My So-Called Life!

First Wedding Anniversary Date Part 2

2012-02-24T11:45:00.001-05:00

And the story continues...

My boys.

This was at the right side of the house. See the beauty of the mountains? I think the photo didn't do justice, but believe me, it was lovely! Would have been prettier in the Summer though because this part of the estate is full of different varieties of flowers and plants.

This was at the patio which is located at the northern part of the house. That's my son, Yogi and at his back were three huge water fountains. So huge we didn't get to check them all because I was already getting tired of walking. (",)

Lunch at one of the estate's restos named Bistro. There's Yogi sipping his lemonade while waiting for the food.

I have taken lots of photos, but I don't want to bore you all so there you go. LOL. Happy Friday everyone!!!

A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place

2012-02-19T23:00:00.001-05:00

I’ve always been organized with my things. From important documents to my closet and through the whole house. As my husband told me, “Organization” is your middle name.” That is one thing that we have in common actually. We are both neat buffs. I don’t like messy surrounding and neither does he. I think you can consider us to be having OCD about cleanliness and neatness which I believe is way better than being a slob. (“,)

And I’ve also incorporated that when it comes to dealing with online stuff. I have my favorite websites to visit and I have them neatly grouped with my bookmark tool. And my husband does too. But little did I know that there is actually a website tool that I can use to make my online organization much easier, not to mention, real neat. And that is clipix!

I’ve been exploring the site since yesterday and I’ve already grouped the sites that I’ve bookmarked. It’s really fun doing it. I’ve included a screen shot of my account and see how neat it is? I made a board for myrecipes, books, designs for the home and of course, as a woman, shopping should never be forgotten. LOL. I am still not done and I still have a lot of things in mind that I want to put in there.

If you’re an organized freak like me, take a look at the site yourself and you will really enjoy it like I do. And please do let me know on how you would use it. I’ve also included a video here for you to watch. I am yet to tell the husband about this. He would love the site for sure.

Promoted Post

Color Connection #6: First Wedding Anniversary Date

2012-02-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

My entry last week was about our wedding day though I particularly talked about my wedding bouquet because Valentine's Day was coming then. I was nostalgic and that was because that was a few days after we celebrated our first wedding anniversary. And as I mentioned, I am going to talk about where we celebrated our anniversary. And this is it. Do you recognize the place?

We revisited the Biltmore House. And that was definitely the best place to spend our anniversary because it was two days after our wedding last year when we visited the place for the first time. And we enjoyed it the more this time because the weather was glorious. We got to explore the outside of the house more. We also had our lunch at the bistro near the winery which was a few miles from the house. I had taken a lot of photos, but I will be sharing a few at a time. Hmmm, so that means one thing. This is not the only time that I am going to talk about out anniversary. LOL.

Me and my boys. (",)

If He Knows What’s Good for Him, He’ll Agree With Me

2012-02-15T19:44:00.000-05:00

When it comes to decorating the house, my husband and I have different preferences. He’s more into traditional decors while I am into contemporary. But it’s not been a problem since we can always incorporate both styles in one room which I learned from watching television shows about interior designing. But for certain, there was some compromising done and I guess there will be more because we still have a lot of updating to do inside the house.

My son and I arrived here in the late part of 2010 and it was a few months after that when we started changing things. My husband had been living as a bachelor for so long and so much needed updating; just imagine the work that faced me. We are doing it little by little because we do have a budget to think of.

We’ve been talking about lighting fixtures lately because that will be the next step on our renovation list after painting. The lamp shades, though still okay, need to be replaced. We need to change the ceiling lamps too because they are definitely dated. I’ve been checking contemporary lighting and the husband who prefers the traditional ones agreed with me after I showed him what I saw online. So, no compromising on that one. Good boy, Honey Hubby…(“,) I can’t wait to shop!

Color Connection #5: Red for Love and Respect

2012-02-10T10:36:00.001-05:00

Time flies! We already celebrated our First Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, the fifth of February. I will post the details on how and where we celebrated it on my next entry. I am feeling nostalgic now so I am going to talk about my wedding bouquet - a bunch of red roses. Roses are definitely on the top of my favorite flowers, and you can also add red as one of my favorite colors. It was our wedding motif that I chose thus, the red roses.

Also, Valentine's Day is already next week so these red roses are just perfect. Agree? (",)

So fresh and so red. I took this photo on the wedding day itself .

