Samantha's Own

Choose Your Webhost Well

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 07:59:00 +0000

I enjoy blogging every now and then. This blog started out some two years ago and everyday, I learn. I learned what webhosting is and how essential it is to find a very reliable webhosting service especially if you are managing a website that offers also a product or a service. I learned that wtih the many options available on the world wide web, it is wise to first read about hosting reviews before engaging in a service so that you are able to weigh your options, the pros and the cons. I also learned from blogging that you should only worry about the content and let your webhost do the rest.

Your blog is only as good if your webhost is dedicated to giving you the assurance that your blog will be live or online on the Internet round the clock and that the security they offer is very good so that no hackers are able to take down your website. I have heard of blogs whose webhost servers have been hacked and whose bloggers are unable to access their blogs because of it.

That is why it is important to read and ask other bloggers before getting your website hosted... It is your website after all and you have all the right to choose. Choose your webhost well.

Prinzessin Lilifee Musical

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Hello everyone! Wow! It has been a while since I blogged in her. Sorry about that. Mommy was too busy to notice that I neede to blog too.

But anyway, so many things have happened in the last three months or so. And what do you know, in four months, I will turn four! I am growing up so fast, don't you all agree? I won't even allow my mommy and daddy to call me a baby anymore.

Proof that I have grown is the fact that I went with my Großtante Lolit and her husband to watch the musical, Prinzessin Lilifee last 20th November at the Liederhalle without my parents. Ain't it cool? And I really had a lot of fun. It wasn't boring at all since there were also other little girls like me sho went to see it. The theater hall was packed but I had lots of fun. I love ballet you see and the Prinzessin Lilifee characters as well. I just love it when they danced ballet and they also sang pop songs.

I won't mind watching this musical again... Perhaps next time, I'd get to watch other ballet musicals like the Swan Lake or the Holiday on Ice. With so many musical shows and performances just within our reach, I know another opportunity will come. I wonder who will treat me to one the next time around.... :)

Face Painting and Me

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 13:58:00 +0000

According to Wikipedia: Face painting is the artistic application of cosmetic "paint" to a person's face. There are special water-based cosmetic "paints" made for face painting...

I really enjoy getting my face painted.. On various occasions, I would excitedly line up to have my face painted. The first time I had my face painted was on my 3rd birthday celebration at the Kindergarten. I remember I had a two pink hearts painted, one on each cheek. I was so happy with the results.

The second time I had my face painted was when I was sick. Mommy wanted to cheer me up so she painted a butterfly on my face.

The latest one was done by a professional make-up artist and it was for free! I had it during the Kinder Festival in Stuttgart last July. The kind lady painted a beautiful butterfly on my face. The best part was that I had glitters too! I never wanted to wear it off.

But of course, face paints only last a day... they are not really meant to be worn every day. After all, another occasion will surely come when I can get another face paint again. I look forward to that day...

What's A Good Online Business?

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:41:00 +0000

As you all know, this blog is on a blogger platform and I have been thinking whether to get my own domain name or not. If I want to change to my own domain name and convert this blog into something more, I would need dedicated servers so that my website will be running smoothly, twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. What do you think? Should I be selling stuff? Should I be putting up my very own scrapbook pages since I have tons of photos just waiting to be dressed in fabulous scrap pages and featured in this blog? There are tons of possibilities actually...

I am no business guru, in fact I don't know much about business except for the fact that people do a lot of online shopping lately. How these websites are managed are beyond me but I do know that their web host providers must have managed hosting to ensure the database and electronic data of each of their costumers are protected.

And if you are intested in opening up your own webhosting business or if you already have a web-based business and it requires a great deal of network speed and data security, there is an option called colocation. Got your own server but have limited space for your hardware to be properly stored? How would you like your dedicated server to be housed in a facility where the temperature is controlled, the space is adequate enough and the bandwidht is less expensive? It's like a boarding school for your server!

If you are planning on opening up your own web based business, now is the time to consider all of these options. Maybe when I am a bit older and I have a very good idea of my own, I too, can start my own little web based business rolling.

Strawberry Picking

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 22:06:00 +0000

Last July, during our camping trip in Südsee Camp, I was able to experience another FIRST: Strawberry picking. It was my first time to go and I really enjoyed it, even though I was accompanied by a friend of Mommy's and the camp caretaker. And that's when I really enjoyed eating strawberries so much.

