Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Yesterday was the beginning of another year for our Chinese brethren. Virtually everywhere in the Philippines we see Chinese or Tsinoy, no wonder why we are doing most of their customs and beliefs. One of those is their famous Feng Shui, which we widely embraced today.

And since it's their new year, I want to give them a credit by celebrating it too in my own little way.

I bought a tikoy at the supermarket. A small one since I'm the only one who'll eat it up.




I have a tray of eggs and put on our dining table just to have bilog-bilog.




And on my way home I saw people taking pictures beside their Chinese birth year at Gateway Mall, then I saw mine... And you know already what I did. Haha




For our Chinese and Chinese-Filipino people, KUNG HEI FAT CHOI! Mabuhay kayo.

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Let's be fit and healthy for our kids

It's been a year since Hubby stopped "working out". He used to go to Fitness First after work, but when I became pregnant, we moved to Pateros and he needs to stop. And before also, I am engaged in climbing / mountaineering, hiking (you know all that). I exercise with the help of twister and I do a lot of stretching. To make it short, we are physical fit before.

And now…

Hubby is working his butt off at the Gym again. He found a new “fitness nook” in our neighborhood and it’s convenient for him to go there every day.  Sometimes I envied him! God knows how much I want to tone up my bud with a machine, but what can I do? I'm a working Mom, I don't have time and not advisable since I gave birth via CS.

So, I waited for a year and now I'm back!

We all know that regular exercise is crucial for overall health and well being. And with that, let me share my exercise routine. I read this exercise routine before but I can't remember the site anymore. This will only take 45 minutes. I really set a time allowance every morning, instead of 4:30 AM I am now waking 3:30 AM to do this (ika nga, tiis ganda! LOL).

• Warm up - walk outside or just do the normal stretching routine.



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•  Cardio workout - jump rope

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• Strength-building exercises - abdominal crunches, reverse crunches

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• Flexibility moves - floor stretches or yoga poses

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• Cool down – same as warm up.

If you lack time choose the hilly walk in your neighborhood, or jog instead of walking. 

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

-Robert Collier

So there! It will not hurt to wake up 45 minutes earlier right? Moms out there, let's be health conscious. It's just not for ourselves also for our children.

The key here is consistency. If you want to see the result, just simply be consistent.

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Winged beans and Squash - Me trying to cook.

Howdy there, folks! How's your weekend? Oh me? I'm feeling PRO in cooking. Lol Pardon me, this has probably brought by the good vibes here in our new home. I love doing household chores lately and experimenting... I mean cooking. Hehe

And because of that, I am going to share the recipe that I've learned from Ace's Auntie. She usually serves this with sparkling eyes because this has become one of Ayvan's favorites.

I don't know the name of this dish, but I find it healthy, especially for kids, very cheap and so easy to do. Also, the reason why I choose this, is because we had a leftover pork from our Nilaga last night so, I thought of using it.

The ingredients are simple:

1. Vegetable oil

2. Onion and Garlic

3. Pork (leftover if you have)

4. Squash

5. Winged beans / Sigarilyas

6. Salt and Pepper

7. Fish sauce (optional)

How to do it all:

1. Heat vegetable oil over low heat. Add the garlic and onions. Cook until onion is translucent and fragrant. Add pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until pink is gone from meat. - If you are using leftover, once it's brown it's done.

*Add fish sauce and continue to cook for about 1 min.

2. Add water about 1 cup (depends on the size of your vegetables) and bring to boil.

3. Add winged beans, let it simmer for about 4 minutes. Then add squash and let it simmer again until it is cooked.

4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve while hot.

Your kids will love the sweet taste of squash and the not so noticeable winged beans.

Happy eating

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My Little-Half First Birthday at Pizza Hut

I have been too busy with all the stuff I needed to do and all of them are now done.

>Moved into the new house

>Ayvan's birthday

>Problem with Hubby is fixed.

I'm happy to say that I have now all the time for my blog. Yay! Lets start shall we?

Before Ayvan's birthday, we have already transferred most of our things into our new home.

The Yaya and Mom stayed in the new house, we only slept there a day before Ayvan's birthday. Honestly? It was so fun and chaotic! I kept on going back and forth from the old house to the new for almost one week just to make sure that Mom and the Yaya are comfortable. The fun part is the buying of new stuff like oven-toaster, led TV, curtains, gas stove stand, etc. It's like our first time again to "separate".

Meanwhile, let's discuss the celebration na.

Originally, my plan was a home party and to DIY everything. I had an Adventure time theme idea and pin-boarded them all for the past couple of months, but after all the trouble that had got in our way and other unexpected happenings, we decided to choose a fuss free party, yes, again - like last year on his Christening.

*Sunday, January 12. It was scheduled for 2 hours (3PM - 5PM). We arrived 45 minutes late due to a complicated family misunderstanding - it has been fixed. 

The party host was friendly (Of course! He has to) and did everything he can not to bore the crowd - most of the guests were a family member and closest friends and I thought he'll be having a hard time convincing them to participate in the games, but no! Ha-ha, thanks God.

