the blue speckled diary

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Debuts Tom Epperson’s Latest Works

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Tue, 29 May 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Looking for that perfect inspiration to help you in your photographic pursuits?

From May 30 to June 5, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf gives photography and art aficionados a real treat as it lets everyone marvel at Tom Epperson’s latest works in a special art show that will be held in Greenbelt 5. Entitled “Brewfinder: Enthusiasm Over Coffee at the CBTL,” the weeklong exhibition highlights the artist’s photographic prowess with a set that revolves around the concept of finding beauty in just about everything.

“This event is part of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s commitment to enrich passions, especially passions that are related with the arts,” shares Walden Chu, President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “Needless to say, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has always supported causes we believe can help improve society, and art does that. Art teaches us that perseverance and patience, and not just skills, are important when it comes to creating beautiful things. And this is something that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and its employees live by.”

The six-piece set draws inspiration from Tom’s interest in dealing with erratic objects. “Lately, I have been working with mediums that are basically uncontrollable—a lot is left up to serendipity,” Tom said. “I like the idea of surprise, it reminds me of going into the darkroom in the days of analog and watching a print develop for the first time, it was magic. This is the same feeling I get when working with smoke.”

“Brewfinder: Photography Enthusiasm Over Coffee at the CBTL” is the first of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Taste Series, a seven-part pocket event series that highlights the brand’s single-serve system—the CBTL. Borne out of a partnership with the Italian design and espresso-making expertise of Caffitaly, CBTL raises the bar for coffee and tea aficionados by bringing the distinct Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf café experience into your home.

The CBTL. One touch. One perfect cup.

**this may be sponsored... >,< **

Long Overdue - Pics of My Birthday Loot

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 03:01:00 +0000

Title captured it accurately -- this post is loooongggg overdue!!!

here are the pics:

All the items seen above were priced raging from 99 - 150.. Including the Polo Sport perfume for Tom and my CK lipstick. :)

Pre-Birthday LOOT!!! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 03:01:00 +0000

We were supposed to be waiting for Phoenix to give us, willingly, the sample needed for her to undergo Urinalysis yesterday, but we spotted a nice little stall in Robinson's Cybergate where I, finally, was able to convince Tom to buy me some...

I'll post the pictures in a while... just have to download them first from my phone... :)

yey!

MIDNIGHT MERCATO FOOD MARKET COMES TO LATE NIGHT WEDNESDAYS

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:50:00 +0000

Are you looking for a place to indulge your late night food cravings on a Wednesday night? Or you can’t wait until the weekend to visit your favorite late night food markets?

Then Midnight Mercato, Metro Manila’s premiere late night weekend food market, will be open on Wednesday nights starting February 29 to answer your foodie call!

Indulge in the Midnight Mercato experience and enjoy an extensive selection of foodie favorites - steamed cheeseburgers, crunchy pork belly, wagyu steak on a sticks, deep dish pizzas, authentic Vigan empanadas, ice-cream filled mochi balls, specialty milk teas, dark lager beer cheesecakes – straight from the kitchens of home-based and specialty chefs, while enjoying live acoustic performances and free wi-fi. Wednesday Midnight Mercato is perfect way to celebrate the middle of the week!

Midnght Mercato is open from 10:00pm to 3:00am every Friday, Saturday and Wednesday (starting February 29) and Mercato Centrale is open every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00am to 2:00pm. Midnight Mercato is located at the corner of 34^th street and 8^th avenue beside MC Home Depot in Bonifacio Global City.

For more information, please visit their website www.midnightmercato.com or their Facebook account www.facebook.com/mercatocentrale. For vendor booth rental or venue rental inquiries, please email admin@mercatocentrale.ph or text 09178401152.

Of Arts and Brews: The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Opens in Ronac Art Center

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 06:46:00 +0000

Wishing you could have a bit of artistry to go with your daily dose of coffee or tea?

Making a very creative debut at Manila’s newest art and retail hub—Ronac Art Center—is gourmet coffee and tea purveyor, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.

