My Mom-Friday

Mom-Finds: Multi-way HeadWare

2012-01-27T00:43:00.001+08:00

Last Friday of the month: Mom-finds / Raves, Accessory

Our home is still brimming with new and wonderful things we received over the holidays, with several more items being sent over until after the new year. Among the gifts were these cool, multi-purpose accessories that the kids and I have enjoyed using.

When the package arrived with three distinct designs, the boy and the girl quickly grabbed and "owned" one for themselves -- not knowing what it actually is, hahaha! The colors just caught their eye and so they couldn't wait for me to open it.

"HeadWare™ is a seamless elastic bandana with a multitude of uses." That's right -- it's a multi-purpose accessory that adults, and even kids, can easily use to spice up your daily attire or to complement your active lifestyle.

What I like about HeadWare:

Multi-way accessory
Stretch/elastic material - highly absorbent, cool and breathable
100% Polyester Microfiber - very light, soft and durable
Seamless, tubular shape
Fun, hip, attractive colors and prints
Very handy
Very affordable
Great for use by every member of the family

My HeadWare 'Yellow Swirl' @ PhP 290

As you can see here, us girls wore our HeadWare as a hairband/headband. I usually tie my hair in a ponytail after wearing my hairband, while the girl wears her hair down.

Hers is obviously the most brightly colored and printed HeadWare, while my boy loved his camo print which he first used as a face mask and pretended to be a ninja (sorry, no photo of that).

The girl in 'Forest is Full of Cuties' @ PhP 390

The boy in HeadWare 'Linear Green Camo' @ PhP 290

HeadWare can also be worn as neck scarf, wristband, dust mask, pirate cap, beanie, tube top and even a skirt.

This one is my own "creation"... as I was tying my hair in a low bun, I just thought I'd try and wrap the messy bun and here's how it looked after a few twists.

My covered bun. Neat and tight. Nice? :)

On other occasions...

...my HeadWare secured my hair and made me look put-together the whole time while we're walking around busy Chinatown last Chinese New Year. Here we are when we got home, and I think you'd agree I still look fairly "neat"...

... and just the other day, it kept my hair in place during my yoga trial session! (More on my first yoga experience on the blog soon.)

View the video on how to wear the versatile HeadWare - just click on the photo:

Choose from a variety of hip and colorful prints from their website. They even have selected designs in Junior size. Get one, or two, or more... for yourself and your whole family.

You'll surely love using it. Great as gifts too!

Got one? How'd you like to wear HeadWare?

Screen cap from the HeadWare website

Care: Hand or machine wash. Do not iron. Not recommended in dryer

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Down in Chinatown on Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-24T17:14:00.000+08:00

Gong Xi Fa Cai, hong bao na lai!
Kiong Hee Huat Tsai!
Kong Hei Fat Choi!
Happy Chinese New Year!

Yesterday (January 23rd on the Roman calendar) was the first day of the lunar year of the Water (Black) Dragon. Chinese people all over world celebrate the Spring Festival with much exuberance. This most important annual event marks the end of winter, welcoming spring and a new year.

Here in the Philippines, the center of Chinese culture is in bustling Chinatown in downtown Binondo, Manila -- the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594! Expect this side of the city to usher in each lunar new year with a bang, attracting a throng of revelers painting the town red (literally, with folks in red clothes!) and joining in the parade. For the first time this year, the government has officially declared Chinese New Year as a special holiday.

Chinatown here we come!

"Mommy, is Chinatown out of town?"

"We're going to China?! Yehey!!!"

You can surmise from the comments of the boy and the girl that they've never heard nor have they ever been to Chinatown. For this new year, my family chose to brave through the human traffic and be where all the action is -- Ongpin Street!

Warning: Picture Overload

Seeing Chinatown like it was our first time:

Chestnuts and char-grilled corn

Colorful chicks!

Lucky charms, jewelry, and other decorative ornaments for sale line the streets of Chinatown

Character balloons

Visiting an uncle.... like most retailers in the area, their store on busy T. Alonzo st. was open even on a holiday

Dancing to the beat from the Dragon Dance parade

Goofing around while testing self-portrait function of the iPhone

Sa Lido restaurant's fresh catch

* I was impressed with the image quality of the 8-megapixel iPhone4s, so I''m happy to note that all photos above were taken with J's iPhone4s; while photos below were taken with my Canon500D

A landmark of the city of Manila

Can't decide what birds to get...

Chicks galore! More of these fur balls on a separate post.

Vivid stripes on baby quail birds

With her 2 pairs of quail birds and his lone duckling

Enter the Dragon!

Can't leave without buying dried meat delicacies at Shin Ton Yon

Fire eater from one of numerous street performers

View of centuries-old Binondo Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz)

And here are some of the most recognizable buildings and establishments in the heart of Chinatown, just like I remember them in my younger years...

One of the oldest retail stores -- Anson Emporium

The famous President restaurant

Well-loved goodies from Salazar Bakery... oh yes, we braved our war through that crowd!

We had lunch at the original LIDO Restaurant... now given a face lift

Our morning to mid-afternoon, trek was a feast to the senses. It was a pleasure trip down memory lane especially for J and my in-laws as they reminisce while pointing out to the kids where they used to live, where they hang out with relatives, which stores and eateries they frequent, and the busy side streets they used to walk through in their younger years.

The fact that I can't recall the last time I was here only means it's been ages since I last went to Chinatown. This visit on this most festive day for the Chinese was extra memorable and fun since this was also the first time for the kids to actually go to Chinatown in Manila to experience the culture and be part of the revelry first hand.

We'll see you again soon, Chinatown!

Happy New Year!!!

You might also like to check out our Visita Iglesia (church visits) around old Manila:
Images from our Visita Iglesia

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Fun Friday: Photography Tips for Better Pictures

2012-01-20T16:24:00.001+08:00

Third Friday of the month: Recreation / Hobby

What I'm going to share here is not from a formal workshop, nor is it a photography class. It was a very casual tutorial session among friends -- a group of moms who simply enjoy taking photos (lots!), either for business, for blogs and websites, or for personal files.

Practicing on food shots

Like many photo enthusiasts out there, my friends and I were all eager to learn how to take better pictures using our digital cameras -- point-and-shoot or dSLR, whatever we have, it doesn't matter. We're not planning to be pros so these basic tips and tricks are very helpful for us to maximize use of our cameras and photograph with confidence.

Our group was met by ace photographer Stanley Ong at Fun Ranch in Frontera Verde, Pasig City. He was very patient and accommodating in answering our (serious and silly) questions, and was generous with sharing his knowledge and expertise. He taught us some basic techniques that we can apply while taking photos of our kids, food, products and other stuff, whether indoors or outdoors, using DIY tools and available light.

What I learned from Stan Ong:

1. Composition and the Rule of Thirds

Framing - creates focus on the subject; the "frame" highlights the subject or sets the backdrop

Sample: Framing, with diffused backdrop

Rule of Thirds - imagine invisible lines on your frame, creating 3 parts horizontally and vertically, then position your points of interest on the intersections or along the lines. Most cameras have a grid to guide you. You can focus on centering, or get creative by off-centered subjects.

Stan illustrates the Rule of Thirds; Sample: off-centered shot from a pre-nuptial pictorial

"S" formation - creates movement and leads the eye towards the subject; or allows the eye to follow a path or trail of objects for a more interesting shot
Grouping of subjects - try to arrange the people, or balance objects, in different heights; as long as they don't look lined up like a firing squad

Sample: "S" formation

Sample: Family / Group shot, saturated colors for softer effect

2. Lighting

Use available natural light - if not outdoors, find the area in your house where light comes in, by the window or near a door
Light Tent and Reflectors - tent is great for diffusing or softening the light on the subject (it comes in different shapes and sizes); make your own light tent with tracing paper and boxes, or even cartolinas / illustration boards, and even mirrors. Reflectors help bounce or redirect light towards the subject, to highlight or diffuse.

My tea catching light by the window

Taking shots inside the tent softens harsh day light and produces balanced lighting on the product

4. Camera Settings

For semi-auto use of camera for non-pros like me, set on either:
Aperture priority or Shutter Speed priority. (I won't be able to thoroughly explain those terms for you so you're better off with Google, heehee)

Stan suggests: "You can use the shutter speed priority especially if you want to freeze action or capture motion. But personally, I use more aperture priority since I shoot a lot of portraiture and I want to control depth of field."

Sample: Freeze action - jump shot

Sample: Baby's portrait

Stan also recommended a 50mm lens for me since I take a lot to tight shots, food shots, and portraits of my kids. And I'm so glad I got one last month!

Here are recent photographs using my new 50mm, f/1.8 II lens here.

Cupcake shot and the boy, using the new lens, with shallow depth of field (sharp foreground, blurry background, using wide aperture = smaller F-stop number).

5. Special Effects

For added texture and effect on the subject, like this glass bottle, Stan suggested spraying on water to create that "cold, dewy, frosty" look on the bottle. You'll find this trick useful on food and product shots.

Here are my sample shots of plain bottle, and with water mist.

Aside from photography tricks, you can easily manipulate the photo with the help of editing softwares like Photoshop, Gimp, etc.

If you want to evoke a mood, or background looks cluttered, Stan suggests you render the image in black and white, or apply various color effects on your image.

Sample: Vintage effect, highlights the subject, theme or backdrop

Sepia look for this shot to downplay the clutter on the table

6. Basic Cleaning Tools

If you use your camera often, it's recommended that you have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. This will help maintain your unit and produce consistent quality images. There are also the lens pen, microfiber cloth and lens tissue paper that Stan uses to regularly clean camera crevices and lens. Available in photography shops.

Outtakes from our session, with Stan and the moms:

6 moms, 2 boys, and 1 photographer at Fun Ranch

I am a self-confessed "pathological picture-taker" and these tips shared to us by Stan really helped improve my mediocre skills in taking better photos.

Hope you learned a thing or two here as well. If you have some tips and tricks, do share it here, we can all learn something new!

