A Heartfelt Christmas to All

It's Christmas eve. Yohan is very excited because the letter that he placed inside his stocking is gone. It only means that Santa already has his letter. He is wishing for Santa to fulfill his Christmas wish.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to my family and friends in the US and Canada. It's a wonderful opportunity to reflect on life's blessings. God bless.

Successful Cataract Removal

Thank you very much to family and friends for your prayers for my yaya. The operation took longer than expected because of yaya's abnormally high BP. She was very tense before the procedure. Despite that, the operation was a success. She had to stay longer in the recovery room so her BP could be monitored.

We are home now and yaya is already sleeping in her room. She needs to take it easy for at least three weeks. The doctor gave me a list of post operation instructions. Yaya is scheduled for a check up on Monday.

Promoting Better Vision

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Incendia Health. All opinions are 100% mine.

The global leader in laser vision correction has good news to offer. Abbott Medical Optics Inc. (AMO) has been successful in providing better vision. They have improved the lives of many people. AMO has come up with “You Gotta See This” Video Contest in order to invite people to make a video that shows how significant it is to have improved vision. This contest offers cash and other fabulous prizes. So far AMO has received various entries featuring original music videos; videos on boxing and swimming; and videos that exemplifies the improvement of daily life.

The iLASIK Video Contest is still open for more entries. You may visit the site and submit your very own entry. For those who are interested, you can check out the following guidelines:

First - Submit A Video
Participants may submit a video using one of the following:
• “My contacts are getting in the way of my good time”
• “My favorite sport or activity would be so much cooler with better vision”
• “You should see life after the iLASIK® Procedure”

Second - Tell Friends To Vote
Increase the chances of winning by involving your friends. Ask them to vote for your video.

Third - Have a chance to win fabulous prizes such as:
• One Grand Prize winner will win $5,000 — selected from all submitted videos
• Three First Prize winners will win an HDTV package(a $2,500 value) — one per video category
• Three Second Prize winners will win the Flip UltraHD camcorder (a $199.99 value) — one per video category

Users can submit videos, view and vote on all entries at www.GottaSeeThisNow.com.

Cataract Removal

I'm off to the hospital in a while to accompany my yaya (nanny) for an eye operation. She will be having cataract removal in one eye. It is her first time to have an operation. She is putting a brave front but I know that she is scared. Jules and I will be there to give her moral support. The whole family is praying for a safe and successful surgery.

Exciting Ways To Shop

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Dirt Devil. All opinions are 100% mine.

People are excited about the upcoming big special occasion of the year. It is only 35 days before Christmas. People around the world are conducting their own Christmas countdown. It is after all, one of the favorite holidays of the year.

Christmas is the season of giving. It is the time when people exchange gifts to express love and affection. If you need some help with your Christmas shopping, check out Dirt Devil Holiday Buying Guide. It is a very helpful site for shoppers because you can access over 300 websites. Learn about great discounts, offers and promotions. You can avail of big savings by getting first hand information about great shopping deals.

When I visited Dirt Devil Holiday Buying Guide, I realized that it offers many advantages for shoppers. Aside from discounts and promotions, the site also helps you save on other things. You can even join auctions if you wish.

I personally like the site because it helps shoppers like me maximize buying power. I like getting my money's worth so I appreciate saving tips. I value advanced shopping tips that can help you become an online shopping expert.

You can take advantage of rebates and Free Shipping Shortcuts. Imagine how much you can save when you avail of free shipping. There are over 300 ways to save with online shopping. With so many shopping options, you are sure to maximize your online shopping experience. Take note that Holiday Deals DirtDevil.com offers the following: Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, and Family Favorites. It only shows you that the site is perfect for all the members of the family.

Do Your Best

"I have done my best." That is about all the philosophy of living one needs.

~ Lin Yutan ~

Life has many ups and downs. There are always challenges along the road but doing our best in everything we do can make a big difference. Success is sweet but we cannot avoid failing. We can learn from our mistakes and do better next time. If we try our best in each endeavor, success is not far behind.