I posted about the party package of Pizza Hut here and that was what they've provided - nothing more, nothing less. Their mascot appeared (POOCH the dog) but of course the Little man did not care - he's simply too young let us spare him.

We ordered their Pooch Kiddie Meal for the kids and the Group Meal of 10. The damage? You guys ready for this? 15,+++ Php for 60 pax! Budget friendly.

There were lots of leftovers so we again, just like the old times, brought them home. Yay! PG Mode on.

Ayvan's last photo before we cut his hair.

And here are the photos

Opening his gifts

And that comprises the whole day of his birthday celebration. 

*I would highly recommend PIZZA HUT for Kiddie Party. Why?

>They have the cheapest party fee.

>They are flexible - willing to coordinate with what their customers preferences.

>They have a lot of store nationwide - accessible.

>Good customer service!!

Planning a party? Whatcha waitin' for?! Chos. Hehe

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Pizza Hut Party Freezie

The Little man's birthday celebration was held at Pizza Hut Robinsons Metro East - I will do a separate post for it, but in the meantime, allow me share you the perk that Pizza Hut had given as a token of appreciation for celebrating the party with them.

I remember when, after we settled the bill, we were given 30 pieces of cards. I did not have any idea of what is it, but the manager whispered me that it's their THANK YOU card.

You can have it replaced with a pan size Hawaiian Pizza at any of their branches. And I was like " Oooh! cool".

*Thanks Elmo for being my model. Teehee!

*It's small, only enough for Ayvan. It is Hawaiin and thick crust - safe.

I substituted one at Farmers Plaza just yesterday. I waited for 15 minutes, but I didn't mind, the waiters are courteous - offered me a seat and a glass of water. Customer service is what it's all about.

And when I got home, Ayvan ate it like no tomorrow - He has a monster appetite like his Dad. He is NOT a picky eater kid either, and as a Mom? I love it.

It is also nice because I did not spend a cent for Ayvan's merienda. Yay!

I actually have several cards left, which will expire next month, so, I better use all of them very soon. Wink.

Thank You Pizza Hut. I'm impressed.

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Instant Coffee Isn’t Fast Enough - Guest Post

I would bet that at some point in your life you have woken up bleary eyed, head pounding from the office party the night before. Stirring from your sleep you realize it is Thursday and work beckons.

Flicking on the kettle, you wait for it to boil before pouring some coffee granules into a cup and brewing up a cup of sweet, energy-giving nectar. To your disgust the formula tastes bitter and hollow. The caffeine kick you receive being the only saving grace of what is a thoroughly disappointing drink.

Img Source: http://www.noise-to-signal.com/2006/10/27/dae-20061027-7169.jpg

It needn't be like this. I want to show you the way. Follow me.

Your desire for instant gratification, and instant satisfaction, leads you to this point. Instant coffee surely is exactly that, right? But the thing is, it’s neither instant nor particularly satisfying.

I present the Nescafe Dolce Gusto, a 3.15 bar machine that crafts coffee much like your local coffeehouse, instantly and in the convenience of your own home or office.

How can this be? With smart capsules, high-pressure water and some really tasty ground coffee beans, that’s how.

The Nescafe Dolce Gusto is anything but ordinary. From its sleek design, to the amazing array of flavors to choose from, the Dolce Gusto is sure to add a jumpstart to your morning.

Why not try the short, sharp shock to the system that is an Espresso capsule? Or how about the slightly more indulgent Vanilla Latte Macchiato?

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With a Nescafe Dolce Gusto machine like the Melody 2 you are certain to be in for the perfect balance of convenience and taste.

Disclaimer 

The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the author alone and do not represent those of NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto®. For the most up to date information on single serve coffee makers, specialty coffee pods, and offers by NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® company, please visit the website at: www.dolce-gusto.us

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New Year?! Why not add a new page

Hi Guys,

How are you? I am now at work and I'm blogging! Shhhh.. Lol

It's a new year and we need new things in everything we do (not really all!), but as for me, I want something new for this blog. So from now on I will be having a GUEST POST, PRESS RELEASE page. 

I am receiving emails from different countries and companies who wants to do those and it would be nice to work with them.

Thanks heaps people! 

♥♥♥

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What a day it was and Ayvan's 1st.

I was pulled out from work yesterday because I needed to be quarantined. I was exposed daw kasi sa measles (Ayvan).

I don't like being treated that way but I understand that they don't want to take the risk. They asked me to get a fit-to-work documents from an Internal Medicine. I still have cough and cold pa kasi but no fever.

The Doctor requested a CBC to see if I have an infection and I waited for an hour but wala pa ung result, they said kasi 1 hour lang. I chose to wait because I wanted sana to get it out of the way na kasi this weekend for sure I will be very busy. Nagtiis talaga ako kahit mabagal process nila specially ung approval area.

Moreover, it was Ayvan's birthday. I am so proud and grateful. I love him so much!

He by the way blew a candle on his first ever cake.

And that made my day.

♥♥♥

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Ayvan says "No no no!"

Good Morning people.

