life together starts

new post

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 12:59:00 +0000

It's been ages since I last posted. There are times when I wanted to update this blog but I do not have anything to share. There are times when I have something to write about but I end up not doing it because I have no time... for this time, I'd like to post some pictures of my little girl. She is now on her 9-month and she has had her shares of milestones already.

at 9-months, she eats everything that she is allowed to eat

her smile that can make us forget her kakulitan

'the' domain

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:41:00 +0000

I learned blogging through this site. I started writing here during my pre-wedding days and since then I've been trying to update this as often as I could. Compared with the other 2, this is the only site that does not have its own domain name. This is the reason why I sometimes tend to neglect this site. To make up for it, I am buying one soon. Right now, I am on lookout for the best possible host for this site. I only wanted the best because I believe that one can write better if s/he does not have any problems with his/her host. In line with this, I have to check out webhostinggeeks.com. This site has a list of the Top 10 webhosting companies that are cheap, reliable and efficient. They have their own reviews on these companies, which means that they did not have to favor one over the other. They are not bias and only gives the best review that they can offer.

Among my choices are Bluehost, LunarPages and GoDaddy. I am now using GoDaddy on one of my blogs but I wanted to compare it with the other two. I think I am not able to maximize my host at present so I need to further read on it...

Nways, I hope to purchase the domain soon so that I can start with the new design and concept of this site. I will still talk about our life together (generally) but I will also still talk about anything that I can think of.

no posts

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:47:00 +0000

There have been no posts on this site because:
* I have no household help with me, she left and now I am also left with every household chore.
* I prefer to sleep/relax rather than write and blog.
* My hands are full with my little girl. She is more active now that she needs more attention. She has been sleeping less during the day which makes me look after her more.
* Weekends are spent going out. For grocery, church and other errands. This is also the time where we bond as a family.

unpredictable summer

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 05:34:00 +0000

One moment, the sun is shining then a little later, you will experience heavy rain. Summer here at my part of the world is very unpredictable these days. Instead of enjoying the sun and thinking of outdoor activities, one resorts to indoor activities already. Gone are the days when you enjoy sunbathing without the fear of running around looking for a shade against heavy rain... this makes me think if we should opt to transfer somewhere, in a place like Arizona where the weather is better.

I heard that Arizona is a great place to live. The landscape design of homes are tempting. It is like a dream come true for the family. If you prefer to have your own landscape design, you can refer to the different designs that different contractors offer. You will never go wrong.

*-*
This is now included in my wish list. I hope to live somewhere better than where I am now.

QOTW # 53

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:59:00 +0000

Here is what we have for QOTW :)

1. Have you been good this week? - I guess so :p

2. Name some things you shouldn’t do in a hurry. - talking with old friends and vacations

3. Name a sound that drives you nuts. - crying baby at night. I'm paranoid that there is something wrong with my baby.

4. When is the last time you bought fresh flowers? - a long time ago :) I can't even remember when it was.

5. Name the first thought that comes to your mind when I mention “Time”. - Baby waking up anytime.

6. Is there something that you’re supposed to do on a daily basis, that you have not yet done today? - none, I've finished all my chores already.

7. Do you love finding trouble to get into? - nope, I stay away from trouble as much as I could

8. Which are you better at, remembering faces or names? - I am good on remembering faces :)

9. Can you see your home on Google’s Street View? - I haven't tried it yet...

10. It’s official, I’ve become ___! - A Talented Farmer on Facebook's Farm Town

thankful Thursday - hope

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:41:00 +0000

I love this week's theme for Thankful Thursday. This time it is hosted by Laurie and she choose that we write about the things that we hope for.

* I am thankful that the good Lord has been providing for our needs. He gives everything that we need before we even ask for it. In addition to this, our family has been continually blessed with good health and strong body.

* I am thankful for the little girl, our dear baby Gwen. She has been our source of strength and happiness since she was born to us.

* I am thankful for the 'hope' that Gwen's prayer will finally be answered. This is one thing that he has been wishing for that he can get from his job.

* I am thankful that opps have been pouring in. This online work has been a blessing and I'm, truly grateful for it. I'm hoping that this will last longer.

