Our "New" Second-Hand Ride

I'm not a sporty person, though I'd love sana how to play tennis. Too much exposure to Mr. Sun discouraged me to engage on it. But I'm glad that at an early age I was so eager to learn and eventually know how to ride a bicycle. I learned on my own and those bruises that I got was all worth it. My uncle used to have a BMX bike when I was in grade school. Whenever he is not using it, I sneak into our tiny garage and practice until I get tired. I cannot remember when was the last time I rode in one. My eldest daughter kasi loves to have a bicycle maybe because she saw her friends in our neighborhood driving around with their own bicycles. Yung kind na like this...

Mala- 'Lovers in Paris'. It's so dreamy, right? (Photo NOT mine)

My husband and I are actually planning to buy her a new bicycle because the old one is already too small for her. That now is the one my 3-year old girl is using. 

 

We scouted for it in malls but we are having second thoughts getting one because: (1) it's a bit expensive and (2) we cannot attest of its longevity. We then heard that buying in Japan surplus shops saves us a lot of money and we get more of our money's worth. Not to mention it's durability and quality-tested. So we check out some shops here in the city and found nga not only one but two bicycles. The second one is for me. I'm so happy I own one now even if it's pre-owned.

Here is my girl's bike. 

It's only Php1,800.00 and I tell you, it's so sturdy 
though there are a few scratches and minor dents noticed. 
But it's in a very good condition. 

Just a few flaws were there like the LED lights isn't working though we can just replace the defective bulb and it will light na. The other grip has a rip but the other one is still in good condition so we just leave it as it is. The plastic basket have only minimal cracks and dents and stains but it doesn't matter. There are also minor rusts seen but we can have it repainted and it's good as new. We just bought an extension tires (at Php300.00) at the back since she cannot balance yet with just a two-wheel. Before that there was a bicycle stand attached to it but it was removed to replace the extension tires.

We can really attest of its durability and quality because the bicycle itself is heavy. It's like I'm having lifts every time I carry it. The bell and brakes works perfectly. The seat cover is in nice condition (not dirty) and durable. The paint finish is totally fine. The height of the seat can be adjusted. I can even ride on it. 

And now presenting to you my bicycle. 
Guys would you believe its worth is only Php1,800.00?! Sure steal!
But we got it for 2,500.00. Why? Everything is in superb condition 
and it's a reserved item. Meaning 'may nagmamay-ari na'. 
My husband haggled for it and wants it so badly for me.

He didn't mind paying for that amount because of the following reasons:

- the seat is leather, just a few (almost invisible) blemishes

- the LED lights, bell and brakes working perfectly fine

- there are just minor scratches, stains and rust

- almost no dents

- adjustable seat
- it has a lock/key attached to the back wheel that secures it and nobody can use it except me. Though I don't lock it so the nanny can use it to accompany my kids when biking around the village

- the paint finishes is fine (off white/chocolate color, yum!)

- the steel basket is love

- I love also that it has a bicycle stand

Overall, I love my Japan surplus/pre-owned bicycles we got. We saved a lot for the cost we bought given of the quality of the bikes. We can just have it groomed some other time if we really want that spunky/new feel of it. For the meantime, we love as it is. My hubby told me it's his Christmas gift to me. It doesn't matter if it's not new as long as I am loving it. He's planning to buy one for him and our youngest. And it'll be a family sport we'll be engaging in. How I love it! Thank you Lord for the blessing!