Congratulations Manny Pacquiao

It's a momentous day for the Philippines! Congratulations Manny Pacquiao for defeating Cotto. It was a great fight.

It's like a wonderful advance Christmas gift for the country. Thank you Manny!

Not Feeling Well

It has been a fun weekend. There are a lot of things I'd love to share but sadly I'm not feeling well. It started with a sore throat and now I have lost my voice. I also have cough and colds. To make it worse, I have a terrible headache. Oh well, at least it's not the flu. I guess I just need some rest. I'll catch up with you soon. Take care.

Antique Shipping

Antiques are beautiful things that have stood the test of time. There are many different antiques. There are vintage jewelry, furniture, art pieces, carvings and more. People who collect antiques make sure that their valuable items are safe. It takes time, money and effort to take care of antiques. Transferring antiques from one location to another requires dependable antique shipping. Safety is a top priority among antique owners. It is very important to protect antiques by using durable packaging materials. Special attention is given to fragile and delicate items. Some antiques are priceless and need expert packaging techniques to assure that the items are properly protected from damages.

There are many factors that can affect antiques such as exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, moisture and more. These factors make antiques sensitive. Proper care and special handling are very important when it comes to international shipping. Long travel hours make antiques vulnerable. It is vital to have knowledge of international shipping requirements to avoid problems and delays. Before committing to a courier, it is advisable to check if they have a minimum. Take advantage of movers that do not require minimums. Avoid movers that have a lot of restrictions, particularly on the weight of items. Some movers have the ability to ship directly to you. Some can even deliver to a warehouse for temporary storage.

Many antique owners prefer stress-free shipping of their items by hiring a mover that takes care of every detail. There are movers that can supervise picking up, packing, insurance and delivery to the recipient.

Team Edward of Team Jacob?

I read New Moon around November of last year. It was also in November 2008 when I watched Twilight on the big screen. Now, a year later, I can't wait to watch New Moon.


Even my son knows how much I'm looking forward to the movie. He spotted the large movie standees at the mall and I couldn't resist taking some pictures.

Here are two of my favorite quotes in the book New Moon:

"I thought I’d explained it clearly before. Bella,
I can’t live in a world where you don’t exist."

~Edward, New Moon

"Who’s afraid of the big, bad wolf?"

~Jacob Black, New Moon

Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob?

I'm fond of Jacob but I've been dazzled by Edward from the start.
Team Edward!

Aloha Friday #79

Rules: Post any question on your blog on a Friday, share your answer and sign Kailani's Mr. Linky. Then have fun answering the questions of fellow participants by visiting their blogs.

Is there any dish that you never get tired of ordering at the restaurant?

I love TGI Friday's Chicken Mushroom Chicken. I always order it whenever we eat at Friday's. I guess you can say that I'm not adventurous when it comes to food because I tend to order the same dishes.

Chicken Mushroom Chicken is deep fried chicken topped with mushrooms and Mozzarella cheese. It is served with buttered corn on the cob and mushrooms. Earlier version included french fries or mashed potatoes. Now Chicken Mushroom Chicken is served with rice pilaf.

Birthday Haiku For Jules

Today is special,
Blowing wishes in the air,
Grasp, hold tight for keeps.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Birthday Jules! I love you.

All Souls Day

I'm thankful that the weather cleared just in time to give our family a chance to go to the cemetery to offer prayers for the departed.

It has become a tradition for many Filipino families to pay respect to departed loved ones every Nov. 1 and 2.

Yohan offering prayers for his great grandparents.

Yohan's cousin, Tisha lighting candles.

A Pirate For The Second Time Around

My family and I went to the mall to buy Halloween treats and a ninja costume for Yohan. Superhero and scary costumes were abundant but sadly they run out of ninja costumes. I couldn't believe it! I offered to buy him another costume instead but he didn't like any of the available ones. He told me he would rather wear one of his old costumes.

