an attempt to remain sane in this insane world...

Happy, Happy Meal at McDo!

2013-05-16T17:36:00.000+08:00

Guess who's back at McDonald's?! Oh yes, happy-happy, joy-joy! It's Hello Kitty!

Just yesterday, after I driving-thru for brunch at McDonald's, I wondered about the next toy for their Happy Meal. RL tries to collect all the toys for boys, while A would occasionally collect the girl toys if she is into it. The previous Happy Meal had Barbie for girls, and she was never into the doll.

When I got to the office, I saw McDonald's making the announcement on their Facebook Page - it's Hello Kitty and VooV for this month's Happy Meal!

So guess who will be having McDonald's everyday for the next week or so? LOL!

Catch Hello Kitty and VooV at McDonald's today! Each Happy Meal comes with a toy. Collect them all!

| Source: facebook.com/McDo.ph

#ThrowbackThursday: Beach!

2013-05-16T13:37:00.001+08:00

My kids love the beach. But we haven't been back this year. Last year, we went to far-off Lobo, Batangas for our company outing, but the beach there is rocky. A enjoyed though, because Lobo's shore is littered with hermit crab and shells. We don't take 'em home. She just loves them!

We were supposed to go to Boracay with my siblings for Labor Day, but couldn't get any more flights (as it was a last-minute decision). Oh well, maybe we could do Subic or Anvaya before school starts. Or yes, Mia, Matabungkay!

Here are some beach photos of the kids taken three years ago.

This was at Adventure Beach, owned and operated by Camayan Beach Resort.

A spends most of the time searching for shells and hermit crab.

It is so hot right now in Manila. Makes me want to take that drive to the beach. Why aren't there clean and decent beaches nearby? So sad.

Which beach do you usually frequent?

It's Here! Crocs Megasale 2013!

2013-05-15T21:29:00.000+08:00

Have you been waiting for this?

It's here and it's happening soon! Crocs Megasale is back with discounts up to 90%!

What: CROCS MEGASALE 2013

When: MAY 30-JUNE 2, 2013, 10AM-8PM*

Where: NBC TENT, BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, TAGUIG

Cash payment and all major credit cards are accepted. FREE entrance for all Citibank cardholders, and P50 entrance fee for non-Citi shoppers.

Source: facebook.com/crocsph

*Stay tuned for announcements on the exclusive Citibank preview sale. They haven't made any announcements yet, but since Citibank is part of this year's sale, it is bound to happen (it happens every year, hehe).

Growing Alfalfa

2013-05-15T15:38:00.001+08:00

...and no, I don't mean Alfalfa from The Little Rascals, but Alfalfa... er... Sprouts. (Hehe, Corny!)

My former boss and mentor, MC, would always bring Alfalfa to work. Then she would literally force everyone to try it with pâté and bread or crackers (I think I take after her when it comes to convincing co-workers to explore food. So far, I've forced people to eat Durian, Arugula, Champorado, Guacamole, etc.). So anyway, because of her, I've come to appreciate Alfalfa with just about anything -Salads, Sandwiches, Crackers and even just snacking on it with Cream Cheese by the spoonful.

The thing about store-bought Alfalfa is this - you don't know how long it has been sitting there. Sure, it sits in the chiller section, but many times in the past, I've purchased a pack that had wilting Alfalfa inside (you can't quite see the roots). After reading a few articles on the internet, I've learned that Alfalfa is pretty easy to grow. The hard part is finding seeds.

I work close to a bunch of garden shops, and often go to get compost, etc for my planter box garden. Once, when my dad had me go to get him something for his garden, I noticed they actually sold Alfalfa seeds!

Condor Seeds is distributed by Allied Botanical Corp.
http://www.alliedbotanical.com

So, last year, we started growing our own Alfalfa. It takes 5-6 days! Nothing to it!

WHAT YOU NEED:
Packet of Alfalfa Sprouts Seeds
500g Disposable Food Container w/ lid
Paper Towel
Hand-held Water Sprayer
Water

Get a Disposable Food Container and line it with a folded paper towel.

I didn't have plain ones that day. Oops.

Sprinkle some seeds onto the towel (about a teaspoon or two would do). Fill the water sprayer with water, and spray your seeds until they are completely wet.

The paper towel will hold moisture and keep your seed damp.

Cover the food container overnight. Keep your little sprouter container in a dark place. I just kept it sitting on the kitchen counter, under the shelves.

This will encourage seed germination.

Because it is currently hot and humid, spray your seeds with water twice a day.

RL took charge in spritzing the seeds everyday.

Some tutorials call for you to thoroughly rinse your seeds every 12 hours. You can do this, too, to make sure you wet your sprouts. Use the lid to filter the water and prevent the seeds from spilling out of your container.

I prefer to just spray with water for the first 3 days.

On the fifth day, you can move your container to a windowsill for it get a little sun. This will encourage your sprouts to turn green.

Ready to eat!

Rinse your sprouts with filtered water a few times to get most of the husks out. Keep in the refrigerator until use. These can keep in the refrigerator for about a week at most. We usually eat within a couple of days. Remember to rinse thoroughly before serving!

Use them on hamburgers, sandwiches, salads, and many more!

Cream Cheese and Mango with Alfalfa sandwich. NOM!

Cream Cheese and Alfalfa on a cracker. Perfect snack! NOM!

I've actually tried growing Alfalfa in a mason jar (as most tutorials online show you how to grow them that way), but it didn't work for me. The sprouts don't grow as fast, and when mine were still less than half an inch long after a week, I decided to just throw them out.

I have watched a few videos on it lately, and I shall try again soon (although I followed instructions to the T that first attempt). Anyway, this way works for me.

Have you tried growing Alfalfa? Have you tried EATING Alfalfa?

Alfalfa contains a concentrated amount of vitamins and minerals - these include calcium, vitamin K and vitamin C. The best part? Alfalfa contains just 8 calories and 0 grams of fat per cup.

Mama's Magic in a Stick

2013-05-14T19:25:00.000+08:00

I've been a fan of SoTrue since Mia first introduced me to her baby project. And I've come to conclude that most often than not, natural is indeed better for the body. However, because I've had to deal with migraine on a regular basis, I now already know for a fact that nothing natural helps (well in my case, that is). I almost always grab a pill to get through it, if not to help stop it before it gets any worse. And yes, that means, taking medicine needlessly.