Share the things that you are thankful for here :)

QOTW # 52

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 05:20:00 +0000

This week's QOTW... m late again :)

1.What are you grateful for today? - receiving additional opps for this week

2. Do you form your own opinions of others before you ever get the chance to meet them in person? - sometimes but it is more of the positive side. the things that make that person a good person

3. What would be your personalized, or vanity, license plate? - GWN113: GWN is for GWEN (hubby & baby's names), 113 - baby Gwenks' bday

4. What’s the best thing about the village/town/city you live in? - it is still relatively new and most residents here now are just starting to build their own families

5. Have you ever been a victim of prejudice? - yup, a few times

6. What is your ideal vacation? - An out of town with my small family where we can enjoy the sand and the beach.

7. Does someone else’s routine force you to create your own? - Yup, I base my routine these days on baby's activity

8. Are you planning any pranks for April Fool’s Day? - nope

9. What has been your biggest coincidence? - I can't think of a particular event but there have been times before

10. What do you have to say for yourself? - God provides :)

Join us here

10 things to do

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 04:58:00 +0000

My 10 things to do is not just for this week but for the entire year. Here are the 10 things that I need to accomplish before the year ends...

1. compile baby Gwenks' pictures every month
2. learn to digiscrap her pictures for her bday souvenir
3. plan for baby's first birthday
4. help in preparing for sissy's wedding
5. help Mathy buy things for her baby
6. research on how to improve the house's interior
7. pay out credit cards
8. start a new business
9. have a vacation
10. save for emergency needs

I'm a Mother; I'm a Wife

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 02:49:00 +0000

Rules PLEASE:

1. Link with the person who tagged you.
2. Copy above images.
3. Post this on any or all of your Blog/s.
4. Answer the two-part questionnaire following these Rules. (Feel free to elaborate your answers. For questions 8 - 14, post only the one (1) which you believe best describes your choice.)
5. Share this with at least seven (7) friends on your Blog Roll.
6. Come back to Living A' La Mode (DO NOT CHANGE THIS LINK PLEASE.) and leave the URL of your Post in order for you/your Blog to be added to the Master List.

Master List:
1. Tet of A Sweet Taste of Life
2. Cee of Living A' La Mode
3. Dez of My Life in this Wonderful World
4. Vannie of Life With Style
5. Mhay of Married and Happy About It
6. Juliana of Pinay WAHM
7. Vhiel of Can Of Thoughts
8. Willa of FickleMinded-A Life That Is Less Ordinary
9. Eds of Eds Mommy Life
10. Jona of A Time To Weep And A Time To Laugh
11. Chris of The Mommy Journey
12. Jac of Mom's Special Diary
13. Seiko of Seiko's Blog
14. Twinkie of Twinkie Calls
15. Sheng of Sheng's Simple Thoughts

7. Have fun!

I was tagged by Cee and here are my answers

Parenting Style

1. Do you exercise full or minimal control over your child's / children's behavior? - I wanted to have full control while she's young and still learning the ropes of life.
2. Do you expect your child / children to obey 100% or let her / him / them do what pleases her / him / them? - at least 90% she should obey me. The remaining 10%, she can do what she wants as long as she will be responsible for her actions.
3. Do you welcome discussion or you simply set rules? - I would like to hear her thoughts too.
4. Do you reprimand? - Yes.
5. Do you use spanking for punishment? - I'd like to try this but for extreme cases only.
6. Do you use some kind of a reward System for motivation? - Yup, this is important.
7. Do you enjoy being a Parent? - Of course.
8. Are you a hands-on Parent or do you have a full-time Nanny? - I am a full-time hands on mom
9. At what age would you let your child make simple decisions for himself / herself? - When she is old enough to be responsible for her actions.
10.Do you and your Husband have the same Parenting Style? - In most ways, yes.

Wife Style

7. How long have you been married? - 5 years, 6 months
8. How do you feel about being a Wife? - It's fun.
9. What has been your typical sleeping attire since you got married? - Sweats or Shorts
10. How do you show how appreciative you are of your Husband? - By being always affectionate.
11. What do you do when your Husband annoys you? - Keep quite for a little while.
12. You are buying or planning to buy your first house as Husband and Wife .... - It is / going to be in a suburb close to a big city.
13. How does your house look like at the end of the day when Hubby gets home? - Immaculate and spotless.
14. How do you feel about running a household? - Always motivated.

