Mi Tacqueria

A few months ago, after reading My Mom Friday's blog on her soft tacos, I got inspired to try doing this at home with crunchy taco shells instead of soft ones.  So I got some at the supermarket and they've been sitting at the pantry for quite some time now, haha!   It doesn't help that my friend D posted a photo of her tacos (a food craving she had now that she is expecting) which looked divine.  So before my taco shells lose their crunchiness, this procrastination has to stop!

Let the cooking begin! =)

Here are the ingredients which I used:

Taco shells

Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Mix - there are several taco seasoning mix available in the market but I highly recommend this brand

Photo source

1/2 kilo ground chicken (I used ground chicken since my dad can't eat beef)

*You can make 10-12 tacos for a 1/2 kilo chicken

Tomatoes (chopped)

Iceberg Lettuce (shredded)

Grated Cheese

Onions (chopped)

Hot sauce

Cooking Directions:

I just sauteed the chicken in garlic and onion and put some pepper in it (I always use pepper when I cook).  Mix the powder with 2/3 cup of water (this can be adjusted according to your liking).  Pour the mix into the sauteed chicken, let it boil and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens.  The mix was so tasty that I didn't need to put any salt or other flavoring.

I know, I know . . . my food plating sucks!  Something I need to work on, haha!

And that's it . . . put all the fix-ins and you're ready to eat!

After everyone has eaten . . .I just realized, I forgot to put chopped onions in the tacos!  My Bad!  Haha!  At any rate, I'm super happy everybody liked it (yes, including our household help!)  Yayyyy!

Note to self, next time you make tacos, do not forget to put onions!  I want to try adding sour cream or guacamole for the fix-ins too for a creamier texture =)

If you want to add crrrunnch in your New Year celebration, you might want to try preparing these tacos.

Happy cooking!

*Tacqueria - A place where tacos, burritos and other Mexican dishes are made and sold.  (Source: www.thefreedictionary.com) 

Family Playtime

This is what happens when *Lola wants to play . . .

The Little One at 4 mos

And this Christmas morning, this is what happens when *Ninang L wants to play . . .

Gold ribbon from one of the unwrapped gifts, hehe

I was choosing between a reindeer and a snowman,
glad I picked the snowman!

This is when Mommy wants to play . . .

I wonder what happens when Zola's Dad wants to play??? LOL

Hope you had a fun celebrating Christmas with your loved ones as much as we did! 

New Year celebration cooommming up! =)

Notes:

*Lola - means grandmother 

*Ninang - means godmother 

Merry Christmas!

As I write this post, there are only1 day, 11 hours and 10 minutes left until Christmas!  Before everyone gets busy with their holiday preparations and plans, we are sending everyone our warmest greetings for this joyous season . . .

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Also, let us not forget to greet the One person who truly matters most during Christmas as we celebrate His birthday . . .

Happy Birthday Jesus!

 A personal photo 
One of the nicest Christmas displays I've seen when I visited hubby in LA
(Christmas 2010, The Grove)

P.S.  I do want to ride Santa's sleigh with the Little One so we can go and visit her dad or better yet, for him to ride the sleigh and come home to spend Christmas with us. *Wishful thinking*

Little One: On My Own

The Little One has learned to sleep through the night since she was three months (yup, got some more sleeping time, woohoo!).  And now that she turned six months last week. . . another milestone is starting to set in.  I think she is learning to sleep on her own.  But oh well . . .things don't come easy with babies.  

This is what happens every night. . . ..

Little One gets sleepy, I sing and dance her to sleep, she starts to cry, I sing and dance her more, she still cries.  I put her in the crib, she cries.  I pick her up, give her milk, she doesn't like it.  I put the milk down, put her on the bed (sometimes this does the trick) but the tears are still there.  I pick her up, cradle her in my arms and she still sobs.  She doesn't want being cradled, okay, I try letting her head rest on my shoulders. . .she is still crying . . . (and the cycle starts again. . .pls go back to the singing and dancing part . . . again . . .go back twice or thrice, haha!)

I put her back in the crib again and then she stops. . . . AND then becomes restless.  She tosses and turns. .. rubs her eyes, her ears, her eyes again. . . more tossing and turning while I pat her, stroking her hair at the same time while humming the ABC song too (yes, moms really need to multi-task!)  . . . and then she sloowwly surrenders. . . she closes her sleepy eyes (my favorite part) and is off to dreamland.