So when she had me try this new product at last month's ExpoMom, I wasn't immediately convinced it could work wonders for headaches. She was explaining how I could apply this on mosquito bites, bruises, small cuts, diaper rash, headaches, etc. and yet, when KY asked me if she could have my stick, I let her steal it from me.

But see, our friend JT started posting raves about the stick, and how it works wonders. So because I am a sucker for testimonials, when I went to visit Mia at Balik Bukid a couple of weeks ago, I bought myself a stick.

And guess what? I LOVE IT! According to Mia, Mama's Kiss has aromatherapy benefits and works as a miracle balm of sorts. She decided to make Mama's Kiss "because of lavender essential oil's soothing properties. I first used it on my son's nappy rash..." And soothing it is! So far, I've had three major migraines, and rubbing this on my temples works like a charm. Of course there are big headaches that still need medication, but hey, I no longer medicate for prevention. Instead, I am quick to apply Mama's Kiss on my temples and forehead in order to prevent a major migraine from happening. And it has worked!

It works like Magic! I love my Mama's Kiss stick!

Yesterday, while at our family's post-Mother's Day lunch, KY told me how she applied Mama's Kiss (yes, the one she stole from my bag) on a nasty bug bite. "I only applied twice. Once when it happened, and once after I took a bath. When I woke up the next morning, the bite was gone. No marks! And it didn't even itch. Magic!"

I'm telling you, this has even helped with my insomnia. Mama's Kiss is made with lavender essential oils and I have been sleeping like a baby. I was telling my dad yesterday when we were discussing the stick that it makes me relax and I feel like I'm getting a massage (LOL! It smells like I just had one kasi).

Even my little boy RL loves it. He's such a chatterbug at 1am, when we're both trying to get some shut-eye. So lately, I've discovered that rubbing this on his forehead does the trick. He's asleep in no time!

Can you say magic?

Mama's Kiss is SoTrue Naturals' newest product. Just ask them for their magic stick. Retails for P180, 5g stick.

| SoTrue Naturals
| facebook.com/sotruecastilesoap

1 Out of 365 Days.

2013-05-13T03:12:00.000+08:00

...now if only R would come into his senses. LOL!

www.babyblues.com

Mother's Day comes only once in 365 days. It would be nice to be able to take a break some time. Husbands, value your wives, and to you, Children, value your moms. You can never fill their shoes.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Due to Popular Demand... Extreme 17 (In Detail)!

2013-05-13T02:28:00.000+08:00

Okay. It took me a while to get this posted. I was thinking you probably didn't need a detailed walkthrough, and you'd probably figure out my strategy from that other short post. But then, I've received tweets, comments, text messages, FB messages, etc about Carrot Fantasy Extreme Level 17. So here's that detailed walkthrough. Enjoy!

Yes, let's cut through the chase, shall we?

Start with planting two STAR towers on the two empty plots as shown. Upgrade the right star to max, and the left star once.

Work on destroying the cloud above the left STAR tower. This should reveal a sun. Then if you have enough coins, upgrade the left STAR to max as well.

Next, work on destroying the plot of trees on the right of the right STAR tower.

The SUN and the left STAR will work on killing the pests.

The bunch o' trees will reveal four FISH towers. Upgrade as you go. Work on destroying the small chest above the FISH to get extra coins.

Then immediately work on destroying the lower large chest. Upgrade FISH towers to max as you go.

The large chest will reveal ANCHOR towers. Make sure all your FISH towers have been upgraded to max. Then upgrade the three ANCHOR towers as shown. Change the upper right ANCHOR tower to a FREEZE tower. Upgrade to max.

NOTE: You may want to pause through this wave. There is a big pest that goes by really fast in this wave. You must have your FISH upgraded to max, as well as those ANCHORS and the FREEZE tower. These will help you kill that big pest.

Work on eliminating the obstacles at the right of the track. Start with the giant chest.

Continue with the rest of the obstacles on the lower right of track. The small crate on the left will actually reveal a STAR tower. Replace with a MUSHROOM (see photo below). Upgrade to max so you can collect extra coins. Work on the rest of the obstacles.

In the process, you will be able to destroy the small cloud hiding the OCTOPUS tower.
Upgrade that to max when you can.

Once you destroy the big lower right cloud, it will reveal four GREEN SHOOTERS (I call 'em PEA SHOOTERS, but this isn't Plants vs. Zombies, LOL). Replace the two left GREEN SHOOTERS with MUSHROOMS, such that three MUSHROOM towers line the right of the track. Upgrade all to max, including the GREEN SHOOTERS. Plant a STAR tower above the GREEN SHOOTERS. Upgrade that to max as well.

All that shooting will open up other obstacles.
Work on upgrading to max all the obstacles at the beginning of the track first.

Next, eliminate obstacles on top of the track. Plant FREEZE towers in its place. Upgrade to max.

See that POO tower? Delete that and replace with a FREEZE tower.

Next, upgrade to max those two FISH towers on the upper left of track. The hot air balloon to the right of the SUN tower will contain CLOVER/ WINDMILL towers. Delete the upper ones and replace with FREEZE towers. Upgrade to max.

The bunch of trees on a cloud to the left of the SUN tower will contain HOT STAR (red) towers. Once again, delete the two HOT STAR towers on top and replace with FREEZE towers, upgrade to max. Also work on upgrading your SUN.

Then work on upgrading the rest of your towers to max. Your game should look like the photo below.

Add a FREEZE tower above the MUSHROOMS. Upgrade to max. Plant a STAR tower under the lower right ANCHOR. Upgrade to max as you go.

Add a FREEZE tower to the right of the four FREEZE towers on top of track. Upgrade to max. This should help you slow down the pests in the last few waves.

With your extra coins, plant STAR towers under the CARROT. This will help with your defense.

And yes, upgrade to max.

By the end of wave 14, your game should look like this:

Pause your game. The replace the STAR tower (directly above the OCTOPUS) with a FREEZE tower. Replace two of your MUSHROOMS with FREEZE towers as well. See photo below:

The sole MUSHROOM should get you extra coins to plant more STAR towers
around the track. Upgrade for maximum defense.

All that maxed towers should help you kill the boss.

Pow, pow, pow! Ulch! LOL! Bye-bye, boss!

Et voila! YOU WIN!

Say what?! It's the GOLDEN CARROT!

GOLD and CLEAR! Yay!

So see, nothing to it! Good luck with your game! And remember, patience is a virtue. LOL!

Did this help you? Leave me a comment (I'd appreciate it if you'd like this post, too)! Thanks!