And I took this a week or so after the wedding. You can see that the petals were already starting to dry, but still pretty.

♥♥♥ HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! ♥♥♥

Do Your Talking Without Any Walking

2012-02-06T17:00:00.001-05:00

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

Hear ye! Hear ye! Hear ye! Did you know that Sprint has a limited time sale going on? And guess what? It’s only online. So you don’t need to go anywhere and spend time and gas just to grab the special offer. You just have to let your fingers do the work and walking and you’re good to go.

And what you are going to get with such a great deal? Well, if you open a new line of service or add to your account, you can grab yourself a free Nexus S™ 4G or better yet, an HTC EVO™ 3D for only $49.99. Isn’t that an awesome deal? But there’s more to it than that. With the Nexus S™ 4G at free online only savings, the $50 mail in rebate converts to an instant $99.99 web only savings. And with regards to the HTC EVO™ 3D at $49.99 online only savings, the $50 mail in rebate converts to an instant $50 web only savings.

In addition, you will also avail of waived activation fee for new lines of service and free shipping. And that’s only on sprint.com. So, what are you waiting for? I don’t think this offer is going to last forever. Grab it while it’s hot!

Save Your Green at Walgreens

2012-02-04T17:00:00.001-05:00

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

I’ve always been into great deals and savings when it comes to buying anything that we need either for personal use or for the household. And that is one thing that my husband and I have in common. Our reason, why spent more when you can have it at a lesser price and yet you still get the same benefits. In this economy that we live in, being wise in our spending is certainly an imperative option to take.

And I was delighted upon learning about Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. They are offering a special discount for only $35 a year which covers all immediate family like spouse, dependents not older than 22 years old and lastly, your pets.

Being in the club gives you the privilege of everything nice. First, you will get savings on more than 8,000 brand-name and all generic medications. Second, you will get discounts on flu shots, nebulizers, diabetic supplies and pet prescriptions. Finally, purchasing Walgreens brand products and photofinishing services will give you bonuses. That is absolutely great, isn’t it?

If you want to be updated and never be left out, like Walgreens on Facebook or follow Walgreens on Twitter. I already did. I certainly will not miss the updates for the world.

Color Connection #4: Santa Puppy

2012-02-03T16:51:00.002-05:00

Yeah, I know Christmas is over, but I couldn't resist sharing with you all about Sadie, the Santa Puppy. Teehee. Isn't she cute? I'm not sure what kind of dog she is. Terrier? She's my SIL's dog and she was dressed like this on Christmas Eve.

And you know what? She also had her gift which she opened herself...cookies! My SIL loves her so much that she even gave her a dog party last year, and I think she will give her another one this year. Ain't that cute?

If Life’s a Bed of Roses, it Should Smell Like It

2012-02-03T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Triad Retail Media. All opinions are 100% mine.

Organized. Clean. Neat. Smelling good. Those are the things that best describe our humble abode. I consider myself a neat freak and a messy house is definitely an eyesore to me. And I’ve trained my two boys (husband and son) to be like me in that regard.

And of course, I always want the house to be smelling good because it makes me feel so good whenever I get compliments about it. I’ve always been fond of scented candles and, of course, Glade® products. Glade® has always been a part of our household for as long as I can remember, even back in my home country.

Learning about the new Glade® Expressions™ fragrance mist mist and the new Glade® Expressions™ oil diffuser really delighted me. I’ve always been satisfied with their products, but these new ones offer even more. The no-spill design is perfect with any home décor. Also, they possess true-to-life and long-lasting fragrance, are also refillable with any scent, and there is a coupon available for $1.50 off that can be used at Walmart. Get the new Glade® Expressions™ coupon. The oil diffuser also doesn’t require electricity. Lastly, satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed with these products or your money back. You can fill out the form if you're not satisfied.

Need I say more? I will surely grab some of these.

Color Connection #3: Diary of A Wimpy Kid

2012-01-27T10:07:00.004-05:00

My husband is a bookworm. He started to love reading at the age of six. Since I got here, there was no day that I didn't see him holding a book. He actually reads himself to sleep. And he greatly influenced my son, Yogi in that aspect which I am so happy about. He makes it a point to give books to the little one on special occasions like his birthday and Christmas. And now, Yogi is so into reading the series of "Diary of A Wimpy Kid".