Mommy asked her friend to take some photos of me while picking strawberries. It was my first time after all, something that is worth documenting, at least according to my Mommy. We went to this strawberry farm just near the camping resort. And the strawberries were really sweet and you can eat as many as you want, FREE. You will need to pay for what's in your basket though. Hihi!

Here are some of the photos that Auntie Nora took:

At the strawberry field. Reminds me of the cartoon series Emily Erdbeer.

You see some of the strawberries are not yet ripe.

You are only allowed to harvest the red ones and I guess I was doing pretty good at it!

Picking up strawberries can be very tiring. Time to take a break and taste the strawberries for myself! I was more busy eating than filling the basket. Hihi!

Finally filled the basket with strawberries! Of course, Auntie Nora helped me fill it!

Will It Also Be Online Learning For Me?

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 22:32:00 +0000

Almost everything these days is powered by the Internet. I guess I can count myself lucky to be in this generation where everything is within easy reach, if you are connected to the Internet that is. And because of the internet, learning just about anything is always a possibility, thanks to the presence of Online Universities in the world wide web.

If you are one of those individuals who want to earn a degree but may have no time to be physically present in the lectures, the possibility of earning one these days is well, a possibility. It doesn't matter what your interests are. There will always be a college that will offer a degree program that will suit your interest, inclinations and skills. I don't know what I will be doing in the future but it sure is nice to know that there are online degree programs in fine arts should I decide to pursue the arts or the more technical programs in engineering and the sciences should I be influenced by my parent's professions.

Interested to get an online degree from an accredited and authentic college or university? The National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator will always be a good place to start. You may visit their website at the following link http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ for more information.

I Need New Shoes!

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 07:44:00 +0000

This Lacoste sneakers is one of my most worn out pair of shoes. Most of my shoes are now worn out since I go everyday to the Kindergarten and I love to play outside, at the playground. I also love to drag my feet while walking and bump the toe side on the pavement so that the material gets thinner and thinner and is eventually peeled away. My foot size has changed too... I think I am growing so fat. From size 25 at the beginning of the year, I am now a size 26.

Mommy should buy me a new pair or two, one for the daily use and one for special occasions. And since it is the rainy season, it would be smart to buy me a new pair of rain booths too!

Below are some cute and adorable shoes for little girls like me.

I really love the hearts on this rain booths. And it is pink, just perfect for a little girl like me who likes to still look adorable and sweet even on a rainy day. From Trentino, made of rubber, inner material 100% natural

And what about this sneakers? It is just so blooming! I love the colors, reminds me spring! The pretty butterflies will certainly be attracted to it too! This will be the perfect shoes for me to wear everyday to the kindergarten. From Next, with shoe lace, outer material with flower prints.

And isn't this ballerina shoe just adorable? It has got a patchwork design and the colors are really cool. Just got to have one... I wonder if Mommy will see this. This one is from Vertbaudet and it's on sale! Inner sole is made of leather, upper material of man-made leather, and a velcro strap at the ankles.

With these beautiful and adorable designs, my feet will really be happy! Which one's your favorite?

Shoe images from otto.de and neckermann.de

Rollers, Hello Kitty and Me

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 17:40:00 +0000

I really like Hello Kitty! I guess testimony to that is this photo of me, my rollers and my Hello Kitty shirt. Everything is pink I know and I like it!

Last Thursday was Fahrzeugtag (Vehicle Day) at the Kindergarten and I was so excited! Mommy and Daddy even bought me a helmet the previous night so that my head will be protected. It was my first time to bring my Hello Kitty roller with me since my Mommy and Daddy won't allow me to bring it to the Kindergarten because they are afraid something bad might happen to me. Geesh, my parents are so over-protective!

And boy did I have lots of fun at the Kindergarten, riding my roller with my other friends who also rode their little bikes and bobby cars. I have no photos with me though so that I gladly posed for my Mom's camera when we got home that day. Did I have a blast during the photo session too!

Oh, the Hello Kitty roller was a gift from one of our friends here. And I am really thankful for her very wonderful gift. I hope Mommy won't forget to have some of these photos printed so she can give it to her. Thank you, Großtante Lolita!

Santacruzan in Bamberg

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Hello everyone! It has been a while since I updated this blog. I know I should have done it months before to keep you all posted but since I am a growing kid, I don't have much time to blog. Well, my Mommy doesn't have enough to help me keep this blog up.