Life's Simple Pleasures

This morning, I got the privilege to experience or witness God's greatest creation. If you're all new to my blog, I am a working mother and every morning is quite a rush for us at home. My eldest daughter goes to school and she must be prepared by 8 o'clock in time for her ride to pick her up at home. Although I admit I wake up late (past 6am) because if I wake up by 5am (the time I want to be with hubby and have coffee with him) the kids would wake up too. It's a bit early for them to rise by that time. They seem to feel me as I slowly climb off the bed. That's why I'm always in a hurry every morning that I seem not to mind or take notice of the things happening around. Like I said, this morning was kind of different. The usual stuff I wake up to but the chirping of the birds caught my senses. It was really a music to my ears and calming to my spirit. I guess there were lots of them flocked in our plants and a palm tree inside our area. Their happy voices seem to vibrate in our surroundings that I cannot help but grab my camera and record it… 

This was just a portion of what took place. They have been chirping for a long time. Their happy "noise" was like this the whole time we were preparing for our daily morning stuff. Our bathroom overlooks that palm tree outside so I had a very pleasant bath even if a hurried one because their voice soothe me. Though it was simple as that, it was a happy moment for me. I was full of gratitude and overwhelmed of that gift to witness God's presence first thing in the morning thru these wonderful creatures. I am amazed, humbled and thankful.

Carmen's Best: Pure Indulgence

True to its word, Carmen's Best Pure Indulgence artisanal ice cream is indeed indulgence at its finest. I've seen numerous raves about it in social media including blogposts that kept my mind glued on it until its availability reached here in Davao City and can only be bought at Echostore here and here at that time. I'm happy about it because only a step away, I'd be able to taste the much talked about homemade artisanal ice cream and gelato made available in the local market. And since it is now available in NCCC Supermarket, I couldn't be any happier! That's what I call accessibility granted!

I couldn't believe it's this plenty when I saw it yesterday
at NCCCMall Supermarket. To my heart's delight!

Last Sunday, and because it's Mother's Day, I posted in my FB days before that all I want is to have this ice cream and nothing else. I cannot remember telling my husband about what I want for that day but he asked me if that ice cream I want is available in GMall Toril. No, it's not.

I like it that it has 'best before' note written.
Sorry for the blurry photo. But for the one I bought,
it'll last until April of 2016 when kept chilled. 

Honestly, I find it expensive at 450 pesos for a small tub of container. But hubby gave me money for this and his gift for me as I wished for. Why not? I splurge because it's Mother's Day! Amusing part. After the cashier punched it in the cash registry, she kept looking at the bar code and also the bagger. They were having small conversations I assume of how much it cost. I smiled at them and said that's really the price. She then said, "Does it taste good?" And I said, "It's my first time to try that too. We'll see…" 

That creamy, rich, velvety and smooth texture is sooo damn goood!!!

I must admit, having a sweet-tooth, is a bit difficult because I easily submit to every dessert and pastry that is available for me to eat. I love everything sweet! No questions about that. Of all the ice cream that I've tasted and tested (though I haven't tasted yet the Haagen Dazs or Ben & Jerry's or Dreyer's to name a few expensive ones), I love the mild sweetness, melts-in-the-mouth Mudslide flavor of Tillamook available in S&R. Now, having tried this flavor of Carmen's Best, I'll surely try out the rest of its available flavors even if I sacrifice buying other things/'wants' I want. This is what I call pampering oneself and submitting to my heart's desire. Carmen's Best is the best!

The #PopeFranciseffect in the Philippines: My Thoughts

Over the weekend, millions of Filipinos (mostly Christian Catholics) gathered in the much anticipated 5-day visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines. As early as last year, Filipinos are eagerly awaiting and preparing for his arrival. Not everyone is privileged enough to visit the Vatican City as it cost thousands of bucks to get there or to have a (if you're lucky enough) glimpse of him in the city. But with the news of the coming of the Pope, everyone was given high hopes and spirits to see him in person as a once in a lifetime experience one could get including myself. I may have a big chance to visit Rome but for the majority which is the poor, it is quite impossible. So on January 15, 2015 at around past 5 in the afternoon, everyone is in festive mood (as it is also the celebration of the feast of Sto. Niño) to welcome him. It marked the most awaited day for all Roman Catholics in the Philippines after the last time Pope John Paul II visited the country in almost a decade. Good thing that the Philippine Government declared it a long-holiday (only at the National Capital Region) for our countrymen to be able to witness and be with the Pope in this memorable event in Catholic church. I believe that it is a timely event as it is the start of the new year, to bring hope and reflection for each and everyone of us. As new year's resolutions brings guide for a better life ahead each year, Pope Francis' message at the start of the year is truly moving, inspiring, a blessing, enlightening and leave each and everyone of us feeling recharged and immensely cleansed with God's divine intervention and immeasurable love for us overflowing through Pope's presence and through each Filipino's story as told. 


