a carpenter's WIFE's tool box

A Yummy Healthy Meal

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:43:00 +0000

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

Since I started my Biggest Loser Weekend Challenge in my other blog, I started exercising and eating healthy. Wink* Seriously, I am more conscious now with the kind of food I buy in the grocery and with what I cook for our meals. Well, I still have not reached the ideal weight I was dreaming of for valid reasons. One is because I am not exercising enough. LOL.

Well, in terms food, which is the biggest challenge for me, I was able to learn how to prepare healthy meals. Because of that I also learned to appreciate tortillas. That is why Mission Flour Tortillas is always on top of my grocery list because it is not just easy and very convenient to prepare, it is healthy too. The versatility of Mission Flour tortillas and its freshly-baked taste make my meal always a wonderful experience.

My favorite healthy meal is tofu strips fried in olive oil...

topped with sautéd chopped button mushrooms and onions in barbeque sauce...

and chopped egg omelet...

with chopped fresh red ripe tomatoes...

and crunchy lettuce...

wrapped in warm Mission Flour tortilla. Hmmmm… Yummy!

So, if you are trying to eat healthy this is the right meal for you because Mission Flour tortillas are cholesterol free and contain 0 grams Trans fat per serving. And they are available in different sizes so you can choose which size fits your appetite. Hahahahaha

And by the way, if you have no idea of how to prepare tortilla meals… check out www.missionmenus.com for some good examples of quick and easy, budget-friendly meals for $10 using Mission Flour Tortilla. And yes, you might what to take the Mission Menus Challenge which is now currently running until August 9th, 2010.

Here are some of the important details about the Challenge.

• Mission Foods is kicking off the summer with the Mission Menus Challenge. 
• Beginning June 28, 2010, Chef Sara Moulton will encourage consumers to submit their budget-friendly recipes to Mission at www.MissionMenusChallenge.com for a chance to compete in a cook-off in Los Angeles and win a $10,000 dream kitchen makeover as well as a host of weekly prizes.
• The grand prize winner will win round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for two to the Mission Menus Challenge Cook-off on September 10, 2010 at the Hard Rock Café in Los Angeles.
• Until August 9th, you have the chance to submit your recipe online.

All recipes must:
• Must include Mission Flour Tortillas
• Be original
• Feed a family of five for $10 or less

And one thing worth knowing too is that…

Mission Foods is proud to support “Share Our Strength”, the leading national organization committed to ending childhood hunger in America. You can help by visiting www.MissionMenusChallenge.com and learning more about Mission Foods commitment to Share Our Strength in supporting this life-changing cause.

Well, there you go. I got to go now to enjoy my new tortilla creation… another yummy meal that has something to do with grilled chicken and some crunchy chopped green peppers that I picked from Hubby’s bucket garden.

My Maine, My Vacationland

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 15:07:00 +0000

I did my routine blog check for comments today and I got so excited when I read a comment from CaraBee. I was told that she wanted to feature my blog on BlogTrotting, [a virtual travel blog dedicated to traveling to new blogs around the world] this week. And for a blogger like me, it is indeed a great privilege and opportunity to be able to be recognized and featured in other bloggers’ blog. So here you go… fellow blog-trotters… welcome to my Maine!

But before I let you in to the most kept-secret of Maine… I have a confession to make. I am not really a Mainer! I am from the Philippines and just moved here in Maine three years ago. I came here in 2007 to marry the “love of my life”. And in the span of three years, I was acculturated to anything and everything Maine. So if you are hoping that you will learn about the history and culture of Maine... then you will be disappointed. If you are looking for demographic data and statistics about Maine and it's people... you are in the wrong place. But if you are just wondering what does Maine really like based on the point-of-view of a non-traditional Mainer... then you are in for a treat.

So here are some of the things I learned about Maine and the reasons why I love/hate Maine.

I like Maine and I live like a Mainer. I ice-fish like a Mainer…

Checking if the bait is still there.

Setting up the trap.

I ride snowmobile like a Mainer…

Cruising in my backyard.

I gold-pan like a Mainer…

Sorting rocks in the sluice.

And I camp like a Mainer...

Camping in the Summer.

Camping in the Winter.

And though I hate its extreme and crazy weather [where it changes every 5 minutes, literally from rainy to blizzard-y to sunny to hail-y... all in a matter of 5 minutes interval]... I learned to adapt and love its amazing changing seasons...

Lobster Pond... one Winter morning.

Lobster Pond... one foggy early morning of Spring.

Lobster Pond... early morning of Summer.

