ceemee's cazzapoeia

December 2020

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Thu, 24 Dec 2020 02:23:00 +0000

December... last month of this uniquely challenging year. As the year draws to a close, it doesn't mean that the Coronavirus is also dissipating. It will not disappear anytime soon, thus, our precautions must still be in place. Let us all continue to pray for a miracle. For those who have been vaccinated, how was it? I know just one person who had the Covid-19 vaccine.

Do you feel the coolness of the mornings? There are also the December evenings that make me want to grab a sweater and run for the bathroom at the same time. While I sometimes stand at the balcony and gaze at the streets, I imagine the headlights and taillights as my moving Christmas lights. They twinkle in and out of sight; red, white, and yellow. I can sense the bright stars and planets just behind the city haze. When rain showers upon our part of the world, the wisps of clouds could sometimes cover the moon.

By now, you have probably received gifts that thoughtful people sent your way. If you have not received any, don't fret, being alive and healthy are gifts in themselves. To still be able to taste the sweet crumbs of fruitcake, to feel its spices and a hint of rum on your tongue is a present. Can you tell I am craving for one right now? 😋 What I love about this season is the excuse to indulge in food, ha ha!

Speaking of food, one item on my Quarantine Christmas Wish List is to be able to try food trends. I have tried several kinds ube cheese pan de sal, one type of sushi bake and I have made Dalgona coffee early in the year. I have yet to try sourdough bread and what I really, really want to taste is the Burnt Basque Cheesecake. I saw a seller made an ube version of it, and another had mango.

How do you plan to celebrate Christmas and New Year?

Now that it's super risky to go out and dine out, and in spite of that fact, people are still hitting the streets, there's the holiday traffic to consider; the logical thing is to enjoy good food at home. To add some holiday cheer, I decorated our living area a little. My two girls helped with the window décor. Instead of a Christmas tree, I made a Christmas "bush" - as my youngest called it; a shallow square basket filled with faux Christmas blooms, a few Christmas balls, the star for our Christmas tree, tinsel, gift ornaments, and a couple of plushy ornaments in holiday outfits. It's situated on the coffee table. That's where the gifts are, as well.

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A post shared by Cym M (@ceemee)

What do you think of it? For me, it's very simple.

Sheltering in place had me reading and reading. Mostly. I actually reached my goal of 45 books early. Still, I have a long list of TBR physical books and electronic ones combined. Also, some stories are not so good. I wish I could find a hard copy of The Midnight Library by Matt Haig - that's on my Quarantine Christmas Wish List, too. 📖

Reading is my hobby, and also daydreaming. I still do that after many years. Dreaming up stories that I may or may not write down. I also journal almost every day. It's my way of keeping memories, even mundane ones. Reading my past entries also help me reminisce: experiences that I hope to have again, feelings that were hidden. It was also December when I met and fell in love with my now hubby.

Today is Christmas Eve. Tomorrow is all about Jesus. He is the essence of Christmas, and our salvation.

I greet you a very Merry and Safe and Healthy Christmas! 💖🎄

I have a question.

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 04:11:00 +0000

Whoa! It's been a year and four months since I posted in this blog. I apologize.

I want to know...

How are you???

For real... How are you feeling? This pandemic is taking a toll on many aspects of our lives. Have you been affected?

Recently, my day at home consists roughly of:

waking up then, breakfast, reading God's Word on YouVersion Bible app
playing a round or two of mobile games with my children
working or reading a book (currently, "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak)
taking lunch as a family
making sure the kids nap for one to two hours, while I continue reading
waking them up, letting them eat fruits as snack, playing again
watching Netflix (currently a Kdrama called "Fight for My Way")
having dinner
continuing the episode of the series
showering
preparing for bed

But, that's bound to change again as the young ones start their online classes (umm, Integrated Distance Learning) in ten days. Anyway, I am thankful. Thankful that I am still relatively healthy, that I have my family with me, that we still have what we need.

There are times, though, that I feel trapped and restless. That I palpitate and am short of breath. I'd have a sudden urge to go out. Then, cry inside when I can't. Do you get that feeling? Of course I won't, because it's frightful out there. I am afraid I might contract CoViD-19. Going on a grocery run these days makes me quite tense.

It's sad because leisurely grocery shopping was one of the bonding activities for my husband and me. Another is dining out. There are many things I enjoyed doing before the pandemic.

Dining out with the family, celebrating birthdays (I celebrated my birthday here at home this year)
Going on local trips and staying at hotels
Window shopping at malls
Visiting bookstores
Getting a facial
Getting a massage
Watching a movie with my family
Hanging out with friends

In order for me not to go crazy, I anchor my thoughts and heart on Jesus Christ. I also take mini vacations in my mind, like daydreaming. And escaping via the books I read to another place and another time. What do you do to avoid going mad with worry and anxiety?

Want me to pray for you? Kindly send your prayer requests in the comment section! Let's pray for miracles. 💗

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Our God is a living God who is active in our lives, if we let Him. He answers our prayers and delivers us from our fears. The Lord is our comfort and refuge. #Bible image from #youversion

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First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 01 Apr 2019 09:15:00 +0000

[image: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-giving-keys-on-man-1288482/]

First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

Moving into your first apartment can be a very exciting experience. Your number one priority should be to figure out the average monthly cost of renters insurance in your new area, and purchase a policy that’s within your budget. You’ll want to cover your valuables and protect against any mishaps that might happen to the apartment or surrounding buildings. Unfortunately, if you don’t prepare for your move beforehand, it can be very overwhelming.

