Little part of my world

Easy Peasy Christmas Menu

2011-12-10T22:27:00.012-05:00

Christmas time is always about parties and family gatherings. I remember my mom, preparing a lot of cold cuts, salad, different kinds of courses, different types of breads, desserts, fruits and the traditional hot chocolate to share for the Christmas eve. I don't have that much talent with cooking and entertaining and in most times, somebody has to push me so I can do some parties at home too. Honestly, I do not have the patience to cut carrots, onions, de-bone stuffs etc etc. So obviously, I'm not the usual domestic diva that I thought I was.

Now, I would like to share my easy peasy christmas menu, it's fast (?), it's easy and it's definitely good but please don't judge me! lol .. as long as my guests enjoy it.. It's all good!

Appetizer

Spanakopita - is a greek savory pastry. It's made of phyllo pastry, butter or olive oil with spinach, feta cheese filling and seasonings. If you want to make your own, you can click on this LINK.
Or do what I usually do, buy it frozen and put it in the oven few minutes before the party.

Crackers and Cheese Platter - Have a variety of cheeses, Gouda, Brie, Camembert, Block cheddar cheese, Block mozzarela cheese cut into small squares. then put some crackers on the side and some fruits arrange them on a plate that should look something like this.

Image courtesy of Jorgy's cafe

Side Dishes

Scalloped Potatoes - again, if you want to make your own, go to this LINK.
But if you want to save some time, you can buy the boxed ones and follow the instructions. It'll be ready in about 20 minutes. I usually buy the ones from Betty Crocker.

Image courtesy of Betty Crocker

Taramosalata - I didn't know about this until I tasted this side dish from a friend's party. She's Greek. You can eat it with a cracker, a bread, or as an accompaniment to Steaks, Roasted chicken or BBQ ribs. Unfortunately, I do not have the recipe but I usually buy this in most Greek store or Greek restaurants, and I put it in a small serving dish to make it more presentable.

"Taramosalata is a Greek and Turkish meze. It is traditionally made from taramas, the salted and cured roe of the cod or the carp, though blends based on other forms of fish roe, particularly cod, have become more common. The roe is mixed with either bread crumbs or mashed potato, and lemon juice, vinegar and olive oil. It is usually eaten as a dip, with bread or raw vegetables. The colour can vary from creamy beige to pink, depending on the type of roe used. Mass-produced taramosalata is often a bright pink due to the addition of food colouring. The alternative spelling 'taramasalata' is sometimes found" from Wikipedia

Tzatziki - is made of strained yoghurt (which is usually from sheep or goat milk) mixed with garlic. This is another Greek/Turkish appetizer that you usually see along with Souvlakis and Shish Taouk. I love Tzatziki, even if my breath usually stinks after eating it (because of the garlic), I still love it! This is available on most Greek stores and restaurants.

Kopanisti - you might want to add a little spice on your side dishes. Kopanisti is also a Greek side dish which is made up of whipped Feta cheese and red pepper. I'm sure one or two of your guests would like to have something spicy.

Image courtesy of Krinos

By the way... I do not have a Greek or Turkish blood, but I love their food!

Pasta

How bout try my Creamy Garlic and Herb Shrimp Linguine recipe? I swear, this will be a hit to your guests!

or my Lasagna Recipe

Main Course

I usually have 2 main courses: Roasted Chicken, which I usually order from Baraka BBQ and Oven Roasted Baby back ribs or side ribs, whichever is on specials, that I prepare the night before.

Oven Roasted Baby back/ Side ribs - After few tries of different BBQ recipes, I finally got the best one that would finally satisfy my taste buds. I got this recipe from Put Pork on Your Fork website.

Desserts

I usually order at least 2 pies from Rockaberry (Strawberry Shortcake and Banana split au chocolat and Apple Crumble are three of my personal favorites).


Image courtesy of Rockaberry

Or if you want to make your own..

Try my Leche flan recipe which is always a hit to everybody.

and my Oreo cheesecake recipe

So you know what, whether it's a frozen meal, or a store bought food, or you prepared everything out of scratch, when you put them on the table, it will not matter anymore. What would matter the most is that there's something on the table that you can share with each other at this special time of the year.

BBQ Pork Ribs Recipe

2011-12-10T22:24:00.000-05:00

I just want to share one of the best rib recipe that I got from the net. I lifted the recipe from Put Pork on your Fork website. To whoever you are, thank you for sharing this recipe! This has been a huge hit to my family.

Preparation: On the concave surface of all ribs is a thin, translucent membrane. This membrane is tough and will prevent any flavouring to get to the rib meat, and so should be removed.

To remove membrane: Insert a metal spoon handle under the membrane at one end of the rib rack and detach a corner. Then grab the detached flap and gently tear it away from the ribs. It should come off in one clean pull.