Lobster Pond... one fine day of Fall.

Maine lakes are amazing...

A boat in Sabago Lake in Summer.

Snowmobiles in Sabago Lake in Winter.

its ponds are gorgeous...

No. 1 Pond, Sanford, Maine

its rivers are awesome...

East Branch, Swift River.

Saco River, Standish Maine.

its watersheds are breathtaking...

The Androscoggin Watershed, Rangeley, Maine.

One of the many protected watersheds in Maine.

its mountains are magnificent...

The snow-covered Mt. Washington from the distance. Season: Summer.

Mt. Blue, Byron, Maine.

its lighthouses are historical.

Nubble Lighthouse. The very first lighthouse I saw in Maine.

Portland Head Light, one of the oldest lighthouses on the shore of Maine

which was built in 1786 way before George Washington became

the first president of the United States.

and its bridges are phenomenal.

Parsonfield Wood Bridge in Fall.

Checking out the water from Saco River.

I also eat like a Mainer. I love its lobsters...

A staple of Maine.

and prefer maple syrup on my French toast, waffles and pancakes...

Collecting sap for the best Maple Syrup in the US.

with freshly picked fruits...

Strawberry picking in June.

Blueberry picking in August.

Apple picking in October.

And most of all, I love LL Bean!

I love everything Maine... so, I love Maine!

Totally Hardcore

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:58:00 +0000

I have another confession to make. Oh well, you better get used to me making confessions because I have lots of them. LOL

We went again to Byron, Maine and went camping and gold panning last weekend. Yes, we found a few tiny and microscopic pieces of the precious metal but not enough to make Hubby happy.

But that is not my confession. My confession is... I went camping for "real"!

You see, during the first year that I went camping... it was more of a hotel camping. I was so still afraid of going out of my comfort zone. I was afraid of using a different kind of bathroom [you know what I mean] and can't imagine myself sleeping on hard bumpy cold ground. So every time we planned to go camping we packed all our camping stuff in the back of the truck but checked-in... in a hotel.

The second year that we went camping... Hubby finally convinced me to go camping... in a campground and sleep in a tent. It was not that easy though but I agreed because the campground has good amenities like a bathroom with hot running water... picnic table... wood fire ring... and improvised grill for cooking. And there were other people camping too so I was sure that raccoons and coyotes are afraid to come near me. We went camping in the campground until last 4th of July of this year.

Last weekend... Hubby suddenly decided to do camping the hardcore way. It was not in the campground but in the woods... by the river... with no amenities like picnic table much less... a "shit house". We need to transport our stuff into the woods by crossing the river in our 4-wheeler about half a mile away from the dirt road where our truck was parked. I had a hard time sleeping because... 1) we were not able to use our air mattress which can only be inflated with a pump powered by the truck's battery. 2) the raccoons were checking us out. 3) the sound of the birds and other animals only-God-knows-what are too loud almost competing with the gushing sound of the water in the river. 4) and the thought that we were the only people in the woods was freaking me out.

But I survived! How? Don't even make me start!

For a Better Future

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:25:00 +0000

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

Before coming here in the US, I was well equipped in terms of education and experience. Well, so I thought. Surprise… surprise… my education and experience are not enough so I needed to take another course of study to be able to join the work force.

I had a hard time looking and finding for jobs because the degree that I have doesn’t fit most of the job offers that are in demand in the job market. It was indeed tough. I waited and waited for the job offer that fits my educational background and experience but to no avail. So the only solution left is to go to school again. But being new in the country and without any means of transportation, I was devastated. Good thing I learned about online study so I took an Online degree, and was able to do take a new course in the convenience of my home.

So, if you are also thinking of an Online degree, and still having some doubts about it… consider these following information:

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Well, what are you waiting for? Education is the only treasure that cannot be stolen from you… as what my Dad told me… so why not invest on it? Start improving your life now for a better future ahead.

Yes, Virginia... there is gold in the river!

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 00:07:00 +0000

So I whine about gold panning.

I rant about the bugs in the woods.

And I hum about almost everything about camping.

So why do I go anyway? Why do I go up the mountain almost every other weekends?

Because there is indeed gold in the river!

Road to Independence

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 23:27:00 +0000

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

I reported to work at the Y last week. During my break I met a long time acquaintance and exchanged “HIs” and “HELLOs”. It’s been a long time too since I last talked to this wheelchair-bound young happy and friendly guy whom I met years ago as he was alighting from that special van on his wheelchair.