I hope it gets better in the coming days. . . .I know it will, I know she will learn. . . .

She is my own Supergirl (that's what I call her sometimes) . . .

Goodnight Little One. . .

With all the tossing and turning, she got to this position.

Our Christmas Belen

One of the things you would see in Filipino homes during Christmas is the "Belen" which depicts the Nativity scene of Jesus Christ. 

Our Belen was creatively done by my Dad and Mom.  Yes, they did everything.  Mom thought of putting some poinsettias  (my sister then figured out why there were less poinsettias to hang in the Christmas tree, haha!) while Dad put some Christmas lights around the Belen.

Though I noticed two things:  First, Joseph has to be put outside the "stable" (which by the way is an old magazine rack, Dad's idea) because he is too tall. . . so one of the Three Kings was inside with Mary. . . AND second, if you look at the left side of the picture. . . 

I asked my mom why there were fairies in our Belen?!  LOL  

She didn't even have an idea that there were fairies in the Belen!

My guess, either she or dad thought that it was an angel because of the wings.

Time to get new glasses Mom. . or Dad. . . whoever put the fairy there! =)

P.S.  The fairies are now happily sitting on top of the organ.

Together Again!

Photo Source

I'm doing a happy dance now because the Little One and I are back in each other's arms! Yayyyy!

I'm feeling much better and have slept in our room a few nights ago and guess what, she slept through the night!  As I've mentioned in my earlier post, she woke up crying several times at night when I slept on the other room (i isolated myself to make sure she won't catch anything from me).  Now that we're together again, she's back to her usual sleeping habit, yes, just like that . . . so it's not a "I guess she misses me" thing anymore because the truth is. . . .SHE MISSED ME!  

(Hope you won't mind as I indulge myself on this "awwww" mommy moment of mine =) 

P.S.  Mommy Nurse on duty today. . . The Little One is is nursing a slight fever.  But waiiittt (yes, I can hear your boos from here, haha!),  it's not because of me!  It's her vaccine's fault! Teehee =)

Have a good and a "healthy" week ahead!

My Christmas Wishlist

My bestfriends M and P have been asking me about my Christmas Wishlist so they can get it for me.  We've been friends for so long that we're comfortable enough to be honest with each other with what we want for Christmas.

So to my dear friends, M and P, thank you for your thoughtfulness by asking me what's on my wishlist.  You'll be happy to know I thought of one!

I want a new. . . .

Photo Source

FIGURE! A slimmer MEEEE! LOL

I told M about this and she asked me for her other options, Haha!

I've always been a "big" girl so I really don't wish for a whistle-bait figure but I'll be happy if I would at least shed errr . .. a few pounds.

Ok, I know . . . this is a gift I have to give myself. . . 

So while we're at it, these are the other things I'm dreaming to get for myself:

(All the stuff here are gifts from ME or from Zola's Dad! Haha!)

1. Good, flat comfy shoes - Since I got pregnant, I got used to wearing flat shoes.  I've been wearing the same shoes and sandals since I got pregnant.  I think I need to get a new pair.  I'm not particular with any brand.  The magic word . . . COMFORT!  But I love the colors of these Tory Burch ballerina flats though.  Something different from my usual black, gold and silver flats.

Tory Burch Reva Flats
Photo Source

2. A cross body satchel bag - I admit, I have enough handbags.  But they're all shoulder bags which makes it kind of hard for me to push the stroller or carry the Little One with a handbag dangling on my side.  A cross body type of bag would be more convenient and easier for me to carry and (with a baby in tow), to look after. Not that I'm making excuses. . . LOL!  (Pictures below are just pegs for my bag)

Mulberry Alexa Hobo Bag
Photo Source

Stuart Weitzman Satchel and Cross Body bag
Photo Source

3. New set of bed sheets - A mom's sleeping time is sacred, haha!  I would love to get a set of bed sheets with at least 300 thread count =)

Photo Source

4. A coffee machine - As I've mentioned in an earlier post, I love coffee (be it brewed or instant)!  But since this is a wishlist, I might as well dream BIG!  It would be really nice to have a coffee machine at home that would give me freshly brewed coffee, cappuccino, cafe mocha, latte or machiatto. . . .all of these by just pressing a button!  Ayayay, heaven! LOL

Photo Source

But if I only have to give one wish, it would be for Zola's Dad to come home this Christmas and spend it with us (it's the Little One's first Christmas).  I'm sure she would like to show Daddy her roll-over, her high-fives and her new adventure as she starts eating her solids.  