Mother's Day 2013

2013-05-12T23:21:00.001+08:00

I had a long day. No nanny, and I have both kids at home (A is spending Mother's Day weekend here, then she's heading back to my folks' tomorrow - she's spending the summer there). We woke up late, so we had to rush to church because A had a meeting with her v-group. We were initially planning on having special lunch somewhere, but my family's celebrating tomorrow, so we saved our cash and did fastfood. LOL!

Church was encouraging. Pastor Larry spoke about mothers, even single moms, and how we go through each season with God at our side. Short of saying He's got our back, he encourages moms to never give up.

I had to battle doubt and bitterness early this morning. RL spoke to his dad on the phone, while I was in the bathroom. And A told me she feels bad for her little brother because she heard him telling R that he wants him home (to bring him to Jollibee and the "pelangke" to buy Maxx Candy, LOL). I don't understand how he can make empty promises over and over, and not feel bad for his kids.

But then, we're in this season, and God tells up there is hope on the next bend.

It is hard being a single mom. But as we ended church with a prayer, RL stood on the seat and wrapped his arms around me. There are things I may not be able to give my kids (like a decent dad, maybe), but I have come to realize... there is nothing wrong with me being a sole parent. And it isn't my fault R is the way he is. My kids are blessed regardless. They have a God who provides, a mom who loves them, grandmothers who dote on them, an achi who is more than a great big sister, and a whole load of aunties and titas who are more than willing to go the extra mile for their benefit.

To all the moms and mommy-figures in my kids' lives, Happy Mom's Day to you. xx

Happy Mother's Day!

God's Promises #4

2013-05-10T18:37:00.003+08:00

I am ending this work day frustrated. But I don't want to go into details. Nevertheless, it still is a great day. The week has ended and I can't wait to spend the extended weekend with the kids. That, plus it is Mother's Day on Sunday, and we are having family lunch on Monday (avoiding the crowd). I am feeling extra tired from the week that passed. Mostly, physically tired and mentally drained. Today, to cap off that tiring week, I've had to deal with emotional stress, but nothing about married life, just work and working relationships. So yes, I am exhausted, to say the least.

While looking to God for relief, I came across this verse - this promise! How appropriate! He is ALWAYS on time!

HE KEEPS HIS PROMISES.

Praise the Lord! He promised he would give rest to his people Israel, and he has given us rest. The Lord has kept all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.

1 Kings 8:56
New Century Version

Making Homemade Yogurt!

2013-05-08T21:14:00.001+08:00

My little boy is a yogurt addict. We used to purchase over two dozen cups a month, maybe more. But then, I always thought the ones being sold in supermarkets (at least the flavored ones) were too sweet. My uncle makes his own yogurt at home and once, during a meeting a few years back, he told us how relatively easy it was to make your own. So, last year, I decided to get on Google to see if I can make some for RL. Apparently, most sites call for a candy thermometer. I had planned on getting one, until I stumbled upon one of those how-to videos on Youtube that claimed you can actually gauge by touch. Also, if you were to use Ultra-Pasteurized, UHT or milk that wasn't raw, then there really is no need to boil your milk to a specific degree.

Websites with homemade yogurt tutorials will tell you not to use UHT or store-bought milk because apparently, UHT milk won't set into yogurt. However, I've read on other forums, especially ones based here, that you can make yogurt with the boxed kind, even powdered full cream milk, and hello, let's consider availability. Let's be practical. Admit it, we don't really have good milk in Supermarkets. And I don't want to have to go to Tagaytay or Market, Market, etc just to find good milk for my yogurt. My goal was to make one with less sugar. And who knows what kind of milk commercially-made yogurts have in it anyway?

So I went ahead and tried to make a batch. I took pictures of that first batch but they are now buried somewhere among the 6,000 photos on my iPhone. So a couple of weeks ago, when we made our nth batch, I decided to take photos again for this post.

The key to good Yogurt is good milk (how bad for us, no? LOL) and starter. So far, I've made milk from whole milk - both the ones available in Supermarkets (Hacienda Macalauan, California Sunshine, etc) and the ones being sold by suppliers (Mr. Moo, Milk Man, etc). When I don't have access to good milk, then I make from boxed "fresh" milk. LOL! The batch I made for these photos, I used boxed Cowhead milk (not powdered). Apparently, according to Chef in Disguise, Sawsan, and one of her readers, you can make yogurt from all sorts of milk, even soy milk (but not almond milk)! I love this blog of hers, by the way.

Anyway, here's a step-by-step guide on how I made my yogurt.

To make about a liter of yogurt, you're going to need the following:

1 Liter Milk

1/4 Cup Starter (yogurt with live bacteria)

1/4 Cup Powdered Milk

When I don't have old yogurt to start my process, I just toss in the whole container of store-bought yogurt.

Sauce pan to heat your milk
Jar or Container for your yogurt

Step 1: Heat your milk in a pot. You must boil first if you are using fresh/ raw milk, then cool it down to about 40°C. But if using UHT or store-bought milk that has gone through sterilization, then you only need to heat until it is40°C. If you don't have a candy thermometer, you want it to be warm to the touch.

Using a pasta pot to heat my milk.

Step 2: Transfer milk to container. You can check if milk is warm to the touch or too hot by dipping a clean finger for a few seconds. The temperature must be warm enough, but should not feel like you are burning the tip of your finger. If too hot or scalding, cool down first. You will kill the live bacteria in your starter if your milk is too hot.

You can use an ice bath or a cold water bath to cool down your milk if you've heated it too much.

Step 3: When your milk is at the right temperature, add 1/4 cup of powdered milk. Carefully mix it in. NOTE: You should only do this if you want yogurt of thicker and creamier consistency. I used Birch Tree Full Cream Powdered Milk as it was the only thing available at home.

Step 4: Add 1/4 cup of starter. Most recipes call for 1 tablespoon, but if you want your yogurt to be a tad sour, use more. I usually just pour in the whole small container of store-bought yogurt, if I don't have old homemade yogurt to use as starter. It doesn't matter if you are using a flavored starter, the flavor will be mild, you won't notice the taste in your homemade yogurt anyway. You just need to make sure your starter has LIVE MICROORGANISMS. Or you won't get your yogurt. And yes, you can use Yakult! Also, keep in mind that your starter MUST NOT be cold. You need it at room temperature to get those live bacteria going. Mix into the milk with slow upwards strokes (please don't ask why, I just followed one of those how-tos I watched, haha).

TIP: I usually take the starter out of the refrigerator right when I'm about to make a batch. It should warm down enough to the right temperature when you're about to pour it in.