I admire this guy’s cheerful and carefree spirit. He seems to be always happy and unwary of his physical limitations. And despite his disability he possesses a unique sense of independence that I couldn’t imagine. He would move around the gym in his “wheelchair “from one gym equipment to another doing sets of exercises and would stop to greet people who would come and go to the gym.

Well, after my shift I met him again on his way out and bade goodbye. He was safely and smoothly wheeled by his handler back into that special white van. Next week, I will surely see him again and hope we can have a few minutes chat like we used to.

----------------------------------------------------------

Isn't it nice that this kind of specially-made vehicle is available to our friends and loved ones with physical disabilities? Isn't it great that with this kind of vehicle, our physically challenged friends and loved ones are able to go places safely? And isn't it good that these kind of vehicles are available through the help of NMEDA who makes sure that vehicles like these are easily accessible by wheelchairs?

If you are a caregiver of a physically challenged loved one or a Health Care provider who needs this kind of special vehicles for your clients… visit nmeda.org and on the homepage, hit the dealer’s locator and type in your ZIP code and see if there is a qualified dealer near you.

Here are some important information about NMEDA and QAP:

NMEDA is a non-profit trade association; they educate consumers on buying products from a NMEDA qualified dealer.

- NMEDA DOES NOT SELL ANYTHING: NMEDA is the only association that promotes safe driving and equipment for disabled people. They are non-profit and their members are required to adhere to the safety standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NMEDA dealers (members) are the ones who sell handicap vans and vehicle modifications for disabled people.

- No two people with a disability are exactly the same. Beware of adapted wheelchair vehicles sold over the Internet or through catalogs. After a personalized “in-person” evaluation, you can be sure you are getting the right driving solution customized to your specific lifestyle and needs. If you need additional training or product refinements, your NMEDA dealer is there to help you.

The Quality Assurance Program (QAP) is the only nationally recognized accreditation program for the Adaptive Mobility Equipment Industry. It is based on the principle that in order to satisfy customers consistently, companies must have a systematic and documented approach to quality.

If you are interested in becoming a NMEDA or QAP dealer… check out nmeda.org and join.

I hate Gold Panning

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 20:16:00 +0000

I have a confession to make. I'm not really too crazy about gold panning and camping. I hate packing and worse, I hate cleaning up after the mess. You know what I mean. So why do I go anyway, you will ask. Because... I want to get hold of the gold if ever Hubby will get one!.

I hate gold panning. It's a lot of work and it's boring. We would spend the whole day in the river almost lasting up to 10 hours. Hubby would be dredging dirt while I would sort out the rocks from the sluice. Hubby would be knee deep scrapping dirt, sand and rocks under a big boulder and I would be either sorting rocks or... going up and down the river a few times to make lunch, strolling along the river, taking photos, snacking on junk food, listening to my iPod and taking a dip in the freezing cold running water [but not necessarily in that order]. It would be our tight schedule for a couple of days or at least during the duration of our trip to the gold panning site.

I hate gold panning. But I have been doing it for 3 years now. And I have a funny feeling that the foundation of our 3 years marriage is based on solid gold. [wink*]

During the first year, Hubby and I just enjoyed going up Byron to take a short vacation. We only have riffle pans and a small shovel and would just be digging dirt along the bank.

During the second year, Hubby bought a sluice and a dredge and a motor online. I was freaking out for he paid $500 for them. In retaliation ... I went shopping online for shoes and bag to match his spending.

During the third year, aside from celebrating our 3rd year Wedding Anniversary gold panning in New Hampshire.. Hubby bought a bigger motor and yards of pipes or tubes [I don't exactly know what it is called] online and spent $700 out of our tax refund. I then spent a little more than that on jewelries, clothes, and make up.

Next year, we will surely be gold panning again because... Hubby bought another gold panning equipment the other day... so I booked a plane ticket to Los Angeles... then, I will surely be shopping in Rodeo Drive, baby! LOL

Oh, Boy! Should I change my title to... I love gold panning?

A Bright Beginning… Indeed

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:14:00 +0000

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

My BFF just gave birth to a beautiful healthy baby girl. She is a delight and she instantly melted everybody’s heart the first time she smiled or cried. Awwwww. Everybody loves a baby. Who doesn’t? They are the sweetest little thing God ever created.

Well, since my BFF gave birth to this precious little princess I spent more time with her during the first couple of weeks since her mother is living half around the world. We are like sisters so I am at her beck and call. And since I am the little princess’ ~~fairy~~ Godmother [wink] I have no problem taking care of her and her mom’s needs.

