Rash Guards

My hubby is in search for a rash guard for himself but was unlucky to find one for his liking.  

We bought these rash guard instead for the boys -- bought them off season when supplies are high and demands are low.  This is for K1 -- 

The color reminds me of my alma mater! I know, K1 wouldn't care! Haha! Anyway, K1 loves the material and the print.  He refused to remove it after he tried it on and he insists on zipping it up to his neck!

And this one is for K2 -- for two years old!  It has a small crab print in front and a big crab print on the back. What's with the crab? :)

It looks so cute on K2, his big fat tummy was protruding.  The color looks good on him and I like that it is not too fit, there is still space for him to grow.  After all, he will not be using it yet.

And this one was purchased as a gift for our nephew IE. 

Since IE is a big baby, it's good that there is a zip on the back, his mom will not have a hard time putting it on him.

They are all too cute.  Now, the kids could wear their rash guards with their trunks.  We can't wait for the boys to use their rash guards.

And here is the bonus -- the slippers my sister MC and I purchased when we were in the US! 

Oh, and we already have a sunblock for the boys, courtesy of my sister DM!  Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion in SPF 60+

The kids are ready to hit the beach or their inflatable pool! Now, I want to bug the hubby for an out of town trip! :)

Bottles and Refills

My everyday shampoo and conditioner are the regular supermarket brands that I buy in big sizes.  For my shampoo alone, I buy two kinds which I alternate.  Same goes for my hubby.  The problem is our shower caddy couldn't accommodate all the big bottles because of their height.  And being on the OC side, I hate seeing different kinds of bottles, in different colors, and in different sizes.

Luckily, I saw these cheap PET bottles from Regina's, my favorite waste land since time immemorial! I always find cute stuffs from there which I do not really need but are simply irresistible.

Got these bottles at P29.00 each!  I told you they are cheap!  I will be using them for my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash!

These are the bottles in our bathroom counter for our hand wash and lotion.  I recycled the ones from M&S --

And these are hubby's body wash --

The bottles are from Bath & Body Works body wash while the pumps are from Bath & Body Works hand wash.  I will mix and match another set for hubby's shampoo!  

I do not want to use the same bottles as mine for my hubby as he might get confused as to what is his and what is not.  Even before, I do transfer hubby's toiletries in pump bottles because he pours large amounts more than what he really needs.  He couldn't control the contents due to the large openings of the bottles and some just end up on the floor.

Oh, and these are the bottles I just purchased --

I already transferred my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash! :) I need to buy three more though for the other stuffs I have.  Or make it six just to be sure.  I intend to transfer our hand soap, lotion, and kid's shampoo and body wash in this kind of bottle!  And I will be printing sticker labels for all our bottles! :)

Vanity

I am a newbie when it comes to make-up.  My constant companions are my face powder and lip gloss and I am good to go.  I didn't use make up because I thought it will take an hour of my time.  While I had several stash of make-ups, I didn't use most of them.

Last Christmas, my SIL AE gave me this --

The "Ultimate Make-Up Kit" from VS!  Such small kit opens to this --

I love that its is compact!  It includes --

30 Silky Eye Shadow

5 Perfect Lipstick

5 Lip Gloss 

3 Blush

Bronzer

Luminous Powder
Translucent Powder

Lip Liner

Eye Liner

 Mascara

And it even comes with a powder/blush brush, two lip brushes, and two eye shadow applicators!

While I still go for the uber minimalist look, I put on make-up just for a touch of color.  I am a novice and the art of putting make-up is something which is not common to me, not yet. Haha!

I've been using my make-up kit for months already and I am loving the make-up.  However, I am having problems with the brush and the applicators.  The brushes are too small and are not of good quality and are simply there for convenience.  I then remembered the powder/face brush which my sister KA gave me.  Now, I never leave home without my make-up kit and brush.  It has never been the same.  I feel that something is missing when I do not put on at least a little make-up.

Recently, KA got me this from Megamall.  Can you guess what it is?

It is a travel brush kit for BEGINNERS!  "Beginners" being the operative word!

They are too cute!  How nice that they come in a tiny black pouch!  Who wouldn't want a simple kit in such a neutral color?  This set is going with me everyday but for now, I need to test it! 

Have a good weekend everyone! :)

Psyllium + L-Carnitine

Between me and my hubby, it is he who is conscious of what to eat and what not to eat.  It sometimes is hard to choose what to eat when we are out since he doesn't want to eat pork or sweets.  He is also choosy when it comes to food -- he doesn't eat mussels, oysters, beef dinuguan, and the list goes on.