Here are my attempts at taking better photos, and an appreciation for digital photography with my babies:
Tales of a Pathological Picture-taker
Double Take

All Sample shots courtesy of Stan Ong.
View more of his photographs from his gallery: Facebook- StanleyOngPhotography
Flicker - Stan Ong's Photostream
Stanley Ong Photography
Email: stanong@yahoo.com
Mobile: +63917-5330213
About the photographer:
Stanley Ong's interest in photography started in 2001 when he got his first film camera, a Canon EOS88.  He describes his photography as a reflection of his personality and a way for him to express how he views the world. In every photo he captures, he means to inspire and intends to make it meaningful to other people.

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Pura Stainless Steel Bottles for Babies and Toddlers

2012-01-18T18:49:00.001+08:00

I still remember when I was a kid, I have my own insulated drinking bottle lined in stainless steel with a plastic body. And I had it for a very long time. When my children were babies, and until they were able to drink from a glass, I only had plastic bottles and tumblers for their milk and drinks. I really didn't think much about it until just a few years ago, with the BPA scare. And then I introduced them to stainless-lined bottles and bowls.

11oz. Sippy in Pink - SRP @ PhP 970.00, also available in 5oz. (@ PhP 860)

Good news is, there are more options for parents nowadays when it comes to children's feeding bottles. One practical choice is stainless steel, and the newest brand to hit the local shores is Pura, stainless steel feeding bottles, launched just last month. Thanks to this blog, I got to re-connect with an old acquaintance who happens to be the local distributor of Pura. My girl was wide-eyed when she received her bright pink bottle!

What I like about Pura:

100% BPA-free, lead-free, plastic-free feeding bottles
Eco-friendly, recyclable, high grade stainless steel material
Safe and durable; lightweight
Sleek, minimalist design
Easy to grip with babies'/kids' tiny hands
Comes with cap and nipple or sippy spout, made from medical-grade silicone material
Lid is compatible with nipples and spouts from leading baby bottle brands
Comes in different attractive colors

If you've been following my blog, you'd notice that I neither have a baby nor a toddler. My youngest just turned 5. That's her up there and we still found a way to use her new pink bottle:

Remove the sippy spout
Snap on an old bottle cap from Avent to seal the lid
Screw back the lid

And voila! It's now a water tumbler!

"Another reason Pura feeding bottles is a smart solution — it grows with your baby. Pura feeding bottles are interchangeable for nipples and sippy spouts. As your baby grows, you may switch the nipple (available in slow, medium and fast flow) to a sippy spout. This translates to long term savings." - Consumo, Inc.

Embossed measuring lines, visible inside and out

We were both excited to use it because her Pura bottle just looks and feels so cool! :)

However, since this is made from stainless steel, my immediate concerns were: bottle will easily dent and get scratches all over in the long haul; it has a faint smell of steel if you drink directly from the rim of the bottle; it's more difficult to check and monitor the content since the bottle is not see-through, unlike with clear glass or plastic bottles.

Cute silicon sleeves : SRP @ Php 390 (5 oz.), @ PhP 540 (11 oz.)

Well, my first concern is addressed with these brightly colored silicon sleeves that you can mix and match with your bottle/s. Aside from protecting the body, the textured silicon sleeves also act as insulator and provide tactile stimulation with every grip from your babies and toddlers. With the smell, since we've only been using the bottle for less than 2 weeks, I believe it will gradually fade after each wash. Finally, it's pretty obvious this will never be a clear bottle. And yes, it's a bit pricey -- but as baby grows, with prices of imported plastic bottles + sippy cups + tumblers, Pura ends up as a better investment which will give you savings in the long run. The innovative features and benefits of using Pura far outweighs its downside. I would still recommend Pura for the environmentally conscious and practical parents.

Pura stainless steel feeding bottles are available at:

Numa Organic Baby Store - AEK Building, #40 E. Rodriguez Ave, Q.C.

Sesou Nature Source - Market! Market! - Fort Bonifacio and Alabang Town Center

Spoiled! Baby Store - Mezzanine level, Goldland Milenia Suites, Escriva Drive

For more information about Pura, contact:

Consumo, Inc.

Tel.: (632) 6354020 or 6354026

Mobile: +63922-8124693

2601 Jollibee Plaza Bldg., F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City

www.facebook.com/puraphil

Advocating Anti-Bullying in Schools

2012-01-13T12:35:00.003+08:00

Second Friday of the month: Schooling / Parenting

"Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior manifested by the use of force or coercion to affect others, particularly when the behavior is habitual and involves an imbalance of power. It typically involves subtle methods of coercion such as intimidation. " - Wikipedia

(Taken from Reedley International School website; photo by Gerald Diocades)

Bullying is a form of abuse which can be physical, emotional, or verbal. We've all heard of horrible and tragic reports of bullying in the news, and from family members and friends. Or maybe some of you have experienced it first hand.

I was not really conscious about this subject until I had a school-aged kid. My boy attends lower school and aside from typical boys' squabbles, I'm relieved that he never reported any serious incidence of bullying. When my friends and I talk about our children, and compare how we were before, as students, we cannot recall any similar issues in our all-girls school.

Or maybe our generation was different then?

Or our schools have less students then?

Or we have a level of fear from our parents and teachers then?

I really don't have the answers.

Sadly, a number of my friends' children have been victims, or targets, of bullies in school. All of them shared the same sentiments and frustrations -- parents, schools and its administrators play a big part in the prevention and conflict resolution of these traumatic incidences. Some actually resulted in the following:

Physical injury on torso and head of victim
Fear from verbal threats of bullies
Stress-related anxieties of the kids
Social discrimination
Loss of interest in going to school, negatively affecting academic performance

What can parents do when their child is the bully or the target?

What can parents expect from schools when dealing with bullying?

How do schools address and manage conflicts and bullying incidences?

Students with (l-r) Joy Laureola, head of external affairs, and head life coach for middle school Vida Bautista

These are just some of the questions raised during an intimate parent chat with a group of blogger-moms last month, hosted by Reedley International School (RIS). Among the topics discussed, bullying elicited the most interest from us parents since this is a very current issue that plague many students.

During the open forum, we were joined by two middle school students who candidly shared their traumatic experiences as targets of bullies from their former schools. Both boys have suffered repetitive physical, verbal and emotional "abuse" from their bullies that led to their transfer to Reedley. It became much more real to me after hearing actual accounts straight from these young lads -- how they were hurt, how they felt helpless and alone, and hopeless at times.

Bullying, at home and in school, greatly contributes to child stress and hinders them from learning and from having healthy family and peer relationships. Many schools (and parents) do not address bullying since they believe it is a rite of passage that toughens a child. - RIS

After hearing these first-hand stories of abuse and transformation, it's heartwarming to see that these boys have regained their self-esteem and confidence with proper counseling and emotional support. The kind of environment at Reedley, and most especially the support group from the school's faculty and administrators, has helped them become more positive and motivated as students.

Reedley's presented their Bully-Proof Campaign:
"I am Bully-Proof At Heart, In Mind, and In Spirit"

Includes contract signing and pledge by students and teachers - to stress the school's zero-tolerance for bullying
Students will receive pins with "I am NOW bully proof" / "I am bully proof" printed on it
Activities that help strengthen awareness - essay writing and poster making contests, film showing, and video presentation with testimonials from students who were bullied in the past

Middle school principal Jo Anne Bilo, and Director of school development Emil Ong

Reedley strongly advocates anti-bullying and is proud to be aggressively promoting a bully-proof campus for a number of years now. According to Mr. Ong, they allow students to be pro-active and be involved, to report if they witness or experience any form of bullying, and at the same time, show kindness towards one another. Any untoward incidents are immediately investigated with all parties involved, while the life coach goes into consultation with students and parents, after conducting separate interviews, to resolve the conflicts as soon as possible. Appropriate penalties and suspensions will be meted out to guilty parties.

The school also believes in empowering students to manage healthy family and peer relationships and work effectively with less stress via:

Life Skills Curriculum
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens and Happy Kids by Sean Covey
Study Skills
Conflict Resolution and Anti-Bullying Campaigns
Time Management

It's great to know that this much effort and attention is extended by Reedley in recognizing and addressing the seriousness of bullying in general. I hope other schools would give the same level of importance to prevent and stop bullying in their campuses.

Do you have stories of bullying? How were they resolved?

Learn more about the curriculum and other special programs from Reedley's website.

Alternatively, set a school visit and inquire with Ms. Joy Laureola:

Tel.:  (632) 571-5291

Mobile:  (+63917) 507-9306  (+63917) 507-9305

E-mail:  ris@reedleyschool.com

JOSOL Building, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave.  Libis, Quezon City 

Connect with Reedley International School on Facebook.

What's New With You this New Year?

2012-01-10T16:24:00.000+08:00

I just had an hour or so of pampering (a.k.a. "me time") days ago and I felt recharged and inspired...it's my first treat for myself this year!

That said, it made me do a random post about what's new -- with me, with the family, at home, to usher in the new year.

I got a haircut before the end of the previous year... and gave my girl a trim too (she only wants mommy to cut her hair).

Normal prime camera lens -- ready for close-ups.

For my 2-year-old Canon 500D (Rebel T1i)

Fresh new set of natural soaps and towels as gifts... the best!

Coffee table and chairs for our small patio -- the closest we could get to the iconic (Harry) Bertoia steel chairs.

Freshly scrubbed feet and polished toe nails in a sparkly shade of old rose.

(Orly photo from their website; spa-pedi from Cozy Nail Lounge)

New favorite birthday cake (and cupcakes too) -- a slice of rainbow!

How about you, what's new with you this new year?

Foodie Friday: Rainbow (Birthday) Cupcakes

2012-01-06T08:27:00.002+08:00

First Friday of the month: Food Find / Dessert

First Foodie post for 2012 -- let's make it bright, sweet and colorful to usher is a bountiful year ahead!

My girl will turn 5 on Sunday and has been anticipating her school "party" with her classmates. She can't decide what theme or character she wants to use for her simple celebration since she wants too many things. But for the past couple of months, she's into anything rainbow -- rainbow dresses, rainbow-colored toys, playing with my rainbow scarf, picking rainbow candies, etc. etc.

It was supposed to be the villains from Super Mario Brothers cartoon since big brother had this theme for his own birthday last November. Well, I'm glad her moods changed in time for her own celebration so for her class treat today, we decided to go with "rainbow".