These tips will help you avoid any dilemmas. You’re going to need certain items right away when you first move into a new space. Refer to this checklist before your move to keep the entire experience as stress-free as possible.

Daily Essentials

There are some items you never want to be without on your first day in a new apartment. They include toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a shower curtain, and any other toiletries you use on a daily basis. You also want to make sure you purchase a bed and all bedding you need. Sleeping on the floor is not fun for anyone!

Purchase certain kitchen essentials as well. Spending money on takeout can be a lot more expensive than you think. Although you might convince yourself you can justify ordering food for the first few days in your new place, that can turn into the first few weeks if you don’t prepare beforehand. At the very least make sure you have enough kitchenware to prepare basic meals right away.

Necessary Kits

You don’t need to purchase every single item on this list individually. There are couple kits you should buy that will include several necessities all in one convenient package.

The most important one is a first-aid kit. If an emergency strikes, you want to be prepared.

You should also purchase a basic tool kit. This doesn’t need to include much equipment. For a renter, starting out with a kit that includes a hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers should suffice.

Landlords are typically responsible for addressing any major repairs or improvements that need to be made to an apartment. However, for smaller jobs, such as hanging up posters or curtains, you’re on your own. A beginner tool kit will help you perform these tasks.

Cleaning Supplies

You want your new place to be as neat and comfortable as possible. Of course, it’s a lot easier to be proactive about cleaning when you have the supplies you need immediately on hand. When you move in, make sure you bring a vacuum, something for mopping and sweeping up floors, multi-purpose cleaning sprays, a toilet scrubber, toilet cleaning solution, cleaning wipes, dish detergent, and laundry detergent. You might also need to pack stainless steel cleaner if your new apartment has any stainless steel surfaces.

Furnishings

You might assume you can put off buying some of these items. However, if you don’t make a point of buying them ahead of time, you might not get around to it right away. Your apartment won’t feel like home until you do.

That’s why you should also invest in furnishings now. If you’re on a budget, search for them at secondhand stores and Craigslist. As long as you thoroughly check for signs of bed bugs and wear and tear, this is an easy way to save money.

Having these items before you move is key to enjoying your first day at your first apartment. Remember, you could be relaxing, or you could be spending that time worrying because you forgot to bring certain essentials along. That’s a lot less likely to happen if you stick to this list.

Growing in Faith Through Christian Workshops

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 02:51:00 +0000

Biblical workshops and training programs can be a wonderful way to touch on matters of the heart. Learning from people with strong Christian faith can help ease the pain and loneliness that often go alongside poverty and other types of adversity. Christian workshops allow individuals to fellowship with others from similar circumstances and can help ease the feelings of discouragement, hopelessness, and powerlessness that are so damaging to anyone hoping to better their circumstances.

Christian-based workshops allow individuals to see themselves as God created them, strengthens and helps grow their faith, and provides them with the peace and comfort that Jesus can provide. These workshops also challenge many negative matters of the heart that hold people back. Working to rethink perceptions about yourself and others, dealing with pride and selfishness, and developing a humble spirit are all part of the process of becoming a warrior for Christ. While the process can be challenging, developing into the person God meant for you to be your reward.

Of course, matters of the heart are only one part of the process of developing into a strong and resilient Christian. In many areas, just having basic needs met is a challenge. Participating in and supporting programs that provide needed services such as food and water is a strengthening process for both the giver and the receiver.

Vocational training programs to teach women how to start and run their own businesses are another way Christ-centered programs can improve other's lives. With a source of income, these women become valuable, and valued, members of the community. Programs that provide start-up funds for these businesses, as well as training, is a gift to the entire community.

Whether someone is interested in taking part in a Christ-centered workshop, or giving or receiving aid, involvement in these programs provides a very real way to impact lives. While you may think you are too much of a sinner to have anything of value to offer, nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone has value, and through the work of Christ-centered programs, everyone can see their worth.

Announcing my online shop: Cym Heart Nature

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 02:45:00 +0000

Cym Heart Nature Store

Human Nature products I usually buy

I have been using Human Nature products for many years now. I still support this brand and some of its products, especially the feminine wash.

Eight years ago, I reviewed it on this blog, link below. It looks different now, the packaging, but I still love it. It really prevents itchy discharge for me. (Sorry, TMI!)

Human Nature Feminine Wash

My hubby and I liked the smell of the Citrus Burst Sanitizer. I use it whenever we change our bedding, like a linen spray. I also carry a small version in my bag to clean my hands and the toilet seats in public restrooms.

The kids use the children's toothpaste in raspberry mint. This is a staple for us. Ever since I joined Human Nature as a dealer, I have always wanted them to make natural kids' toothpaste because I was worried my young ones would ingest chemical-laden teeth gels. My wish came true!

For our fur babies, a gentle shampoo made with coconut-derived cleansers and nutrient-rich plant extracts.

Recently, I opened my Online Dealer Shop, it's called Cym Heart Nature. If you wish to buy Human Nature products, kindly buy via my online store to support me. Click on my link, sign up/sign in and then shop.

I would really appreciate it! 😍

It's good to have the UV Care Family Toothbrush Sterilizer.

