  One productive thing to do this week. . . you might want to clean your computers/laptops. . .and dust off that keyboard! =)

On gaining weight

Hubby is here for a vacation . . . than means I am too! Haha!  That also means. . . I must have errr gained some weight *sigh* . . .  And in moments like these. . . I turn to Garfield's wisdom on gaining weight (teehee)

Photo Source

Photo Source

Brilliant!!! Haha!  

I could (and would) use these . . .  =)


Have a nice weekend everyone!

SMILE!!!

Now that Zola's Dad is home, we're making up for those times we've been apart (we have one month!) . . . We enjoy each day just simply being together doing family stuff (hence the break in blogging).  Just yesterday, we were at the mall to get some stuff for the Little One and I was telling Zola's Dad how a simple chore like that feels so nice because he is with me!  It feels so frustrating (and yes, sometimes I'm green with envy! Haha!) to see couples holding hands or dads pushing their babies' strollers because that is what I want for me and Zola!    

One of the things I had in my "things-to-do" list was . . . family photos!  Family photos taken by professionals! Heehee

I would like to share with you some photos taken by Shutter Count (one of the nicest people I've worked with!  Thanks again Benj and Rayan!)

I think they took a hundred photos of the Little One ---
without her camera-ready smile
(which by the way doesn't come too often! Haha!)

I'm glad they got this one! *Woohoo*

I love Black and White photos!

Our family picture! *Yayyyy* 

Couldn't wait to see the rest of the photos! *Giddy face*

P.S. Benj, thanks for hiding my arms! Haha!

Shutter Count's Contact Details:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/shuttercountworks
Website - www.shuttercountphotography.com

Wrapped Around (not in Your Finger)

Mama: And that is why you should not play with Mama's necklace. . . because you will end up wrapping it around your legs.

Little One: And Mama, that is why you shouldn't have given me your necklace.

Note: No harm done on the Little One. . .as for the necklace, it just needs to be stringed again =)