Hubby is also addicted to working out! While I couldn't carry a dumbbell or run 100 meters, he, on the other hand, works out thrice a week and runs when there is a chance!  Talk about being a health buff, huh?

Through our good friend LA, he discovered this --

My sister bought a lot from Costco for our parents and my hubby!  Thanks, DM! You can also purchase from Amazon, it is 50% cheaper than here in MNL.

Hubby has been taking two glasses of this alleged "goodness" twice a day and he even makes it a point to pack some if we are going on a trip.  Metamucil claims of several benefits.  Their website boasts --

"While most fiber supplements only help to promote regularity, 

Metamucil^® does more. It's the only leading fiber supplement brand made 

with 100% natural psyllium fiber that's clinically proven, 

and recognized by the FDA, to help lower cholesterol.*

Good for your heart, good for your digestive system —

good for your healthy lifestyle." 

When I feel I am bloated, I take Metamucil and it does what it should. The problem is, I feel I am choking because of the consistency of the mixture -- it gets thick when not consumed immediately.  While I believe that it is beneficial for my digestive system, I first need to like it and convince myself that it is good for me!

 And don't tell him I tell you about this --

He asked me to buy him two bottles of L-Carnitine when I was in the U.S.  I got his from Vitamin World but I think the one from here is cheaper.

While I am against supplements, I cannot do anything because even if I don't buy it there, he will get it locally anyway.

The label claims --

Hubby said it is safe.  I did my research and I have read from this site that --

"The health benefits of L-carnitine are far more than its potential risks 

on your over all wellness. It is safe and remains as such, 

as long as you take it in prescribed dosages."

I am not convinced.  Not yet!  I really hope it is safe and will not harm his liver.

Medals and Trophies

When I was in school, I was only an average student.  While I did receive a medal and certificates of appreciation when I was in GS, there was no first, second, or third honors.  The time I again received some recognition was when I was in college, when I was twice included in the Dean's List.  

With respect to my sisters, each has a story of the recognition and achievements they have gathered through out their student life.  My sisters are more serious with their studies than I and our parents could attest to that.  I could still recall the times that I was too lazy to study.

Anyway, my sisters and I each keep the proof of our hard work.  Mine was in an envelope and they are only for my appreciation.  Haha!  If we are to frame all the certificates, diplomas, and plaques we have gathered, I think we could cover all the walls of a room but mine would only cover a portion of it, tee-hee :) 

With respect to my hubby,  he and his sisters had amassed a certain number of medals -- those with red, white, and blue ribbons! I took a picture of these medals displayed in their house --

It was my FIL who arranged these medals and who carefully hanged them.  I could only surmise how proud my FIL and MIL were going up the stage and hanging these medals to their kids!

And these are the trophies they have collected --

Looking back, I wish I did well. 

My parents have not been remiss in reminding us to value education since according to them, that is the only legacy they could leave us.  Mind you, that is not easy to understand especially for a kid who only has "play" in mind.  I myself only understood this when I already finished my college education.

Now that I am a parent, I could only wish that my kids would do well in school.  I do not intend to pressure my kids as I want them to learn in a fun and exciting way.

Next school year, we will be sending K1 to a preschool in preparation for big school.  Let's see who will be having separation anxiety, him or I? :)

Happiness

Sadness is a relative term and it depends on how we view things.  I equate sadness to problems and problems to a situation which for me is difficult to deal with.

In my younger years, I feel sad when I cannot play or cannot tag along my parents.  In my grade school and high school days, I feel sad when I get low grades, when my mom scolds and reprimands me, and when there's a fight between me and my siblings.  In my college and post graduate years, I feel sad when I am under stress and when there is a misunderstanding in a relationship.  Lately, I feel sad when I am tired and when I do not get the results I expect.

Like everyone else, I desire to be happy and at peace.  I base my happiness on things and conditions.  I tell myself, "I will be happy when I get good results from my work" or I will be happy when I get the jewelry or bag I want" or "I will be happy if my hubby would agree with me".  But then, as soon as I get what I want, I again become dissatisfied as I tend to desire or expect more.  I know, I am so shallow!

I then realized that it is because I have attached certain conditions to my happiness.

www.friendship-quotes.info

Through soul searching, I realized that I should not depend my happiness from something or someone else as it should come from within.  Also, I am responsible for my own happiness!

Lately, I have been thinking too much.  I tell myself that "I am disappointed and sad" and that "I am expecting more".  In the process, it is not only I who is sad as I had also affected the happiness of the people I love.  I feel sorry for that.

In this lifetime, I know problems and misunderstandings would come and it is up to me on how to deal with them.  If I want to be happy, I should not react negatively and I should always have positive thoughts.  As I have said, it is up to me.  If I choose to be happy, I would be happy and so will the people around me.