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 14:25:00 +0000

One of my hubby's generous friends gave us this UV Care Family Toothbrush Sterilizer last Christmas.

Honestly, I never thought of sterilizing toothbrushes. When sterilization comes to mind, I only thought of baby bottles. Now, there are sterilizers for almost everything: toys, furniture, mattress, and shoes.

Well, I am glad we have this toothbrush sterilizer. Do you notice that toothbrushes that are made from rubber sprout black spots that are almost impossible to remove? This also happens to the rubber that prevents spills in water bottles.

I don't know what those are; but are probably some kind of mold because of the trapped moisture in the toothbrushes and the bathroom.

This device prevents the black spots from forming. That is what I want to share the most.

This device also holds four toothbrushes. We are a family of five. That's why I sterilize our brushes in two batches.

It is a great device to have. I also have peace of mind that those black spots won't appear anytime soon.

I still change our toothbrushes every three months, though.

Yabu... Finally!

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 21 May 2018 16:08:00 +0000

For years, I wanted to try dining at Yabu. I have no idea why! Weird, right?

Well, I finally did last year.

I knew my kids would love it there because of the fried food on the menu. It's a house of katsu, after all.

The Katsudon looked reeeaaally tempting. I am also into Japanese curry, and there was Katsu curry. But, I chose the Gyudon anyway. I like beef!

And yay for refillable rice, cabbage, fruits and especially miso soup.

The girls enjoyed the Mozzarella Katsu Sticks. They were also into making the katsu sauce for their chicken katsu.

Rix and I shared the Agedashi Tofu.

Then, we had delicious dessert at Paper Moon. I just wished there was coffee!

4 Ways to Lengthen Your Dog's Life

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Sat, 21 Apr 2018 03:38:00 +0000

No one wants to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but few people are willing to take the time to extend their life with proper pet ownership. If you're one of the exceptions, here are just four ways to make sure that your canine companion stays with you for a long time!

1. Buy the Right Food

There's a reason why all-natural dog food is such a hot commodity among pet owners. Not only will it brighten your dog's coat and make their eyes shine with good health, but it will also strengthen their muscles, boost their immune system and help them regulate their bowel movements. In short, you should feed your dog high-quality food for the same reasons that you would serve your child a high-quality meal. It's good for them in both body and spirit.

2. Mind Their Medications

There are a number of medications that your dog should be taking on a regular basis. Flea and tick pills are the big ones, but you should also buy dog worming tablets from a trusted retailer as often as your vet recommends. Your puppy might also benefit from special food or medicine to help him grow up healthy or overcome a genetic disorder. If you have any doubts about your pet's future health and happiness, make sure to talk to your vet.

3. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Speaking of vets, it's critically important that you take your furry friend for regular check-ups. They'll need to be kept up-to-date on their vaccinations, and they should be evaluated for common diseases, injuries and ailments by a trained eye. The sooner that you diagnose something like canine diabetes, the more options that you'll have to treat it, and this can make all of the difference in your dog's life expectancy. It's worth the trouble of taking him into the vet 1-2 times a year.

4. Keep Them Active

Dogs need exercise, especially when they're young, excited and full of energy. You don't want to keep a puppy locked indoors for too long: They'll start dashing through the halls and chewing on table legs to get the stimulation that they're lacking from you. Make sure that you're getting your canine on regular walks and runs. Take them to the dog park if you can, or just let them go crazy in the backyard if you're pressed for time.

These are just a few tips for ensuring that your dog lives a long, full life. There are many more, of course, but these should be enough to get you thinking about the right things. If you want Fido to be around for awhile yet, follow these guidelines to keep him happy and healthy!

Sweet Invitation: a post about a cup

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Tue, 13 Mar 2018 10:57:00 +0000

Soft clouds bloomed on either side like flower petals bursting into life. Slowly and steadily. Shades of pink colored the east and the west, blushing prettily.

In the middle, glowing in white and in a star-crested crown, is a siren, flanked by her two fish tails. Long, wavy locks framed a face that is smiling in a serene manner.

In the serenity is an invitation to join her into the surrounding green ocean. This mermaid's smile stirs in travelers a longing to stop and sip liquid bliss.

The Zodiac and Your Pregnancy

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 01:22:00 +0000

Whenever you have read your personal daily horoscope in the newspaper or online, you probably either roll your eyes because the horoscope is as inaccurate as it can get, or you are amazed because the horoscope is right on the money!

The fact of the matter is, those daily horoscopes based on your Sun sign alone are not going to be overly accurate because it only tells you what energies you are facing based on your Sun sign only. There is a lot more to your own personal horoscope than your Sun sign.

That is why you may meet someone who is an Aries who is more like a Pisces or a Gemini than an Aries. The Sun sign represents who we are as a whole, but it makes up only a fraction of our own horoscopes.

Astrology is the study of how stars have an impact on your life, events, and anything else around us. When we are born, the stars are placed in a certain way and that actually does represent our personalities, strengths, weaknesses and even karma which goes beyond the Sun sign alone.

However, even though the Sun sign makes up a fraction of who we are, it still represents an important fraction of us. Therefore, we will resonate in one way or another to our Sun sign.

That being said, if you found out that you are pregnant, regardless of your zodiac sign you are going to experience surprise, excitement and even fear. You will be having a lot of questions in your mind that will need to be answered. You will research the best prenatal vitamins to take, what your birth plan will look like, and baby names.