Luscious and colorful rainbow cupcakes shared with her teachers and classmates.

Rainbow frosting with sprinkles

White mallow icing with sprinkles

Excited to see her colorful cupcakes and ready to blow her candle...

After a hearty snack of home-cooked spaghetti bolognese and slices of Greenwich special pizza, it was time for the highlight of the day -- the yummy birthday cupcakes!
Her classmates were happy and surprised to see the rainbow cake as soon as they had a bite!

Light, fluffy, super fun and colorful butter cupcakes with mallow icing and rainbow sprinkles.

Scrumptious!

~~Watch out for~~ the big rainbow cake ~~we're having~~ on her actual birthday! ;)

Birthday lunch with her rainbow cake which we topped with The Chipettes toy figures

Rainbow cupcakes, by special order from Cats Del Rosario of Kraze Kitch Bakeshop
http://krazekitch.multiply.com/
https://www.facebook.com/krazekitchbakeshop

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Out with the Old, In with the New Firefly

2012-01-04T20:59:00.003+08:00

Brushing the teeth is a non-negotiable part of my kids' daily routine. Though there's still the occasional resistance from the boy and the girl, our kids' oral care challenges have been more manageable for the past year or so.

A few years back, they used to avoid any form of oral care. I know we've passed that difficult stage of forcing and dragging them to brush, and even to dentist visits... hallelujah! But even with these cute brushes, they still don't bother scrubbing properly. Well, at least they brush.
These are their old blinking toothbrushes.

First Firefly : bought this pink one for the girl; Spiderman Firefly from the US sent to my boy

Anyway, the bristles have been worn out already so it's the perfect time to toss out the old and bring out fresh ones, just in time for the new year! Good thing I have a stock of FIREFLY toothbrushes from a loot I received many months back.

Look at these cute toothbrushes! :)

Why we love FIREFLY Toothbrush:

Cute, attractive designs
Unique “blinking technology” thru the LED light from the handle
Soft bristles with rounded heads
Accurately flashes in 1-minute cycles with every press of the button or base

They know they had to keep brushing until the blinking stops : 1 minute for upper teeth and 1 minute for lower teeth, as recommended by dentists. To be honest, these toothbrushes made our oral care routine less stressful for everyone.

There's my favorite Hello Kitty Firefly on stand-by for the girl. :) The boy chose the Spiderman brush again. When I was younger, there were only soft and hard bristled brushes to choose from... they are just so lucky, these kids!

Do you have children? What's your oral care challenge?

Firefly Toothbrush is available at Watsons and Beauty by SM Department Stores, and Pediatric dental clinics.

Check out Firefly on Facebook.

2012 Official Philippine Holidays

2012-01-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

First post of the year and I'm already thinking of the next holiday. To all Philippine residents, I'm excited to share and remind you of the regular and special holidays for this year -- all 16 of them!

As declared by the office of the president, there will be six long weekends for this year 2012 -- the longest of which is 5 days straight during Holy Week until Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Bravery).
One down, 15 more to look forward to:

January 1 (Sunday) : New Year's Day
January 23 (Monday) : Chinese New Year
February 25 (Saturday) : EDSA Revolution Anniversary (Special holiday for all schools)
April 5 (Thursday) : Maundy Thursday
April 6 (Friday) : Good Friday
April 9 (Monday) : Araw ng Kagitingan
May 1 (Tuesday) : Labor Day
June 12 (Tuesday) : Independence Day
August 21 (Tuesday) : Ninoy Aquino Day
August 27 (Monday) : National Heroes Day
November 1 (Thursday) : All Saints Day
November 2 (Friday) : Additional special (non-working) day
November 30 (Friday) : Bonifacio Day
December 25 (Tuesday) : Christmas Day
December 30 (Sunday) : Rizal Day
December 31 (Monday) : Last Day of the Year

Next up is Chinese New Year!!!
As a Filipino-Chinese, I am happy that the government has finally recognized the auspicious celebration of Chinese New Year. This has been long overdue, in my opinion, considering a big part of the Philippine population is of Chinese decent, and the country has deep-rooted Chinese cultural influence. The first day of the Chinese lunar year of the water Dragon falls on 23rd of January -- now declared special non-working holiday. (Date will change every year depending on the lunar calendar). We plan to bring the kids to Chinatown for the first time this year, so that is something we're really excited about.

Mark your calendars!

Free printable calendar from www.dreamstime.com

Time to plan the next vacation folks! =)

Reference:
Proclamation No. 295

p.s.
Thanks to reader Kat, I was reminded of the Muslim special holidays which were not included in the 2012 official list.
I believe dates also vary every year for those special days which are based on the Islamic calendar. It was declared in previous years that the end of Ramadan (Eid ul-Fitr) and the Feast of Sacrifice (Eid-ul-Adha) are regular holidays as well.
2012 : Ramadan falls sometime in August; Festival of Sacrifice falls sometime in October.

Year-End Round-up: Favorite Finds in 2011

2011-12-28T23:49:00.000+08:00

Last Friday of the month: Mom-Finds / Raves

It's the last Friday of the year, so I'll be sharing more than one Mom-Finds. We're counting down to 2012 and I thought it's fitting that, aside from great new finds, I post a year-end review of my favorites in 2011.

From food to fashion, these products and services became my personal favorites, earned raves from my family, and got featured on the blog. So here are my fave finds in no particular order:

Mom-Friday's Favorite Finds 2011

PRODUCTS
(Click on name or photo to read more about each one below)

MacBook Air - 13"
My first ever Apple, for my birthday -- this one is truly special. Need I say more?

Celeteque Anti-Aging Power Serum

My face just loves this velvety-smooth serum with anti-aging Lipopeptides in break-off capsules.

Re-named as Celeteque DermoScience

Sassy Hairsies Luxury Hairpieces
Undeniably gorgeous hair accessories for girls -- big, bold, and sparkly... perfect for my little miss.

Frances Sales' Leather Satchel

I've been using this well-made, locally hand-crafted shoulder bag almost everyday since I got it.

'Before Ever After' Book (and Baked Eggs)

This best-selling novel, by Filipina mom Samantha Sotto, made me read a book again after a decade, and even delighted me with her divine baked eggs and cheese recipe.

Green Sproutlets

It's hip to be 'green' with these luxuriously soft and hypoallergenic organic bamboo and cotton children's clothes -- great for your kids and kind to the environment.

Z-Pore Instant Pore Refiner

The amazing skin cream from GoodSkin Labs glides on smoothly and "hides" the pores on my face instantly -- and shine-free the whole day!

FOOD

Papa John's Pizza (Annapolis Branch)

Fresh, generous toppings, chewy-crunchy crust, served with pepperoncini pepper and garlic dipping sauce, their pizza is always a winner in my book.

Clara Ole Kung Pao Pasta Sauce

A staple in the pantry, this is my go-to spicy pasta sauce that's great with chicken or shrimps on spaghetti noodles.

Carmen's Best Artisanal Ice Cream - Malted Milk

This cold dairy concoction transformed my favorite childhood candies, Horlicks and Maltesers, into this rich and decadent ice cream.

Lipton Original Flavor Milk Tea

I'm an iced milk tea addict and this instant powdered drink satisfies my Taiwanese bubble milk tea cravings anytime of the day, sans tapioca balls.

SERVICES / ESTABLISHMENTS

Nuat Thai (Libis Branch)

Best value-for-money foot massage and full body aromatherapy massage I had this year -- I totally enjoyed my treatments here.

Photo from their Facebook page

El Kabayo Riding Stables (Subic)

A most memorable experience with the kids, this was our very first visit to a real stable, and first horse ride together as a family last summer.

Cozy Nail Lounge

They offer fantastic pampering packages like foot spa + pedicure combo that come with a premium selection of skin products and Orly nail laquer.

Jellies at Manila Ocean Park

Of all the attractions at the park, the kids were most fascinated with the jellies, and they want to go back to see these graceful creatures again and again!

New favorite Mom-Finds to cap off the year:

Skylanders Spyro's Adventure - Video Game

This is a surprise favorite for me since I was never into video games and gadgets. It's the only video game to date that I instantly got fascinated with after a friend told me about the concept and showed me their game set.

At the mall a day before Christmas, I told my video-game-addict husband about this fairly new game. We went to a store to check it out and he was completely sold on Skylanders! We bought the starter pack for Wii, and an additional set of characters on the spot. In a week's time, we have 16 figures, and counting. Here's why this game landed on my list of favorites (more info from Skylanders Facebook page):

Bring your Skylanders to life by placing them (toy figures) on the Portal of Power™
Interaction Figures with Brains™ – The Skylanders figures remember their in-game experiences and upgrades
Become a portal master and join the battle to save Skylands
Skylanders Spyro's Adventure is available on Nintendo Wii & 3DS, Microsoft Xbox 360, Sony PlayStation 3 and PC/Mac. *ESRB Rating: E10+ (Cartoon Violence)

Human Nature
Baby Care, Kids and Adult Shampoo and Body Wash
Natural and organic, proudly Philippine-made, these are 100% chemical-free personal care products.
This is the first appearance of Human Nature on this blog but they still made it to my favorites list simply because my whole family loves using their products ever since we first tried it many months back.

I don't have a baby anymore but we tried the samples of their latest Baby Care line and we really liked it too! I especially love the mild body wash and lotion that leaves their skin soft and supple, with a light powdery scent. Perfect for babies indeed. Now, they are using the new Kids Natural Shampoo & Body Wash in fresh, zesty Tangerine Tarsier scent I bought for them, while hubby and I continue to enjoy using their strengthening shampoo and conditioner.

Tarte Tatin Ballerina Flats
If I can wear heels every day, I would. But with my current lifestyle, it's just too impractical. Flat shoes are my daily footwear of choice. In leopard fabric, this super comfortable ballerina slippers with rubber soles are my current favorite and have been wearing them almost everyday since I bought it early this month.

Tarte Tatin is a local brand of contemporary girls' apparel and footwear available in Rustan's department stores. The brand now offers these lightweight, stylish flats that any woman, especially moms on-the-go, would love to wear anytime.

What are your favorites from the blog? =)

* * *

2011 has been a super year for My Mom-Friday!