“Again, one of our main goals has always been to make it easier for all Filipinos to have access to the best brews available out there,” explains Walden Chu, President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. “Like in all our other stores, we took very careful consideration before deciding on this new location because we wanted to make sure it will indeed present convenience to all our followers.”

The new The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store opened today, February 27, 2012. It is conveniently located in Ronac Art Center’s ground floor and caters to all sorts of coffee and tea aficionados in the Ortigas-Greenhills area. Staying true to the location's avant-garde nature, the store's design debuts a very interesting new look that's unlike any other in the country.

“It’s the perfect partnership,” adds Walden. “For some reason, coffee or tea and art seem very logical. Both exist in the same plane in a way that they both require a great amount of skill and expertise for one to get it right.”

As in all of its locations, the new branch offers The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's® full selection of internationally-acclaimed blends made only from the finest grades of custom roasted Arabica coffee and hand-plucked whole leaf teas sourced only from the most exclusive regions around the world. The store also offers fresh baked goods, sweet treats, and a line of complementary coffee and tea merchandise.

In line with its debut, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® branch in Ronac Art Center is holding a special promotion from February 27 to March 4, 2012. During the said period, customers can come to the store between 4:00 to 6:00 PM and purchase any of their favorite beverages for only P100.

World Premiere at Cupcaken - I Lay My Love on You by the Anoba Brothers

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:09:00 +0000

The world premiere happened at Cupcaken, February 21, 2012, Tuesday. It's Ken's birthday and they just decided out of nowhere that they somehow want to resurrect their music video days.

So without further ado, the Anoba Brothers singing I Lay My Love on You....

I Lay My Love on You - by ANOBA Brothers from Anoba Studio on Vimeo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KEN!!!

**Original by westlife**

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Opens 42nd Store at Two E-Com Center

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:14:00 +0000

Specialty coffee and tea purveyor, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, reinforces its claim as the preferred café chain in the country by opening its 42^nd store right at the heart of Pasay City.

Located at Two E-com Center in the Mall of Asia Complex, the new The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store will be serving customers their full selection of specialty coffee and teas by February 18. “This newest addition to our line of strategically-placed stores will help us fully realize our vision of providing every Filipino with the best available coffee and tea out there,” explains Walden Chu, President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®. “Being a new landmark that packs commercial, retail, residential and business areas in one unique structure, having a shop at Two E-com Center will help us reach more people and tap different markets in a way that we have never been able to do before.”

Located in an alternative business and entertainment district amidst a spectacular bay setting, the new The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® store will serve as a haven for both cult-like followers of the brand, and coffee and tea aficionados of all sorts.

“The Mall of Asia Complex is home to a growing number of young professionals working in technology-based companies and business process outsourcing centers in the area,” adds Chu. “The people that regular the vicinity are part of the growing coffee population in the country that are in constant search for the best blends.”

In line with its debut, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf® branch in Two E-Com Center will be holding a special promotion that will run from February 18 to 24, 2012. During the promo period, customers can come to the store from 12:30 to 1:30 in the afternoon and purchase their favorite drink for only P100.

A Curious Thought: What’s Inside a Bad Boy’s Pair of Pants?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 02:08:00 +0000

What does action star Robin Padilla, former president Joseph Estrada, and cosmetic surgeon-turned-celebrity Hayden Kho have in common with Hollywood stars James Dean, Collin Farrel, and Robert Downey, Jr.?

Unless you’re a brooding man who can make women want to drop everything and land in your brawny arms every time something unfriendly comes their way, most men have all went through devastating heartaches at some point in their lives. We’ve seen it a thousand times—nice guys getting dumped and friend-zoned over stoic, devastatingly gorgeous, distressed men reminiscent of Damon Salvatore and Edward Cullen, who can make even blood sucking look sexy. What is it about bad boys that put sparkle in women’s eyes, glow in their cheeks, and blood rushing into their veins and other lovely parts?

No, this is not another story about vampires who sparkle in the midday sun while wearing outrageously pale faces and pouted lips. This is the truth that young boys long to discover, grown ups laugh about, and our grandpas love to revisit. This is the story of every Adam that will never be written in the history of mankind.