The one he was holding was the number two book in the series. He received it as gift from my husband on Christmas. He was enjoying it so much that he rather read the book when we were next door on Christmas Day than play with the kids. I think he was almost done with the book that time that was why he couldn't stop himself from finishing it. I bet you know how it feels.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

2012-01-23T08:58:00.001-05:00

(Photo from Google)

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!

Hope the year of the water dragon will be a good
year for everyone. Cheers!!!

Color Connection #2: Macho

2012-01-20T12:18:00.000-05:00

That's the name of the dog whom Yogi was playing with in the photo. The dog was my SIL's nephew's. That was the first time that they brought the dog there and you know what he first did as soon as he set foot at my SIL's house? He pooped! LOL.

He's a trained dog and the kids including Yogi really had fun playing with him. In this photo, Macho was giving the stuffed toy squirrel to Yogi for him to throw it and then Macho will get it and give it back to Yogi. Cute dog!

Color Connection #1: He Had A Blast!

2012-01-13T12:32:00.000-05:00

After Nostalgia ended, Rose invited me to her other meme, and this is it, Color Connection. Don't we all love colors? Yes we do though our preferences differ. I like colors that are bold and warm. I guess you can tell by what my son, Yogi was wearing. (",)

This photo was taken on Christmas Eve at my BIL's house. We always celebrate our Christmas Eve with them, and just like last Christmas, Yogi had a blast once again. He received lotsa gifts from not only my BIL and SIL, but also from their sons and a relative. The toy Transformer robot that he's holding was a gift from my BIL and SIL. I will share more photos next time.

Happy 2012!!!

2012-01-01T09:56:00.006-05:00

The year 2011 was definitely a good year for the whole family. Though it wasn't perfect - nothing's perfect after all - but a lot of our prayers were answered and there were abundance of blessings. And those are enough reasons for us to be thankful. I hope the New Year will be as good, if not, better.

Here's wishing you all a bountiful New Year!!! I've included a poem below that one of my friends shared on Facebook. I don't know who the author is, but read on. It's really nice.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out thy mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

From Our Family...

2011-12-25T16:39:00.001-05:00

...to yours, a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Let There Be Light!

2011-12-22T19:05:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PartyLite Simple Pleasures Holiday Sweepstakes. All opinions are 100% mine.

Back home in the Philippines, I loved hosting parties for my girlfriends. That was one of our bonding moments. And it’s one thing that I missed doing. I’ve been here in the land of Uncle Sam for a year now and I don’t have a group of friends yet, thus, no girl’s party. But I do look forward to having one someday. It’s one of the things that I enjoy doing after all. And more so, when I learned about PartyLite party. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone because I don’t only get to enjoy the party with friends, I can earn freebies too just by hosting parties. And guess what the freebies are? Candles! That is simply awesome! I’ve always liked scented candles and knowing about that made me giddy. We do know that nowadays, candles are not only used to provide light. They’re also used to beautify a room, make it relaxing and, of course, smell good.

You can join the fun by liking the PartyLite Facebook page and be updated all the time of what's new and what else to look forward to. We may be late from joining the PartyLite Simple Pleasures Holiday Sweepstakes where we get the chance of winning 5 PartyLite gift certificates valued at $500 each, but the fun doesn't end there especially that they just launched the PartyLite Winter/Spring catalog 2012 on December 16. It gets no better than that! So check it out now, like I did and let the parties light our life like those candles will light up our home.

Buying Cheap Doesn’t Mean Cheap; it Means You’re Smart

2011-12-22T19:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical. All opinions are 100% mine.

The economy has been in bad shape for the past couple of years. But even then, it doesn’t stop people from enjoying Christmas. Malls are still jam-packed with people shopping for gifts at this most celebrated time of the year. Well, Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive after all. Everything can be simple yet fabulous. Gifts can be the cheapest, but if given wholeheartedly, then it is more than enough. As the famous cliché’ goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” And for as long as you know how to spend wisely, I do believe everybody will be happy.

Who did you not buy a gift for Christmas yet? You still have three days, but if saving is your goal, you’ve got to take a look at what Zenni Optical has in store for you. Saving more on their wide selection of cheap eyeglasses means more money to spend for gifts, thus, more people to receive gifts from you. Isn’t that the essence of gift giving? Zenni has the most stylish, trendy and affordable eyeglasses there are. The photo that I’ve included can attest to that. Go, take a look at their website today before you get tangled up in the Christmas rush.

Have a Merry Christmas!