THANK YOU all for joining me on all my Fridays and in-betweens, for leaving your thoughtful insights -- which thrills me each time I read a feedback, for joining and supporting my blog giveaways, for sharing my posts and links to your family and friends, and for simply liking my blog.
To all my dear friends that shower me with encouraging words, to my sponsors and supporters, I am truly grateful. Your generosity is very much appreciated!

Cheers and hope you keep My Mom-Friday on your reading list in 2012!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Images of Our Christmas 2011

2011-12-27T00:32:00.002+08:00

Hello dear readers, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!

Our celebration this year has been more austere, but meaningful nonetheless, spent with family. Food, presents, trimmings all around... we still have them. But it's been all about the children, about thanksgiving, and sharing.

Some images of our Christmas this year:

The thrill of the Christmas count down... in a box of chocolates

'Bows, Buttons and Tissue' Christmas wreath project by the girl posted on her bedroom door

We love chocolates... I have Reese's peanut butter-chocolate cups keeping me company

Christmas Eve First encounter : The Girl and The Lechon de Leche

After 6 years, we meet again... get ready to be skinned!

Hooked after my first taste... dense, decadent Queso de Bola Cheesecake (Edam cheese)

Lovely gifts : soothing, aromatic comfort from a teddy bear;

a friend's lovely hand-made choker

Excitement of opening the gifts -- in two batches... Christmas Eve, and Christmas morning

A fantastic new video game the whole family enjoyed

Skylander Spyro's Adventure (photo from FB fan page)

Surprise from Santa on Christmas morning... wishes granted... these smiles are pure joy!

Looking back, I can't believe Christmas is over. Now, we're just a few days shy of welcoming 2012!

How was your Christmas?

Flashback:

Images of Christmas past

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Mom-Style: Dress Up for the Holidays

2011-12-22T01:32:00.000+08:00

Freestyle Friday: Fashion / Style

The reality is, I don't have anything special to wear for the holiday reunions and parties lined-up in the days leading to the new year. I never had. But wouldn't it be fun to get all glammed-up for the holidays? I guess I'd have to settle on playing (virtual) dress-up for now.

For my regular readers, you know the drill -- anything goes for Freestyle Friday. And what a way to end this year with 5 Fridays for December! I decided on doing a fashion post and came up with several outfit ideas with a touch of holiday sparkle that's fit for the yuletide festivities.

Events, Parties & Reunions

FUNKY, GLITZY GLAM

HOT, SEXY-IN-JEANS LOOK

FLOWY, BRIGHT, BOHO-GLAM

Entertaining at Home

CASUAL, HIP MOM-ON-THE-MOVE

SOFT, EASY ELEGANCE

CHIC BOLD STATEMENT

Are you ready to usher in the new year? =)
What are your favorite colors or style during the holidays?

Click on the photos to get the look.
Virtual styling via Miss-match.com.ph and Polyvore.com

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post.

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Egg-Mayo Scramble

2011-12-19T23:49:00.000+08:00

Tired of your plain scrambled eggs? Here's one that's made extra savory, rich and fluffy!

You know I'm always on the look-out for quick and easy recipes -- proof of which is my Mom-Cook category in this blog. Ergo, when I saw this video by Lady's Choice and Chef Bruce Lim, I did not hesitate to try this super simple dish that anybody, even kids, can make!

The surprise ingredient to this classic scrambled egg is the addition of mayonnaise into the mix. In our kitchen cabinet, you will always find refill packs of Lady's Choice Sandwich spread (with the red label below), and a jar in our refrigerator. So I very much welcomed the addition of their Real Mayonnaise sent to us a while back, and happily tried their Scambulicious recipe with my girl. :)

We like our scrambled eggs more hearty and savory, that's why I always add fillings like the family-favorite Spam, mushrooms, asparagus, onions, or cheese, or a combination of these.

For this version, I tweaked the Chef's recipe and added Spam, chopped onions and button mushrooms. Great for a filling breakfast, but we made this dish for dinner. =)

EGG-MAYO SCRAMBLE with SPAM

4 eggs

3 tablespoons Lady's Choice mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Lady's Choice sandwich spread

2 slices Spam, diced

1 tablespoon chopped onion
2 tablespoons chopped button mushrooms

salt and pepper

cooking oil

I put in too much mayo and forgot the 4th egg so I added it in while she's beating...

To prepare:
Beat eggs with mayonnaise. Make sure they are mixed well. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Set aside.
* I replaced 1 tablespoon of plain mayo with sandwich spread since we like the extra tang of the relish in the sandwich spread. (Chef Bruce recommends 1:1 proportion for egg and mayo)
Heat pan.
Chop Spam, onions, mushrooms.

To cook:
Saute onions, Spam and mushrooms in about 1 tablespoon of oil until Spam and onions are cooked.
Pour over egg-mayo mixture and let it set a few seconds.
Push and toss around with frying spatula while scrambled eggs are forming.
Cook to your desired doneness.

Plate and serve immediately.
Good for 2 to 4.

I served this with ketchup. Even with too much mayo, it still turned out great! I had this with piping hot rice while hubby made a scrambled egg sandwich. :)

Watch the cooking video below featuring:
1. Chef Bruce Lim’s Twice Baked Potato with Scrambled Eggs and Bacon 
2. Angel Aquino cooking scrambled eggs with Lady’s Choice mayonnaise  
3. Lady’s Choice Scrambulicious testimonials

 http://www.youtube.com/user/MayoMakeover  

Videos and recipes courtesy of Lady's Choice Mayonnaise.

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My Mom-Friday's Christmas Share & Win Giveaway

2011-12-15T22:53:00.000+08:00

Third Friday of the month: Fun Friday / Raffle

It's that most wonderful time of the year again and I always believe that Christmas is about giving... it's all about sharing our blessings. 2011 has been good to me and my family. 2011 also gave me wonderful opportunities and brought me new friends through my blog. For that, I am grateful.

My Mom-Friday's Christmas Share & Win Giveaway is my own simple way of thanking you all for being a part of my blogging journey.

One (1) lucky reader will win all these great items worth almost PhP 4,000!

Rose Quartz and Crystal Necklace

This is that last piece left from the sets I made when I was still into jewelry-making several years ago. I hate to let this go since my girl grew fond of this sparkling rose pink choker. This is priceless.

I know this will make one lovely Christmas gift!

UNILAB Health & Beauty Gift Pack

Unilab-Innovitelle brands like Myra and Celeteque has been very good to me and my blog, and I personally use and enjoy their products. I am thankful for their continued support and love for my blog readers. Once again, Unilab will present a gift pack with an assortment of skin care products, plus, a special edition Alaxan FR Pacman Shirt!

The Reflex Zone

I've been meaning to go back and indulge in another de-stressing treatment, but I don't think I'd be able to go back to Makati anytime soon. This gift card is valid until January 20, 2012 and I'd hate to see it go to waste! So, I reluctantly decided to include this special session in my Christmas giveaway for one of you to experience the healing wonders of foot reflexology only at The Reflex Zone.

PJs Sleepwear

One of my latest favorite things -- my PJs! I've received so many raves about these export-quality pajamas and this is something that anyone would appreciate to receive as a gift, especially this Christmas. I recently featured PJs Sleepwear here on the blog and announced that they now carry a select line in adult sizes! So if you win this, you get to choose you own pajama set when you claim at their shop.

'Christmas Share and Win' is really all about sharing your blessings. So.... for the winner, all these are wonderful gifts to receive, and it would be nice too if you choose loved ones or friends whom you want to share your prizes with. I'm sure your friends would love you for it! :)))

***

AND THE WINNER IS....

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

You will receive an email confirmation for your prizes :) Merry Christmas!!!

***
Here's how to join & win:

1. Support their new Facebook page and 'Like' here > PJs Sleepwear

2. On the Facebook 'Add a comment' box below, tell me which 2 prizes you will share and to whom you will share it with by tagging 2 of your Facebook friends and My Mom-Friday.
3. Leave your Name and Email on the Disqus box so I can verify your identity.

Do ALL 3 steps above to have a valid entry, and you're done! :)
Sample:

'Post to Profile' box should be checked to appear on your FB wall so I can check (and should stay there until the draw) and to be valid.

TAG properly by typing '@' before the names, and it will appear highlighted like on the sample above.

I assume you already like my FB page so you're able tag me too :)

Only one comment per reader will be counted.
Entry Cut-off: Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 12 noon (Manila time)
Winner will be determined via actual draw by my boy or my girl.
Announcement of winner before Christmas Day.
Winner's name will be posted here so subscribe or follow the blog to be updated.
Winner will receive the necklace and Reflex Zone GC via parcel after Christmas; Unilab Gift Pack will be delivered directly to winner by Unilab in January 2012.
Raffle is open to ALL my readers. If you live outside Metro Manila, you can still join as long as you have a valid Metro Manila mailing/delivery address and an authorized representative to receive the prize on your behalf.
Winner should claim PJs Sleepwear adult set from Shangri-la Mall branch only -- any time during mall hours, until February 29, 2012.

Note:
Unilab product photos are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual contents of the Gift Pack.
Photos of Unilab brands are taken from their corresponding Facebook pages.
Photos of PJs Sleepwear are taken from their Facebook page.

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Sweet Dreams with PJs Sleepwear

2011-12-09T22:25:00.001+08:00

Sweet dreams begin with these...

What began as a personal need for high quality sleepwear for children, PJs Sleepwear is now a familiar brand of fine sleepwear for kids especially for mall-goers. PJs head mama Rosette developed and conceptualized the brand when she could not find well-made local brands of pajamas for her family.

Since they are in the business of exporting and manufacturing for popular US-brand children's apparel, she decided to make her own line of pajamas using the same export-quality materials to create her new own brand.

What I love about PJs Sleepwear:

Very soft and super comfortable to wear, not just at night, but even while lounging around the house the whole day
Imported materials, but completely Philippine-made
Certified and tested 100% cotton fabric for most of the collections, with some styles in cotton blends
Attractive colors and fun designs that would appeal to children and adults
With selected designs for adult women, as well as matching mom-daughter pajama sets
Available in short and long sleeves, round-neck shirt sets, and button-down collared sets

With the recently launched holiday collection present to a group of bloggers (myself included), you can find adorable printed pajamas, some made with treated fleece (below right) -- guaranteed no fabric striping (or as we call it in Tagalog -- "walang himulmol").