15. What is the sweetest gift you have given your Husband so far? - he'd always answer this for me: our daughter

thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:53:00 +0000

This is one thing that I miss while away... but at the bottom of my heart, I am always thankful for everything that has been coming my way... and it is only now that I found out that we have a new hostess through Lynn :)

This week, here are the things that I am most thankful of...
* the strength and endurance of my husband traveling everyday, from Laguna to Makati
* good health in our family
* being able to survive another week financially
* being able to smile and appreciate the things that come our way
* free vaccines for the lil girl
* for opportunities that helps us make ends meet :)

If you would also want to share your blessings, you can join us here :)

QOTW #51

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 07:03:00 +0000

It's been sometime since I last joined QOTW. To mke up for it, here is my share for this week :)

1. How’s the week going on so far? - So far, so good! I've accomplished all my work and errands and still I have more than enough time taking care of my baby :)
2. Would you rather love or be loved? - I'd rather love... it feels great to share love without expecting anything in return.
3. How do you feel when you hear a friend completely butchering a story? - amp!
4. If you could have a recorder which would make a DVD or video tape of your dreams, would you use it? - on beautiful dreams, yes! but for nightmares, never :)
5. Have you ever had a dream about being a place you’ve never been, and days or years later, you end up there? - a lot of times! and this is frequent the past months
6. Do you sit at your computer and eat snacks and have refreshments to drink? - yup, I'm that addicted to the computer
7. Which is more true: everything matters or nothing matters? - everything matters: everything has a connection with whatever you would do now, or in the future
8. What was the last thing you gave up on? - working full-time on our family business
9. Can the love of a person really make you change? - yes, especially if we are talking of an unconditional love
10. Any plans for the weekend yet? - visit the doctor for a minor operation, anticipated mass on Saturday, and Sunday spent with husband and baby :)

Join us HERE...

10 things I love doing on Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 06:19:00 +0000

Who wouldn't love vacations? I for one LOVE it...

Here is my List for the 10 things I love doing on vacation
1. Travel - It may sound tiring but I like going to a different place for vacation.
2. Sleep - This is the first thing that I need to do.
3. Swim - As much as possible, I need to enjoy the water.
4. Stroll - Move around the place, look for tourist spots.
5. Take Pictures - This is a must! I might not be able to visit the place again so I need to document my stay.
6. Shopping - Another souvenir of my visit.
7. Eat - I need this to survive. In addition, the food should be the place's specialty.
8. Read - I need some catching up.
9. Meet friends - If I visit a place where there is a friend in the area, I must meet them. It is not frequent that I still get to go out and see friends.
10. Talk, talk, talk - Since I usually go on vacations with hubby, we never get tired of talking about anything under the sun. We would sleep late because we talk so much. It is during vacations when we plan our future :)

You can read more of Tuesday Tens HERE

it says: handbook 2009

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 09:07:00 +0000

I received this forwarded e-mail and I wanted to share it with you...

HANDBOOK 2009

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
5. Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2008.
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others'.
You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control.
Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake.
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past.
That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn.
Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and
fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime..
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come.
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

neglected blog

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:13:00 +0000

I am so guilty of neglecting this blog. It has been ages since I last updated it. As I've been saying, my hands have been full the past days. My baby girl has been keeping me busy and my world is simply revolving with her. I've had adjustments to face since this is my first time to have a responsibility as big as she is :). From my experiences, it is no joke being a full-time mother.

But now that she is already on her 2nd month and she has adjusted well herself, life has been easier for me. I now know her routine so I get to 'work' during these times. I really take advantage of these hours because when she is up, she'd require all my attention.

Because of this, I can now start to make a 'doable' schedule for my blogging. I hope to update this blog more often from now on. I would resort to memes so that it is easier for me to 'get the ball rolling' :)

I hope you visit me again soon. Expect some updates from time to time as well :p

starting 2009 with HER

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:14:00 +0000

welcome my little girl... she's keeping me busy most of the time these days :)

thankful Thursday - Praise

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:19:00 +0000

Here is my list for this week, after not being able to join the past couple of weeks:

* I praise you Lord for the continued financial blessing despite the crisis that the country is experiencing now

* I praise you Lord for the people around us, family and friends, who continually help and give their support in our daily struggles

* I praise you Lord for the strength as we face trials and problems along the way

* I praise you Lord for the faith that keeps us going and believing that everything sent on our way is something that we can surpass

* I praise you Lord for the gift of love that we share with each other

*-*
You can share your blessings with us here :)

glasses for the holidays

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:57:00 +0000

Aside from being a necessity these days, eyeglasses have also turned into fashion. I noticed that there are more and more individuals owning a pair of eyeglasses. For that, I am considering to purchase Holiday Glass Frames From Zenni Optical as gifts for Christmas. Zenni Optical is The popular online eyeglasses shop where you can purchase $ 8 Complete Rx Eyeglasses. Isn't this neat? Aside from giving fashionable glasses, you can also give beneficial gifts.

