Whispers of My Life

Journey

2013-11-05T03:48:00.000+08:00

source from the web

Mommie Diaries: Weegee's Halloween 2013

2013-11-05T03:29:00.000+08:00

Just a simple post for our yearly "happy childhood" tradition:

My Li'l Ninja

This year's Halloween Adventure took place at school and SM Hypermart Pasig

And some throwback halloweeen pictures:

Memory Lane

Be Still

2013-10-19T05:06:00.002+08:00

Rev Up Your Ride with Foton!

2013-10-19T05:03:00.000+08:00

Focus on the journey, not the destination.
Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
-Greg Anderson

The above quote has been my mantra in my life and you guess it right I really value the journey... the process..the ride. Why? Because this alone will give you wonderful experiences may it be good and bad. The good will give beautiful memories and the bad will give valuable lessons in life.

This also applies when I am driving a car. While I know the destination, I make sure every driving experience should be a nice and safe journey. On my end, I check everything with the help of a reliable gasoline boy and say a little prayer beforehand. I get paranoid at times (okay, 95% of the time) before I go. My car is actually not brand new and of course given the chance, I would love to have a new one. (hey, who doesn't?)

Now the question is: Why would you swap your old car for a Foton?

Visit here

Having a new one means having a new beginning, a new journey and a new Foton!

I pondered and took my time why would I swap my old car to a new Foton?

Let me count the ways.

1. Okay, I am giddy and excited to have a new one because it marks new relationship with the new car. It would be my new baby that I would take care and in return the car would give comfort. It would be me and my son's comfort.

Source

2. This complete package both for the interior and exterior. (this is for the Thunder 4x2) More of the sepcifications in this link.

3. A smooth start. This is what almost everybody wants and a new car means you're off to a smooth start. Everything works perfectly and that feeling that you don't have any worry is indeed priceless.

Because I don't like to feel this...

source

And that being said..

Join Foton’s Big Show 2013′s Grand Launch at the World Trade Center on October 25 and witness the launching of the new FOTON View, the 1st dancing wheel loader in the Philippines. Get a chance to trade-in your old vehicles from October 26 to 27 avail of BIG DISCOUNTS and BIG REWARDS when purchasing FOTON vehicles at the event. Receive amazing giveaways just for coming and you get even more when you test drive our passenger vehicles or attend our forums and trainings. No entrance fee!

So I'm inviting everyone to register and attend the test-drive at the Foton’s Big Show 2013 and tell them that they can register here: http://bit.ly/FotonContest

For now, I look up in the sky and wish for a new one.. for blessings and more... for a Foton? =)

Yes to that!

Give Love on Christmas Day

2013-10-15T04:08:00.000+08:00

"This is my official entry to Bebengisms' Wooden Kiddie Stools Giveaway"

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.

- Winston Churchill

Last October 4 was a very special day for my son as this was his 6th birthday and this was held in his school. It was brief but it was full of smiles, laughter, and thank you's from the kids whom we got to mingle for more than an hour. Truly, I saw how much they appreciated that special day and for that I am so much grateful.

The Birthday Boy

"Gavin turns 6"

and when I saw their smiles and how much they appreciated and enjoyed the simple party, I became really happy...

"I felt I became closer to these wonderful kids"

It was actually a DIY Lego party and made some Lego mommie preparations however I felt I could have given more a nice souvenirs though I made everything with love, I want to give more to them. I actually made looties out of colorful (the colors of lego ) sandwich bags with candies on it. I plan to give more on Christmas Day to show love to them as well and at the same time make it as a souvenir from Gavin's party.

With this in mind, I am joining Queen B's (Denise) and Wooden Kiddie Stools beautiful giveaway to give love on Christmas Day!

Click here for more details if you would like to join too!

But first, let me greet Wooden Kiddie Stool...

Wishing you more success!

For your party needs, you may contact them here.

Infographics

If I will be given this chance and win this giveaway, I would personally choose the Ninjago. My son Gavin would be so happy to have one and happy to give to his dear classmates.

Thank you also Denise for this opportunity :)

Bloglovin

2013-10-15T00:24:00.002+08:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Thank you Daddy Yashiro!

2013-09-13T04:01:00.000+08:00

Thank you so much Daddy Yashiro for my prize. My son loved it. It was nice meeting you and your family. I won this from his 5th Blog Anniversary Contest and Raffle and this was the first prize worht P1,700.So again, many thanks.