And as a good fairy godmother I have no problem changing her diapers or ordering her milk-based organic infant formula Bright Beginnings available at diapers.com. Yup, our little princess deserves the best.

Here are some important facts about this infant formula that you might find interesting:

Bright Beginnings DHA Milk Based Organic Infant Formula is the First Organic National Brand Baby Formula made in Vermont and certified organic in accordance with USDA regulations, Bright Beginnings ORGANIC is produced without: Potentially Harmful Pesticides, Added Growth Hormones and Antibiotics.

Bright Beginnings ORGANIC provides the benefits of the lipids DHA and ARA, nutrients naturally found in breast milk essential for babies' mental and visual development. Our baby formula meets the recommendations of the World Health Organization for DHA and ARA .

Benefits of DHA & ARA in Baby Formula

DHA and ARA occur naturally in mother's milk and belong to a class of nutrients called lipids, or fats. Lipids are an essential part of a healthy diet because they are important structural components of vital organs, particularly an infant's brain and eyes. Interest in DHA and ARA has increased following several scientific studies showing that infants fed formula supplemented with DHA and ARA gained intellectual and visual benefits not found in infants who were fed standard formulas without DHA and ARA.

Well, to all mommies who want nothing but the best for their precious little ones, you can purchase Bright Beginnings Infant Formula at Diaper.com or request your child’s ~~fairy~~ Godmother to do that for you. LOL.

It Felt like Forever

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 02:12:00 +0000

Hubby and I just got back from a day trip from Bath, New Hampshire. It was an unplanned trip. A trip that we didn't put so much preparation on. And one of those usual occasions that we decided on impulse.

Today we decided to check out another gold panning site in New Hampshire. Yes, today we did another gold panning adventure out of state. And yes, today we did gold panning on our 3rd year Wedding Anniversary.

Dearest Sweetest,

Happy Anniversary. It's only our third but it felt like forever. It felt like we have been together for a long time.

Three years... are not enough to know how much we do love each other compared to those who are celebrating their silver or golden anniversary. But it's enough to realize that we are growing in our love for each other.

Three years... of being together are full of challenges due to our differences. But challenges that we were able to win because we both tried our best to work our differences out.

Three years... and we are indeed counting.

Happy Anniversary my Sweetest... may our love for each other grow stronger each day. May our differences become our strength. And may we keep the faith for one another.

I love you... for always.

Your Sweetie

A Dream Weekend with my BFFs

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:19:00 +0000

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

Oh, I love summer. Who doesn’t? With the temperature rising and the weather being favorably unwintery… who would like to spend time inside the house? Forget about the laundry. Forget about the chores. Forget about the garden. With this kind of weather, I’d rather be on a boat sipping margarita… in a spa having a relaxing massage… in a beach watching the sunset or sunrise… or in a far flung local flea market shopping for rare and hard-to-find antiques and souvenirs… with my BFFs.

Well, don’t get me wrong. Me and Hubby are always together almost all weekends camping and gold panning since the snow melted. It’s all about “Me Time” now. I do need to spend time with my girlfriends and recharge. It would be nice if I win in the Hampton Chain of Friends Sweepstakes and get a free weekend stay at any Hampton Hotel. Well, if that happens my BFFs and I will surely have fun basking in the sun in Florida because I will surely book us at Hampton Inn & Suites Boynton Beach.

Oh well, even if I don’t win we will still do it. So if you are dreaming of having a fabulous free getaway with your friends, enter the sweepstakes and take your chance to win. Who knows you might be joining us there.

A wonderful Weekend for the Gregoires

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 17:26:00 +0000

We had a wonderful weekend. Yesterday was Brandon's 9th Birthday.

Well, this year he had a Pirate theme party. I ordered some stuff online like the pirate hats, swords and eye patches, the treasure box pinata, paper plates, cups and utensils. And it was delivered right on time.

His Nana was able to order Pirate birthday cake.

And the kids and adults had a wonderful time.

But the most important part of the day aside from Brandon not having a "fit" [which was a very significant challenge that we were all ready for] was when Hubby's two older daughters stayed behind after all the visitors left and the Gregoires played Frisbee together and flew Brandon's Styrofoam airplane at the backyard.

I know Hubby was delighted seeing his kids together again in one place.

My Not-so-handy Handyman and my new craft room

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:39:00 +0000

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

Yes, as my blog title suggests… I am indeed a Carpenter’s Wife. Then, you might think that I am lucky for having a handy man under my wings. That I have someone to do all kinds of home repairs at my beck and call. Well, think again [LOL] because sometimes, it will take a little longer than expected to ask my handyman to do things around his own house. It will take a lot of motivation to make him do things for me. And worse, it will take a real “blackmail” to make him do things quick and fast. Why, because he doesn’t get paid to do carpentry job in his own home. Hahahahaha I'm just kidding. You know... Men!