DO NOT BOIL your Pork Ribs: this has been the accepted method for generations, but there is a better way! If using a dry rub, apply to the ribs. One back rib rack will need about one tablespoon (15 mL) of rub, a side rib rack will need two tablespoons (30 mL). In a cookie sheet or shallow roasting pan, add about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) of water.

Add a few slices of lemon or orange to the pan. Place the ribs, meaty side up, on the pan in a single layer. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and place in oven at 325°F (160°C).

Back Ribs: Cook for between 1 and 1 and a half hours, or until meat is easily pierced with a metal skewer.

Side Ribs: Cook for between 1 and a half and 2 hours, or until meat is easily pierced with a metal skewer.

Tip: At this stage the ribs can be cooled and refrigerated for up to three days.

To Finish Cooking: Ribs can be finished on the BBQ (grilled) or in the oven. To finish in the oven, remove foil and turn oven up to broil, brush ribs with your favourite BBQ sauce and broil for about 3 minutes (if ribs are hot) or until sizzling and golden. Turn ribs over and repeat with BBQ sauce and broil again. For the ultimate ribs, repeat brushing sauce and broiling or BBQing on each side. Watch carefully when broiling, so that they do not burn.

Tip: Cooking times can be reduced by adding HOT liquid to baking tray.

Tip: Line the cookie sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper if you are going to finish the ribs in the oven (under the broiler).

Tip: Cooking times will vary depending on how many rib racks are being cooked at once; more ribs means a longer cooking time.

*** I used to marinate my pork ribs for 24 hours or boil it for 2 hours before broiling it in the oven, but it was never that good until I actually try this recipe. Anyway for the sauce, I prefer Bull's Eye Bold and Original. Enjoy! ***

Freebie Wednesday!

2011-12-06T23:23:00.001-05:00

I just want to share this downloadable loots (Quick pages, Papers and Elements) courtesy of My Memories Suite. Just click on the image/link above! An early Christmas gift to all digiscrappers!

And there's more, please feel free to use my promo code STMMMS92823 to avail of the $10 off your purchase of MyMemoriesSuite Digital Scrapbook Software and a $10 off your purchase of kits, embellishments, or anything else in My Memories Suite online store (about $20 off).

Enjoy!

Virgin Diaries???

2011-12-02T13:09:00.009-05:00

Virgin Diaries featured couple

Nowadays, we live in a world where pre marital sex is considered to be the norm. You'll see kids as young as 15 have sex like there's no tomorrow. It's sick, but they're proud of it?! Sometimes I wonder if the parents are even concerned about this. These people are so pre- occupied with their emotions that they fail to see the consequences. It's sad to know that our kids are bound to have this destiny, but we have to accept it! If you've been following my posts for quite a while now, I think by this time you knew that I'm in love with Reality Shows! My ultimate dream is actually to produce one, and I'm not kidding! So last Sunday, while I was watching the Sister Wives (another reality show), I saw the preview for the next soon to be most talked about TLC show the Virgin Diaries. It's a show that tackles on people in their late 20s and 30s who choose to wait and save themselves for marriage. Since the sneak peak preview has been shown, the show has drawn so much attention especially with the most awaited first kiss of the featured couple... they didn't even kiss until they finally said their I Dos..

I'm sorry but with that kiss? It's really hard not to look away!

I've got to admit that it is really comforting to know that there are still some out there who are celebrating their celibacy. I'm just not too crazy about the kiss... Virgin Diaries premieres on TLC Sunday, December 4 at 9PM ET/PT.

How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Workplace?

2011-11-26T22:30:00.001-05:00

I just want to share an article that I wrote for Triond. I'm sure a lot of you can relate to this. Enjoy!

How to Deal with Difficult People in Your Workplace?

we have a winner!!!

2011-11-26T20:29:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to Laarni of Jaggedbarn! She won the Digital Scrapbooking giveaway ($40 value). Please email me at bingotsgirl@gmail.com to get the info you need to claim your prize!Enjoy and Congratulations!!!!

Special thanks to MyMemories Suite for sponsoring the giveaway!

Toopy and Binoo Obsession

2011-11-25T14:44:00.001-05:00

My 6 year old son is still obsessed with Toopy and Binoo. Honestly, I still cannot find anything great about them but my son loves them to pieces.

Toopy and Binoo toys? yup, here's one..

We bought the same thing in Walmart because we want him to be more involved in board games than electronic games.

He even requested to have Toopy and Binoo cupcakes for his birthday. These are my two choices... (the images were linked to the originals)

Two years ago, we went to see Toopy and Binoo in Ottawa. It was a pretty long 2 hours drive, but it was all worth it. And just now, I found out that they are coming here in Montreal! How cool was that?

The event will take place on February 24 to February 25, 2012 in Théâtre St-Denis, Montreal. Tickets are available in TICKETPRO.