PJs also have infant and toddler lines like these cute Onesies, Rompers and Overalls, and now they have dresses that can go from day to night for little girls, and fun character prints for boys that 'glow in the dark'!

Fun 'Glow in the Dark' collection for boys

As soon as I got home with our PJs, the kids quickly donned them to show off and readily posed for my camera! :))) No doubt, they love their new sleepwear.

Price range: Toddler / Kids - from PhP 495 and up

My boy has race cars printed on powder blue pajamas. And here's the matching poodle-printed baby pink PJs that my girl and I were wearing -- hers with a round-neck top featuring an embroidered poodle, while mine is collared button-down classic pajama set.

Select styles also available for adult women - from PhP 750 to PhP 850

I really love how cool the fabric felt on my skin. The fabric definitely has a high thread count, with fine print quality and piping details. Kid and adult sets both have round neck and button-down styles. I am skinny and stands 5ft. 6.25in. tall -- I am wearing a medium sized set. Perfect for me, as you can see on the photo above. Only sweet dreams for us in our PJs!

These premium pajamas are great finds and make wonderful all-occasion gifts!
Get updates on their latest design here on PJs Sleepwear Facebook Page.

Visit a PJs Sleepwear store near you:  
Level 4, Shangri-la Mall (#571-9228)
 Level 1, Trinoma Mall SM Clark, Pampanga 
Marquee Mall, Angeles, Pampanga 
Abreeza Mall, Davao City 
Limletkai Mall, CDO 
All branches of Rustan's Dept. Store

Raffle Alert!!!

YOU CAN WIN YOUR OWN SET of PJs SLEEPWEAR

from my blog giveaway this Fun Friday... so watch out for it and join!

Follow me and PJs Sleepwear on our social network so you won't miss any updates!

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Family Friday: A Mom's Holiday Stress-Busters

2011-12-08T22:49:00.001+08:00

Second Friday of the month: Motherhood / Women's health

Are you feeling the Christmas rush? I do. As of this writing, I'm not even half way done with my gift shopping -- I used to be done by mid-November! Anyhow, I am dedicating this post to all the hardworking bodies out there who are feeling the pressure and stress while preparing for the holidays.

This goes out to the wives and moms who decorate the home, prepare the meals, attend school programs, host parties, buy, and wrap all the presents! Whew! Are you feeling it now? =)

Here are a few of my stress-busting guilty pleasures, from head to toe:

FACIAL
Have a good cleansing facial.
I can't recall the last time I underwent a facial treatment. I was still a single working girl then (which was eons ago). Yesterday, I finally had one.

(Images above from Dermalogica website)

This was a complimentary facial at Dermalogica -- part of the perks from the Longchamp Citi-Rustan's credit card promo I availed last year. Good thing I found the voucher before it expires next week, so I decided that it's now or never. I even got lots of samplers after the treatment! Try their Classical Facial for only PhP900!

Basic facial with Face Mapping at Dermalogica, Shangri-la Mall - call (632) 637-1714

BODY MASSAGE
De-stress with a relaxing full body massage.
My most recent pampering was a prize I won from the promo of Pevonia Botanica and Miss-match.com! Am I lucky or what!? A few weeks ago, my friend and I were treated to a Crystalline Skin Treatment at The Spa -- full body scrub and Swedish massage that was completely invigorating!
Whether it's Thai, aromatherapy, Swedish or Shiatsu, a head-to-toe massage is always a winner.

At The Spa, ready for a full body scrub and massage

FOOT / NAIL SPA

Healthy feet, healthy body.

Our feet bears all the body's weight and features reflex zones connected to our bodies. I highly recommend getting a foot massage and manicure/pedicure or a rejuvenating foot reflexology. Doing this not only benefits our overall health, but also prettifies our feet when finished with a really nice polish!

Preparing for our foot reflexology treatment at The Relex Zone

Call for home service, go to your favorite salon or foot treatment center to give those tired feet and legs a respite.

Finishing off my food scrub with a pedicure from Cozy Nail Lounge

DINE WITH FRIENDS

Feed the mind...and body.

Aside from Sunday family lunches at my mother's house, what I look forward to every month is my dinner with my girl friends, and impromptu meet-ups with online gal pals.

Nothing beats a good meal with great conversations, in the company of wonderful friends!

Cheers!

How do you unwind and relax after work (and gift shopping!)?

What do you do to de-stress during the holiday season?

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Go Green, Go Organic with Green Sproutlets for Kids

2011-12-07T00:18:00.000+08:00

Last Friday of the month: Fashion finds / Shopping

Green Sproutlets was inspired by a husband and wife team who felt the need to provide their daughter and other children who have sensitive skin with soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly clothing, which promotes social and environmental awareness while being stylish and hip.

I have to be honest -- this is a shameless plug for Green Sproutlets, the brainchild of my sis-in-law and which we recently brought here to market. =) We are now more aware about the environment and how we can start living a "green lifestyle" with our children. Going organic with our food, and even with our clothing, is a good start. So with this limited organic clothing line, we are confident that you will like our very soft, cute and comfortable products -- only the best for your babies and kids.

Why you'll love Green Sproutlets :

Perfectly soft and comfortable, hip and contemporary. Good for baby’s sensitive skin, good for the environment.

Made of high quality Certified Organic Cotton and Viscose from Bamboo and other sustainable fabrics like soy or hemp
Absolutely no pesticides, lead or any other harmful chemicals
Mix and match options
Certified lead-free, making them safer for the children and the environment
Water-based ink and low impact dyes for printing
Cute, contemporary design
Bold, vibrant colors
Size range is from 0 to 5T

This collection features two colors, blue and pink, with polka print combination.

Luxuriously soft reversible hooded blanket is essential for babies and toddlers during sleep time and is great when traveling.
Baby bib and burp cloth set is indispensable for your babies during mealtime.

Both are made with 2 layers of our organic material with polka print on one side and a solid color on the other.

Modern Tees and Onesies with stitch-in contrasting layered sleeves
Perfect with our Tees are our solid-colored girls' ruffle or boys' cargo pants and other baby essentials

Design patterns are modern and colorful. Organic material is a blend of 70% viscose from bamboo for silky softness and 30% organic cotton for more substance.

Being natural doesn't mean we have to be boring. Look, even Ben Affleck's daughter Violet was spotted in her Pink-Polka Tee! Now that's star quality for you! =)

www.popsugar.com/Photos-Jennifer-Garner-Lunching-Violet-Affleck-Ben-Affleck-LA-6777811?page=0,0,1

Go organic with Green Sproutlets. These make great gifts that would surely be appreciated by parents and kids alike.

Girl's Pink Polka Tee @ PhP 695

Shop now! Buy online via Mothering Earthlings Shop

See the full collection on Green Sproutlets Facebook page. We have limited quantities per size.

For inquiries, email greensproutletsph@gmail.com

Did you know...

...organic bamboo fiber is cool and breathable, hypoallergenic, and has antibacterial properties?

That is why Green Sproutlets is an ideal clothing line especially for children with sensitive skin and with allergies like eczema/skin asthma.

I try my best to reply and answer any questions you may have on each entry so check back if you've left one. Thank you and do visit again!

What To Expect: Pregnancy & Parenting Guide Book GIVEAWAY

2011-12-05T15:39:00.001+08:00

It's positive -- you're pregnant!
Recording first year milestones.
Getting ready for the 'terrible two'.

Are you in any of the situations mentioned above? Do you know people who are?
I believe I have the perfect online resource site and guide books for you!

During my first and second pregnancies, I only had two guide books I referred to, and the first one I got was What To Expect When You're Expecting. My husband bought the book for me a few weeks after I tested 'positive'. The book has been my weekly companion throughout my pregnancy.

At my regular visits to my OB-Gyne, I almost always knew and anticipated what the doctor will advise me. True enough, after consultations with my doctor, everything I've read has been validated. This guide book gave me a lot of confidence and security during my most delicate months. I instantly recommended WTE to all my friends who are going through this beautiful road to parenthood.

Look at my books below, an earlier edition -- bought in May 2003. I gave birth in November of the same year. And after my boy turned one, I also added to my collection 'WTE The Toddler Years' which covers the 13th to 36th months of a child. I read through them again with my second.

"Author Heidi Murkoff created 'What to Expect When You're Expecting' during her first pregnancy, when she couldn’t find answers to her questions. She was determined to write a guide that would help other expectant parents sleep better at night.
Considered as the “pregnancy bible,” this bestseller is now in its all-new fourth edition, which according to USA Today, is read by 93% of women who read a pregnancy book. Other titles in the series include 'Eating Well When You’re Expecting', 'What to Expect the First Year', 'What to Expect Before You’re Expecting', and the newest 'What to Expect the Second Year' -- a must-have guide for parents of toddlers. 2005 saw the launch of WhatToExpect.com — the interactive, state-of-the-internet companion to the WTE books, serving a large community of parents online." - from www.whattoexpect.com

The great news for new and first-time parents is that WTE online site WhatToExpect.com can help you 24/7 for any of your concerns, from Preconception, Pregnancy, First Year or Toddler years of your child.

The site is very user-friendly with really nice photos too. You can choose which stage you are from the tabs on top, and search topics that are relevant to your needs.

The WTE online community is the perfect compliment to the book series, making a woman's entry to motherhood a lot easier.

The books' generous tips and expert advise made my experience more memorable and comfortable as it guided me through the good and bad episodes of those important 9 months, twice! So as an early Christmas present, I'm hosting a book giveaway!!!

ONE (1) reader of My Mom-Friday will WIN a book of your choice courtesy of WhatToExpect.com.

Whether it's for your own use, or as a gift to a loved one, these books will surely lend a wealth of information, inspiration, and great anticipation!

HOW TO WIN your Book:

1. Just tell me which book you want to win - write on the Facebook 'Add a comment' box below.
2. Leave your Name and Email on the Disqus box so I can verify your identity.

You're done! :)
Sample:

'Post to Profile' box should be checked to appear on your wall so I can check (and should stay there until the draw) and to be valid.

