Dolls of Today

Dolls of today are adapting to the changing fashion and culture. Just look at the dolls of my niece, Tisha. The doll at the right is a My Scene doll and the others are Bratz dolls. Plenty of make-up, big eyes and huge pouting lips.

A few years ago, I gave Tisha a Bratz Styling Doll Head for Christmas. It was a huge Bratz doll Head that you can put make-up on and style the hair. It was the first time I found out about Bratz and I was surprised at its popularity. They don't look too appealing to me but girls love them.

When I was young, I loved Barbie dolls. I had four Barbie dolls and one Skipper doll. They all had sweet looking faces unlike today's modern dolls. I wanted to have a Ken but never had one. I wish I took photos of those dolls before I gave them away to my younger cousins.

Spreading Love for Blogs

I'm so touched to receive this wonderful award from two equally sweet blog friends. Nothing can beat a double serving of thoughtful gesture.


I would like to thank...

Mitch of When Silence Speaks. I'm so happy to know she loves my blog and I love hers in return. Mitch is a proud Overseas Filipina Worker-mom. She is blessed with a loving husband and a beautiful daughter named Deye. I admire Mitch's creative digiscraps and dedication to her personal blog and Pinoy Moms Network ~ Parenting.

Darlene of My Life, My World is a lovely Filipina living with her family in Utah. She is an excellent homemaker. I admire her strength and determination in overcoming many challenges in her life. I'm flattered that she gave this badge of appreciation even though we only met each other a few months ago. I love visiting her blog because of the wonderful recipes she likes to share and the wonderful things she writes about her loved ones.

~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~o~~

My Desktop Free View Instruction:
I was tagged by Tina (KK) to do this meme.

This was taken at Yohan's school on Orientation Day (no need for uniform that day).

A. Upon receiving this tag, immediately perform a screen capture of your desktop.It is best that no icons be deleted before the screen capture so as to add to the element of fun. You can do a screen capture by Going to your desktop and pressing the Print Scrn key (located on the right side of the F12 key). Open a graphics program (like Picture Manager, Paint, or Photoshop) and do a Paste (CTRL + V).
If you wish, you can “edit” the image, before saving it.

B. Post the picture in your blog. You can also give a short explanation on the look of your desktop just below it if you want. You can explain why you preferred such look or why is it full of icons. Things like that.

C. Tag five of your friends and ask them to give you a Free View of their desktop as well. D. Add your name to this list of Free Viewers with a link pointing directly to your Desktop Free View post to promote it to succeeding participants

I'm tagging the following:
1.MJ
2. Rowena
3. Alice
4. Princess
5. Jo

List of Free Viewers:
iRonnie - I Set No Corner
Thess - Thesserie
Rebecca - Skippy Heart
Knoizki - A Dialogue With K
Beng - Kauderwelch
Tina - My Good Finds
Rachel- Heart of Rachel

Cool Digital Photo Frames

Taking photographs is a rewarding activity. Capturing special moments and preserving those special times is priceless.

I love taking pictures. In fact, I always carry a digital camera with me. You would never know if a great opportunity comes so I keep a handy camera with me just in case. The great bulk of my computer space is dedicated for all my digital photo files.

I have printed memorable shots and I have chosen a few favorite pictures and placed them on frames but I'm running out of space for all those photo frames in our living room. That's why I'm thrilled when I found out about a site which offers very innovative Digital Frames. I simply love the idea of taking photos and transferring the memory card into my own Digital Photo Frame. Imagine using a remote control to choose your favorite slide show. I think one more spectacular thing about this is that you can even view movie clips and play background music. It's amazing how technology have made such special products possible.

I personally think it would make an excellent gift for any occasion especially with Christmas coming soon. There are several sizes available ranging from 7 inch to 10 inch digital picture frame.

It would be a great space saver and lovely attraction which you and your guests will enjoy viewing. You may visit DigitalFramez to learn more about their products. Good news, they offer worldwide shipping. What a cool way to make your photographs appear more interesting.

Smorty.com - A Blogging Opportunity

I just want to share with everyone that I'm inspired to join another blogging opportunity. I learned about this new and interesting site connecting advertisers with bloggers from my friend Jo.