So there will be another great time with Toopy and Binoo soon!

Black Friday freebie! ($4 value)

2011-11-24T21:33:00.000-05:00

As always, the best things in life are free! Take advantage of the Black Friday Freebie that MyMemories Suite is giving away. Just click on the image below to download it!

This vintage style kit comes with 10 papers, 23 page embellishments and a monogram set of 84 characters.

HURRY! IT'S FREE UNTIL SUNDAY ONLY!

Feel free to check out the other kits available in the website and use my code: STMMMS92823 (note: case sensitive) to avail of the $10 off.

The best things in life are free!

2011-11-24T08:09:00.002-05:00

First of all, I would like to wish all my US friends a Happy Thanksgiving Day! As a Thanksgiving gift, MyMemories Suite is giving away free kits to use to preserve and share those memories. Just click on the image below to download.

To purchase the Software or anything in the MyMemories Suite you are more than welcome to use my code: STMMMS92823 (note: case sensitive) to avail of the $10 off.

Now, you can update your profile pictures in facebook in the most creative way!

Another freebie? The MyMemories Digital Scrapbooking Software giveaway ($40 value) is still ongoing. Please click HERE to join. Deadline of submission of entries on November 26,2011 at 8pm Eastern Time! Winner will be notified. Thank you!

Again, to all my US friends, have a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the Turkey!

What not to give! The Tacky gifts

2011-11-20T00:56:00.003-05:00

Are you a tacky gift giver, or just being funny? I'm sure one of you out there are itching to give one of these to the people on your Christmas list!

1. Coffee Mugs

Coffee mugs are best given as a corporate giveaway never as a gift. Unless you'll end up getting a fancy coffee mug (see: COFFEE MUGS CAN BE GREAT GIFTS TOO) that would fit this someone special's personality, stay away from it as much as possible.

2. Cash

Elaine exclaimed “Cash? You got me cash? Who are you my uncle?”

This was a quote from an episode of Seinfeld when Jerry gave Elaine a cash for her birthday. Jerry was so pleased with his gift, Elaine was not.

I'm not a fan of receiving cash as gifts, unless probably it was my wedding that I would appreciate any help that I could get. But for Christmas or Birthdays, most people including me, would appreciate getting something that we know that the giver really exerted an effort finding me a gift. That alone would make them feel special.

Instead: If you have no idea of what to give him/her, how about a gift card on his/her favorite store. It will be more appreciated.

3. A Regifted Pen engraved with initials... that is not mine

One rule in Regifting: Take out all evidences that the item was regifted! If you can't take it out, please don't regift it!

4. Coupons

A friend of mine once told me that she received a Mc Donalds coupon for her wedding. It was nice to share these blessings but please not for a wedding!

Instead : If you're an advocate of Mc Donalds, a Mc D's gift card will be very much appreciated.

5. An Over sized Lingerie

Women are naturally very sensitive when it comes to weight issues. So receiving an over sized lingerie is like a slap in a face. That's how bad it is. So if you're not really sure of what size she is, stay away from the lingerie section as much as possible!

6. A Denture Cleaner

It's very nice that you're concerned of your recipient's overall health. But have you realized that giving this would mean that it's like you telling him/her that his/her dentures are dirty.

So this Christmas, please make sure that these things are not included in your shopping list. Or you'll end up in the worst gift giver list!

~~** Giveaway is still ongoing, Join HERE **~~

What not to give! Wackiest gifts

2011-11-16T23:23:00.008-05:00

It's holiday season once again. The spirit of giving is right up in the air. Some people would go far and buy the wackiest and most memorable gift that they can find. On buying wacky gifts, you have to think twice if the recipient will totally get your humor or you'll never talk to him/her again. That's the fact.. some would see it funny and some would find it offensive. So just in time for the celebration, I would like to share my ideas of...

What not to give! The Wackiest gifts

The Breast feeder - this could be a good gift to new parents. It's actually kinda thoughtful for the new mom to alleviate her from breastfeeding all night long. But I cannot imagine myself receiving this and forcing my husband to wear it in public. Instead, save your money and buy a nice set of feeding bottles. At least you're sure that it will be used in the future. Note: If you don't like the new dad that much, give it! sure!

The Splash free head cover - I'm just wondering.. people really buy this? Well, it's okay if you're trying to convince the world that you are a flower. But I'd rather have my hair splatted with soup than wear this. I think there was a reason why scrunchies and paper towels were invented. I think.. I'm just throwing it out there..

The Tissue holder - who needs a purse if you can put everything in your head..

The Eye dropper funnel - You have to admit it, the idea was pretty clever.

Pillows for the lonely - I don't know the reason behind this invention. It's pretty thoughful yet borderline creepy. or is it just me?