Update:
Great news to all those who've joined:
After sorting through the valid entries, I've decided to giveaway not just 1, but 2 books from the What To Expect Series!
After randomizing the entries, the top 2 names that appeared asked for different books so I thought why not just give them the book of their choice! :)

So...THE WINNERS ARE...

CONGRATULATIONS Cham and Issa!

Thank you all for joining this simple giveaway!

Only one comment per reader will be counted.
Entry Cut-off: December 12, 2011 - 12 noon (Manila time)
Winner will be determined via Random.org
Announcement of winner shortly thereafter.
Winner's name will be posted here so check back next week.
Raffle is open to ALL my readers. If you live outside Metro Manila, you can still join as long as you have a valid Metro Manila mailing/delivery address and an authorized representative to receive the prize on your behalf.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Mom-Grocer: How Much are Your Grocery Items?

2011-12-02T09:25:00.001+08:00

First Friday of the month: Food / Grocery

Have you ever compared prices of goods from different supermarkets or grocery stores where you shop?
Do you consider the prices of regular items that you buy for your family?
Are you conscious of price differences for goods and services that you avail of?

Photo from: http://www.indiamart.com/petals-concept/grocery-bag.html

Today's Foodie Friday post will be different. Instead of a recipe or food discovery, I'm sharing the prices of food and other items from the supermarket.

I've compiled this short list, a random selection, of common goods I purchased at different stores. I noticed this while logging our weekly expenses and having all these receipts lying around the work table.

I hope you will find this useful and helpful the next time you go grocery-shopping. :)

See for yourself and you do the math!

Parking:
Cherry Foodarama - Shaw Blvd. Bgy. Wackwack, Mandaluyong City - Free open parking
Puregold Price Club - Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City - Free open parking
SM Shaw Hypermarket - Shaw Blvd. Bgy. Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City - Free indoor parking
Unimart - Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan City - Pay open parking = P30

This is not an attempt to hurt any of the establishments listed, nor is this a direct endorsement of any of the brands I've included in the chart, but rather an eye-opener for me. My intention here is to show you a sample of items I bought during the past few months, with the realization that by simply checking and taking note of the prices, I can save a few hundreds along the way, parking fee included!

Receipts from all 4 supermarkets

I will try to update this list with more goods and comparative prices, so check back from time to time. :)

I love to know your thoughts. If you also have grocery-shopping tips, and list of items with comparative prices, do share them here too!

Check out some of featured grocery items from my Mom-Grocer posts.

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Asian Secrets' Fine Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub & Soap

2011-11-29T00:28:00.000+08:00

I am a sucker for liquid body soap / wash and body scrub. Using them makes me feel "pampered" while taking a shower. I consider bath time my daily 15-minute me-time, so I try to enjoy it especially with the use of soothing body cleansers and scrubs.

One product that is making my shower time more enjoyable these days is Asian Secrets Lulur Indonesian Whitening Body Scrub, thanks to Innovitelle of Unilab.

I'm on the fair side so I don't care much about the whitening aspects. Still, this is something I would like to use. So what makes this different from other body scrubs?

Asian Secrets Lulur Whitening Body Scrub is a beauty treatment inspired by a most luxurious Javanese ritual called Lulur. The ritual was originally intended for the bride-to-be in order to beautify, smoothen, and whiten her skin before her wedding day. Lulur originated from the royal palaces of Java, Indonesia and products inspired by this traditional treatment are still used by Indonesian women today. - Asian Secrets Facebook Page

SPR @ PhP 130 / 250g jar

The Indonesian Lulur Whitening Body Scrub comes in three variants:
Licorice and Mulberry Extract (black/purple jar) - this is the first one I opened and am currently using
Seaweed Extract and Vitamin E (black/blue jar)
Green Tea and Vitamin E (black/green jar) - I did not receive this variant

From the description on the jars, there were no distinct, significant difference between the two. I just tried the Licorice and Mulberry variant first.

Upon opening, it looked like icy white frosting in a jar!
Look at my old pasty body scrub (lower photo), the exfoliating beads appear much bigger and coarser compared with the finer Asian Secrets Lulur scrub.

The Lulur Body Scrub is:

Elegantly perfumed -- I still prefer a fresh, fruity scent though
Light, with frothy texture -- not sticky, not pasty, so it glides easily on the skin
Super fine, with almost invisible exfoliants -- this is what I like most about the Lulur body scrub
Great for frequent use, like 3x weekly, to remove dead skin cells for a more radiant skin
Specially formulated to help reduce skin pigmentation, even out skin tone and rid of dark patches of skin, like on elbow, knees, underarms and area between thighs -- I like this too!

Scoop, massage, rub, and rinse. The body scrub washes out easily, and leaves a squeaky-clean fresh feeling. But I felt my skin is not as silky-smooth so I still need to put on body lotion afterwards.

Overall, I truly like this product and would recommend this to anyone. The extra fine exfoliating beads make Asian Secrets Lulur a great body scrub. And it's so inexpensive!

Asian Secrets also have these beauty soaps called Bengkoang Indonesian Whitening Soap -- in Moisturizing Olive Oil and Natural Antiseptic Betel Extract variants.

Bengkoang is yam bean extract that is also known as a whitening ingredient popular in Indonesia. Again, I am not particular about having whitening agents in skin products. However, it's a bonus factor, ideal to use on darker areas of the body.

SPR @ PhP 70

My husband and I liked the soap -- it's firm, smooth, rinses well, and does not melt easily.

Like other regular bath soaps I've used before, I did not feel soft and supple after washing as it leaves my skin a bit dry. I cannot differentiate the two variants and I honestly am not too discriminating when it comes to body soaps. As long as I feel cleansed, it's good enough for me. And I did feel clean and fresh with the Bengkoang soap. Surprisingly, it lasted longer than other soaps we've used. I prefer the scent of the Olive Oil.

Asian Secrets Lulur whitening body scrub and Bengkoang whitening soap are available in leading supermarkets, and Watson's.

You might want to try this creamy, fruit-scented Skin Cravings Body Scrub, also from Innovitelle.

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Mom-Finds: Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids

2011-11-25T09:02:00.001+08:00

Last Friday of the month: Mom-Finds & Raves / Shopping

So it's that time of the year again...holiday gift shopping for family and friends... and kids are on the top of my priority list.

I posted a simple list last year, mostly composed of toys. For sure, many of those are now sitting behind shelves or buried deep in their toy chests. This time, I thought I'd share some "non-toy" items that I can recommend for your shopping list this year which has a longer shelf life, so to speak. And as a parent, I'd certainly appreciate receiving these for my kids... and not without violent reactions from the kids, heehee! You know, sometimes, I just need to break that chain of toys, toys, toys! Don't you agree?

Aside from highly educational and entertaining picture and story books that always make for great presents, here's a variety of gift suggestions with different price points -- for God children, relatives, friends, neighbors' kids and schoolmates:

GREEN SPROUTLETS

Eco-friendly children's apparel and accessories using mainly certified bamboo, organic cotton, and other sustainable fabrics such as soy or hemp -- ultra-soft fabric that is hypoallergenic too! Ideal for babies and kids with sensitive skin.

For infants and kids, boys and girls up to 5 y.o.
In onesies/bodysuit, tees, pants, blankets, and bip & burp cloth set --from PhP495 & up
Modern, colorful design - being organic does not mean boring and neutral designs.

Shamless plug:
I'm trying my luck at this new venture by marketing this brand here, and hopefully you'll like them as much as I do. Will feature more of Green Sproutlets very soon! Look, even Ben and Jen's girl Violet Affleck was seen wearing our Pink Polka Long Sleeve Tee (@ PhP 695)! Get your kids one too. ;)

Photos of Ben and Violet Affleck from www.popsugar.com

Buy Green Sproutlets from authorized online reseller: shop at Mothering Earthlings
Take a look at all our items: Green Sproutlets on Facebook or email me for orders: mymomfriday(at)gmail(dot)com

INES MODA INFANTIL / GOOGOO&GAGA

from MOTHERING EARTHLINGS

Mothering Earthlings, which I featured earlier here, is one of the coolest online shops that features some of the best in Filipino designs and brand. Aside from carrying Green Sproutlets, personal favorites are Ines Moda Infantil dresses and Googoo&Gaga shirts.

Ines dresses are meticulously smocked, embroidered, and stitched by hand for infants and young misses. These lovely dresses will surely make the children feel and look special.

Priced from PhP 500 and up.

Googoo&Gaga shirts are wearable art that's classy and edgy -- original designs, limited edition pieces created with soft, all-over sublimation printing technology that's safe for babies and kids. My boy chose that dragon print below.
Priced @ PhP 850.

Online shopping is a breeze at Mothering Earthlings Shop.
Get updates from Mothering Earthlings on Facebook
Product shots from Mothering Earthlings shop.

SWEET TARTS FOLIO

from MANILA BABY SHOP

Sweet Tarts Kiddie Folio are fun and creative folder bags ideal for art projects, reviewers, exam papers and other items that kids bring to school everyday. Definitely a practical gift.

Made of washable canvas with fun prints to choose from
Has a detachable strap, interior pockets for pens and other supplies
An ID holder in front

Folios @ PhP 295 each

I ordered the Cartoon and Pink Lemon! :) Manila Baby Shop also carries backpacks and lunch boxes to match the folios for your little ones!

Visit their online store: shop at Manila Baby Shop

More product info at: Manila Baby Shop on Facebook

Product shots from Manila Baby Shop.

SMART FIT SHOES

at PAYLESS

Choose well and you can find a whole lot of really nice and comfy shoes for the little and big kids at Payless ShoeSource. I found their Smart Fit line to be trendy, soft and affordable to buy for children's growing feet. Materials vary from fabrics to synthetic leather upper, and with rubber soles that are soft and easy to walk in. I also liked some of their character rubber shoes for boys.

Girls' pink flat mary-janes @ PhP 795

Available at Payless stores: SM Megamall, Robinson's Galleria, Shangri-la Mall.

Prices vary per design.

SASSY HAIRSIES

Handmade, luxury headpieces for women of all ages, Sassie Hairsies accessories are crafted with love. These gorgeous clips and headbands are made in limited quantities per collection. My girl wears her big, bold hairbands every time.

Prices vary per design: clips @ PhP 30 and up; headbands @ PhP 150 and up.