However, based on your Sun sign, you can find out how your pregnancy will be influenced in regards to pregnancy pains, emotional swings and even preferences for baby names. Let’s find out how you will be affected by your pregnancy based on your Sun sign now!

Aries

Aries is the first sign in the zodiac, and it is a fire sign. People born between March 21 to April 19th have this sign. Arians are known to be candid, impatient and energetic. They have extreme passion, and even if they are dealing with a difficult pregnancy, they will be brave and face it head on. In fact, they will certainly open up about their experiences and may even give out TMI about common issues such as morning sickness. If you are an Aries, this could resonate and even if your friends are squeamish to hear about your experiences, they will be fascinated as well.

Taurus

Taurus is the second sign in the zodiac, and it is a an earth sign. People born between April 20 to May 20th fall under this sign. Taureans are very stubborn and hate change in routine, and if a Taurean women wanted to get pregnant, then something significant would have caused her to change her mind. However, women under this sign who are pregnant will have a difficult time handling the changes that are happening in their body such as increased breast size and even foot size. They are the least adaptable and if you are a Taurus, prepare yourself ahead of time for the fact that your body will be changing for the next 8-9 months!

Gemini

Gemini is the third sign in the zodiac, and it is an air sign. People born between May 21 to June 20th have a sun in Gemini. Geminis are incredibly adaptable and are curious. In fact, women under this sign will be embracing and enjoying their pregnancies and will take any unexpected news with grace. They may be also hit with the nesting instinct quite early on and be inclined to prepare the nursery early! If this is you, then you are in for a ride which you will gladly embrace.

Cancer

Cancer is the fourth sign in the zodiac, and it is a water sign. People born between June 21 to July 22nd fall under this sign. Cancers are extremely emotional, and are natural nurturers. Cancer women will be affected by the stereotypical emotional ups and downs during pregnancy. Some may be hit with morning sickness a little more than others due to the fact that Cancers frequently have digestive sensitivities. If this is you, you will need to bring tissues wherever you go because everything will make you cry.

Leo

Leo is the fifth sign in the zodiac, and it is a fire sign. People born between July 23 to August 22 fall under the sign of Leo. Leos are known to be confident, dramatic, creative and can be egocentric. Leo women who are expecting will handle pregnancy hurdles with grace, but will growl at anyone who offers any kind of unsolicited advice because she knows what she is doing. If this is you, yes that is right you know best and unless you are getting advice from your doctor or any professional you are working with, no one else knows a thing!

Virgo

Virgo is the sixth sign in the zodiac, and it is an earth sign. People born between August 23 to September 22 are Virgos. Virgos are known to be pragmatic and realistic. Therefore, women who are Virgos that are expecting will expect the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy such as morning sickness and fatigue and will be realistic about how much they can do. If they are sick, they will not hesitate to sip on ginger ale and eat some crackers. If they are tired, they will make time to sleep. If they are concerned, they will consult the doctor right away. They will certainly take the best care of themselves as well as their unborn babies. If you are a Virgo and expecting, you already know this and you must do what you need to do to make yourself comfortable while caring for your unborn baby.

Libra

Libra is the seventh sign in the zodiac, and it is an air sign. People born between September 23 to October 22 are Libras, and they are social, fair, calm, indecisive, and are about balance. In fact, Libras may spend the whole pregnancy deciding on doulas, baby names and delivery plans because they are indecisive, and it will take them time to make a decision on those things. They will do well in yoga and will be able to relax the most during labor. If this applies to you, that is good news and if you need help with decision making, talk to your friends and definitely your partner about baby names!

Scorpio

Scorpio is the eighth sign in the zodiac, and it is a water sign. People born between October 23 to November 21 are Scorpios, and it is the most intense sign in the zodiac. In fact, Scorpio women who are pregnant will refuse to suffer in silence, and will always demand help from their doctors if needed. They will end up getting the comfort they need, and if you are a Scorpio who is pregnant, this is good news for you!

Sagittarius

Sagittarius is the ninth sign in the zodiac, and it is a fire sign. People born between November 22 to December 21 have this sun sign. Sagittarians are optimistic, and adventurous. Therefore, Sagittarian pregnant women will enjoy their pregnancies, and have that glow. Even if they are suffering from fatigue and/or morning sickness they will find the positive in that because it is a sign that the body is doing what it needs to help grow a healthy baby. If this is you, you probably already know this already.

Capricorn

Capricorn is the tenth sign in the zodiac, and it is an earth sign. People born between December 22 to January 19 are Capricorns. Capricorns are known to be competent and ambitious, and these expecting moms will approach the pregnancy with wisdom and determination. They are ready to accept many challenges to come, however the loss of concentration which affects pregnant women will hit these moms to be very hard since they are all about being organized and pragmatic. If you are a Capricorn, remember this is what pregnancy does so don’t be hard on yourself if this happens to you!

Aquarius

Aquarius is the eleventh sign in the zodiac, and it is an air sign. Those born between January 20 to February 18 are Aquarians. This group hates to be bored and hates to be restricted. Many of them are innovative and very independent. In fact, many Aquarian moms to be have a hard time adapting to the changes that pregnancy brings. Especially when they are having trouble sleeping, eating or walking which is bound to happen during pregnancy. However, they will definitely do their research on delivery, parenting and anything related to the pregnancy to keep their minds occupied because that will keep them sane and informed. If this applies to you, you know what to prepare yourself for!