Step 5: Cover container. In order for your milk to turn into yogurt, you need to keep it covered in a warm place. You must put it in your "incubator" (for lack of an appropriate word!) for it to set properly. Some people put their yogurt in an oven or a cooler. I usually just wrap the jar or container in a blanket, place it in a large pot and forget about it for about 6 hours or more.

The longer that incubation period, the thicker the consistency of your yogurt and the more sour it will be.

I usually just use the same pasta pot to incubate my yogurt. I wash it first, of course. LOL!

I used RL's Mickey blanket (as it is small enough to wrap the jar and fit in the pot) as a jar warmer.

After about 4 hours (and since it is warm in the Philippines), you can check on your yogurt. If it is warm enough, it would have set already. We like our yogurt tart, so we make our yogurt late at night, and leave it incubating 'til morning (about 8 hours). Usually, the right consistency and taste is achieved after letting it set for 6 hours. But really, it depends on you and your taste buds.

Photo of a different batch. Checking after 4 hours if yogurt is ready.
Powdered milk means less whey on top.

Et voila! Homemade yogurt!

Yay! Homemade yogurt! In my beautiful Ball jar from Paper Chic Studio.

You would want to keep about 1/4 cup of yogurt as you make a batch - to use as starter for your next batch. Homemade yogurt can keep to about 2 weeks (sometimes more) when kept in a cold refrigerator.

I must warn you though. This is plain yogurt. You can sweeten with fresh fruits or honey. Or even sugar (at least, in your desired amount!). My son loves strawberry yogurt, but the fresh ones don't really sweeten the yogurt the way he wants it to taste like (sobrang nasanay sa store-bought ones, haay), so I use Smucker's Strawberry Squeeze. Yum!

You guys should try Smucker's Squeeze!
Available in leading supermarkets, in Strawberry Fruit Spread or Grape Jelly.
Also in Reduced Sugar Strawberry.

I love how I can control portions and how sweet I want his yogurt to be. I, however, eat my yogurt plain as a topping for cereals, instead of milk. Sometimes, I add a teaspoon of honey. Basta, it's good, and way, way better than store-bought.

Yogurt with fresh Philippine mangoes! Nom!

Also, I've recently discovered that you can make sour cream from your homemade yogurt by mixing in lemon juice (or calamansi) and letting it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours. I've used this as a dip for chips, too (I actually didn't wait for two hours, more like two minutes, haha)!

Homemade yogurt, anyone?

VIP Status!

2013-05-07T11:19:00.004+08:00

Drive thru at any McDonald's today and get your VIP sticker to enjoy VIP Status! With this sticker, you are entitled to a FREEBIE* whenever you drive-thru at McDonald's.

I have mine! Go get yours today!

*Freebies are subject to the promo terms and conditions of McDonald's at a particular time. To know more, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph or like their Facebook page: facebook.com/McDo.ph

God's Promises #3

2013-05-06T18:45:00.003+08:00

DO NOT BE AFRAID.

Photo from BloodBoughtChad.blogspot.com

Don’t panic.
I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God.
I’ll give you strength.
I’ll help you.
I’ll hold you steady,
keep a firm grip on you.

Isaiah 41:10
The Message

Mondays.

2013-05-06T17:49:00.000+08:00

I left my mobile phone at home. Bah! What a way to start the week. But all is good. I actually feel good today. I have no idea what's different. I just woke up telling myself it's going to be a great week.

Do you ever get that feeling? I mean, waking up on Monday and just knowing how the rest of the week is going to be?

I worked this weekend. I thought I'd catch up with pending stuff and found myself actually enjoying the time I spent juggling between encoding new releases and watching "The Lucky One" on rewind (that's because I kept going back to scenes I missed while filling out information sheets, haha).

Filled up information sheets for permits for these new releases...

It's mighty quiet at home, what with A spending the summer at my folks' and RL pretending he is the only child. Leave him with his Lego kits, and you're sure to find loads of peace and quiet - that is, until he gets tired (and mind you, this little boy gets bored easily, but yes, we're working on his patience).

RL putting together a LEGO Firetruck all by himself.

Saturday. We were supposed to head out to BGC for "Chak the Walk" but A decided she didn't want to go (because it had rained hard in our area and she wanted to be home when my siblings get home from Boracay) and RL just wanted to stay in bed (after spending most of his morning and afternoon at Trumpets). He actually slept through the rest of the day, getting up at 10pm to get dinner then played with his LEGO sets until the end of the movie (and encoding).

Sunday. I had to check on the new girl manning our Greenhills store. We were late for the 2 o'clock service and pretty early for the 4 o'clock. I guess all the waiting got to RL as he ended up sleeping in big church! Oops. At the last minute, and because it wasn't as traffic yesterday (compared to Friday and Saturday's mall sale traffic), I took RL to Rockwell after church to catch the last day of Make Your Own Havaianas 2013. Yes, yes, I know, a late notice to you readers. I was planning on blogging about it before the actual event (like I always do), but I got caught up with work. Last week was mighty crazy!

Deciding which pins to put on his sister's pair.

I wanted to get lime green flip flops (as it is the closest color to anything flou) but they ran out of the soles! I suppose I should start going on the first day. Two years ago, I had won tickets to their pre-event and got A and I the colors we had wanted. I ended up getting dark gray slims with lime green straps and a hot air balloon to commemorate this year's MYOH. Beautiful pair! I'm not quite sure if A will like hers. She wasn't with us yesterday, since she opted to sit this year out. But I got her purple ones with amethyst straps and a bicycle pin, since that's what she's been doing all summer - bike (and swim).