A lot of opinions though came to life because of differences in religion and belief. One thing is very important over all ideals and beliefs is towards our faith. Where are we being God's shepherd here on Earth? We should be deliverers of God's Word to see, to feel and to do good for our brothers and sisters who are the less fortunate in life. We are so quick to judge, to conclude and righteous in our own beliefs, in the religion we belong and yet we are showing ungodly practices. We pray, hear mass, involved in our church's activities and yet we are the opposite of what our Lord wants us to be. The Word of God that Pope Francis shared to us is clear that we need mercy, compassion, love to be good stewards of God's heaven on Earth. Whatever religious congregation we belong, as long as we are delivering what is expected of us, then we are making our God happy. It is not about the physical statues nor the presence of human persons like Pope Francis that we worship per se, but how these saints and people that God send as medium or instruments to make us realize that God is in us, with us every step of our way. Their ways are truly inspiring and worth following. Sure, they have there own mistakes and sins, but more so they have made a big difference in serving the Lord our God in their own little ways. That we should not forget God as our Savior, our Redeemer, our Salvation in the hope when everything is faltering. The unwavering love, hope, compassion and mercy is what Pope Frances emphasizes God wants us to remember and put to heart. It is not God equals Pope Francis but like God, Pope Francis wants us to be aware that we should not lose hope, lose faith and lose ourselves for God is right there. 


I believe that one must also respect one's religious belief. If you are serving the Lord in ways that He wants you to see, feel and do, then you are in the right path. No need to argue about who's better. It is just sad that people are so into religion where in fact religion does not save you. It's your faith and your character will define how you are to our Creator, our Redeemer and Savior. In parting words, I hope that with the visit of Pope Francis we are touched with the message it delivered. It's some sort of a retreat that we have reflected upon, come to terms with ourselves to our Lord and how God has touched our soul, our heart and mind silently. #popefrancisPH

Thank you #Google!

Today marks my 35th year in existence. Thank you Lord for all the things and people you have blessed me. Thank you Almighty God for the gift of good health, family and friends. Thank you for my job, for giving me such an inspiring, humble and kind-hearted bosses. I couldn't ask for more. And thank you Lord in advance for the forthcoming blessings you have destined for me to have and to be. All these I pray in Jesus name, Amen...


Thank you also Google for this surprise birthday greetings as I opened to check my emails today. When I saw the birthday cake and candles, I wondered who's also celebrating what. It's such a timely event same with my birthdate knowing Google they always have this animation in relation to the present events going on around the world. And to my delight, when I incidentally pointed my cursor to the photo, it's for me pala! Oh wow! I wonder if you can view it too in your screen. Or it's just me? Teehee...

Zoom 3x...

Zoom 10x... It's for me pala talaga!

Nevertheless, it really is heartwarming knowing God has been with me all the way in this lifetime. Despite some odds, still, I am fine, I am good, I am okay.

Melts in the Mouth Macarons

I've seen and read from renowned mommy, lifestyle and foodie bloggers about this french macarons that I've become curious about. Not until my ever generous and beloved boss gave me a box of this delectable piece of haven that I'll be sharing with my officemates. The packaging itself is love at first sight. More so when the food jewels were unraveled to me right in front my very delighted eyes.