So anyway, I want to tell you all about this traditional Filipino celebration that we went to last June 18 in Bamberg. It was our second time to join in their celebration and this time, it was more exciting and fun for me because me and my other girl friends got to participate as one of the angels. I felt so pretty wearing this white dress that Mommy bought for me. She also made a ring of flowers to put on my head so that I felt more angelic. The only thing missing were my wings. Hihi!

My Chichi Cha dusted some powder on my face. She also put some color on my lips. Now my get-up is complete.

Then we all lined up and given letters to hold in preparation for the procession, which took place after the Hold Mass.

We were then seated inside the church in the same order as our letters, which read "Ave Maria" and I was so prim and proper, so behaved and held on to my letter "A", handling it with care. But that was until I got hungry and sleepy, which was in the middle of the mass. But I managed to not sleep and make it up to the procession.

Soon, we were out of the church and had a procession around the town. I was the first in line for the angels since I carry the first letter "A" and I carried it with all the pride I could master.

We were also introduced to the entire community and I was so excited. The funny thing was that when the emcee asked my what my name was, I immediately replied, "Angel!". See? I was so into the angel thing that my name is no longer Samantha.

After that, a program followed and then we partied and danced all night until it was time to go home. I was so exhausted from all the activities of the day that I slept inside the bus when we left Bamberg. I woke up late the following day finding myself at home. It was indeed an exhausting but a very fun and great activity for me, my family and our friends.

Custom Gifts Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 06:39:00 +0000

I always feel excited each time we go to fairs and exhibits especially if there are booths for children because I know that there are a lot of items that are given away for free. Small stuffed toys bearing a company's logo, flaglets, pens, customized bags, mugs, jelly beans, figure balloons - these are just a few of the things that I like to collect from one booth to another.

Which makes me wonder... If these companies are able to give these items away for free, they must have had it made from someone that makes them at very affordable rates. Buying a pen alone and having it customized at a custom shop will cost you something. Although giveaways are a part of any organization's advertising and marketing strategy, saving on costs as much as possible is always any business' target, If you are looking for someone who will make your promotional products for your upcoming events and functions, Branders.com is the good place to start as they offer a range of quality promotional items at very affordable rates.

Although they cannot compare to handmade crafts, giveaway items are still the norm when it comes to exhibits, functions and events. After all, they serve as a memorabilia and as a marketing or advertising tool for any organization and business. And should I need to have something promoted, like maybe shirts bearing this blog's URL link, I wouldn't hesitate to get it from Branders. The reviews are quite good and their clients are satisfied with the service, cost and turnaround time. Indeed, well worth a try!

Drei Jahre...

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 00:22:00 +0000

Whenever our friends will ask me how old I am, I would show them my three fingers and then say, "dwei jahwe".... It should be drei Jahre but since I cannot pronounce the R very well, it sounds like a "w". In case you are wondering, drei Jahre means three years. But I am not yet officially three. But I soon will be!

Yes, I am turning three years old soon... in two weeks to be exact and I am very excited! I really love birthday celebrations. Whenever I see a cake, I would always think of birthdays. I hope my Mommy will also get me a nice birthday cake for my birthday, which I will be sharing with my friends at the kindergarten. I can't wait for that day to come because it would mean making my own crown because I am the princess of the Day, eating cake with my friends and of course, opening presents that I will be receiving from my Mommy and Daddy, auntie-lolas and uncle-lolos and friends.

Hmm... I wonder what my Mommy and Daddy will give me as a present.

Will it be a kiddie camera? I really love to take pictures and would ask them to smile in front of an imaginary camera in my hands. Perhaps they will give me a real one this one?

Any gift will do actually. It need not be costly, as long as its cute! Something with Hello Kitty in it will also be great! My small piggy bank is now already full and I also could use another one. This Hello Kitty Spardose will just be perfect! And of course, I could really use your prayers, hugs and kisses too!

Pink is A Brand In Its Own

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:40:00 +0000

Many girls are attracted to the color pink. Whatever shade and hue of pink it may be, any true-blooded of the girl species will be gravitate towards anything pink like a magnet. That is why pink will always be a good color to use if you want to target little girls, female teenagers and even the women. And if you want to target the male gender, blue will be a good color to start with.

So what am I trying to drive at here? If you want to create a logo or brand targeted towards a particular market, one of my Logo Design Tips will be to give it it's signature color. It should be a color that is attractive and will represent the product or the service of the company. A logo should also be big enough to be seen and small enough to fit any promotional material. It should be able to attract attention and speak for what the company represents. Simplicity in the logo design is also important. Ever heard of KISS? It means "keep it short and simple".