Nope.... it's soap! Yes, that's the name. It looks yucky but it smells like coffee! I don't think the recipient will appreciate taking a bath with a poop like soap. no...

Nose shower gel dispenser - Funny? yes. Cute? no.

True enough that it's the thought that counts, but in the little part of my world.. I believe what counts the most is the love that you put when you give gifts.

The great art of giving consists in this: the gift should cost very little and yet be greatly coveted, so that it may be the more highly appreciated.
Baltasar Gracian

Next Post: What not to give? TACKIEST GIFTS

** Digital Scrapbook Software giveaway is still ongoing please click HERE to join**

Contest is Closed A Digital Scrapbooking Software Giveaway! ($40 value)

2011-11-12T20:00:00.059-05:00

Aside from blogging, one of my stress relievers is digital scrapbooking. My colleagues call these hobbies a little geekish, but who cares! What works for one may not work for the other. I'm just glad that it worked for me.

Your pictures are just pictures until you put a slight touch of creativity. Your pictures must tell a story, and that's where Digital Scrapbooking comes in. I've been a photoshop user for quite a while now, but mind you, when I was starting, I have encountered a tremendous learning curve with the program. And I'm still not that good at it until now.

Then I've learned about this Digital Scrapbooking Software called My Memories. My Memories Suite software is rated #1 on Amazon and TopTenReviews. I've tried it myself and I find it really easy to use.

Special features are:
- easy Drag and Drop feature
- easy click to export your creative work into a JPEG form
- It comes with a collection of great embellishments
- the multimedia output which enables you to have your work Ipod ready, turn your work into a movie, or make an interactive album

My sample works? Check these out!

50th birthday invitation

And look how I turned my blog posts into printable pages! Talk about preserving memories..

Please click to view original post The Epitome of Beauty and Brains

Please click to view original post Leche Flan

Please click original post to view Pinwheel Sandwiches

Please click in the link to see original post Apple picking

After discovering this, I would like to share my promo code with you guys. This promo code will entitle you to a $10 off the purchase of My Memories Suite Software and a $10 coupon for the My Memories store... a $20 value! So feel free to use my promo code to avail of this great discount.

Please copy and paste this promo code on checkout: STMMMS92823 (note: case sensitive)

THE GIVEAWAY

To make the deal even more sweeter, I will be giving away one My Memories Suite digital scrapbooking software (a $40 value). It can be yours for free!! The giveaway is open internationally. As much as I want everyone to have it, I can only give one.

Now, the winner will be chosen by the most number of points.

How to join:

Click on this My Memories link the Digital Scrapbooking kit then leave me a comment by clicking on this comment link COMMENT and tell me which kit did you like best. (You can send as many entries as you want. 3 points per comment)

For extra points: Please let me know if you've done these by posting a comment here -- > COMMENT or send me an email at bingotsgirl@gmail.com. You have to let me know or your entries will not be counted. (edited)

Follow my blog with Google Friend Connect (1 point)

"Like" My Memories Suite on Facebook (1 point)

Follow My Memories Suite blog (1 point)

Blog about this giveaway, be sure to provide a back link (2 points)

Share this giveaway in your Facebook and be sure to provide a back link (2 points)

Please be sure to include your email address on your comment.

~~All entries must be in by 8:00PM Eastern Time November 26, 2011. I will be announcing the winner in this blog and of course, he or she will be notified by email.~~

Contest is Closed

Good luck!

Creamy Garlic and Herb Shrimp Linguine .. with a twist!

2011-11-11T20:10:00.000-05:00

Truth be told, I am not a good cook. I can make meals, but I, definitely, could not and would not do gourmet meals. For me, it takes a lot of time and energy to cook. I, sincerely, tip my hat to the people who enjoy cooking, just because they enjoy cooking. That's why you cannot describe the excitement that I have if I was able to cook a decent meal that my boys will actually enjoy. Obviously, ME.. being able to cook a decent meal doesn't happen very often.

So last weekend, I tried a recipe that I got from Kraft Canada. The recipe is called Creamy Garlic and Herb Shrimp Linguine. Here's the recipe..

the ingredients:

220 g linguine, uncooked

2 cups fresh sugar snap peas

3 Tbsp. Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing

1 lb. (450 g) frozen uncooked deveined peeled large shrimp, thawed

1/2 cup (1/2 of 250-g tub) Philadelphia Herb & Garlic Cream Cheese Spread

2/3 cup 25%-less-sodium chicken broth

2 Tbsp. Kraft 100% Parmesan Grated Cheese

1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

how to cook it:
Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding peas to the boiling water for the last 2 min.

Meanwhile, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium-high heat. Add shrimp; cook 3 to 4 min. or until shrimp turn pink, stirring frequently. Transfer to bowl; cover to keep warm.

Add cream cheese spread and broth to skillet; cook and stir on medium heat 4 min. or until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened. (Do not let sauce come to boil.)