I've never tasted a local version of this. One of my officemate said she was able to try a similar pastry as this in French Baker here in SM Lanang Premier. But the sweetness is overboard. When she tasted this, she liked the sweetness as the filling melts in the tongue. The rich chocolate filling is very smooth and the dough is not crumbling. I love how velvety the filling and the combination of the softness of the dough. Each color has different twist of flavor. But the chocolatey goodness is constant. I don't know how much a box of this but I bet it's a bit pricier because of the brand itself. #chocolate #frenchmacarons #sweettooth

February is Love and Giving

How fast time flies the second time. I can't stop saying this because it's indeed true like a roller coaster thing. Now it's the Love month and just yesterday we celebrated the Chinese New Year where we welcome the year of the wood horse. Everything just happens in a fast forward pace but still the season of giving is not yet over. We all know that February is the month of Valentine's day wherein we Filipinos celebrate it for the sake of love which really means a lot for us. And I think because we really are loving people, the gesture of celebrating it comes naturally within us. Like the Christmas season, a lot of establishments mostly malls and restaurants decorate its place with hearts and playing love songs in their sound systems. Isn't it heartwarming? Because Love signifies giving, we also think of gifts to give our love ones. Thus, we see vendors selling flowers and stuff to give to the love of our lives which I find really cute and mushy in an endearing way... ;-)

This month excites me because of 3 things. Well first, it's Valentine's day. Me and my hubby makes it a point to have a fancy dinner. It's just a once in a year occasion where we make a deal to dress elegantly and dine NOT just in any budget friendly restaurant. We look for a fine-dining restaurant where we haven't eaten in there yet. Now we changed plans. We planned to have a stay-cation in a hotel just within the city. It's the in thing now and we vow not to bring the kids with us. Just me and him alone. We want to hang around and be in each others arms without the kids getting our undivided attention from each other. It's kind of mushy though but in reality, married couples need this and I believe in that too. My hubby is not very vocal but he really frequently verbalizes it that I don't have time for him anymore. I know he understands because there are 2 kids that needs my utmost attention. But being a wife I should give him what is due for him. True girls? It's the time that we can spend quality time with each other and just recharge and renew away from our everyday routine.

The second thing that looks me forward to this month is our Valentine's day giveaways here in our office. Years back, the owner of the company where I'm working now, who is also my boss, gives chocolates and Valentine's tokens to single ladies. But now, every girl, single or married, gets one. What excites me is I am in charge of planning what to give for every single lady in the office. This part makes it exciting for me since I'll be getting one of it, I search for the best stuff. Months ahead, as early as Christmas season, I'm already dreading on thinking for possible giveaways. Challenging yet fun huh! Everything is all worth it especially if you see the ladies giggling as they receive their presents. Flowers and chocolates are girl's BFF same with diamonds too. Agree!?

To give you a picture of what I received in 2012, see photo below. I got this from Papelmelroti. See their link here. They have great stuff perfect for any occasion giveaways.

Paperweight

For this item, we just customized it. We bought wooden clips and glued it at the back of the "Guardian Angel on duty" sign. This serves as a double purpose now. A memo holder cum paperweight. Below, we added the caption "Happy Heart's Day!" to fit the occasion. This is a good way to hone and play one's creativity that's why I enjoy doing this annually. Last year our giveaways were envirosax bags which we got from Daiso and assorted brownies from the Fudge Factory. With the help of my ever crafty and visually gifted officemate, the giveaways makes it more alive, presentable and meaningful. Check out her blog here.

The last reason of my love for this month is my daughter's birth month. I never knew the genuine meaning of love until the birth of my first child. All the more I appreciate the meaning of giving, unconditional love, sacrifice and looking at my kid's needs first than mine are all worth it because my great joy are their happiness and comfort.

How about you? What are your thoughts on #Valentinesday? #love #family #chocolatesandflowers

Christmas Gift 2013: Mothercare

Now that I became a mom, I'm more tempted to buy stuff for my little ones rather than for myself. Even if I have to badly update my current wardrobe for a long time already, I always end up buying for my kids. Maybe, I've come to be a mature buyer and the mother in me exceeds more than anything else. When it comes to looking stuff for my kids my go to stores are in SM malls and Mothercare. I love the selection of clothes from SM not only for my girls but they have my sizes too. That's the advantage of having a petite frame. Last Tuesday, I visited the Ayala Abreeza mall branch of Mothercare and got this pair for my little girl. What I love about Mothercare is that their SALE is all year round. It doesn't need to have special events in order for this heavenly store to have discounts on their items.