There have been many successful businesses made known for their logos. A few of my favorites include Pampers, Disney and Barbie. They are all made for children. I am, after all, still a child.

Math and Cats

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 04:48:00 +0000

Source:Online Schooling

Source: Online Education

When Sick, Do Handmade Crafts!

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:01:00 +0000

I was sick a few weeks ago, just a little before my Mommy got well. It got common colds and I also had fever. Now, I am thankfully feeling better except for a some coughing here and there. For almost a week of being locked inside the house, I realized that getting sick can be pretty boring, I had to always insist to my Mommy that I watch this cartoon and that cartoon on TV. But watching TV is not good, as my Daddy kept emphasizing.

So Mommy and I did some handmade crafts.

I found this Princess Lilifee magazine at the grocery store on the ground floor of our apartment and asked Mommy to buy it. It's a how-to handcraft magazine made especially for children with very easy instructions and involves only cutting figures, pasting, punching holes, and folding paper.

Our first project: the paper fan. Mommy let me cut out the paper shape for the fan fingers from the magazine and then Mommy punched a hole in them and put them all together. Then our paper fan is done. It was really nice and I enjoyed it! Hopefully, Mommy will teach me how to make other handmade things. Then I was not so bored anymore!

Yvonne Ist Weg

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 12:16:00 +0000

My preschool teacher already moved to a new Kindergarten, a smaller one that is and it is kind of sad without her at the Kindergarten. As a remembrance, she left me a copy of Volker Rosin's TANZEN MACHT SPASS Music CD. I haven't checked it yet but I am sure it will be a lot of fun. It is for little kids after all. I have heard some of the songs and seen the dance moves on TV and the tunes are very danceable. I am sure I will just enjoy it! Too bad I wasn't able to personally thank her for everything. But should she chance on this blog, I thought she know how thankful I am for everything that she taught me and for making sure that I am okay while I am in her care.

I hope the new teacher will be as nice and as patient and as sensitive as you are.

By the way, here is an image of the CD:

Here's the promotional clip of the music album:

I Like My Pizza Hot

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a picky eater. I don't just eat whatever is served on the table, which gives my parents a real headache. But serve pizza on the table and I will willingly sit the entire meal or until I have had my fill. And of course, I enjoy my pizza more with a little spice from TABASCO® Original Red. You may not like spicy food but I can surprisingly tolerate it. And with Original Red, I can really tell the difference because it is not only hot. It seems to enhance the flavor more, making me want to grab some more. Come to think of it, I could eat pizza everyday, as long as Original Red is included in the menu.

But hey, since it's almost football season, you can also make pizza and TABASCO Original Red a part of your Super Bowl viewing tradition. You can create your own quick and easy recipes by simply grabbing the Game-Day Party Menu and plan your recipe for game nights. You could even create your very own pizza or get great ideas for your pizza through the Pizza Perfected page, regardless of whether you had your pizza delivered, reheated it straight from the freezer or homemade.

Me At The Sinulog

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 22:50:00 +0000

I promised to post a little bit more about the Sinulog celebration that we had here in Germany last January 15, right? Well, here is more about it. Sorry for the late post though since I just recovered from colds. I have been sick for almost a week but thankfully, I am feeling better now. Anyway, back to Sinulog.

Long before the Itik-Itik Dance, more exciting and meaningful things took place.

First off was the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the cathedral in Rottenburg. A religious feast will not be complete without a thanksgiving mass. The Holy Infant Jesus is after all the reason for the celebration. Everyone brought their Sto. Ninos with them, including me. And Fr. Simon blessed us all after the mass.

The procession and Sinulog streetdancing followed right after the mass. My Mommy and Daddy had to go ahead because they were participating in the street dancing which led the procession. They left me in the care of my Auntie Lola Judy who taught me how to do the Sinulog dance too and patiently took some photos of me at the procession.

Then we arrived at the Festhalle or the venue where the Sinulog dancing continued. It is more than a dance... it is a form of prayer, of worship and thanksgiving. And we were all happy. Happy for the gift of childhood, of innocence and of wonder that is innate in every child like me.

Photo credits: Judy Schlaak, Frevrey Noel

Goodbye Diaper Rash

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Boudreaux's Butt Paste. All opinions are 100% mine.