Festival of Lights Part 1

2011-12-22T12:40:00.001-05:00

Our weekends have been busy since the holidays started - Christmas shopping here and there, parties with the family, my son's school activities, etc. And last Sunday, we witnessed the 'Festival of Lights' at one of the parks here called Lake Julian. I didn't know if they had it last year. I saw it on the local news and when I told the husband about it, he didn't have second thoughts of checking it out right away. He's always in for some fun which is one thing that I really like about him.

And being the photo lover me, I made sure I took snap shots. But of course, I need to share our happenings to all of you as well as to my family back home.

It's a Dino! This was the first thing that caught our attention as soon as we entered the park.

Fishing time for Santa. Wonder what he got? Salmon or Tilapia? (",)

An igloo with a penguin running to and pro on the top.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Frosty the Snowman

See the Savings Add Up

2011-12-19T17:50:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Zenni Optical. All opinions are 100% mine.

Great deals! Something we all like it. And who wouldn‘t? Especially this holiday season when we buy gifts for everyone. And choosing and getting the best deals mean more money to save and more people to give gifts to, or better yet, more gifts for each and everyone. Am I not right? Besides, cheap doesn’t mean boring gifts or low quality. For as long as you’re wise and resourceful, you will certainly put a smile on your loved ones’ faces.

Does anyone of your loved ones need to have new prescription eyeglasses? If so, you need to check ZenniOptical.com for their wide variety of stylish cheap eyeglasses. They are so stylish and colorful making them really perfect to give this holiday season.

Look at the one I’ve included. That’s the one that I really fancy, but I still don’t need prescription eyeglasses as of the moment, so, it has to wait until my eyes will need them. But at least I already know where to look. Go check the website yourself. I know for certain you will find something that you will like too and, of course, your loved ones as well. Let us make their holidays extra-special by choosing extra-special presents for their enjoyment.

What’s a Weekend Without Shopping?

2011-12-19T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gift Card Weekend. All opinions are 100% mine.

Almost all women have one thing in common: We love shopping! I guess men are already pretty aware of that. And since we love shopping, I do think that the other thing that will make us all delighted is a gift card, most especially if it is a freebie - a gift or a prize. It would really make me delighted, no doubt.

And guess what? There is actually a Gift Card Weekend that is going on now. They are giving away more than 100 gift cards a week which they call Gift Card Weekend. The daily Facebook giveaway from December 19 until December 23 will give you a chance of winning a Sephora $20 gift card. But they are giving away lots of prizes for the whole month so you better be on the look out. To tell you more, participating outlets include JC Penny, Regal Cinema, Subway, Applebee’s, Bass Pro Shops, Adidas, Bucca de Beppo, Lowe’s, Spa Finder, Marriot, Giant Eagle and of course, Sephora.

To join, you only need to like Gift Card Weekend on Facebook then share with your friends. In addition, you will get more chances of winning for every like that you influence. Isn’t that great? This is a once-a-year event so go join now. I already did. Best of luck to us!

Nostalgia #65: O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum

2011-12-15T10:35:00.002-05:00

I was sad to learn yesterday that Rose, the host of Nostalgia is going to end the meme. Today is the last so, obviously, this is my last entry.

And what better way to end it than share our new Christmas Tree. Well, I did mention last week that I am going to share it today. I showed you our old 4' Tree and this is our new one, a 6' Tree. I did mention last week too that we were still looking for a Christmas Tree topper that time. But a few days after that, my husband found one. It's an angel that is made of capiz. See that? I really love it!

I am done wrapping the gifts for my two boys - husband and son. Those gifts underneath the tree are for the both of them. I don't know if they will get me one, but knowing the husband, I know I will have some. Heehee.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Y'ALL!!!

Hint, Hint, Honey Hubby O’ Mine

2011-12-13T20:00:00.001-05:00

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

We often hear people say that Christmas is only for kids. Do you really believe that? Not me! I believe Christmas is for everyone because the spirit of giving and the joy that it brings certainly touches each and everyone of us.

And speaking of giving, have you thought of the best gift to give your loved ones this holiday season? If not yet, you better check the super great holiday deals on Android™ powered EVO 4G devices. I would be delighted if I was given one of those gadgets, so I know anyone who receives such will be delighted as well. That is simply an awesome gift to give and of course, receive too.