Anyway, so I needed to paint my craft room. It’s not an urgent task but as usual, he would procrastinate because I can’t think of anything to blackmail him with. But he did suggest that I go to Home Depot and ask the sale associate about Glidden paint. It’s what he uses at his job site.

And so I went and was delighted at how convenient it is to use this paint. I just bought the paint tester first and experimented with it. And yes, I went back after a couple of days and decided to give my craft room an entirely new look.

Here are some of the interesting facts about Glidden Paints:

• Glidden’s paint testers are unique from other brands because they have a handy brush included in the lid, and our testers allow you to try out the actual paint color before you commit to buying all the paint necessary for your project.
• The paint testers are also great for households with children because they can be used to quickly touch up scrapes and stains.
• Glidden testers are also easier to store than large, messy, half-used cans of paint. Find Ideas Quickly with Glidden’s Top 10 Color Palettes and XL Paint Chips.
• Get inspired to paint with colors that reflect who you are! Glidden’s Top 10 Color Palettes are assembled by color experts to express your personality.
• Glidden also makes it easy to select the perfect combination of colors. Their large paint chips help you experience your favorite color in your room’s unique lighting. Plus, all of the chips have two coordinating color options right on the back.

Well, Hubby did the paint job with no blackmailing involved [sigh] and he was all praise for my choice of color combination. And I am happy for my new craft room. Too bad I still haven’t taken any photo of it because my camera is still in the repair shop. Maybe next time.

Some Weekend

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 00:22:00 +0000

So we did go camping and gold panning again. I still don’t know if we found some gold nuggets because we only dredged and brought back the concentrate. Hubby will surely pan the concentrate any day this week.

We went in the same place. We stayed in the same campsite. And we dredged in the same spot. Having spent almost all our summer every year in this place, it almost feel like home already.

I know the place quite well now.

I’m not scared anymore to go down and up the steep hill with bucket and sluice in my hands.

I’m already familiar with the rocks and know which ones are not steady to step on when crossing the river.

I’m used to being greeted with some pleasant critters and being bugged by some unpleasant ones.

[This little one is checking out my cooler and stayed there the whole time while I was cooking our lunch.]

And for three days… I answered the call of nature at Mother Nature's. Hehehehe

[Well, where else would you do it? And how else would you do it? With a grand view like this! wink*]

Cooked our meals at my improvised kitchen.

[Preparing lunch in my kitchen while hubby is down the river dredging.}

Washed my dirty dishes at 40 degrees cold running water. Yeah, literally running water.

[My nature's dishwasher with plenty of cold running water. Don't worry I used biodegradable dish soap so the environment is safe.]

And amused myself with photography while hubby had his nose underwater dredging for dirt. And yes, we will surely be back soon.

For That Special Guy in your Life Only

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 01:46:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Voctorinox Swiss Army. All opinions are 100% mine.

It’s almost Father’s Day. I am not really too crazy about the occasion because my dad is long gone. I miss him so much. He was my greatest fan and my best critic. He was my trusted friend and my worse competition. He was my confidante and my strict guardian. I really miss him so much.

If he was alive I will not find it hard to buy him a gift this Father’s Day. He is a watch collector so definitely I would buy him a Victorinox Swiss Army. It is the only kind of gift that I know he would appreciate and cherish just like the ones he got in his collection. He would never get tired of them.

But since I he is no longer around to appreciate such gift… it’s about time that I introduce Hubby to this one of a kind timepiece. That is why this Father’s Day I am giving him one. Shhhhhh… it’s still a secret. He doesn’t have to know about that now.

For more interesting information about Victorinox Swiss Army… Visit www.swissarmy.com to view their timepiece collection or be a fan of the Victorinox Swiss Army Facebook page and participate in the I Wear a Watch sweepstakes. They’re giving 30 lucky winners a Victorinox Swiss Army timepiece.

So what are you waiting for? Check out Facebook IWAW sweepstakes page and wonder no more what gift should you give that special guy in your life.

Can you?

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 00:46:00 +0000

Hmmmmm... can you hear the bird chirping? Can you feel the cool water of the river under your toes? Can you see in your mind the lush green sceneries of tall trees? I can!

I can hear, feel and see in my mind the camping ground and the river where we dredge dirt. And yes, Hubby and I will go camping and gold panning again soon. And it will surely be a big challenge again.