RL was proud with our finished work, he gladly posed with our loot. Oh, we used our Citibank Card and got a 10% discount! I would have gotten more, only A's enrollment is this week and we're on a super strict budget.

~~~ * ~~~

So, I forgot all about finishing this post earlier. Mondays always mean more work, especially since my brother moved to corporate and I'm struggling two positions. In the meantime, remember what I said about knowing today would be a great day (as with the rest of the week)?

Well, today I got blessed with an early birthday gift! Thank you, Mike and Mitchelle!

Then my bff J told me she was coming over tonight with a surprise from her mom (I'm guessing some Durian! So do watch out, neighbors!). It isn't even my birthday until the end of the month! And you know how enrollment's this week? I found out from my daughter that tuition this year is a whopping __ thousand pesos!!! Excuse the blank, but I do not want you rolling your eyes asking me why. But see, I didn't even have time to worry about getting the money. Yesterday, I had to get money from the ATM and lo and behold, when I checked to see how much I had, I realized God was way ahead of me. Half of our 13th month pay got deposited early, and I already have enough to cover the first installment for tuition! And I think I can come up with enough cash to cover books, supplies and uniforms. Isn't God grand?

I am feeling the love! Thank you, friends! Thank You, Lord!

Great times!

Jars of Clay CD Winners!

2013-05-03T17:42:00.003+08:00

Sorry! Sorry! I was planning on posting this a few weeks back, but events at the office got in the way, and I completely forgot this was still pending. As such, I am throwing in a couple of freebies (secret!) when I send out your prizes!

Without any more delays, here are the winners for that Jars of Clay promo! Each winning a Jars of Clay THE SHELTER CD plus something... uh... secret. Hehe.

DIANE CAMILLE ADRAQUE

JONATHAN BLAS

JOVIL OROZCO

JAYLORD RODRIGUEZ

PAUL MICHAEL CO

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations, winners! I shall send you an email over the weekend on how to claim your prize. Please expect it on the email address you used to join the giveaway.

Special thanks to House of Praise for the Jars of Clay loot!

Okay, now that that's done... it's time for another one... SOON!

Eleven!

2013-05-03T15:59:00.002+08:00

This is a little late, but better late than never!

My daughter A celebrated her 11th birthday three Sundays ago. Yes, ELEVEN! Can you believe it? Wasn't it just yesterday that I wrote her this letter for her 8th Birthday? That was the year that tested our faith, and hey, I must say, we came out strong!

Too embarrassed to be center of attention. Photo courtesy of my little brother.

A will be in the 6th grade this school year. How did that happen?!

Gone are the days when I can carry her with one hand while doing household chores. Nope, she's almost as tall as I am, and now wears a shoe size 9! Crazy.