Three-time best-selling author and 30^th National Book Awards finalist RJ Ledesma unravels how this and other crazy, perplexing phenomena are taking place, as he launches his fourth book “It Only Hurts When I Pee, RJ Ledesma’s Guide on Bodily Gases, Hair Loss and Pink Parts.” The book, distributed by Anvil Publishing, is a compilation of the ridiculously truthful, self-aware and highly comical chronicles of the less hygienic male species based on curious epic research, thorough investigation and, ahem, first-hand experience.

From the freshly squeezed brain juices of RJ Ledesma, the book and all its 167 pages tackles amusing topics and antics, including classic and epic details in the Pinoy dating and mating scenes, and male entertainment created simply by grimy fingers and a lack of good taste.

Wonder why bad guys often become the object of romance by women who, in RJ’s own word, desire “to increase the country’s current voting population”? Let the entrepreneur, multimedia practitioner, yogi and author of Lies My Yaya Should Have Told Me (2008), I Do or I Die (2009), and Is It Hot In Here Or Is It Me? (2010) tickle your funny bone and usher you into testosterone land with his newest masterpiece guaranteed to make you pee to your heart’s content.

One Decade Down, Several More to Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:52:00 +0000

In about 6 more hours, we'll be officially recognizing our 10th year together. Who would've thought we'd last this long? We're totally different personalities, and yet, maybe through God's grace too, we have managed to get along and "survive" each other. Quite the ride, huh?

He's the silent type. Not! Oh my, if that were true, it'll be the end of the world! Because he's the type of person who'd feel feverish if he doesn't talk in a span of at least 2 hours (except of course if he's watching a movie or sleeping). And sometimes he even couldn't help it that even if we're watching a movie he still talks every now and then, and when he sleeps he snores - very loudly - so he still isn't quiet at all. He sings a lot - and I mean a lot. Good thing he sounds decent. :) Though decent may sometimes be an understatement.

He's patient and understanding and tolerant. (Otherwise, how on earth would you think we'd pass the 10-year mark?!) And he's smart - he chose me, so that counts, right? But no, kidding aside, he really has a good working brain, if not so then he'd really be stupidly boring and I would've torn him to pieces long before we even got to be officially together. :)

Anyway, he's fantastic! And I really appreciate and love how he mostly just gives in and let's me be when I'm being annoying. (Now you really have to buy me coffee later!) He's one of the best gifts God has given me and having to share ten years of my life with him is indeed, one heck of a decade!

Now let's move on, shall we? Another decade is a looooong way to go! :)

Cupcaken - the Cupcake Haven of Cebu City

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 03:09:00 +0000

Today's a big day for Ken and Yan, not because it's the Chinese New Year,
but because today's the grand opening of their newest endeavor - Cupcaken.
As the name implies and if you haven't noticed yet, Cupcaken specializes in
cupcakes.

Aside from cupcakes, Cupcaken also serves Illy coffee in, of course, an Illy cup (Yan
says that's an italian brand and is so much better than starbucks'..)

We also had a group of foreigners check out the place, they say they passed
by a while ago and Cupcaken was still closed, so they came back. Funny
thing, these guys know how to speak in Cebuano! :)

And one more thing, Cupcaken is not just a run-of-the-mill cupcake store,
they also have couches for guests and groups who would like to be more
comfy.

They also accept orders, I think.

So come and visit us soon, Cupcaken is located on Banawa Street, beside
Nuat Thai. (If your going from Katipunan street, then it's before you reach
Paseo Arcenas.)

Think I'm gonna give one of these away on a blog contest soon enough... :)

It's a cupcase... Put one of the cupcakes in one of these and no matter how you handle it, the cupcake doesn't lose its "beauty"... :)

Like if you had one of these, would you want to lose the icing? At all? Right?!

Dear Phoenix, It's 2012!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 03:52:00 +0000

Dear Phoenix,

It's already 2012, almost your birthday! :)

It has been an absolutely fulfilling 2011 for me and your Daddy. We have watched you grow up from this tiny baby who just squeals and cries when needed, to this tall, long-legged baby who now drools on everything, walks like she has no tomorrow and says "cat" even while looking at a dog.