You can visit his blog here.

Time and LOVE

2013-09-12T04:39:00.001+08:00

Fab finds + Affordable + Home Stuff = Happiness

2013-09-12T04:24:00.000+08:00

Source

Home Stuff is LOVE

I get really high and kilig whenever I get the chance to window shop home stuff and most of all buy it afterwards. Aside from food, these stuff brings joy to me and makes me think how to decorate our place.I admire houses with nice decorations and stuff on it and always tells myself that I would buy it too. So imagine my happiness when I had the chance to check out last month's home sale in Landmark Trinoma with my bestfriend. (read: happy hormones)

My favorite pieces

Less than Php50.

I got myself this colorful plate, it brightens up my day

I was looking for these last year for Weegee's party

At best, now I know where to find it.

Pillowcases for Couch

Buy 1, take 1

I gave in :)

I love this pasta plate!

Cute!!!

And I'm contemplating if I will try baking... but I found these baking stuff simply enticing to venture into a new hobby.

I wish I could buy them all but of course one step at a time because saving is still important and not being impulsive. Now I know that whenever I would feel sad, this would be an upper for me. It's really fun decorating without having to spend more.

September: 5 Things That Make Me Happy

2013-09-06T08:41:00.000+08:00

Something to cherish
Something to be grateful about
Something to make me smile and appreciate

The month of August was not that good ( a strssful month)to me but on the brighter side, it shaped me in some aspects so still I am thankful I survived August and still manage to hope. I realize I should stick to what really makes me happy, do more of my passion and never cease to hope and pray.

Negative past does not prevent you to have a good future.
- Joel Osteen sermon

And now as I welcome September, I am writing this post (inspired as well by a blogger) to appreciate what I have because in some ways, August gave me my simple joys and as they say the more you are thankful, the more it attract good vibes.

So for September, these are my happy thoughts:

1. Hizon's Ensaymada - pasalubong from my dad whenever he gets the chance to go there

2. I love this cleanser so much! It was a prize from Pevonia which I never expected.

3. My baby's artwork.

4. A friend's thoughtfulness and trying out a new eating place in Makati

Chop Stop, Valero

Caramel Fudge from Tinapayan

(this is in Dapitan near UST)

5. Got my prize from Native Shoes! Keep it Lite

Mommie Diaries: My Lutong Bahay and Plating

2013-09-06T08:17:00.002+08:00

Cooking therapy, Plating and Having Fun

Presenting: Pinakbet,Chicken Curry, and Adobong Sitaw

I first learned plating back in college but if I remembered it right, we were not taught how to really do it. Freestyle kumbaga. All I remember, we had an exam and it was to present a dish that we cooked and yun plating na kagad. It took me years to really appreciate to do it and mind you it's fun to do a plating. I believe that nice presentation for food can really entice people to eat and it always inspires me to do the same when I am cooking. There are so many styles for it even in making desserts (my fave is brownie ala mode). So when I decided to cook 3 dishes one time, I decided to practice my plating and it's really therapeutic! Stress buster. I still dream that one day, I will go back to culinary school and learn more about this. Promise ko yan sa sarili ko manalo lang ako sa lotto. But for now, I can practice, go online to learn and of course watch my favorite cooking shows... and have fun along the way!

Thank you Pevonia Botanica Philippines!

2013-09-04T04:37:00.000+08:00

Each new day brings new beginnings, new hope and some "looking forward moments".

From the web

The aroma of a brewed coffee..

Sunny side up smiling and waiting to be eaten

Pancakes with maple syrup

But before that

I look forward in washing my face with a good cleanser which jumpstarts my day and when I say a good cleanser, I mean Pevonia which I started using a week ago. It definitely lives up to its commitment such as:

Wash away impurities
Remove unwanted dry cell build-up and
Revive dull-looking skin

It feels good after washing my face and I can feel the beads doing the job properly.

Picture from their page here

Thank you very much for this.

http://www.pevonia.com.ph
http://pevoniaskincareblog.com.ph
https://twitter.com/#!/pevoniaph
http://pinterest.com/pevoniaph/
https://plus.google.com/1054718705077540...
http://www.youtube.com/user/pevoniaphili...