I signed up with Smorty.com because of its weekly payouts. Advertisers are given 5 days to review your posts and with the absence of any disputes, it is considered automatically approved. Once article is approved, you can expect to get paid on the first payment day that week. The fast approval and payment scheme is very favorable and motivating. I think it’s great that I can maintain my love for blogging and at the same time have the chance to earn. Blog for money is perfect for a Stay-at-Home Mom like me because I can earn some income without sacrificing my duties at home. It would be like hitting two birds with one stone.

If you want to start earning, you can visit the site by registering here.

Photo Hunt :: Original

Come and join the hunt here.

Here are two of my original drawings published on Pinoy Moms Network. If you have time, you may click on the links below to read the story behind the drawings.


Please click to read An Active Child Promotes Good Health.


Please click here to read the story of My Little Peace Maker

Aloha Friday #!

Kailani has started a new meme called Aloha Friday. The rules are simple: Just post a question on your blog on Friday and sign Kailani's Mr. Linky. The nice part is that you may choose any question you like. To quote Kailani, "No long posts, no deep soul searching revelations . . . just a little fun." Then participants can go around and visit each other.

Here is my question:
What gives you natural high?

My answer:
My son's tight embraces, tender kisses and words of endearment.

Friday's Feast #19

Come join the feast here.

Appetizer
How are you today?
I feel great. It's been a while since I joined FF and it's wonderful to take part in it again. I also had a nice workout at the gym and I got a blogging award from my blog friend Darlene (more detailed post to follow).

Soup
Name 3 television shows you watch on a regular basis.
I don't watch television that much lately but I love the following TV series: Smallville, Grey's Anatomy and Prison Break.

Salad
What’s the scariest weather situation you’ve experienced?
A few years ago, we had a super typhoon named Milenyo. There was a flash flood which tore down the wall of the village directly in front of us. It was a blessing in disguise because the flood was channeled to the creek and did not cause damage to our house.

Main Course
If you could wake up tomorrow morning in another country, where would you want to be?
I'd love to wake up in the U.S. particularly in N.Y. so I could spend time with my parents and my brother, whom I miss very much.

Dessert
What do you usually wear to sleep?
I usually wear t-shirt and shorts. When it's cold, I like wearing PJs.

Heads or Tails #6

Learn more about Heads Or Tails here.
View More Heads Or Tails Participants.

The theme this week: HEADS - Pet(s)

I love dogs and I've had a few wonderful pet dogs over the years.

1. Spotty - She was my first dog. I'm not sure how old I was when I got her, but I was probably nine years old. I remember my cousins and I were so excited when we found out that our Lola Helen was going to give us a puppy of our own. She let each of us pick one puppy from the litter. Everyone wanted a pure white puppy. I noticed one had Spots and knew she was the one. My Dad asked me if I was sure about my decision and I said yes. We brought the puppy home and called her Spotty. She's was a mixed Japanese Spitz. She lived for 12 years.

2. Bunny - She is the offspring of Spotty. Unlike her mom, Bunny was white as snow. She reminded me of a white fluffy rabbit, thus I named her Bunny. She was more temperamental compared to Spotty but I loved her just the same.

3. Miko - As a puppy, he was a cute bundle of energy. He almost died from a virus when he was a puppy but with prayers and lots of tender loving care, he survived and lived a good life. This picture was taken several years ago. My son was around two years old.
Yohan loved playing with his furry pal, Miko.

I remember how hard it was for me when he was operated because of stones. I cried when I left him at the clinic of the vet. I couldn't sleep that night thinking he must have been scared of the strange environment. He was confined at the clinic for a few days and I visited him everyday. He continued to have a quality life after that. My furry friend passed away on June 10, 2006 and I dedicated this to him ~ An ode to Miko.

4. Bruno - He's a wonderful and affectionate black Labrador. Jules' brother gave him to us as a gift. We had him trained by a professional when he was just several months old and he won 2nd place at a local dog show several years ago.

We love taking Bruno for a walk around the village.
Bruno is very gentle and my son adores him. Bruno's favorite game is fetching tennis balls.

1st Day at the Gym

I decided to enroll at the gym near Yohan's school (together with other moms) so I could do some much needed exercises while waiting for his class to finish.

Today is Day 1 - Tae Bo with fellow moms from school

Honestly, I don't exercise at home. That's probably why I now feel all sorts of aches and pains all over my body. I guess I'm not used to all that activity. Hope after several days, my body will be able to adjust to the workout.