A size 10 for my almost 3 year old daughter. Sorry for a dirty image.
Blame it on my cellphone camera's pixels and poor lighting.

I love the rugged style. It's like a converse. The soles are really good.

You might wonder why a got a blue color for my daughter. Why not? It's the only stock left so I grabbed without second thoughts. You would really not pass this because it is just P300.00 pesos from the original price of P999.00 pesos.

I also got a 2-piece shorts for 5-7 year old boy for only P300.00 pesos from the original price of P799.00. Such a steal! #mothercare #smmalls #kidsfashion

Christmas Gift 2013: Big-sized watch

I'm so happy to share with you my first Christmas gift from a dear family member. I got what I want.
The photo speaks for itself.

So sorry for that blurry image. I love it!

It's so timely and fashionably classy. I love that this Aldo big-sized watch for women has 5 interchangeable straps in creamy white, tan, black, red and a flowery one that can fit to any color of your wardrobe. The gold tone color of the watch itself is not too flashy nor it is heavy. It became my everyday watch that looks fine in my office uniform since I got it a week ago. #christmasgift

First Attempt: Blood Donation

Oh my! I was hoping to get it this time to finally give back something special and meaningful this holiday season. Blood donation is something I've been meaning to give a shot not only does it make it a heroic deed but also it does benefit or is good for our bone marrow. The previous attempts were all a fail. The recent one before this, I already passed but it was my menstrual period so I cannot donate. Today, our office conducted a blood donation activity facilitated by the Philippine National Red Cross of Davao. I never hesitated to admit myself for a check-up to see if I can donate this time. After a series of blood tests and interviews which is just quick, I passed. I was delighted and #feelblessed and thought finally I can give this time. I was asked to lie down and I was a bit nervous because it's my first time to have my blood extracted in I think 2 bags of like a dextrose container. That's the amount of blood required to be donated.

First attempt of inserting a big needle in my right arms FAILED! 
Not because the in-charge got it wrong but my tiny and only visible vein is kinda shy 
and collapsed the moment it was inserted the way it is.

It was painful but it was tolerable. I can feel how big the needle is when it was inserted. I didn't loose my hopes and the in-charge told me she would try the other side of my arms. If you are really scared in these kind of needles and blood matter, you won't think of doing it anymore and again on the other side. But I bravely welcome the in-charge's idea.

Second attempt on the left arm FAILED!

This time I got disappointed already. Same explanation as of the first attempt. Still not giving up, I asked the in-charge if it's possible that they extract blood in my hands instead. She told me it's not allowed since the flow of the blood in the hands is slow. I asked her what could be a possible reason why my vein collapsed. Maybe my veins is about the size also of the needle and it's really small for the needle. Oh well! How can I make my veins bigger? Laughter broke down in the hall. Lol! Dismayed to the highest level! But I guess there is a reason why I cannot donate blood. God knows how I want to give. Better luck next time for me. But it's good to know that I'm fit and healthy and able to donate in my own little way.

My PNRC blood donation card. At least I tried than never tried at all.
#blooddonation 

Bazaar, Sales & Me

Being silent for a week here doesn't make me one happy person. It feels like I've been out of this world for like months and have not been informed of what's the latest. I feel the rants of fellow bloggers after endless apologies of not being able to write for how many days. Now, that's how it felt.

So what I am up to for the past week? Well, I've been busy with work-related concerns. Now that Christmas draws near, I am also in the mood for shopping for gifts to give. A lot of SALE and discounts happening in every malls here in the city not to include bazaars that I went up to. Not to mention that some malls have 2 day midnight sales and it's quite a festive city for these past few days now. Last weekend, I went to a Christmas bazaar held in Davao Convention Center. I saw a lot of great stuffs and end up buying some. I bought a blouse, leggings and espadrilles for myself which cost me P500.00 pesos only. I bought my daughter a blouse and leggings too equivalent to P180.00 pesos and both are imported brands which still has tag. I also bought gifts for my loved ones all at reasonably priced items. These stuffs I bought are not cheap in materials. But they are sturdy and of good quality. I love bazaars especially this particular Christmas bazaar which is usually held every last week of November. I can see all finds that department stores sell in a much higher cost. Or we can't even see in stores locally. Some are imported brands that cost less.