Yohan was unusually quiet. I thought he was upset about the costume but I found out later that he wasn't feeling well. We were at the grocery buying treats when he showed signs of nauseousness so we decided to go home early.

Hubby and I decided to let Yohan skip the annual village Halloween activity at the clubhouse so he could rest. Surprisingly, he felt re-energized after a short rest at home.

Treats for Trick or Treat

At last year's Trick or Treat, he was Thomas the Tank Engine. This year he donned his black shirt with a skull, striped pants and hook ... a pirate for the second time around.

Captain Yohan

Yohan was able to make a few rounds in the village but the rain came at an unwelcome time. We had to cut Trick or Treat short because of the weather. Thankfully Captain Yohan wasn't too disappointed. He still managed to have fun. The other kids were discouraged to continue due to persistent rain. I have lots of Halloween treats left. Care for some? :)

(edited: 11/06/2009)
In the spirit of Halloween, I helped Yohan make Halloween cards for his teachers and pumpkin cut-outs for his classmates.

Yohan thought of the concept. I just helped him make cut-out figures.

DIY Halloween cards

Adding Personal Touches To Your Aparment

You may consider an apartment to be a temporary place to stay. It is up to you if you want your pad to look blank and empty or comfortable and cozy. You can make a difference by adding personal touches to your apartment. You can give your pad a homey atmosphere in more ways than one. When you do, chances are it will make you feel much closer to home.

Here are some suggestions that you might consider when you rent apartments.

• Furniture - Choose furniture that suit your personal taste and style. Make sure your furniture are right for your space. If you have a small apartment, avoid bulky furniture that take too much space.

• Plants and Flowers - Live plants and fresh flowers can make your place livelier. There are some indoor plants that are easy to maintain.
  

• Pictures - Display picture frames of family, friends and people you love. You can be more creative by making a photo collage of people close to your heart. Images of people dear to you can bring life to an empty apartment.

• Memento - Bring an item or items that have significant meaning to your life. You can bring an old stuffed toy, a trophy you won, a cross stitch frame, an old vase, a memorable figurine, or favorite pillows.

• Pets - Some apartments allow pets. If you have time and dedication to take care of pets, then it's a nice idea to have one in your apartment. A pet would be a great companion. For people with busy lifestyles, small pets like fish and birds are easier to take care.
  

Preparing Outer and Inner Self Before Giving Birth

Some factors may help contribute to an easy delivery. It is important to prepare both the outer and inner self. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually can help you prepare for an easy natural childbirth. Below are some suggestions that might be helpful.

Physical
It is essential for every pregnant woman to take prenatal vitamins, eat healthy foods and do some easy exercises. You can ask your doctor to suggest an exercise regime that will help strengthen your body and prepare you for labor. Your doctor may suggest stretching and walking.

Emotional
Some women especially first time mothers-to-be tend to be overcome with worries and fears. Too much worrying can build up tension and lead to stress. It would help if you focus on happy thoughts. Look on the brighter side of giving birth. Think about how wonderful it would be to feel your baby in your arms for the first time.

Be surrounded with people and things that make you happy. Read uplifting books, listen to soothing music, watch a movie with a happy ending or simply enjoy good and healthy food. Spend time with family and friends who can give you the moral support that you need.

Spiritual
Praying and meditating may help you prepare for labor. Prayer has the power to give us courage to face what the future may bring. Believing that God will help you in your time of labor can give you the will and strength you need at that moment. Praying for safe delivery can bring inner peace, put fears at bay and help calm the senses.

Good Riddance Typhoon Santi

Typhoon Santi brought strong rains and howling winds over the past few days. The village Trick or Treat was rained out. Kids were able to make a few rounds but persistent rain discouraged most of them from visiting the rest of the houses.