The Little One and I just miss him so much . . .we can't wait to see him next year!

So this caps my wish list. . . care to share what is on yours? =)

Missing the Little One and the Little One in Me

Photo Source

I’ve been under the weather these past few days.   The hardest part wasn’t the headache, the sore throat or the continuous coughing. . . it is staying away from the Little One.  Not being able to pick her up and  play with her is frustrating.  And when she flashes that beautiful smile of hers, I couldn't hug and kiss her. . . it is just pure heartache!   I can only blow her kisses and say "I miss you" from afar.  I slept in another room while my mom and sister stayed with her in our room.  I told my mom that she won’t have a hard time with the Little One at night since she already sleeps through the night.  But  mom told me she woke up crying three times last night . . .my only guess is she misses me just as much as I miss her *sad face here*.  

But if there’s one good thing that came out of this is  I got to be babied my parents again (haha!)  Yes, a grown woman like me sometimes misses being babied by dad and mom.  

Mom is constantly reminding me to drink my meds and load up on my fruits while my Dad's simple gesture of asking me if I have hot water before taking a bath is really sweet and heartwarming. 

It felt good to be a Little One again. .  .  . 

I love you Dad and Mom! 

XOXO

What Matters Most

I saw this from my good friend's FB notes (Thanks C for sharing!)

Such a beautiful poem from Mother Teresa.

Hope this inspires you as it inspired me to do and be the best that I can.

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

This poem was written by Mother Theresa and is engraved on the wall of her home for children in Calcutta.

Photo source

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you
of selfish, ulterior motives;
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some
false friends and some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness,
they may be jealous;
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, people will
forget tomorrow,
Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have, and
it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got ... anyway.
You see, in the final analysis, it is
between you and God,
It never was between you and them anyway..

A $100 Chocolate Bar!

Look what I found at the Supermarket  . . .

It's a $100 chocolate bar. . . .literallly!  LOL

Cute noh?

I just found the packaging cute but then I saw "Milk Chocolate with Hazelnut cream". . . .I got sold, haha!

Now, if I can only find a fairy goodmother who can turn this bar into real money (teehee)

*Wishful thinking*

Have a sweet week ahead!

P.S. Just in case you're wondering if this was made in the US. . . it is actually from Turkey.  Sold at SM Supermarket at Php 22.50/bar 

A Crazy Saturday

What:  A Playdate

When:  Saturday, December 10

Where:  My Parents' House

Cast of Characters:
The Little One - aka "Zola"
Zola's cousins - Iya (5 years old) and Syoti (2 years old)
Nana F - she has been with the family for 45 years!  Yes, she has become part of the family =)

********************************************************************************
Zola's cousins went to my parents' house around lunch time.

SCENE 1 - Me changing Janina's diapers.  Iya asks Nana F to help her in the bathroom.  Syoti (being fed by his nanny) eating lunch at the Master's Bedroom.

After 15 minutes . . . 

SCENE 2 - Janina being lulled to sleep by Nana F.  Iya eating lunch.  Syoti's turn to go to the bathroom.

Another 15 minutes . . .  

SCENE 3 - Janina sleeping.  Iya playing.  Syoti still eating

After 1 hour . . .

SCENE 4 - Janina wakes up.  Iya sleeping.  Syoti playing.

Yes, our day was just starting --- LOL 

Craazzy (and tiring) as it may seem, it has been a lovely and fun-filled Saturday with the Little OneS.

Have a nice weekend everyone! =)

Two Peas in a Pod

Is it just me or do you also get confused with these Hollywood celebrities?

I was watching "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and I honestly thought that the lead actress was the same one who starred in the movie "Enchanted".

To set the facts straight for these two actresses:

Amy Adams' filmography includes "Enchanted", "Julie and Julia" and as Amelia Earheart in "Night at the Museum:Battle of the Smithsonian".

Isla Fisher's works include "Confessions of a Shopaholic" and she lent her voice in the cartoon movies "Horton Hears a Who" and "Rango".  By the way, she is also the wife of Sacha Baron Cohen.