Pisces

Pisces is the twelfth sign in the zodiac, and it is a water sign. Those born between February 19 to March 20 fall under this sign. In fact, Pisces people are gentle, compassionate, dreamy and intuitive. These women who are expecting will do anything to make sure the baby is growing well and is healthy. They are incredibly careful about making sure they attend every doctor’s appointment and do what they can to stay healthy by eating good foods. They are also incredibly adaptable to changes that pregnancy brings. If you are a Pisces and just found out you are pregnant, you will do anything you can to make sure the baby is well and healthy.

A BSP Advisory on Phishing and Spoofing!

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Sat, 20 Jan 2018 11:12:00 +0000

And now... Here is a PSA from BSP brought to us by Robinsons Bank.

Last year saw a lot of compromised accounts. We need to be more vigilant and critical. I hope it won't happen to anyone anymore. Do you have any tips to prevent fraudsters from getting our private and sensitive information?

Dessert at Ice Flower

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 04:32:00 +0000

The Interior of Ice Flower, SM North

The bare concrete look of the floor and walls contrasts sharply with the colorful tables and chairs. The area was big, that four children played hide-and-seek, provided they did not disturb the other customers. I think the mixed furniture style of the place projected an image of fun and playfulness.

Supposed to be, a small glass-enclosed L-shaped section fronting the restaurant gave people a cool treat with a snow-making machine. Unfortunately, that day, it was not working. :-(

What We Ordered At Ice Flower

Below were the two flavors of Bingsoo the kids chose. Blueberry with cheese and choco Oreo something, with cheese too, since you can get additional cheese for an additional cost. I think. The cheese was delicious. It would not seem to go well with dessert, but it does! For cheese nonlovers though, like my son, it would be better if someone else consumed the cheese.

The ice was so soft that I think they were made from frozen creamy milk. There’s also extra milk that you can pour over the finely shaved milk ice.

We had bowls of dairy overloaded dessert - milky ice, cheese and for the choco Oreo something, a scoop of ice cream. Definitely not for the lactose intolerant!

Have you tried Bingsoo or Bingsu? Which one is the correct term? What do you think of it?

Ramen Craving Satisfied

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 02:40:00 +0000

It was a cool evening. Or maybe it was because I just showered.

Even while I was at Ace Water Spa, ramen was on my mind. Or maybe even before we got to swimming class, I was already craving. I kind of felt like a pregnant woman. Glad my hubby went along with it. Teehee!

TORITON SHOYU (Soy Sauce Base) Php360

If I'm not mistaken, this was my order. The egg was deliciously cooked. The soup was not that tasty, though. It’s as if the meat was burnt because there was a hint of bitterness on it and bled into the soup.

TORITON TAN-TAN MEN (Spicy Ramen) Php380

This was my hubby's order. He likes spicy food, but he wasn't impressed with this. He sprinkled it with lots and lots of chili powder.

The ordering style here is different than our frequently visited Ajisen. Upon entering, we needed to go to a counter to order and then pay right away, before we get to sit down. There is a chance we could be seated beside a stranger because there were no individual tables. The long table wraps around the sort of open kitchen. Everyone faces the same direction. The kitchen, where they prepare the food, also contains the people who serve.

I had my ramen, though! Ramen craving satisfied. But, I don't think we'll go back to Ramen Shokudo.

Lunch at Sear via Booky

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Thu, 05 Oct 2017 06:13:00 +0000

I have the Booky application on my phone for years and I haven't used it even once. Finally, I had an opportunity when we went out for lunch. Rix asked me what I wanted to eat. I jokingly said steak. I opened the Booky app and searched for Banawe area. An offer from Sear Steak Scullery popped up.

Good thing I did not need to call for a reservation. I am one of the people who shy away from phone calls. Glad it can be done via text messaging. I was notified of a confirmation from Sear. The reservation was for 12 noon, but we were not kept waiting when we arrived early. Points for that!

It's located on the second floor of 238 Center, Banawe Corner Panalturan Street, Banawe, Quezon City.

The theme of the restaurant is kind of Western. The staff were wearing cowboy and cowgirl outfits. See the horseshoes and saddle on the wall?

We ordered beef lasagna in white sauce, fish nuggets, and dry-aged ribeye. We actually ordered T-bone steaks, but the server came back and told us that there was no delivery yet.

The beef lasagna was creamy and cheesy. It was a different take without the tomato sauce. The ground beef was a little salty.

The fish nuggets were delicious. the outside was crunchy and inside, the fish inside was nicely flaking. It came with tartar sauce.

The photo below shows the dry-aged ribeye we had. It wasn't served on a sizzling plate, as I expected. It came with a bowl of mushroom soup for each of us, a bread basket with four pieces of bread and a small plate of flavored butter (pimiento, it seemed), a big serving of mashed potatoes, buttered French beans and corn, and two cups of sweet soft-serve ice cream.

The mediumly done beef was soft and tasty, even without the A1 and Worcestershire sauces. There were bits of fat, but mostly not.

When we were almost finished eating, I received a text message from Booky. I could get a free dessert when I answer the survey. I did. But, we didn't claim it anymore because we were full. We even took home some fish nuggets for the kids to try.