Drain pasta mixture. Add to sauce with shrimp mixture; mix well. Top with Parmesan and parsley.

My own twist:

- I actually used fettuccine noodles because I, personally, prefer Fettuccine over Linguine.
- You can use any Extra Virgin Olive Oil, if you don't have a Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing.
- I actually skipped the fresh sugar snap peas since I didn't have it at hand at that time.
- I added Scallops and Pre-cooked Mussels to turn it into Creamy Garlic and Herb Seafood Pasta.

The result..

See... that was easy! I didn't follow the recipe as stated but it turned out to be good if not, better!

Pregnant in Heels!

2011-11-09T21:57:00.000-05:00

Gone are the days that women were locked to wearing flats when pregnant. I remember myself wearing those horrendous chunky flat shoes when I was pregnant because that time I've been advised not to wear high heels. I would like to stress it out that I was advised for a reason. I gained a humongous amount of weight, that I could pass for a Sumo wrestler. I'm not kidding! I believe that a sumo wrestler in a sexy stiletto is not a lovely sight.

But have you ever thought? What is with the high heels that women push themselves to the extreme and really find it hard to give these up even when they're pregnant?

1. High heels shoes keep your legs appear longer.
2. It improves ones posture.
3. A lot of women wear it because they're comfortable with it.
4. It makes women feel sexy and confident.

I think #4 sums it all up. That's exactly the magic that these gorgeous shoes make women feel even when they're pregnant.

Celebrities who are/were pregnant in heels

Beyonce in her 5th month pregnancy

Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham wearing these Louboutins on her 7th month of pregnancy.

Jennifer Lopez pregnant with twins!!

Kate Hudson on her third trimester


Heidi Klum

Jessica Alba on her 7th month of pregnancy

But is it really safe to wear when you're at the peak of your pregnancy?

as per Jennifer Shu of Babycenter

"Wearing high heels (even wide-based, clunky ones) is not a good idea during pregnancy. That's because your weight increases and your body shape and center of gravity change, making you walk differently (and less steadily). A fall during pregnancy could hurt you and possibly your baby, so think twice before adding height to your growing girth "

So you, would you go for Style over Safety or Safety over Style... I'd go with the latter...

The title of this post was taken from the hit show Pregnant in Heels

"Pregnant in Heels is a reality show following Rosie Pope, a maternity clothing designer and host of the show, as she helps moms to be living in the upscale New York on their pregnancy and motherhood. No, the show doesn't focus on how to wear heels when you're pregnant (maybe on some episodes? I'm not sure) but mainly, on how to survive pregnancy and motherhood while staying chic and fabulous!"

The Epitome of Beauty and Brains

2011-11-06T10:32:00.000-05:00

In this world where vanity takes its toll, we, somehow, have to take a step back and re-evaluate ourselves.

The world is just not about having a gorgeous body or who has the fewer wrinkles.. botox anyone?

These girls strengthen the fact that it's not really enough to be just a DROP DEAD GORGEOUS GAL..

The Epitome of Beauty and Brains

Danica McKellar
The girl- next- door Winnie Cooper in the Wonder Years. She earned her degree in Mathematics in UCLA. She graduated as Summa Cum Laude. She is the author of the best selling books Math Doesn't Suck: How to Survive Middle-School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail, Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who's Boss, Hot X: Algebra Exposed! a true Math Genius!

Natalie Portman
She played as Queen Amidala in the star wars, and a ballerina in the Black Swan where she won her an Oscar award for best actress. Amazingly, she was able to balance her acting career and get an education. She completed her bachelors degree in Psychology in Harvard University. She took graduate courses in Hebrew University of Jerrusalem in 2004.

Jodie Foster

We remembered her for her Oscar award winning role as Clarice Starling in the american thriller film the Silence of the Lambs. She earned her degree in literature as Magna Cum Laude in Yale University.

Mira Sorvino
We loved her for her role as Romy in Romy and Michelle's high school reunion. But she is well known for her academy award winning performance in Mighty Aphrodite. She is a magna cum laude

graduate with a degree in East Asian Studies in Harvard University.

Kristin Chenoweth

I loved her role as Olive Snook in Pushing Daisies where she won an Emmy award. She also won a Tony award for her role in the musical Wicked. She is a graduate of Oklahoma City University with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in musical theater and a master's in opera performance.

Ashley Judd

Our dear Norma Jean.. but I remember her more for her role in Someone Like You. She has a bachelor's degree in French from the University of Kentucky and subsequently earned a Master's degree in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University in 2010.

She is currently active in different humanitarian and political causes. She is a supporter of different charities and foundations such as Children's Medical Research Institute, Defenders of Wildlife, and YouthAIDS to name a few.

Just remember being pretty is hot.. but being smart is hotter! Have a great weekend!