I generally do not have sensitive skin nor do I have skin problems, thanks to my Mommy who takes care of me and use only products that are recommended by pediatricians, tested by dermatologists and are non-allergenic. Of course, most children will at some point in their lives experience diaper rash. I know I suffered from diaper rash when I caught the stomach flu. It was really a discomfort on my part because I had to frequently poop. The more I poop, the more irritated my butt was. Then Mommy remembered about Boudreaux's Butt Paste, and she applied it on my bum. I liked the wonderful scent, and the fact that it did not sting. It even wiped off Mommy's hand easily!

I have heard lots of good things about Butt Paste. And it's packaging comes in varied sizes so that you can choose which size works for you: it can be in a canister so you have lots in stock at home or in flip top cap tubes for when you travel. The product was even featured on various TV Programs like the Oprah Show, People Magazine, Tonight Show, Today Show, ESPN, and While You Were Out TLC.

So for Mommies out there who are looking for an effective diaper rash care, why don't you try Butt Paste? My rear recommends it! And they have a FREE SAMPLE OFFER so if you want to receive one, go visit their site now!

Dancing Itik-Itik

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:53:00 +0000

Last January 15, 2011, the Filipino Community here in Germany celebrated the Sinulog. For the sake of those who do not know about what it is, Sinulog is a festival that honors the vision of the child Jesus, known as the Santo Niño (Holy Child), who used to be the patron Saint of the City of Cebu in the Philippines (since in the Catholic faith Jesus is not a saint, but God). It is a dance ritual that commemorates the Cebuano people's Islamic and pagan origin, and their acceptance of Roman Catholicism.

And we have a version of the Sinulog here in Germany too. Because my parents are active in the Sto. Nino Group, a Catholic religious community here, we little children are also expected to take part in the festivities and so we decided to do a dance number for the program.

This little something is for all the Filipinos who came from all over Germany on that day. And it is a Filipino folk dance called Itik-Itik. I am the one in the short hair and wearing the red traditional Filipino dress.

What Is Itik-Itik? It is a mimetic dance that depicts the movements of wading and flying itik (ducks). Dancers mimic the short swaying gait of waddling feet and the intense energy of close-cropped flapping wings.

Blogging and Computer Games

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:48:00 +0000

Kids like me that grow up in this generation more or less know how to operate a computer. At two and half years old, I can already click on the next video that I want to watch on YouTube. Of course, my Mommy or Daddy would have to search the video I want to watch first and then I would continue from there. I am even interested on those handheld consoles that my friends own and would't let go of it once I get my hands on it. But my parents say I am much too young to own such an expensive item so I am content with just being able to get hold of one every once in a while.

I bet my cousin Kuya Miggy, who is turning four years old in a few days is already into computers. Soon, when he is older, he would learn to play simple flash games on the internet like boxhead 2 or even prefer the strategy games like age of war. These games, as their titles suggest, are targeted for the male species. And because these are online games, the player can choose to play alone or play with other online users. I am sure it will really be an exciting game for my cousin. I think I will tell him all about this the next time we see each other again.

I know I mentioned about handheld consoles in the first part of this post. I guess if I could keep blogging for money, and if Mommy will save all the money that I have earned through blogging, then perhaps in due time, I will be able to purchase one. I know a lot of people don't understand how it works but trust me, if you really put your heart into it and blog about things that you believe in, you will find that this is a very good way to earn money while doing what you love the most: blogging.

The Many Faces of ME!

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:24:00 +0000

My Mommy loves to take photos of me. So whether I am in the mood or not, she would aim the camera at me whenever she feels like it. It is no wonder that our hard drive is now almost filled with photos. Although the subjects vary, I must say that about 75% have me in it. If Mommy is not aiming the camera at flowers, landscapes or anything that catches her fancy, she would aim it at me, whether I am dressed or not.

There was this one time when I just felt like posing in front of the camera and Mommy took the chance. I think I was pretending to be a princess in the following photos because I have on my "gold" headband. I always say "prinzensem" (prinzessin in German means princess) if I want to put it on because for me, it is like a crown that you put on your head. And most princesses have these tiny crowns on, right?

And I also noticed that my hair is already very long here. Even my Mommy and noticed it so that you probably know what happened next! Yes, Mommy cut my hair. She was initially on just trimming a few centimeters of hair but because I wouldn't stay put in my chair, my hair is now short, ear-length almost. Will try to post photos next time!

A Formal Affair

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 17:26:00 +0000

Do you like to dress up for special occasions? I know I do. I especially love it if I wear dresses. But I cannot wear party dresses on a daily basis, only on those special occasions like birthdays, debuts, evening parties, weddings and the likes.