It was a unique experience. Booky allowed us to explore new places in the neighborhood that we haven't tried yet. We chose Sear because it was one of the two restaurants that offered Php300 off the bill, provided it reached a thousand.

Did you use Booky? How was your experience with it?

Is Micellar Water a must?

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:34:00 +0000

I first read about Micellar Water in a mommy blog. Since I have poor facial skin, it piqued my curiosity.

Therefore, when I bought gifts for my friend from Beauty MNL, I added a bottle of Micellar Water for me.

Now that I have one, I have no idea when to incorporate it into my skincare routine.

I searched online and this article from L'Oreal popped out.

5 Ways to Use Micellar Water as a Part of Your Skin Care Routine

I haven't done my face with full make-up yet, therefore, I used Micellar Water right after gym.

According to the article:

Cleanse skin after a workout.
Since micellar water requires no water to dampen the skin or rinse with, it makes it a great cleansing option to take with you when you are on-the-go or after a workout at the gym. It’s important to clean skin after a workout so that sweat on your skin won’t mix with oil and clog your pores.

The first time I used it at home, my face felt sticky. Maybe because it was humid. Or my skin wasn't accustomed to the product yet.

When I used it after my workout at the gym, with the aircon on, my face felt refreshed. The cotton ball I used had visible traces of dark-colored residue. My cheeks felt smooth.

I hope that skin on my face will improve with each use.

right after workout, right after applying micellar water

What Makes a Good Seafood Restaurant?

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Thu, 20 Jul 2017 15:46:00 +0000

Do you have a taste for seafood? If this is the case, you will need to decide where you are going to do your dining. Every town has a variety of seafood restaurants to choose from. However, the quality of the food that you will find at these places will vary greatly. Therefore, you should never assume that all of the places that serve seafood will provide you the same quality of food. This is why you should really take the time to research a place to eat if you are serious about finding the highest quality seafood in your area. Here are the things you should look for.

1. Where has the chef worked in the past?

You should check out the level of experience that the chef has. This will give you some idea about how much skill the chef has. You need to find a seafood restaurant that has a master chef who has been working full-time for at least five years. You should also pay very close attention to the specific restaurants the chef has been employed by in the past.

2. You should look closely at the menu of the restaurant to make sure they serve what you want.

Not all seafood places will serve the same dishes. You will also find that some similar dishes are prepared differently depending on the restaurant. The way they are prepared will often depend on what part of the country the restaurant is located in. For example, seafood restaurants in Allen TX might serve their dishes with spicy sauce. Most restaurants will have their menus listed on their websites. Take a look at this so you do not waste your time going to a place that does not serve what you want.

3. Does the seafood restaurant offer frequent specials?

It's always nice to find a seafood restaurant where you can save some money and get a good meal at the same time. Therefore, you should take a look to find out which seafood restaurants offer specials on a regular basis. You can save a great deal of money if you choose to eat your meals at the right time.

4. What sort of reviews has the restaurant received?

Read some online reviews of the seafood places in your area. You will be able to get an idea about the quality of the food they serve.

The Fisher Mall VIP Cinema Experience

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 01:53:00 +0000

I was so happy to finally see the much raved about movie, Wonder Woman.

Usually, we watch at the regular cinema of Fisher Mall. A ticket costs Php250. This time, we decided to try the mall's VIP Cinema. It's kind of like the business class of movie houses.

For twice the price, we get:

A large drink each, soda or iced tea
Option of coffee
Unlimited popcorn at the push of a button on the table that has cupholders
Recliner armchairs where we could put our feet up
Woolly blankets wrapped individually in pouches, I didn't know where to place the thin pouches, though

It was quite comfy. The temperature was low so we all used the blankets. I wore my jacket. Although the movie already started while the lights were still on, it was an enjoyable experience. The kids liked it! I wonder if they will still want to watch in the regular cinemas. Uh-oh!

3 Ways to Work Your Ideas Into The Construction of Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Wed, 07 Jun 2017 05:00:00 +0000

The process of getting your home built can take months. And, in that time, you have every right to change your mind on unbuilt aspects. However, there are right and wrong ways to work your ideas into the construction of your home. And this article details each one of them.

Photo by - More rustic exterior home photos

Go Directly to the Crew Foreman

A construction crew foreman oversees the entirety of work from their contractors and construction workers. Therefore, they would be the head honcho; the one in charge of everything. To ensure your ideas are heard and implemented, go directly to the crew foreman. In some cases, a foreman would be your head architect. These bosses would be happy to hear your suggestions. But make sure it’s off hours, when they have time to listen and respond without being rushed. Never wander onto a construction site to talk to the foreman. You might find yourself kicked off really quick.

Host Brainstorm Sessions with Your Architect

When your architect has some free time to talk and brainstorm, ask them for a session to express your ideas and possibly work those ideas into the main design of your home. Sure, it is your house, but they are in charge. Therefore, they would know the best ideas based on realistic specifications and safety measures. It might be hard to let someone else take control of where you live, but you need to remember that architects and contractors are there to help you accomplish your dream home. Let them work. They know exactly what they are doing.

Go a Little DIY with Interior and Exterior Designs

If you have a difficult time handing over the design reins to someone else, do a bit of DIY interior and exterior designs after your home is done. No need to hire professionals when you can do it yourself, right? Or, if you still want to DIY your design projects, simply ask an interior designer for advice. You can pay by the hour, gather a few tips, and implement some of their ideas into the final designs of your home décor.