And by the way... did I mention that we did find gold nugget... a very tiny one and some specks. wink*

I will post the photo next time.

Confession of a Pizza Convert

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 12:57:00 +0000

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

I am not a pizza person. I don’t know why, but I am just not too crazy about pizza. In fact I can live without pizza. Hubby finds it weird because he is a pizza lover. Well, he thought that everybody loves pizza until he met me. hahahaha

But in fairness, pizza is always my saving glory. It always saves my dinner. When I come home late from work, pizza is the first thing in my mind to serve for supper. When I am busy doing a lot of things or chores on a weekend and have no time to make supper, pizza is the way to go. And when a friend pays a surprise visit, pizza is an express meal over chitchat.

Anyway, yes I am really not a pizza person. But it doesn’t necessarily mean I hate it. It’s just that if I have a choice I will not choose it. But, when I was doing my routine grocery shopping last weekend, I found this Freschetta FlatBread in the freezer section. I bought one box because Hubby and I planned to do a movie marathon that weekend. And lo and behold, I was instantly hooked.

I never tasted a pizza that great. No offense with all the famous pizza stores… but this pizza in the box is the one that really captured my heart. I realized that the reason I didn’t like pizza is because oft its crust. And though they do have thin crust, Freschetta is different… it is flatbread. And that makes the difference! Did I mention that it come in different flavors too? Hmmm, Yummy.

Are you hungry yet? Hold on… check out Freschetta website (http://www.freschetta.com/thin-crust-pizzas/flatbread-pizza/default.aspx) and get a coupon for $1 off and enjoy your pizza flatbread.

And as for me… my favorite is Roasted Garlic and Spinach. But you can’t go wrong with Zesty Iltalian or Pepperoni or even their 5-cheese. Hahahaha Guess I already made my point. Yes, I am a pizza convert.

Speaking of...

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 04:14:00 +0000

It's another weekend. I don't know what Hubby is thinking but as for me... I have a grand plan for tomorrow... laundry! Yay!

Well, we have only a week left before school is finally over. The last day of school where I work will be on the 17th and so is Brandon. This means that I have only the Friday off and Monday, I will do Summer Camp.

Speaking of "camp"... Hubby and his hobby. He is thinking of another camping and gold panning adventure again in Byron. It would be nice. The only thing that really bothers me is that my summer vacation will surely be a hectic one since I will be working for the summer camp.

Facebooking inside the tent.

Speaking of "gold panning"... Hubby did find a tiny gold nugget [seemed like] in the dirt bucket that we brought from Byron last Memorial Weekend. This means that he is indeed going to move mountains... both literally and figuratively... to find more gold nuggets.

Hubby panning the dirt.

And speaking of "nuggets"... Hubby had chicken nugget for supper. It's a Friday. And it is our tradition that "Friday night is Chinese night". But instead, I just got him a chicken nugget from McDonald because I was too lazy to get a Chinese take out. I just went to the drive-thru.

Photo Credit: Jake

Reward Yourself

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 03:23:00 +0000

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

Did technology already conquer the world? Are you high-tech in more ways than one? Can you still live without technology? Is your day complete without facebooking or twitting? Do you use technology to make money or earn extra income? Can you live without internet and mobile phone?

I had to admit there are lots of advantages that we can get from technology. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me [sort of]. LOL. Well, I had to admit too that I use it to monetize. Since I learned how to blog and make descent income out of blogging through some social media network like Izea, the internet is the best monetizing niche that can help a lot of people make both ends meet especially in this tough economic situation.

And now, you can make extra income through your mobile phone. Yup, this is another great possibility through WeReward.com. This is a kind of social media network using mobile incentive platform where consumers are being paid in cash for doing certain things and earn rewards for patronizing products and services from some local businesses. This is a new monetizing system meant for mobile phones where consumers can Download the App that will allow them to use the platform.

Here is some important information about WeReward:

WeReward is a new mobile application from IZEA, the company behind SocialSpark and Sponsored Tweets.

WeReward pays you for check ins and tasks you complete in the real world. It integrates with Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare, so you can still get your badges and share the way you always have.

If you have an iPhone you can download the app and give it a try or watch this video for the overview of WeReward.

So what are you waiting for? Take advantage of your mobile phone and start monetizing and start rewarding yourself.

Hubby and Procrastination

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 01:46:00 +0000

And so we went gold panning up north. It was my birthday gift to Hubby... along with a new set of golf clubs [hoping that he would use it one of these days].

