The Little Sales Lady

Me and my hubby always look forward to having free weekend to be able to let the kids stroll. My hubby is the one super busy with his weekend because he is a farmer during those days. But this weekend, Sunday, we took the time off. Where else could be the easiest go to destination but the mall. And this little darling has only one request: that is to bring her to Jollibee. It's super affordable and no parent could ever resist to her only wish. Her current favorite is chicken with rice coupled with french fries and a sweet treat like their sundae (which she termed as 'ice cream').

But before proceeding to the 'real treat', the hubby dropped by in one of the mall's shoe store. The little kiddo can't help but grabbing every pair and showing it to his 'papa'. And like a saleslady, she one by one grab every design and enjoyed every pair she holds.

#OOTDkids: top (Gymboree onsie), pants (Mothercare), shoe (gift from her Mommy La, forgot the brand)

Requested to take a shot of her. Ka loka mka pose. Parang Anika lang of Mommy Fleur.

So this is my happy weekend like with my fabulous family. How was your weekend like guys?

If You Will It, You Win It!

Parang minute to win it lang ano? Lakas din maka positive vibes. That should be the right spirit and attitude to have a happy outlook in life. We should always arm ourselves everyday and everytime a lot of positivity given how desperate our world seems to be nowadays. Even if all else fail, we should not stop believing and dreaming of beautiful things. I think it's the only way to get rid of stress and worries. It's about having the right disposition in seeing things in all perspective in this imperfect world. The key is to start within us and everything else will follow. Whatever mindset we have, it will show. So better, stay positive whatever the course of circumstances we are in right now. I better say it again and again to my self also. Admit it, it's hard to pretend and be happy when we are having trials in life. But then again, we should always bear in mind that no trials that can't be resolved. God knows our limitations and our capabilities. There are times that we have to pause and take a break and reflect. So this is the purpose of having challenges in our lives.

Leaving you guys with a thought for this beautiful Sunday and always...

Photo credits here.

 

Happy Feet

Feel like sharing it. I love my butterfly gold flat shoes. Got this one on sale for P525.00 only (original price is at P1,000.++) at Gap boutique shop, Ayala Abreeza Mall. Would you believe this is from the kids section and I have 6 1/2 shoe size? Lucky of me to chance upon it. We didn't know they were having sale at that time. We just went inside to look for some cute shoes and clothes. My sole purpose was to buy only shoes for my darling M, but lo and behold, this sparkling thing got my attention. Double lucky because my mom shouldered to buy the shoes of my kid so I got to grab a pair of this for me. What a triple treat huh? This was the only big pair size among all the shoe on sale.

Love it?

Jollibee/Jollitown/Hello Kitty themed Birthday: Party Kids Giveaways

As promised, I'd be sharing to you the party kids giveaways during my daughter's first birthday celebration. I love the Hello Kitty giveaways of Jollibee that's why I never thought of getting other than this. It's very cute and the quality of the items seem to be a good one. Even myself, I find it using them. How much more for the little girls who find Hello Kitty such a cute dainty kitten. The party hats I also included because I find it very nice too. #childhoodmemories 

For the little boys, I chose their batman giveaways. It includes a pencil case with crayons, pencil and eraser inside. Then there's also an ID together with a sling. I find this very useful too.

I'm very happy with the giveaways that Jollibee has in store for party giveaways. It's very affordable too especially if you'll be getting their birthday package. Link to their online party booking here. #jollibeeparty #bidaangsaya

I Saw The Sign

Just like a song huh? Shucks! I have it. Just this morning as I was blow-drying my hair, I came to see a white strand of hair peeped in my crowing glory. And it dawned in me that I'm not getting any younger.

Why do people associate of having gray/white hair to old age? According to my research, a certain color-producing pigment that our body produces which is melanin, is responsible for the color changes in our hair. And as we age, it produces less or stops. For a typical Filipino, our natural hair color is black. So as we grow older, the melanin (which is color black for our hair) is producing less causing our hair to turn gray/white in color. 