August Edition: 5 Things That Make Me Happy

2013-08-09T04:31:00.002+08:00

Something to cherish
Something to be grateful about
Something to make me smile and appreciate

High 5 to my favorite things this month:

1. Cooking everyday after my work - This awakens my senses every morning before I go to sleep ( I work on a night shift) but drives me to think creatively what to prepare at home. It's so nice to see my son appreciates my menudo and adobo and for me it is priceless. I get to enjoy what I do and at the same time, somebody appreciates it to.I am thankful for this passion.

2. Drop Dead Diva- I am completely addicted to this series that was introduced to me by my friend. It's funny, very entertaining and lets you learn a lot about law because the lead star is a lawyer and her name is Jane. She is so smart and her acting is superb. Not to mention, I love the way she dress, very sophisticated. I watch this everyday and re watch it after completing the series. I feel happy and inspired after watching this.

Photo Credit

3. Studying time with my son- I create worksheets for him and at the same time we have this point system going on to encourage him more to look forward answering it. One of our many bonding that I always cherish.

4. Seeing my son's enjoying his Sunday School at CCF.

5. And doing these things when I am not in good mood... to feel good.

Source:

Just Walk Away

2013-08-08T04:50:00.002+08:00

My Simple Beauty Routine

2013-08-07T02:39:00.000+08:00

I've always believe that in order for a person to take care of others, he/she must take care of himself first and this has become my practice ever since. It comes in all forms as long as at the end of the day, you feel good about yourself and ready to face the world anytime. Bawal ang losyang :) because we are given 24 hours and doing a simple beauty routine can possibly be squeeze in. I'd like to add as well that it doesn't necessarily mean to use expensive products, if you can afford it then it's a blessing and enjoy it however you can also use affordable products that is hiyang to your skin. I am also a fan of DIY beauty routine that I learned from the internet and it has been really effective and of course didn't hurt my pocket.

This one aspect
One way I take care of myself is doing my beauty routine and I must say it feels good doing this specially after a stressful day or after cleaning the house. I feel refreshed after doing this simple routine of mine. I am grateful that most products that I use were just given to me as a gift or my prize from contests because I am really kuripot in buying expensive ones though I am a not against it of course because I have another collection (which is home stuff) so I would just opt to buy what I really collect and good thing every year friends give me beauty products.

Let me share my babies that I use everyday for my hair and body:

Given to me by my MIL

I use this when my hair really looks dry (which is always the case nowadays)

Once a month, I try to do this simple treatment

and makes my hair soft!

Super hiyang to all of their products

I've been using this since 2011 and it smells really good

I won this scrub from a Unilab contest

See story here

Given by my in- laws

Smells good and gives skin the soft feeling

A must for me =)

I actually use 3 lotions alternating it from time to time

Alternating in making my skin smoother

and in the office for my hand (as this is very important as the hand they say easily gives away our age)

and the latest addition to my routine for my face and body

Thank you Godiva for these.

and here's my baby ever supportive of my simple beauty routine
take note: he saw me putting on my make up and volunteered to do it for me!

but this is the best beauty routine that I recently read

For attractive lips,

speak words of kindness.

For lovely eyes,

seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure,

share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair,

let a child run his fingers through it once a day.

For poise,

walk with the knowledge you never walk alone.

Thank you Godiva Skin!

2013-08-03T05:38:00.001+08:00

Thank you very much. =)

You can visit their FB page here

and Twitter here

Mommie Diaries: My Love for Cooking

2013-08-03T04:57:00.002+08:00

Cooking Mama

Source

Cooking Mama

One thing I love about home life is cooking and experimenting in the kitchen for my family. It's been like 11 years that I am cooking and I never get tired of it. It's so ironic, that my love affair with cooking began when I graduated and guess what my course is? Hotel and Restaurant Management in UST! I learned to appreciate the course after graduation and up to this time I am still dreaming of having my own cafe or carinderia. #dreamsdocometrue. I can sometimes imagine how to cook a dish just by looking at it and then practice it after. I guess that's what you call passion and I'm thankful for this because it's something that I enjoy doing. I often see myself watching and "enjoying" cooking shows and researching recipes in youtube. At one point, I learned how to make california maki and other Japanese dishes when I used to work in a Japanese restaurant and at the same find Japanese cuisine an art.