It is hard, I know.  But no matter how hard it is, I will try to have an open mind and learn how to have a positive stand.  After all, as my sister KA tells me, I am not the center of the universe!

Edit:

Oh, and as what DC just said -- "one of the simplest way to be happy is by just letting go of the things that make you sad."

Typhoon Pedring 09/27/2011

It was around 8:30 A.M. of 27 September 2011 when I received a call from the Managing Partner of the Firm that they are suspending work due to Typhoon Pedring.  Such decision was reached after work for government employees was suspend due to the storm signal.  While I could see the strong rain plus the strong winds, I did not know that it as that serious.  This was because we have no electricity at that time; ergo, no TV or AM radio.

Despite the discouragement from my parents, I still decided to brave the rain and to go to work to finish some paper works and to get my files for the hearing the next day.  My sister KA went with me and with us are the netbook, iPad, iPhone, cellphones, camera, and video for charging.

I stopped by Shell gas station to fill my tank and while waiting for my card, the glass window of the cashier suddenly fell because of the strong wind. 

Good thing my car was not hit by the broken glass, there is a good distance of about a meter and a a half.  On our way to Ortigas, we saw this MMDA truck ready to do some clearing and cleaning!

We saw lots of trees and broken branches that fell on the road, but we weren't able to take pictures.

My sister and I stayed at the office for a good three hours and we again braved the rain.  We were already scared of being trapped somewhere especially when we weren't able to reach the mobile numbers of our family and househelpers.  We also noticed that our cellphone signals were down.

We passed by our usual route and we saw the big tree in the center island occupying four lanes of the road.  We had to pass by the easement of the establishments just to be able to pass.  The poor tree, we have been seeing this tree for decades now.

It was a relief when we got home.  It feels good to be with our family, there is a sense of security especially that you know everyone is safe.

Since we have nothing else to do, I and the kids played and snuggled in bed.  At first, K1 was enjoying the dim light dinner and shadow puppets but later on, he and K2 got irritated.  They are not used to not having a light, music, and artificial air from the aircon or the fan.  I had to fan them all night.

I learned a lot from this experience.  In the middle of our sleep, I saw the tea light candle above with a huge flame the size of a saucer, with its glass broken.  Good thing nothing was damaged.  I didn't expect it to set fire as big as that!

Electricity was restored after thirty-two hours!

Next time, I will be more ready.  Oh, and I think I will be scouting for a transistor radio, a rechargeable light, fan, and a bigger flashlight than what I am using.

I am glad and thankful we are all safe!

Packing for Tagaytay

Last Friday, I had an engagement in Tagaytay.  I scheduled it on a Friday so that our family could spend our weekend at hubby's family's country home!

As early as Thursday afternoon, I was already giving instructions to the nannies to pack the kids' stuff.  It is not easy to travel with kids because we feel we are carrying the whole house.  Imagine packing the play yard, the foam which we ordered from Uratex especially measured for the playpen's specifications (because the playpen doubles as K2's crib), stroller, and boxes/containers of food/snacks, bottles, and clothes! We store the clothes in a plastic box/container so that we would no longer transfer the kids' clothes to the cabinet.  With respect to toys, we only bring some which they would be needing while inside the car.  And for toiletries, we leave a kids' set in Tagaytay.

Here is my "to bring list" when traveling out of town with my toddlers:

1.  Clothes and diapers;
2.  Toiletries;
3.  Food, milk, water, snacks;
4.  Feeding bowls, sippy cups, spoons (because we use our own utensils and bowls when feeding them commercial food);
5.  Playpen which could double as a crib;
6.  Pillows and blanket;
7.  Wet wipes;
8.  Off spray or lotion and medicines;
9.  Stroller; and,
10.  Toys or any other stuff which would make them busy while in transit.  I do not recommend
letting your kids play with iPhone, iPad, or PSP when in transit.  It makes them dizzy which could lead to motion sickness;

I recommend bringing extra clothes for those sitting or taking care of the kids (in case they throw up) and Bonamin for motion sickness (in our case, it is one of our nannies who needs it).

By now, the nannies have mastered the art of packing.  I need not tell them what to bring or what not to bring since they have been doing it ever since they were hired.  I just check the clothes and edit them, depending on the weather.

Play time in Tagaytay is usually spent at the living room.  One of the areas was instantly converted to a kids' area -- the playpen and the toys are stationed there and even the TV was fixed to Channel 66 -- Disney Junior!

Tagaytay is so "laid-back".  We just stay home, save for a few trips to the grocery.   We allow the kids to play and wander in the garden, away from gadgets!