You may have not noticed but there has been so much that happened last year. One was of course, you were born, then Mommy got assigned somewhere farther and left CIAD in good hands. Daddy also got a new job and I think is still enjoying it. :) You now have more batchmates in church, you prefer Tita Brenda over the other people in the Nursery and your Tita Yanyan is already carrying your cousin even before your Tito Ken can open CupcaKen.

Your uncles and aunts are also doing better, even though Kaye is already spamming our FB accounts with her k-pop thingy. Kuya TJ now has a job, he doesn't want you calling him uncle, you know. Kuya Bryan gained more weight and is now back in Ipil, God knows why. Papa and Mamu, as they want to be called, are doing better also, they have been the most excited grandparents this Christmas since we went there for a vacation. (And they still despise your Daddy for printing "Lolo" and "Lola" on their shirts!)

You also met several ate's this year. One of which, the oldest, kinda pinched your arm and since then denied it. Two other ate's passed until you met your Ate Phebe, who is now taking care of you. You have been so behaved up until you discovered you can very well want something and cry if you can't get it. Ever since you wandered about the room and the sala and the kitchen of Papa and Mamu's house, you have been enjoying giving a full exercise to me, Mamu and now your Ate Phebe. You want to walk around too much, and sometimes even run (and crawl-run, if there's such a word!). You now almost always want to get out and look for cats, or dogs, roosters or chickens, and this was when you started saying "cat" and "dog", "shi-ehn" and "fin-esh". You learned to kiss your reflection when asked to "kiss Phoenix" but you won't kiss Mommy nor Daddy (which is frustrating by the way...) What else will you surprise us with, in the days to come? :)

So there, as I said, it was a lovely year, and hopefully, 2012 will be so much better!

Still waiting to hear you say our names,
Mommy and Daddy

OFW remittances at an all-time high: social remittances as new currency from Global Pinoys

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 09:37:00 +0000

Remittances from Filipinos working overseas are at an all-time high. And no, it’s not just because they’re sending back US dollars, Saudi Riyals, Euros or Japanese Yen; but because our modern-day heroes are sending back what’s known as social remittances.

Social remittances refer to ideas, practices, identities and social capital that flow from receiving to sending country communities. It was coined by sociologist Peggy Levitt in her book “The Transnational Villagers and she describes social remittances being transferred by migrants and refugees that are exchanged by letters or other forms of communication that includes phone, fax, the internet or video. She suggested that social remittance affects family relations, gender roles, class and race identity, as well as have a substantial impact on political, economic and religious participation.

This concept isn’t something new for the Philippines. In the 1800s, this was already seen through the newspaper La Solidaridad and the novels of Jose Rizal. Like them whose ideas paved . In the 21st century, blogging is the new form of social remittance of Filipinos working and living abroad. Through their blogs they are publishing their stories online to inspire others. They also advocate for causes, help others and muster support from their readers to help effect change in their own little ways.

With globalization, Filipino migrants are beginning to realize the power of harnessing the potential of social remittance. They may be students pursuing a higher education, a professional with a white-collar job or a migrant working as house help; but all of them have something in common: an economic goal and aspiration.

This year the Pinoy Expat/OFW Blog Awards or PEBA 2011 is geared to recognize the contributions of Filipino bloggers abroad. This year’s theme is dubbed as "Ako'y Magbabalik, Hatid Ko'y Pagbabago." (I Will Return, I Will Bring Change) as Balikbayans not only send back their monetary remittances; but social remittances as well.

For this year PEBA opens a new blog search called PEBA’s Any Blogger, Anywhere for all Filipino bloggers in various categories, at home or abroad. This year’s blog contest will look into narratives as to how returning Expats/OFW will make use and share their social remittance or their talents, skills and fortunes to bring change to their families, communities and country. Expats/OFW bloggers who will be joining the contest will be required to write a blog entry on the said theme. There is also an ongoing blog contest for OFW supporters.