We were invited to attend a debut of the daughter of my parent's friends in Switzerland in February and I am excited. Since it is going to be a formal affair, my Mommy and Daddy should dress up formally too. Maybe my Mom will finally get to buy an evening dress that she can wear on occasions such as these. And Daddy can also buy a shirt and some silk ties. He already has a suit so he only needs a new shirt and ties to go with it.

We are thinking of color coordinating our attire and because the trendy color for 2011 is honeysuckle, we are thinking of wearing colors with shades of pink and red. For Daddy's tie, we are thinking of this pink criss cross tie. What do you think? Mommy can go with a black dress and the honeysuckle can just go as accessories, maybe a purse or a pashmina with that color will do. As for me, a pink dress like in the photo below will be just fine.

I am actually excited to attend the debut because it will be the first time that Mommy and Daddy and I will have to dress formally. And I am excited!

Girls and Music Boxes

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 22:08:00 +0000

I guess it is every little girl's dream: to own their very own special music boxes, the ones that last and they will treasure even when they have grown to become adults and pursuing their dreams.

Each time I see musical boxes, even the musical jewelry boxes, my eyes will always light up with wonder and amazement to be hearing such wonderful music each time you open the lid. It amazes me how it works, as if there is somebody inside, a violinist perhaps, playing a song. It makes me wonder how a simple box can transform into something really beautiful once you open the lid.

I am even eyeing some baby music boxes that I saw at the store. One has a ballerina image in it and another one has got butterflies. I could fill it with all things magical and nice: girly accessories, my favorite little toys, and mementos from friends and family. All I need now is someone who would be willing to give me one. My 3rd birthday is coming up in two weeks so I guess to those who don't have a clue, this is it! I am after all, a little girl who would love to receive really nice and beautiful things.

A White Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 21:41:00 +0000

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas as I had! It was our first Christmas here in Stuttgart even though we came here April 2009. Why? Because last year, we spent it with my Uncle's family in England. And because it is our first Christmas here, Mommy and Daddy made sure that it will be a memorable one for us.

Christmas Eve came with a very wonderful surprise. It began to snow softly and by evening, everything was covered in white. We went to our friend's place to gather with their family and it was a very fun evening for me. I even received another gift! I had such a blast there, and got to play with my auntie-lola's guests and grwon-up children. Then we went back home at past ten because we want to spend Christmas Day at home. I was also very excited to open the gifts that Mommy placed under our tree.

Before the clock struck 12, we gathered by our tree to take some family photos. I was just so happy to be in our warm home, with my family, and just spending Christmas with them. Then at twelve, I started opening my gifts. My Daddy fell asleep on the couch because he was already too tired and sleepy. He still hasn't fully recovered from his flu, that's why.

Look what I got for Christmas from my Mom and Dad? I got a toy xylophone, memory game set for small kids and an animal puzzle set. Thanks Mom and Dad!

And of course, we went out on December 25th and 26th to hear mass and take a walk. We also visited friends.

The Gift of Giving

noreply@blogger.com (kikamz) — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:00:00 +0000

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 Imports. All opinions are 100% mine.

Christmas will always be a wonderful event because it is filled with merry-making, cheers and smiles. Each time we hear the song, Silver Bells, we remember the joy that the Christmas spirit brings. Christmas this year seems more meaningful for me and my family because I am now aware of the season. I always find wonder and amazement in the little and great things related to the season: the Christmas tree, carols playing in the air, Advent masses, parties and exchange gifts, even Santa Claus, his reindeer and Mr. Snowman.

It is a Christmas tradition to give holiday gifts this time of the year. While some of us may already know what we want to give to our loved ones this Christmas, many are still clueless and would buy at the last minute. For those who are not quite sure yet, one great gift idea would be to give a gift basket that is filled with an assortment of items. With a gift basket, there ate lots of possibilities. You can put in beaded necklaces, jeweled box sets, purse compacts for the Glamour Girl in the family, or yo-yos, plush stuffed animal, whistle, mini puzzles, coin purses for the little kids, or relaxing, indulgent bath and body gifts or pedicure sets neatly contained in a star-shaped basket for your aunts and cousins.

Where to get all this amazing and great stuff? At Pier 1 where else? Did you know that Pier 1 also supports Toys for Tots during the months of November and December? If you want to make your Christmas more meaningful, you can drop off an unwrapped toy or make a cash donation at the register. Or better yet, like Pier 1 Imports on Facebook. Every new fan is equivalent to $1 donation for Toys for Tots.

May you all have a meaningful Christmas!