The last time I checked their website, I feel in love with their latest designs. One of my favorites is this:

QOTW 43

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 23:27:00 +0000

I am early this week :) and so here are my ANSWERS to the questions.

1. Do you like to read a book that is in movie format before you view the movie, or afterwards? - I always prefer reading the book first before watching the movie. The book usually have more details, but the movie gives faces to the characters in the book.

2. Have you ever had a dream about being a place you’ve never been, and days or years later, you end up there? - Yup, a lot of times already. Aside from dreaming of places, I also dream of 'actions' that can take place... and I always end up telling 'napanaginipan ko na to' :)

3. How do you dream… in black-and-white or color? - I can't remember. I think sometimes its colored, other times its black and white.

4. How many personal ‘fantasy worlds’ exist in your head? - none that really last long

5. What would you like to learn more about? - About the 'right' ways of motherhood and parenting as a whole

6. What was the last family event you attended? - the wedding of my cousin in October

7. Have you told your Mom and Dad, lately, how much you love and appreciate them? - yup, I usually do that often. I don't want to regret it someday that I wasn't appreciative of how good and supportive they are to me and my siblings.

8. Too much to do, what do you do? - I stop and think which ones to prioritize.

9. Do you like to save ‘the best for last’? - Nope, I prefer bringing out the best even at the start.

10. Pick an online friend. Only ONE. Tell me something about her. A link to her blog/site so we can take a peek! - Hmmm... this is difficult! I'll choose Rocks. She's a friend from n@w and she has been a constant friend especially during my TTC days. She lifts me up whenever she reads depressing posts from my blog. She is also a prayer buddy, despite the fact that we have different religions.

I enjoyed this week's Questions of the Week. I hope to be early again next time :)

i got my wish

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 03:15:00 +0000

I posted it here and here... I desperately want to win Milette's contest...

But when she posted the result, I am not one of the lucky winners. I was sad but not that sad because Enchie is planning to give away one of her planners too. I plan to join again, hopefully I would win her contest (still wishing for the 'buntis-luck')... BUT AGAIN, thanks to Eds for giving away her prize, another random drawing was made. This time, I MADE IT ON TOP.

Yup, I won the most coveted, most talked of the town (?) planner... Milette is sending it next week I'm so so happy!!!

Here is the proof that I really won... Again, thanks to Milette and to Eds for this early Christmas gift. God bless!!!

MBA school

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 12:49:00 +0000

These days, individuals looking for jobs have to show their best to their future employers. There are some who prefer employees with higher degree of learning, like those with Masteral Degree or even Doctorate. This is the reason why more and more individuals are trying to take advantage of school mba, particularly online schools that offer flexible time to working individuals.

One of the recommended and reliable online schools is Capella University. It offers several degree programs like education, business, psychology and human services among others. This school is more for working individuals who wanted to improve their knowledge and learning. As of this date, there are already about 23,400 students from 50 states and 45 countries. More are even interested in their programs.

If you are likewise interested in acquiring higher learnings, try Capella University. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

“This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com.”

QOTW 42

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:45:00 +0000

Questions of the Week and my answers

1. I want to see you. Can you post the very latest photo of yourself? Or link me up with your latest photo.
Not so new pics of me and hubby, taken last Oct 18.

2. Do you remember what last week was? What? - Last week, we were so worried. I received my OGTT result and 2 values were above normal. I was asked to undergo CAS and meet with the IM. We were only relieved when we got the results of the CAS.

3. Are you going to spend more money or less money than last year’s Holiday Season? - Lesser money is spent this year. We are saving up for my delivery that we would like to keep as much money as we can...

4. Do you prefer your clocks/watches to be set on 12hr or 24hr time? - I prefer it with the usual 12 hr set-up. It is less confusing compared with the military time.