I'm glad that Typhoon Santi has left the country. Today is All Saints Day and we have been blessed with good weather. We were able to go to the cemetery to pay respect to our departed loved ones. Filipinos traditionally pay respect to the departed every Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific

Travelling has many wonderful perks. First of all, it opens doors to new and interesting places. It also gives you the opportunity to meet new people and build network of friends. Travelling also broadens knowledge because you can learn a lot about new countries and their cultures.

There are so many great destinations worth visiting in Asia Pacific. If you are thinking of visiting Asia Pacific then this is the perfect opportunity for you. Travelers will be thrilled to know that one million hotel rooms across Asia Pacific are available at very amazing rates.

Take advantage of this Accor Hotels 3-Day Super Sale Asia Pacific because this offer is only available on a limited time. Imagine rates starting as low as US$30 per night. Don't let this opportunity pass you by. Grab amazing savings when you book on-line between October 27-30, 2009. Stay period is between Dec 2009 till Apr 2010.

Big savings from your hotel mean that you can have extra money to spend on other things during your trip. You can use the money to shop around or perhaps engage in a fun leisure activity. You can have the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. Make your trip more memorable by spending it with special people in your life.

No Semestral Break This October

My son is supposed to be enjoying a one week break starting today but he is in school right now. Majority of schools in the country decided to forgo the semestral break this October in order to make up for all the lost time due to numerous suspension of classes. AH1N1 scare at the onset of classes last June and recent typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” caused lengthy days of class suspension. I just hope that Christmas break will not be shortened.

Charter On Demand

You may not be aware of it, but if you have Charter digital then you have On Demand. Amazingly, it's free to access. Enjoy the privilege of more than 6,000 movies and shows at your fingertips. Just imagine being able to take your pick from all those exciting movies and shows without waiting. There's actually no need to worry about schedules at all.

Sometimes it's disappointing when you miss your favorite shows like Heroes, 30 Rock, The Office and others. Missing an episode disrupts the continuity of the story in your mind. Jumping to the next episode might be quite confusing. It would be nice if you can easily access programs and episodes you miss. You might be surprised that you can access many of your favorite programs the day after they air on TV. The wonderful thing about it is it's free!

Sometimes we are so busy that it becomes a chore to simply get in the car and get a movie. It can take a while for the dvd to arrive in the mail. All that waiting is not fun at all. Availing of On Demand is a better and easier choice. You can easily get updates and fun extras on Charter’s Facebook page.

Chances are kids don't understand nor have the patience for TV schedules. Children especially the young ones often want to watch their favorite shows like Dora and Spongebob the moment they open the television. On Demand helps parents avoid the stress of reasoning out with their little ones. You can learn more at charter.net/ondemand.

Since HD is now the in thing, you can now have access to more HD shows. You'll be amazed that there are hundreds of them.

Aloha Friday #78

Rules: Post any question on your blog on a Friday, share your answer and sign Kailani's Mr. Linky. Then have fun answering the questions of fellow participants by visiting their blogs.

My thoughtful mom sent me a text message and said that this is on sale. She wants to buy it for me. Perfect timing because I want a new pair of sneakers.

I made the mistake of asking my 6-year old son if this suits me. He told me that it's for teenagers. Ouch! Shot to the heart! Ha! Ha! Oh well, I'm still young at heart.

Do you like sneakers?

Factors In Choosing An Apartment

Are you looking for an apartment? I would like to share some friendly reminders to consider when looking for an apartment to rent:

• Condition of the Apartment - Take a walk around the apartment. Inspect areas that need immediate repairs, repainting, etc. Make sure you check all the rooms. Remember that safety is very important. Ask someone who knows about wiring to check the apartment. Try to find out if the apartment conforms to safety regulations (example: presence of fire exit).
  

• Cleanliness - Check for signs of possible pest problem. You would not want to make the mistake of renting a place infested with cockroaches or worse rats.

• Size - It's always advisable to find a place ideal for the number of people who are going to live in it. Overcrowding is never a good idea.
  

• Parking - This is a big consideration if you own a car. It is better to rent apartments that include safe parking areas.