~~~ * ~~~

To A,

Because it is #FlashbackFriday (actually publishing this on a Friday but initially wrote this post for #ThrowbackThursday), here is a throwback photo blog of my favorite photos of you - taken through the years - eleven years! Happy birthday, Beautiful! Momma loves you very much.

~~~ * ~~~

A's first Christmas, with her Little Tikes Coupe from Ama P!
Another photo, similar to this one, made it to the second issue of Smart Parenting.

Her first Enchanted Kingdom visit. It rained that day, and we got FREE tickets to go back. Hehe.
You can't sit on the Wizard na now. We tried to duplicate this shot with RL. But the guards were quick to stop us.

With our super poodle, July. A still misses him. R gave him away when we moved out of the condo.

A feeding our cockatiel, Chippy.

This photo of A at Davao's Crocodile Farm made it to Smart Parenting!

A's very first trip to Disneyland!

First school presentation. Wearing Achi KY's Casa Graduation outfit.

Flower girl at my friend A's wedding.

A - the Littlest Pet Shop addict

A is a great big sister to RL!

All she wanted that Christmas? Her two front teeth!

This is one of my favorite photos of the kids! RL loves to photobomb, even as a baby. Hehe!

A, with her favorite teacher and second mom, Teacher M (from her old school).

Because we used to live in a condo with a pool, A learned how to swim on her own.
She is even better than me, and I took formal swimming lessons for three whole summers!

Isn't this a beautiful photo? Hehe, lucky shot at HK Disneyland.

Happy Birthday!

#ThrowbackThursday: Ratatouille!

2013-04-25T18:35:00.000+08:00

Yes, again! Today is all about food. Don't ask me why.

I was going through Facebook's new timeline and saw that my old notes now appear on my info border. Stumbled upon this note, which was an original post on the SYSU Gourmet Blog (now defunct), which I initially wrote for (the first few issues were written by moi, I think this was my last post) back when I was still handling brand with the food group.

So, in honor of #ThrowbackTuesdays, and so you readers get to try something "Filipino-Mediterranean" (as I've labeled it since we tried to localize the dish), below is my post about making Ratatouille with what we have on-hand in the Philippines. Enjoy!

Rainy Days Come and Go...

Have you noticed how terrible the weather has been lately? Well, back in June and July, we hardly had rain. Then towards the end of last month, we'd have really weird weather - scorching hot mid-days, then pouring rain in the afternoons! This makes for very lazy weather, don't you think? :P Makes you want to head to the mall and chill out, huh? Maybe take in a movie or check out some of the new food places...

Speaking of Movies and Food... (what a segue!) We were able to catch the advanced screening of the new Disney Pixar Movie, Ratatouille (pronounced as Ra-Ta-Tu-Wee). And we must say we LOVED the movie. Hmmm... not really sure about the Kikkoman Brand Manager though, she winced each time she saw all those rats onscreen (who could forget the scene where the ceiling falls and the colony is exposed? hahaha!) but the rest of us sure loved the movie! So much so that we got so curious about the real Ratatouille - the dish and not the... uh... Rat (whose name's Remy, by the way). So right after, we searched the net for the easiest Ratatouille recipe there is, only to be disappointed because all the recipes called for baking (and we didn't have an oven on hand... *sigh*). But one 5-star recipe we did find had dozens of comments, and we poured over each one, curious to see if anyone tried making the dish stove-top style. And there was this one college girl who got so interested in the dish because of the movie. Like us, she didn't have an oven, so she decided to toss everything in a saucepan instead. The end result turned out great or in her exact words -fabuloso! Ha! We decided to do the same thing. We headed over to the nearest supermarket, bought the ingredients available in the Philippines and went home to make our own version of Ratatouille. And boy, we were in for a treat because the dish we made already smelled delicioso right when we were making it. and it tasted great too (we actually zipped through the whole pan)! And yes, it didn't exactly look like the Ratatouille masterpiece Remy made in the movie... uh... ours looked a bit like mush. but hey, if mush tasted this good, we'll have mush everyday! :)

My very first attempt at making Ratatouille.

Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a mediterranean peasant dish. Apparently, this is one cheap dish in places where all the ingredients come cheap (read: not in the Philippines, haha), but we tweaked the recipe a bit and came up with an affordable yet hearty (can we say delicioso again?) version.

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp La Espanola Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 large cloves Garlic, minced (you can add more if you LOVE garlic)
1 large White Onion, sliced
1 large Eggplant, thinly sliced
1 large Zucchini, thinly sliced
1/8 Squash, peeled and thinly sliced (yes, take out the hard skin, of course!)
1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into strips
1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into strips (optional)
1/2 Cup Mushrooms, cut into strips (we used oyster mushrooms)
2 large Tomatoes, chopped
Salt to taste
Pinch of McCormick Rosemary
1/2 Cup Clara Ole Three Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (divide into 5 parts, parts depend on the number of veggies you are using)
1/4 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Procedure:
1. In a large saucepan, saute Garlic in La Espanola Extra Virgin Olive Oil until light brown in color. Add half of the sliced Onions until Onions are coated in oil.
2. Add Eggplant. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some of your Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. When Eggplant is half-cooked, add the Squash. Sprinkle a pinch of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. Add the Zucchini, sprinkle again with a bit of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. Add the rest of the vegetables (Mushrooms, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes and remaining Onions). Sprinkle with a bit of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well.
3. Add Clara Ole Three Cheese Spaghetti Sauce, small pinch of McCormick Rosemary and the remaining Parmesan Cheese. Mix well.
4. Put on medium heat until the sauce comes to a boil.
5. Transfer to a foil pan or microwaveable container. Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese on top. Serve over pasta, rice or as is.

You may opt to put the dish in the Toaster Oven for about 3 minutes (or 30 seconds in the Microwave) to melt the cheese, if you wish. The good thing about Ratatouille is that you can freeze leftovers and the vegetables still come out crunchy when reheated. It actually tastes a lot like lasagna. Difference is, this is made entirely without meat, and the ingredients are good for you. What more, you can try making this dish for your kids while the movie's such a hit. Don't say we didn't warn you if they start asking for more.

Don't Say I Didn't Warn You!

2013-04-25T17:07:00.000+08:00

I wrote parts of this post yesterday, but couldn't finish it as lunch break was over. Then wrote a few more parts last night after work (coded on humpdays) and found myself being tempted to call home just to tell the nanny that I wanted tapa for dinner instead. Haha! I had to stop because I went searching for a few lost tapa photos. So yes, finishing this post today. Anyway... I must warn you. This post will make you crave for Tapa. I think I made a mistake by following JAM FOODS on Instagram and on Facebook, because every time they post, or IG, or repost a pic, I get serious hunger pangs for their tapa (and salpicao).

Now don't say I didn't warn you.

I just had brunch. Or early lunch. Basta, I had another round of Angus Beef Tapa with one Sunny Side Up and garlic rice. This isn't your ordinary tapsilog, mind you. It is a treat. But I shouldn't be doing this review, as I am not quite the tapa expert. My brother KM is. He is the tapa connoisseur. Once, he made a list of the best tapas in the city - Rodic's, Jollibee (when it was still the dry kind, and not the beef with mushroom crossover), Tapsi ni Vivian, etc. We always went for the dry tapsilog... as anything wet wasn't tapa in our books.

Tapsi ni Vivian in Quezon City

Ang Tapsilog ni Vivian, BOW!

But then Tapatouille came along, and we got addicted to their Korean Tapa (theirs is the wet kind, like a Tapa stew of sorts, but it kept us coming back).

Jenny and Raffy Javier were the ones who managed Tapatouille at Banchetto Emerald.