You see, I am not really too crazy about camping and gold panning since I prefer Hotel camping. wink* But since it was his birthday I want to make him happy because I know how much it means to him. And so I suggested two weeks before that Memorial weekend to make the necessary arrangement for the trip up north.

And guess what, as usual, he waited the last minute to do what he has to do. We almost did not make it because his truck which sticker will expire on the last day of the month [which will be the day we are coming back from camping] encountered some problems. He had his windshield changed so his sticker was removed. When he brought the truck to be inspected he had to change his tires and a bunch of other things. So we went without a car sticker on. He wasn't able to call the campsite for the reservation so we went up without a plan B. Good thing someone cancelled their reservation so we got it.

Hays... good thing it was his birthday or else I wouldn't be a happy camper. LOL

Make your Road Trip a Breeze

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 01:27:00 +0000

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

Time flies so quickly. And I am on a countdown. School will be over soon so it means that summer is just around the corner. It felt like summer already and we are taking advantage of the nice warm weather whenever possible. Just last Memorial weekend Hubby and I spent the long weekend up north camping. It was indeed nice to be out-of-town once in a while. Our brief vacation was almost perfect if only we knew where we were going.

Well, we were very confident when we left. I always have a check list for everything so I thought everything will be alright. We got the reservation of the campsite online and we programmed the direction on our GPS. And guess what. We got lost. We almost ran out of gas because we cannot find the nearest gas station. We cannot locate the closest restaurant to eat. And we spent the whole day in the car running around in circle instead of already relaxing at the campsite having a barbecue. That was all because our GPS gave us wrong directions. We didn’t realize that we need to update our navigator. Too bad I only found it out now when I stumble upon www.updateyourmap.com.

Here is some important and helpful information about updating your car-navigator:

NAVTEQ is the company whose technology and maps drive most of the in-car navigation systems and the leading brands of GPS-enabled devices in the U.S., so chances are yours is one of them.

Updating is easy, just go to this website and follow the drop-down menus which correspond to the built-in system or portable device. Installing updated navigation maps takes just minutes, but can save hours, fuel and the frustration of getting lost or being late. Mom’s taxi service has to stay on schedule and stick to a budget!

With the newest and best alternate routes received with your map update, you’ll be able to find a route around traffic so you can get to your destination on time! Because there are more than 100,000 points of interest updated, you’ll find the most convenient gas stations, ATMs or restaurants along the way.

Talking about stress-free vacation and road trips, you’re never go wrong or get lost with an updated GPS. So, start with having your car-navigator updated. Check out www.updateyourmap.com now to make sure that your next trip will be a breeze. Take if from me… I am speaking from experience.

Happy Birthday My Sweetest

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 00:29:00 +0000

Today is my Hubby's birthday. We spent his birthday out-of-town camping and gold panning. It was a long weekend and spending it up north without access to internet and cellphone made it more exciting if not challenging.

We spent long hours in the river gold panning. It was one of those moments where "patience" was put to test. Hubby was so patient with his hobby. He spent 8 hours dredging underwater. And I spend 8 hours too... waiting, picking rocks from the sluice, and taking photos every now and then. It was tiring but I already psyche myself up that it's Hubby's birthday so I need to be nice.

Dearest Sweetest,

Happy Birthday. Hope you had a wonderful time camping and gold panning with me.

It was not the first time we spent time together on a weekend out-of-town. It was not the first time we spent time together doing what you love to do. And it was not the first time that we really had fun together.

It has been 3 years already since we started doing things together. It has been 3 years already since I first came here to the United States. And it has been 3 years already since you said that "I was the greatest gift" you ever received on your birthday because I came here 2 days before your 50th birthday.

Three years may not be long enough to measure how much you mean to me. Three years may not be enough to know how much I care for you. And three year may not be enough for you to realize that I do need you.

I maybe like any other wife who nags when I see a thing to nag about. I maybe like your mother who criticizes when you procrastinate things. And I maybe like your old teacher who corrects when I know that you did something wrong. But still, you know that I am the woman that you married, despite my imperfection.

Today is your birthday and I wish you a very happy birthday. May God give you good health so that you will be spend more birthdays with me. May God give you the strength you need to be able to do the things you love doing with me. And may God give you more years so I can spend more weekend getaways together doing what you love to do.

I love you and Happy Birthday my Sweetest.

Always

Your Sweetie

The dirt road.

Swift East river

Hubby dredging.

This beats the boring sound of the dredging motor.