If you are the type of person who expects every hired professional to cater to your whims, then hiring someone to build your home might be a bad idea. However, if you are open minded to others working their magic with your construction projects, then by all means, hire awesome, reliable professionals and collaborate over the creation of your dream home.

Neutrogena T/Gel To Combat Dandruff

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Tue, 06 Jun 2017 04:58:00 +0000

I've had dandruff for the longest time. This topic might make you go "Ewww!" So, stop reading right now if it does.

There were some brands of anti-dandruff shampoo that worked for me... For a while. Then, they seem to lose efficacy. Like Vaseline.

I hoped it wouldn't be that way with this. I learned about Neutrogena T/Gel in S&R, when an employee there told me it's efficient. But, there was no stock at that time.

The, finally, I got ahold of a bottle one day.

It was written on the box that it "starts working after just one use". But, I haven't proven that because my scalp was still itchy. I wondered how long I must use it before it takes effect.

The color of the shampoo is not attractive. It smells of medicine. I didn't expect my hair to be soft after using it. There was even a conditioner version of it.

After a month of using it every day, I still felt that I have dandruff. I switched back to a normal shampoo. I just use it whenever my scalp is itchy. I felt it was better that way.

When it's finished, I don't think I will buy it again. I will be off to try another kind of anti-dandruff treatment shampoo care of the salon I frequent.

The Importance of Removing Mold From Your Crawl Space

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Wed, 19 Apr 2017 07:43:00 +0000

Mold is devastating to your home and health. However, many homeowners don’t know where to look for mold, so they don’t know if they need mold removal services. One of the most common areas of the home where mold grows is the crawl space. Below is more information about why removing mold from your crawl space is so important.

Why Does Mold Form in Crawl Spaces?

Out of all of the places in your home for mold to form, why does it grow so often in crawl spaces? One of the main reasons is because of water buildup or dampness. Mold thrives in damp areas, and many crawl spaces provide the perfect breeding ground. Also, mold growth here often goes unchecked because many homeowners don’t treat their crawl spaces as part of their actual homes. As a result, they never check it for mold growth.

Health Hazard

Another big reason to remove mold from your crawl space is because it’s a health hazard. When mold grows in here, it starts to contaminate the air. This air can travel upward and infect the air that you breath every day.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency says that nearly 50 percent of the air inside of your home comes from the crawl space or basement. This is because warm air rises and escapes via the roof. Then it’s replaced with the cool air from the crawl space or basement. As the air circulates into the house, it brings mold spores with it.

Structural Damage

Besides causing you harm, mold also causes damage to the structure of your house. Mold can destroy the wood studs that act as the foundation for your home. Once the wood suffers damage, it puts the entire integrity of your home at risk. In some cases, the home becomes unlivable, so the wood studs have to be replaced.

Mold is a silent killer. To make matters worse, most homeowners aren’t even aware of the mold in their crawl spaces. Consider having a professional check your crawl space for mold growth. You may find that it needs waterproofing to prevent future mold growth.

Keep Kids Safe Online with KidsEmail

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 03:18:00 +0000

When I was six years old, my daughter's age, I wasn't aware of another world - the online world. Now, my daughter is slowly immersing herself in that world via YouTube. She's even leaving comments on her favorite videos! She watches mostly My Little Pony toy reviews, other toy reviews, toy crafts and funny skits acted out using toys. She also wants to make a video of her own, but I have no idea how to edit a video.

Pretty soon, Ella's going to have friends and they will probably communicate through email when at home after school or during weekends. The worlds now - both real and online are more dangerous than before, so I will totally delay her making an account on Facebook. In my opinion, email is safer.

The good news is that there's KidsEmail.org, a fun & safe place to send and receive emails. Getting started is as easy as 1 - register a parent account, 2 - add children, 3 - set the safety settings. Setting the safety settings could be a bit intimidating at first, but when I realize it's for my child's protection, it's quite understandable. These settings include receiving emails only from the contact list, mailing a copy of incoming & outgoing messages to the parent, filter out bad words, remove images & links, etc. I could even control the type of attachments my daughter would receive. I love that KidsEmail allows everyone to try it for free without asking for a credit card number.

After setting up Ella's email, I asked her to choose a design as the background of her very own email. She chose the rainbow one, which was not pictured in the sample designs in the image below. The fairy princess design was one option she considered.

Other very cool features include:

a GPS tracker that gets the historical location where children have been, if they're using their KidsEmail in an Android device
the mail queue that intercepts emails which didn't pass the parents' safety rules, these emails can then be approved & sent, or denied & removed
time restrictions that set the time of the day and the days of the week when the kids can log in, they could also be grounded and a custom message could be displayed when they attempt to sign in
no ads displayed so children would not see anything inappropriate
a custom blacklist to block specific people

In this day and age, it's hard not to let children keep up with the technology, but it is more important to keep kids safe online. I am glad there are companies out there that are concerned with children's safety online.