They look alike to me. . .what do you think?

Amy Adams vs Isla Fisher

Photo source from this blog

                                   Last one, don't you think Amy (on the left) also looks like Nicole Kidman? LOL


Okay I'll stop before this turns into a game! Haha!


Photo credit:
Amy Adams
http://styleline360.blogspot.com/2011/09/amy-adams-biography.html
http://world-starsacters.blogspot.com/2011/06/amy-adams.html
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/XFURdLwFFNc/Night+Museum+Battle+Smithsonian+Washington/DFBOZBFqoIa/Amy+Adams


Isla Fisher
http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/general/photos/0,,20164501_20255078_20570738,00.html

http://www.askmen.com/celebs/women/models_250/281_isla_fisher.html


Nicole Kidman
http://beauty.about.com/od/classicupdos/ss/formal_prom_hairstyles_17.htm

Rave: Body Shop's Vitamin C Cleansing Polish Face Wash

I have a beauty regimen (of toner and moisturizer) which I should be doing every night (ideally) but sometimes (well most of the times, hehe), I'm just too tired to do anything but laze around.

And so . . . I have those days when I look at the mirror and I just feel like my skin is . . .DULL.  (Ok, this is beginning to sound like a commercial, hahaha!)

But anyhow, I'm sooo happy to have tried a product which gives my skin an instant glow . . . the Body Shop Vitamin C Cleansing Polish Face Wash!  I have to thank my sister for introducing me to this beauty find which I'm loving (raving!) right now.

What Body Shop says about this product:

Contains Amazonian camu camu berry, which is known to have one of the highest contents of vitamin C in nature.  Antioxidant vitamin C brightens skin, encourages collagen production, improves elasticity and helps to protect skin from environmental pollutants.

I like it because it has a mild citrus scent, the beads aren't rough and it really does make my skin smoother, clearer and glowing (for me at least, haha!).

Love, love this product that I would definitely check out the other products in Body Shop's Vitamin C line.  

So  besides my lipstick, this is my other quick fix  for those "losyang moments"  =)

What's your latest beauty find?

Zola's Cousin: Terrible Twos

The Little One (at 1 month) with Syoti

You have met Zola's cousin, Iya in earlier posts, so now I want you to meet Ian, her younger brother.  We call him "Syoti" which means younger brother in Chinese (well actually, he has become a big brother since they have a new sister, Nica, who was born last October.)

Syoti is 2 years old, has a sweet tooth, loves cars (both the cartoon character and real ones) and can play by himself.  Just like any toddlers, he has his own language and is building up his vocabulary everyday. His favorite words are "NO" and "ME".  Considering that these are his favorite words, I guess the "Terrible Twos" stage has officially started, haha!

This happened a few days ago after a family dinner.  His lola bought him chocolates so I was asking for some:

Me: Syoti, can I have?

Syoti: Meeee (I guess that means no too, haha!)

Me:  But you have to share 

Syoti: Me, Me, Me (I told you it's his favorite word! hehe)

Me: Syoti, you have to share.  

Syoti: Meeee

Me: You share okay. . . Say Share. . . Sh-Sh-Shhaaarree (I was teaching him to say the word too)

Syoti: Sh---Sh-sshh

Guess he doesn't really want to share. . . he CAN'T even say the word! --- LOL

Hello Terrible Twos!  I think I will see more of you in the coming days =)   

Wrapping Gifts is Love

The Little One and I received our first Christmas gifts last Sunday from Ninong D and Ninang A (They were are our godparents when Zola's Dad and I got married.)

Ninang A always has the best wrapped gifts bar none! It is something T (a close of friend of mine who is also their inaanak) and I look forward to seeing every Christmas.  

Every Christmas, she has a theme for all her gifts.  There was a year that she had the colors blue and silver as motif and used Christmas balls as accents.  This year, she used plain gold wrapping paper, ribbons, hollies and figurines.  Her wrappings makes the "opening of gifts" part really hard, haha!  Because it hurts to tear a nicely wrapped gift!         

  

Thank you Ninang A for always putting so much effort and LOVE in wrapping our gifts but more than that, thank you and to Ninong D for wrapping your love, affection and wisdom around us.  We are truly blessed and grateful that we have you in our lives.