• Security - Renting a place that provides security is a great disadvantage. Take note that this feature often means higher rental fees.
  

• Proximity to Important Places - It is preferable to find a place that has access to nearby market, school (especially for those who have kids) and hospital. It is a big advantage to live near your work place.
  

Take note that finding the ideal apartment may take time. Avoid being impulsive. Don't be too excited to rent the first apartment you visit. It is good to have some choices. When you find a few apartments interesting, you can compare them to find the one that suits you the most.

A Post Card Between The Pages

"A letter always seemed to me like Immortality."
- Emily Dickinson

I was looking for an old book to read. I found one of my old pocketbooks. I was about to read it when I discovered an old post card between the pages. It was from my college best friend written many years ago. He sent me a post card when he went to Paris on a business trip. Reading the post card again warmed my heart.

Opening Eyes To Natural Childbirth

Natural means it is not produced synthetically or changed artificially. Almost everything natural is good. Health conscious people choose natural foods because they are minimally processed and free from artificial ingredients. Food coloring, preservatives and artificial sweeteners are just some of the few ingredients found in a lot of food items nowadays. They enhance the flavor and extend shelf life of food but some of them can be quite harmful to the body. People also prefer skin care products that use natural ingredients because they are safer and kinder to the skin.

When it comes to giving birth, more and more people are realizing the advantages of going through natural childbirth. A woman’s body is naturally designed to carry and give birth to a child. Natural childbirth allows a woman to be in control of her body. Perhaps modern advancements in science have made childbirth easier and less painful, however, the medicated approach has its potential risks.

The process of childbirth is a conscious decision. Every woman should have the right to choose the kind of childbirth best for her and her child. It is normal for some women, especially first time mothers to be overly concerned before giving birth. Fears about childbirth can sometimes be blown out of proportion. Unwarranted fears can influence a woman to shy away from natural childbirth and choose an epidural or a C-section. Proper information can help women minimize and hopefully eliminate their fears of childbirth.

Here are some notable advantages of natural childbirth.

• Safer option - Natural childbirth offers minimal medical intervention. Since it discourages the use of sedatives or anaesthesia, there is a lesser chance of complications or side effects.
  

• Feeling of empowerment - Women who have undergone natural childbirth shares the wonderful feeling of being in control during labor.

• Inner Satisfaction - Mothers who experienced natural childbirth notes the ultimate sense of fulfillment.
  

• Partnership – Couples who choose natural childbirth often take classes together. These classes help and guide soon to be parents. Time spent together learning about breathing techniques, pain management and more can help strengthen the bond of a couple.
  

Friends From Down Under

Three years ago, my former colleague and dear friend decided to take a chance in Australia with her family. Her husband landed a job in a restaurant and the contract gave him the privilege to bring his family with him. They had some challenges along the way but I'm glad that they were able to overcome every hurdle. Now they are happy and comfortably nestled in Australia. In fact, they just bought a new home.

My friend together with her husband and three kids are here for a short vacation. I was so happy when they went to our house yesterday for a visit. True friendship always remain strong despite the distance. We had fun exchanging stories and catching up with one another. Our kids had a wonderful time bonding.

My friend's daughter also happens to be my goddaughter. She has grown up since I last saw her. I gave the kids some gifts. When my son saw me give the gifts, he was inspired to give his own gifts too. He asked my permission if he could give some small toys to his friends. I gave him the go signal and it was nice to see him happily share his toys.

My friend and her family also gave us some gifts. They are still as sweet and thoughtful as before.

Thank you Anton and Cris for the wonderful gifts.

I like this cute personalized brush.

Advantage of Website Hosting

The Internet is a great marketing platform. Today’s technology has made the Internet a popular medium for advertising. Its worldwide reach makes the web an ideal choice for marketing various products and services. Many businesses have tapped the potential of the web when it comes to advertising their goods and services. A website has the capability of reaching a large number of people worldwide. It minimizes the need to travel long distance to promote products and services. People can easily access your site and learn about what your company offers through a few simple mouse clicks.