I also went to Gaisano Grand Toril last Sunday with my family. Before we went for grocery, we headed first to their department store. We saw lots of great gift ideas that are affordable but of good quality. We love it there since it's not very crowded and its like we lazily shop there. No pressure as we don't have to fall in line for long as cashiers are catering to a few customers only. I'm planning to go back there to buy more. I'm not yet done shopping (tehee!). It's great to shop for others and what's more interesting is I got to scout for good gift ideas even if I don't have enough cash yet. At least I know where to go as soon as I have the money. I also heard that Gaisano Mall in Toril has great selection of finds also in their department store. There are a lot of sale items in good condition. Sadly, we weren't able to go there due to some feedback that it is still dusty and the paint is still smelly which I think is not good for my kids. The building is still undergoing construction and the only open stores at the moment is their supermarket and department stores. We are looking forward to the opening of more stores in the mall as what my officemate said, the place is big and "sosyal". It has its own "walkator" similar to that of SM Lanang Premier. Hence, we are scheduling to visit there a couple of days more.

I love that malls are sprouting near our area and we don't have to go too far just to be able to leisurely spend time in malls. I love going to malls and my hubby can attest to that. #shopping #malls #bazaaar

Holidays and the Panic-buying mode

The long weekend is over and the right moment to start looking forward to the Christmas season after the much anticipated Halloween and Trick or Treat celebrations is already here. Traditionally, Halloween and Trick or Treat events is not very much celebrated here in our country.  Unlike in other countries, here in the Philippines, it is more on commemorating our departed ones who have gone ahead of us. It is normally celebrated by going to the cemetery where they are buried and offer prayers for them. Now that I have my own kids, I enjoy the Trick or Treat celebrations that is widely and is starting to kick off here in the Philippines. I'm now looking forward to every Halloween celebrations because it makes the kids happy by just getting treats and by dressing very cute and not so scary costumes for the little ones.

Anyways, have you started to decorate your homes for the Yuletide season? For me, I haven't done it yet. I'm looking forward to decorating this weekend. For our household, we decided not to put up yet a Christmas tree mainly because my kids are still in their toddler years. The tree might end up dismantled or out of form before the Christmas time approaches. So to spruce up and feel the spirit of Christmas, I just put decorative Christmas pieces like socks and hats at our bedroom door and put a Christmas wreath in our living area adorned with lights and decors. It still is very nice and it won't occupy space in our little abode. Another thing that I'm looking forward too, excites me the most and adds a little pressure on me is 'shopping for the holidays' bring. Not so much of a bad pressure because shopping is No stressful (I enjoy and LOVE the 'stress' it brings) unless it's a hurried one and you don't have any idea on what to give. I know you're feeling the same as mine. Thinking of stuff to give for this particular person is definitely one brain wrecking thing especially if you do the holiday shopping rush. Not only this brings a head ache and body aches (you know what I mean) but more so on the time wasted and the unnecessary spending it entails. So to make it easier for me, as early as now (for some they made a little shopping as early as October), I made a list on who to give and what to give. That's my first step. It eases me a bit seeing my list because I categorized it. I started with the immediate family, relatives and friends. I have ideas in mind what to give for some even if I haven't completed it yet. But that's okay at least, I won't be cramming that much. By doing this, you'll have a smooth shopping spree and it won't waste your time looking for what item to give. It's easier, faster and convenient when you know what items to buy. Another shopping option is purchasing online. This is very easy, reliable, convenient and stress-free because you just select what item to buy right in your own nest. Actually, I just ordered na for Christmas presents (hehehe). It's also good to buy in bulk so you can make use of the flat rate in shipping fee for a number of items already. I'm so excited for the real shopping experience to happen. For an employee like me, the partial 13th month pay is in less than 15 days from now. I'm sure the malls are packed by that time for Christmas shopping and some are have a 'sale' going on.