Ninong D, Ninang A, Me and T

  

Magic Santa

I read about this Magic Santa from one of my N@W (Newlyweds At Work) sisters (Thanks T!) who posted it in our message board.  

Magic Santa will help you create a personalized video for your kid from Santa!  Can you imagine the look in their faces if they receive this video where Santa is talking to them?  How cool is that! =)  I'm sure kids are going to find this awesome!  

I tried making one to show you how it looks like, making it is easy as 1-2-3 =)

To pique your interest, I won't go into details how Magic Santa makes it personalized because I think it's better if you see it for yourself =)  Since the Little One is still a baby, there are some questions that I can't answer . . .yet (like what gift the child wants for Christmas, etc.)

Pls. click on this link to view a sample of Santa's message to the Little One: 

http://magicsanta.ca/gateway.html?code=U96TZE

By the way, the card can be sent not only to children but adults as well. . .(hmmm, i might try making one for Zola's Dad, heehee)

I would just like to give you heads up that loading the video might take a little bit of time (remember, Patience is a virtue, hahaha!)

Have a nice Sunday everyone!

Who's "chubby"?

Yes, Zola's cousin is back!  This is another Iya post =)

Earlier today, we were in the car waiting for my sister when Iya and I had this conversation:

Iya: Ta-ta, alam mo ba ibig sabihin ng chubby? (Ta-ta, do you know what chubby means?)

(Uh-oh. . .I'm bracing myself for what's to come. . . you know how some kids already know what "FAT" is at a young age. . . and I've had my share of 5 yr olds who tell me that I am!)

Me: So, ano ibig sabihin ng chubby? (So what does it mean?)

(I was crossing my fingers hoping this conversation would stop)

Iya: Ibig sabihin, cute and malambing. (It means cute and sweet.)

Me: Ano pa? (What else?)

Iya: Wala na, yun lang. (Nothing, that's it.)

Me: (Relieved! and now with a big grin on my face) 
       Ah okay. . .So chubby ako? (Ok, so I'm chubby?)

Iya: Oo (Yes)

Well, I got to give it to her, this chubby conversation didn't hurt at all, haha!

Oh yes, I'm chubby. . . in Iya's eyes and mine --- LOL

Iya and me in one of our sleepovers (when I was still pregnant)
This is our "morning look"

      

Pearly Shells

When we were young, my parents enrolled me and my elder brother in piano and organ lessons (which we've taken for granted---and this remains to be one of my biggest regrets in life, EVER!).  They also enrolled me in dance (modern dance and hawaiian) lessons.  And among all the lessons I took, I enjoyed my Hawaiian dance class most.  Probably because of the grass skirt, leis and various flower accessories I got to wear, haha!  

One of the Hawaiian songs we danced to was "Pearly Shells".  This song really brings back fond memories of my childhood.  I don't know why my sister suddenly remembered this song but since Sunday, "Pearly Shells" has officially become one of the Little One's lullaby songs (the other two being the ABC song and "Edelweiss" from the Sound of Music)

Since I have been singing "Pearly Shells" to the Little One the whole day, I think I just know what her 1st birthday party's theme is going to be. . . . I think it would be nice to wear a grass skirt . . . again! 

LOL

Aloha everyone. . . .

26 days before Christmas!

It's 26 days before Christmassss!!!!!

I haven't finished my Christmas shopping yet but I'm getting down to the bottom of my list (Yayyy!)

But I'll let you in on a secret. . . I have yet to think of something for my mom and dad! Haha!  I don't know if it happens to you but don't you think giving gifts (and thinking what to give!) to parents is the hardest?  I guess I just want their Christmas gift to be more special. . . I am one lucky girl to be so loved by them.    

I have also started wrapping gifts.  For a change, I thought of trying these decorative boxes.  They're cute right?  No wrapping needed!  Heehee. . . .  

Got these nice gift tag stickers too . . .

My sister also bought these plastic handles for our DIY gift bags . . .

I know we all want to give our loved ones the nicest gift we can think of.  The "nicest" though doesn't necessarily mean the fanciest or most expensive.  As Mother Teresa said, "It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving."

I know that sometimes we get busy with our holiday preparations but let us also keep in our minds and hearts the true essence of Christmas and honor the greatest gift we ever received from our Heavenly Father.

Some things never change. . .