Maintaining a website can be less expensive compared to running a TV commercial, a radio ad, a billboard, or a print ad. A website can also be more cost effective compared to telemarketing. In fact, I know a lot of people who are put off by telemarketing schemes.

The overall appearance and user interface of a website can be a great advantage. It is a plus to avail of website hosting. I think my site would be better if I availed of website hosting. A website that appears interesting will entice potential clients to click more and learn about what your site offers. It is also advisable to have a user friendly system for easier access. A complicated interface only creates confusion and lead to loss of interest.

Reaching Level 34 on Farm Town

Last August 7, 2009 I finally reached Level 34, the final level on Farm Town (a popular Facebook game).


It took me more than two months to reach the last level. I must say I invested lots of time and effort on this game. I love its interactive interface. Farming with friends and even with my son is really fun. I found myself playing Farm Town until the wee hours of the morning. Yes, it's an addicting but rewarding game. I always got a sense of fulfillment every time I unlocked new seeds, trees, flowers, paths, ponds, buildings and decorations. One of my favorite parts of the game is decorating my farm.

When I reached Level 34, I was awarded with the privilege of buying a beautiful red mansion. Below is a screenshot of my farm (taken a few minutes ago). I have pumpkins ready for harvest. I decided to plant pumpkins in the spirit of Halloween.

My very own farm.

I love how Farm Town surprises "farmers" with new decorations. As you can see, I have decorated my farm with Halloween stuff. I have a basket of treats in front of my door. You are welcome to knock on my door on Halloween but beware of spooky things along the way. Trick or treat!

It's Halloween on Farm Town.

Enjoy Chinese Food at Home

I have always found Asian food exciting to the palate. I'm particularly fond of Chinese cuisine. I love the different flavors emanating from the rich ingredients that are enhanced by all sorts of herbs and spices. I never get tired of eating Chinese dishes at home and at restaurants. My family also loves Chinese food. We have shared countless Chinese feasts together. I believe that good food and family bonding make a great combination.

Preschool Visual Aids

Today is the start of my son's final exams for the 2nd Quarter. I helped him review over the weekend. I tried to make review time fun and interesting by using visual aids. I made use of flash cards to help him study for subjects like Filipino and Science. I searched for pictures online and printed them on poster paper. I also prepared seat works with colorful drawings. A preschooler easily gets bored with long reviews so I injected some games using the flash cards. Blank poster boards and colored pens were perfect for on the spot drawing activities.

Visual aids I printed to help my son review.

Red Chair Confessions

I have seen several videos from Red Chair Confessions. The first video I saw triggered my curiosity. The videos' open ended theme has an amazing way of playing with the imagination. After watching more Red Chair Confessions, I realized that the addiction in the videos was a reflection of an addiction for clothes and shoes. My perception didn't fail me because I was right after all. It might come as a big surprise that Talbots is behind the sponsored videos.

I have always had the impression that Talbots' target market is focused on the more mature crowd. To my surprise and delight of many, Talbots has reinvented itself. Talbots now offers hip, modern and affordable clothing line for the women today. Shoppers can expect to find the latest array of women's apparel, shoes and accessories.

Regular shoppers love Talbots' lovely and classic clothing that never goes out of style. One can never go wrong with quality clothes that are perfectly priced. Its touchable textures will make anyone feel sophisticated. It's like a taste of luxury each time you wear one. You may visit their website to see Talbots' beautiful outfits, shoes and accessories. You can share your favorite items with me by leaving a comment. I would love to know about the things that catch your eye. I'm sure you'll find something worth purchasing.



After connecting the videos to Talbots, the videos now make more sense.

Puppy Moment

I love this photo. It captures my son's thrilled expression as he plays with Jack, my BIL's Pomeranian puppy. For me, it's another priceless moment. Jack is a small bundle of joy and energy. Yohan was more than happy to play with Jack that day.