When I got home after Yohan's class, I went straight to bed. It didn't take long for me to fall asleep. I was exhausted! I felt much better after that nice nap.

Sorry I haven't replied to the comments yet but I just want to thank everyone for all your wonderful birthday wishes for my Dad. I really appreciate it.

Please excuse me if I haven't done my usual visits. I just don't seem to have the extra energy to do that today. I'll make it up soon.

Have a lovely week ahead.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Photo Hunt :: Paper

Come and join the hunt here.
I shared a slightly different version of this photo on my blog before. Inspired by the movie, Ratatouille, my husband and I dressed Yohan like a chef when we got home after watching the movie. We enjoyed this fun photo shoot at home.

See the little chef's hat? My husband made it using paper.
Below is a picture of Yohan doing his homework. His teachers often give him and his classmates several sheets of paper consisting of different activities to bring home. In this photo, Yohan's homework is about the letter M.

Nursery Progress Report 1st Quarter

I got Yohan's report card last Friday and I'm very happy by Yohan's development in school.

His teachers also gave me a progress report which sums up his performance during the 1st Quarter which I would like to share with you. (This is not the actual progress report. I copied the exact words and added some fun details to make it more interesting.)


According to his teachers, Yohan needs to brush up on his self-confidence. Yohan is quite a shy boy but I've seen considerable improvement in him since he started attending pre-school. I hope that he will eventually overcome his shyness in the months to come.

I'm happy that he is enjoying his time in school, learning interesting concepts, discovering new things and making wonderful friends.

Yohan with his some of his classmates, Teacher Renn (upper left), and Teacher Malou (lower right).

(updated: Sept. 22, 2007 at 10:32 am)

Heads or Tails #5

Learn more about Heads Or Tails here.
View More Heads Or Tails Participants.

The theme this week: HEADS - K E Y (s)

1. Julia Fordham is one of my favorite singers. She has this song called Lock and Key which I love listening to. I have several of her CDs. Below is my most recent Julia Fordham CD featuring live performances of her popular hits including Lock and Key.


2. For me, the important keys to a good life are the following:

• love
• patience
• faith
• understanding
• perseverance
• ambition
• courage
  
• honesty
• humor
• inspiration
• creativity
• healthy living
  
• peace of mind

A Writer's Cafe

Yvonne of Grow Your Writing Business is inviting people to share their "marvelous mini milestones and super successes" at the Writer's Cafe. In this friendly place, people are welcome to share their goals in writing and blogging and the trials that come along.

I'm not a professional writer but I'm glad Yvonne has welcomed me in this cafe. I told her that I wanted to share some of my small triumphs in writing and I was pleased by her sweet reply ...

I look forward to hearing about your “small triumphs”. I happen to know you’ve done some wonderful things, so it will be great to hear more about them.

Grab a muffin on the one out. They’re too good to miss out on. I’ve ordered some more for the next Writers & Bloggers Cafe too. Hope to see you then.~ Yvonne's message to me

Here some of personal highlights and sweet rewards that I'm grateful for in relation to writing and blogging. With a slice of delicious decadent chocolate cake and a cup of freshly brewed coffee waiting on my side, let me start sharing the following ...

Makiling Newsletter

• I've been writing for Makiling Newsletter (an official publication of our village comprised of resident volunteers) for several months now. The editor-in-chief personally went to our house to invite my husband and I to be part of their team. I was hesitant at first because I didn't have any writing experience but my husband said it would be a wonderful opportunity for us to take an active part in the community.
• When my husband and I joined the team, the actual newsletter was in black and white and needed some format improvements but I'm happy to see how the newsletter has improved over the succeeding months through the combined efforts of all the members.
• The team came up with an idea to open the newsletter to local advertisers to generate additional funds. The homeowners association allots a budget for the running of the newsletter but additional funds are welcome to make some improvements. The first time we announced about the available ad spaces, we were overwhelmed by the number of individuals and business groups that submitted their ads.
• Just recently, we issued the first colored issue of the Makiling Newsletter. We were able to do that using the funds we generated from advertisers. We were so pleased with this small triumph because it is a sign of progress.
  

Pinoy Moms Network

• I'm a happy and proud member of Pinoy Moms Network (PMN) (Parenting blog) which was launched early this year.
• I have written several articles for PMN and it brings me joy whenever my article is approved and published by the editors on the site. (I have a list of all my published PMN articles on the sidebar.)
  