I'm not in a panic mode now. But the buying I guess is still panicky. Crossing my fingers that I'd be able to fully complete my Christmas gift shopping before December starts. How about you guys, have you started to shop for Christmas? If yes, where can you recommend good, affordable buying sites (may it be online or shops) that sells Christmas gift items for all ages? Please do share. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Blessed New Year ahead!

Supplier Hunt

Can anybody share and disclose where I can find makers of these here in Davao City?

Photo source here.

Saw this one at Ms. Jackie Go's blog, Go Jackie Go, post for her son pogi Juro first birthday. I really love this concept of a photo balloon for my daughter's first birthday. Sadly, I couldn't find a supplier that makes a super big one. Bigger than that in the photo above. I'm planning to have this big balloon for the piñata (as a hot air balloon look), as welcoming streamer for the party place and for the cake.

This is a gift from my officemate who visited Boracay recently. This one is a good giveaway idea for the kids. It is refillable as what my officemate told me. 

Anybody who knows where I could find them? 

At 34...

At last, July is here! My birth month. For the past 13 years since I graduated from college and faced the world of endless possibilities, I realized that things had been happening at the blink of my eye. Almost a decade since I have been out of school and to think that I felt I haven't accomplished much. Before when things were just about me, I just brushed it off and thought I still have a long way to go. So many things to happen still. But then again, looking back, I realized that I also missed a lot of things. That's when opportunities were endless. Whatever comes your way, grab it, experience it, treasure it and when all things fail or didn't come our own way that's when you say it's not meant to be, it's not a mistake, it's not our failure but we have to face the reality in life that we cannot have it all.

Now that I'll be turning 34, looking aback, I'm proud to say that somehow I stand with my two feet on the ground. I may not be the licensed Interior/ Furniture designer that I want to be, I may not be working in Singapore, I may not have savings in my account, I may not have traveled a lot, I may not have a healthy and firm looking body, I may not be physically beautiful (flawless, tall, flat abs and having soft and bouncy hair) and well-endowed (malaki ang hinaharap at puwet), I may not have confidence in myself, I may have a lot of insecurities and worries, I may not be a good mother or a submitting wife but in the end I am still standing with dignity and integrity with me. I thought I'm losing myself because of physical factors surrounding me. But I thank my God for standing by me. 

I am celebrating life because I am alive, I am ill-free, I have my family, I have a job to sustain my everyday living, I have a house to go home to, I eat 3 to 5 times a day, I have clothes to wear, I have a blog that keeps me sane, I have complete senses, I have kids that brings pure joy and love and above all I have my God who keeps me safe and protected at all times. 

Now, I wish not for any material things or a big party for my coming birthday. I just pray to God that He will give me the right nanny for my 9 month old baby. My previous nanny left us for good. That's why I haven't blogged for a few days now because I am emotionally tired. I mercifully pray to God that He grant this little favor I have in my heart, in Jesus Almighty name, AMEN!

Practical Gift Idea

When it comes to giving gifts for any occasion, I normally am clueless on what to buy which would perfectly fit for the person. I don't want the idea of giving something just for the sake of giving. It doesn't make anything special or any sense for that matter. But there are some cases wherein you think the person almost have everything and that's the most difficult part: what to give him or her as a present. The best thing about giving gifts is you can make a creative way on how you would want to present it to the recipient. It doubles the excitement ones you receive a gift not just a box with a wrapper and a card. I found a very practical and creative gift idea when you are still looking for the perfect one. Vistaprint, which I found online, gives you creative idea on what to give to the loved ones.

Click to link

Aside from the usual greeting cards, they also specialize on business cards, stationaries, stickers and labels, calendars and more that you can actually personalize for them and give it as a gift. A wise and wonderful idea right? Not a common one. Aside from that they extend their products to clothing and accessories. We are almost near the holiday season and this will be a great idea on what to give for Christmas and other special occasion as well.