Normally, white people starts having gray/white hair in their mid-30s. For Asians, like Filipinos, we start having it in our late 30's and African-Americans in their mid-40s. There are also instances that even as young as in their 20's, they already have silver strands visible in their hair. Experts say, having premature gray hair is also hereditary. If your parents or their lineage starts having gray hair at a very young age, chances are you will be acquiring at an early age too. Early signs of having gray hair may also be due to vitamin B deficiency, thyroid disorder, smoking and chemical exposure. 

Is having a white hair itchy in the scalp? Why do others say like that? I wonder why because in my case I didn't feel it. Just a thought.

*References here and here. 

Sunshine Award: Spreading a Ray of Love

I am grateful for Ms. Toni of Wifely Steps, who considered my blog a a good read and with relevance. It is inspiring to know that my blog has touched readers in my own little way. Because of fellow bloggers, I've reached what I have now. I owe it to them. Thank you Ms. Toni for passing the Sunshine Award to me. Because you are one of the reasons why I've come this far, I'm sharing it too to some notable and inspiring blogs worth reading. Now on to the rules:

For the Sunshine Award, the blogger must:

• Acknowledge the nominating blogger.

• Share random facts about self.

• Answer 11 questions the nominating blogger has created for you.

• List 11 bloggers to recommend. They should be bloggers you believe deserve some recognition and a little blogging love!

• Post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate, answer & let all the bloggers know they've been nominated. you cannot nominate the blogger that nominated you.

11 things you may want to know about me:

1) I am afraid of cockroach and snakes.

2) I am afraid of heights.

3) I love desserts, anything sweet.

4) I am a coffee addict.

5) I want to be an interior and furniture designer as a profession.

6) I love crafts and DIY.

7) I love shopping for shoes over bags and clothes.

8) I have stacks of newspaper clippings about fashion and interior design, food recipes since my high school days and it's kept in boxes. I get rid of it just recently. I love to keep things I love even if I don't use it as often. I just love to have it around. It's hard for me to let go easily.

9) I'm quite a good dancer. I love to dance.

10) I love to sing. But not good enough.

11) I wish to bake. I love to bake.

On to Ms. Toni's 11 questions:

1. What advice would you give your 17-year-old self? Enjoy and explore your youth.
2. What color makes you look extra beautiful? I think pastel colors. Makes me feel young and fresh.
3. If you could cook only ONE dish perfectly all the time, what dish would it be and why? Nothing. I wish I have.
4. Do you think you’ll consider cosmetic surgery in the future? Why/why not? Big NO. I'm afraid of its possible side effects. I'm at ease of what I have. I come to accept that no body is perfect.
5. Have you ever been so involved with a TV show that you cried when the season/run ended? YES.
6. Who’s a fictional character you’d like to be best friends with? Dora the Explorer. I want to travel to different places.
7. What’s the first thing you do upon waking up? Look at my kids who just sleeps beside me.
8. How superstitious are you? Average.
9. What else would you like to achieve with your blog? A more dainty layout. I know I'm on the right track.
10. When faced with stress, which do you go for: Fight or Flight? Flight.
11. What song calms you down? Anima Christi (Lord I offer my life to you, everything I've been through...)

11 blogs that are worth reading:

1) love always, shengysdelight, theLivingShed

2) Go Jackie Go

3) Forty Weeks

4) Sugar Spice and Everything Nice

5) Topaz Mommy, Topaz Horizon

6) Mommy Fleur

7) She Said, she said

8) Diane Writes

9) manila fashion observer

10) The Bright Spot

11) Davao Mommy


11 questions for my nominated bloggers:

1) What's your beauty regimen? What particular brand of beauty products you are currently using?
2) In what way do you reward yourself?
3) What song best describes yourself?
4) What's your favorite place (specific) and why?
5) What's your top 3 favorite food?
6) What 5 things you can't live without?
7) What's your top 3 favorite blog? Share their link too.
8) What's on your shopping/wish list? Name 3.
9) Given that your partner allows you to spend a day (24 hours) with a particular famous guy, who would that be and why?
10) Who is your biggest inspiration in life aside from God and your family?
11) What is your prayer to God at this moment?


There you go. I hope you find this getting-to-know sort of activity worth sharing and inspiring too! Let's share a ray of sunshine to everyone!