• Recently, PMN has become a network of blogs catering to different fields of interests.
• The main blog now stands as an aggregator of newly-updated mommy blogs and contents of all the sub-domains.
• The PMN sub-domains are as follows: Fashion & Personal Style, Food & Cooking, Home & Garden, Parenting, Travel
• New and upcoming subdomains: Entertainment & Leisure, Health & Wellness and Tech Momma

Blogging Opportunities

• Recently I have decided to try the prospect of earning money through blogging. I have been approved to join PPP. I have written one post and I have a few still in drafts.
• It would be nice to earn some shopping money for Christmas. :)
  

Network of Friends

• I love the rewards of blogging especially the aspect of meeting wonderful people and forming new friendships.
  
• I'm happy that my network of friends is growing and I had several wonderful opportunities meeting some blog friends in person.

Birthday Wishes and Farewell Dinner

Happy Birthday Mom.

Happy Birthday Mom! We're very grateful for every act of kindness, understanding and love you shower on our family. May God send you blessings of good health and many more wonderful years to come.

We love you!
Jules, Rachel & Yohan

Birthday Wishes to Chanda.

Celebrated Chanda's birthday in advance last Friday at Sbarro's Glorietta. Jackie and I were thrilled to meet Chanda's boyfriend later that day. Love is in the air!


L-R: Jackie, me and birthday girl Chanda.
Jackie and I took Chanda gift hunting around the mall. The birthday girl chose a lovely brown bag with large wooden bead handles. We also bought a nice sterling silver necklace with twin Terrier pendants for our friend, Heidi. Oh, how I wish I remembered to take pictures.

It was a lovely but brief get together and we plan to see each other again anytime soon.

Bon Voyage Heidi.

Jackie and I went to a farewell dinner for our friend and former colleague, Heidi that same night at Asian Fusion at Glorietta. It was wonderful to see former officemates and friends.

Heidi treated us to a lovely banquet. I admit, I let my tummy calls get the better of me so I wasn't able to take pictures. LoL! My friend Joyce promised to send me copies of pictures taken that evening.

Joyce, Beth and Mireille arranged a nice presentation. There was a slideshow highlighting memorable moments of Heidi. Everyone took turns sharing fun memories and good luck wishes. The room was filled with laughter when some shared comic antics they fondly remember about Heidi.

It was a fun and at the same time sad evening because Heidi is going to the States this October for good to live with her mom. We all wish her a promising future.

Exchange gift.


Meet my new friend Happy Hippo. Jackie gave this adorable hippo to me. You know what? Happy Hippo has a twin sister and I gave her to Jackie. :) We both have cute pals to support our wrists. A perfect blogging companion.

Photo Hunt :: Plastic

Come and join the hunt here.
Little Gym is a wonderful place for kids. Yohan has been going to the TLG since he was a year old. I love its nurturing and safe environment. Children enjoy variety of fun and educational activities that enhance their motor, emotional, intellectual and social skills.

Here, you can see Yohan ...

• waiting for his turn on the bars
• getting ready to do his forward roll
• singing with the class while playing with bells
• helping teacher put away the colorful plastic balls
• having fun on the "donut"
  

Designer Caramel Apples

The sight of caramel apples brought back fond memories of my childhood. I remember the first time my mom brought home chocolate covered caramel apples. I immediately fell in love on the first bite.

The colorful rows of SANFO TREATS at Glorietta was simply too tempting and I just had to try some. I enjoyed taking my time choosing what apples to buy. If I could only buy one of each.

I chose the following delectable designs ...

Mudslide Caramel Apple
"Fuji / Granny smith Apple dipped in caramel rolled in crushed oreos, strewn with milk, white chocolate and caramel and topped with chocolate droplets."

Rocky Road Caramel Apples
"Fuji / Granny Smith Apple dipped in caramel, rolled in marshmallows chocolate sprinkles, peanuts, strewn with melted chocolate."


Nutella Choco Peanut Caramel Apple
"Fuji Apple / Granny Smith Apple dipped in hazelnut cream and caramel, rolled in chopped peanuts and strewn with melted chocolate."



Yohan was more than happy to receive his first caramel apple. He was excited as his Dad sliced the lovely apple into several bite size pieces.

We tried the Mudslide Caramel Apple first and it was a delicious experience. It was chewy and sweet outside and crunchy inside.