I had an ultrasound when I was 33 weeks pregnant and the sonologist told me that the Little One is fond of playing with her hands and that she likes putting the back of her hand on her cheeks.

It looks something like this. . . .

(If you can't seem to make it out, don't worry, I had a hard time distinguishing the ultrasound pictures too, haha!)

She is now 5 months . . . and I guess some things never change =)

Sweet Dreams Little One. . . Daddy and Mommy love you. . .

Answered Prayers . . .in God's Time

I am soooo happy, ecstatic, jumping for joy, over the moon (running out of words here, haha!) right now. . . words are not enough to describe this feeling of happiness when you know that a prayer has been answered.

I found out that a friend of mine (I am calling her Queen D) is pregnant!!!!  She and her husband E (a sweet and loving couple) have been married for 9 years.  They've had their share of adventure as a couple and eventually, they would like to start their own family.  Though it didn't happen sooner, they didn't give up and did everything (everything!) they could to make it happen.  They have pledged devotion to different saints, have danced in Obando (a place in the Philippines where women go to take part in a fertility dance) and have sought medical help as well.  They have waited patiently, with great hope and faith accompanied by fervent prayers . . . and they got what they were wishing, hoping and praying for! 

Queen D is now 9 weeks pregnant.  She has always been lovingly spoiled by her dear hubby.  If she felt like a princess before, she now feels like a Queen!  (That's why I call her Queen D now)

Image credit: www.adorababy.com

If you feel like you've been praying so hard for a long time and you haven't gotten the answer that you want, I hope that this story would make you realize that God has a Master Plan for all of us and that His timing is always perfect.  

Sometimes, when you don't ask for anything from Him and He gives something to you. . . then you know it is meant for you because He gave it in His time.  He caught me by suprise (a pleasant surprise) when He gave me our Little One because at that time, I wasn't even sure if I was ready (funny that at 37, I was still not sure?  LOL) to become a mom.  But He did and I guess He knows I'm ready without me knowing it.

Whether God answers your prayers or not, I hope you find in your hearts to trust Him because He knows what is best for us.  I know it sounds cliche, but "everything happens for a reason" . . and I've proven it so many times in my life.   It is this cliche that made me realize that having to go through my first (and only) major heartbreak actually led me to my Happiness . . . and now I'm married to him. 

Found this quote from a blog which I would like to share with you:

Next time you pray any kind of prayer, whether it be for the resolution of healing, or for a house or for a car, or for a husband, or for a family conflict, or for a solution to a problem, tell Him he can say yes or no.  Because in the end, you're a winner.  Every time.

- Bo Sanchez (You have the power to create love)

FEELING LUCKY

Image credit: www.depositphotos.com

I feel so lucky today!!!

Starbucks has an online survey where a customer is randomly chosen to answer their company's survey.  After doing so, you are entitled to get a free beverage of your choice.  (You are the lucky customer when a customer voice survey code gets printed with your  receipt.) 

In a month, I got three of  these.  All the baristas told me how lucky I was as this was a random thing and that it doesn't happen too often.  So I just felt really lucky to have gotten 3 in a month and from different Starbucks locations!

If I'm in a lucky streak, I might as well go big time and purchase a lotto ticket!  LOL

But more than anything, I feel luckiest knowing that I married a good man, we have a daughter we treasure dearly, a supportive family we can always count on and loving friends who truly care.

So much love going around. . .I am truly blessed. . . and I am thankful.

Practice makes Perfect

The Little One has rolled overrrr!  Yayyy!

Actually, she was able to do it a few weeks ago (in a clumsy manner) . . . by accident because she slid from her Boppy Pillow.  Today, I'm proud to say that she has mastered her own technique.  She has learned that "practice makes perfect".  I just hope she can pick a better time to practice though . . .  . other than 3AM!  LOL

Yes, this photo was taken at 3AM!

Just kidding my Little One, you can practice anytime you want. . . . I'll always be there to watch you.

XOXO  =)

Zola's Cousin and Sharing

Zola's cousins - Iya and Joshua

I've told you about Zola's cousin, Iya, in an earlier post . . . .well, this is another "Iya story" (you'll probably be reading more about her in the future again).

We were watching a local variety show hosted by a local actor when we had this conversation:

Me: Iya, sino pinaka-gusto mo sa mga hosts diyan?