How Do You Handle Discouragement?

Negative as it seem but it sure is a lot of courage to get over it. Saying a word of discouragement can be depressing. For some, it makes you helpless and less driven in life. Others may take it as a challenge and prove to others that despite everyone pinning their dreams or decisions down, there's no way you can hinder the feeling of wanting to achieve something in life. But to some they easily lose hope, less motivated and the will power to do their own way. I'm a person half disheartened and half challenged. Every time someone prevents me from doing what I want, I have a tendency to repel all discouragements down. But of course, I know my game. I want to prove not only to others but more so to myself. And luckily, there are major decisions in my life that made all those negative remarks fail and that I conquered.

1) To be a successful interior designer. During those times, interior designing is not a 'hot' profession. Living in a less urbanized city, there's no way I can earn a decent income with it. It was a passion that I learn to love. I became very interested with designs and I told myself I want to take interior design in college. I was discouraged by some family members. Half of it I regretted why I didn't take my word but the other half of me was still okay. Because even if I didn't take the course, my passion is still there. I am successful with my chosen field right now so no regrets. But given the chance to take a short course of it, given all resources, I will still push through with my luck on it.

2) Work overseas. I am a typical shy, introvert and dependent person. I am aloof, unmotivated and silent. I am not fond of discussions, going forefront and choose to work behind the scenes. I'm quite fulfilled and accomplished doing the paper works rather than leading a big group. I fear standing and talking in front of big groups and it always weakens me. In short, I am not a risk taker. I always choose the safest ground. I don't want to get hurt or fail. I don't want to be judged and be a laughing stock as what I've experienced and witnessed. I've known myself with those ever since my childhood. After a couple of years working, I come to gather enough strength and courage to face the real world and real people. I manage to learn from individuals different from me and same with me. It is quite a surprise that I've decided to leave the shadow of my family temporarily to prove to myself that I can do more than my limitations. It is not about for others but more on to myself. My family discouraged me but they never demand. They respected my decision and I felt that they supported me in that way even if they half-heartedly allow me. Working in a foreign land is different because of language barrier, culture, beliefs, discrimation and way of working ethics. These alone can be discouraging enough for you to almost give up. It means a lot of self-adjustments. You don't expect them to make adjustments for you. But you have to work hard to be able to prove your worth. But I push myself hard enough and prove myself of my worth. I succeeded in that journey of mine.

3) Blogging. I am happy that I've come to know blogging. It is one of the happiest corner of my life right now. It is about me and everything I love. It is the expression of my life and what I am passionate of. At first, it was all about money and the earnings that I will be getting. It was kinda frustrating because it was so slow and I am not getting any as what I though it is. It was a discouraging feat. It was a personal discouragement. I am about to give up. But because of some support from fellow bloggers, I can't be thankful enough. As time goes by, I came to know myself more and the endless possibilities I can offer. It is a self discovery and it is a joyful adventure with me, knowing myself and exploring new things about me. It was like a meet and greet of myself. Funny! But I am amazed with all the support I get. I felt confidence and an inner boost. Through this, I can express what I want to say and I found relief. Blogging is my 'me-time'.

I hope you find discouragement not a means to give up. It is important to have an open mind and be challenged. It is a time to weight things accordingly and not to be impulsive. It is one way of reverse psychology. Speak your hearts out and the rest will follow. Think of good things and always be positive even if sometimes it is hard. Have faith and let God do some miracles in His own time. To God be the glory!

Jollibee Birthday Party: Hello Kitty and Jollitown in One Event

I'm not yet done folks! I am still having a sting from the Jollibee/Jollitown/Hello Kitty birthday celebration of my girl. I'm still at daze and maybe because I was very fulfilled and satisfied with how everything turns out. The venue #magallanessresidences is a plus factor because some of our guests were new to the place #firsttimers and they love it! Even me and my husband until now can't get over with how beautiful everything from the place, the food, the party itself. So bare with my kayabangan ( or how shall I call it?). It's a mommy thing you know #proudmama. We just can't help but be thankful for the wonderful weather, loved ones, family and friends who joined us in out thanksgiving. My birthday girl is not feeling well on her BIG day. She has coughs and colds. She was irritable on that moment because she didn't sleep during the day which is unusual for her #feelingexcited. But then again, she was up until the celebration ended and I'm glad she saw the fun-filled activities set for her. We haven't seen her smiling and laughing as the party progresses. Poor baby Nique! If she had known what the fuzz is all about, I'm sure she'll be happy.