Too bad, I didn't always get the chance to take a picture of my dishes but I promised myself to make a diary for my cooking and to constantly improve myself in this area. I also dream that one day, I can go back to a culinary school and learn cooking different cuisines because that would be fun.

This is my mom's oven that I used when I cooked for the family last Christmas. I dream to have my own oven soon.

Of Pasta and Filipino dishes

So what do I love to cook? It's more of Filipino dishes because for me Filipino dishes is easy to cook and really tasteful. When I do the grocery, I always imagine the next week's menu and if there's something that I recently watched or tasted a delish meal, I try to also include and try it. Occasionally, I would also cook red and white pasta and sprinkle it with my favorite spices (will share soon my spices collection =>)

To savor and to hold

Roasted Chicken

with Buttered Baby Potatoes

I cooked it by using my Imarflex turbo which is so easy to use and am thankful that I made the right decision to asked this is as a gift from my parents 2 years ago.

Source from the web

Roasted Chicken recipe

Ingredients:

Chicken

Salt and Pepper to taste

Soy sauce (optional)

Thyme, parsley or rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Set the turbo broiler to 45 minutes to 1 hour and place the chicken.

2. Turn it over after 30 minutes just to make sure it is cooked evenly.

3. Remove the chicken and ready to serve after 10-15 minutes.

Buttered Baby Potatoes

Ingredients:

Baby Potatoes

Butter

Parsley Flakes

Normally, you can also put it directly in the turbo broiler but I made a twist when I did it the last time. I had it boiled first for a few minutes before I placed it in my turbo broiler with butter on top. It is also best to put cheese and bacon bits on top. Sprinkle with parsley flakes.

and let me share also...

My version of Nacho Salad

( best of course with ground beef)

Sweet and Spicy Shrimps

Aside from cooking, I also take note doing some food plating to make it more presentable and enticing to eat but of course what matters most is show it tastes.So till my next cooking diary (which is actually a first on this blog) which I will improve more in terms of making the instructions.

Happy Cooking!

Mommie Diaries: Mommie and Baby Bonding

2013-08-02T04:25:00.000+08:00

Photo Credit

Changes...Changes... Changes..

I'm currently experiencing a lot of changes in my personal life when it comes to responsibilities at home and at the same time juggling both work and motherhood (if before it's like 100%, now it's 200%) and it can be pretty crazy but fulfilling. This is what change is all about as I remember the Change process that I train to my students and right now I am in this process and adjusting. One step at a time.

Source

My husband Japs left for a cruise job last Wednesday and his responsibilities at home became my responsibilities because it used to be a shared responsibilities. I am still adjusting with everything and I know (and should) I can do it because I love home life and motherhood just that it can pretty tiring because I also work full time. I am just making sure that I drink my vitamins to carry on with the tasks while also being a mommie to my baby Weegee and at the same time training my new yaya.

As they say, Change is really constant and I can't wait to be in Stage 6 ( per the Change Cycle which is the Integration) and I hope that when that comes my look won't be so super haggard.

I am definitely looking forward for the weekend to relax and catch a good sleep.

Anyway, here's my baby and I bonding moments without Weegee's dad (no sleep yet but for some reason I feel fulfilled last Saturday)

On our way to SM Hypermart to do the grocery

and Weegee had a check up due to his conjunctivitis

Our love for books and our book store moment

And weekend wouldn't be complete without a trip to...

and my ever therapeutic activity

Grocery with my little boy!

and I loved what I saw

Wish: This cool luggage and a cool destination

This retro placemat is so nice to have!

And I want this Automatic Washing Machine! soon

Our Sunday's Best

Before I did my household chores (including doing the laundry), my baby and I had a bonding moment again.

Weegee writing his name before enetring the room for

Sunday School

(he really looks forward every Sunday for this!)

and having fun:

Photo courtesy from CCF Cambridge

and we both watch this funny movie:

A good stress reliever movie

Credit

and our selfie picture of the day.

Even if I was super tired last weekend, I totally enjoyed it with

my dear Weegee. My malambing baby.

Thank you Godiva Skin!

2013-07-27T04:21:00.001+08:00

I can't wait to use again Godiva products!

I've used their lotion before and it really made my skin soft.

Thank you very much.

Learn more here

Happy Weekend Quote!