These are K1 and I! He made me wear one of his slippers and the other one was left with him.  The weather is just perfect for us to cuddle and play.

We have a box/container of toys in Tagaytay, just so we would not have to pack the toys to and fro our house in the metro --

K1 indeed loves his Toy Story!

K1 showing off (or looking at) his noisy favorites --

 And K2  --

 Time spent with the family is time well spent! Love love!
 

Family Dinner

Dinner with the family is something I look forward to.  We have been doing it since we were kids.  We wait for each other to get home and we eat our dinner together.

It would have been better if my sisters are here but we have to content ourselves with overseas communications.  For us in the Philippines, while we eat dinner together, we enjoy it more on weekends, when everyone are present and not in a rush.  I believe that the family that eats together, stays together, or the saying goes! Haha! :) 

Meal times together are the time that we can discuss matters or simply talk and bond.

In one of my trips to our kitchen, I saw this bag of chips which has been in the counter for weeks already.  While I wanted to open the bag to taste for myself this unique blend of salt and pepper, I hesitated after checking the fridge.  I would want to pair it with Salsa or Jalapeno Cheese Dip but our supplies are gone!

While dinner was being prepared, I found a use for the chips.  As a side-dish it is! :)

Dinner is Philly Cheesesteak! The sirloin strips were cooked in olive oil + spices, placed on warm bread, and topped with caramelized onion and cheese!  It was served with Kettle Brand Krinkle Cut Potato Chips, and salad greens + cucumber + tomatoes with Caesar Dressing.

Family meals are the perfect time for parents to talk to their kids and to listen to what’s on their mind.  We are often reminded that the more often kids eat dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink, or use drugs.  And kids who eat with their families are more likely to get better grades in school.

Can't wait for another family dinner wherein we can eat, talk, and laugh together! :)

First Communion

I grew up a Catholic and I was sent to a Catholic School until college, and even up to my post graduate studies!

When I was in Grade Two, I had my First Communion.  But prior to that, days, or even weeks, were spent on "practices".  "Practices" meaning that of gathering all the Grade Two students and having them pretend-play that they are in a mass and they would be receiving their communion for the first time.

We would then form lines in the order we were seated and we would practice how to open our mouth and receive the host.  We did that repeatedly until everything's perfect.

For those "practices", we used Haw Flakes.

Fast forward, my hubby and I spotted this and he couldn't resist from buying.  He was like a little kid wanting his candies!

While my hubby is enjoying his Haw Flakes, I am reminiscing the memories that goes with eating these treats that traces back to more than two decades ago.

And I do remember my then best friend RMP -- the exchange of stationery, stickers, food, and even shoes!

Oh, I love being in Grade School.  No stress and no obligations, and life is more simpler with no e-mails and text messages but landline phone conversations, handwritten notes and cards, and snail mails!


Edit:  I was surprise to see that this goodness is also being sold at Amazon!

Sunday Meeting

As working parents, H and I treat our weekends sacredly.  We devout it to our kids and if we have to do errands, we see to it that we bring them with us.  Saturdays and Sundays are our time to bond with them.  We read books, play games, and watch videos together.  I leave the dancing and singing to my hubby. Through these bonding moments, we get to know our kids more and we get to instill moral values on them.

Rarely do we leave on weekends without the kids. 

This morning is an exception.  I have to accompany dad to his early Sunday morning meeting at Starbucks-Rockwell.  Since I know it wont take long, I did not bring the kids anymore because H also needs to stay home to finish some work.  My dad and I got there early and we ordered our dose of coffee.  I got Caramel Macchiato and Macadamia Dark Chocolate Cookie, the cookie for K1 as my surprisee.  I sat down and opened my bag to get my camera and to my surprise, the little toy car which K2 got as his reward from Cuts for Tots was inside.

You can read K2's reward here.

This is not the first time that my kids' toys invade my bag.  Look at the cute little car --

After our meeting, I took a second look at the breads and pastries on display to have something for H.  I then spotted a Spinach, Artichoke, Mushroom, and Mozzarella on Rye Bread, the same thing I ordered when I was at Starbucks-Iloilo (wrote about it here) and which became my instant favorite!

When I got home, I heated the sandwich and served it with coffee.  Oops! The oven toaster burned the top of the bread. 

H was happy with his meal.  For the label, it went to the trash to erase any evidence that the sandwich was store-bought!  Haha!

By the way, at least H did not ask.  He pretended that I was the one who prepared it even if he knows that I do not cook, or prepare, meals!  :)

Since we got home early, I still have time to bond with my kiddos.  K2 got his cookie and K1 got a kiss and a hug from me!  When little boys grow up, they tend to run away when you offer your kiss and hug!

Happy Sunday everyone!