Ayvan knows six words now - "Mama", "Daddy", "Ate", "Ala na", "Hulog" and "No no no no". He's beginning to become a talkative and noisy baby which I am proud of. He is learning so fast that sometimes still surprises me. 

This video was uploaded by her Tita in Youtube and so I grabbed and post it here. 

♥♥♥

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Ayvan can walk alone :)

My son will turn 1 this 10th of January and I am so glad to share that he can walk on his own already. We noted before that when he's playing in his playpen, he walks, but not outside it. And a couple of days earlier, he starts walking into our living room alone and doesn't want to hold anything or anyone - every time I attempt to guide him, he'll remove my hand and walk like a zombie (hands raising forward). Haha

I am just so happy and proud for him.

♥♥♥

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P!nk - True Love ft. Lily Allen

This song just fits to what I feel right now.

PINK LYRICS

"True Love"

(feat. Lily Rose Cooper)

Sometimes I hate every single stupid word you say

Sometimes I wanna slap you in your whole face

There's no one quite like you

You push all my buttons down

I know life would suck without you

At the same time, I wanna hug you

I wanna wrap my hands around your neck

You're an asshole but I love you

And you make me so mad I ask myself

Why I'm still here, or where could I go

You're the only love I've ever known

But I hate you, I really hate you,

So much, I think it must be

True love, true love

It must be true love

Nothing else can break my heart like

True love, true love,

It must be true love

No one else can break my heart like you

Just once try to wrap your little brain around my feelings

Just once please try not to be so mean

Repeat after me now R-O-M-A-N-C-E-E-E

Come on I'll say it slowly (Romance)

You can do it baby

At the same time, I wanna hug you

I wanna wrap my hands around your neck

You're an asshole but I love you

And you make me so mad I ask myself

Why I'm still here, or where could I go

You're the only love I've ever known

But I hate you, I really hate you,

So much, I think it must be

True love, true love

It must be true love

Nothing else can break my heart like

True love, true love,

It must be true love

And no one else can break my heart like you

(I love you, I think it must be love, I love you)

Why do you rub me up the wrong way?

Why do you say the things that you say?

Sometimes I wonder how we ever came to be

But without you I'm incomplete

I think it must be

True love, true love

It must be true love

Nothing else can break my heart like

True love, true love,

It must be true love

And no one else can break my heart like you (like you)

No one else can break my heart like you (like you)

No one else can break my heart like you

♥♥♥

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Drama on Tuesday

I know I owe you guys an explanation of why I haven't posted the last 2 weeks of my December challenge. Honestly I was not able to take some photo. I really tried my best to catch up, but with all the things that I need to do, I couldn't.

My duties as a Mom and Partner are in hiatus lately, plus the highest level of stress from work makes me worn, pressured, exhausted, stressed, drained, and sick.

But I know I'll get through to this. It's just probably a matter of proper time management and good decision making. I'm sure I'll be better in time.

I'm sorry for doing this. I really want to vent this unpleasant feeling that I had lately. I don't know when and how it began, it was just one day I woke up feeling empty and lost. Lost in the sense of I don't know myself anymore. There are things that I wanted to do but I didn't do even if chances are dropping by.

There are times that I want to say NO but I am too afraid that if I say it, they'll never like me anymore and that karma is just waiting around to strike me back anytime. Isn't it a bit wearing?

I also want to fully take care of Ayvan but I feel that the way I am doing it now is not enough. I never want to take him for granted. He's the most precious gift I have and I will always be grateful. He needs to be taken care of and I don't think I'm doing it correctly. Crap. If only someone can tell me how to do it perfectly, but I know nobody can and I am the only woman who knows what's best for my child.

I'm sorry, you have to deal with all the drama. I'll make it up on the next post.

Thanks for spending the time to read this anyway. :)

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Our Christmas Eve (Late Post)

We had our Christmas eve here sa house. Ace's Tita held a mini Christmas Party for all her tinderas. They closed the store at exact 8:45PM.

Tita had prepared foods like BBQ, Caldereta, Spaghetti, Buko Pandan, Fruit juice, Pancit, Hotdog, Lumpiang shanghai,cake and take out chicken from Chowking.

We exchanged our gifts and had a pleasant time. I had a banana peel pair of slippers. Avyan got sandos, shoes and sesame street bibs.

There were games like pinoy henyo and consequence candies. And of course the little man joined but did not stick around long.

Almost all the tinderas brought home a small appliances that Tita raffled for them. It was such a good way of acknowledging their effort of coming to work everyday. Some were rewarded an extra cash for having the least tardiness incurred and almost perfect attendance - Nice no? As what they say, "One of the best way to keep your people is to make sure that their HARD WORK is appreciated". That will also make them feel important and happier.

Our laundry lady brought her mga apo. All the children in this photo are all her apo. Hehe

Altogether, I had so much fun. It was not my first to celebrate Christmas eve with them but I still feel the same. I am happy as well to celebrate it because of all the wonderful gifts that God has granted me.

And that's how I celebrated. How about you guys out there? How did you do yours?

PS: Let me greet you kahit medyo late.

♥♥♥

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