Daylight Saving Time starts 2am Sunday!

2011-11-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

It's that time of the year again that we either lose an hour of sleep or we gain another hour of shut eyed moment. Here's the schedule:

USA & Canada clocks
on Daylight Saving Time until:
Sunday 6 November 2011 2am local time.
Then on Standard Time until:
Sunday 11 March 2012 2am local time

Europe / UK clocks
on Standard Time until:
Sunday 25 March 2012 01:00 GMT

Australia clocks
on Daylight Saving Time

Cuba will end DST two weeks later this year
Delayed to 13 November 2011 at 01:00

This could be a bit confusing, but my only way to remember when to add an hour or when to go back an hour is when it's fall time, you FALL BACK (you switch the time an hour earlier) and on spring time, you SPRING UP (you switch the time an hour more).

So don't forget to adjust your time before you go to sleep!

Used underwear sold for $15000

2011-11-03T23:21:00.000-04:00

image were lifted from Yahoo

My regular day ends with a cup of coffee and my daily Yahoo news. This article really caught my eyes because 1. A USED underwear has been auctioned... read: USED underwear, and 2. This used undergarment was sold for a whopping $15000. Apparently, this silk cream colored bloomers were owned by none other than... the Queen


Queen Victoria; image lifted from NYdailynews

The undergarment shows the hand embroidered initials "VR"

image lifted from Yahoo

As per the news, the undergarments were worn by Queen Victoria in the 1860's.

Now I'm wondering how much are her socks...

Things I wish my mom should have told me

2011-10-28T17:08:00.000-04:00

There comes a point in life that you look back and reevaluate everything that is happening to your life. It's so funny to think that we thought that we knew everything, we actually do not! Our moms knew more, and a lot of those I just wish she should have articulated more...

I wish my mom should have told me that breastfeeding sucks! and I didn't mean that in a literal way :). As much as she said that it's an excellent choice for the baby. It is still hard. No wonder how most moms settled with the infant formula. Expensive yet E A S Y. Don't get me wrong though, my kid was fully breastfed for a year but it was, indeed,a challenge.

I wish she should have told me that TO DISCIPLINE A CHILD IS AN ART. If you scream at the kid, you tend to lower their self esteem. If you just talk to them, you feel that they don't seem to understand. If you hit them ( poor baby! :( ), you go to jail. I'm sure there are a lot of ways of how to discipline your child, you just have to pick which one works for you and stick with it.

I wish she should have told me that doing household chores is ain't fun at all. Thinking back, my life seemed to be so easy. Everything was provided for me. My mom was always there to cook, to make sure that everything that I need is ready. She used to iron our clothes, even the towels and bedsheets! Seriously, the towels and the bedsheets? Imagine, home cooked meals, a clean house, neatly pressed clothes (including towels and bedsheets, or curtains!). I remembered her finishing around 9 in the evening, but she still had a smile on her face. How did she do that?

I wish my mom should have told me that my kid will mean the whole world to me. That I would always miss everything that I do to my kid.. cooking for him, giving him a bath, hugging him, carrying him. No matter how tired we are, at the end of the day we are still longing for them.. to kiss them... to hug them.. Our kids are our world! Right now, I'm enjoying the moment that I feel that I'm the best in his own little world, that it's my face that he wanted to see as soon as he wakes up in the morning. There will come a time that somebody will mean the world to him.. will take good care of him. I dread those days to come, but I have to face it when the time comes.

I wish my mom should have told me that life is not easy. You have to work hard, even harder to survive. And at times that life kicks you hard, you have nobody to count on but yourself. Thank God that through the years, my mom taught me to believe in me. To believe that I can do anything, that I can survive anything. That's probably the reason why I can still keep my focus even when the going gets tough. Ciao!

Working out... just fine

2011-10-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

I've never been a believer of working out to lose weight. Call it laziness but it really doesn't do anything for me. Years ago, I used to starve myself to shed off some pounds. After I achieved my desired weight, I'll start eating again. Obviously, I'm not a health freak, I just eat whatever I want to eat. Steak, cake, ice cream, chocolate, coke, gummy bears.. vegetables? No way! that's too healthy! LOL. I would even have my dessert first before my main meal, those moments drive my colleagues crazy. But I didn't care that much until... I gained 70 lbs. So from size 2, I had my post natal body in size 12. There are times that when I look at the mirror, I would justify my bulging body and tell myself that "I just had a baby". I think this type of reasoning is only good for the first 6 months of the baby's life. If you're still saying it when your "baby" is already 6 yrs old, like in my case, then we have a problem! lol

So I started looking for ways to shed off my extra pounds. I tried Pilates for 2 weeks, it's too much for me, so I stopped. I tried Yoga for 2 days, I find it too boring. I tried Hiphop Yoga just to make it more funky, it still didn't do anything for me, so again, I stopped.