Jenny's parents developed the tapa for them.

The line for tapa at Tapatouille.

Tapatouille serves their tapa with egg (any way you like it), garlic rice and homemade potato chips!

Sadly, Tapatouille stopped joining Banchetto, and you can now only get their tapa packs (frozen) via special order. (Curious? Order from Jenny Javier at 0917.5029107)

One of the best tapsilogs in town for us today would be that of Every Nation's canteen (I don't know if they have a name but yes, the canteen at the basement of Victory Fort). My brother makes it a point to order to-go whenever he'd have a meeting there. I don't know what their secret is, but they have one of the best-tasting tapas!

Every Nation Canteen's Tapsilog! Sarap!

So there I was minding my own business when one day in October of last year, I met Michelle c/o my good friend and stalker-extraordinaire, Mia. We went to watch Wilson Phillips and the rest, as they say, is history. LOL! Okay, okay, well it turns out she and her husband, Chef John Cu-Unjieng, own JAM FOODS - makers of the Angus Beef Tapa. Like I said, this isn't your ordinary tapa. You can't even compare this to Tapsi ni Vivian or even Every Nation's. This is a cut above the rest.

So my siblings and I would make our way every weekend to Mezza Norte or Mercato (they used to sell their tapa here) to catch one of their distributors. Then the inevitable happened, Michelle gave me a 1Kg pack of her Original Angus Beef Tapa for Christmas, and I cannot get enough of it since then!

Look at that! JAM Foods Angus Beef Tapa served perfectly!

My friend Mia and I posing with my pack of JAM Foods Angus Beef Tapa!

Let me tell you, IT IS THE BEST TAPA EVER! I am talking best-tasting, best ulit-ulitin, super-addicting, AWARD-WINNING (!!! They won the Ultimate Taste Test 4.0!), I-CAN-HAVE-IT-EVERYDAY TAPA! And even if Michelle says not to, I've had it everyday, so far (yes, yes, except Monday), since getting a new pack Friday. Teehee.

Raymond Lauchengco with his Angus Beef Tapa monster, N.
Photo from the JAM Foods IG Account.

Rivermaya showing off their Angus Beef Tapa.
Photo from the JAM Foods IG Account.

It's so good, even celebrities rave about it.

And my brother? My brother, who knows his tapa so well... well, he took a bite from my Angus Beef Tapa brunch two days ago, and just had to go and order his own pack. Haha!

JAM Foods has changed our qualifications for best tapa. This one here is special. And truthfully, it is the best in my books. Why don't you give it a try? I am sure you will agree with me (and my brother's tummy).

Try their different Angus Beef Tapa variants and their Salpicao (also award-winning having conquered the Ultimate Taste Test 8.0!). Their burger patties are also bestsellers!

ANGUS BEEF TAPA - Original, 1Kg, P550
ANGUS BEEF TAPA - Hot & Spicy, 1Kg, P650
ANGUS BEEF TAPA - Korean, 1Kg, P650
ANGUS BEEF TAPA - Premium Lean, 800g, P650
ANGUS SALPICAO, 800g, P650
ANGUS BURGER PATTIES, 4 - 250g (approx) Patties/ pack, P550

To order, call 02.6229740 or text 0917.5331371 (Look for Michelle, Alabang area) or any of the distributors nearest you.

Want to be part of the JAM Foods family? They are still open for distributorship!
Shoot them a text (via 0917.5331371) with your name, email and mobile number or send a letter of intent to mncuunjieng@gmail.com.

Saturday Power Brunch before my daughter's swimming party!

Sunday Brunch! I was actually dreaming about this at 1am!

Yesterday's Brunch Baon.

JAM Foods Angus Beef Tapa. Wow! I never thought Tapa would be this addicting! Alas, they have just proven me wrong.

facebook.com/jamfoods.angustapa
instagram.com/jamfoods

EDIT: Carrot Fantasy Extreme Level 26

2013-04-24T14:05:00.004+08:00

So before you say anything about my previous post, let me tell you, that the strategy as shown on the first Carrot Fantasy Extreme Level 26 walkthrough WORKS. But because I've been playing Carrot Fantasy every single day, while waiting for the Ice World update (I like setting challenges to make the game more interesting for me, ie. playing on 2x speed without getting killed, or playing Extreme Levels 17-27 on 2x speed without having to repeat a level, etc.), I've discovered easier ways to play each game.

And so it is true for Extreme Level 26. While playing on my iPhone last night, I discovered that after planting my AIRPLANE TOWERS at the bottom of the track and upgrading them to max (around wave 10), I can proceed to upgrade my ROCKETS and not worry about the pests running down the track to eat the carrot. So, after playing it foolproof last night, and this morning, here is an easier way to finish Level 26, and on 2x speed, too, without risking your Golden Carrot potential.

First, play the original walkthrough until Wave 10. After which, this is what you can do:

By the end of Wave 10, you would have been able to upgrade those AIRPLANE TOWERS (bottom of track) to max. My initial walkthrough suggests to upgrade the FREEZE TOWERS next. But this new updated walkthrough is telling you otherwise! Haha! Upgrade your ROCKETS first!

Upgrade those ROCKETS on the left first!

Upgrading the ROCKETS will help you kill off the pests
without having to worry about them getting to the carrot.

After upgrading your ROCKETS, you can work on upgrading the FREEZE TOWERS and the rest of your AIRPLANE TOWERS.

Notice that the action happens all on the left side? The pests can't even get close to the carrot!
I planted an AIRPLANE TOWER on top of the the FREEZE TOWERS (I deleted one) to help with defense.

Proceed with upgrading your existing FREEZE TOWERS and AIRPLANE TOWERS to max.

As you go through the rest of the waves, plant more AIRPLANE TOWERS (and upgrade) to build your defense. Similar to the first walkthrough, I planted the AIRPLANE TOWERS left of the track to defend the carrot.

By the beginning of Wave 20, your game board should look like this.

Wave 20 will enable you to plant more AIRPLANES. I did so, to the left of the others for extra measure.

Pow! Pow! Pow! Bye-bye, boss!

Gold and Clear!

Did this walkthrough work for you? Let me know!

P.S. Does anyone still need a thorough walkthrough for Extreme Level 17? If not, I shall post about food next. I must warn you though, this one's addicting. I can't get enough of it. So far, I've had it everyday, except Monday. *grin*

As Requested: Extreme Level 26!

2013-04-22T21:10:00.000+08:00

I've received numerous requests for a Level 26 walkthrough. I haven't even written a thorough one for Level 17, but oh well. So I played Level 26 over a dozen times this past weekend just to make sure I get the right steps on screen capture. I hope this helps you, Samantha and everyone else.

This walkthrough is slightly different from the game I played the first time I won. I adjusted my game as I saw fit. Here it goes:

Start off by planting an AIRPLANE TOWER on each of the two plots available (as shown). Aim the left AIRPLANE TOWER on lower right chest found directly above it.

You should be able to upgrade the left AIRPLANE once by the second wave.

You will eventually get to break open both chests on the left by the 3rd wave. After which, aim the left AIRPLANE TOWER on wine bottle on its right.

Meanwhile, once you can, upgrade the AIRPLANE TOWER on the right once.

Once your wine bottle is destroyed, plant a new AIRPLANE TOWER as shown below. Aim for the rocks/ corals on upper right of track (beside carrot).

Next, aim the AIRPLANE on the right at the chest nearest it. Your two other airplanes and other towers should be able to kill off the pests coming towards it.

Make sure you upgrade the airplane on left (not the left-most) but the newly planted one
when you can. You should be able to in the middle of this wave.

After the first chest on the right breaks open, aim for the next chest beside it (top, and to the left). Then plant MUSHROOMS on the plot next to track and upgrade to max as you go along.

Once the upper chests are open, aim for the lower ones.
Then destroy the rest of the obstacles.

Replace your STAR TOWERS on left with AIRPLANE TOWERS. I only replaced the ones nearest the track and deleted the two other STARS and the SUN TOWERS for extra coins.

By the 9th wave, make sure you've planted enough MUSHROOMS to help you earn more coins, and enough AIRPLANE TOWERS to help you kill off the pests. The next wave (10th) should help you upgrade most of your AIRPLANES (at least the ones in the middle) to max.

If you've been playing on 2x the speed, you should slow down after the 10th wave. The 11th - 15th wave could be tricky. And the AIRPLANES could miss a pest. So it is best to slow down first, if you haven't been playing on 1x speed mode.

By the 11th wave, work on upgrading the FREEZE TOWERS to max.
I deleted the upper left FREEZE TOWER as it doesn't have much reach on the track.