2013-07-20T07:27:00.001+08:00

Mommie Diaries: Cake for Boys, Cakes of Weegee

2013-07-20T07:21:00.000+08:00

Occasion person

For me a birthday will be really special with the presence of a cake and wishing for the best while blowing the candles. It actually signifies for me the following: being grateful, wishing for the best and being happy on that special day. Because of this, I promised myself that every year my dear Weegee will get to blow his cake and this really makes him look forward every year. When I plan his birthday events, I can be really OC in choosing his cakes and makes sure that he gets the very best! It's not really difficult to find cakes for boys because nowadays there are a lot of creative and talented bakers.

When choosing cakes

These are actually my considerations in choosing birthday cakes:
1. Birthday Theme. My son Weege actually began choosing his birthday theme when he was two and whatever the theme is , the cake design will follow too. Good thing nowadays, is that there are a lot of suppliers to choose from and a wide variety of designs.

2. Delivery. Can the supplier deliver it on the party venue? Because if this is a yes, then it's one worry off your back.

3. Taste of Cake. Of course the cake is meant to be eaten and shared during the party so this must be really, really yummy!

4. Affordability. Is this something within my budget? This is a big consideration for me since planning an event entails budget and the cake's price should be within my budget without sacrificing its quality.

5.Size. I am blessed because the cakes that we bought were not too small but it was the right size for the occasion.

And let me share here his birthday cakes:

1st Birthday, 2008

Cake from Shoppersville Katipunan

( less than Php 1,000)

2nd Birthday, 2009

Cake from Red Ribbon

The name "Wege" was bought at ATC

(recycled from his first birthday)

3rd Birthday, 2010

Cake from Layers and Layers (Fun Ranch Tiendesitas)

This one really tasted good!

If I remember it right, this was less than Php 1,500

4th Birthday, 2011

Cake from Goldilocks

5th Birthday, 2012

Jungle Cake made by Olivia's Cakes & Pastries

This one also tasted so good!

We are now looking forward to another themed birthday cake for this year.

My son has a lot of ideas

and we can't wait to make it happen!

Thank you Pevonia Botanica Philippines!!!

2013-07-13T04:56:00.003+08:00

Thank you very Pevonia Botanica Philippines

I got your email and I can't wait to try and use this.

My heartfelt thanks!

Happy Weekend Quote!

2013-07-13T04:53:00.002+08:00

Source

Bugsy's Bar and Bistro

2013-07-10T04:42:00.000+08:00

Long Overdue, A Foodie Adventure

Hello foodies,

This post is long overdue but I promised myself that I am going to post our foodie wonderful experience last year as in almost one year. Bugsy's Bar and Bistro's commitment to good food is very evident and you'll now why in these pictures. It was a send off party to one of our colleagues and good thing we had it at Bugsy's because 1. I haven't eaten there 2. Good food or let's say, food that I really like to eat 3. Treat.

The Look and Feel

The Food
For starters: Salad, Mozarrella Sticks, Chicken Wings, Calamari
* Good thing we shared these as a group, sharing the calories!

Main Course

Pasta

And of course not to be forgotten...
Always have room for Desserts!

The Food
Appetizers at Bugsy's are the best! It seems that you are already full and satisfied before the main course arrives. Mozzarella Sticks is a must try and you will be able to compare which restaurant really offers the best Mozarrela Sticks. I can say the best is in Bugsy's. It is also best to order salad so in a way if you are on a diet, at least you feel full without eating too much of the fried food. Mama Pia's Spicy Tuna Pasta is a welcome change from the red and white pasta. This is another restaurant in Makati that I would love to come back because of good food.

The Ambiance
Relaxing and Cozy. I preferred though to be seated in a couch so conversations are most intimate.

The Price
You can also check the price range at http://www.munchpunch.com to have an idea.

The Service
It's actually fast but don't expect too much if you order a lot because of course they have different cooking time for pasta, fried food or food from the main course.

Coming back?

Hopefully Soon!!!

Photo Credit: D. Feliciano

Bugsy's Bar and Bistro
Unit 1 Paseo Park View Tower,
San Agustin St cor Sedeno St
Salcedo Village, Makati

Liked!

Thank you Rochelle!

2013-07-10T02:55:00.001+08:00

Thank you!

See you soon and Thank you Sis!

Visit her here: http://www.rochellerivera.com/