Iya: Ummm. . . si John Estrada and Matteo

Me: Ay pareho tayo, ako din gusto ko si John!

(She doesn't actually like it when you have the same choice as hers so I was kind of expecting her to tell me to pick another host.)

Iya: Ta-ta, sige, SHARE na lang tayo kay John Estrada

LOL

I was happy that she takes by heart the value of "Sharing".  I guess being the eldest among 3 siblings helped in teaching her the importance of sharing.

But I took a mental note that when she reaches the appropriate age, I will tell her that . . . .

"Sharing is good . . . .but NOT when it comes to your man."

Well, just being a good and dutiful aunt here looking out for her best interest.

Haha! =)

Mommy's "Me Time"

Yes, Zola's Mom was able to get some "Me Time" yesterday.  

My sister had to go to Manila (which is an hour away from us) to meet her friends and asked me if I could drive for her.  I took this chance to do some Christmas shopping as well (actually, I wasn't productive in the shopping part, haha!).

While waiting for her at the mall, I was looking for a place where I can sit and rest (my feet were killing me!).  All the coffee shops were busy. . . . but I was thankful to have found a cafe tucked in a quieter part of this big and busy mall.  I went there armed with my magazine (local showbiz magazines are my guilty pleasure, haha!), an Ipod (not really to listen to music, but to play Tetris, hehe), my mobile phone and ofcourse an ice-cold Coke Light!

I took a picture of my cozy corner . . . . .

While waiting for this . . . .

UCC's Seafood Salad

I miss taking care of the Little One but it also felt good to just have some time for myself and just do. . . nothing.

My friend gave me a book entitled "Meditations for New Mothers" by Beth Saavedra and there is a page that talked about Relaxation.  It said "Mothers need genuine rest.  We need time to simply be with ourselves, and we can do this in a variety of ways.  We can take a hot bath, stroll through the park, or gently rock ourselves in a rocking chair.  It doesn't matter how we get in touch with ourselves, but it's important that we do."

And that was exactly what I was doing in the quiet corner of the cafe, clearing my mind and "recharging" myself before another week starts.

As they say, "A happy mommy means a happy baby"

Have a nice and a HAPPY week ahead everyone!

What's in my bag?

One of my favorite features in Cosmo is "What's in your Bag?"  So for this post, I thought of sharing with you what's in mine.

1. Wallet

2. Sunglasses

3. Rosary - I always bring a rosary in my bag because it makes me feel secured

4. Passbook - I tend to forget to bring them when I go to the bank, so I just thought of putting them in my bag, hehe

5. Mobile phone - I don't even know what Nokia model I have (I'm not really a gadget person)

6. Facial tissue, feminine wipes, wet tissue - Yes, I bring all of these! Haha!

7. Gatsby oil blotter - No to shiny face, hehe

8. Hairbrush

9. Fan

10. My "kikay" kit - I think it deserves a picture of its own, Haha!

11.Pens - Yes, i have 3 and in different colors!

12. Mints

13. Digital camera   

14. Calendar planner - I've mentioned that I'm not a gadget person so I still keep track of reminders, notes and my "To do" list. . . the old fashioned way, Haha!

And now for my "Kikay" kit. . .

I don't like bringing bulky bottles so I bought atomizers for the following:

1. Mustela Skin Freshener - nice to have especially when it's humid 

2. Gap Dream Cologne 

3. Alcohol - Is it just me or do you also bring one?  

Don't worry, I don't get mixed up (not yet anyway) with these 3 containers, haha!

  

4. Hair accessories 

5. ETUDE lipgloss - my favorite!

6. Clinique Lipgloss in sugar plump

7. ETUDE brow liner - another fave of mine. . . well-groomed brows do make a difference 

8. Face shop cheek powder 

(*ETUDE and Face Shop are Korean brands which I love. . . they have good make-up suitable for Asian skin)

9. Body Shop lip balm

10. Jap stick - learned about this from a friend, it's like menthol in a stick - I use it when I have a headache or colds

11. Body Shop Tweezers - if you're looking for nice tweezers, Body Shop has one of the better ones

12. Nail cutter - comes in handy. . .not just for nails

13. Nail file - to go with the nail cutter, haha!

I mentioned in an earlier post that I love big bags. . .now you know why. . . 

So what's in your bag?