Unique and dainty designs; can be customized to your liking
Made with imported materials like fabric flowers, ribbons and crystals
Baby-friendly and comfortable elastic headbands
Fabric-wrapped clips and barrettes

Visit their online store: shop at Sassy Hairsies

More product updates at: Sassy Hairsies on Facebook

Product shots from Sassy Hairsies.

NAME PLATE BRACELETS

If you are willing to splurge a bit for your kids, God children and relatives, why not present them with a timeless personalized jewelry. Most jewelers have these bracelets with blank plates in yellow and white gold, or even silver, where you can have the names engraved. This precious gift will surely be treasured for a long time. Prices will depend on the karat and total weight of the gold.

Estimate price @ PhP 2,000 and up

STICKER GALORE

Imported waterproof stickers with a wide range of character and colorful designs to choose from. Personalize the stickers with the kids' names, and even for adults or with any message you like. My kids love these stickers because of their designs, and are very durable. Been using them for a few years now. Great as giveaway to friends and classmates.

Priced @ PhP 100.00/pack, quantity depends on the size and combination of your order.

For orders, call or text: +63922-8343692 / +63917-5343692 / (632)216-8388
See more designes at Sticker Galore's website and Facebook page.

Email: galoreoffun@gmail.com
Product shots from JEL Stickers.

PJs SLEEPWEAR

Export-quality pajamas for kids, PJs Sleepwear offers a wide range of designs that woud appeal even to adults. Watch out for my full feature on PJs here soon.

Prices vary per style and material: toddlers @ PhP 495 and up; adults @ PhP 750

Most items are made from 100% cotton, some from mixed blends, and treated fleece material
Fabrics are tested and sourced abroad, but all products are proudly made in the Philippines
Cool and very comfortable to wear, for babies to big kids, and adult women
Available in round-neck and collared sets, night gowns, onesies, rompers and overalls

Shop at PJs boutiques:

Level 4 Shangri-la Mall; Level 1 Trinoma Mall; Level 2 SM Mall of Asia

More product updates at: PJs Sleepwear on Facebook

I will be adding to this list as I discover some more great items to give for Christmas.

Do you have good finds and recommended gift ideas for kids? Please share them here so we can all check them out too!

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Fun Friday: Cooking Biko with Pre-schoolers

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000+08:00

Third Friday of the month: Fun activities / Kids

Cooking with my two kids can be such a mess, can test my patience, and can also be so much fun. No doubt, as seen from some Mom-Cook posts, that "playing in the kitchen" is one of our favorite bonding activities at home. This time around, I had a dozen more -- a class of 4-year-olds took turns in measuring, pouring, and mixing biko.

For regular readers of this blog, you might be wondering why a food post is on Fun Friday. Well, I'm actually sharing this "fun" learning experience of these pre-schoolers in making this sweet sticky rice cake -- a favorite Filipino kakanin (rice-based delicacy) called biko.

Rice was the theme for the first semester of the junior kinder class of my girl. Parent volunteers prepared different rice dishes to demo for the kids and get them involved in the cooking process. It's a fact that exposing the kids to food preparation help them better appreciate what they eat, understand where their food comes from, aside from learning about the different ingredients, and apply lessons on math and science.

For this cooking mama, the humble biko is the order of the day. A filling snack or dessert with very few ingredients and simple cooking procedures, this is an ideal dish to teach the kids and have them try out.

Look how serious and involved these tykes were.

After showing two types of grains, this pair carefully measured the glutenous rice...

...then these girls took turns in filling the cup with two kinds of sugar -- plain brown and muscovado (unrefined cane sugar).

It's time to mix the sugar in the coconut milk...

...while teacher passes around the muscovado sugar to touch, smell.. and taste, of course! :)

So how much is a teaspoon?

With two kinds of brown sugar in the coconut milk, they can't stop whisking the creamy mixture and watch the swirls...

...and off to the stove to boil...watch as it bubbled...mmm, smelling really good now, like caramel!

Now, the rice is ready to be mixed in... checking on the mixture...

More mixing...

Patiently waiting... (this group was so well-behaved, I was impressed!)

Done. Finally, a taste of their biko!

I pre-cooked a small batch earlier that same morning and placed in individual food keepers for the kids so they don't have to wait for the cooling time.

Opened... licked...

Scraped... spooned...

Smelled...

Eaten... well, at least one of them did!

My girl didn't want me to make biko from the very beginning, and preferred champorado. But they already made that in school, so her teachers and I agreed on this one. She refused to even taste this biko. At least most of her classmates did, hence, I'd consider this demo a success.

I followed and tweaked this original Biko recipe from Panlasang Pinoy website. So simple and so good!

BIKO

2 cups glutinous rice (sticky rice / malagkit) cooked in 1 1/2 to 2 cups water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup muscovado sugar (adds more depth and flavor, and less sweet than regular brown sugar)
4 cups coconut milk
1/2 tsp salt
1 teaspoon fennel seeds, optional

Procedure:
1. Wash and cook rice in a rice cooker (less water was used so rice will not be fully cooked)
2. While rice is cooking, combine coconut milk, sugar and salt in a large pot.
3. Cook until it starts to boil, lower heat and simmer until it thickens, about 15-20 minutes. Stir constantly.
4. Add cooked rice (and fennel seeds) in the coconut milk and sugar mixture. Mix well.
5. Continue cooking until sauce is absorbed and well blended (do not overcook), about 10 minutes. You will notice it gets tougher to mix as biko becomes more sticky and less watery.
6. Transfer the biko to your preferred serving tray or mold. Tap and flatten the surface.
Allow to cool a few minutes before serving. You may also refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the biko.

This recipe did not include the traditional latik topping.
I recommend you top with coco jam for a richer and sweeter snack.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
Good for at least 10 pax.

I used mini silicone muffin molds

You can package this nicely and give as gifts to family and friends at Christmas parties too!

Try doing this with the kids, it's so easy!
Do you have a favorite Filipino snack or delicacy you've been craving lately?

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Christmas Wish List: What Women (Wives) Want

2011-11-11T02:18:00.001+08:00

Second Friday of the month: Family Friday - Homemakers / Wives

For this Family Friday post, I have decided to focus on what women want for Christmas. Well, in particular, what wives want! The wife and the mother are what we call in Filipino ilaw ng tahanan - the light in their homes that guide the family. And most often than not, their needs and wants come in last.

The holiday season is just weeks away and though I planned to blog about gift ideas for kids, I thought it would be more interesting to know what many married women have been dreaming of and wishing to have.

So here's what I asked my blogger friends.
Hope you can share with me your TOP 3 CHRISTMAS WISH -- it can be from the most expensive to the cheapest. Whatever you like to receive as a gift from your husbands or family, or friends. I know we all want to have good health, hugs and kisses, well-behaved kids, etc... but I need you to share something tangible, goods or services that you want. Don't be shy! :)

And now, what the wives want (wish!)...

Eliza wants...
1. An all-day head-to-toe spa extravaganza - something for myself
2. A 2-week China-Tibet trip with my husband (no kid) - something for myself and my husband
3. A top-of-the line kitchen renovation - something for myself and my family

Rochelle wants...
1. A one day 'me-time' of spa, manicure, pedicure and good food - The last two years have been very challenging and pang-recharge lang ang kailangan ko (I just need to recharge). :D
2. That my husband lose weight - He's hypertensive/diabetic and he really needs to lose at least 50 pounds. :(
3. A new camera - I'm not really sure what camera but not point-and-shoot. I've been traveling a lot for work and sana maganda yung camera para maganda din pictures na nakukuhanan ko (hope the camera is good so I can also take nice pictures). :D

Michelle wants...
1. Trip to Amanpulo - Wish ko lang (my wish only), so go BIG time na!
2. Louis Vuitton EVA clutch - This is what I originally wanted to be my first ever LV
3. A new car - because the old one is giving us a headache

Tina wants...
1. One of my wish list, not just exclusively for Christmas really, but generally as one of the things I want to do in the near future, is to take a road trip along California’s coastal hi-ways. I would skip the usual tourist traps and just allow myself to be captivated by the beautiful coast line and all the small towns that run the coast from Northern to Southern California. I would love to have the luxury of wandering each locale in a relaxed schedule, as opposed to being a harassed tourist. To fill my days with culinary exploration… fine wines, artisanal cheeses, organic produce.
2. My slightly-bulging tummy is always craving for fresh pasta, but fresh pasta is hard to come by in Manila. It doesn't get much more gourmet than fresh papardelle with truffle cream sauce, different types of fresh mushrooms, and shavings of parmesan. I am hoping to finally to put an end to my search. Can anyone recommend where to get in Manila?
3. And since no wish list is ever really complete without an OVER THE TOP item, I really have to add this: I am dreaming of a diamond dangling earring. :)

Kris wants...
1. A nice wallet - can be as affordable as Team Manila or as expensive as Bottega Veneta or something in between :) My current wallet already looks beaten up and I need a replacement badly. If the Team Manila one is the choice, I hope it contains cash amounting to the savings from not getting the Bottega.
2. A trip to New York in the Fall - My husband and I went to New York 2 years ago and we loved it. I want to go back again for a walk around the places we missed in Central Park, Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn, the original Bon Chon and lots of Broadway shows.
3. The ultimate Elfa closet makeover from Howard's Storage.

Paola wants...
1. A new and bigger oven - I've been baking in my current home oven 24 cookies at a time for mommy treats and, believe me, it's excruciating when my average quota is 600 cookies.

2. A MacBook laptop - my HP seems ancient.
3. The perfect no-fail recipe to French Macarons - did I mention "no fail" already? Is that even possible? Baking those temperamental cookies have been the bane of my existence for 6 months now. I ended up with more maca-wrongs than macarons!

Rone wants...
1. A house I can call my own.
2. A beach house - to work on my tan.
3. Annual membership at Urban Ashram (yoga studio) - so I can wear string bikinis again.

Jenny wants...
1. King sized Tempur Pedic Rhapsody Bed - Because we've always been co-sleeping and with No. 2 on the way, our queen-sized bed is too small! I don't want to be pushed out of bed in the middle of the night.
2. Boba 3G - Having a new baby makes me excited again to babywear! And definitely, that won't stop us from traveling. So having this Boba Baby carrier will make our traveling easier with our portable baby
3. Cake Lingerie's Toffee Bra - Sexy nursing bra? Yes, it's possible and I already have all the different brands of nursing bras except cake lingerie! This would be a wonderful addition to my collection.