Tell you what! Sprint shifts for free on those devices so you better check that out. Also, you can get waived activation for new lines of service. Don’t delay because you know what? These devices are offered for a limited time only. I think learning that the supplies are out is the last thing that you want to hear, right? So better act now before it’s too late! I know making your loved ones happy is the most important thing this holidays to you, like me. Happy Holidays!

Yummy, Yummy, a Christmas Gift for my Tummy!

2011-12-09T01:00:00.001-05:00

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

Christmas is certainly in the air. Aside from the weather that is getting cooler, houses are now adorned with Christmas decors and colorful lights that never fail to delight me. That is why Christmas is my favorite time of the year. The spirit that it brings simply brings joy to my heart. Not to forget, the sumptuous food that we always feast on on Christmas Eve and the gifts that we open on Christmas Day.

Are you done shopping for your gifts yet? How about your holiday menu? I am lucky I don’t have to prepare during Christmas because just like last year, we are going to celebrate it again at my brother-in-law’s house. And as much as I want to prepare something, I just don’t have the confidence because my brother-in-law’s wife’s cooking skills are unmatchable. She makes really delicious dishes and gravy which is one reason that I look forward to spending the holidays with them because they always delight my tummy. Teehee. But the holidays don’t last all throughout the year and that is why I’ve been raring to learn how to cook so I will be able to satisfy my cravings for her dishes whenever it hits me.

I may not be able to come up with creations exactly like hers, much less master them, but I know I can always count on something to help me. Have you heard of GravyMaster? You may think it is only used for gravy, but nah! It can also be used for caramelizing foods, locking flavors in grilled meat, fish and veggies, and is a great help with sauces and marinades. I do believe it would be the best for a pot roast which I will try to prepare soon. Sounds yummy, huh? How about you? You got to try this too and let us both Master the meal this holiday season!

Nostalgia #64: Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!

2011-12-08T12:13:00.001-05:00

My favorite time of the year is definitely in the air. Yep, Christmas is here!!!

We started putting Christmas decors on Thanksgiving and finished it the next day. Yogi and I put up and decorated the Christmas Tree and my husband did the rest. He decorated the mantle, the breakfast bar and the front porch. It was his first time to put Christmas lights on the porch and he was so delighted with the outcome. Back home, there were always Christmas lights at out front porch so I made sure that we'll also have it here. As our neighbor said, our home looks so festive now because of the lights.

Here's our little Christmas tree which we placed on top of one of the side tables in the living room. This is about 13" tall.

And our second Christmas Tree which we used for the last time, last year. It's about 4' tall. My husband had been using it for years and we finally got rid of it this year as well as the angel topper because all the lights were busted. We bought a new 6' Christmas Tree which I will show you next week. We are still in search of a topper though because we didn't like what we had seen. Got any idea where to find a nice one? (",)

Happy Holidays y'all!!!

A Stress Free Way to Plan Your Christmas Dinner

2011-12-08T06:49:00.001-05:00

Christmas is all bout good times with friends and families. It is the time of the year where diets have to take a back seat because everyone wants to enjoy some good and delicious home cooked meals at are planned and prepared carefully by their loved ones. In every family gathering, food is one of the main attractions. And you can blame it on sheer luck if this Christmas, you are assigned to host the family dinner.

Now the question is how can you plan a Christmas dinner without stress? Is this even possible? The Christmas shopping rush could already give you a headache and add to that you may need to cook and prepare meals for a number of people. Planning is the key for a hassle and stress free dinner. Here are some tips on how you can do it:

Make a list of the invited guests and start a headcount. Notify your expected guests ahead of time in order to have an estimate on the number of people that will be present at the dinner party. Send out your invitations at least a week or two in order for your guests to have some time to check their schedules. After all, this is the season where dinners and parties are left and right.
It is also important to make special notes that can make menu planning easier. Ask your guests for any preferences or food allergies. From here you can plan a list of food that will be enjoyed by your friends and families. This is also a good way to prevent any problems such as an allergy attack. Remember, even small details should not be neglected when planning.

You can do your grocery shopping ahead of time for items that are non-perishable and start preparing some dishes at least a few days before the party. Go for meals that can be frozen and stored. Also, don’t forget to ask the help of other family members and transform the preparation into an opportunity to spend time together.

Kim currently works as a freelance writer. Among her favorite topics include travel, current events, technology and fashion. She's enjoying her current task writing for gulvafslibning a project which is all about floor sanding.