Then there was Zumba. I tried it because a lot of people were saying how fun it is. And it is, indeed, FUN. Fun in a sense that I would want to do it everyday if I can. It is actually a mixture of latin dance, caribbean, bollywood, hiphop, etc rolled into one full hour of working out. Zumba is more like attending a party than just working out. I usually go to the regular zumba classes and zumba toning. Zumba toning is your regular zumba dance class with weights.

Slowly, I see my weight going down and for just 3 months of doing Zumba I went from size 12 to size 8 now, which is pretty phenomenal. I still eat whatever I want to eat though! I didn't starve myself. I didn't try those slimming tea. I lost weight while I'm having fun, which is great! Now, the clothes fit better, when I look at the mirror I'm happy to see the healthier me. I have included some links that I find useful if you guys want to try zumba classes. Enjoy!

Zumba Fashionistas Zumba Classes near you

Extreme Couponing

2011-10-19T09:29:00.000-04:00

I love to shop! I think most women are. I must admit I'm a bit of an impulsive buyer especially when there's a big ongoing sale. So, I try to stay away from stores as much as possible but what can you do? I just thank God that I have a job that can support this .. err.."guilty pleasure". Then I've learned using coupons or the online deals available throughout the net. It makes your purchases look sweeter.

Have you heard of Extreme Couponing?

Extreme Couponing is a show from the TLC channel where people collect coupons from newspapers, mails, or magazines, then use them for their purchases. It's amazing how these people can actually save. In an episode before, one mom actually lowered down the total amount from $600 to $2 with the use of her coupons. It's just too bad that this can only be done in the US. I watch this show religiously.

Anyway here in Canada, we have our own source of printable coupons too, or those that you can just sign up and have it delivered on your mailbox.

Frugal Shopper

Smart Canucks

Save.ca

What about online deals? Here are the ones that I used already and swear by it!

Teambuy Living Social Groupon Tuango Dealfind

Deal of the day

For free licensed softwares --> Giveaway of the day

I'll add some more. I think I have a lot more in my mailbox..

There, you can buy vouchers of everything from hotels to restaurants, from a year of gym membership to your kid's classes, from a spa to your kid's haircut, from a grand vacation to a night out with your family. What makes it better is that you get to purchase a voucher in less than a quarter of the original price.

Beauty under IPL

2011-10-14T19:56:00.000-04:00

2 years ago I had electrolysis done on my upper lip. It took 2 years for it to be completely done. It was long but it was effective. I loved it! The only thing that I didn't like was on the first few months that I did it, it left black spots on my upper lip. It stayed for the first 8 months, then vanished right after.

Last week, I bought a coupon for IPL from one of those deal coupons available on the net.

But what is IPL? I didn't know what that is until last week..

"It is a method of hair removal from the body most commonly employed by medical practitioners and estheticians. It involves the use of a specially constructed xenon flash lamp and focusing optics.

IPL hair removal is cheaper and faster than laser hair removal. Although the precise effectiveness of IPL compared to laser epilation is debated by scientists, equipment manufacturers and practitioners, their results are generally accepted to be roughly equivalent. IPL can also be used as a skin treatment in a process known as photorejuvenation." (from Wikipedia)

I'm planning to have it done on my underarm. I'm just a little concerned because I have a very sensitive skin.. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

A preschooler no more..

2010-01-31T16:02:00.000-05:00

I've been very busy lately. The reality of life has shaken me off a little bit that blogging has to take the back seat for a moment. But now, I'm back!. So, what I've been up to now? Teaching my 4 yr old son how to write. He's going to kindergarten pretty soon so he has to learn how to write.

Just a little bragging... my son is slightly trilingual but very bilingual (english, french and a little tagalog). At the age of 3, he can read the time, he can spell, he can count up to 100 or even more. He can read 3 letter words. He has a very good memory and a great sense of direction which I'm quite sure that he didn't get that from me. His teachers said that for his age, he is, indeed,really smart.

But there's a problem, his fine motor skills are still lagging. Guess you really can't have everything, eh? He had some difficulties in writing. So the teachers suggested for him to finish a task in writing every night. We've been doing that quite religiously (kudos to my husband) and I must say it was a huge help (again, kudos to my husband, he's always been there motivating my son). Now, you could see a tremendous improvement from day 1.

The following are links or, should I say, tools that helped my son in learning how to write. Hope these could help yours too..

This crayola product is like your traditional magic slate that you could doodle and erase, except that it has a lot of activities inside. We got ours in Walmart for $13. Not bad.

Amazing handwriting worksheet maker

Alphabet worksheets and activities

It's christmas!