Jane wants...
1. I want something I would rather not spend on with my own money - a new Macbook Air.
2. Mall Gift Certificates - so I can buy stuff that I'd actually use.
3. And a cheap gift? Fruitcake, the best, moist kind.

Neva wants...
1. A trip to Boracay or Cebu or Palawan (or all three!!) with the DWs at a nice hotel or resort - we all love the beach and a trip is always a good way to bond and spend time with the DWs. I also need a vacation desperately.
2. A KitchenAid stand mixer in Empire Red - I'm an amateur home baker and having this in our kitchen would really rev up my baking mojo :) I have a list of recipes that I want to try out and they all involve cakes and pastries! This mixer will be working overtime.
3. Canon 5D MarkII with 25-105mm f/4 L-IS-USM lens - I love photography and this is my dream kit but if I can't have this, I just want to have my 450D and the kit lens cleaned haha :D

Rowena wants...

1. Creme de la Mer - I got a sample when I bought my mom a jar and let's just say I understand why people are raving about it. It's simply the best anti-aging moisturizer out there.
2. Hermes bag - I'm eyeing the Birkin and the Kelly. It'll probably be on my wish list for the next several years hahaha.
3. Weight loss package from somewhere - Somewhere, I don't know where... whichever establishment can give me the fastest results probably =)

Jen T. wants...
I actually got one of them already -- my iPhone4!
Other things i want:
1.Cohen Diet - para pumayat na (to lose weight), then after...
2. A new wardrobe - because I don't know how to dress up!
3. A pair of sexy boots or heels that will not kill my feet

Martine wants...
1. A detox and wellness weekend - It can be to The Farm at San Benito, or at a luxury resort hotel, such as a 'staycation' at Chi Spa at the Mactan Shangri-La. I'm a total spa-natic, as you can see. If The Farm, I'd like to partake of the Integrative Yoga Detox Retreat. If at Chi, any of the Signature Journey packages for couples (Friends have said it is divine.)
2. A good chair to call my own - I've always wanted my own chair, and I mean one that is uniquely mine, not an office chair or something. Perhaps a nice chair from Heima. I don't have a chair in my room that I really like or love to lounge in. Or from Space Encounters.
3. Nude pumps - I realize I don't have this staple! Don't really have a brand in mind; as long as they fit well and make me look fabulous, I'm sold ;)

Jen L. wants...
1. A safari-and-beach trip to Africa with my husband - covering South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania / Zanzibar.

2. A stay at the exclusive private villa of North Island in The Seychelles.
3. A beach vacation - staying on an over water bungalow in the Maldives :)

Avie wants...

1. Canon s95 - which hubby has already promised me...I've realized that i can't do without a point and shoot camera
2. A pair of 1 carat square/princess-cut diamond studs
3. A week's vacation in Japan

As for myself...

1. I'm wishing for a vacation house near a beach or in an exclusive resort club - just so the family can escape and unwind, commune with nature, anytime we want.
2. A 3-week European holiday - I want to see the sights, an adventure and cultural tour with hubby.
3. A big emerald-cut aquamarine ring, my birthstone, similar to Princess Diana's.
I'm sneaking in a fourth wish here -- a new wardrobe with matching shoes! :p

Husbands, hope you are reading this!!! =)
As my friends would say, no harm in wishing... so wish big!
May all our Christmas wishes come true, if not this year, maybe someday soon.

Are you wishing for the same things for Christmas? What's yours?

Note:
Photos taken from their websites, except for earrings from Harry Winston
Tibet and New York photos from Fotosearch
Lumix camera from Panasonic
Urban Ashram from Spot.ph
Rhapsody bed from Tempur-Pedic website
Amanpulo beach from their website
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air from Apple website
Palawan subterranean river from 7 New Wonders of the World voting site
Hermes Kelly bag from iphonebok.com
Cohen logo from their homepage
Chair from Haima website
Safari from National Geographic Expeditions site
S95 from Canon website
Ring from dianapow.com

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Bridetastic: Online Wedding Resource & Community

2011-11-09T07:00:00.000+08:00

I will be celebrating my wedding anniversary with J at the end of this month. It's gonna be our 9th! I can still vividly remember the planning and details on the day itself -- how can I forget, I planned and orchestrated my own wedding!

Those days, online bridal communities were almost non-existent in our country, or maybe I was just not looking. Bridal magazines were my indispensable bible. I only relied on American wedding sites like Wedding Channel, The Knot, and Martha Stewart weddings for tips and design ideas. In recent years, everything can be found online and joining wedding community sites became the norm.

Having been an on-and-off wedding planner for a decade since 1999, I had my share of truly memorable and fun celebrations, forgettable bloopers, elevated stress levels and newfound friendships. Planning can be really exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Aside from having a wedding planner, new couples can now be depend on online sites that provide a wealth of design inspiration and make sourcing vendors a breeze.

Enter Bridetastic Philippines!

Bridetastic is the newest online bridal community and wedding resource site for couples, and this wonderful site is the brainchild of couple Cathy and Jon. Here's what Cathy has to say about why they created Bridetastic.

"When I was preparing for my September 2008 wedding, my first instinct was to search for wedding vendor reviews on the web. Unfortunately, this proved to be a cumbersome process since reviews were either scattered all over popular forums or isolated in a particular wedding couple’s personalized wedding site.

After my wedding, I envisioned in creating a site that could better address the needs of a prospective bride. Reality intervened however and it wasn’t until late 2010, when I was on my maternity leave, that I finally gathered the resolve to start on the development of the site. Finally, after over a year and a half’s worth of sleepless nights, I’m ready to launch Bridetastic.com.ph.

Bridetastic aims to be a trusted source of wedding related content generated by real brides. Among other things, we focus on aggregating authentic bride-generated reviews of their wedding vendors."

If you're a 21st century bride or groom, an engage couple, or just looking around for wedding ideas and suppliers, do visit Bridetastic. Better yet, join the community! Open an account in bridetastic.com.ph and connect with other brides and brides-to-be, share your experience and personal reviews to help future couples on their wedding planning journey.

Here's the best part -- Bridetastic has something in store for those who'll join until the 25th:

Share the site with your readers and join Bridetastic's Share to Win contest
Be one of 15 winners of fantastic prizes including a Cambridge Satchel! See contest mechanics here: www.bridetastic.com.ph/contests

For married women like me, let's relive our big day and help other brides create their dream weddings too! Join now, and look me up -- Mom-Friday on Bridetastic. :)

Related posts:
7 Random Things I Learned From Planning A Wedding
Of Diamond Rings and Weddings

I'd love to know your thoughts on this post. If you enjoyed this, feel free to share it!
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Foodie Friday: Baby Caramel Apples

2011-11-04T22:34:00.000+08:00

First Friday of the month: Mom-Cook / Recipe / Dessert

My little M has a major case of sweet tooth. One of her favorites is caramel -- be it the plastic-wrapped cubes, coating on popcorn, or the classic caramel sundae, she will eat them. I didn't know where she learned about caramel apples but she was bugging me about it for some time now.

I did attempt to serve her a twisted version and instead made her caramelized slice apples, hoping it would pass and meet her expectations. Suffice to say, it didn't fly.
"This is not caramel apple mommy! And I want on a stick." Well, at least I tried. ;)

Now here's the real thing. Cooled are ready for the taking!

God was surely watching us that day I "cheated" 'coz just the other week, I came upon a blog post by Ree Drummond -- popularly known online as mom blogger extraordinaire The Pioneer Woman. I hit the jackpot! The Pioneer Woman shared her Salted Caramel Apples recipe with matching drool-worthy images that really made me want to do it right as a promise to my girl.

I was able to buy baby gala apples from the supermarket -- perfect size since I want each piece consumed, and not waste any fruit and caramel dip.

Comparing apple and orange -- look how cute the apple is! :)

Her recipe called for caramel melts but the stores I went to did not carry any. I knew it would be close to impossible for me to find some, so a pack of Kraft Caramel squares would do just fine. And Ree was right, unwrapping each one was such a drag. If you look at the back of the packaging, you can actually find a basic caramel apple recipe from Kraft too.

Toppings are optional but you can get creative about what you want. I bought rainbow sprinkles, also M's most requested topping. Mine were pretzels and crushed sea salt.

This is the actual print-ready recipe card by Ree. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking.

Recipe card from The Pioneer Woman

M got so excited when I told her I got the caramels today and we're making this together.

Here's how:

1. Blanch apples (optional)

Ree suggested rinsing in very hot water to remove wax coating from the fruits. I dropped my apples in a small pot of boiling water for about 5 seconds, scooped them out and gave a good rub.

Well, too good that one of them got peeled as I was wiping them dry. That's ok. It showed this petite variety has thinner skin, and I prefer it that way, easier to bite through.

* Do not throw the boiling water. Leave on stove top.

2. Stick chopsticks from the bottom of the apples.

Place on tray lined with wax paper. Set aside.

Prepare toppings, set aside.

3. Unwrap caramels and place in glass bowl, for melting

24 caramel squares, 1 tablespoon cream, 1/4 vanilla, pinch of salt

4. Melt

Place glass bowl on the small pot of boiling water (same pot from #1) -- as a double broiler. Follow instructions from the original recipe above.

5. Dip and Roll

After around 15 minutes, caramel is ready for the apples. Again, follow instructions above.

Dip, twirl, let it drip. Quick.

Roll on preferred toppings. Place on tray.

It took 3 apple-dipping trials before I finally made this perfect one. For my girl.

6. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour

Here's my pretzel-covered and salt-sprinkled caramel apples!

Finally, they meet...ready to attack.

Thick, juicy, sweet, salty, gooey! That's mine...and what's left of it, hehe...

"Mommy, I changed my mind...I just want apples with no caramel."

You're welcome! :\

The perfect piece, untouched. Waiting in the fridge... you want it? ;)

Serve as decadent dessert, or wrap in plastic and give away as sweet treats during the holidays!

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