Viva Las Vegas

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 22 May 2010 13:53:00 +0000

My parents-in-law love Las Vegas. They spend a couple of week’s vacation in Las Vegas almost twice a year. This year, they stayed longer… almost a month. They just love the weather there and the lights and the sound, especially the sound of the slot machines ringing. “They are just music to our ear”… they said. Hahahaha

This year, I was trying to convince dear Hubby to try Viva Las Vegas for our Wedding Anniversary getaway. He is a very quiet person and he loves nature. That is why he is more into hunting, fishing and gold panning. But I love the city, the lights, the sound, and the shopping, of course. I just don’t know how I can convince him so I can cruise the city in style. Oh how I wish I could go around the city in a Las Vegas Limousine.

I want to ride one of those Las Vegas Limousines or maybe try the Exotic Limo Las Vegas that I see in one of those travel shows on TV. I think they are just gorgeous.

I don’t know. I just love to try the good life of the rich and famous. Hahahaha It’s a dream but if I could make it come true just for a day or two… why not, right? I just want to experience Viva Las Vegas in style.

I was once a Mom... for a brief moment

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sun, 09 May 2010 03:11:00 +0000

It's Mother's Day again. This is the day when I can't help but feel touchy. I can't help but feel too sensitive about a lot of things. And I can't help it if I feel like crying.

Though I have made the decision not too long ago not to have a child no more... I still feel that empty hallow feeling at the pit of my stomach every time this special day come. But trust me, the feeling passes by so quickly as that special day does.

No... don't feel bad for me. My decision to remain childless is final, unless otherwise God has other plans for me. Don't pity me. I am all set with being childless and I don't feel bad about it. Don't judge me. It is the best decision I made for myself and I don't regret it.

Yes... I love children but having one is not for me. I love children... but maybe I am not meant to be a mother. I love the child that I once had and it will remain in my heart forever.

I am 45 year old... and though I am still capable of bearing a child... the risk for me to have one is so high. And if I do get pregnant at this age and give birth to a healthy baby... the responsibility of raising a child is too overwhelming for me. I am not getting any younger. If I have a baby this year... I will be 55 years old when she or he turns 10... and 65 years old when he or she turns 20. I'm not just doing the math here... I am just accepting the fact and making sense of the reality of life. At 65 years old I wanted to retire and relax and enjoy life. It will be too selfish to do so if I have a child going to college.

Though, I believe many won't agree with my reasons... I believe that I am responsible enough to not have one if I cannot be a good mom. Life is too short and I want to make the most out of it. I salute all mothers in the world and the sacrifices that you are doing for the sake of your children. And to you... my deepest respect I offer.

I was once a Mom... and for that brief moment in my life as a woman... I did feel being a real mom. My little angel though is just watching me from up above... will remain in my heart to treasure. And I will always cherish that special moment that I had with him no matter how short and vague.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers in the world.

the lake, the rain and the chores

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Sat, 08 May 2010 19:16:00 +0000

It's another weekend. It's another soggy weekend. And so, it's another weekend blue for me. Hubby is out in the lake today... fishing. And I am not really very impressed to be honest with you.

First of all... it is raining. I don't want to think of the worse case scenario... but anything can happen... in the lake... when it is raining... and when the water is freezing cold.

Second of all... he may be having a beer or two with his buddy. I don't want to think of the possible think that can happen... but anything can really happen... when one is tipsy or drunk... when friends are having fun... and when they are out in the lake.

And third of all... I am here alone. I don't want to state the obvious... but it isn't fun when you are at home... when the laundry is piled up... when the bedroom is a mess... and you have tons of backlog to blog.

A Yay! Yay! Yay!

The Loud Thud

ruthinian@yahoo.com (ruthi) — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:02:00 +0000

I was taking my beauty rest one afternoon when I was awaken by a loud thud. I had no clue what it was. It was a fine sunny Wednesday afternoon but breezy. The wind knots were said to be in the 60s so I was not surprised that I could hear the wind blowing from the inside.

I looked outside through the window from where I was comfortably lying and just saw the maple tree branches and newly sprung green leaves dancing and swaying to the rhythm of the whooshing wind.

I thought it was only one of the ladders that Hubby left at the back of the house where he was doing the sidings...

or it could be one of his work tools that he left in the backyard...

or it could also be one of Brandon's toys left at the lawn.

I had so many things in my mind because my backyard is a mess with all the toys and gadgets of my two boys lying and scattered all over the place. But I was too tired to think, much less to check it out so I went back to napping.

As I was leaving my driveway and about the merge the traffic, I saw this familiar tree lying on the our front yard.

So that was the loud thud was all about.