For 2011, VIPinoy, a service and perks for overseas Filipinos and OFWs offered by Ayala Malls is the biggest sponsor of PEBA. Ayala Mall is providing Trinoma Activity Center as the venue for the awards nights on December 9, 2011 and Market Market as venue for its photo exhibit from December 9, 2011. PEBA is equally supported by one of its long time partner NOKIA and communication giant Globe Telecom.

PEBA will exclusively invite some 200 guests who can make their reservation and confirmation/RSVP of their attendance through VIPinoy Lounges in the different Ayala Malls and the awarding will be watched by a thousand or more and will be telecast live for OFWs to watch.

For more information regarding PEBA, please visit http://www.pinoyblogawards.com/.

Budgeting: Every Finance Manager's Headache

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:02:00 +0000

Every year-end, all companies do their budgeting for the coming year. This means, actual expenses as of the cut-off date are collated, evaluated and then a budget for the following year is drawn from the proposed projects and actual operating expenses as assessed previously.

It just so happened that our company first gives all department heads to "propose" their own budgets. But then, these are subject to checking and revising and correcting, of course, by the Corporate Officers, before it gets approved.

So how come I'm writing these down? Because I'm irked. Annoyed. Irritated. That some of the department heads think that once they have proposed something, it becomes law. Hello?! What's so hard to understand that we still have to go through the checking process and the approval? Our budget cannot be approved if it didn't pass the qualifications or limits set by the authorized "approvers" - who in this case is the Corporate Finance Officer. How come you all sound so irritated that your proposed budget went down? Tell me, would you rather have the same budget as last year because we didn't budge and accepted the limits set by Management? Or will you be willing to accept the new proposed budget and stop blaming me because the figures you're seeing now are significantly lower than what you proposed beforehand?

I know. It's law that everyone should hate the Finance Manager. But hey, is this YOUR money we're talking about? Isn't this the company's? Isn't this the owners' money you're planning to spend relentlessly?

Gimme a friggin' break...

I miss Blogging!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 08:23:00 +0000

I do. I miss blogging. Not the deadlines or the research, but just jotting down, typing away... Just like that.. I kinda lost the touch after giving birth since my Phoenix is a handful, but I totally want to go back to blogging again. For one because it just loosens up my brain a bit just enough to get me going with my tasks again. Two, it kinda gives a little jiggle to my head just so the creative juices will keep on seeping through the tiny little cracks so I don't lose it at all.

Hmmm.

And I also miss the cha-ching I sometimes get from blogging. *smirk*

Don't mind me though. I'm just bored.

Finally.. Passed 1st Batch of Docs for the BIR Audit

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 16:36:00 +0000

Hoorah, we're being audited. Again. (Sarcasm intended)

Apparently BIR's targeting hotels for their 2010 audits and behold, we're a
hotel. *facepalm*

I thought what we first submitted to the boss had mistakes, but lo, there
were only interchanged columns in our excel file. Haha! But still, it had
to be corrected to be "correct".

Anyway, I'm way too sleepy, and our pc's mouse surrendered and wouldn't
move, so I'm ticking away using my mobile phone. And if you're reading
this, then blogging via email in Blogger still works. :)

Cheers!

Profit? or Loss?

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:14:00 +0000

Hmm, based on the impromptu calculations that were not the normal thingys asked for during these types of meetings, it's a BIG loss.

At least we profited in terms of calories. Thanks to F&B. Haha!

I think It's Gonna Rain..

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:32:00 +0000

(Taken at the South Road Properties)

He's Not Perfect... Don't Analyze!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:06:00 +0000

I just saw a nice post from Leo Lastimosa's google+ profile, and I found it intriguing that a person with a misunderstood reputation such as Bob Marley can be capable of saying such things...

Here's a very good example..

"He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you." — Bob Marley

I have been thinking of writing something for Tom for the last 2 days... We had just passed by our 2nd wedding anniversary and so far, things have been going greatly. We haven't had any big problems by the grace of God, and also, we now have a sweat pea baby Phoenix who occupies most of our time nowadays... :)

But setting all these aside, including the fact that he also posted something on his wall that almost made me cry, the above quote would most probably engulf all what I had to say about him for more than 9 years of being together (okay, I didn't count the break! :> )..