2009-12-24T00:21:00.001-05:00

I've been very very busy lately. I've been working for, I think, 10 hours a day for the past 3 weeks. Which also means a 5 minute lunch break is almost impossible. Thank God, I was able to finish my christmas shopping in between my workload. Our office was so freaking busy. Well, just a thought, how come suddenly people just got excited to go to the dentist at this time of the year?... at winter time... when it's too cold? I have no idea, but it was crazy!!! Done with the crazy days.. now it's time for my family and myself. I took 2 weeks off from work to spend quality time with them. That's what christmas is all about anyway.

~ ~Have a blessed christmas everybody! ~ ~

My brother is getting hitched!

2009-12-13T07:58:00.000-05:00

Two months ago, my brother announced that he's marrying his long time girlfriend Melisa on December 2010. Finally! We've been bugging him for the last 2 yrs to get married, but that time Melisa was still in law school. From the time that I've learned that they're getting married, I've been bombarding the bride-to-be of emails concerning the venues for the ceremony and reception, and other wedding details. I think I'm more excited than her. and I really am!!

So to my Kuya and Melisa, my warm wishes for a lifetime of joy and togetherness..

~ ~ ~ Cheers! ~ ~ ~

Buy Gifts or DIY?

2009-12-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

It's exactly 14 days before christmas. I've done my christmas shopping already, I just need to buy few more gifts to complete my list. With regards to gifts, would you consider buying one or a diy? So buying vs homemade? I would say buy! hahhaha kidding! Well, I'm not really a DIY kind of girl, not because I'm not crafty enough, because truth be told I am a little crafty. But, it's just that I really do not have the patience. On the contrary, I'd say homemade gifts will always be the winner, it would always top my list. If I receive something homemade, fancy or not, I'll keep them. Last year, I gave away 3 kinds of cookies. I got the recipe from Chipits and I packed them inside dollar store plastic containers, and wrapped them in a cellophane, put ribbons, and they were good to go. Everybody loved them. Well, it was good not only because I followed the recipe well, but I made it with more than a cupful of love. This year I'm planning to give away leche flan to people close to my heart. I would like to share some homemade gift ideas that I received from busymomtips. You can get an idea or two from this so have fun and be creative!

10 HOMEMADE GIFT IDEAS

1. Edible Treats: Package homemade cookies, peppermint bark, or sugared pecans in old-fashioned tins that can be found at thrift shops and garage sales.

2. Painted Pots: Take a standard, inexpensive clay pot and paint in a solid color. Let it dry completely and then decorate it with your own design. Personalize it by adding the recipient’s name. Finally, plant some herbs or a small plant in the pot for an extra special touch.

3. Printable Coupons: Design (or use an online template) and print out coupons to be used as stocking stuffers or stapled into a little booklet as a gift. A few suggestions for the coupons are: Good for One Hug (or Kiss); Good for One Back Rub; Redeem for a Car Wash; Take the Night Off; Have Breakfast in Bed. Be creative!

4. Printable Calendars: Use one of the many available calendar templates or software programs to personalize a calendar for a loved one by adding pictures and special dates

5. Handprint Canvas Bag: Have the kids stamp a plain, light-colored canvas bag with their handprints. Simply paint their hands with fabric paint and then press them on the bag. You can paint on stems, leaves, or other designs or lettering (such as the kids’ names) with fabric paint or a fabric marker. Note: may take a day or two to dry so give yourself plenty of time to finish this project.

6. Message Board: Make a colorful message board by wrapping a piece of fabric around a rectangular piece of styrofoam and glueing the ends to the back. Then create a grid by wrapping strips of ribbon around the board so that pictures and messages can be easily tucked behind the ribbon.

7. Button Picture Frame: Paint a plain wooden picture frame (remove glass first) and let dry. Glue a variety of old buttons to the frame to create an unusual and interesting frame for family pictures.

8. Marbleized Christmas Ornaments: Squirt 2-3 different colors of acrylic paint inside of a clear glass ornament, and gently swirl the paint around. Let paint dry completely before adding the topper and tying it with a ribbon.

9. Family Cookbook: Ask all of the family members to contribute some of their favorite recipes to be typed up, printed out, and copied into a cookbook for all of the family to enjoy. You can have the cookbooks professionally bound by a printer such as Kinko’s, or put inside of a report cover or notebook with your own cover design or picture.

10. Garden Stepping Stones: Decorate plain concrete stepping stones by painting your own design with acrylic paints or using the kids’ hand or feet prints. Let dry completely before applying 1-2 coats of acrylic sealer.

I would like to add a sweet treat recipe book on digital scrapbook layouts. If you're not a photoshop junkie, not a problem. They came up with a program called Smilebox. It's a downloadable program wherein you could create scrapbook layouts and play with your pictures. It's wayyy better than Scrapbookflair. I love photoshop and I'm comfortable using them but for some people who are not patient with photoshop, this is your best bet.

Let's all be creative this christmas!