Have questions and want to know more? Connect with KidsEmail:

● FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/KidsEmail.org
● TWITTER twitter.com/KidsEmail
● PINTEREST www.pinterest.com/kidsemail1/
● GOOGLE+ plus.google.com/u/0/b/112369875076902375218/+KidsemailOrg
● LINKEDIN http://www.linkedin.com/company/kids-email?trk=biz-companies-cym
● BLOG blog.kidsemail.org/

Dulcelin Gourmet's Frozen Mango Torte

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Mon, 20 Feb 2017 12:03:00 +0000

We just came from breakfast at Poach. The mommies I was with suggested passing by Dulcelin, a residence-looking place where the order is placed with an assistant. Then, after payment, she will go in to retrieve it. I haven't tried their cakes yet, so I bought a Frozen Mango Torte, a specialty, they said. It was a cake for no occasion.

Behold! The box. A sturdy one to stand the freezer environment.

Whipped cream peaks!

The sweet whipped cream complemented the sour mangoes.

The torte was nutty and chewy.

As with frozen cakes, the challenge was cutting it right after taking it out of the freezer.

I deem it pricey at P750. What do you think?

Cym Marzan

about.me/ceemee

Breakfast at #CoffeeProject with Fellow Moms

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 10:42:00 +0000

The first time I went out with fellow K1 moms this school year, we trooped to the Coffee Project. It's a newly opened garden-inspired café in Quezon City.

We were greeted with flowers.

You may wonder. "What does coffee have to do with flowers?"

Well, I read that people use coffee grounds to fertilize their soil for plants and flowers.

We took the table right at the top of this staircase.

You would think that we have walked into a flower store when surveying this area.

We were there at past eight in the morning and we were almost the only ones around.

There were lots of knick-knacks on the nooks & crannies. I wondered whether the staff would be able to dust all of them.

The interestingly busy hallway/seating area going to the washroom. Too bad I didn't have enough time to pore through the decorated text and the words on the post-its.

Each of us ordered the Continental Breakfast. We thought that this choice offers more value for money, although it's still pricey at Php250. It didn't even have coffee.

I was excited about the waffles, though. I love waffles! The syrup, jam and butter looked too little.

We were a bit disappointed with the service, considering there were not many customers.

The coffee and water took a while to arrive. The server even asked us if we want the food and coffee to be served at the same time.

Therefore, I ordered a cup of Vietnamese Latte that came with a delicious cookie. The coffee was on the sweet side, yet, that's how I like mine.

I bought home a large cookie with sticky marshmallow and a (leaking) cookie cup + milk. It's my first time to try a cookie cup. Yum!

Does Coffee Project interest you?

Things That Every Emergency Room Should Have

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 09 Sep 2016 11:04:00 +0000

There is a very good possibility that you will need to pay a visit to an emergency room at some point. If this should happen, it is important that you receive the highest possible quality of care. The reality is that not all emergency rooms are the same when it comes to the care the offer, the experience of the staff or the equipment they use. This is why it would be in your best interests to investigate the various emergency rooms in your local area. You will then know the best one to go to in the event of an emergency. Here are the most important things that you should look for as you are checking out your local emergency rooms.

1. What type of equipment does the emergency room use to treat their patients?

This is an important detail that most people never stop to consider when they are going to an emergency room for treatment. The vast majority of people simply assume that every emergency room automatically uses the latest technology. However, that is not the case at all. Many emergency rooms are financed with a very tight budget. This means that they are not able to replace and upgrade equipment as often as they should. Therefore, the equipment may malfunction or not provide accurate readings. Try to find a free standing ER Houston that uses equipment that is new and properly maintained.

2. The emergency room that you choose should not keep you in the waiting room for a long period of time.

People who make the decision to visit an emergency room are doing this because there is something seriously wrong with them. You have decided that the medical problem you have is serious enough that you require immediate treatment. You will not be able to wait for a normal doctor's appointment. Unfortunately, many emergency rooms have the bad habit of making their patients wait for incredibly long periods of time before they are seen by a doctor or nurse. Choose an emergency room that examines their patients promptly.

3. The staff at the emergency room should be qualified to adequately treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries.

All of the best emergency rooms are prepared to help people regardless of what their medical problem is. You never want to be in a situation where an emergency room is not equipped to help you.

A Dinner At Quezon Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (ceemee) — Fri, 02 Sep 2016 12:07:00 +0000

It's always great to meet up with really close friends and talk over dinner. It's even more wonderful if the food is delicious.

I went to Fisher Mall one evening with one guy friend and two gal pals. While looking at the restaurants, we saw a freshly opened one called Quezon, a Filipino - Spanish buffet. Since it was new, the walls were very white and clean. There was a sharp contrast with the black of the furniture and decor. It's design was very contemporary, with a pretty chandelier to add shine and elegance.

I guess we were famished because the only photo I took was this.

It struck me as classy and we loved the high ceiling with sparkling chandeliers.

Honestly, I didn't know where to start; not from the appetizers of:

vegetable salad

macaroni salad

potato salad

fried lumpiang ubod (yummy!)

garlic mushrooms

There were three kinds of sisig: pork, chicken and bangus (milkfish). There was spicy lechon, bagnet, angus beef tapa, roasted chicken on the carving station.

Filipino dishes that tempt were dinakdakan, callos, bulalo steak (this was delicious!), kare-kare, pinakbet, ginataang langka. They also have pancit canton and longganisa pasta (too salty for me).

I especially love the soft serve ice cream which tasted like the popular Filipino hot chocolate drink. There were also other Filipino desserts that tickled our tastebuds.

Click here for the price, or check out the Quezon Buffet Restaurant facebook page.