He's that ONE guy...

:-*

ps: for other quotes from Bob Marley, try visiting this link.

After the Game..

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 15:44:00 +0000

After a tiring basketball game (which of course he didn't play full time for, because of leg cramps), he passes the time updating his fb and stalking others'...

And by the way, January, I already saw the pics.. ;)

Hey You! How's Everything?!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:14:00 +0000

Hey, hey, hey!

How's everybody?! I know it's been ages since my last post.... And to fill everybody in on the developments, here are some bits and pieces (and what a good time to update, it's the first day of September!):

Phoenix is already 6 months old (there she is!).
I was assigned to a new office, holding a new position, having new challenges, and facing new people. Hearing new and fantastic blog-gable bloopers... ;)
We're now past our 2nd wedding anniversary. Yay!
I still don't like seaweeds. Blech!

So anyway, hopefully I can juggle in a few more posts every now and then to keep you all up and running (duh, as if you stopped! Lol!), and maybe persuade another person to continue blogging after her 1st post, haha!

So there. Toodles!

What's in my Diaper Bag?!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 05:46:00 +0000

I'm actually due on February 12, but we're really just waiting for labor pains right now since Doc Cyd told us during our last check-up that Phoenix's head is already engaged so we just prepared the diaper bag we're ready to haul over to the hospital just in case it happens (labor!) all of a sudden.

I didn't think I needed to take pictures, so bad of me, since actual pictures of the contents of the diaper bag and the bag itself can help you visualize it more.

Anyway, I'll just enumerate them so you, whether you're the one pregnant or a friend, or a sister, or maybe even your mother, would have an idea what to bring to the hospital for the big day!

Diapers. lots of them. Because newborns will pee and poop almost every hour after birth. It's sorta their cleansing thing. So bring lots and lots of diapers since hospitals here in the Philippines might provide only 2-3 pieces for your baby.
Hooded towel or a hooded receiving blanket. I'd like to believe the baby would like a comfy and warm blanket with a hood so his/her head will not be cold too.
Soft blanket/covered mat for the baby to lie on.
Wet wipes and cotton balls. To clean up that chubby butt after pooing or peeing.
70% Ethyl alcohol. Maybe to disinfect the chord stump or something, it's the nurses that ask for this though.
Cotton buds/ear buds. This too, the nurses will ask for this, together with the,
Baby wash. Because they will give your baby a bath before giving him/her to you.
Baby clothes. Be sure to bring those white cotton newborn baby clothes and some others of your choice. Something he/she will be comfortable in. Make sure they're not so thick, so the baby won't be soaked in sweat.
Socks, mitts, cap. For protection and comfort. Make sure you've removed the stray threads, just bring scissors with you so you can trim them off just to make sure.
Wash cloths, bibs, burping cloths. Of course, for wiping off milk for the chin or cheeks, protection for burping or from accidental spills/vomiting.

Well, basically, those are the essential things to bring to the hospital for THE big day. Don't forget mom, you have to pack a bag of your own too. Don't forget to bring extra undies, sanitary napkins or adult diapers (whichever you prefer, I'm bringing napkins with me), comb, toiletries like a toothbrush, deodorant, perfume/cologne, toothpaste, soap and/or shampoo (it's a hospital, so better be ready than sorry), change of clothes - those that are comfortable for during and after labor and birth (Tom and I suggest for moms planning to breastfeed, bring something with buttons so the baby can have easy access to milk) and also clothes for going home.

Don't forget to bring slippers too, include socks if you're the type who gets cold easily. For walking around during labor and also while you're inside the room after birth and for going home. You should even bring a towel or washcloth for of course, freshening up. You can also bring extra pillows and blankets for you to be comfortable after giving birth, and also for your husband or partner or guardian - whoever's going to be with you - to use at night or while waiting for the baby to be brought to you inside the room.

**Anyway, here's a photo of some of the stuff we've gotten from Ate Jovie, I've packed most of them into my diaper bag, except for the pump. I'll have to remember to bring that.