5. Do you like the funny junk mails that friends or relatives send you? - no junk mails for me, no matter who it came from

6. Have you ever fainted? - as long as I can remember, I never experienced it yet.

7. What other capital city aside from your own country you’ve been to already? What was it? - none yet. I have been to Taiwan but never got the chance to visit Taipei.

8. When you see a number between around 1900 and 2050, do you automatically think of years? - yup

9. How many hours of sleep do you get on average on weeknights? - 6 to 7 hours but I make sure to take a nap in the afternoon

10. Santa can only give you 3 things this Christmas and each gift can only be $15 or less. What are you going to get?
- I made a post here for my wishlist

Join us HERE

wishlist for Pinay bloggers forum

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 01:12:00 +0000

My WISHLIST for our exchange gift :)

Baby Couture bag
- Hailey or Cassidy Pink is my first choice

- Robin design is also okay, especially if we will be with G whenever we go out

Baby Sling
- any color or design will do

Nursing Bib + Nappy Clutch
- i saw these from INDIGO baby's multiply site

stay at home

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 02:41:00 +0000

Stay-at-home and earn, is this possible? For someone who is usually at home most of the time, I always try to think of means and ways on how I can earn my own money. I have tried blogging and writing online but I feel that I haven't really made enough of my idle times. So I end up looking for possible Home Business Ideas that I can venture in. I am looking for a Home Business that fits my personality and what I am previously doing during my spare time. At first, I thought of putting up a sari-sari store since we are in a new subdivision but it seems like I needed bigger capital that I can spare. I also thought of putting an online store but still, I have problems with capital. In the end, I found the Plug-In Profit Site. This site offers a lot of opportunity for you and me to earn. It has been providing work since 2002 and since then number of members still keep on growing. It is easy to use since it comes with several training and programs that can teach you on how to work well. It also has a forum wherein you can ask questions and real answers are provided.

It is so easy... why don't you try it? Visit their site, http://www.HomeBusiness.us and see it for yourself.

my wishlist... to win the BDJ 2009 Planner

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:33:00 +0000

I want this Belle de Jour 2009 Planner... as much as I wanted to buy one, it is not among my priorities at present BUT if I can get it for FREE, I will do anything just to get it :)

If you are like me, then let us join Milette in her NEW contest. After sharing her blessings on her JUST FOR KICKS contest, she is again giving away another set of prizes.

Milette is giving away 2 BDJ 2009 Planners to 2 lucky bloggers...

This is how we can join her CONTEST:

*-*

Anyway, as a way of saying THANKS, I am giving away two BDJ PLANNER to two lucky blogger who would blog about this contest (please put in a link to this blog in your entry) and then in your entry please answer this question.

What is the full name of Anevay and what is the meaning of her name?

This contest is open to all. I’ll be shipping it via AIR21. If the winner is residing outside the Philippines, I’ll send the planner either via FEDEX or postal mail (if sending via FEDEX would cost me a fortune). One blog = one entry.

P. S. After blogging about the contest please leave me a comment with a link to your entry please also include where the planner will be shipped in your comment.

Winners will be announced on November 30, 2008. Goodluck!

*-*
My answers:
Anevay's full name is ANEVAY JAHZARA
Anevay means SUPERIOR while JAHZARA means blessed princess

QOTW #39

noreply@blogger.com (mari) — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:45:00 +0000

This week's Questions of the Week:

1. Who brings out the BEST in you? - my family, especially my mom and G... soon baby G

2. What makes you laugh? - G's jokes

3. What makes you cry? - sensitive issues concerning me or my family

4. Would you help this damsel in distress?
+ You notice a woman with a stroller struggling to get to the top of a broken escalator. You’re late for a meeting with an important, and impatient, person. - I will. I am late for the meeting anyway.

5. Do you need some form of retribution and vindication before you forgive? - Definitely. I don't easily get offended but once the person asks for forgiveness, I should feel that s/he is really sorry for it.

6. Do you think you are mentally prepared to win a jackpot in a lotto? - very :)

7. Do you think the kinds of movies a person enjoys are an indicator of what type of person they are? - In a way, yes.

8. How do you do anything? - This is difficult :p

9. Does music affect your personality? - Yup, it makes or breaks my day

10. What can you say to brighten someone’s day? - Good morning with a smile :D