Nothing beats Jollibee. I love their Hello Kitty theme. I love their loots too (I'll make a separate post of it). Since there are little boys, we gave them batman giveaways courtesy too of Jollibee.

The cake is from Cecil's bakeshop. This is my go to shop. The princess topper is a recycled one.
Meaning, this I used from my first daughter's first birthday. I kept it for souvenir. It's practical too.

Notice the packs on the left part. Those are our prizes. I custom made the paper bag ( I'll have a separate post on that too at my other blog, Craftifacts). 

The kids have fun on the games. We prepared a lot of prizes for them and they enjoyed as soon as the Jollitown friends came and drop by to render entertainment for the kids and the kids at heart. I'll have a separate post on that too. It was a fun-filled night even my aunties and uncles had fun with the Jollitown mascots. Nagmukhang bata ang mga lola and lolo-bels!  I just remembered that Jollibee turned 35 years and it was so timely that we have them in our celebration because we love Jollibee! #jollibeeforever #bidaangsaya

We love you our baby Nique! We pray that God will continue to bless and protect you. May the good Lord bless you good health, loving family and a spirit and heart that remains to be a God-fearing, loving and obedient person.

Feeling Blessed, Amazed and Overwhelmed: Birthday Bash a Success

Finally, it is over and it was one blast of a party! For just a short time, we were able to pull off and more, my daughter's first birthday celebration. I am very happy of the outcome though some that were planned and thought about were not materialized because of unexpected circumstances that we lacked enough time. But still, I am glad because not only the kids enjoyed, but even the young at heart. My decision to DIY the decors is a huge success and almost everybody loved what we did. I am very lucky to have a mother who is supportive of my wanting to DIY the theme and decors for the event. My mom is hats off, hands on meticulous to every detail and made such brilliant ideas on my planned layout. I am so happy with every detail that was presented. Until now, I feel that I'm still on cloud 9, still having the sting of that night's celebration. #1stbirthday #proudmama #feeling-elated 

I know I've been talking a lot and for sure you are frantically waiting for some photos. But since I'm the host, and I wasn't able to take shots of the events. I relied everything to my family and relatives who took their useful cameras and take shots as the event transpired. I requested them to send me raw copies of the photos for souvenir. Even me, I'm very excited to see real shots of the happy celebration.


Forewarn: The following photos are not my original ideas. They are inspirations and copy I got from my constant internet browsing from fellow mommy bloggers. I just made a little twist for a bit of uniqueness not exactly following the original.


The following photos are taken before the party itself. Me and some family members helped out as I make my DIY project come to reality. Kudos to you guys! They are excellent and they have full of brilliant ideas. #eventscoordination #DIYproject #familysupport

I decided to make it like this so as not to follow the usual making of tarpaulin with my child's face and birthday details on it. It is too common. What I did is I recycled the tarpaulin (which you can see through). It was from my first daughter's 1st birthday. I used the back part of it.

I didn't mind that the print at the back can be seen because it is an evening event. For sure, you won't see any shadow of the back part coming from the ray of light outside by night as the lights from within gives a certain effect on it. My inspiration for the tarpaulin is from the catalogue of 101gramsofeyecandy and for the flowers on the glass from Ms. Ging of fortyweeksandthensome. The masks I incorporated are extra supplies from my eldest first birthday. I didn't know it would make a great show.

See that balls/pompoms from above? That came from an inspiration again from Ms. Ging of fortyweeksinthensome. She's very creative and I love her dainty pieces (Link here on how to do it).

Okay. That jar on top of the tables are my mom's product of idea. She alternately put the name of my girl and then a slogan of 'It's a party' from the stock board. We bought the It's a Party cut out from National Bookstore. Cute noh! She filled the empty glass bottles of sardines with decorative stones. Good idea too so that the table covers won't run and fall. I don't know where she got the idea. So apologies if there are other who did the same thing. Maybe it's just a coincidence.