Join in! Paybox.me is giving me lots of $$$!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:18:00 +0000

Maybe you're looking for something online that'll give you a lot of ka-chings for so little effort? Why not try Paybox.me?

So what's in it for you?

With Paybox.me, you start with a $25 balance and it's absolutely free. PayBox will add up to $20 per day to your account for participating as we prepare to launch our new service. You get $10 per person you refer to PayBox. You'll be an EarlyBird user—before PayBox opens to the public and you'll help shape the development of the best payment system ever designed for the Internet.

In short, you could have hundreds or thousands of dollars in your account by the time Paybox.me launches!

I joined Paybox on December 1, and so far, my account already has $400.08... and counting!!! ka-ching, ka-ching, ka-ching! (That's about P17,203.44 using P43 conversion rate!)

And if you're turning your cynical self on right now and asking with raised eyebrows, "where on earth can I use that money?" Just hang onto your seats because they're all making it worth your while. And if I'm interpreting it correctly, their developing something like paypal, which can be used for buying and selling online. So just imagine how much you can shop using all that money!

If you're interested, join in.... Here's the link to their site or just click on their logo below.

My Nokia C7 Post Got Featured!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:06:00 +0000

Breathe in, breathe out.

I was just minding my own business, killing the sleepiness I'm feeling this time in the afternoon when I decided to check on my twitter account. Lo and behold, a twitter-er mentioned me and a post I did on what I wanted for Christmas.

@WOMWorldNokia had this tweeted,

Cathy’s (@BrazenLass) Christmas wish this year: a Nokia C7!http://bit.ly/ekk2WJ

Now, ain't that nice?! The post was written by CeciliaD. Whoever you are, thanks for linking to my post... :)
Here's a snap of that page, just click on it to enlarge.

My Christmas Wish This Year: A NOKIA C7!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 03:55:00 +0000

As many of you already know, I'm pretty much with child right now. Some say it looks like it's about to pop any time now, but if you ask me, I think there's pretty much enough time for this baby to still practice contractions and stretches and funny movements right until her ripe old time to "pop" out.

So what I've been doing most of the time now is imagining what I would be doing at home during my maternity leave - aside from taking care of the baby, of course. And if you haven't noticed yet, I blog, a lot, so maybe I'd be doing more of that or maybe just picture-taking or filming whatever it is that catches my interest by February or March because we currently still don't have our very own internet connection at home. It maybe more of my pretty little angel or some of her "adventures" so to speak.

So I ask, do I want a Nokia C7 for Christmas? Or maybe you're asking, why does she want a Nokia C7 this early if she's just wondering what to do in February?!

Why on earth not?!

First and foremost, the Nokia C7 is really shiny - and shiny things just make me want it more. It's made of polished stainless steel and glass - perfect for catching my Phoenix's attention for pictures, right? It has 3.5" high-resolution display, and what's cutest is that it's a touch screen thing also! Awwww....

What else caught my attention? Imagine two months (because that's how long a maternity leave is) without your usual office internet connection - no facebook, no twitter, no email, and no blog! So how can you post those lovely pictures and crazy videos you'll take with the Nokia C7's 8 megapixel camera?!

Nokia C7 has a lovely lovely feature - it has integrated social networking sites, particularly facebook and twitter. Which means I'll be alive and online most of the time - updating my status every now and then, getting comments or whatnots for pictures and vids. Oooohhhh... Fancy that!

Oh, and imagine getting lost in the village - if that's even possible - Nokia C7 has GPS. :)

Still wondering why I'd like a Nokia C7 for Christmas?!

*photos from Nokia Europe

Finally! Caught Phoenix's movements on Cam!

noreply@blogger.com (Cathy Laine) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 06:40:00 +0000

At last, my pretty girl has finally allowed me to catch some of her movements on cam.

Because I', wearing a patterned dress in the video, just watch out for distortions on the patterns... :)

I also had this thing made to cover up the ugly "vase" I used for my office plant. Plus, something pretty special to look at every now and then..