This is how your plot should look like by the 13th wave.

Once you've upgraded all your AIRPLANE TOWERS to max, plant another MUSHROOM on space between two airplanes on lower left of track. That should help you slow down the pests. Upgrade to max. You may also plant another AIRPLANE TOWER on the plot where you deleted the FREEZE TOWER. Upgrade that one to max.

Then you can start working on upgrading your ROCKETS.
Work on the ones on the left first.

Once you have updated your ROCKETS, you can start planting more AIRPLANE TOWERS around the track with your extra coins (as shown below). By the start of Wave 20, your track should look like this:

All those AIRPLANES should do the trick.

The last wave should help you earn more coins to at least add three more AIRPLANE TOWERS on the left. Upgrade to max. You should be able to kill off the boss with these TOWERS.

Bye-bye, BOSS!

Yay! Golden Carrot!

Bonne chance, everyone!

EDIT! I updated this walkthrough here. Should be easier and better. Ha!

Carrot Fantasy Update!

2013-04-15T18:45:00.000+08:00

Have you checked the app store for updates? There's a new one for our favorite game! Six (6) new Extreme levels to keep us fans at bay while waiting for Ice World!

But yea, sadly, it isn't much of an update. I updated my app Friday, over lunch, and was done with all six levels in less than an hour. How sad is that?

Stage 22, Gold and Clear!

Stage 23, Gold and Clear!

Stage 24, Gold and Clear!

Stage 25, Gold and Clear!

Stage 26, Gold and Clear!

Stage 27, Gold and Clear!

What now?

And I finished it Saturday on my son's iPad. Yes, I downloaded the app on another gadget just because aside from Candy Crush (which frustrates me to the bone), there isn't another game I love more than Carrot Fantasy.

Do you need walkthroughs for any of the new stages? I found them to be pretty easy, so I think you'd do fine. If you need help, just holler.

Yoohoo, please be done with Ice World soon!!!

Hello!

2013-04-15T18:31:00.002+08:00

I haven't been posting. I know. I have been in a lot of pain the past week. First, it was stomach problems. I've always had tummy problems - a Gastro thing I got from college, and because this is a "lifetime" thing (they say), I got it last week and it was bad. I still think it's because of all those food from Korea, but maybe (I think) my liver is acting up. I need to start eating right.

Photo from bubblews.com

Then, after lunch Friday, my tooth started hurting. I am due for a root canal soon, and my dentist was at a dental convention over the weekend. I wanted to pull my tooth out right away. Let me tell you, I would rather give birth than get a toothache. Ang sakit!!!

Today, after taking pain medication for the nth time, I finally received word that she can fit me in for that root canal tomorrow! BEST. NEWS. EVER.

So please excuse the absence. I shall blog again when I am no longer in so much pain. Haay!

PRAY FOR ME!

Remembering God's Goodness

2013-04-04T19:02:00.002+08:00

I was driving to work today. Actually, I was driving home last night and thinking about life in general, and my thoughts from last night came back as I drove to work this morning. My thoughts? Well, last night, I was thinking this: Life isn't exactly as grand as I would have wanted it to be. I am feeling needy. Not wanting, but a little needy. I must admit, I have my toes in a rut. Alam mo yon? I feel fine, but then there are days... days when I know I haven't been doing enough, hence my state of being - our state of being (meaning my little family).

I suppose this feeling is an indirect result of our recent Korea trip. I didn't want to take any trips this year (even cancelled our annual Hong Kong escapade) because I wanted to be out of debt for a change, plus we're trying to save up for something bigger in the next two years. But then, my mom got us tickets and everything else happened. While there, I realized how blessed my little family ~~was~~ is and yet, at the back of my mind, my thoughts kept bringing me back to how it was when I was growing up. My parents provided for everything.

And then here I was, relying on myself and my meager income. And everything else comes as handouts. Don't get me wrong. I am blessed and thankful. God knows how much I appreciate my folks and relatives - people who love and think about me and my kids, even when they don't really have to.

But then, isn't this my sole responsibility? Ours (R's and mine)? It irks me whenever tuition time comes along, and I ask R about maybe sharing a bit and he says to ask my folks. It isn't their responsibility. And so, to save myself the hassle and heartache, I have stopped asking. And to save face and humiliation (c'mon, it is humiliating!) of asking my folks, I have resorted to borrowing from the office just to pay for A's tuition, etc.

And yes, maybe this is all about spending well beneath our means - in order to survive. Or purging most of our belongings (selling it, etc) just to make ends meet. But do my kids have to go through this? Isn't it enough that I've sacrificed so much of my own happiness just so they'd be happy?

I think about these things.

And so as I drove to work this morning, and as these thoughts came drifting back, God whispered something into my heart and head:

"I am here."

Indeed, He has never left my side. Even when R has refused to support us financially, I have never found myself lacking. My salary may just slip through the keys of my laptop (not my palm, since I don't even get to touch the cash! I pay for all our bills online, LOL!) but I am never lacking. Never.

See, it is often easy to forget about all that God has done, especially in times of need. Man tends to focus on the problem - even when God had always taken him out of his ruts in the past.

And you know, God has never failed me. Us. He's provided for tuition, rent, groceries, credit card bills, utility bills, etc. (including trips out of the country!) - even when it seems the money isn't enough or will never come. So this morning, as I drove to work, I remember exactly how good God has been. He has carried me and my little family all these years.

Today, He says, I am never alone.
Today, He says, He is always with me.
Today, He says, He will provide.

God is good.

And yes, I am not feeling so needy anymore.

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever."
Psalm 136:1

Yaya Stories: Limes.

2013-03-25T11:57:00.001+08:00

So the nanny came to me the other night complaining that the little boy wasn't listening to her. She, apparently, had been reprimanding him (and her own kids, who, yes, still live with us), to no avail.

Nanny J: "Pinapagalitan ko na nga, di naman nakikinig. Sige lang laro ng laro, e sinabi ko madumi yun." (I was reprimanding them, and yet they didn't listen. Instead, they kept playing, even when I told them it was dirty.)
K: "Ano ba nilalaro ng mga bata na ayaw mo palaro?"(What were they playing with anyway?)
Nanny J: "Madikit kasi, hindi ko matatanggal sa couch pagdumikit etong 'Limes'." (It's really sticky and I won't be able to get the 'Limes' off if it gets on the couch.)

So I looked at her, and looked at what she was holding. Limes. Too funny. I couldn't stop laughing, because she started laughing too when I told her it was "S-L-I-M-E" and not limes.

Procrastination at Its Finest

2013-03-25T11:40:00.002+08:00

PROCRASTINATION. pro·cras·ti·na·tion [proh-kras-tuh-ney-shuhn, pruh‐]; noun: the act or habit of procrastinating, or putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention. Ex. She was smart, but her constant procrastination led her to be late with almost every assignment. (from Dictionary.com)

Well, we're leaving for Korea tonight, and I haven't even started packing. If that's not procrastination, then what is? Last night, I looked at my empty bag, and the pile of clothes next to it, and thought to myself, I desperately need motivation (like the trip isn't motivation enough). But then, at 3am, I was still staring at the empty bag. The kids were already asleep and I didn't have an excuse.

The nanny dumped all of that on RL's bed. Sigh. Now I don't know where to start.

I'm in the office now, since we don't leave until late tonight, and yes, I am thinking "I have to packkkkkk!!!" but instead, I'm typing this. Ah procrastination! But really, I work best under pressure. Yes, I am the cramming queen. Photo-finish princess!

There. I found a good excuse. LOL!

God's Promises #2

2013-03-20T23:51:00.002+08:00

DO NOT WORRY, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU

Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and
don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow.
God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

Matthew 6:34
The Message