To date, I haven't started unwrapping my daughter's gifts. I'm excited actually to come home now for some cute surprises for my little one! *wink*

These loots are from my aunt based in Canada. This is one timely event as many blessings are showered in time for my daughter's first birthday. I'm floored, humbled and #blessed.

I will be sharing to you a separate post of the real party. #feelingexcited #partyhangover #jollitowncrazy

I am very happy because I got a lot of compliments of the whole celebration. This won't happen if not for my husband, my family and God Almighty. They are my movers and shakers. They made this possible.

How about you? What's your creative birthday idea like? #partyideas

Check on my other blog, Craftifacts, for more design ideas I made for the birthday of my daughter's first. Click here.

My Favorite Things: Crafts & DIY

I have a another blog titled, Craftifacts (which you can link below). It's not a new one but I hardly post anything on it since my time won't allow me to do such things because of mommy-hood and work. But I am a passionate crafter and a self-confessed interior designer by heart. I love trinkets and anything dainty and cute. I love to discover new ideas on creative design. I love to challenge my imagination. I love birthdays, weddings and special occasions. I love Martha Stewart and her ideas and inspiration. I am not aspiring to have an empire like hers. But I just wanna express my ideas that makes me happy in return. Here below is the link to my other world. Please support me. I would love to hear from other craft-fanatics out there who share the same happiness as mine. #creativity #crafts #DIY


Craftifacts: My Crafting Babies: Oh yes! I have a blog that is all about crafts, DIY, design and anything about creativity. It's been sleeping here for a very looooonnnn...

On SP: The 10 Best TV Shows for Kids

As I was browsing the internet this morning, I came across Smart Parenting (SP) Philippines website. My attention was brought to their article on what are the 10 best TV shows that our kids can watch which are educational and entertaining at the same time. Nowadays, television are bombarded with all kinds of shows and ads that should be guarded with adult accordingly especially that kids like mine are left alone with nannies during the day while we are at work. I know I cannot screen their TV viewing habits and what to watch unless we have CCTV's in our home. For now, I know they are watching It's Showtime and Analisa (both shows are from ABS-CBN) since I ask my daughter what is she watching. She says, "lisa" (She's referring to the prime time show, Analisa). I only pray that my kids won't grow heinous, cruel and rude citizens of the Philippines.

Now to highlight, here are the 10 best shows recommended for our children. Sadly, we don't have cable connection at home since the shows are seen in Nick Jr. and Disney Jr. What I did is I downloaded few episodes in the internet and let them see it over and over again because they really enjoy it especially Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

1.) First on the spot is my two daughter's favorite, Dora the Explorer seen in Nick Jr. For some who haven't read my post about it (view it here), my daughter is very much fond of Dora and her BFF Boots the Monkey. I love it actually because it does not only teach English, Math or the good deeds it portrays. But it also introduces foreign language, like Spanish, to toddlers. I'm actually learning too!

Photo credit here

2) Hi-5 on Disney Jr. 

3) Handy Manny on Disney Jr.

4) Team Umizoomi on Nick Jr. 

5) Yo Gabba Gabba! on Nick Jr.

6) Ni Hao Kai-lan on Nick Jr. 

7) Little Einsteins on Disney Jr.

8) Word World on Disney Jr.

9) Higglytown Heroes on Disney Jr.

10) Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on Disney Jr. I love this show too mainly because they are in group and it shows socialization. I love their songs and makes me a giddy child.

Photo credit here.

I wonder why Peppa Pig and Backyardigans were not included. Anyway, some shows I heard only for the first time. At least I know these are safe for my children. It was also emphasized that even if they are educational in materials, TV viewing must be limited too. It is recommended, and as to my own experience, playing outdoors, physical activities and social interaction are viable in learning. There is no better teacher than experience. Too much exposure to television also could promote idleness, laziness and boredom. While being outside, learning the real life experiences is more fun and real. There is more to real life than watching fictitious shows. These shows just aid more educational message for growth and development.

How about you? What are other TV shows for kids do you recommend?